AP - Republican presidential candidate John McCain pledged Friday to help auto workers rebuild their industry and in the process jump-start the entire U.S. economy.

AP - Citigroup has become the latest big bank to assuage Wall Street's worries about the financial sector, posting a $2.5 billion second-quarter loss that was smaller than the market expected.

AP - The United States and Iraq have agreed to seek "a general time horizon" for deeper reductions in American combat troops in Iraq despite President Bush's once-inflexible opposition to talking about deadlines and timetables.

AP - Iraqi soldiers took up positions on rooftops and military helicopters hovered overhead Friday in a show of strength in a Baghdad district where Shiite militiamen once ruled the streets. There were no reports of violence.

AFP - Nelson Mandela, the icon of the anti-apartheid movement and South Africa's first black president, was marking his 90th birthday Friday as tributes poured in from around the world.

AFP - Pope Benedict XVI warned Christian leaders Friday the ecumenical movement was at a "critical juncture", as Anglican bishops met amid a split in their church over the ordination of women and gays.

Reuters - Foreign ministers of the six countries in talks on ending North Korea's nuclear arms program are expected to hold their first meeting next week at a regional forum in Singapore, a diplomatic source in Seoul said on Friday.

Reuters - A Yemeni likely to be the first person tried before the U.S. war crimes court at Guantanamo naval base was more than just a driver for Osama bin Laden, U.S. agents said on Thursday.

Reuters - Republican presidential candidate John McCain said on Thursday he believes Democrat Barack Obama's upcoming trip to Europe is tantamount to holding political rallies abroad.

Reuters - Iran's chief nuclear negotiator expressed hope for "good and constructive" talks when he left Tehran on Friday for a meeting in Geneva with world powers on the country's disputed nuclear program.

Reuters - Pope Benedict called for all religions to unite against terrorism and resolve conflicts peacefully on Friday and heard an Islamic leader urge Christians to overcome "misconceptions and prejudices" about Muslims.

AP - The flags around Royal Birkdale flapped in the stiff breeze Friday morning. A light, misting rain fell from the gray clouds, which obscured any hint of the sun. By British Open standards, a normal morning. Compared to 24 hours earlier, a huge improvement.