National and International News-Wednesday, Feb. 7th

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Military commanders in Iraq say a C-H-46 helicopter has gone down northwest of Baghdad. They're not commenting on what brought it down or on casualties. The C-H-46 is a large chopper used primarily for transport.

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - An astronaut accused of trying to kill a woman she regarded as a romantic rival is free on bond but having to wear an ankle monitor. Lisa Nowak's alleged victim reportedly asked for a restraining order against Nowak, who allegedly stalked her for two months.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia has closed or delayed schools for the second day after fierce winter weather dumped up to six inches of snow. The snowfall comes as wide parts of the nation are gripped by a deep freeze. Slippery roads are blamed for at least eleven deaths from Wisconsin to Kentucky.

CAPITOL HILL (AP) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates is due back on Capitol Hill today. He's set to testify on Iraq before the House Armed Service Committee. Gates told a Senate panel yesterday that U-S forces may start leaving Iraq before the end of the year if violence subsides and politicians reconcile.

FORT LEWIS, Wash. (AP) - An Army lieutenant who refused to go to Iraq is to testify today at his court-martial at Fort Lewis, Washington. First Lieutenant Ehren Watada has denounced the administration for waging what he says is an illegal war based on lies. Watada could get four years in prison and a dishonorable
discharge if convicted.