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PRI's The World - July 3, 2009 Today on The World: US troops make their way through southern Afghanistan on day two of a major military operation aimed at clearing out the Taliban and winning over locals; an anti-gay backlash in Senegal,and the government is leading the way; and a bride and groom separated by visa problems and thousands of miles go ahead with wedding day plans, thanks to the internet.

PRI's The World - July 2, 2009 Today on The World: Pakistan seals its border against Taliban fleeing a major US offensive in Afghanistan, Russian president Dmitry Medvedev says he's ready to begin a new relationship with the US, and Amsterdam's big plans for a green future.

PRI's The World - July 1, 2009 Today on The World: China steps back from requiring computer makers to install Internet filtering software on every new computer; the debate heats up in Europe over the benefits, real or imagined, of increased biofuel production; and an Islamic take on the evolution vs creationism debate.

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Wall Street opens lower, hit by jobs data NEW YORK (Reuters) - Stocks opened lower on Thursday after payrolls data showed more Americans than expected lost their jobs in June, dimming hopes that the economy may be heading out of recession quickly.

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African Union in rift with court The African Union halts co-operation with the International Criminal Court over its war-crimes charges against Sudan's leader.

Alaska Governor Palin to resign Republican ex-vice-presidential hopeful Sarah Palin is to quit as Alaska governor amid speculation about a possible presidential bid.

Jackson tickets via internet draw Tickets for a memorial service for Michael Jackson in Los Angeles will be made available via the internet, organisers reveal.

Toy industry tries to get the lead out U.S. and Chinese regulators are expected to adopt new standards to prevent products containing lead paint from entering the United States. But, as Amy Scott reports, with the holiday shopping season approaching, the toy industry is taking matters into its own hands.

An easy-to-read label is hard to find FDA officials are debating whether changes in food labels might help consumers make healthy choices. Helen Palmer reports there are plenty of ideas but not much consensus.

Troop cuts could mean contractor surge General David Petraeus told Congress today that he believes the United States can reduce its presence in Iraq to pre-surge levels by next summer. Steve Henn reports that American defense contractors see that as a business opportunity.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, the Republican Party's vice presidential candidate in 2008, said on Friday she will resign this month, an unexpected move that could signal a run for higher office.

Putin rejects Obama criticism before meeting

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Friday rejected U.S. President Barack Obama's charge that he was mired in Cold War thinking, setting the scene for a stormy first meeting at a Moscow summit next week.

Medici lawyer says Kohn didn't get Madoff payments

NEW YORK/VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian fund manager Sonja Kohn did not receive any kickbacks from Bernard Madoff to steer Bank Medici customer funds to the swindler's investment business, a Medici lawyer said on Friday.