Bush commutes sentences of former US border agents … WASHINGTON (AP) - In his final acts of clemency, President George W. Bush on Monday commuted the prison sentences of two former U.S. Border Patrol agents whose convictions for shooting a Mexican drug dealer ignited fierce debate about illegal immigration.

Most blacks say MLK's vision fulfilled, poll finds  —  WASHINGTON (CNN) — More than two-thirds of African-Americans believe Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision for race relations has been fulfilled, a CNN poll found — a figure up sharply from a survey in early 2008.

Developing: HBO says they aren't to blame for not including Gene Robinson in concert special  —  Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson (AFP/Robyn Beck)  —  Sunday afternoon, HBO televised the Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial — a concert planned by the Presidential Inauguration Committee …

William Ayers turned back at Canadian border  —  An American education professor, one of the founders of a radical 1960s group known as the Weather Underground, which was responsible for a number of bombings in the United States in the early 1970s, was turned back at the Canadian border last night.

Likud, Kadima escalate mutual attacks  —  The Likud and Kadima parties intensified their attacks against each other on Sunday after the cease-fire took effect in the Gaza Strip, formally ending Operation Cast Lead and restarting the election campaign.  —  The first polls taken …

10 Bush pardons to watch for  —  As the clock ticks down on his presidency, George W. Bush has shown few signs he plans to indulge in the frenzy of last-minute pardons that marked Bill Clinton's final hours in the Oval Office.  —  But Bush could quickly leap back into the spotlight in the next …

CAROLINE THE ‘CERTAIN’ PICK FOR DAVE: RIVALS  —  DESPITE claims that he's still undecided, Gov. Paterson is “certain” to pick Caroline Kennedy to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton in the US Senate, several unhappy contenders for the job have told friends and associates in recent days.

TPM LAUNCHES TPMDC  —  Today, on the eve of the inaugural, TPM is launching a new politics blog, TPMDC.com.  It's the successor to TPM Election Central.  Our team covering the Capital under the new administration will be Elana Schor, who joined our team earlier this month, covering Capitol Hill …

No Bush moving trucks needed Inauguration Day  —  WASHINGTON (CNN) - On Inauguration day, there's one scene at the White House that won't be playing out exactly as it has during past transitions: the traditional moving of the outgoing First Family's belongings.

What Recession?  The $170 Million Inauguration  —  Obama's Inauguration Has Been Financed Partially by Bailed-Out Wall Street Executives  —  ABC NEWS Business Unit  —  The country is in the middle of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, which isn't stopping rich donors …

The Next War President  —  In synagogue on Saturday, before saying the customary prayer for our country, the rabbi asked us to reflect on the fact that a new president would be inaugurated on Tuesday, and urged us to focus a little more intently than usual on the prayer.

Wall Street Voodoo  —  Old-fashioned voodoo economics — the belief in tax-cut magic — has been banished from civilized discourse.  The supply-side cult has shrunk to the point that it contains only cranks, charlatans, and Republicans.  —  But recent news reports suggest that many influential people …

Chris Rock on making fun of Barack Obama  —  (CNN) — Chris Rock is best known for two things: being funny and being crass.  —  “This is what people come to see.  I'm just doing my show,” the comedian said with a laugh.  —  He's also known for his political commentary …

Fox News Primes Itself for a Shift  —  WASHINGTON — When the White House changes occupants this week, it may also change channels.  —  Barack Obama's inauguration on Tuesday marks the end of an era for the Fox News Channel, the cable news network of choice during the George W. Bush years.

Gates to sit out Obama inauguration  —  Featured Topics: - Barack Obama - Presidential Transition  —  WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Defense Secretary Robert Gates will sit out Barack Obama's inauguration at an undisclosed location as the “designated successor” in the event of a catastrophe, the White House announced Monday.