Thousands of Afghans protest U.S. Koran-burning plan
KABUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The pastor of a small Florida church, facing an outpouring of concern from U.S. leaders and anger from Muslims worldwide, said on Friday he did not plan to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Judge rules ban on gays in military unconstitutional
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military rule banning openly gay people from serving in the armed forces violates constitutional rights to free speech and due process, a federal judge in southern California ruled Thursday.

Gas blast near San Francisco kills 1
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A fiery natural gas explosion ripped through a residential neighborhood in a San Francisco suburb on Thursday, ravaging some 50 homes and killing at least one person, officials said.

Obama taps Goolsbee as top White House economist
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama has chosen Austan Goolsbee as the new head of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, U.S. administration officials said on Thursday, promoting a longtime adviser from his inner policy circle.

Japan PM widens lead in party leadership race
TOKYO (Reuters) - Prime Minister Naoto Kan has widened his lead over powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa ahead in a party leadership vote, Kyodo news agency said on Friday, days before the contest that could set Japan's fiscal priorities.

Special Report: Power struggles: charging tomorrow's cars
LONDON (Reuters) - Imagine driving across America using a fuel so new you have to carry your own supply wherever you go.

FAA to unveil new pilot fatigue rules: report
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Federal aviation regulators are expected to unveil long-awaited proposals to combat pilot fatigue on Friday, replacing decades-old work rules, the Wall Street Journal reported.

USDA knew of problems at farm behind egg recall: report
BANGALORE (Reuters) - U.S. Department of Agriculture experts knew about sanitary problems at one of the two Iowa farms at the center of a massive nationwide egg recall, but did not notify health authorities, the Wall Street Journal reported.

U.S. troops charged with murder of Afghan civilians
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Twelve U.S. soldiers have been charged with gruesome crimes in Afghanistan ranging from murdering civilians to keeping body parts as war trophies -- revelations that the Pentagon said on Thursday damaged America's image around the world.

U.N. goals to slash poverty, hunger achievable: draft
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A set of U.N. goals aimed at drastically reducing poverty and hunger worldwide by 2015 are achievable, despite setbacks caused by the global financial and economic crises, a draft document said.

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