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Ties between the United States and South Korea are tested by a North Korean scheme to pass counterfeit U.S. $100 bills in Seoul markets. Staring across the DMZ at a potential nuclear threat, Seoul would prefer not to North Korea on the financial issue.

Nigeria attempts its first population count in 15 years, amid separatist fears and violence. Previous attempts to count Africa's most populous nation -- home to as many as 160 million people -- have failed as factions schemed to control political power and oil money.

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin orders a temporary halt to coal mining in the state after two more mine workers die in separate accidents. A total of 16 miners have died on the job in West Virginia since Jan. 2. Manchin called on all coal companies to cease production until safety checks can be conducted.

The complete text of the letter Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad wrote to President Bush was described by Iranian leaders as a diplomatic opening, proposing solutions for a fragile world situation. However, the 18-page letter more closely resembles a political and religious lecture.

The Georgia state house has approved a bill that would levy a 5-percent surcharge on wire transfers by illegal immigrants to their native countries. State lawmakers are seeking to stem the tide of undocumented workers and recoup the cost of providing public services to them.

The Supreme Court rules that one-time stripper and Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith can pursue part of her late husband's oil fortune. Justices gave new legal life to Smith's bid to collect millions of dollars from the estate of J. Howard Marshall II. His estate has been estimated at as much as $1.6 billion.

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay plans to give up his seat, one week after one of the Texas Republican's top aides pleaded guilty in the corruption investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In addition to a tough battle for re-election, DeLay is facing corruption charges in Texas.

Since it was invaded three years ago, Iraq has lost more than $10 billion in oil revenues. Corruption and sabotage are largely to blame. And U.S. and Iraqi officials say insurgents are benefiting. But many say the Oil Ministry's own militia is at the heart of the problem.

The White House is besieged with questions regarding President Bush's role in leaking sensitive data related to Iraq. Former vice presidential aide Lewis Libby has stated that Bush authorized leaks. Press secretary Scott McClellan defended leaking information "in the public interest."

Exxon Mobil Corp. posts one of the largest quarterly profits in American history: $10.7 billion for the fourth quarter of 2005, up from more than $8.4 billion a year ago. Exxon is the latest oil company to post record profits as oil prices continue to rise.