AP - The Senate moved toward passage Wednesday of a $700 billion financial industry bailout as opposition to the package among House Republican conservatives appeared to be softening, thanks partly to a provision increasing insurance for people's deposits.

AP - Barack Obama has surged to a seven-point lead over John McCain one month before the presidential election, lifted by voters who think the Democrat is better suited to lead the nation through its sudden financial crisis, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll that underscores the mounting concerns of some McCain backers.

AP - A hiker in a rugged part of eastern California found a pilot's license and other items possibly belonging to Steve Fossett, the adventurer who vanished on a solo flight in a borrowed plane more than a year ago, authorities said Wednesday.