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Top Stories


Fed to curb shady home-lending practices (AP)

AP - The Federal Reserve will issue new rules next week aimed at protecting future homebuyers from dubious lending practices, its most sweeping response to a housing crisis that has propelled foreclosures to record highs.

Iraq insists on withdrawal timetable for US troops (AP)

AP - Iraq's national security adviser said Tuesday his country will not accept any security deal with the United States unless it contains specific dates for the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.

US, allies want global pollution slashed — by 2050 (AP)

AP - World leaders embraced for the first time on Tuesday an ambitious but nonbinding goal of slashing greenhouse-gas emissions in half by midcentury to stave off global warming. Unimpressed environmentalists called the effort too slow and too uncertain.

McCain, Obama pitch economic plans to Hispanics (AP)

AP - Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama sought Tuesday to send the same message to a critical constituency: They understand that Hispanics share the same economic concerns as other Americans — and they will help the whole country prosper.

Study group: 1973 war powers legislation should be replaced (AP)

AP - The next time the president goes to war, Congress should be consulted and vote on whether it agrees, according to a bipartisan study group chaired by former secretaries of state James Baker III and Warren Christopher.

Wildfires push some from homes; some allowed back (AP)

AP - Firefighters pushed back a blaze threatening this small coastal community just enough to allow hundreds of people to check on their homes Tuesday as a separate fire 300 miles north forced residents of other towns to evacuate.

FTC considers backing off nicotine guidance (AP)
AP - The Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday that it no longer considers reliable a test for tar and nicotine used for more than 40 years and touted by the tobacco industry in marketing "light" and "low-tar" cigarettes.

Oil extends slide into 2nd day, losing over $5 (AP)

AP - Oil tumbled more than $5 a barrel Tuesday in its second big drop this week, hurling crude back to levels not seen since June 26 as traders wary about the health of the global economy cashed in gains from oil's recent rally.

Nielsen: TV viewing up overall, but not last week (AP)
AP - You wouldn't necessarily know it from last week, but Nielsen Media Research says TV viewership is on the rise.

Cubs acquire pitcher Rich Harden from Athletics (AP)

AP - One day after the Milwaukee Brewers landed an ace, the Chicago Cubs answered. Intent on ending their 100-year drought without a World Series title, the NL Central leaders acquired talented right-hander Rich Harden in a six-player deal with the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.

U.S. will keep talking with Russia on missile shield (Reuters)

Reuters - The United States will continue its dialogue with Russia on a missile defense shield, the White House said on Wednesday after Moscow warned it would use military means if the shield were deployed close to its borders.

Obama rejects charges of flip-flopping (Reuters)

Reuters - Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama rejected charges on Tuesday that he has shifted positions on Iraq and other issues as part of a move to the political center now that he is his party's nominee.

Iran's Chemical Ali survivors still bear scars (Reuters)

Reuters - High in remote Kurdish mountains, Iranian villagers still nurse ravaged eyes and lungs, 20 years after Iraqi poison gas attacks that went mostly ignored by world powers then siding with Saddam Hussein against Iran.

Fed may extend Wall Street lending (Reuters)

Reuters - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said on Tuesday the U.S. central bank may keep an emergency lending facility for big Wall Street firms open longer than it initially intended, a signal the Fed is fearful of shutting down a vital backstop.

Judge warns against delay for Guantanamo cases (Reuters)

Reuters - A U.S. federal judge said on Tuesday he would be concerned and suspicious if the Bush administration delayed cases brought by Guantanamo Bay prisoners seeking their release.