LOS ANGELES (AP) Wildfires are burning in California's Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara Counties, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared a state of emergency in each of them. Hundreds of homes are destroyed, and thousands of residents are hoping theirs won't be next.

Washington (AP) Barack Obama has some nice things to say about Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, but says he'd still like to see some changes made as the financial bailout plan is implemented. He tells CBS' "60 Minutes" there should be more aid for the auto industry and struggling homeowners.

BAGHDAD (AP) Iraq's Cabinet will be voting on a security pact that would keep U.S. forces in the country for another three years.

Iraq's most powerful cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has suggested he has no objections to it.

NEW YORK (AP) Authorities say a security guard at the storied Waldorf-Astoria hotel is recovering after he was shot by a would-be jewelry thief Saturday. He's expected to survive. A 20-year-old New York man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder and assault.

LAS VEGAS (AP) Comedian Wanda Sykes says the passage of a same-sex marriage ban in California is leading her to be more outspoken about being gay. Sykes, who is known for her feisty and blunt style, says the passage of California's Proposition 8 made her feel like she was "attacked."


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-16-08 0049CST | save this article / add to your favorites list