LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, California (Reuters) - The five-day-old wildfire burning out of control in the Los Angeles foothills and forest claimed its first victims on Sunday, two firefighters whose vehicle plummeted off the side of a road.

LONDON (Reuters) - The Federal Reserve has made $14 billion in profits on loans made in the last two years, The Financial Times reported on Monday, citing officials close to the matter.

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters) - The Dalai Lama, on a controversial humanitarian visit to flood-ravaged Taiwan denounced by China, steered clear of talking about Tibet on Monday but said he was dedicated to the promotion of democracy.

AP - Japan's newly empowered leader Yukio Hatoyama rushed Monday to select Cabinet ministers and start making good on promises to revive the world's second-largest economy after his party's historic trouncing of the ruling conservatives.

AP - Pakistan's army says it has killed at least 30 Taliban in battles across the troubled northwestern Swat Valley.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Fewer Americans are afraid that they will be unable to pay for healthcare services and fewer expect to postpone medical treatments due to costs, according to a Thomson Reuters survey published on Monday.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's next prime minister began forming a government on Monday as investors worried that the untested Democratic Party would overspend in a bid to revive the economy or ruffle ties with Tokyo's closest ally, Washington.

COLOMBO (Reuters) -- A Sri Lankan court sentenced a journalist who wrote articles critical of a military offensive against the Tamil Tigers to 20 years' hard labor under anti-terrorism laws critics say are used to stifle dissent.

AP - Japan's likely next prime minister rushed to select Cabinet ministers Monday after his party trounced the ruling conservatives in elections and inherited a mountain of problems, including how to revive the world's second-largest economy.

AP - Two Los Angeles County firefighters were killed Sunday when their vehicle rolled down a mountain side amid the intense flames of a wildfire that threatened 12,000 homes. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger urged those in the fire's path to get out as the blazes rained ash on cars as far away as downtown Los Angeles, spreading in all directions in dry conditions.

AP - President Barack Obama confronts a tortuous September — and it's not just the divisive political fight over health care.

AP - Toni Mugavin says she wonders if she needs to sleep with a gun under her pillow, afraid the killer of eight people at a Georgia mobile home is still on the loose and frustrated with the lack of information about what happened.

AP - The Dalai Lama said Taiwan should have 'very close and unique links' with China but also enjoy democracy, as he arrived at a devastated village Monday to pray for victims of Taiwan's worst storm in 50 years.

Reuters - Fewer Americans are afraid that they will be unable to pay for healthcare services and fewer expect to postpone medical treatments due to costs, according to a Thomson Reuters survey published on Monday.

Reuters - Japan's next prime minister began forming a government on Monday as investors worried that the untested Democratic Party would overspend in a bid to revive the economy or ruffle ties with Tokyo's closest ally, Washington.

Reuters - COLOMBO (Reuters) -- A Sri Lankan court sentenced a journalist who wrote articles critical of a military offensive against the Tamil Tigers to 20 years' hard labor under anti-terrorism laws critics say are used to stifle dissent.

AFP - Japan's Democratic Party Monday began talks on forming a new government, faced with the challenge of reviving the struggling economy and reshaping ties with key allies after its crushing election win.

AFP - The Dalai Lama praised Taiwan's democracy Monday on the first full day of a tour that China has warned will hurt improving ties with the island.

KABUL (Reuters) - The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan is delivering his long-awaited review of strategy on Monday, a spokeswoman said, but there was no hint in public as to whether he would ask for more troops.

LOS CABOS, Mexico (Reuters) - Hurricane Jimena, a dangerous Category 4 storm off Mexico's Pacific Coast, was on track to buffet resorts on the Baja California peninsula on Tuesday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

KABUL (Reuters) - The U.S. military is cancelling a contract with a public relations firm after coming under criticism for using the company to rate the output of journalists reporting on the Afghanistan war.

AP - Asian markets sank Monday as Chinese stocks plunged nearly 7 percent and Japanese shares weakened after the country's opposition party came to power in a landslide victory. European stocks were mixed in early trade.

Reuters - The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan is delivering his long-awaited review of strategy on Monday, a spokeswoman said, but there was no hint in public as to whether he would ask for more troops.

Reuters - The five-day-old wildfire burning out of control in the Los Angeles foothills and forest claimed its first victims on Sunday, two firefighters whose vehicle plummeted off the side of a road.

Reuters - Hurricane Jimena, a dangerous Category 4 storm off Mexico's Pacific Coast, was on track to buffet resorts on the Baja California peninsula on Tuesday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.

Reuters - The U.S. military is cancelling a contract with a public relations firm after coming under criticism for using the company to rate the output of journalists reporting on the Afghanistan war.

AFP - Wildfires killed two firefighters and turned hills around Los Angeles into fiery orange infernos, threatening thousands of homes.

KABUL (Reuters) - The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan delivered a long-awaited strategic review on Monday, describing the 8-year-old war as in a serious state, but saying success could be achieved with a revised strategy.

AP - The top commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan said Monday the situation in the country is 'serious' and a new strategy is needed to defeat the Taliban.

AP - Pakistani soldiers killed at least 45 Taliban militants in scattered gunbattles across the northwestern Swat Valley after a suicide bombing on a police station killed 17 cadets, the army said Monday.

Reuters - The commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan delivered a long-awaited strategic review on Monday, describing the 8-year-old war as in a serious state, but saying success could be achieved with a revised strategy.

AFP - Japan's Democratic Party on Monday began talks on forming a new government, faced with the challenge of reviving the struggling economy and reshaping ties with key allies after its crushing election win.

AFP - Wildfires have killed two firefighters and turned hills around Los Angeles into fiery orange infernos, threatening thousands of homes.

KABUL (Reuters) - The 8-year-old war in Afghanistan can still be won, but only with a revised strategy, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces said on Monday, announcing the conclusion of a long-awaited review that could see him seek more troops.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's next prime minister began forming a government on Monday as investors worried the untested Democratic Party would overspend in a bid to revive the economy or would ruffle ties with Tokyo's closest ally, Washington.

AP - The U.S. Forest Service says a wildfire in the mountains north of Los Angeles nearly doubled in size overnight and continues to threaten a broadcasting antenna complex and thousands of homes.

AP - The frantic caller told authorities he had just come home to find several family members beaten to death and another barely breathing, according to a 911 call released Monday following the weekend attack at a mobile home park in southeastern Georgia.

AP - The Walt Disney Co. said Monday it is buying Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in cash and stock, bringing such characters as Iron Man and Spider-Man into the family of Mickey Mouse and WALL-E.

Reuters - The 8-year-old war in Afghanistan can still be won, but only with a revised strategy, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces said on Monday, announcing the conclusion of a long-awaited review that could see him seek more troops.

Reuters - Japan's next prime minister began forming a government on Monday as investors worried the untested Democratic Party would overspend in a bid to revive the economy or would ruffle ties with Tokyo's closest ally, Washington.

AFP - The head of US and NATO troops in Afghanistan on Monday called for a revised strategy to turn around the war against the Taliban, describing the situation as serious but putting success within reach.

KABUL (Reuters) - The situation in Afghanistan is grave, but victory can be achieved with a change in strategy, the commander of Western forces in the country said on Monday, announcing the end of a long-awaited review.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The wildfire burning out of control in the mountains of Los Angeles doubled in size overnight on Monday and torched more structures on its march toward rural communities, officials said.

RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) - Palestinian leaders on Monday categorically ruled out holding any peace talks with Israel until a full and lasting freeze in Jewish settlement.

LOS CABOS, Mexico (Reuters) - Hurricane Jimena, a dangerous Category 4 storm, churned toward Mexico's Baja California Peninsula on Monday, headed for the upscale resort of Los Cabos where residents and tourists stocked up on fuel and food.

AP - The U.S. Forest Service says a wildfire has forced evacuations and is threatening 2,000 homes in a scenic farm area of San Bernardino County.

AP - The commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan said Monday in an assessment of the war that a new strategy was needed to fight the Taliban, while NATO officials disclosed he is expected to separately request more troops.

AP - A frantic caller told authorities he had just come home to find several relatives apparently beaten to death and another barely breathing, according to a 911 tape released Monday from the weekend attack at a mobile home park in southeastern Georgia.

AP - A Libyan official said the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing has been hospitalized and television footage showed him breathing through an oxygen mask, signs his illness from cancer may be worsening shortly after his early prison release sparked international outrage.

AP - British police say they will review the 1969 death of Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones.

AP - Tedy Bruschi retired Monday after a 13-year NFL career in which he won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and made a gallant return from a stroke.

Reuters - The situation in Afghanistan is grave, but victory can be achieved with a change in strategy, the commander of Western forces in the country said on Monday, announcing the end of a long-awaited review.

Reuters - Palestinian leaders on Monday categorically ruled out holding any peace talks with Israel until a full and lasting freeze in Jewish settlement.

Reuters - Hurricane Jimena, a dangerous Category 4 storm, churned toward Mexico's Baja California Peninsula on Monday, headed for the upscale resort of Los Cabos where residents and tourists stocked up on fuel and food.

MIAMI (Reuters) - Police in southeastern Georgia have launched a murder investigation after a 22-year-old man reported returning to his mobile home to find seven members of his family killed.

HAVANA (Reuters) - Talks aimed at resuming direct postal service between the United States and Cuba, which has been suspended for decades, are set to be held in mid-September in another sign of thawing U.S.-Cuba relations, Western diplomats said.

AP - A frantic caller told authorities he had just come home to find several relatives apparently beaten to death and another barely breathing, according to a 911 tape released Monday from the weekend attack at a mobile home park in southeastern Georgia.

AP - Massachusetts legislators have scheduled a public hearing on whether to change state law to allow the governor to name an interim replacement for the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.

AP - The Turkish Foreign Ministry says Turkey and Armenia have agreed to establish diplomatic ties.

AP - Extremely dangerous and strengthening Hurricane Jimena roared toward Mexico's resort-studded Baja California Peninsula on Monday, prompting emergency workers to set up makeshift shelters and chasing away an international finance conference.

Reuters - Police in southeastern Georgia have launched a murder investigation after a 22-year-old man reported returning to his mobile home to find seven members of his family killed.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A deadly wildfire roaring through parched mountains north of Los Angeles for a sixth day doubled in size early Monday and posed a continuing threat to Mount Wilson, a key broadcast and communications hub and the site of an historic observatory.

LOS CABOS, Mexico (Reuters) - Hurricane Jimena, a dangerous Category 4 storm, churned toward Mexico's Baja California peninsula on Monday, headed for the upscale Los Cabos resort where residents sandbagged their homes and tourists stocked up on food.

AP - Bombs killed four NATO troops Monday - two Americans and two Britons - ending the deadliest month of the war for U.S. forces as the top NATO commander called for a new strategy to confront the Taliban.

AP - A frantic caller told authorities he had just come home to find several relatives apparently beaten to death and another barely breathing, according to a 911 tape released Monday from the weekend attack at a mobile home park in southeastern Georgia.

AP - Nearly a third of all cocaine seized in the United States is laced with a dangerous veterinary medicine - a livestock de-worming drug that might enhance cocaine's effects but has been blamed in at least three deaths and scores of serious illnesses.

Reuters - Hurricane Jimena, a dangerous Category 4 storm, churned toward Mexico's Baja California peninsula on Monday, headed for the upscale Los Cabos resort where residents sandbagged their homes and tourists stocked up on food.

AFP - Japan's Democratic Party began talks on Monday on forming a new government, faced with the challenge of reviving the economy and reshaping ties with key allies after its crushing election win.

KABUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and its allies must change strategy and boost cooperation to turn around the war in Afghanistan, the top U.S. and NATO commander there said on Monday, wrapping up a much-anticipated review.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A deadly wildfire roaring through mountains north of Los Angeles for a sixth day more than doubled in size on Monday and posed a lingering threat to Mount Wilson, a broadcast and communications hub and the site of an historic observatory.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. judge ruled on Monday against American International Group in the insurer's legal battle with Starr International Co, affirming a July jury verdict that Starr did not breach a trust.

AP - A deadly wildfire that has blackened a wide swath of tinder-dry forest around Los Angeles made another menacing advance Monday, surging toward thousands of suburban homes and a vital mountaintop broadcasting complex while trapping five people inside a smoky canyon.

AP - The push to name a successor to the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy gained momentum Monday, with state lawmakers scheduling a hearing on whether to allow an appointee to serve until a special election in January.

AP - Iowa Republican Sen. Charles Grassley said Monday he remains hopeful a limited health care reform measure can be negotiated but a small group working on the issue agrees a government-run public option won't be part of a package.

AP - After giving the stock market a big gain during August, investors still worried about the economy backtracked the final day of the month.

AP - Roger Federer and Serena Williams began their U.S. Open title defenses Monday with easy wins in matches that will probably stick only in the memories of the players they beat.

Reuters - The United States and its allies must change strategy and boost cooperation to turn around the war in Afghanistan, the top U.S. and NATO commander there said on Monday, wrapping up a much-anticipated review.

Reuters - A deadly wildfire roaring through mountains north of Los Angeles for a sixth day more than doubled in size on Monday and posed a lingering threat to Mount Wilson, a broadcast and communications hub and the site of an historic observatory.

Reuters - A U.S. judge ruled on Monday against American International Group in the insurer's legal battle with Starr International Co, affirming a July jury verdict that Starr did not breach a trust.

Reuters - Talks aimed at resuming direct postal service between the United States and Cuba, which has been suspended for decades, are set to be held in mid-September in another sign of thawing U.S.-Cuba relations, Western diplomats said.

AFP - The US and NATO commander in Afghanistan Monday called for a revised strategy to defeat the Taliban and reverse the 'serious' situation as he submitted his review in the eight-year war.

KABUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States and its allies must change strategy and boost cooperation to turn around the war in Afghanistan, the top U.S. and NATO commander there said on Monday, wrapping up a much-anticipated review.

AP - Nearly a third of all cocaine seized in the United States is laced with a dangerous veterinary medicine — a livestock de-worming drug that might enhance cocaine's effects but has been blamed in at least three deaths and scores of serious illnesses.

AP - Police say they have found one small bone fragment on the property next door to the home of a Northern California man charged with kidnapping a little girl and hiding her in his backyard for 18 years.

AP - U.S. Sen. Max Baucus of Montana says a health care overhaul will happen this year even if Republicans back out of bipartisan talks under growing public pressure and that the death of Sen. Edward Kennedy could help hold together a compromise deal.

AP - Astronauts hitched a giant chest of drawers to the international space station on Monday that contained a brand new freezer, sleeping compartment and treadmill bearing a TV comedian's name.

Reuters - The United States and its allies must change strategy and boost cooperation to turn around the war in Afghanistan, the top U.S. and NATO commander there said on Monday, wrapping up a much-anticipated review.

ANTIOCH, California (Reuters) - Police in California found a bone fragment on Monday on property neighboring the house of a convicted rapist accused of kidnapping an 11-year-old girl and holding her for 18 years.

AP - Fire officials say a deadly wildfire that has blackened a wide swath of tinder-dry forest around Los Angeles has destroyed a total of 53 homes and threatens thousands more.

AP - Iowa Republican Sen. Charles Grassley said Monday he remains hopeful a limited health care reform measure can be negotiated, but that a small bipartisan group of senators working on the issue agrees a government-run public option won't be part of the package.

AP - Pop-punk band Blink-182 has pulled out of its show in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., saying band members were grieving the death of their friend, celebrity disc jockey Adam 'DJ AM' Goldstein.

AP - Excited to be seeing an old pal for the first time in a while, the U.S. Open spectators dotting the mostly empty stands in Arthur Ashe Stadium called out to Kim Clijsters as she stepped on the court that means so much to her.

Reuters - Police in California found a bone fragment on Monday on property neighboring the house of a convicted rapist accused of kidnapping an 11-year-old girl and holding her for 18 years.

AFP - Japan's Democratic Party began talks on Monday on forming a new government, faced with the challenge of reviving the economy and reshaping ties with key allies after its crushing election win.

AFP - A deadly wildfire roared out of control near Los Angeles on Monday, forcing thousands to flee and threatening a crucial telecommunications facility after claiming the lives of two firefighters.

AP - Extremely dangerous Hurricane Jimena roared toward Mexico's resort-studded Baja California Peninsula on Monday, chasing away an international finance conference and prompting emergency workers to start evacuating thousands of people from shantytowns.

AP - One in 10 binge drinkers got behind the wheel the last time they drank heavily. And half of those drivers left from a bar, restaurant or nightclub after downing five or more drinks, a new study has found.

AP - Fashion designer Anand Jon Alexander was sentenced Monday to 59 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting aspiring models he lured to Los Angeles.

AP - Brett Favre's ribs appear to be just fine. He took plenty of hits and even delivered one. Adrian Peterson scored on the game's first play, Favre played three quarters despite saying he might have an injured rib, and the Minnesota Vikings beat the Houston Texans 17-10 in a preseason game Monday night.

Reuters - The Congressional Budget Office may be missing potential savings from various health reform proposals by not looking at efforts to manage or prevent expensive, chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, researchers said in a study released on Tuesday.