Associated Press Sen. Joe Biden, D-Del., faced off against Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin last night in the only debate between the vice presidential nominees.

ST. LOUIS – Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin painted herself as a plain-spoken champion of the middle class, while Sen. Joe Biden blended a common touch with deep experience, as the two vice presidential nominees clashed over Iraq, the economy and other issues in last night's debate.

• No blunders for McCain camp, but no blockbusters either
• Truth gets fuzzy for Palin, Biden during debate
• With smiles, VP hopefuls get the job done
• McCain out of Michigan, will try to defend Indiana
• Debate excerpts

San Diego Gas & Electric Co. announced yesterday that it will take the unprecedented step of shutting off power in much of the backcountry during conditions of extreme fire danger, a change that might have prevented three of last fall's wildfires.

Dominic's Barber Shop is a three-chair affair where hair tonic ads from the 1960s hang on the wall and a working stiff can still get a lively conversation and a trim for $12. The little barbershop in El Cajon, which has operated since 1971, is as Main Street as they come. And it is hurting.

WASHINGTON – House Republican leaders struggled yesterday to persuade some of their members to reverse course and support the $700 billion bailout package, but both parties said that they were guardedly optimistic about winning final passage in a vote expected early this afternoon.