An Alaska judge has refused to block a state investigation into whether Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power when she fired her public safety commissioner this summer. Judge Peter Michalski threw out the lawsuit filed by five Republican state legislators who said the investigation had been tainted by partisan politics. The inquiry is looking into whether Palin and others pressured Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan to fire a state trooper, who was involved in a contentious divorce from Palin's sister, and then fired Monegan when he wouldn't dismiss the trooper. Palin says Monegan was ousted over budget disagreements. An independent investigator hired by the Legislative Council, which authorized the probe, is expected to have his report completed by Oct. 10.
OBAMA CALLS ON IPHONE USERS
Barack Obama's campaign is reaching out to iPhone users through a new application that will make it easier for them to call their friends in battleground states and encourage them to vote. The application's "Call Friends" function organizes the user's personal phonebook by swing state, such as Virginia or Colorado.
WEDDING BELLS FOR BRISTOL?
Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter and her boyfriend are considering a summer wedding. Bristol Palin, 17, and Levi Johnston, 18, haven't set a date yet, said his mother, Sherry Johnston. The baby is due in late December.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Democrats raise concerns about Republicans meddling in a competitive Oregon primary
State Department removes Cuba from short list of countries deemed uncooperative on counterterrorism
Now armed with AI, America's adversaries will try to influence election, security officials warn
