National and International News-Wednesday, Nov. 15th

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - U-S Airways is making a play for Delta Airlines. U-S Airways is offering eight billion dollars in cash and stock once Delta emerges for bankruptcy protection. The deal would create one of the world's largest airlines, serving more than 350 destinations across five continents.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Some good news after yesterday's brazen kidnapping in Iraq. The Higher Education Ministry says about 40 people have been released, but an unknown number of others are still being held. Meantime, a car bombing in Baghdad has killed at least eleven people.

MOSCOW (AP) - President Bush will combine a fueling trip for Air Force One in Moscow with a quick meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Although they will meet again later at the Pacific Rim summit in Vietnam, they have many issues to discuss, from trade to Iran's nuclear program.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - Congressional Democrats likely will use an appearance by the head of U-S Central Command today to press for the start of a troop withdrawal from Iraq. General John Abizaid will appear before both the House and Senate Armed Service committees.

LODI, N.J. (AP) - Thirty-four years after a six-year-old boy was found raped, stabbed and strangled in Lodi, New Jersey, his brother has been charged with the crime. Joseph Barbarino was 15 at the time. A third brother is pleading with family members to tell what they know.