A glance at today's top stories from around the nation.

5 DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY!

The Washington Post reports that early voting has surged across the country and African American voter turnout is high.

The New York Times reports that Blacks in Georgia have gained new political strength as their voter registration has significantly increased.

New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof suggests the 2008 presidential campaign offers the nation an opportunity to have an adult conversation on race.

ABC News reports on the anger of white supremacist groups over the prospect of a Black president and the constant threat to Senator Obama.

The Washington Post reports that early voting in states is tilting is predominantly in Obama’s favor.

The Baltimore Sun reports that social issues will dominate the ballots in states across the country on November 4.

The Chicago Tribune reports on the latest effort to discredit Senator Obama by calling into question the authenticity of his birth certificate and questioning his citizenship.

The Los Angeles Times reports that voting rights advocates are warning of a potential Election Day “meltdown” in states across the country.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that George officials are lobbying the Defense Department to locate AFRICOM, the military’s Africa command post, in the state.

The News Observer (Charlotte, NC) reports on how a McCain-Palin sign was electrified to deliver a jolt to anyone who touched it and how a 9 year-old got zapped.

The Philadelphia Inquirer looks at how the trial of a prominent Black former New Jersey legislator is revealing how deals are cut in the state.

The Detroit Free Press reports that the city of Detroit is now claiming convicted former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick owes more than the $1 million in restitution he was ordered to pay for his misdeeds.