AFP - The United Nations estimates that 1.56 million dollars of international cyclone aid has been lost due to the military regime's complex foreign currency rules, a top official said Thursday.

AP - FBI agents spent years investigating Sen. Ted Stevens. They read his e-mails, searched his home and taped his phone conversations with his friends.

AP - Body surfing in Pacific waves and walking on the beach are activities any tourist — even Hawaii native Barack Obama — might enjoy for his last full day of vacation on the islands. There were solemn moments, too, as Obama ended a weeklong break from campaigning for president.

AP - The Rev. Rick Warren is so prominent and respected that just being seen with him is a boon for any presidential candidate.

Politico - Sports team owners may not be John McCain’s answer to the Hollywood elite, but they’re overwhelmingly supporting his presidential campaign over Barack Obama’s.

AP - Individuals arrested at the Democratic National Convention will be processed at an industrial warehouse with chain-link cells topped by razor wire, a facility some have compared to the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay.

AP - John McCain's presidential campaign had no comment Friday about a controversial book that attacks Barack Obama and many say is riddled with errors.

AP - TITLE: "Taxman."

AP - John McCain and the Republican National Committee started August with a hefty $96 million, financially flush and strongly positioned to compete with prolific fundraiser Barack Obama and the Democrats.

AP - Five years after bombings forced the United Nations to pull out of Iraq, the world body is back. It announced plans Wednesday to help Iraq rebuild and create jobs following complaints the government has been unable or unwilling to spend its oil riches.

AP - An Alaska contractor appealed to Sen. Ted Stevens to help win federal contracts, obtain grants and settle immigration issues, federal prosecutors say.

AP - Jackson Browne doesn't want John McCain running on anything fueled by his lyrics.

Politico - Top social conservative leaders in key battleground states are urging John McCain not to pick a running mate who supports abortion rights, warning of dire consequences from a Republican base already unenthused about their nominee.