Barack Obama all but erased Hillary Rodham Clinton's once-imposing lead among national convention superdelegates on Friday and won fresh labor backing as elements of the Democratic Party began coalescing around the Illinois senator for the fall campaign.

Storms ripped through Virginia late Thursday and early Friday, damaging homes in Stafford County and causing minor flooding other areas.

The governing military junta in Myanmar has agreed to allow a single U.S. cargo aircraft to bring in relief supplies for victims of a devastating cyclone, the Bush administration said Friday.

A federal appeals court has denied a request from owners of thousands of low-power television stations to force a ban on government-subsidized converter boxes that can't display their signals.

Major scheduled events during the week beginning May 11. Note that many events, especially court appearances, are subject to change at the last minute.

A government-backed mortgage bailout is needed, and it must be done right away.

IN THE HEADLINES

The dossier spills over into two drawers of files full of hand-scribbled notes, maps marked with sharp black dots - and snapshots of a shadowy figure, scattering bird seed.

Some moms may not be getting both chocolates and a bouquet for Mother's Day this year as consumers watch their spending. Even businesses that traditionally benefit from the holiday, like florists and restaurants, are offering special offers and products.

The American Federation of Government Employees endorsed Barack Obama Friday, giving the Illinois senator fresh momentum toward capturing the Democratic nomination for president.