WASHINGTON (AP) -- A U.S. Senate panel endorsed a major arms control treaty with Russia on Thursday to advance one of President Barack Obama's top foreign policy goals.

WASHINGTON — "The Daily Show" host Jon Stewart is hosting a "million moderate march" in Washington — for people who think shouting is annoying — but faux political nemesis Stephen Colbert will be nearby to keep fear alive against those "dark, optimistic forces."

VERACRUZ, Mexico – Mexico shut down its only nuclear power plant and its central Gulf Coast oil platforms Friday as Hurricane Karl thrashed the port city of Veracruz with 100 mph (160 kph) winds, and waves topped 16 feet (5 meters) in some beach towns.

Shareholders of United and Continental airlines voted Friday to approve a combination of their companies that would create the world's biggest airline and could have far-reaching effects on where they fly and how much they charge passengers.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Residents, utility crews and railroad workers cleaned up debris Friday after a brief but fierce storm barreled through New York City, tearing up trees, stripping roofs from homes, disrupting train service and killing at least one person.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) – Mortar rounds fired by suspected Islamist insurgents crashed into Somalia's government complex on Thursday, killing three government soldiers, wounding a member of parliament and triggering a counterattack that killed a dozen more people.
The attack happened while parliament was in session to pass a motion asking leaders of the shaky government to appear within three days for a vote of confidence.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says Muslims don't hate Americans and recognizes that only a vocal minority of Americans actually hate Muslims.
The Skanner News Video

EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) – Pope Benedict XVI began a controversial visit to Britain on Thursday by acknowledging the Catholic Church had not acted decisively or quickly enough against priests who molested children. He said the church's top priority now was to help abuse victims heal.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation's capital will have a new mayor after voters Tuesday ousted Adrian Fenty, a backer of education reform who some said had become out of touch.

WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats are confronting deep divisions within their nervous ranks over whether to support President Barack Obama's plan to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans — or just punt the entire matter until after voters go to the polls Nov. 2.