News Headlines:

• Earl weakens but still powerful as it smacks NC (AP)
• Oil platform explodes off La. coast; crew rescued (AP)
• Hopeful sign: More talks for Israel, Palestinians (AP)
• Arizona governor stumbles during debate (AP)
• Mexico: Soldiers kill 25 in gunbattle near border (AP)
• Discounts spur surprising Aug. retail sales gains (AP)
• LA police ID owner of trunk containing baby bodies (AP)
• FBI: 6 accused in forced labor of 400 Thai workers (AP)
• Man in Letterman blackmail plot freed from NY jail (AP)
• American teen Capra upsets 18th-seeded Rezai (AP)
• No sign of oil after Gulf platform fire: Coast Guard (Reuters)
• Hurricane Earl closes in on East Coast (Reuters)
• Israel and Palestinians agree to more peace meetings (Reuters)
• White House: No second stimulus being considered (Reuters)
• EPA to issue more rules in climate fight (Reuters)
• Justice Department sues Arizona sheriff in immigration probe (Reuters)
• Warren schedule change stirs talk on consumer job (Reuters)
• Pakistan gets IMF relief, tightens security (Reuters)
• Abbas, Netanyahu vow to meet every two weeks for peace (AFP)
• Hurricane Earl menaces US East Coast (AFP)