AP - Oil prices rebounded Wednesday in Asia from a tumble of more than $5 in the previous session after Iran test-fired nine missiles, renewing fears of a conflict that could cut global oil supplies.

AP - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was collecting Bulgaria's highest honor on Wednesday for her help in securing Libya's release of six medics nearly a year ago. Rice played less of a public role than several other international figures in winning the medics' release, but Libya agreed to free them in part to improve its relationship with the United States.

AP - The Army three-star general who for a year led efforts to train Iraq's army and police units says progress is mixed and U.S. help is needed for the foreseeable future.

AP - A wind-stoked wildfire northeast of Sacramento burned dozens of homes Tuesday and has forced thousands of fire-weary residents to flee, state officials said.

AP - President Bush on Wednesday hailed the move by G-8 leaders to coalesce behind a broad global climate-change strategy, claiming "significant progress toward a comprehensive approach."

AFP - US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed Tuesday what she called a "landmark" missile defence deal with the Czech Republic that drew immediate fire from Russia.

AFP - The Group of Eight major powers agreed Tuesday to at least halve global carbon emissions by 2050 in what leaders hailed as a step forward, but developing nations rejected as an "empty slogan".

Reuters - A coalition of unions, think tanks and other groups launched an advertising campaign on Tuesday saying they want to ensure that health-care reform tops the U.S. political agenda after the November elections.

Reuters - Iran will hit Tel Aviv, U.S. shipping in the Gulf and American interests around the world if it is attacked over its disputed nuclear activities, an aide to Iran's Supreme Leader was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

Reuters - The president should be forced by law to consult Congress before going to war, a bipartisan panel including several prominent former U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

Reuters - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama proposed overhauling bankruptcy laws on Tuesday to ease the impact on people unable to pay their bills because of medical expenses or military service.

Reuters - The United States and the Czech Republic signed an agreement on Tuesday to build part of a U.S. missile defense shield, prompting Russia to say that if deployed it would respond with "military-technical methods."

Reuters - Iraq will not accept any security agreement with the United States unless it includes dates for the withdrawal of foreign forces, the government's national security adviser said on Tuesday.