AP - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has signaled unease over the prospect of a possible speech by Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama at Berlin's historic Brandenburg Gate, a spokesman said Wednesday.

AP - Don't expect to see more of Barack Obama's young daughters on television any time soon.

AP - The two main presidential candidates agreed Wednesday that Iran's missile tests call for renewed pressure on that country, but Democrat Barack Obama stressed direct diplomacy while Republican John McCain focused on tougher sanctions against Tehran.

AP - Barack Obama made an unannounced stop Wednesday at a downtown building that houses the law firm of one member of his vice presidential search team but he wouldn't say why afterward.

AP - The Federal Reserve will issue new rules next week aimed at protecting future homebuyers from dubious lending practices, its most sweeping response to a housing crisis that has propelled foreclosures to record highs.

AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain played down reports Tuesday that Iraqi officials are increasing pressure on the United States to agree to a specific timeline to withdraw its forces.

AP - Sen. John McCain intends to talk about how teachers are paid and tutoring for poor kids when he goes before the NAACP convention next week.

AP - Asked by a voter about accusations of flip-flopping, Democrat Barack Obama dismissed the notion Tuesday that he has shifted stances on Iraq, guns and the death penalty to break with his party's liberal wing and court a wider swath of voters.

AP - Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama sought Tuesday to send the same message to a critical constituency: They understand that Hispanics share the same economic concerns as other Americans — and they will help the whole country prosper.