AP - The United States remains "dangerously vulnerable" to chemical, biological and nuclear attacks seven years after 9/11, a forthcoming independent study concludes. And a House Democrats' report says the Bush administration has missed one opportunity after another to improve the nation's security.

AFP - Seven years on, Al-Qaeda's catastrophic attacks on the United States go a long way to defining this year's White House race even as Barack Obama and John McCain put on a veneer of unity to commemorate Thursday's anniversary.

AP - The federal government will run a near-record deficit of $407 billion this year, according to the latest Capitol Hill estimates.

Reuters - The U.S. House of Representatives is discussing an auto industry request to set in motion at least $25 billion in government-backed loans to help beleaguered U.S. manufacturers retool plants to make more efficient cars and trucks, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said on Tuesday.

AFP - Democrat Barack Obama Tuesday predicted the campaign excitement and polling surge surrounding new Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin would fade as voters refocus on core issues.

AP - Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens didn't report getting gifts of a $3,200 stained glass window and a $2,695 massage chair from his friends on Senate records, and described a $1,000 sled dog as a $250 gift, federal prosecutors said Monday.

Reuters - Republican presidential candidate John McCain got a bounce in opinion polls from his convention and now runs even or slightly ahead of Democratic rival Barack Obama with eight weeks to go in the White House race.

AP - A one-time congressional aide who went on to work with jailed lobbyist Jack Abramoff was arrested Monday and accused of conspiring to corrupt government officials including his former boss, current Rep. John Doolittle, R-Calif.

AP - Senate Democrats promised a series of votes next week on offshore oil drilling as Republicans agreed Monday to let the Senate proceed on a defense bill that had been bottled up because of partisan disputes over the country's energy priorities.