White House Denounces Pelosi Trip to Syria

W.House slams planned Syria trip by House speaker:

The Bush administration on Friday condemned plans by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to visit Syria and possibly meet its president, who the United States has accused of helping destabilize the region.

Shiite Cleric Calls for Mass Protest Against U.S:

Religious leaders commanded by the radical Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr delivered a searing speech at Friday prayers today condemning the American presence in Iraq, while militiamen loyal to Mr. Sadr engaged in street battles against Iraqi Army soldiers in southwestern Baghdad, suggesting a resurgence of the militia.

Bush apologizes for hospital conditions:

President Bush apologized to troops face to face on Friday for shoddy conditions they have endured at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He shook the artificial hand of a lieutenant and cradled a newborn whose daddy is nursing his remaining, severely injured leg back to health.

Recall expanded to some dry cat food:

Federal testing of recalled pet foods turned up a chemical used to make plastics but failed to confirm the presence of a cancer drug also used as rat poison. The recall expanded Friday to include the first dry pet food.

Somalia battles called worst in 15 years:

Insurgents shot down a helicopter gunship in Somalia's capital and mortar shells slammed into a hospital Friday in the worst fighting seen in this beleaguered capital in more than 15 years.

Milk prices expected to rise 9 percent:

Dairy economists predict the retail price of milk could rise as much as 30 cents per gallon a 9 percent jump by fall. The reasons include rising fuel and feed costs for farmers and increasing demand for milk products around the globe.

Giuliani Admits Again Making Mistake in Backing Kerik:

Republican White House hopeful Rudy Giuliani acknowledges again that he made a mistake in recommending Bernard Kerik to be homeland security chief.

Plastics Chemical Found in Pet Food Linked to Deaths:

Federal testing of recalled pet foods turned up a chemical used to make plastics but failed to confirm the presence of a cancer drug also used as rat poison. The recall expanded Friday to include the first dry pet food.

Former S.C. Teacher Indicted:

A former middle school teacher accused of having sex with five boys was indicted Friday.

Seattle-Area Pedophile Has 'How-to' Web Site for Men:

A Web site created by a pedophile is a virtual 'how-to' manual, complete with the best places in western Washington state to see little girls, and tips on how to avoid getting caught by the police.

Official: Russia Ramps Up Spy Machine:

Russia has fully restored its espionage capabilities against the United States after a period of decline following the Cold War, a senior U.S. counterintelligence official said Thursday.

U.S. Unprepared For Oil Supply Crisis: Government Report:

As crude oil prices surge on rising political tensions with Iran, a new government report released Thursday said that the U.S. is unprepared to face an oil supply crisis and urged U.S. policymakers to develop a strategy in order to reduce potential risks related to an oil shock.