Siege ended...Congo disease fears...Black Friday shortcomings

MUMBAI, India (AP) Indian commandos have ended a siege of the luxury Oberoi hotel as other forces storm a besieged Jewish center.

Officials say commandos have ended the attack at the Taj Mahal hotel, although explosions and gunfire can still be heard intermittently from inside. At least 143 people are dead two days after a string of militant attacks began across Mumbai.

Washington (AP) A U.S. investigative team is heading to Mumbai, to help India sort through the chaos of attacks that have left 143 people dead. The State Department is urging Americans not to travel to the city as officials check with hospitals and Indian officials to learn more about the extent of the casualties.

GOMA, Congo (AP) Relief agencies are warning that cholera and measles could spread among thousands of people fleeing from a new rebel offensive in eastern Congo. The offensive against Rwandan Hutu militiamen has forced 13,000 refugees to cross the border into Uganda on Wednesday and Thursday. Thousands of others are fleeing inside Congo.

LONDON (AP) Britain says it will look hard at any request for more troops in Afghanistan from President-elect Barack Obama.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband tells Britain's Daily Telegraph Britain has "never been in blanket refusal." The comments appear to be a softening of Britain's reluctance to send additional forces.

WASHINGTON (AP) Black Friday revenues won't even come close to digging some retailers out of their financial holes. Malls from Michigan to Georgia are entering foreclosure, commercial victims of the same events poisoning the Housing Market.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-28-08 0539CST | save this article / add to your favorites list