Roundup: R-71, Barney Frank, Rats

Gay ally Albert L. Gordon dies: The Los Angeles attorney and father of twin gay sons who fought to revoke laws against consensual gay sex passed away at age 94.

Hearing on Tuesday in Referendum 71 challenge: A Thurston County superior court judge will hear the lawsuit against the attempt to repeal the domestic-partnership law for same-sex couples in Washington.

Former mayor followed his gay heart: J.W. Lown seems happy with his decision to leave his post in San Angelo, Texas, and move to Mexico to be with his same-sex partner, who could not live with him in the United States due to immigration laws.

"Obsession": British officials believe that al-Qaeda will continue to try to use commercial airliners to attack the West, despite the recent conviction of three men for attempting to blow up flights using bombs disguised as soft drinks.

Rats! Scientists discovered a new species of giant rat measuring more than 30 inches from nose to tail in the rain forest of Papua New Guinea.

Obama's back-to-school speech: President Obama delivered what was targeted in advance by his political opponents as a highly controversial address with a partisan agenda on Tuesday; in the speech, Obama urged American students to take responsibility for their education.

Green scare: White House environmental adviser Van Jones, the key figure in the push for "green" jobs, stepped down on Saturday because of controversy about his past activism.

Barney Frank wants a cabinet post: Congressman Barney Frank would like to finish his career as the U.S. Housing and Urban Development secretary, according to his new biography.