California fires...British PM on G8...Iran not giving on nuclear issue



BIG SUR, Calif. (AP) A pair of out-of-control wildfires are burning through opposite ends of the Los Padres National Forest.

Thousands of residents are under evacuation orders around Goleta (goh-LEH'-tah), California, and flames continue to get closer to historic vacation retreats at Big Sur.

LONDON (AP) British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says G8 leaders must stand by pledges on aid and the environment when they meet in Japan in coming days. He's told The Guardian newspaper that instead of relaxing efforts to address issues such as climate change and help for poor countries, the present economic crisis should prompt the G8 "to accelerate them."


TEHRAN, Iran (AP) Tehran may not be ready to alter its nuclear development program in exchange for economic incentives offered by the West. A spokesman for the Iranian government says its stand on what he calls a "peaceful nuclear program" has not changed.

MIAMI (AP) Forecasters say Tropical Storm Bertha is speeding across the Atlantic and expected to be halfway between Africa's west coast and the eastern Caribbean islands by tonight. But it is still too early to say if or where the second named storm of the season will hit land.

BERLIN (AP) A man has ripped the head off an Adolf Hitler wax figure at Madame Tussauds' new branch in Berlin. Officials say the opening day attack appears to be a symbolic protest. The likeness has been removed for now.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-05-08 0843CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list