Flexing Muscle, China Destroys Satellite in Test  —  China successfully carried out its first test of an antisatellite weapon last week, signaling its resolve to play a major role in military space activities and bringing expressions of concern from Washington and other capitals, the Bush administration said yesterday.

Muqtada al-Sadr aide arrested in Baghdad  —  BAGHDAD, Iraq - U.S. and Iraqi forces arrested one of Muqtada al-Sadr's top aides Friday in Baghdad, his office said, as pressure increases on the radical Shiite cleric's militia ahead of a planned security sweep aimed at stemming the sectarian violence ransacking the capital.

Don't mention the war (or bash Bush)  —  Look, we realize that the White House Correspondents Association dinner is a "fun" event, and it would be nice, in theory, to free it from the shackles of the supposed adversarial relationship between the press corps and the president it covers.

White House Shifting Tactics in Surveillance Cases  —  In a four-paragraph letter on Wednesday announcing that the Bush administration had reversed its position and would submit its domestic surveillance program to judicial supervision, Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales used one phrase three times.

Radicals vs. moderates: British Muslims at crossroads … DUBLIN, Ireland (CNN) — At a recent debate over the battle for Islamic ideals in England, a British-born Muslim stood before the crowd and said Prophet Mohammed's message to nonbelievers is: "I come to slaughter all of you."

The Most Depressing Poll Ever  —  In the latest Fox News poll, just out today, the pollsters asked the following question: … Here are the results: … Friends, I'll allow you a minute to wrap your minds around this, for we are truly through the looking class.

House Democrats finish '100 hours' agenda by passing oil revenue bill  —  WASHINGTON (CNN) — House Democrats brought their "100-hour" legislative agenda to a successful close Thursday evening with passage of legislation designed to force oil and gas companies to pay more royalties …

State pays Abraham's housing, college tabs  —  Young killer free after 8 years, wants fresh start  —  PONTIAC — Yesterday, Nathaniel Abraham was a convicted murderer.  Today he greets the morning a free man celebrating his 21st birthday — with a furnished Bay City apartment paid for by Michigan taxpayers.

Black leaders still sizing up Obama  —  The senator will have to vie with Clinton and Edwards for African American votes.  —  WASHINGTON — As pastor of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter, S.C., the Rev. James Blassingame feels pride at the thought of electing the country's first black president.

Senate Passes Ethics Package  —  Parties Reach Hard-Fought Deal On Lobbying and Other Reforms  —  Senate Democrats and Republicans broke a difficult stalemate last night and approved 96 to 2 expansive legislation to curtail the influence of lobbyists, tighten congressional ethics rules …

Gonzales Questions Habeas Corpus  —  In one of the most chilling public statements ever made by a U.S. Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales questioned whether the U.S. Constitution grants habeas corpus rights of a fair trial to every American.  —  Responding to questions from Sen. Arlen Specter …