Iraqi soldiers parade to mark the withdrawal of US troops from Iraqi cities and towns across the nation on June 30, 2009, in the city of Karbala, 110 kms south of the capital Baghdad. Getty Images
Here are the big stories on the agenda today:
- New pictures and new details emerging about the final days and minutes of Michael Jackson’s life, as the fight for Jackson’s family and fortune begins. Joe Jackson and Reverend Al Sharpton held a rather bizarre news conference yesterday, in which Michael’s father said there will be no funeral until the family sees private autopsy results. Investigators also returned to Jackson’s rented home, and left with medications. We're live in Encino, California.
- Also new information on the sudden death of TV’s most recognizable pitchman, Billy Mays. A medical examiner in Florida said Mays had an enlarged heart and probably had a heart attack in his sleep, so the hit on the head he suffered during a rough plane landing, probably did not kill him.
- It's not over yet. An official tells the Associated Press that at least ten more people may be charged with helping Bernie Madoff pull off the biggest rip-off in history. A judge sentenced the 60 billion dollar con man to 150 years in prison yesterday.
- Explosions over Iraq this morning, but ones in celebration. There were fireworks as U.S. forces officially turned over control of cities and towns to Iraqi security forces. The government has named June 30th "National Sovereignty Day,” but can Iraqi soldiers and police keep the country safe? We're live on the ground in Baghdad.