PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Last week's Democratic National Convention nominated Barack Obama as the first black to top a major political party's ticket. Mr. Obama made plans to embark on a bus tour to battleground states Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan with running mate Joe Biden and his wife, Michelle. The Republican National Convention began Monday and will continue through Thursday.

NATION

The Army opened its first prep school for potential soldiers to obtain their General Educational Development certificate. The monthlong program includes physical training, academic review classes, homework and other drills and discipline to prepare the recruits for basic training.

ENVIRONMENT

The National Snow and Ice Data Center reported crucial sea ice in the Arctic reached its second-lowest level on record, at 2.03 million square miles. The lowest point was September 2007, at 1.65 million square miles. The ice in the Arctic is important because it acts as a refrigerator for the Earth.

EDUCATION

The Augusta Chronicle reported the local school system's SAT scores declined in 2008. Richmond County schools' average fell four points, to 1,383, Columbia County schools' average declined 13 points to 1,500, and Aiken County schools lost four points in their average, which was 1,474. John S. Davidson Fine Arts School had the top score in the state with 1,733.