World News Tonight Preview

Oct. 28 -- Good afternoon.

Firefighters and residents had another brutal day battling one of the most destructive wildfire outbreaks in California's history. In tonight's broadcast we'll focus on the effort to contain the fires. They have claimed at least 15 lives, destroyed more than 1,500 homes and charred more than half a million acres. In the heavily populated suburbs of Los Angeles, even more property is endangered. So much depends upon the wind. It will determine how quickly the flames spread and where the firefighters will go. Peter Jennings anchors again from the fire lines.http://www.abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20031028_1356.html

We also have the latest from Iraq, where there were more deadly attacks today. At least four Iraqis died in a car bombing in Fallujah, and the editor of an independent newspaper was shot. President Bush today held a press conference in the Rose Garden to address the violence. He blamed terrorists from outside Iraq for the increased level of attacks and vowed the United States will not back down. Terry Moran will report on the president's message and what it says about the future of Iraq's reconstruction. John Berman reports on his overnight ride with an Iraqi police patrol. http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20031028_1055.html

Finally, prosecutors in the trial of former Tyco chairman Dennis Kozlowski have presented a videotape of a lavish party he threw for his wife on the island of Sardinia. They say the party is one of many personal excesses Kozlowski enjoyed while he was plundering his company's assets and future financial well-being. Betsy Stark reports on the extravagant event — complete with ice sculptures, professional dancers and a private sailboat for the guests.

We hope you'll join us.