Report finds drop in illigal immigrant population in U.S.: After years of growth, the recession and stricter law enforcement led to a decline of almost two-thirds between 2005 and 2009. | Washington Post

Hostages released at Discovery Channel headquarters in Maryland: The suspect, James Lee, who had issues with the channel's environmental coverage, was shot and killed by police snipers. | Washington Post

As Hurricane Earl approaches, N. Carolina expands evacuations: Earl weakened to a Category 3 hurricane early Wednesday as it whipped across the Caribbean with winds near 125 mph. | Charlotte Observer

Murkowski concedes in Alaska GOP senatorial primary: The incumbent was defeated by Joe Miller, has never held elected office but enjoyed the backing of former Gov. Sarah Palin and the Tea Party Express. | Wall Street Journal

Five seek Missouri casino license: Besides two applications for spots near Chain of Rocks, the Gaming Commission got two bids for casinos in Sugar Creek near Kansas City and one for Cape Girardeau. | STLtoday

Alternative energy group makes offer to buy ex-Chrysler plant in Fenton: The identity of the potential buyer was not released by the St. Louis County Economic Council, which made the offer public. | KWMU

Judge allows KKK suit against Missouri to proceed: The group said denial of permission to use a pavilion at a state historic site in southern Missouri violated free speech. | AP/KMOX

Cardinal broadcasts returning to KMOX next season: The station had aired the team's games for 51 years before the action moved to KTRS five years ago. | STLtoday

Direct peace talks between Israel and Palestinians to resume in Washington: Issues in the long-stalled negotiations include Israeli settlements and the future status of Jerusalem. | CNN

Four Israeli settlers, including a pregnant woman, killed in West Bank attack: It was the deadliest attack on Israelis in more than two years, coming on the eve of peace talks with the Palestinians in Washington. | New York Times

Chilean rescuers begin drilling to reach trapped miners: The government still says it will take three to four months to reach them. | AP

Five more American killed in Afghanistan: The latest roadside bombs and fire from insurgents raised the death toll to 19 service members since Saturday. | AP

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters offers defense in ethics case: California Democrat is accused of steering bailout money to OneUnited Bank, which had ties to her husband. | FoxNews.com

Hispanic Republicans criticize Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for questioning Latinos in GOP: Leaders call Reid's remarks condescending and insulting. | Politico

Former U.S Rep. Dan Rostenkowski dies at 82: Chicago Democrat represented northwest side of town from 1959 to 1995, was chairman of Ways and Means Committe from 1981-1994. | Chicago Tribune

Discounts spur unexpected gain in retail sales in August: The numbers are providing a sliver of hope for the economic recovery, but worries still remain about the critical holiday season. | AP

New claims for jobless benefits fall slightly, to 472,000: Applications still exceeded the 463,000 average so far this year. | Bloomberg

A year after cash for clunkers, most automakers report drop in sales: Only Chrysler reported an increase, while GM, Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Honda had losses. | Detroit News

Manufacturing sector grew faster in August: Rising exports overseas and demand from businesses for capital equipment and supplies have helped propel production in factories for a year. | AP

Kirkwood High School's Robert Becker is Missouri's teacher of the year: He has been sharing his love of chemistry with students since 1990. | STLtoday

New Jersey governor fires state's education chief: He had made a clerical error that led to the state's coming up short in an effort to win $400 million in federal Race to the Top money. | Newark Star-Ledger

Mizzou football captain suspended indefinitely after allegation of sexual assault: In court documents, a woman in her early 20s alleges Derrick Washington sexually assaulted her in June. | Columbia Missourian

Washington U. breaks with Target over donation to Minnesota gubernatorial candidate who opposes gay rights: The university won't take part anymore in program where the retailer let students shop after hours. | Student Life