National and International News-Monday, Oct. 30th

ST. LOUIS (AP) - A crime ranking suggests the safest city in America isn't all that far from one of the most dangerous. The seaside town of Brick, New Jersey is the safest, while across the state, Camden ranks among the most violent. Morgan Quitno Press says a surge in violent crime puts St. Louis at the very top of the most dangerous category.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - At least 31 people are dead after an early morning blast targeted one of Baghdad's poorest neighborhoods, ripping through the market stalls in a sprawling Shiite slum. The U-S military also has announced the death of the 100th servicemember this month.

BEAUMONT, Calif. (AP) - A federal forestry official says it's "the bottom of the ninth" for Southern California firefighters trying to put out the flames that have claimed four lives and nearly three dozen homes. Dying winds and cooler temperatures are raising hopes that fire crews can corral the entire blaze by tonight.

SAN DIEGO (AP) - The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee may be adding his name to the roster of presidential possibles. California Republican Duncan Hunter is expected to announce his interest in the 2008 race today, putting him on a course to raise money and organize supporters.

NEW YORK (AP) - Each year, the average American eats more than four pounds of trans fats -- the artificial ingredients that experts say gum up arteries and heart health. New York officials today take the public pulse on whether to ban trans fats in all the city's restaurant foods. K-F-C may announce today that it will cut trans fats from its food nationwide.