More Ties to al Qaeda Found in Gaza Kidnappings  —  The Global Islamic Media Front—an —today released a copy of the Steve Centanni & Olaf Wiig hostage video in an internet posting today at an Islamist jihadi forum which often praises al Qaeda.  Along with the video, the al Qaeda propoganda production …

Pluto gets the boot  —  Pluto no longer a planet, say astronomers  —  PRAGUE, Czech Republic (AP) — Leading astronomers declared Thursday that Pluto is no longer a planet under historic new guidelines that downsize the solar system from nine planets to eight.

Self-Inflicted Wounds  —  First published as a weekly in 1884 as The Journalist, Editor & Publisher (E&P) is a monthly journal covering the North American newspaper industry.  —  Since 2002, Greg Mitchell has been the Editor of E&P, and he writes both an online and print column.

Israel may 'go it alone' against Iran  —  Israel is carefully watching the world's reaction to Iran's continued refusal to suspend uranium enrichment, with some high-level officials arguing it is now clear that when it comes to stopping Iran, Israel "may have to go it alone," The Jerusalem Post has learned.

Incumbent on the Brink  —  Can Sen. Santorum survive?  —  JANESVILLE, Pa.—Until recently, Bob Casey Jr.'s strategy for unseating Republican Sen. Rick Santorum had been working so well that Mr. Casey could behave like the incumbent.  —  Taking advantage of a double-digit lead in the polls …

'Morning After' Pill Is Cleared for Wider Sales  —  The Food and Drug Administration today approved over-the-counter sales of the "morning-after" contraceptive pill to women 18 and older, resolving one of the most contentious issues in the agency's 100-year history.

Black students ordered to give up seats to white children  —  Status of Red River Parish bus driver is unknown.  —  vwelborn@gannett.com  —  COUSHATTA — Nine black children attending Red River Elementary School were directed last week to the back of the school bus by a white driver who designated the front seats for white children.

Stem cell breakthrough to challenge Bush objections  —  By Nigel Hawkes, Health Editor of The Times  —  A stem cell breakthrough by American scientists is set to overturn ethical objections to potentially live-saving research.  —  They have found how to make stem cells from embryos without destroying …

What the Terrorists Want  —  On Aug. 16, two men were escorted off a plane headed for Manchester, England, because some passengers thought they looked either Asian or Middle Eastern, might have been talking Arabic, wore leather jackets, and looked at their watches — and the passengers refused to fly with them on board.

Video: All Your Fakes Are Belong to US (Bloggers)  —  A video from our very own Sout al Kuffar!  PS-sorry about the slow load time, it's a Youtube side problem.  —  PPS-Please vote for this video at Youtube here.  Just click on the red star that is farthest to the right if you think al Kuffar's work is awesome.

The Great Ambulance Hoax: All your fakes are belong to us  —  ***updated with MSM contact info below...Dan Riehl follows up with observations about the ambulance license plates...Related: Daniel Freedman on Hezbollah's helpers at the Red Cross...Somewhat related: NYer arrested for broadcasting Hezbollah TV...***

Candidates from Both Parties Shun Partisan Label  —  Newsflash!  President Bush is unpopular.  No wonder Democrats across the country are dutifully attempting to tie every Republican candidate to their unpopular leader.  —  But most Republicans are under no illusions about the President's standing or mood of the electorate.

Evidence ruled sufficient in penis pump case  —  The female airport security guard held the small, black, squeezable rubber object she'd just plucked out of Mardin Amin's backpack, and eyed it suspiciously.  —  Standing next to his mother, an embarrassed Amin whispered out of one corner …

Failure is an option  —  Despite his best efforts to sabotage himself, Sam Seder is finding success on Air America  —  NEW YORK — Clutching a stack of papers streaked with yellow highlighter, Sam Seder hurries into the studio and takes a seat at the microphone.

General: Iran Training Shiite Insurgents  —  WASHINGTON — The Iranian government is training and equipping much of the Shiite insurgency in Iraq, a senior U.S. general said Wednesday, drawing one of the most direct links by the Pentagon.  —  Brig. Gen. Michael Barbero also said it was too soon …

Joe Down Low On Ballot  —  Two weeks after losing the Democratic primary, Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman has qualified for a place on the November ballot as a petitioning candidate, the secretary of the state said Wednesday.  —  But on a ballot crowded with at least five Senate candidates …