What We're Watching

Good morning!

Welcome to the new Rundown News Blog. Here are some of the stories we're watching this morning:

• Gwen Ifill will interview President Barack Obama on the PBS NewsHour this evening. We will be streaming the live broadcast on our UStream channel at 6 p.m. EDT.

  - Charlie Rose spoke with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, who denied any role in the chemical attack and warned that Syria's allies will retaliate for any U.S. strike. The full interview will air tonight.

• White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough acknowledged that the U.S. lacks evidence that is "beyond a reasonable doubt."

• Congress returns from its August recess today. The AP estimates one-third of the Senate and one-half of the House are undecided on Syria.

• The Washington Post reported that in 2011 President Obama got a surveillance court to lift some of the restrictions on NSA searches.

Stay with us all day for updates on these stories and more from around the globe.

JS