by Rebecca Tapscott

Peeping Sam: Under pressure from the White House, Congress approved an extension of a GOP wireless surveillance program, with a vote of 60 to 28.

Conflict in the Congress: Democrats and Republicans clash on major issues before August recess. While Dems hope to make progress as the new majority, Republicans make accusations of heavy-handedness.

Bush visits bridge site: President Bush arrived in Minneapolis at the site of the bridge collapse. He will be accompanied by Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, who will discuss future inspection and precautions for similarly structured bridges.

Eek! : Gordon Brown called for a temporary halt of British exports of pigs, sheep and cows due to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

War for Drugs: As elections approach in Guatemala, violent attacks on politicians and political activists are rampant. This year, the violence is attributed to drug traffickers, hoping to gain influence in the newly elected government.

Crash and burn: A helicopter crashed near Easton on Thursday starting a forest fire—three of four bodies have been recovered and identified, but the fire still burns.

Dangerous Chinese import of the week: The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Raleigh bicycle company of Kent have recalled Chinese-made bike parts. Three injuries have been reported due to broken bike forks.

You are what you eat: 80 Seattleites sign onto the 100-mile-diet, which supports local industries, decreases the need to transport foods cross country and allows people to eat fresh—but no more chocolate?

Liar liar: Reggie Buddle, a man convicted of impersonating a decorated marine and marine chaplain, will request a new location for his community service due to perceived anger from the military community.

Washington State and Iraq: Three Fort Lewis soldiers on extended stay in Iraq were killed by an improvised explosive, bringing Washington State casualties of uniformed military units to 76.