National and International News-Wednesday, Jan. 17th

WHITE HOUSE (AP) - The White House is holding an Iraq briefing for Republican lawmakers today, hoping to shore up support for President Bush's buildup plans. Democrats are clearing the way for symbolic votes expressing opposition. Bush says even he's "frustrated" by the way things have been going.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Police in Baghdad have raised the casualty count from yesterday's university bomb attack to 70 dead and 133 wounded, part of a nationwide death count well over 100. Reports of more attacks are trickling in today, including a construction worker gunned down on his way to work.

MCALESTER, Okla. (AP) - Another night without power for hundreds of thousands of people caught in the violent swath of weather that swept through nine states from Texas to Maine. Places like the First Baptist Church of McAlester, Oklahoma, have been sheltering people with blankets and space heaters.

BROOKS, Ky. (AP) - Smoke and flames are still spewing from chemical cars on a freight train that jumped the tracks near Louisville, Kentucky, yesterday. Fire crews are hoping it'll burn itself out today. There were no serious injuries, but homes were evacuated for a mile around.

NELSONVILLE, Ohio (AP) - Two boys who walked away from a juvenile detention home in Ohio are back in custody, facing new charges of escape and theft. They're accused of stealing a sight-seeing locomotive and taking it on an early morning joy ride yesterday, blowing the whistle and waking people up.