Walter: Dems face big opportunity and risk
This year, Democrats have a rare, not to say unprecedented, opportunity to increase their advantage in Congress. But, winning big in November means playing defense in 2010.

Cosmic Log: Action urged on asteroids

Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Astronauts and other space experts are calling for the formation of new international organizations to monitor threats from asteroids and comets.

Man saves dog from Fla. shark attack

A dog is recovering after a Florida Keys carpenter dove in to save his pet from a shark.

Congress scrambles for rescue plan

Congressional leaders scrambled Tuesday to come up with changes to help them sell the failed $700 billion financial bailout to rank-and-file members.

NYT: Concerns grow about Palin's readiness

Gov. Sarah Palin is heading into the critical vice presidential debate facing challenges about her credentials and signs that her popularity is slipping.

Dow closes up more than 450 points

Wall Street snapped back Tuesday after its biggest sell-off in years amid growing expectations that lawmakers will salvage a $700 billion rescue plan for the financial sector.

Wall Street turmoil now spans globe

Stock markets around the world cascaded lower Monday, European regulators announced the rescue of four major banks, and U.S. and foreign officials pledged to make hundreds of billions of dollars available to ensure that banks would continue lending to each other.

Pirates: Holiday celebrated on hijacked ship

Disagreements between Somali pirates holding a Ukrainian ship escalated into a shootout and three pirates are believed dead, a U.S. defense official said Tuesday. The pirates denied the report.

Study: Urban bears fatter, die earlier

Urban black bears are much heavier and more likely to die violent deaths than their wilder peers, a new study found. And if female, they're more likely to get pregnant at a younger age.