MOSCOW -- The Russian government has agreed to let U.S. troops and weapons bound for Afghanistan fly over Russian territory, officials on both sides said yesterday. (Today)

CAIRO -- Iranian leaders say they have obtained confessions from top reformist officials that they plotted to bring down the government with a "velvet" revolution. (Today)

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Vice President Joseph R. Biden yesterday warned Iraqi officials that the U.S. commitment to their country could end if it again were to descend into ethnic and sectarian violence. (Today)

BEIRUT -- Syria's leader yesterday sent a July 4 message full of praise to President Barack Obama and invited him to visit Syria -- the latest signs that Damascus is hedging its bets in Mideast politics, warming up to its rival, the United States, at a time when its longtime ally, Iran, is in turmoil. (Today)

WASHINGTON -- Three years ago, U.S. Department of Agriculture employees determined that synthetic additives in organic baby formula violated federal standards and should be banned from a product carrying the federal organic label. Today, the same additives -- purported to boost brainpower and vision -- can be found in 90 percent of organic baby formula. (Today)