Nation - Friday

Rep. Jefferson pleads not guilty

The La. Democrat faces charges of soliciting more than $500,000 in bribes while using his office to broker business deals in Africa. According to court records, FBI agents videotaped Rep. William Jefferson picking up a $100,000 cash bribe in 2005 from an informant. FBI agents raided Jefferson's home and found $90,000 in his freezer.

Gingrich bearish on GOP in '08

The former House Speaker, in a jab at fellow Republican George W. Bush, warned that the GOP will lose the White House and suffer in Congress in 2008 if the nominee is viewed as an extension of the Bush years. Gingrich is mulling his own '08 White House bid.

Obama donates tainted funds

Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., will donate to charity $16,500 in contributions from two Chicago businessmen who worked with Antoin "Tony" Rezko. Rezko has pleaded not guilty to charges that he shook down investment firms that wanted to do business with the state.