Small towns suffer big losses as rivers rise
By ALLEN G. BREED AP National Writer
      OAKVILLE, Iowa (AP) - As floodwaters take aim at the tiny towns lining the Mississippi River, the heartland ethic of neighbors helping neighbors proved to be a potent force against the rising water Tuesday.
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Airport volunteers welcome troops back stateside
By MARTHA WAGGONER Associated Press Writer
      GRAPEVINE (AP) - A few times each month, Karen Marks stands among the volunteers greeting the troops who land daily at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, all on two weeks' leave from Iraq or Afghanistan. One recent day was different for her. Somewhere among the few hundred troops was Marks...
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Houston father gets life sentence for baby death
      HOUSTON (AP) - A Houston man whose infant son died after sucking on his father's cocaine tainted fingers while teething was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison. Dennis Ray Driver, 26, was convicted of felony murder Wednesday for the overdose death of his 8-month-old son, Dennis Jr. The jury al...
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House to vote on war funds, unemployment benefits
By ANDREW TAYLOR Associated Press Writer
      WASHINGTON (AP) _ The Democratic-led Congress finally appears ready to give President Bush his request for $162 billion in long-overdue funds for military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Gaza truce takes hold, but skepticism abounds
By IBRAHIM BARZAK Associated Press Writer
      GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) _ Guns went quiet as a six-month truce between Israel and Gaza Strip militants took effect early Thursday, but there was widespread skepticism about its ability to hold.
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