National and International News-Wednesday, Oct. 25th

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says again that he's going to "strike hard" at the private militias blamed in Iraq's escalating sectarian violence. He's been under U-S pressure to rein them in, even though two of the biggest militias are part of his base.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi special forces with American advisers have raided a militia stronghold in Baghdad. A statement says they were looking for a top death-squad commander. The report doesn't say whether they got him, but Baghdad authorities report at least four people were killed.

MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's President Vladimir Putin says he likes his job but won't run for a third term because Russia's constitution prohibits it. He's hosting a T-V question-and-answer show today, telling the nationwide audience he'll still have influence outside government, because he'll still have their trust.

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) - A decision is expected from the New Jersey Supreme Court today on legalizing gay marriage. It's ruling in a case brought by seven gay couples who want to get married. New Jersey is one of only five states where same-sex marriages are not barred either by law or by the state constitution.

ST. LOUIS (AP) - So much for underdogs. The St. Louis Cardinals have powered their way to a two-games-to-one edge over the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. Last night's game was a 5-to-0 shutout. The Cards host the Tigers again tonight in Game Four.