AP - Democrats in town to staff an aggressive "war room" operation during the GOP convention have instead laid down their arms as Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast.

AP - Police arrested nine people taking part in an antiwar march at the Republican National Convention on Sunday after they crossed a security fence into a restricted area near Xcel Energy Center.

Reuters - Republicans open their convention on Monday to nominate presidential candidate John McCain with no pomp and little politics, shelving the usual celebration out of deference to the approaching threat of Hurricane Gustav.

AP - As Hurricane Gustav threatens the Gulf Coast, President Bush is out to show the nation that his government has learned the haunting lessons of Katrina and is ready to act. That includes a rapid response by Bush himself, who will be planted near the danger zone even before the storm hits home.

AP - McCain orders GOP convention curtailed because of Gustav; Bush, Cheney cancel appearances ... Tamping down politics in light of Gustav, Democrats follow GOP lead and suspend 'war room' ... Television shifting focus from convention to hurricane ...

AP - The traditional festive opening of a national political convention was overshadowed by cancellations Monday, as John McCain and GOP officials tried to balance the desire to invigorate their partisans with showing empathy for those in Hurricane Gustav's path.

AP - With Hurricane Gustav spinning toward landfall, lobbyists, corporations and industry groups are scrambling to put a solemn face on their glitzy GOP convention parties and still revel with big donors, delegates and members of Congress.

AFP - The Republican Party severely curtailed the start Monday of its convention to nominate John McCain for president as Hurricane Gustav bore down on the United States.

AP - Barack Obama seems to have only one problem with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican candidate for vice president: She holds the same positions as John McCain, the GOP presidential candidate who tapped her.

Reuters - Hurricane Gustav is threatening to rain on the Republican festivities in Minnesota, drawing attention away from the party during its crucial national convention.