Hundreds file bankruptcy ahead of law change

DENVER -- Hundreds of consumers across the nation crowded into courthouses Friday to file bankruptcy petitions to beat the start of a new federal law that sets stricter standards for seeking protection from creditors. Residents arrived before dawn at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Denver and a line of more than 300 stretched outside the building before noon. The bankruptcy court in Atlanta was so crowded that only people with bankruptcy paperwork were being allowed on the floor where the court is. A federal bankruptcy court clerk in New York city said several hundred people have shown up, filling three or four court rooms. Across the nation, about 100,000 petitions were filed in the first three days this week, according to Burlingame, Calif.-based Lundquist Consulting, which compiles bankruptcy statistics.

Police: Injured mother improving in hospital

PITTSBURGH-- A mother whose belly was slashed with a knife in an attempt to steal her baby was improving in the hospital Friday, and her baby was fine, state police said. Valerie Oskin, 30, was believed to have been eight months pregnant when she was attacked Wednesday. A teenager who came across the scene told his father, and they called police. State police said Friday that doctors were expected to remove Oskin's breathing tube.

Northwest suffers eighth straight day of rain

SPRING LAKE, N.J. -- Toilets backed up with sewage, military trucks plowed through headlight-high water to rescue people, and swans glided down the streets as rain fell for an eighth straight day around the waterlogged Northeast on Friday. Overflowing lakes and streams forced hundreds of people from their homes in New Jersey and New Hampshire, and parts of New York and Connecticut also were under flood warnings. Acting New Jersey Gov. Richard J. Codey declared a statewide state of emergency -- the first step toward applying for federal aid -- late Friday afternoon.

Russian officials try to clear out rebels

NALCHIK, Russia -- Russian security forces combed the city of Nalchik Friday, searching for militants amid fears they may have melted into the civilian population to regroup after fierce attacks that left at least 108 people dead. Authorities claimed that all pockets of active fighting had been put down a day after the attacks. As officials announced successful operations to liquidate rebels on Friday, it became clear that security forces had rescued nearly 20 hostages in various offices around this southern Russian city -- and killed dozens of militants.

Saddam's defense team dogged by problems

AMMAN, Jordan -- With his trial about to start, Saddam Hussein's trial lawyers are struggling to prepare a defense while saddled with a lack of money and a meddlesome daughter of the ousted leader. For now, their strategy appears to be to try to delay proceedings as much as possible. They are challenging the trial's Wednesday start date, saying they haven't had enough time to review evidence. Lack of time isn't the only problem. Saddam's eldest daughter, Raghad, fired nearly all her father's 1,500 lawyers in August, complaining they had given her conflicting advice. Money is another problem, the legal team contends, despite allegations that Saddam pocketed millions. "Raghad is penniless," said Ziad al-Khasawneh, a Jordanian lawyer who resigned in July over differences with her.

Bomb blast destroys tankers in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan -- A blast destroyed eight fuel tankers Friday outside the U.S.-led coalition's main base in southern Afghanistan. Two drivers were injured in the explosion, which sent thick black clouds billowing over Kandahar Airfield. U.S. military spokeswoman Sgt. Marina Evans said the tankers belonged to the Afghan army and one hit a land mine as they were passing the base. But Afghan army commander Gen. Mohammed Sarwar said the explosion was believed to have been caused by a bomb hidden in one of the tankers.

-- From wire reports