Calmer winds in SoCal...Indonesia earthquake...Iraq Cabinet approves pact

BREA, Calif. (AP) Calmer winds are helping firefighters battle wildfires that have destroyed hundreds of homes in Southern California. Today, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa ( vee-yah-ry-GOH'-sah) toured a mobile home park where 500 homes were destroyed. The search for possible victims continues, but there are no reports of fatalities in the park.

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) No reports of serious damage or injuries after a powerful earthquake struck waters off eastern Indonesia early Monday. The quake measured 7.5 and briefly generated tsunami warnings for coastlines within 600 miles of the epicenter. Those warnings were later lifted.

BAGHDAD (AP) The White House is welcoming a decision by Iraq's Cabinet to approve a security pact with the United States. The agreement will allow American forces to remain in Iraq for three more years. The deal still needs parliamentary approval, which could come as soon as a week from tomorrow.

(Stations: Docking scheduled for 5:04 p.m. Eastern) CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AP) Space shuttle Endeavour is hooking up with the international space station at this hour.

Endeavour is bringing with it gear for a huge home makeover that will allow six astronauts to live in the space station beginning next year, twice as many as now.

LOS ANGELES (AP) What's billed as the first direct sequel in the James Bond series is the top draw at the nation's movie theaters this weekend. "Quantum of Solace," a follow-up to "Casino Royale," has pulled in an estimated $70.4 million in its debut weekend. "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" came in second, followed by "Role Models."


(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-16-08 1538CST | save this article / add to your favorites list