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CNN.com CNN.com delivers up-to-the-minute news and information on the latest top stories, weather, entertainment, politics and more. DNA gives clues to family's African past 23 Jul 2008 at 6:19pm The Rand family knew the slave-owner was one of their ancestors -- a farmer who had children with both a white and a black woman. But their black history stopped at the Atlantic, with no idea where in Africa the rest of their roots lay. Slavery and the shame of mixed-race ancestry have robbed many Americans of knowing their heritage, but science is now offering answers. Hurricane Dolly whips coast 23 Jul 2008 at 6:17pm Residents are scurrying for cover as Hurricane Dolly heads toward land, now as a Category 2 storm. "Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion," officials warned, adding the storm could trigger flooding and tornadoes in Texas and Mexico. "It's starting to tear it up real good," iReporter Steven Murphy told CNN from South Padre Island. Child molester stays out of prison 23 Jul 2008 at 4:14pm Jurors convicted the art teacher of forcing a boy to have sex with him repeatedly in a classroom supply closet. A judge sentenced him to 43 years. But Aaron Mohanlal has yet to spend a day or night in prison. "I try not to think about it, but it's hard because all I can think about is what if he's out there around other kids," the victim told CNN for an exclusive report. Bush will back mortgage rescue 23 Jul 2008 at 6:22pm The House was poised Wednesday to pass sweeping legislation that will offer up to $300 billion in assistance to troubled homeowners and throw government support behind mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Obama says he's committed to Israel 23 Jul 2008 at 4:55pm Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama pledged Wednesday to maintain a close relationship between the United States and Israel. Middle class struggling, experts say 23 Jul 2008 at 6:12pm America's middle class is growing increasingly squeezed by sagging incomes and soaring expenses, experts told Congress on Wednesday. Senators squabble while drivers pay 23 Jul 2008 at 6:24pm A partisan squabble in the Senate Wednesday threatened to sink a bill meant to crack down on oil speculators. Massive oil spill closes part of Mississippi 23 Jul 2008 at 6:01pm The U.S. Coast Guard has closed 29 miles of the Mississippi River from New Orleans southward after a tanker and a barge collided, spilling more than 400,000 gallons of fuel oil into the river. OMG! What will 'Gossip Girl' do next? 23 Jul 2008 at 2:50pm Read full story for latest details. Newsfeed display by CaRP