AFP – Online classifieds website Craigslist broke its silence over the abrupt closure of its “adult services” section and said the shutdown was permanent.

AP – THE NEWS: Microsoft released the “beta” test version of Internet Explorer 9, its updated Web browser program. Starting Wednesday, people with computers running Windows 7 or Windows Vista can download IE9 at beautyoftheweb.com.

AFP – Internet search powerhouse Google is trying to put together an online music service that would take on Apple’s market-ruling iTunes, according to a report at Billboard.com.

AP – Microsoft Corp. unveiled the “beta” test version of Internet Explorer 9 on Wednesday, the first of a new generation of Web browser programs that tap into the powerful processors on board newer computers to make websites load and run faster.

The Upshot – Here is our roster of stories that managed to evade the full-on blog treatment: • Bill Clinton did not mince words when talking about Rep. Michele Bachmann and the tea party at a fundraiser in Minnesota. (Salon) • The Obama administration ordered the oil and gas industry to permanently shut nearly 3,500 nonproducing wells and [...]

The Upshot – Here is our roster of stories that managed to evade full-on blog treatment today: • A leaked memo might land French President Nicolas Sarkozy in hot water over his mass deportation of gypsies. (The Guardian) • The Senate may schedule a vote on the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy next week. (Washington Blade) • [...]

AFP – Americans are spending more time consuming news than a decade ago, adding online news to a diet of traditional media such as print newspapers, radio and television, according to a new survey.

AP – THE PROVIDER: The city-owned utility in Chattanooga, Tenn., which now provides electricity, television, telephone and Internet service to more than 169,000 residents in Tennessee and Georgia.

AP – Chattanooga’s city-owned electrical utility has started offering an Internet service that is among the fastest in the world, and it is hoping the move will attract businesses looking to relocate.

Reuters – EBay Inc on Monday won dismissal of a Tiffany & Co lawsuit accusing the auctioneer of deceiving customers by allowing the sale of counterfeit Tiffany jewelry on its website.