AP - The state that produced America's richest man has never taken a cut of its residents' income. Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates and his father would like to change that.

AP - World stock markets mostly rose Friday after economic data from the U.S. and China suggested the global recovery will continue, although at a moderate pace.

Reuters - Ireland disclosed a "horrendous" worst case price tag of over 50 billion euros ($68 billion) on Thursday for bailing out its distressed banks and said it would have to make more drastic budget savings.

Reuters - American International Group Inc and the U.S. government agreed on a plan that would see the insurer repay taxpayers fully for bailing it out at the height of the financial crisis.

Reuters - Stocks index futures dipped on Thursday ahead of key September regional business data awaited by investors to see whether this month's equity rally was justified by economic fundamentals.

AP - Sizzling, sleek designs for a carbon-conscious world headlined Thursday as global automakers rolled out their latest high-tech models at the Paris auto show, hoping for rebound in a struggling car market.

AP - Spain's hurting economy got hit again Thursday with yet another downgrade of its government debt by a major ratings agency, meaning the nation's borrowing costs will likely rise as it struggles to cut its deficit amid gloomy economic recovery prospects.

Reuters - Nearly one in every four U.S. homes sold in the second quarter was a deeply discounted foreclosed house, putting the market on pace to work through distressed properties in about three years, RealtyTrac said.

AP - Ireland will take majority control of Allied Irish Banks and pump billions more into two smaller banks, driving the deficit to record levels and requiring more austerity measures, the government announced Thursday.