National and International News-Saturday, Dec. 9th

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - In their last hours of control, Republicans dumped an unfinished budget on the Democrats about to take power. Wisconsin Congressman David Obey called it "the most useless Congress in modern times." Congress did pass a sweeping bill reviving expired tax breaks.

WHITE HOUSE (AP) - As he speeds up his search for a new Iraq war plan, President Bush is lining up three days of talks with military brass, diplomats and outside experts. He's expected to present a new strategy to the nation in a speech before Christmas.

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) - Iran's foreign minister says getting America out of Iraq is "the only way" to improve the political situation there. He says his country stands ready to help "by all means." But he says he sees no serious will in the U-S to discuss how.

CHICAGO (AP) - Two attorneys and a retired school teacher were fatally shot by a gunman who opened fire in a downtown Chicago law-firm yesterday. A police sniper killed the gunman. Police say the gunman didn't work in the office but demanded to see one of the victims who was killed.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - NASA may try again today to launch space shuttle Discovery. Bad weather grounded Thursday's liftoff. But weather concerns still persist. There's only a 30 percent chance of acceptable weather. NASA managers will meet this morning meeting to decide.