National and International News-Friday, Dec.8th

WHITE HOUSE (AP) - President Bush says progress in Iraq has not been as quick as he had hoped. As he searches for a new approach to the unpopular war, Bush will meet today with Republican and Democratic leaders of Congress.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Americans have never been more dissatisfied with President Bush's handling of the war in Iraq. Seventy-one percent tell The A-P and Ipsos they disapprove. Just 27 percent approve of his Iraq policy.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - The lame-duck Republican Congress will try to finish its work today. A massive tax and trade bill is on the agenda. Lawmakers also have to approve a bill to keep federal programs funded through February. When Congress next convenes in January, Democrats will be in charge.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (AP) - Space shuttle Discovery will stay on the launch pad at least until tomorrow, when NASA will make another attempt to send it to the international space station. Clouds kept Discovery from launching last night. The forecast doesn't look too good for tomorrow, either.

CHICAGO (AP) - If you want to avoid problems at your office holiday party, don't hang mistletoe. That's the advice of a Chicago labor lawyer as the office holiday party season gets into gear. He says partygoers should behave like they're in the office.