Around The Nation

Worldwide vigils held for Jackson\nLOS ANGELES -- Small gatherings of Michael Jackson fans held candlelight vigils around the world Saturday to support the pop megastar as he faces allegations of child molestation.\nThere were rallies from Los Angeles to Toronto to Rome, but each typically drew just a few dozen fans. Vigils were planned over the weekend in more than a dozen cities, and others were to follow in China and Australia.\nIn Los Angeles, about 25 supporters gathered at Jackson's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame outside Grauman's Chinese Theater. They chanted "Michael's innocent!" and set candles in the shape of a heart around the star.\nHouse narrowly passes Medicare bill\nWASHINGTON -- The fate of the Medicare prescription drug bill rests with 100 senators after the measure narrowly passed the House, which endured a dusk-to-dawn debate capped by the longest roll call vote in the chamber's history.\nEmboldened Senate opponents of the legislation pledged Saturday to try to stall the bill, citing what they called unfair and partisan tactics employed by Republican leaders in the House to wrest approval of the sweeping Medicare legislation.\nPresident Bush, eager to sign it and promote it on the campaign trail, praised the 220-215 passage in the Republican-controlled House and called on senators to follow suit.