California crash...Iraqi divisions...Vatican suspends monisgnor for gay comments

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (AP) Firefighters near Los Angeles have had to stay out of a highway tunnel after a fiery, chain-reaction crash involving 15 trucks. Most of the flames have been doused, but there are fears the tunnel could collapse. At least one person is missing.

BAGHDAD (AP) The heir apparent of Iraq's largest Shiite political party says greater self-rule for the country's religiously and ethnically divided regions could help maintain national unity. He says the central government has become a "tyrannical and dominating" body.

Washington (AP) President Bush wants Congress to approve free trade deals with four nations. In his weekly radio address today, he said expanding trade would keep the economy growing and support higher-paying jobs. Agreements with Peru and Panama are considered likely to pass.

WASHINGTON (AP) Montana Senator Max Baucus is calling on colleagues to override President Bush's veto of a bill that would expand a children's health insurance program. The Senate approved the measure with a veto-proof margin, but the House appears to be short of votes needed for an override.

VATICAN CITY (AP) The Vatican has suspended an Italian monsignor from a senior position, saying he was the priest anonymously interviewed about his gay sex life on an Italian TV program. A Rome newspaper reports Vatican officials recognized the monsignor's office in the interview.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-13-07 1045CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list