Early voters are casting their ballots in record numbers. The Takeaway asks why they voted early and what it was like — and, of course, who they voted for.

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With one week to November 4th, the countdown to the presidency is on, and the poll numbers all over the (Electoral College) map. The Takeaway look at the states in play and the ones on the sidelines.

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Dan Fritz of California's KPFK discusses Proposition 8, the ballot measure that would amend the California constitution and ban same-sex marriage in California.

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Four years ago, Osama bin Laden released an election-themed videotape referencing presidential candidates George Bush and John Kerry and "the best way to avoid another catastrophe." Kerry blamed the tape for his loss in the 2004 election. Now al-Qaida is endorsing the Republican candidate John McCain. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof asked his readers, "Is John McCain Osama’s nightmare or cherished dream?"

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"Cloud computing" is just a buzzword, but major software players are betting on computing that happens over the Internet rather than on desktops. Yesterday Microsoft unveiled its brand new "cloud-based" operating system, and if you use Facebook, Skype, Google Documents, or Apple's MobileMe, you are already computing in the cloud.

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The largest children's study ever undertaken in the United States kicks off in 2009. Researchers plan on tracking 100,000 kids from the womb to the age when they can legally crack open a beer. Scientists hope 21 years worth of hair, urine and environmental samples will reveal why the incidence of childhood disease is on the rise.

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Republican Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska has been convicted of lying about gifts he received from an oil contractor. Despite the guilty verdict, the Republican isn't out of the race for the Senate seat he's held for 40 years.

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Both presidential candidates believe Pennsylvania is a crucial — and winnable — prize. Today Barack Obama, John McCain and Sarah Palin are campaigning in the state.

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The NBA season begins tonight. The Takeaway looks at how the tough economy is playing out on the hardwood.

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U.S. officials are only speaking anonymously about why American military planes bombed the border of Syria on Sunday. Joshua Landis of the Center for Middle East Studies explains how the attack may affect U.S.-Syrian relations.

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Guess what percentage of U.S. students complete high school? 70 percent? 80 percent? 90 percent? A new study by America's Promise Alliance puts it at roughly 50 percent in many American cities.

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Looking for work will be a challenging prospect in the coming months as the nation grapples with a wilting economy. Eric Janszen, president of iTulip Inc. and a former venture capitalist, joins The Takeaway to discuss the plight and repercussions of unemployment.

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A sign identifies Peak Energy's Dunn County, North Dakota drilling site. (Caitlin McNally)

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