Ike likely to intensify...Hanna not lingering...Pakistan's new leader

MIAMI (AP) Hurricane Ike has been downgraded to a Category 2 storm, but forecasters say it's likely to intensify again over the next couple days. The National Hurricane Center says the storm's top winds are 110 miles-per-hour. Turks and Caicos (KAY'-kohs) and the southern Bahamas appear to be first in line to take a hit. It could hit southern Florida Monday.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Tropical Storm Hanna is beating a swift course toward New England. It came ashore in the early morning hours with strong winds and lots of rain, but it's not lingering.

Forecasters are warning of possible flash-flooding in the northern mid-Atlantic states and southern New England. Power outages have also been a problem.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) A pickup truck packed with explosives blew up a police security checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan today. At least 30 people are reported killed and dozens more injured. The attack comes a day after a foiled militant kidnap attempt led to another two dozen deaths.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) Pakistan has a new president. He's the widower of former premier Benazir Bhutto. Asif Ali Zardari won in a landslide election in the federal and provincial assemblies.

Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice says she's been impressed by Zardari's position on terrorism.

BAGHDAD (AP) There's been a suicide car bombing in the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar (tahl AH'-fur). Police and hospital officials say six people were killed and 54 wounded when the bomber struck an outdoor market. It's the same place where a suicide truck bomber killed 28 people last month.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-06-08 1237CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list