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McCain Presses Obama in Final Debate John McCain raised persistent and pointed questions about Barack Obama in a session that was by far the most spirited and combative of their encounters this fall. The TV Watch: Rivals Split, With Joe in the Middle In trying to cast doubt on Barack Obama, John McCain threw the kitchen sink at him ? along with the plumber. Bush Calls Bank Intervention Temporary President Bush defended his program to resuscitate the nation?s economy, and said that any long-lasting federal intervention in the banking industry would be a mistake. Release of 17 Guantánamo Detainees Sputters as Officials Debate the Risk An effort to find a country willing to accept 17 detainees held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, has stalled because of a bitter dispute inside the government about whether the men are dangerous. Cabinet Officials Sent to Campaign at Taxpayer Expense, Report Says The White House directed officials to appear at events to help elect Republican candidates in 2006, according to a draft report. Cheney Is Treated for an Irregular Heartbeat Vice President Dick Cheney, who has a history of heart trouble, has experienced an irregular heartbeat that will be treated at George Washington University Hospital. Settlement Will Allow Thousands of Mexican Laborers in U.S. to Collect Back Pay Tens of thousands of Mexicans who labored in the United States under a World War II-era guest worker program can collect back pay under a new settlement. Elizabeth Dole Finds a Once-Safe Race Less So In North Carolina, polls show that Senator Elizabeth Dole?s relatively unknown Democratic opponent has closed Mrs. Dole?s double-digit lead. Gates Seeks More Military and Civilian Support in Afghanistan Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates warned that it ?remains to be seen? whether the allies could better coordinate their work in the country. Iraq Inches Closer to Security Pact With U.S. The draft of the agreement includes a previously discussed timeline for the withdrawal of American troops, with troops moving out of Iraq by next summer. Federal Investigators to Examine Washington Mutual Six government agencies, including the F.B.I. and I.R.S., are looking into what led regulators to close the bank. I.R.S. to Tighten Tax Oversight of Foreign Banks The Internal Revenue Service has issued new rules applying to a multibillion-dollar I.R.S. program that allows foreign banks to funnel money overseas on behalf of American clients .