National and International News-Wednesday, August 2nd

JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says Israel's three-week-old offensive in Lebanon will stop only when a robust international peacekeeping force is in place in southern Lebanon. Olmert says the release of two Israeli soldiers captured by Hezbollah guerrillas must be unconditional.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres says Israel is nearing a decisive point in its
battle with Hezbollah, saying the army feels it's "in control." United Nations officials say the countries willing to contribute to a peacekeeping force will meet tomorrow.

NEW YORK (AP) - The heat wave in the eastern half of the U-S is expected to last at least one more day. The National Weather Service says the temperature could reach 104 degrees in New York City today. Washington also could hit triple digits. Electrical demand in New England today could set a one-day record.

ST. JOHN'S, Antigua (AP) - Tropical Storm Chris could become a hurricane this week. The National Hurricane Center says the storm is in the eastern Caribbean with top sustained winds of nearly 60 miles-an-hour. It's expected to gain strength as it moves toward the Virgin Islands.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Evolution opponents have lost control of the Kansas Board of Education. Results from yesterday's primary election show conservative Republicans will have at most four of the ten seats on the board. The conservatives approved new classroom standards that question evolution.