Iraq and Blackwater...Britain and Iraq...Acid rain deal

BAGHDAD (AP) The Iraqi government wants the private security firm Blackwater USA out of Iraq within six months. It also wants Blackwater employees involved in a controversial shooting incident last month turned over, plus millions in compensation for 17 Iraqis killed.

LONDON (AP) America's biggest ally in Iraq is cutting back its commitment even more. Britain says by next summer, it will trim its troop strength by half, to a total of 2,500 troops. And by the end of next year, those may be pulled as well.

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) Australia suffered its first combat death in Afghanistan today when a roadside bomb exploded next to an armored vehicle. Australia has some 1,000 soldiers in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, 16 militants reportedly died yesterday in airstrikes.

CRANDON, Wis. (AP) The 20-year-old sheriff's deputy who police say killed six people early Sunday in Crandon, Wisconsin, had reportedly been rebuffed by an old girlfriend. A Milwaukee newspaper reports that Tyler Peterson flew into a rage.

Washington (AP) A big power company has reportedly agreed to reduce chemical emissions that cause acid rain by at least 69 percent. The Associated Press has learned that American Electric Power of Ohio reached the 4.6 billion dollar deal to settle a federal lawsuit.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-08-07 1952CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list