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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

Summertime - and after Katrina, life still ain't easy  —  Two years after hurricane, frustration grows at sluggish rebuilding of New Orleans  —  The King of New Orleans, Fats Domino, is one of the few optimistic people in the still devastated city.  "Everybody is doing the best they can.

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.

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 …

Republicans Plan to Penalize States on Primaries  —  The Republican National Committee plans to penalize at least four states holding early primaries, including New Hampshire and Florida, by refusing to seat at least half their delegates at the party's national convention in 2008, a party official said Tuesday.

Just a Couple of Questions About the Larry Craig Scandal  —  I'd rather have strep throat than think too hard about Idaho politics.  That is, until a scandal like this Larry Craig mess happens.  And then general desire to not think about politics is overcome by incessant media attention …

US 'seizes Iranian group in Iraq'  —  Seven Iranians working for the Iranian Electricity Ministry have been arrested by US forces in Baghdad, the Iranian embassy says.  —  A spokesman told the BBC the embassy had contacted the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and would send a formal protest letter in the morning.

Household incomes rise but ...  Census Bureau reports slight rise in 2006 incomes but as a group, households aren't doing as well as before the 2001 recession.  —  NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Household income crept higher and the poverty rate edged lower last year, the government said Tuesday …

Hezbollah to file lawsuits against Israel for damage caused in war  —  Hezbollah is planning to file a host of lawsuits against Israel over the damages it caused during the Second Lebanon War.  Lebanese individuals with dual citizenship will file the suits in the countries where they hold citizenship.

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 …