AFP - After two days of high drama in the White House race, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama geared Friday for the much-anticipated first presidential debate of the US elections.

AP - The first black heavyweight champion should be granted a presidential pardon for a racially motivated conviction 75 years ago that blemished his reputation and hurt his boxing career, the House recommended Friday.

Reuters - The chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee said on Friday he was hopeful Congress could reach a deal on a bank bailout bill this weekend, but he was not giving any firm deadlines.

AFP - US lawmakers grappled Friday to set aside political divisions and the distractions of the White House race to hammer out a 700-billion-dollar Wall Street bailout and reassure jittery markets.

Reuters - Republican John McCain ended days of suspense and agreed to attend the first of three debates with Democrat Barack Obama on Friday, setting up a showdown that could help decide a tight White House race.

AP - While reviewing expense reports for a 2000 construction project, a bookkeeper for Alaska oil services giant VECO Corp. asked for an explanation. Who was this work for, she asked? Why was it performed?

AP - Asserting the need to force Iran's hand on its nuclear weapons program and its support of international terrorism, the House on Friday moved to reinforce sanctions against the Tehran government.

AP - Sen. Edward Kennedy, who has brain cancer, was taken by ambulance to a hospital Friday near his Cape Cod vacation home after complaining of feeling ill but returned home a few hours later.