1. A top US official says a reactor in Syria allegedly built with North Korean help was nearly functional before was destroyed last year by Israeli fighter jets. The United States says the reactor threatened to spread dangerous nuclear materials possibly used to make bombs.

2. President Bush is optimistic that both sides in the Mideast peace process can agree on what defines a Palestinian state. But progress toward a peace deal with Israelis and Palestinians remains slow.

3. The leaders of Delta and Northwest Airlines are on Capitol Hill defending the proposed merger of the two carriers, saying they are stronger together than apart, ready to be competitive with foreign airlines and equipped to handle record-high fuel prices.