More flooding ahead...California fire...New York's cigarette tax



Iowa CITY, Iowa (AP) The worst of the flooding appears over in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Iowa City, but other parts of the state are still bracing. Iowa's governor expects major flooding along much of his state's southeastern border.

PARADISE, Calif. (AP) Better weather has helped firefighters get a grip on the blaze that's charred some 36 square miles near Paradise, California. Many of the 9,000 people evacuated are returning. The wildfire swallowed at least 74 homes.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) Saudi Arabia's king reportedly feels that oil prices are abnormally high. A spokesman for the U.N.

secretary-general says the Saudis plan to increase their production 200,000 barrels a day by next month.

JERUSALEM (AP) Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is warning Israel that people may question its motives if it keeps building Jewish homes on disputed land. Rice says that's hurting efforts to reach an Israeli-Palestinian peace draft this year.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Since New York State's cigarette tax jumped from $1.25 to $2.75 a pack this month, calls to a smoker's quitline have more than quadrupled. The state's health commissioner says that makes the increase a success.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-15-08 1848CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list