Dozens hurt in fires...New Orleans flood...'Preppie Killer' caught in drug sting

SAN DIEGO (AP) More than 40 people have been reported injured in the wildfires that continue to burn across Southern California.

At least 655 homes have been burned and more than 160 other structures have been destroyed. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says the federal government has pledged "everything" the state needs.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Heavy rains have caused flooding in New Orleans and more could be on the way. Forecasters say some areas can expect ten or more inches of rain. Much of southeast Louisiana is under a flood warning.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) Democrats on Capitol Hill say they're going to take their time with President Bush's latest funding request for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They say there's no need to rush the money, but Bush says failing to approve another 46 billion dollars will directly affect troops.

Washington (AP) A new report says the State Department can't tell what it got for spending 1.2 billion dollars on training for Iraqi police because the contract was managed so badly. Auditors have suspended efforts to review the contract with DynCorp because records are in disarray and because the government is trying to get some of its money back.

NEW YORK (AP) A New York man known as the "Preppie Killer" for strangling a woman 21 years ago has been arrested again. Robert Chambers is accused of selling drugs and resisting arrest after police conducted a sting. Chambers got out of prison in 2003 after serving 15 years for the death of Jennifer Levin.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-23-07 0154CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list