The Central Intelligence Agency issued a rare public defense of its record in response to a recently published--and resoundingly harsh--history of the secretive intelligence agency. The statement blasted Legacy of Ashes, written by veteran New York Times reporter Tim Weiner, for ignoring the CIA's successes and containing numerous errors. "Backed by selective citations, sweeping assertions, and a fascination with the negative, Weiner overlooks, minimizes, or distorts agency achievements," according to the CIA statement.

AP - Hundreds of rescuers struggled with falling rock and debris Monday in a desperate race to reach six coal miners trapped 1,500 feet below ground by a cave-in so powerful authorities questioned if it caused its own earthquake.

AP - A plan to replace the bridge that collapsed into the Mississippi River last week is on the fastest of fast tracks: State officials want the span open by the end of next year, and contractors interested in the job must contact the state by dawn Wednesday.

AP - Iraq's political crisis worsened Monday as five more ministers announced a boycott of Cabinet meetings — leaving the embattled prime minister's unity government with no members affiliated with Sunni political factions.