John McCain Says Sarah Palin To Play Leadership Role As Ex-Governor Jul 4, 2009 McCain made the comment a day after Palin stunned the political world by announcing she is stepping down with 18 months left in her term.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Signals Key Budget Concession Jul 4, 2009 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, optimistic California can finish its budget negotiations in a few days, is willing to reconsider his proposed cuts to education in hopes of averting a cash crisis.

That'll Do Pig, Zoo Tells Afghanistan's Only Porker Jul 4, 2009 Afghanistan's only known pig trotted out of quarantine on Saturday, two months after he was locked away because of swine flu fears, to bask again in the mud at the Kabul Zoo.

Iran Hangs 20 Drug Traffickers In One Day: IRNA Jul 4, 2009 Iran hanged 20 drug traffickers on Saturday, official media reported, days after putting to death 12 other convicted criminals.

Nine Chechen Police Killed In Russia's Ingushetia Jul 4, 2009 Nine Chechen policemen sent to crush an insurgency in the neighboring Russian republic of Ingushetia were gunned down Saturday, Interfax reported.