U.S. using armed drones on patrol in southern Iraq

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Air Force has begun using armed drones to strike targets in southern Iraq, the military's top officer said Thursday.

The pilotless Predators fly in conjunction with Air Force fighter jets that have been patrolling a no-fly zone over southern Iraq for more than a decade, said Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Armed Predators began flying over Iraq about a month ago, another officer said.

Myers told reporters that the Predators, which normally are unarmed to perform low-altitude surveillance, have been effective in Iraq.

One advantage of the Predators is their ability to linger for long periods over a target without risking the loss of a pilot.

Kodak may cut 1,700 jobs despite earnings rise

ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Photography icon Eastman Kodak Co. said Thursday it would cut as many as 1,700 jobs -- up to 2.3 percent of its global payroll -- as it struggles to rebound from a two-year slump in film sales blamed largely on a downturn in the U.S. economy.

The world's largest photography company cut 7,000 jobs last year, shrinking its work force to 75,000 people.

The new cuts, at least 1,000 expected before the end of the year, were announced as Kodak posted sharply higher third-quarter earnings of $334 million, or $1.15 a share, up from $96 million, or 33 cents a share, a year ago.

Transport attack warning issued by federal agents

WASHINGTON -- The FBI issued a warning to state and local law enforcement nationwide Thursday about a possible attack soon against transportation systems, particularly railroads.

Officials said the warning, based on information obtained from al-Qaida prisoners, suggested that terrorists may try to take out bridges, key sections of tracks or train engines in an effort to cause derailments and widespread damage.

Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge was contacting key state and local officials to urge their help and vigilance in warding off any such attack.

New York Gov. George Pataki said, "There are threats and those out there who are looking to do us harm here in the United States."

Tornado causes wide damage in Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- A tornado caused extensive damage in the city and killed one person at a hard-hit college campus Thursday afternoon.

"We have extensive damage along the path of the tornado," Mayor Loyd Neal said.

Flooding also was reported as a cluster of storms moved through the area.

One person died when a wall collapsed at Del Mar College, assistant police chief Ken Bung said.

College spokeswoman Claudia Jackson said four other people were taken to hospitals for injuries. Damage to buildings was being assessed on campus, she said.

The tornado touched down about 3 p.m., and the National Weather Service said the storms cleared out of the area by late afternoon.

Son says rabbi showed no emotion after murder

FREEHOLD, N.J. -- The son of a rabbi charged with arranging his wife's murder testified Thursday that his parents had a serious argument that included talk of divorce two nights before she was killed.

In testimony more detailed and emotional than during the first trial of Rabbi Fred Neulander, Matthew Neulander also said he was stunned at his father's lack of emotion the night of Nov. 1, 1994, after Carol Neulander was bludgeoned to death in their home.

Matthew Neulander, who referred to his father as "Fred" during testimony, said the rabbi was expressionless when the son arrived at the house that night and found a swarm of police cars and officers investigating the death.

"When I first saw him he looked kind of the way he looks right now," Matthew Neulander said as he glanced at the defense table. "Kind of bland and unemotional. He said nothing to me."

-- From wire reports