AP - The Senate has confirmed Gen. David Petraeus as the top commander in the Middle East and Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno to replace Petraeus as the chief military officer in Iraq.

AP - Democratic senators cited concerns Wednesday about political meddling and policies likened to racial and ethnic profiling in urging Attorney General Michael Mukasey to ensure the Justice Department abides by the laws it is supposed to enforce.

AFP - Veteran Senator Edward Kennedy got a standing ovation from his colleagues as he returned to the US Senate Wednesday for the first time since being diagnosed with brain cancer.

AFP - The US Senate on Wednesday passed a bill expanding legal authority for electronic wiretaps by spy agencies, handing victory to President George W. Bush after a standoff over anti-terror strategy.

AP - Hundreds of thousands of homeowners could get safe, cheaper loans rather than losing their homes under a massive election-year mortgage rescue that's drawing bipartisan support.

AP - The Bush administration will do everything possible to ensure the government has the tools to fight terrorists before the next president takes office, while protecting people's privacy, Attorney General Michael Mukasey said Wednesday.

AP - Attorney General Michael Mukasey says the Bush administration will do everything it can to make sure the government has what it needs to fight terrorists before a new president takes over.

Reuters - The Senate moved closer on Monday to passing election-year legislation meant to save hundreds of thousands of troubled homeowners from foreclosure.

AFP - Virginia Senator Jim Webb, a gruff marine veteran and military expert with blue collar appeal, on Monday definitively ruled out serving as Barack Obama's Democratic vice presidential running mate.

Reuters - The U.S. Senate moved closer on Monday to passing election-year legislation meant to save hundreds of thousands of troubled homeowners from foreclosure.

AFP - Jesse Helms, an iconic US conservative lawmaker known for hardline stances on foreign policy and civil liberties, died Friday at the age of 86, a spokesman said.