National and International News-Thursday, Jan. 18th

UNDATED (AP) - Sixty-five storm-related deaths are reported in nine states from a week of harsh winter weather. More is in the forecast. A blizzard north of Los Angeles yesterday sent big-rigs sliding on an interstate.

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Baghdad has been rocked by another string of explosions and shootings today. At least 19 people have been killed, including ten caught when three car bombs exploded at a marketplace within minutes of each other.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - With President Bush trying to win over support for his new Iraq policy, Senate opponents plan debate next week on a resolution opposing it. Republicans Chuck Hagel and Olympia Snowe are joining Democrats in opposing the president's plans to send in more troops.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) - Marine Corporal Trent Thomas has agreed to plead guilty at Camp Pendleton, California, today in the death of an Iraqi kidnap victim. Prosecutors say eight members of his squad tried to make it look like the man was an insurgent caught planting a bomb.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - The Senate is looking into complaints that consumers are losing (b) billions of dollars because of court settlements that delay introduction of generic versions of expensive brand-name drugs. Consumers Union says the settlements often give a generic company more than it would make by selling a
cheaper version.