LOS ANGELES (AP) A new wildfire in northern Los Angeles has forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes. Fierce wind gusts are making things worse there, as well as in Santa Barbara, where a separate fire has torn through more than 1,800 acres and more than 100 homes.

KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) Pakistan's top finance official says the International Monetary Fund has agreed "in principle" to lend it $7.6 billion to avert an economic crisis. Pakistan needs the money to avoid a run on its currency and a default on its international debt.

Washington (AP) President George W. Bush is preparing to address world leaders at an economic summit in Washington. During negotiations, Bush has argued against anything that involves as much government intervention as some European leaders are pushing for.

WASHINGTON (AP) Democrats say President-elect Barack Obama is considering a pair of one-time rivals for the job of secretary of state. Hillary Rodham CLinton and Bill Richardson are among the names said to be on the list. Monday Obama will meet with John McCain, though likely not about any job.

NEW DELHI (AP) A spacecraft has planted an Indian flag on the moon. A probe crash landed on the moon's south pole yesterday after taking pictures and gathering other data needed for future missions.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-15-08 0448CST | save this article / add to your favorites list