National and International News-Thursday, Sept. 7th

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraq is about to take command of its armed forces. A handover ceremony is scheduled today. A U-S military spokesman calls it "a huge, significant event." Turning over control of Iraq's security is vital to any eventual drawdown of U-S forces.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - More bloodshed today in Iraq, even with the Iraqi government poised to take control of the armed forces. Five bomb attacks targeted police patrols in Baghdad. Police say at least 18 people have been killed and dozens more hurt.

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) - Australia is backing America's use of secret prisons to interrogate terror suspects. But Muslim critics want the practice ended immediately. A Pakistani human rights official says the U-S should apologize. Australia says interrogators have gained useful information.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER (AP) - NASA officials admit they don't know much about the inner workings of a fuel cell that's keeping the space shuttle grounded. They must determine whether an electrical short is serious before deciding whether to launch Atlantis tomorrow.

UNDATED (AP) - Most states are getting a failing grade when it comes to making college affordable. A new study gives 43 states"Fs" based on how much of the average family's income it costs to go to college. The highest grade is a "C" - and only California and Utah get that.