BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis voted behind barbed wire and rings of police on Saturday in an election that tested the war-battered country's fragile security gains and which may ease lingering sectarian resentment still fuelling violence.

AP - Iraqis passed through security checkpoints and police cordons to vote Saturday in provincial elections that are considered a crucial test of the nation's stability as U.S. officials consider the pace of troop withdrawals.

AP - A tour bus overturned on a highway near the Hoover Dam on Friday, killing seven Chinese nationals and injuring at least 10 other people, authorities said.

Reuters - Iraqis voted behind barbed wire and rings of police on Saturday in an election that tested the war-battered country's fragile security gains and which may ease lingering sectarian resentment still fuelling violence.

AFP - Iraqis were voting in provincial elections on Saturday in a crucial test for a nation struggling to emerge from years of sectarian strife and strengthen its fledgling democracy.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration is not likely to impose tougher restrictions on executive pay on most firms receiving aid under the government's $700 billion financial rescue program, the Washington Post reported on Saturday.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis voted behind barbed wire and rings of police on Saturday in an election that tested the war-battered country's fragile security gains and which may ease lingering sectarian resentment still fuelling violence.

AP - Iraqis passed through security checkpoints and razor-wire cordons to vote Saturday in provincial elections that are considered a crucial test of the nation's stability as U.S. officials consider the pace of troop withdrawals.

AP - Despite fears of a worsening economy and potential labor problems, commissioner Roger Goodell tried to be upbeat Friday, saying the game was showing signs of being safer and that the league wasn't done tinkering with overtime. In his state of the NFL address at the Super Bowl, Goodell said he was hopeful there would be a new agreement with the union before the 2010 season.

Reuters - The Obama administration is not likely to impose tougher restrictions on executive pay on most firms receiving aid under the government's $700 billion financial rescue program, the Washington Post reported on Saturday.

AFP - Iraqis were voting in provincial elections on Saturday in a crucial test for a nation struggling to emerge from years of sectarian strife and strengthen its fledgling democracy.

AP - Commercial airline crews reported more than two dozen emergency landings, aborted takeoffs or other hair-raising incidents due to collisions with birds in the past two years, according to a confidential database managed by NASA.

AP - Less than two weeks into office, President Barack Obama faces a dilemma over protectionist provisions in a massive economic stimulus bill: Backing the measures could set off a trade war, while opposing them could trigger a backlash from his supporters.

AP - Serena Williams routed Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-3 Saturday to win the Australian Open for her 10th Grand Slam title and a return to the No. 1 ranking.

AP - Driving home at night from her Capitol office, the leader of Alaska's House Democrats often passes the governor's white-columned mansion and wonders why more lights aren't on.

AP - A crippling winter storm has plunged about a million customers into the dark from the Midwest to the East Coast, and thousands of people in ice-caked Kentucky have sought refuge in motels and shelters.

AP - President Barack Obama campaigned on a promise to redirect U.S. troops and resources to Afghanistan from Iraq, but he has done little so far to suggest he will significantly widen the grinding war with insurgents in Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama promised on Saturday to help lower Americans' mortgage costs with a new plan, coming soon, that would revive the financial system and 'get credit flowing again.'

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis voted enthusiastically behind barbed wire and rings of police on Saturday in a provincial poll they hope will solidify the war-battered country's fragile security gains.

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Serena Williams stole the show on Saturday, sweeping her fourth Australian Open title and snatching the world number one ranking with a lopsided thrashing of Dinara Safina.

ALGIERS (Reuters) - Allegations that the CIA station chief in Algiers drugged and raped Muslim women may hurt efforts by President Barack Obama to improve U.S. relations with the Muslim world, Algerian dailies said Saturday.

AP - President Barack Obama said Saturday his administration will outline a new strategy in the coming days for spending billions of federal dollars to pull the nation out of an economic crisis he described as 'devastating.'

Reuters - President Barack Obama promised on Saturday to help lower Americans' mortgage costs with a new plan, coming soon, that would revive the financial system and 'get credit flowing again.'

Reuters - Iraqis voted enthusiastically behind barbed wire and rings of police on Saturday in a provincial poll they hope will solidify the war-battered country's fragile security gains.

Reuters - Serena Williams stole the show on Saturday, sweeping her fourth Australian Open title and snatching the world number one ranking with a lopsided thrashing of Dinara Safina.

Reuters - Allegations that the CIA station chief in Algiers drugged and raped Muslim women may hurt efforts by President Barack Obama to improve U.S. relations with the Muslim world, Algerian dailies said Saturday.

AFP - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso pledged 1.5 trillion yen (17 billion dollars) in development aid to other Asian countries on Saturday for infrastructure projects that will help boost growth.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Protected by barbed wire and rings of police, Iraqis voted enthusiastically on Saturday in a provincial poll they hope will solidify the war-battered country's fragile security gains.

GENEVA/DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Hundreds of people rallied in Geneva and Davos Saturday to protest against the World Economic Forum, saying the elite gathered for it annual meeting are not qualified to fix the world's problems.

AP - President Barack Obama on Saturday promised to lower mortgage costs, offer job-creating loans for small businesses, get credit flowing and rein in free-spending executives as he readies a new road map for spending billions from the second installment of the financial rescue plan.

AP - Serena Williams routed Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-3 Saturday to win the Australian Open for her 10th Grand Slam title and a return to the No. 1 ranking.

AP - Utility crews renewed work in subfreezing temperatures Saturday in their effort to put the power back on for nearly a million customers left in the dark by an ice storm that crippled parts of several states this week.

AP - It's time for that annual winter ritual where people gather before their TV screens to whoop and holler as they gobble down unhealthy treats. Yes, it's Super Bowl time. And Sunday's NFL championship wouldn't be complete without a look at its uber-expensive advertising, which is priced at an all-time high.

Reuters - Protected by barbed wire and rings of police, Iraqis voted enthusiastically on Saturday in a provincial poll they hope will solidify the war-battered country's fragile security gains.

Reuters - Hundreds of people rallied in Geneva and Davos Saturday to protest against the World Economic Forum, saying the elite gathered for it annual meeting are not qualified to fix the world's problems.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis held their most peaceful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein on Saturday, and voting for provincial councils ended without a single major attack reported anywhere in the country.

GENEVA/DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Hundreds of people rallied in Geneva and Davos Saturday to protest against the World Economic Forum, saying the elite gathered for it annual meeting are not qualified to fix the world's problems.

KABUL (Reuters) - Plans are being drawn up to form a new Afghan security unit to patrol dangerous areas where the Taliban insurgency is most acute, government officials said on Saturday.

AP - Iraqis passed through security checkpoints and razor-wire cordons to vote Saturday in provincial elections that are considered a crucial test of the nation's stability as U.S. officials consider the pace of troop withdrawals.

AP - An Obama administration official says that Republican Sen. Judd Gregg of New Hampshire is the leading candidate to become commerce secretary.

AP - Utility crews worked in subfreezing temperatures Saturday to try to put the power back on for nearly a million customers left without electricity by an ice storm that crippled parts of several states this week.

AP - No matter the color of your work shirt, this recession is sparing few.

AP - The director of an Iraqi orphanage says a sculpture honoring an Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former President George W. Bush has been removed.

Reuters - Iraqis held their most peaceful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein on Saturday, and voting for provincial councils ended without a single major attack reported anywhere in the country.

Reuters - Hundreds of people rallied in Geneva and Davos Saturday to protest against the World Economic Forum, saying the elite gathered for it annual meeting are not qualified to fix the world's problems.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama sought on Saturday to rally support for his emerging economic rescue package, as he stood by his latest cabinet nominee to run into tax problems that could impede Senate confirmation.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis held their most peaceful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein on Saturday, voting for provincial councils without a single major attack reported anywhere in the country.

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - General Mills Inc and other food makers are benefiting from a sharp rise in home cooking in the United States and to a lesser extent in Western Europe, the head of the U.S. company said on Saturday.

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said on Saturday any protectionist moves by the United States or other countries would meet resistance around the world but Canada would not erect trade barriers of its own.

AP - Nairobi's sprawling Kibera slum is far from America but not from America's battle over abortion.

AP - The dead loom over the morning editorial meeting at Russia's leading investigative newspaper. Novaya Gazeta's staff is trying to plan the next issue and editor-in-chief Dmitry Muratov is in an understandably foul mood.

AP - Serena Williams always selects a special outfit to bring to Australia for a victory celebration. Every second year, she gets to wear it.

Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama sought on Saturday to rally support for his emerging economic rescue package, as he stood by his latest cabinet nominee to run into tax problems that could impede Senate confirmation.

Reuters - Iraqis held their most peaceful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein on Saturday, voting for provincial councils without a single major attack reported anywhere in the country.

Reuters - General Mills Inc and other food makers are benefiting from a sharp rise in home cooking in the United States and to a lesser extent in Western Europe, the head of the U.S. company said on Saturday.

Reuters - Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty said on Saturday any protectionist moves by the United States or other countries would meet resistance around the world but Canada would not erect trade barriers of its own.

AFP - Russian security forces on Saturday arrested dozens of activists as the authorities forcefully broke up protests against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's handling of the economic crisis.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqis held their most peaceful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein on Saturday, voting for provincial councils without a single major attack in a poll that demonstrated the country's dramatic security gains.

DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Key trade ministers agreed on Saturday to step up efforts to reach a new global trade deal and guard against protectionism to help pull the world out of economic crisis.

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Some 24,000 workers at U.S. refineries, chemical plants and oil pipelines were poised on Saturday to start a strike that could affect half the nation's oil refining capacity and boost pump prices.

NAIROBI (Reuters) - More than 50 people died in Kenya when an oil spill from a crashed truck caught fire as hundreds of people crowded round it, authorities said on Saturday.

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The number of U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians killed in attacks in January fell to the lowest level since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, data showed on Saturday.

OTTAWA (Reuters) - The Canadian government voiced cautious optimism on Saturday about a solution to concerns about a 'Buy American' provision but, if that fails, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was likely to raise the issue with U.S. President Barack Obama at their February 19 summit in Canada.

REYKJAVIK (Reuters) - A new center-left government for crisis-hit Iceland expects to take office on Sunday after securing key political support and aims to lead the country to an election in April, parties said on Saturday.

AP - Passing through razor-wire cordons and police checkpoints, Iraqi voters Saturday took another step in the nation's quest for stability in provincial elections that were carried off without major violence but tarnished by claims of flaws and threats of challenges.

AP - Gov. Steve Beshear called up his entire Army National Guard on Saturday, tripling his troops with his state still reeling from a deadly ice storm that knocked out power from the Midwest to the East Coast.

AP - President Barack Obama appeared Saturday to be leaning toward appointing a third Republican to his Cabinet, a move that would place the fiscally conservative Sen. Judd Gregg at the head of the Commerce Department even though a liberal Democrat was initially tapped for the post.

AP - President Barack Obama on Saturday promised to lower mortgage costs, offer job-creating loans for small businesses, get credit flowing and rein in free-spending executives as he readies a new road map for spending billions from the second installment of the financial rescue plan.

Reuters - Iraqis held their most peaceful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein on Saturday, voting for provincial councils without a single major attack in a poll that demonstrated the country's dramatic security gains.

Reuters - Key trade ministers agreed on Saturday to step up efforts to reach a new global trade deal and guard against protectionism to help pull the world out of economic crisis.

Reuters - Some 24,000 workers at U.S. refineries, chemical plants and oil pipelines were poised on Saturday to start a strike that could affect half the nation's oil refining capacity and boost pump prices.

Reuters - More than 50 people died in Kenya when an oil spill from a crashed truck caught fire as hundreds of people crowded round it, authorities said on Saturday.

Reuters - The number of U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians killed in attacks in January fell to the lowest level since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, data showed on Saturday.

Reuters - The Canadian government voiced cautious optimism on Saturday about a solution to concerns about a 'Buy American' provision but, if that fails, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was likely to raise the issue with U.S. President Barack Obama at their February 19 summit in Canada.

AFP - Thousands of supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra rallied outside Thailand's main government offices in Bangkok Saturday, vowing to fight on until the new administration left office.

MOLO, Kenya (Reuters) - An oil spill from a crashed truck burst into flames in Kenya Saturday, killing at least 50 people who had crowded round in search of free fuel.

TAMPA, Florida (Reuters) - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and wide receiver Hines Ward have overcome their injuries and are fit to play in the Super Bowl, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Saturday.

AP - Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson and Derrick Thomas, all witnesses for the defense. All Pro Football Hall of Famers.

Reuters - An oil spill from a crashed truck burst into flames in Kenya Saturday, killing at least 50 people who had crowded round in search of free fuel.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama sought to rally support for his emerging economic rescue package on Saturday, as he stood by his latest cabinet nominee to run into tax problems that could impede confirmation.

AP - Gov. Steve Beshear deployed every last one of his Army National Guardsmen on Saturday, with his state still reeling after a deadly ice storm encrusted it this week.

AP - Way before Prince, Paul McCartney or the Rolling Stones ever stepped onto a Super Bowl stage, there was Shirlee Bertolini. In her donkey costume.

AP - Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson and Derrick Thomas, all witnesses for the defense. All Pro Football Hall of Famers.

Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama sought to rally support for his emerging economic rescue package on Saturday, as he stood by his latest cabinet nominee to run into tax problems that could impede confirmation.

HOUSTON (Reuters) - The United Steelworkers Union said on Saturday it would extend by 24 hours talks for a new labor contract for U.S. refinery workers, delaying a possible strike that could affect over half of U.S. refining capacity.

Reuters - The United Steelworkers Union said on Saturday it would extend by 24 hours talks for a new labor contract for U.S. refinery workers, delaying a possible strike that could affect over half of U.S. refining capacity.

MOLO, Kenya (Reuters) - The death toll from an oil spill blaze in central Kenya has risen to 111, making it one of the east African nation's worst disasters of recent times, police said on Sunday.

Reuters - The death toll from an oil spill blaze in central Kenya has risen to 111, making it one of the east African nation's worst disasters of recent times, police said on Sunday.

AFP - The world is entering an era of big government with only state muscle powerful enough to fight the economic crisis, top leaders signalled at the Davos summit.