Rail death toll climbs...Ike weakens, still dangerous...Bush on Ike



LOS ANGELES (AP) Authorities have raised the confirmed death toll in yesterday's Los Angeles commuter rail disaster to 24 and expect it to rise as teams continue to go through the wreckage. A Metrolink spokeswoman says a preliminary investigation indicates the commuter train failed to stop at a red light, causing the collision.

HOUSTON (AP) At least two people were killed in Texas by Hurricane Ike and officials say the death toll could climb. Ike continues to weaken over northeastern Texas. Its winds are down to 45 miles-an-hour but forecasters say people in its path should be alert for Tornadoes.

Washington (AP) President Bush has declared a major disaster in Texas after Hurricane Ike flooded thousands of buildings and knocked out power to millions. And he's served notice on profiteers that officials will be on the lookout for gasoline price-gougers.

WASHINGTON (AP) Alan Greenspan says the country can't afford tax cuts of the size John McCain is proposing without a big cut in government spending. The former Federal Reserve chairman tells Bloomberg News he's not in favor of financing tax cuts with borrowed money.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin says he was only joking when he suggested that Hurricane Ike evacuees ask for the "Nagin special" discount at New Orleans' hotels. When some evacuees actually asked for it, clerks didn't find it funny. A hotel association urged owners to accommodate them in the spirit of cooperation.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-13-08 1648CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list