AP - Swine flu has infected as many as 1 million Americans, U.S. health officials said Thursday, adding that 6 percent or more of some urban populations are infected. The estimate voiced by a government flu scientist Thursday was no surprise to the experts who have been closely watching the virus.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - One day after Michael Jackson's sudden death, speculation was already turning on Friday to what killed the 50-year-old 'King of Pop' just weeks before his long-awaited series of comeback concerts.

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan (Reuters) - Two soldiers were killed on Friday in the first suicide bombing in Pakistani Kashmir while several people were hurt in a blast near the Afghan border as the army prepares to attack Taliban in that region.

AP - The news stunned nearly everyone, from the young man in Colombia who was named after the King of Pop, to Malaysians who named a soy drink for him, to a generation of people around the world who have tried to moonwalk.

AP - EDITOR'S NOTE: Iranian authorities have barred journalists for international news organizations from reporting on the streets and ordered them to stay in their offices. This report is based on the accounts of witnesses reached in Iran and official statements carried on Iranian media.

AP - Michigan has snatched back a few of its fast-disappearing auto jobs, winning a high-stakes competition with two other states to build General Motors Corp.'s next-generation subcompact car.

AP - A handful of undecided Democrats hold the key to whether the House will confront global warming and begin a shift away from fossil fuels to cleaner sources of energy.

AP - President Barack Obama has learned the lessons of Bill Clinton's failed bid to overhaul the nation's health care system. Too well, in fact, say fellow Democrats angry over his refusal to intervene while a conservative proposal advances in the Senate.

Reuters - One day after Michael Jackson's sudden death, speculation was already turning on Friday to what killed the 50-year-old 'King of Pop' just weeks before his long-awaited series of comeback concerts.

Reuters - Two soldiers were killed on Friday in the first suicide bombing in Pakistani Kashmir while several people were hurt in a blast near the Afghan border as the army prepares to attack Taliban in that region.

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran's top legislative body said on Friday it had found no major violations in the June 12 presidential election and called it the 'healthiest' vote since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives is poised to vote on Friday on one of the most significant environmental bills in history -- a sprawling measure that aims to wean industry off of carbon-emitting fuels blamed for global warming.

BEIRUT (Reuters) - A large majority of members of Lebanon's parliament will nominate U.S.-backed Saad al-Hariri for the post of prime minister, paving the way for his appointment later this week, political sources said on Friday.

AP - A senior Iranian cleric has called on the government to harshly punish the leaders of post-election protests.

AP - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford admits he used taxpayer money to see his mistress in Argentina and plans to repay the cash.

Reuters - Iran's top legislative body said on Friday it had found no major violations in the June 12 presidential election and called it the 'healthiest' vote since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Reuters - A large majority of members of Lebanon's parliament will nominate U.S.-backed Saad al-Hariri for the post of prime minister, paving the way for his appointment later this week, political sources said on Friday.

TEHRAN (Reuters) - A hardline Iranian cleric on Friday called for the execution of 'rioters' in the latest sign of the authorities' determination to stamp out opposition to the June 12 presidential election.

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli officials played down reports on Friday that a deal was close with Hamas that would include the release of an Israeli soldier held captive in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

AP - The news stunned nearly everyone, from the young man in Colombia who was named after the King of Pop, to Malaysians who named a soy drink for him, to a generation of people around the world who have tried to moonwalk.

AP - A booby-trapped motorcycle loaded with nails and ball-bearings exploded in a crowded bazaar Friday in Baghdad, killing at least 15 people, Iraqi officials said. The attack struck just four days before the deadline for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from cities.

AP - When Michael Jackson anointed himself 'King of Pop' over two decades ago, there was considerable rumbling about his hubris: Yes, he may have become a world sensation with record-setting sales of 'Thriller,' and yes, he may have had a string of No. 1 hits with smashes like 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It,' but the KING OF ALL POP MUSIC?

Reuters - A hardline Iranian cleric on Friday called for the execution of 'rioters' in the latest sign of the authorities' determination to stamp out opposition to the June 12 presidential election.

Reuters - Israeli officials played down reports on Friday that a deal was close with Hamas that would include the release of an Israeli soldier held captive in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

AFP - Iran's electoral watchdog insisted on Friday that this month's disputed presidential vote was the cleanest ever, rejecting opposition allegations of fraud that have brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on Friday on one of the most significant environmental bills in U.S. history -- a sprawling measure that aims to wean industry off of carbon-emitting fuels blamed for global warming.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will debate how to fix the global economy and fight climate change on Friday in a White House meeting that is likely to highlight a range of differences between the two leaders.

AP - Authorities are seeking to clear up the mystery surrounding Michael Jackson's death, including whether prescription drugs could have been a factor.

AP - Michael Jackson was due to make his triumphant return to the stage in London next month — but instead his sudden death has left millions of fans feeling they've lost a lifelong friend.

AP - EDITOR'S NOTE: Iranian authorities have barred journalists for international news organizations from reporting on the streets and ordered them to stay in their offices. This report is based on the accounts of witnesses reached in Iran and official statements carried on Iranian media.

AP - The man who would replace South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford if he resigned over his affair with a woman in Argentina is not joining Republican calls for the governor to resign.

AP - Households pushed their savings rate to the highest level in more than 15 years in May as a big boost in incomes from the government's stimulus program was devoted more to bolstering nest eggs than increased spending.

AP - Prosecutors have charged Detroit City Council member Monica Conyers, the wife of a congressman, with accepting cash bribes in exchange for supporting a sludge contract with a Houston company.

AP - Serena Williams walked onto Court 2 for her match Friday six minutes late. Otherwise she remained right on schedule at Wimbledon. The two-time champion became the first player to earn a spot in the second week of the tournament when she beat Roberta Vinci in the third round, 6-3, 6-4.

Reuters - The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on Friday on one of the most significant environmental bills in U.S. history -- a sprawling measure that aims to wean industry off of carbon-emitting fuels blamed for global warming.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Legislation that would force U.S. industries to sharply reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases over the next few decades cleared an important procedural hurdle in the House of Representatives on Friday.

NEW YORK/CHICAGO (Reuters) - The government unemployment checks keeping Candy Czernicki afloat are fast running out and her prospects of getting a new job appear remote.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will debate how to fix the economy and fight climate change on Friday in a White House meeting that is likely to highlight a range of differences between the two leaders.

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Allen Stanford, who faces criminal charges related to a massive Ponzi scheme, was back in a Texas courthouse on Friday waiting to find out whether he can be released on $500,000 bail.

AP - EDITOR'S NOTE: Iranian authorities have barred journalists for international news organizations from reporting on the streets and ordered them to stay in their offices. This report is based on the accounts of witnesses reached in Iran and official statements carried on Iranian media.

AP - President Barack Obama said Friday the United States and Germany share 'one voice' in condemning the Iranian effort to crush dissent. He said Iran's leaders cannot hide the 'outrageous' behavior of clamping down violently on their people.

AP - City Council member Monica Conyers, the wife of powerful Democratic congressman John Conyers, pleaded guilty Friday to accepting cash bribes in exchange for supporting a sludge contract with a Houston company.

AP - A booby-trapped motorcycle loaded with nails and ball-bearings exploded in a crowded bazaar Friday in Baghdad, killing at least 19 people and wounding 50, Iraqi officials said. The attack occurred just four days before the deadline for U.S. combat troops to withdraw from cities.

Reuters - Legislation that would force U.S. industries to sharply reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases over the next few decades cleared an important procedural hurdle in the House of Representatives on Friday.

Reuters - The government unemployment checks keeping Candy Czernicki afloat are fast running out and her prospects of getting a new job appear remote.

Reuters - U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will debate how to fix the economy and fight climate change on Friday in a White House meeting that is likely to highlight a range of differences between the two leaders.

Reuters - Allen Stanford, who faces criminal charges related to a massive Ponzi scheme, was back in a Texas courthouse on Friday waiting to find out whether he can be released on $500,000 bail.

AFP - Amid global tributes to pop superstar Michael Jackson on Friday, friends highlighted the mounting stress and dependence on medication as a possible cause of the King of Pop's sudden death.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - One day after Michael Jackson's sudden death, speculation turned to what killed the 50-year-old 'King of Pop' on the cusp of a long-awaited comeback concert series.

TEHRAN (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Friday praised the bravery of Iranians who protested against a disputed election in the face of 'outrageous' violence, while a hardline Iranian cleric called for the execution of leading 'rioters.'

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A controversial climate change bill sought by President Barack Obama advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, clearing the way for possible approval of a measure to control global warming.

AP - Police investigating Michael Jackson's death looked into his medical treatment Friday, seeking to interview one of the pop king's doctors and seizing a car that they said may contain drugs or other evidence.

AP - A 911 caller from Michael Jackson's home says he wasn't breathing or responding to efforts to revive him.

AP - President Barack Obama scoffed at the idea that he should apologize to Iran's leaders for criticizing their violent crackdown on demonstrators and said Friday it was President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who must answer to his own people.

AP - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford got back to work Friday, but first he had some more apologizing to do.

AP - City Council member Monica Conyers, the wife of powerful and popular Democratic congressman John Conyers, pleaded guilty Friday to accepting cash bribes in exchange for supporting a sludge contract with a Houston company.

AP - Motorcycle bombs killed at least 20 people in separate attacks in Baghdad Friday, most in a crowded bazaar, part of an apparent trend toward increased use of motorcycles to thwart stepped up security measures.

Reuters - One day after Michael Jackson's sudden death, speculation turned to what killed the 50-year-old 'King of Pop' on the cusp of a long-awaited comeback concert series.

Reuters - President Barack Obama on Friday praised the bravery of Iranians who protested against a disputed election in the face of 'outrageous' violence, while a hardline Iranian cleric called for the execution of leading 'rioters.'

Reuters - A controversial climate change bill sought by President Barack Obama advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday, clearing the way for possible approval of a measure to control global warming.

AFP - Michael Jackson's autopsy got underway Friday as attention turned to the possible role of drugs in the King of Pop's death and tributes poured in from all corners of the globe.

AFP - Iran's election watchdog is to set up a panel, including representatives of defeated candidates, to report on the disputed poll, its spokesman said on Friday while insisting the election was the country's cleanest ever.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - One day after Michael Jackson's sudden death, speculation turned to what killed the 50-year-old 'King of Pop' on the cusp of a long-awaited comeback concert series.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Friday heralded climate change legislation advancing in the U.S. Congress as 'enormous progress' but warned that developing countries spewing huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere also must impose controls.

HOUSTON (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Friday ruled that accused swindler Allen Stanford must remain in jail at least until June 29 until the court weighs a motion by the U.S. government to block his release.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel displayed a united front on Friday over Iran, climate and regulation, smoothing over -- at least in public -- differences that dogged their relationship.

AP - Police investigating Michael Jackson's death looked into his medical treatment Friday, seeking to interview one of the pop king's doctors and seizing a car that they said may contain drugs or other evidence.

AP - The House churned toward a showdown vote Friday on historic legislation to reduce pollution linked to global warming and power the nation with cleaner but more expensive energy.

AP - EDITOR'S NOTE: Iranian authorities have barred journalists for international news organizations from reporting on the streets and ordered them to stay in their offices. This report is based on the accounts of witnesses reached in Iran and official statements carried on Iranian media.

AP - Authorities said a couple got into a fight using Cheetos. The Bedford County Sheriff's Department said a 40-year-old man and 44-year-old woman became involved in a 'verbal altercation.' Somehow, the orange puffy snacks were used in the assault.

AP - When Roger Federer misfired on an important shot Friday, his knees buckled and he stomped behind the baseline, miffed at his mere mortality. The moment quickly passed, and Federer advanced to the second week at Wimbledon by beating Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-1.

Reuters - President Barack Obama on Friday heralded climate change legislation advancing in the U.S. Congress as 'enormous progress' but warned that developing countries spewing huge amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere also must impose controls.

Reuters - A U.S. judge on Friday ruled that accused swindler Allen Stanford must remain in jail at least until June 29 until the court weighs a motion by the U.S. government to block his release.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Doctors examined Michael Jackson's body on Friday for clues to his sudden death while friends and family pointed to possible prescription drug use by the 'King of Pop' as he prepared for a long-awaited comeback.

TEHRAN (Reuters) - President Barack Obama on Friday praised the bravery of Iranians who protested against a disputed election in the face of 'outrageous' violence, while a hardline Iranian cleric called for the execution of leading 'rioters.'

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Financier Allen Stanford will remain in a Texas jail at least until Monday as a federal judge reconsiders his $500,000 bond at the urging of prosecutors who say the accused swindler is a flight risk, according to a ruling on Friday.

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A United Nations meeting on the global economic crisis adopted proposals on Friday for reforming the world financial system, but the United States said the world body had no authority to order changes.

AP - Michael Jackson's death has led to skyrocketing sales of his music and videos, with major retailers selling out of products that have regained immense popularity overnight.

AP - It was a routine state cabinet meeting, one with reports on declining tax revenues, the number of kids on Medicaid and an update on a drunken driving campaign.

AP - City Councilwoman Monica Conyers pleaded guilty to bribery charges Friday, becoming the latest Detroit politician taken down by scandal and marking a victory for federal prosecutors in their nearly two-year investigation into city corruption.

Reuters - Doctors examined Michael Jackson's body on Friday for clues to his sudden death while friends and family pointed to possible prescription drug use by the 'King of Pop' as he prepared for a long-awaited comeback.

Reuters - President Barack Obama on Friday praised the bravery of Iranians who protested against a disputed election in the face of 'outrageous' violence, while a hardline Iranian cleric called for the execution of leading 'rioters.'

Reuters - Financier Allen Stanford will remain in a Texas jail at least until Monday as a federal judge reconsiders his $500,000 bond at the urging of prosecutors who say the accused swindler is a flight risk, according to a ruling on Friday.

Reuters - A United Nations meeting on the global economic crisis adopted proposals on Friday for reforming the world financial system, but the United States said the world body had no authority to order changes.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Doctors completed an autopsy on the body of Michael Jackson on Friday but said they could not immediately establish a cause of death for the 'King of Pop' as speculation centered on his use of prescription painkillers.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama scored a major victory on Friday when the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to slash industrial pollution that is blamed for global warming.

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazil's Air Force and Navy on Friday called off the search for additional victims and wreckage from Air France Flight 447, which crashed over the Atlantic on June 1 carrying 228 people.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Swindler Bernard Madoff should receive a sentence that ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison, U.S. prosecutors argued on Friday, citing the 'unique scope and duration' of his crimes.

CHICAGO (Reuters) - More than 1 million people in the United States may have been infected with the new H1N1 swine flu, U.S. health officials said on Friday, and infections continue to rise.

AP - Michael Jackson apparently suffered a heart attack, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Friday. Police planned to interview the doctor who was with the pop icon during his last minutes and pumped his chest in a vain attempt to save his life.

AP - Michael Jackson spent the last years of his life buried in debt. But the King of Pop's death is likely to yield a financial bonanza more lucrative than any comeback tour ever could, as fans snap up his music and memorabilia and perhaps one day get the chance to tour his Neverland home.

AP - In a triumph for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed sweeping legislation Friday that calls for the nation's first limits on pollution linked to global warming and aims to usher in a new era of cleaner, yet more costly energy.

AP - Stymied by Congress so far, the White House is considering issuing an executive order to indefinitely imprison a small number of Guantanamo Bay detainees considered too dangerous to prosecute or release, two administration officials said Friday.

AP - South Carolina first lady Jenny Sanford sat in her oceanfront living room Friday, recalling how her husband repeatedly asked permission to visit his lover in the months after she discovered his affair.

AP - Geovany Soto hit a three-run homer, Jake Fox went deep again to back another solid start by Randy Wells and the Chicago Cubs broke a four-game losing streak by beating the White Sox 5-4 on Friday.

Reuters - Doctors completed an autopsy on the body of Michael Jackson on Friday but said they could not immediately establish a cause of death for the 'King of Pop' as speculation centered on his use of prescription painkillers.

Reuters - President Barack Obama scored a major victory on Friday when the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to slash industrial pollution that is blamed for global warming.

Reuters - Brazil's Air Force and Navy on Friday called off the search for additional victims and wreckage from Air France Flight 447, which crashed over the Atlantic on June 1 carrying 228 people.

Reuters - Swindler Bernard Madoff should receive a sentence that ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison, U.S. prosecutors argued on Friday, citing the 'unique scope and duration' of his crimes.

Reuters - More than 1 million people in the United States may have been infected with the new H1N1 swine flu, U.S. health officials said on Friday, and infections continue to rise.

AFP - The world's most powerful figures from politics to entertainment joined Friday in mourning Michael Jackson, hailing him as a musical genius but also grieving over a life filled with tragedy.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Swindler Bernard Madoff should spend the rest of his life in prison, U.S. prosecutors argued on Friday, citing the 'unique scope and duration' of his crimes as the leader of Wall Street's biggest fraud.

AP - The final act of Michael Jackson's life came into clearer focus Friday, a picture of a fallen superstar working out with TV's 'Incredible Hulk' and under the care of his own private cardiologist as he tried to get his 50-year-old body in shape for a grueling bid to reclaim his glory.

AP - In a triumph for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed sweeping legislation Friday that calls for the nation's first limits on pollution linked to global warming and aims to usher in a new era of cleaner, yet more costly energy.

AP - The New York Islanders kept everyone guessing, including John Tavares himself, right up until they made the high-scoring center the No. 1 pick in the 2009 NHL entry draft.

Reuters - Swindler Bernard Madoff should spend the rest of his life in prison, U.S. prosecutors argued on Friday, citing the 'unique scope and duration' of his crimes as the leader of Wall Street's biggest fraud.

AP - The final act of Michael Jackson's life came into clearer focus Friday, a picture of a fallen superstar working out with TV's 'Incredible Hulk' and under the care of his own private cardiologist as he tried to get his 50-year-old body in shape for a grueling bid to reclaim his glory.

AP - Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff must forfeit $170 billion, a federal judge ordered Friday.