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The New York City police department asks a federal judge for permission to spy on political groups, before having evidence of wrongdoing. The police department says the increased powers are necessary in order to fight terrorism. Critics say existing rules are flexible enough to give police the latitude they need. Marianne McCune reports.

GM and Chrysler must submit restructuring plans to the Treasury Department to justify the billions of dollars in loans they have received so far. And, Donald Trump's casino group Trump Entertainment Resorts filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has highlighted the dismal state of the California levee system. He's declared a state of emergency and is asking for millions of dollars to repair the system. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff will visit and inspect the levees on Friday as he weighs Schwarzenegger's request for more federal dollars. Tamara Keith of member station KPCC reports.

During the past week's Sept. 11 hearings, there were a lot of complaints about the intelligence community. The FBI was specifically criticized as disorganized and dysfunctional. Director Robert Mueller does plans some changes. Hear NPR's Cheryl Corley and NPR's Larry Abramson.

The Justice Department subpoenas medical records for hundreds of women who had abortions at Planned Parenthood offices in six cities. The government's move is part of its effort to defend the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. Hear NPR's Bob Edwards and NPR's Libby Lewis.

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with presidential adviser Karen Hughes about what to expect tonight as President Bush accepts the nomination for a second term. They discuss how polls show Americans some key election issues, and how the president will respond in his speech.

On Sunday, Venezuelans will decide whether to approve changes to the constitution that would allow President Hugo Chavez to run for re-election indefinitely and extend presidential terms. Bernardo Alvarez, Venezuela's ambassador to the U.S., talks about Chavez's proposals.

Forced arbitration requires employees to waive their right to sue their employers in court over age discrimination.

The council of rabbis that regulates everything connected with Jewish religious law in Israel now wants to change the shape of bourekas, a type of stuffed pastry popular among Israelis. The move is aimed at helping people keep kosher. But if the rabbis succeed, says one cafe owner, "there really is no limit to their power."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the most important voice for liberal democracy in Europe, announced on Sunday that she will run for another term in 2017.