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Outsiders could alter a staid chamber, which might become even more polarized.In a shift of political fortunes that seemed unimaginable even recently, Republicans now have a long-shot chance to take control of the Senate, bolstering their ranks with outsider candidates who would probably shake up the chamber.

The president says the plan would put construction workers back to work without adding to the deficit. Republicans say it's more unnecessary spending.President Obama on Monday called for a $50-billion boost in spending on the nation's roads, runways and railroads, his latest effort to respond to the stubbornly sluggish economy in a political climate turning against his party.

8:00 a.m. update:

Four of the six concourses were emptied and roadways closed after a screener spotted something suspicious in a checked bag.A passenger was detained and four of Miami International Airport's six concourses along with an onsite hotel were evacuated after a screener spotted something suspicious in a checked bag, authorities said.

Justice Department officials say Maricopa County's Joe Arpaio failed to turn over documents in a probe of his agency's immigration enforcement operations. Among his tactics are 'sweeps' of immigrant-heavy neighborhoods.The U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday announced it had sued Joe Arpaio, the controversial sheriff of Maricopa County in Arizona, for failing to turn over documents in a probe of whether his aggressive operations against illegal immigrants had violated civil rights.

By taking yearly tests and giving their brains to science after they die, members of religious orders help doctors understand more about the disease.Catholic nuns are known for their acts of charity, but Sister Adrienne Schmidt has found a way to give beyond the grave: She will donate her brain to science.

The former Illinois governor lashes out at prosecutors and says the lone juror who refused to convict him of corruption bolsters his faith in God.Former Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on Friday accused prosecutors of trying to criminalize political horse-trading and said that he would not accept any plea deal.

Nancy Kidwell and her husband acquired 640 barren Nevada acres in the 1960s. Now the community is a town of 300, and she's ready to hand off the responsibility. For $17 million, it could be yours.Slim and Nancy Kidwell dreamed up a town on a barren patch of federal dirt.

In a working-class area, 10 Mexicans have been attacked by blacks since April in suspected hate crimes. Some community leaders say tensions have grown along with anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S.There's no doubt in Christian Vazquez's mind why he was beaten up as he headed home from work late one night, and it wasn't for the $10 the attackers stole from him.

Republican John Boehner will be speaker of the House if his party retakes enough seats in November. The Ohio congressman has shaped his party's response to Obama, but as leader, he'd face a dilemma.On a Friday evening, hours after the House adjourned for summer, John A. Boehner was holding court on the patio of a favorite Italian restaurant on Capitol Hill. The scene was a still-life of old-school Washington power: plates of veal and pasta, half-emptied drink glasses, cigarette butts in an ashtray.

California scientists, boosted by stem cell research funding enabled by Proposition 71, are aiming for clinical trials involving gene therapy through bone marrow transplants.Clad in a yellow gown, blue foot covers, hair net, face mask and latex gloves, Paula Cannon pushed open the door to the animal room. "I hate this smell," she said, wrinkling her nose.