The Daily Digest (Fiscal cliff in focus, Farm Bill stalls again, Middle East erupts)

The fiscal cliff leads the Digest today.

Speaker Boehner says he's not confident that the U.S. will avoid the fiscal cliff.

Moody's is warning to downgrade the U.S. credit rating if there's no deal to cut the debt.

The Farm Bill fight escalates ahead of the deadline.

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DFL Rep. Collin Peterson says the Farm Bill passage is unlikely.

GOP Rep. John Kline is one of several GOP members pushing to force the welfare to work requirements.

President Obama marked the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Political differences impede the regulation of for-profit schools.

Economy

A German-based manufacturer says it will open a new facility in St. Cloud. The move will bring 100 jobs to the area.

Health care premiums increased.

The broadest measure of unemployment in Minnesota shows that hiring is improving.

The Dow closed at a 5 year high.

Drought

The drought forces the DNR to restrict water use.

Middle East

Anti-U.S. anger erupted in Libya and Egypt.

Two Americans, including Ambassador Chris Stevenes, were killed in Libya after protests erupted over a movie.

In Egypt, protesters climbed the walls of the U.S. embassy and took American flags.

The White House is disavowing a statement from its own Cairo embassy that apologized for anti-Muslim activity in the United States.

President Obama and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agree on blocking Iran's nuclear program.

The announcement came after Netanyahu ratcheted up his criticism of the U.S. over their differences over Iran's nuclear program.

The move comes after President Obama said he would not meet with Netanyahu when he's in New York later this week.

Constitutional Amendments

Norm Coleman's group may weigh in on the Voter ID amendment.

Planned Parenthood is also weighing in on the Voter ID amendment and Same-sex marriage amendment.

Race for Congress

The race in the 8th District divides Aitkin.

Tip: The first debate between GOP Rep. Chip Cravaack and Democrat Rick Nolan will be on 10/9 in Duluth.

Race for U.S. Senate

A KSTP/Survey USA poll says DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar has a 21 point lead over Republican Kurt Bills.

Race for President

Gallup says President Obama got a three point bounce from the convention.

Some Republicans are ripping Romney for being too vague on the issues.

After being criticized for failing to bring up Afghanistan during his speech at the RNC, Romney discussed the issue at an event in Nevada.

Romney criticized President Obama for how he handled the situation in the Middle East.

U.S. unions are waiting for a decision on Chinese auto parts.

The GOP lacks specifics on lower tax rates.

Vladimir Putin thanked Romney for calling Russia the number one foe of the U.S.

AP is reporting Paul Ryan is running ads for his reelection to Congress.

Jill Biden will campaign in Minnesota on Friday.