AP - Opposition lawmakers shouted and pounded their desks in protest Thursday in a second day of emotional debate in parliament over a proposed agreement with the U.S. that would allow American forces to stay in Iraq for three more years.

AP - With weekly jobless claims jumping to a 16-year high and more than 1.2 million jobs lost so far this year, Congress plans to send unemployment checks another seven to 13 weeks to jobless workers who have exhausted their regular benefits.

AP - New claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to a 16-year high, the Labor Department said Thursday, providing more evidence of a rapidly weakening job market expected to get even worse next year.

AFP - Oil prices sank under 50 dollars a barrel in London on Thursday, reaching the lowest levels for three and a half years, as the market was plagued by weak energy demand.

AP - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, an early Barack Obama supporter from the southwestern part of the country, is a leading contender for the job of secretary of homeland security, Democratic officials said Thursday.