Democratic fundraiser is a fugitive in plain sight  —  California authorities have sought businessman Norman Hsu for 15 years.  Since 2004, he has carved out a place of honor raising cash for such candidates as Hillary Rodham Clinton.  —  WASHINGTON — For the last 15 years …

A Scandal-Scarred G.O.P. Asks, 'What Next?'  —  Scott Reed, a Republican strategist, was at a dinner in Philadelphia on Monday night when his cellphone and Internet pager began beeping like crazy.  Only later did he learn why.  His party was buzzing with news of a sex scandal involving a Republican United States senator — again.

Bush Wants $50 Billion More for Iraq War  —  Planned Request Signals Confidence That Congress Won't Prevail on Pullout  —  President Bush plans to ask Congress next month for up to $50 billion in additional funding for the war in Iraq, a White House official said yesterday …

Bush May Fight for New Attorney General  —  President Seeks Agreement With Policies  —  A half-dozen or so lawyers are being discussed among administration officials as possible candidates to replace Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales, but no clear favorite has emerged …

UPDATED 5:11 p.m. — Craig insists 'I am not gay,' police say he sought information for lawyer  —  Sen. Larry Craig insisted today "I am not gay" and lashed out at the Idaho Statesman for a "witchhunt" that led him to plead guilty to a disorderly conduct charge — a plea he hoped would make the charge go away.

2 years after Katrina, pace of rebuilding depends on who pays  —  NEW ORLEANS — It's hard to imagine the 7-foot wall of muddy water that muscled into Denise Thornton's house two years ago, swallowing half her home and belongings.  —  Today, the two-story brick home in the Lakewood neighborhood of New Orleans appears good as new.

When Condi went nuclear  —  Condoleezza Rice may be willing to compromise at a Middle East negotiating table - but not at a jewelry counter.  —  Coit Blacker, a Stanford professor who is one of the secretary of state's closest friends, recalls going into a shop where Rice asked to see earrings.

Obstacles Keep Iraqi Refugees From U.S.  —  Despite a stepped-up commitment from the United States to take in Iraqis who are in danger because they worked for the American government and military, very few are signing up to go, resettlement officials say.  —  The reason, Iraqis say …

MSNBC Duped By Blog Parody Site  —  What does a major news organization do on a big story when it looks for a lively quote?  —  Reporters will interview people, or, in this day and age, do an internet search.  And then you can strike GOLD: that great QUOTE on a website that fits a story perfectly.

Edwards: Americans should sacrifice their SUVs  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards told a labor group he would ask Americans to make a big sacrifice: their sport utility vehicles.  —  The former North Carolina senator told a forum …

Al-Sadr suspends militia activity in Iraq  —  BAGHDAD - Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has ordered a six-month suspension of activities by his Mahdi Army militia in order to reorganize the force, and it will no longer attack U.S. and coalition troops, aides said Wednesday.

The Journal Is to Rename Leisure Section for Weekends  —  The Wall Street Journal will rechristen Pursuits, its Saturday leisure section, as Weekend Journal, the same name as the Friday section, according to several people familiar with the paper's decision.

Most Say That Presidential Candidates Should Refuse Lobbyist Money  —  Majority says that Hillary Clinton should refuse  —  PRINCETON, NJ — The issue of accepting campaign contributions from Washington lobbyists has become a significant part of the current campaign strategy of Democratic candidates John Edwards and Barack Obama.

London editor prays for nuclear attack on Israel  —  The editor of an Arabic daily newspaper published in London said in an interview on Lebanese television that he would dance in Trafalgar Square if Iranian missiles hit Israel.  —  Talking about Iran's nuclear capability on ANB Lebanese television …

Some advice for those who tell stall tales  —  This has been the summer of bathroom misunderstandings.  —  Especially if you happen to be a conservative Republican with a stellar track record against the gay agenda - whatever that is.  —  One minute, you're railing against gay marriage ruining …

Castro's tip: Clinton-Obama the winning ticket  —  HAVANA (Reuters) - Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro is tipping Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to team up and win the U.S. presidential election.  —  Clinton leads Obama in the race to be the Democratic nominee …