In addition, the White House today released a Department of State and Department of Homeland Security report highlighting the progress of efforts to make the United States more welcoming to international visitors and demonstrating that they are on track to meet the goals of the President's January Executive Order.

WHITEHOUSE: Our Top Stories

The fanfare attending Monday's signing by President Bush of the legislation establishing the Department of Homeland Security inspired hope that the United States' pervasive vulnerability to attack would shortly begin to be redressed.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

Eight former officials of the Department of Homeland Security are asking how to improve security here in the United States.

NPR: Assessing Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security alerted 128 flights that were then en route to the United States from Europe and told them to take security precautions, CNN's Jeanne Meserve reported.

CNN: Feinstein wants reversal of policy on no-fly list

It is rare but possible for the Department of Homeland Security to "parole'' a foreign national into the United States in extraordinary cases, for individuals of special interest to the United States, when a walk-in is in immediate danger, or when the case is "politically sensitive, '' the cable states.

WSJ: U.S. Saw Chongqing Top Cop as Risky Asylum Candidate

Washington (CNN) -- Authorities have "no indication of any specific, credible threats or plots" against the United States as a result of the one-year anniversary of the death of Osama bin Laden, a Department of Homeland Security spokesman said Monday.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS