National News: AP-13thNewsMinute

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r h AP-13thNewsMinute     04-09 0255
^AP-13th NewsMinute<
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^Terror mastermind dead....Testimony on Iraq....Fire in Michigan<
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     WASHINGTON (AP) _ A U.S. official is reporting the death of an
Egyptian al-Qaida chief who‘s believed to be behind attacks on U.S.
forces in Afghanistan. The terror suspect, Abu Obeida al-Masri,
apparently died of natural causes, possibly hepatitis.
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     CAPITOL HILL (AP) _ The top U.S. commander in Iraq is describing
Iraqi security forces as a ``mixed bag.‘‘ General David Petraeus
says Iraq‘s troops did well in recent fighting in Basra, yet many
units were unprepared for battle. It‘s the second day of Petraeus‘
testimony on Capitol Hill.
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     WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) _ Authorities are reporting
no injuries so far in a fire at an assisted-living complex in
suburban Detroit. Firefighters on ladders have been helping
residents escape from the three-story facility.
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     SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ The Olympic torch relay is meant to build
excitement for the Beijing summer games, but lately it‘s been the
target of chaotic protests. Runners are to carry the flame through
San Francisco this afternoon. Authorities are bracing for a range
of protests.
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     NEW YORK (AP) _ Charges are expected to be dropped against a New
York livery driver who claimed someone abandoned a baby in his cab.
Police later said the man made up the story, in a plot hatched with
the family of the baby‘s 14-year-old mother. Prosecutors say the
driver had the baby‘s best interest at heart, but went about it the
wrong way.
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     (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

     AP-NY-04-09-08 1252EDT<