The Morning Meeting

From our morning editorial discussion today…

A dozen fires continue to rage in California – and the state is pouring in resources to battle the blazes. Red-flag warnings persist at nearly every one of these fires – all of which are spreading before the Santa Ana winds come. We have teams in southern California – near Mt. Wilson – and in Auburn, north of Sacramento, where firefighters at least believe they have the fire surrounded.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has given his initial review of the war effort there – arguing that the eight-year-long campaign can be won, but only with a revised strategy. "The situation in Afghanistan is serious, but success is achievable and demands a revised implementation strategy, commitment and resolve, and increased unity of effort," says General Stanley McChrystal. This comes as fatalities spike among American forces there, and tensions flare in the aftermath of what may have been a flawed election.

Other news today: The hurricane watch shifts to the Pacific – with the approach and strengthening of Hurricane Jimena, bearing down now on Baja California; the controversy over the freed Lockerbie bomber flares again; a call today for a nationwide ban on texting while driving; the U.S. sees its first significant post-bailout profits; a major study warns of the risks of over-screening for cancer; and we’ll have a special report on a so-called “extreme camp” for autism.

Stay tuned…