NPR News

In Iraq, large demonstrations have led to violence and clashes with riot police, as protesters use a "Day of Rage" to demand an end to food shortages and electricity outages that they say have only gotten worse in recent years.

Thousands of protesters hit the streets of Basra Friday, forcing the city's mayor to resign his post. And clashes with security forces have left at least 11 civilians dead, according to the AP.

In a Newscast report from Iraq, Kelly McEvers says:

It's been almost five years since the housing bubble popped. And, with a glut of homes still on the market, housing prices could fall further. Why is it taking so long for the housing market to sort itself out?

The answer may have something to do with a coin toss.

Friday finds legislative stalemates in both Wisconsin and Indiana.

In an earlier post, I wrote of how Republicans in the Wisconsin State Assembly surprised Democrats by ending a marathon debate on legislation despised by organized labor through a lightning-quick vote shortly after midnight Friday.

Anyone pining for some ice cream in London now has an unusual option to consider: ice cream made from mothers' breast milk. The Icecreamists shop has made headlines for using milk from as many as 15 women to make its new "Baby Gaga" flavor.

The rare offering proved a hit with customers at the Covent Garden store — the first batch sold out within days of being introduced. A serving of Baby Gaga, which is reportedly flavored with vanilla and lemon zest, goes for 14 pounds — or about $22.50.

The price of oil rose above $100 a barrel yesterday in the U.S. It's fallen a bit today, but it's still about $10 higher than it was a month ago.

What do higher oil prices mean for the U.S. economy?

I asked Ian Shepherdson of High Frequency Economics, and he said the key impact is also the most obvious: Higher gas prices.