Retails sales plunge...Bernanke warns of "severe strain"...Fire grows in California



Washington (AP) The Commerce Department reports retail sales plunged by the largest amount on record in October as consumers sharply cut back on their spending. Sales fell by 2.8 percent last month, surpassing the old mark of a 2.65 percent drop in November 2001 in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

UNDATED (AP) Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says financial markets remain under "severe strain." Speaking in Germany, Bernanke is pledging to work closely with other central banks to fix global financial problems. He's also leaving open the possibility of a fresh interest rate cut.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) Firefighters are trying to push back a wind-whipped wildfire that has destroyed about 80 homes and a college dormitory in Montecito, California. Four people have been injured in the blaze that has now charred more than 3 square miles.

WASHINGTON (AP) The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to decide today what caused last year's deadly collapse of a Minneapolis highway bridge. Yesterday, it pointed to design flaw.

The NTSB will also make recommendations aimed at avoiding a repeat of the disaster.

PUEBLO, Colo. (AP) Authorities are trying to determine whether a natural gas leak caused an explosion that leveled a restaurant and a shop in downtown Pueblo, Colorado, yesterday. At least one witness says she smelled gas after the blast. One person was killed and at least seven were injured.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-14-08 0744CST | save this article / add to your favorites list