Renewed fighting has broken out in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, with African Union peacekeepers coming under attack from Islamist insurgents.

At least seven civilians are reported to have been killed since the clashes erupted late on Tuesday.

Insurgents attacked Ugandan peacekeepers, who responded with tank and artillery fire. More on Fresh violence in Somali capital

Democrat Takes 52-43 Lead Among Likely Voters, Erases Republican’s Post-Palin Pick Gains

Turmoil in the financial industry and growing pessimism about the economy have altered the shape of the presidential race, giving Democratic nominee Barack Obama the first clear lead of the general-election campaign over Republican John McCain, according to the latest Washington Post-ABC News national poll.

A group monitoring corruption levels around the world says illegal practices in poor countries are threatening the fight against poverty. In its just released report, Transparency International says foreign aid must be more focused and more carefully monitored to ensure it goes where intended. VOA’s Sonja Pace has details from London. More on Report: Corruption in Poor Countries Threatens Fight Against Poverty

Two aid workers working for Medecins du Monde in Ethiopia have been abducted from the Ogaden region that borders Somalia, the French aid agency says.

Eyewitnesses say the man and woman, whose nationalities are not known, have been taken to Somalia’s central region of Galguduud by well-armed gunmen. More on Aid workers kidnapped in Ethiopia