Here's an unfortunate fact of modern life: People today are exposed to chemicals as never before. Here is another: Many chemicals in consumer products -- even those linked to cancer and a host of other ills -- are not subject to government regulation. It's the Wild West when it comes to chemical exposure, but where's the sheriff? (Today)

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved President Barack Obama's request for an above-budget $59 billion to continue the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The vote was 308-114 and the problem for Mr. Obama and his Afghanistan strategy is that 102 members of his own Democratic Party, two out of five of all Democrats voting, opposed providing more money for the wars. (Today)

The news from the Point was good Tuesday for Pittsburghers who are bullish on the fabulous look of Downtown at the end of the Fort Pitt Tunnel. A spokesman for the Hilton Pittsburgh said exterior work on the hotel's unfinished renovation will resume next week and might even wrap up by Thanksgiving. Sure, sure. We've heard it all before. (Today)