National and International News-Wednesday, Nov. 1st

BEAUMONT, Calif. (AP) - California authorities have arrested a man suspected of starting two wildfires this summer. They say he is also considered a person of interest in the recent deadly blaze that killed five firefighters east of Los Angeles. The fifth firefighter died yesterday.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Neither is running this year, but President Bush and former Democratic opponent John Kerry have exchanged angry words. Bush says Kerry insulted U-S troops by telling students to study hard or they might wind up stuck in Iraq. Kerry says he misspoke and his comment was aimed at the administration.

JERUSALEM (AP) - An official says top Israeli officials have rejected an expansion of the military offensive in Gaza. The decision came as at least six Palestinian militants were killed by Israeli troops today. Meantime, Israel's defense minister is saying an old Saudi peace initiative may have some worth.

SUPREME COURT (AP) - The Supreme Court hears oral arguments today in a challenge to federal power plant pollution requirements. It could affect plants in ten states. At issue are the method used to calculate emissions and whether an appeals court that ruled in favor of a utility had the authority to handle the case.

UNDATED (AP) - Researchers have found that anti-depressants can help two-thirds of those who suffer from depression, if they are patient enough to try various kinds. But they caution that the more medicines a patient tries, the more likely they will suffer a relapse. The results are in the American Journal of Psychiatry.