The parents of a six-year-old Washington girl found dead last week sat in a courtroom as a judge ordered a 17-year-old boy, who is under investigation following the child’s death and sexual assault, be held on $1m bail.

Thousands of people have rallied in support of President George W Bush and US troops in a possible war against Iraq, turning their criticism to anti-war protesters and France’s opposition to military force.

Amid intense jockeying by two military communities, the US Navy said its newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, will be based in San Diego when it is completed.