The city has begun installing a new outdoor warning siren system that will cover a more expansive area of Temple. Twenty-two new sirens — some solar-powered, the others electric, with both types having back up batteries — will replace the current eight-siren system. That will allow for a more reliable system to notify citizens of an emergency.

Temple College representatives Wednesday responded to a slew of questions at the Temple Chamber of Commerce Business Showcase event. Visitors to the college’s booth were curious about credit classes, work force development classes, how to enter Temple College, the college’s web site, services, and how to get into programs, said Dr. Pat Smith, Temple College director of work force development for information technology.

BELTON — Local property owners soon will be receiving their tax bills. “They should be in the mail by the first of next week.” Bell County Appraisal District Chief Appraiser Marvin Hahn Jr. said Wednesday.

AUSTIN (AP) — Trying to pressure House members to work with them, Senate negotiators working on redistricting Wednesday presented what they said was a solution to a dispute over how to draw West Texas congressional districts. Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick of Midland said he had not seen the proposal but his spokesman said he did not think Craddick would like it.

WASHINGTON (AP)

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) — Apart from crime, corruption, crumbling infrastructure and a shattered economy, the U.S.-led coalition faces daily attacks by Iraqis opposed to the American presence. In the latest attack, a roadside bomb exploded about 300 yards from the main U.S. base in Saddam’s hometown, Tikrit, killing a female soldier and wounding two other Americans, U.S. officials said. Late Wednesday, a soldier from the 1st Armored Division was shot and killed while on patrol in the al-Mansour district of western Baghdad, the U.S. command said.

The Temple Wildcats

The Corpus Christi King Mustangs have bad memories of last October when they struggled through a four-game skid that included a 31-14 loss to the Belton Tigers. The losing stretch was the only downside in an otherwise successful campaign as King recovered and advanced three rounds deep in the Class 5A Division II playoffs.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)

ATLANTA (AP)

IRVING (AP)

FOXBORO, Mass. (AP)