Thousands of homes were still under threat from wildfires in California today despite a break in the strong winds fanning the flames.

Thousands of people marched through Los Angeles, demanding a way for the country’s estimated 12 million illegal immigrants to become American citizens and condemning President George Bush’s latest proposal.

ILLEGAL immigrants and their allies gathered across America yesterday for marches, prayers and demonstrations on a national day of economic protest, boycotting work, school and shopping to show their importance to the country.

Today has been set aside for immigrants in the US to boycott work, school and shopping to show how much they matter to their communities. But with some growing tired of street protests, and others afraid they’ll be deported or fired for walking out, people are planning to support the effort in myriad ways.

A flash flood swept through a northern Mexican city, killing at least 31 people caught in the path of an overflowing river, forcing hundreds into shelters, and damaging homes and cars.