National News: AP-11thNewsMinute

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r h AP-11thNewsMinute     04-09 0331
^AP-11th NewsMinute<
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^Iraq testimony...Baghdad violence...Torch security tight<
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     CAPITOL HILL (AP) _ The U.S. ambassador to Iraq is warning
lawmakers that the gains that have been seen there in recent months
are ``fragile‘‘ and ``reversible.‘‘ Ryan Crocker is testifying on
Capitol Hill for a second day with the top U.S. commander in Iraq,
General David Petraeus. The top Democrat on the House Armed
Services Committee told them that the administration‘s Iraq policy
is leaving the U.S. without enough resources to protect itself from
attack.
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     BAGHDAD (AP) _ Iraqi authorities say at least 16 people have
died during fighting in Baghdad‘s Sadr City. Most of the deaths
came after projectile and mortar attacks targeted a house and a
residential area in the sprawling slum. The U.S. military also
announced the deaths of two soldiers, one from non-combat-related
injuries and the other in a roadside bombing.
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     SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ Security is tight in San Francisco in
advance of today‘s six-mile Olympic torch relay. Meanwhile, the
head of the International Olympic Committee has expressed concern
about the protests and chaos affecting the torch relay in recent
days. The Olympic executive board meets Friday to discuss possibly
scrapping the rest of the tour.
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     WASHINGTON (AP) _ More testimony is being heard today on last
year‘s huge oil spill in San Francisco Bay. Federal investigators
say the pilot of a container ship may have been taking prescription
drugs that could have affected his abilities that foggy morning.
Captain John Cota has pleaded not guilty to criminal negligence and
violating environmental laws.
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     DALLAS (AP) _ American Airlines has canceled 850 of its flights
today. That‘s more than one-third of its schedule. For a second
day, the airline is inspecting the wiring on some of its jets.
Federal inspectors found problems with wiring work that was done
two weeks ago, but the airline says safety was never jeopardized.
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     (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

     AP-NY-04-09-08 1054EDT<