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Here’s what is on tap for Friday: ‘FOX & Friends First’ (6 a.m. ET) Will President Bush’s speech energize his party and his campaign? Ellis Henican, columnist for New York Newsday, and Dr. Monica Crowley, WABC radio host, join the debate. Plus, will the president receive a post-conventionbounce? (search) We’ll …

NEW YORK – Oil prices neared $49 a barrel Friday, capping a rise of 7 percent for the week, as Gulf of Mexico crude production rebounded at a slower-than-expected rate in the wake of Hurricane Ivan. Light crude for November delivery rose 42 cents to settle at a new high …

BRUSSELS, Belgium – NATO diplomats and Russia’s ambassador to the alliance pledged to remain united in the fight against terror Tuesday, condemning that attack on a Russian school that left more than 350 people dead. NATO ambassadors met with Russia’s ambassador to the alliance,Konstantin Totskiy (search), to show solidarity following …

WASHINGTON – The top U.S. military officer in Iraq,Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez (search), will be replaced as part of a command restructuring that has been in the works for several months, administration officials said Tuesday. The Pentagon also suspendedBrig. Gen. Janis Karpinski (search)from her command. Both have become symbols of …

BOSTON – TheBoston Globe (search)apologized Thursday for running a photo containing sexually graphic images that purported to show U.S. soldiers raping Iraqi women. In an editor’s note, the newspaper said the photograph “did not meet Globe standards for publication” because the images “were overly graphic and the purported abuse portrayed …

WASHINGTON – Search for recipes on Cooking Light’s Web site in the coming days and you’re likely to find first ladyLaura Bush (search)praising her husband’s education policies. Check game statistics at Sports Illustrated’s site and you may seeJohn Kerry’s (search)picture on an ad seeking donations in support of the Democrat. …

PHILADELPHIA – Under pressure from federal regulators, Comcast Corp. reversed its stance over hampering online file-sharing by its subscribers and promised Thursday to treat all types of Internet traffic equally. The Internet service provider said it will collaborate with BitTorrent Inc., the company that invented a more efficient successor to …

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Ola Mae Venable spent only three days in eighth grade before deciding she’d rather work on her family’s farm. That was in the 1940s. Now, at the age of 79, Venable is a great-grandmother and the proud holder of a diploma. Venable earned a General Educational Development …

HARRISONVILLE, Mo. – The older sister of a girl allegedly molested and impregnated four times by their father said Thursday their mother allowed the abuse and should face more than a child-endangerment charge. “I want her to get more charges,” the 20-year-old said outside a western Missouri courthouse. “I want …

SHANGHAI – China likely overtook the U.S. in vehicle sales for the first time last month, a trend that could make China into the world’s largest auto market this year. Official data for China’s auto sales in January will not be out until next week. But they are expected to …