AP - With a pair of easy primary victories behind them, comedian-turned-politician Al Franken and Sen. Norm Coleman wasted no time diving into the homestretch of their already long-running Minnesota Senate battle.

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.