National and International News-Saturday, Feb. 3

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) - Leading House Democrats say they're planning to ask President Bush about the war in Iraq when he meets with them today at their retreat in Virginia. The White House says Bush also wants to talk to Democrats about domestic issues.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The nation's spy agencies say Iraq's security situation is likely to worsen in the next 18 months. The National Intelligence Council says even if violence subsides, the Iraqi government will have major difficulties in reconciling sectarian differences. U-S commanders say fighting in Iraq's Anbar province killed two Americans yesterday. Elsewhere, at least three people are dead in a string of car bombings. Two died in the northern city of Kirkuk (keer-KUK') and one in the southern city of Mahmoudiya (mahk-moo-DEE'-ah) this morning.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Senator Barbara Boxer says it's time for President Bush to show "real leadership" on the issue of global warming. She's calling for a summit of the largest greenhouse-gas emitting nations. Climate scientists now say there's very little doubt humans are to blame for global warming.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Bush administration officials say a new intelligence assessment reinforces their view that the U-S cannot leave Iraq. But critics say it's new evidence that President Bush's policy is failing. The National Intelligence Estimate says Iraq's security situation is likely to get worse.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - Democratic lawmakers are trying to reconcile differing versions of a minimum-wage bill. The Senate version includes tax breaks for small businesses to help offset the cost. But the House version doesn't. Party leaders say they're certain the minimum wage increase will become law.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Veterans Affairs department is trying to recover some computer data that may include information on as many as 48-thousand veterans. It's on a portable hard drive that may have been stolen from a V-A medical center in Alabama. The V-A is sending out notices and offering free credit monitoring.

SAN DIEGO (AP) - If anyone out there's in the market for a submarine, the Navy may have just the thing for them. The Navy is trying to giveaway the U-S-S Dolphin. The research vessel is one of the oldest submarines in the fleet. The Navy hopes someone can turn it into a museum and keep it in San Diego.

LADY LAKE, Fla. (AP) - State emergency officials in Florida say it could take days to determine how many people were killed by yesterday's powerful storms. As of now, the toll stands at 19. One county says as many as 500 properties sustained 80 (m) million dollars in damage.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) - Fighting continues in Gaza City as Hamas and Fatah factions ignore this week's second cease-fire. Cabinet ministries, universities and security headquarters have become the latest battlegrounds. At least a 12 people have been wounded and Fatah says 40 security workers have been kidnapped.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - At least 50 people are dead after a tanker truck in the Philippines wrecked on a mountain highway and exploded. Some of the victims were trapped in other vehicles. The truck was taking liquid carbon dioxide to a Coca Cola plant.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - With an executive order from Governor Rick Perry, Texas has become first state to mandate vaccinations against cervical cancer for schoolgirls. Some conservative and parents' rights groups are unhappy about it. They wanted shots to be voluntary.

WASHINGTON (AP) - States are urging motorists to dial 9-1-1 if they see someone who may be driving drunk. Messages will be displayed along highways and roads this weekend in hopes of curbing impaired driving tied to Super Bowl celebrations.

DETROIT (AP) - A federal appeals judge says a man's right to free speech was violated when he was arrested for using profanity at a public meeting. The judge has reversed a lower court ruling that a police officer in Montrose Township, Michigan, did have probable cause to arrest the man.

BOSTON (AP) - The Massachusetts attorney general says her office is negotiating a restitution deal with Turner Broadcasting and a marketing firm for a publicity stunt that caused a security scare in the city. Both companies have apologized for the Cartoon Network stunt.

THOMASVILLE, Ga. (AP) - A south Georgia woman says a German shepherd pulled her away from her wrecked car and saved her life. They've named the dog Hero and he could have a new career in search and rescue. A dog trainer says he's going to see if Hero is cut out for the job.