1. The first wave of government rebate checks were direct deposited Monday. The IRS says seven and a half million taxpayers could receive their stimulus payment by the end of the week. It's all part of a 168-billion-dollar plan to boost spending and the sagging US economy.

2. The money can't come fast enough for the nation's truckers. Big rig drivers circle the US capital to protest sky-high diesel prices, saying high fuel prices mean higher cost for many things we buy.

3. Hillary Clinton would beat John McCain by nine points according to the latest AP-Ipsos poll. Her rival Barack Obama runs nearly even in a theoretical matchup for president.

4. Miley Cyrus says she is embarrassed and photographer Annie Liebovitz says she's sorry her work was misinterpreted after racy photos of the 15-year-old star surfaced.  Disney criticized Vanity Fair which is to publish the photos of the "Hannah Montana" star.