Michael Jackson Pepsi Burn Accident Video

Us Weekly magazine has obtained video it says shows never-before-seen footage of Michael Jackson's head catching on fire during filming of his 1984 Pepsi commercial. Jackson suffered severe burns after a pyrotechnics mishap caused his hair and scalp to catch afire. Still photos of the accident have been seen before, but the new video on Us Weekly's Web site shows the moment Jackson's hair caught on fire and the top of his head became engulfed in flames.

Mexican Drug War: Traffickers Seek Revenge

Mexico - It was the boldest, most widespread coordinated offensive ever mounted by drug traffickers against the Mexican government. Within minutes of the weekend arrest of the La Familia drug cartel's operations chief, the gang launched deadly attacks in President Felipe Calderon's home state. In the worst, 12 federal agents were killed execution-style, their tortured bodies piled along a roadside as a warning for all to see.

NAACP: Obama Tells Government, Communities To Cooperate

U.S. - Obama is telling the nation's oldest civil rights organization that government, families and neighborhoods must work together to improve their communities. Obama also planned to urge young people to aspire to surpass their role models and resist the lure of mediocrity during a speech Thursday to the NAACP. White House aides said the president did not intend to introduce new programs or policy, instead striking an inspirational tone on the 100th birthday of the civil rights groups.

Today In History - (July 16 2009)

Today In History - Today is Thursday, July 16, the 197th day of 2009. There are 168 days left in the year.

Obama To Address NAACP

U.S. - President Barack Obama is telling the nation's oldest civil rights organization that government, families and neighborhoods must work together to improve their communities. Obama also planned to urge young people to aspire to surpass their role models and resist the lure of mediocrity during a speech Thursday to the NAACP. White House aides said the president did not intend to introduce new programs or policy, instead striking an inspirational tone on the 100th birthday of the civil rights groups.

U.S. Health Care Bill: House Democrats Ready To Vote

U.S. - House Democrats are preparing to advance legislation that would deliver on President Barack Obama's promise to remake the nation's costly health care system and cover some 50 million uninsured. On the heels of the Senate health committee's approval Wednesday of a plan to revamp U.S. health care, three House committees with jurisdiction over the issue were shifting into action.

Obama: Health Care Reform Creates Stability

U.S. - Praising and prodding Congress, President Barack Obama on Wednesday said a vast reform of the nation's health insurance system is required to head off instability to families, industry and the government itself.

"Deferring reform is nothing more than defending the status quo — and those who would oppose our efforts should take a hard look at just what it is they're defending," Obama said in the Rose Garden, pushing for landmark bills to get through the House and Senate before Congress' August recess.

Health Care Reform: Obama Shifts Into Campaign Mode

U.S. - Firing up his drive for health care overhaul, President Barack Obama pressed lawmakers Wednesday to step up to their responsibilities and move legislation this summer, even as his campaign organization rolled out television ads targeting reluctant senators.

Political Humor Of The Day (July 15 2009)

“Latest rumor in the entertainment industry is that Sarah Palin may be getting her own TV show. Experts say it will be perfect for TV viewers who find Paula Abdul too coherent.” – Conan O’Brien

President Obama Speaks On Health Care Reform

U.S. - Here are the President's full remarks, as prepared for delivery:

Sotomayor: Obama Didn't Ask Abortion Views

U.S. - Sonia Sotomayor declined repeatedly at Senate confirmation hearings Wednesday to disclose her views on abortion rights and said President Barack Obama never asked her before he chose her for the bench.

"I can't answer ... because I can't look at it in the abstract," she told Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., as he sought to draw her out with questions about hypothetical cases, including one in which a woman wanted to abort a 38-week fetus with a birth defect.

Pictures Of The Day - (July 15 2009)

British Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan Flown Home