In this July 24, 2012, photo, President Barack Obama speaks at a fundraising event at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Ore. Stubbornly close and deeply divisive, the presidential race throttles into its last 100 days as an enormous clash over economic vision, likely to come down to fall debates, final unemployment numbers and fierce efforts to mobilize voters. It may seem like an election for the whole nation but only about eight states will decide who wins the White House. Polling shows the contest between Obama and Republican Mitt Romney remains remarkably static across the country and in the key states, even as both men and their allies pour money into largely negative television advertising to sway opinions. The two candidates will intensify their time before voters in the weeks ahead, knowing much of the public will not truly start paying attention until after Labor Day. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today (times EDT):

1. MEDICARE TAKES CENTER STAGE FOR ROMNEY, RYAN

The Republicans hold a town hall with New Hampshire voters and hope to assuage skittish seniors.

2. BLUE MONDAY: WHEN THE WEEK STARTS WITH A STOCK SLUMP

The first day of the week is the only one when the market is more likely to fall than to rise.

3. MYANMAR PRESS FREEDOM TAKES A STEP

Journalists will no longer have to submit their work to state censors - something they've done for nearly half a century. But other restrictions remain.

4. QUESTIONS FOLLOW DEATH OF TONY SCOTT

Authorities are investigating the death of the "Top Gun" director - who jumped off a bridge in LA - as a suicide.

5. FIGHTING OVER UNINHABITED ISLANDS

The Chinese call them the Diaoyu, the Japanese say they're the Senkaku chain. Whatever name you choose, they're the subject of one of the biggest territorial flare-ups in years between the Asian giants.

6. MISSOURI SENATE CANDIDATE BACKS OFF RAPE COMMENTS

GOP Rep. Todd Akin first said a woman's body "has ways" to prevent pregnancy during "a legitimate rape."

7. WHAT A SUSPENDED DEATH SENTENCE MEANS

The punishment for Gu Kailai, wife of a disgraced former Chinese politician, will likely end up as life in prison after her murder conviction.

8. THE STATE DINNER FOR KIDS (HOLD THE TATER TOTS)

First lady Michelle Obama hosts a luncheon for 8- to 12-year-old winners of a healthy lunch recipe contest.

9. WHAT DOG VISITS MEAN TO SICK KIDS

Two canines scampering through a hospital ward in Ecuador bring smiles - and even relief - to kids with cancer.

10. NYAD TAKES A STINGING, KEEPS ON SWIMMING

The 62-year-old endurance athlete continues on her 103-mile quest to swim from Florida to Cuba.