Afghan fighting...Detainee trial debate...Searching for a 5-year old

TAGAB VALLEY, Afghanistan (AP) A battle is under way in eastern Afghanistan between insurgents and a coalition of French and Afghan troops. The mission is to clear militants from an area to secure a planned road that would move supplies to neighboring Pakistan.

Washington (AP) Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani is among Republicans expressing security concerns about the Obama administration's decision to try 9/11 terror suspects in New York.

But Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy (LAY'-hee) says there's no need to "run and hide and cower." Set to go on trial are Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, and four others.

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) Officials in El Salvador say at least 192 people were killed by floods and landslides that swept through the country last week. Days of heavy rains caused mud and boulders to sweep down the side of a volcano. Dozens are missing.

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) Authorities are scrambling in southeastern North Carolina today to find a 5-year-old girl reported missing by her mother, who faces human trafficking charges. Police are operating on a tip and searching an area about 40 miles from Fayetteville. That's where Shaniya Davis was last seen.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) Some political aspirants make points by kissing babies. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett hopes to parlay an attack to higher office. Barrett has been hailed as a hero for confronting a man armed with a metal bar. Barrett said today that he's running for governor. He says he put off the decision until now to recover from head and hand injuries.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-15-09 1647CST | save this article / add to your favorites list