Family shocked...Arson investigation...Car through house

TOWNSEND, Ga. (AP) The grandfather of a man suspected of killing his father and seven others in a mobile home says he's shocked to hear the news. At a funeral for seven of the victims in last week's attack, William Heinze (hynz) says his grandson loved his father. Guy Heinze Jr. is facing eight counts of first-degree murder.

LOS ANGELES (AP) Authorities say they're in the early stages of their investigation into who set a blaze north of Los Angeles blamed for two firefighters' deaths. At the same time, crews are making progress against the fire. With the western flank under control, firefighters are working to contain the eastern side of the blaze.

KUNDUZ, Afghanistan (AP) The top NATO commander in Afghanistan has toured the site of yesterday's U.S. airstrike, where as many as 70 people were killed. Gen. Stanley McChrystal conceded that civilians were wounded in the attack. McChrystal says the fight against the Taliban should not come at the expense of civilian lives.

LONDON (AP) At a meeting of the Group of 20 top finance officials, France's finance minister says plans to reform the financial system will help ensure "there are no dark areas anymore to hide." The G20 ministers are pushing ahead with tougher action against tax havens and have agreed to curb bankers' bonuses. But the proposed crackdown on payouts so far falls short of European demands.

NEW YORK (AP) Police say no one was seriously hurt when a drunken driver smashed into the second floor of a two-story home in New York. Newsday reports the driver sped through a stop sign and vaulted off an earthen mound before the Jeep ripped a giant hole in the side of the house. The driver suffered minor injuries. A person sleeping on the couch on the first floor wasn't hurt.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-05-09 1841CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list