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Vero Beach, Florida (CNN) -- Louis Schacht's family has been growing citrus in Vero Beach, Florida, for 60 years, contributing to a multibillion-dollar industry. But this year, he's worried. The winter weather blasting much of the country has made it to Florida, and the cold front now moving through is expected to last longer than usual. That could prove disastrous for Schacht and his fellow growers at the peak of the picking season. A chill can enhance the taste of the oranges and grapefruit that the Schacht family business grows and ships around the world. But if the temperature drops to 28 degrees Fahrenheit or below and stays there for four hours, fruit across Florida could be frozen and the crop destroyed. "If it stays just above freezing, it can really help sweeten the fruit, but it's a fine line to walk. If it gets too cold, you can definitely have some damage," Schacht said. He has flooded his 280-acre grove in a bid to protect his fruit, as have larger growers across the state. "What that does is create a little layer of warmth, usually about 20 to 25 feet from the surface, which is all we really need," Schacht said. And Schacht said that's just about all he can do. He said the fate of his fruit is now out of his hands. "We've basically done what we can do," he said. "You say a prayer and go to bed." CNNMoney.com: Will prices rise for orange juice? Schacht ships directly to customers around the world. "As a small grower, you try to sell everything that you can, direct to the consumer," he said. His crop contributes to Florida being the No. 1 producer of oranges in the country. "The citrus industry has a 9 billion-dollar annual economic impact," says Florida Citrus Mutual spokesman Andrew Meadows.	[ "What fruits are at risk of being ruined?", "What did the citrus grower say?", "What is the role of Louis Schacht?", "What event does Lous Schacht fear?i", "What is making citrus farmers concerned?", "What is out of the hand of citrus growers?", "What is forecast to be unusually long?" ]	[ [ "oranges" ], [ "\"If it stays just above freezing, it can really help sweeten the fruit, but it's a fine line to walk. If it gets too cold, you can definitely have some damage,\"" ], [ "family has been growing citrus in Vero Beach, Florida," ], [ "winter weather" ], [ "The winter weather blasting much of the country has made it to Florida, and the cold front now moving through is expected to last longer than usual." ], [ "fate of his fruit" ], [ "cold front" ] ]	Citrus grower says fate of his fruit is out of his hands . Cold snap now chilling state is forecast to be unusually long . Louis Schacht fears oranges and grapefruit could freeze and be ruined .
Video analytics company Visible Measures - the one we work with to put out our monthly top 10 webisodes chart - curates a list of video called the "100 Million Club." It includes all the web videos that have exceeded 100 million views. Lady Gaga has long been a staple of the chart, but now she's essentially in a club all her own: She's the first franchise to reach one billion views. Gaga's music videos hold three spots in the 65-video 100 Million Club - one for "Poker Face" (374,606,128), one for "Just Dance" (272,941,674) and one for "Bad Romance" (360,020,327). Add them up and you get just over one billion views. She won't occupy the club alone for long, though; the Twilight saga is close behind with 980 million and Soulja Boy is at 860 million. Gaga is primarily a hit on Vevo and YouTube; 25% of Vevo's visitors only have eyes for her. The pop star has attracted Internet attention elsewhere, too. A Facebook group of more than 100,000 people initiated National Lady Gaga Day about a month ago, and her latest Internet hit is her "Telephone" music video with Beyoncé. The point is, you can't escape Gaga on the Internet. She's everywhere right now. We welcome speculation as to exactly why the web loves her so, so let us know in the comments if you have any ideas. © 2010 MASHABLE.com. All rights reserved.	[ "Who is the first to reach one billion views?", "What is the list called?", "Who created the \"100 Million Club\" list?", "Who is the first franchise to reach one billion views?", "How many views did \"Poker Face\" have?", "How many views does \"Poker Face\" have?", "What are some of Lady Gaga's songs?", "Who curated the \"100 Million Club\" list?" ]	[ [ "Lady Gaga" ], [ "\"100 Million Club.\"" ], [ "analytics" ], [ "Lady Gaga" ], [ "(374,606,128)," ], [ "(374,606,128)," ], [ "\"Bad Romance\"" ], [ "Visible Measures" ] ]	Visible Measures curates a list called the "100 Million Club" Lady Gaga is the first franchise to reach one billion views . "Poker Face" had 374,606,128 views; "Just Dance" had 272,941,674 .
Vilseck, Germany (CNN) -- The wives of three Army sergeants in prison for premeditated murder say their husbands are war heroes who should not be in prison. "I can sympathize with them that they felt like there was nothing else they could do," said Jamie Leahy, wife of Sgt. Michael Leahy, a 28-year-old medic. She said her husband and the other two sergeants were heroes for protecting other soldiers. Leahy, 1st Sgt. John Hatley and Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Mayo killed four Iraqi men whom they had taken into custody at a canal in Baghdad, Iraq. During the investigation of the killings, Leahy told Army investigators that the same men they had captured would be shooting at them again if they had released them. "It's like somebody keeps coming and breaking into your house, and you told the cops, 'This is who it is, I saw them, they were in my house,' " Jamie Leahy told CNN's "AC 360°." "And that's not enough, and they are able to keep coming in and breaking into your house. "I know it's more severe than that, but I mean if somebody kept coming in and breaking into your house, I think that the person would either want to get a gun or something to protect themselves because you feel like in your own home, you can't even be safe." Earlier this year, Leahy, Hatley and Mayo were convicted of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit premeditated murder in the killings of the four Iraqi detainees in March 2007. Documents obtained by CNN, as well as Army interrogation tapes, reveal that Hatley believed that if the men were taken to a detainee holding area, they would be released because there was not enough evidence to hold them. "It's like you're letting somebody go so they can come back and terrorize you again and try and kill you and maybe be successful next time," Jaime Leahy said. Kim Hatley made a video in a field in Schweinfurt, Germany, where she and her husband lived before he was sent to the U.S. military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. In the video, she holds up cards asking for help in freeing "three American heroes." "They served their country, and they've been through a lot, and so have the family members," she told CNN. "But, in life, with any challenge, you can't just look at one incident. This does not define who these soldiers are." Kim Hatley says her husband is a "good man." "I don't think my husband should have gone to prison," she said. "I don't think that was fair. I don't think any of our soldiers should have gone to prison." And Johana Mayo said her husband has been punished enough. "I think that he's given and sacrificed a lot," she said. "I think he's a war hero. He's not a criminal and he's ... being treated as a criminal, and he shouldn't be." The Mayos have three children, ages 15 months, 6 and 11. Johana Mayo is legally blind and cannot drive. "I was used to relying on my husband for everything," she said. "You know, and he was the one that drove the kids around. He was the one that took care of their homework and anything -- grocery shopping -- everything. I relied on him for everything, and now I feel like I have to turn to my daughter a lot, and she's only 11." All three wives have set up Web sites to support their husbands: defendjohnhatley.com, defendjosephmayo.com and supportsgtleahy.com. Hatley, who was sentenced to life imprisonment, got clemency with his sentence reduced to 40 years. Both Leahy, who also received a life sentence, and Mayo, who got 35 years, had their sentences reduced to 20 years. All three sergeants were reduced in rank to private and sent to Fort	[ "What makes the soldiers heroes?", "What do the wives say?", "What have the wives done?", "Who claims that the sergeants should not be in prison?", "What has been set up in support?", "Who has set up web sites to support the soldiers?", "What were their husbands doing?" ]	[ [ "for protecting other" ], [ "husbands are war heroes who should not be in prison." ], [ "set up Web sites to support their husbands:" ], [ "The wives of three Army" ], [ "Web sites" ], [ "All three wives" ], [ "protecting other soldiers." ] ]	Wives say three Army sergeants convicted of murder should not be in prison . They say their husbands were heroes for protecting other soldiers in Iraq . All three wives have set up Web sites to support their husbands . Watch Saturday, Sunday at 8 and 11 p.m. ET; read blog posts: Abbie Boudreau; Scott Zamost .
Vilseck, Germany (CNN) -- The military released 77,000 of about 87,000 detainees locked up during the Iraq war because there was not enough evidence to hold them, CNN has learned. "In most cases, if we don't have anything, eventually they'll be released," said Brig. Gen. David Quantock, who oversees detainee operations in Iraq. Quantock said "many cases are driven purely on intelligence." "Intelligence does not win a fight in a courtroom. It doesn't win the fight in a courtroom in the United States. It doesn't win in Iraq." According to the U.S. military, 76,985 detainees have been released out of the 87,011 captured during the Iraq war. A CNN investigation found that frustration over the Army's policy on detainees may have led to the 2007 killings of four Iraqi men by three decorated Army sergeants at a Baghdad canal. Former 1st Sgt. John Hatley, who led the mission that day, told CNN in a letter that the detainee policy has "extensive flaws" that repeatedly frustrated soldiers. On Army interrogation tapes obtained by CNN, other soldiers complained about the Army rules for evidence gathering. Despite the high release rate, Quantock said he has confidence soldiers can take basic evidence from a crime scene in Iraq. "We're asking them to take basic evidence, which they've been trained to do," said Quantock, who oversees detainee operations in Iraq. "We've got the greatest soldiers in the world. And I don't accept that they can't take basic evidence off of a crime scene." CNN asked Quantock to explain why, if it were so easy to collect evidence, so many detainees have been released. "It took us a while to realize, it goes back to my point of we were trying to make the fight fit the Army as opposed to have the Army fit the fight," Quantock said. "I think a lot of times we thought the insurgency would dissipate, we were working closely with the government of Iraq, we were trying to improve the Iraqi security forces, but at the end of the day, it didn't work out very well. We had to get better at taking evidence off the crime scene." A January 9, 2005, memo imposed detailed standards of evidence soldiers needed before taking in suspected insurgents in Iraq. Quantock told CNN the rules detailed in the memo were in effect through the end of 2008. The memo spells out that evidence of criminal activity should include photos of "physical evidence," "the detainee at the crime scene or place of capture," as well as photos "of the detainee next to the evidence." Other evidence should include "statements written by first-hand witnesses to the criminal activity," the memo states. At the start of this year, the rules got even stricter. A security agreement with the government of Iraq now requires an arrest warrant signed by an Iraqi judge to detain someone. Asked about the killings at the canal, Quantock told CNN: "There's never an excuse to execute anyone. They become judge, jury and executioner."	[ "Frustration over detainee policy may have led to what?", "Four Iraqi detainees were killed by whom?" ]	[ [ "the 2007 killings of four Iraqi men by three decorated Army sergeants" ], [ "three decorated Army sergeants" ] ]	Four Iraqi detainees were killed by three decorated Army sergeants at a Baghdad canal . Frustration over detainee policy may have led to 2007 slayings, CNN investigation found . Nearly 77,000 detainees have been released out of the 87,000 captured in the Iraq war . Watch Saturday, Sunday at 8 and 11 p.m. ET; read blog posts: Abbie Boudreau; Scott Zamost .
WARSAW, Poland (CNN) -- In Poland, it's polite to bring flowers when you visit someone's home, so there's a flower shop on virtually every street corner in Warsaw. Crowds flock to Rynek Starego Miasta, Warsaw's Old Town Market Place. But the city is now realizing flower power on a bigger scale. There are buds and blooms adding color all over the capital, from the quaint Old Town to the bustling city center to the massive concrete apartment blocks left over from the communist era. It's Warsaw in bloom, in many ways: A city thriving, growing and blossoming six decades after much of it was destroyed during World War II and almost 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union brought many radical economic and social changes. Modern Warsaw is a mix of shiny new skyscrapers, tree-lined boulevards, ornate prewar buildings and somber concrete communist relics. Hamburger joints and pizzerias compete for customers with restaurants offering traditional Polish fare like pierogi. Expensive new cars share the road with crowded buses and trams. Traffic jams frustrate drivers throughout the day. But it's the older Warsaw -- faithfully restored and full of churches, palaces and parks -- that seems to attract the most visitors. See more photos of Warsaw's places and people » To get a feel for the city that was known as the Paris of Eastern Europe before World War II, stroll down Nowy Świat Street, lined with restaurants, cafes, bookstores and small shops. It's part of what's known as Warsaw's Królewski Trakt, or Royal Route. On a recent visit, the music of Frederic Chopin wafted down from an open window of one of the elegant apartments occupying the upper floors. The street is also home to a sweet Warsaw tradition. Blikle, one of the city's best-known confectioners, has been serving up cakes and pastries since 1869. It's probably most famous for perfecting the Polish version of the donut: Fist-sized balls of sweet, fragrant yeast dough fried until they're golden-brown and covered with icing. But it's what's inside that gives them their unique taste: A filling of preserves made from pureed rose petals and sugar. They're best when they're still warm, when it's especially hard to eat just one. Bustling Nowy Świat Street flows into elegant Krakowskie Przedmieście Street as you near the Old Town, Stare Miasto. Follow the crowds to the Royal Castle and the column bearing the statue of Poland's King Zygmunt III, first erected in 1644. Cobblestone streets lead to the heart of the district: Rynek Starego Miasta, the Old Town Market Place, where visitors are surrounded by picturesque pastel blue, pink and yellow buildings capped by red-shingled roofs and where the mood is as merry as the colors. Sit down for lunch at an outdoor cafe, buy an amber necklace at one of the shops lining the square, have your caricature painted by artists displaying their work, or just feed the pigeons. No matter the activity, it's a great place to relax and people watch. This historic center of Warsaw -- which Nazi troops almost completely destroyed in 1944 and which was carefully rebuilt after the war -- is designated as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. "It is an outstanding example of a near-total reconstruction of a span of history covering the 13th to the 20th century," UNESCO says. To get away from the crowds, return to the Royal Route and head towards the Aleje Ujazdowskie, a grand boulevard lined with embassies. It's here that you'll find the entrances to Warsaw's Łazienki Park, once the summer residence of Poland's royalty. Today, it's almost 200 acres of calm in the middle of the city and the perfect place for a stroll on wide alleyways surrounded by lush green trees and manicured lawns. The serene Pałac na Wyspie, Palace on the Isle, is one of several historic must-see sites in the park. Among the many other pleasures: Watching the playful red squirrels roaming in the grass and taking in	[ "The historic center of Warsaw is designated as what?", "In what country is Warsaw found?" ]	[ [ "World Heritage site" ], [ "Poland," ] ]	The historic center of Warsaw is designated as a World Heritage site . Statue of Frederic Chopin draws music lovers and pianists for outdoor concerts . Much of Warsaw was destroyed during World War II, then faithfully restored . Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004 .
WASECA, Minnesota (CNN) -- When you think of protection from the H1N1 flu virus, you may not think the hog population is what needs protecting. But that's precisely the concern among pork producers and those who use swine in research studies. Professor Samuel Baidoo wears specially issued gear as he checks on the hogs at the research facility. Forget any worries you may have had about catching the often-called "swine flu" from a pig. University of Minnesota Professor Samuel Baidoo, a swine nutrition and management expert at one of the school's swine research facilities, says it's actually the other way around. "If we are sick and we come in here, we can easily transfer [diseases], especially flu, to these pigs," Baidoo says. Baidoo took CNN on a tour of the university's research facility to demonstrate the precautions in place year-round to make sure its pig population remains safe. For starters, anyone who wants to visit the facility has to shower and put on specially issued overalls and boots and that rule applies to reporters and even the hog farmers themselves. "They will shower to go and see their own pigs," Baidoo says. This university's swine research barn is typical of most large-production hog facilities, Baidoo says, stressing that it's so secure "flies cannot even come in here." "Flu can be transferred by flies, by birds. There's no way a bird can get into this building. So these pigs are very, very safe," he explains. "We are more a risk to them than they to us." So let's say a pig does happen to come down with a disease, specifically with H1N1. Then what happens? Baidoo says the first sign that something is wrong is usually lack of appetite. "They go off feed, so we know there's something not right." If it does turn out to be a flu virus, Baidoo says, the treatment is very similar to what humans undergo. "We put them on medication and within three days it's over. Just like when we get [the] flu -- we go to the doctor and then they prescribe medication and we get well." Baidoo points out that since H1N1 is a respiratory illness, the actual carcass of the pig -- the pork we eat -- is still harmless. Still, Baidoo says he understands the initial knee-jerk reaction. After all, "swine flu" was what everyone called it at first -- before health organizations began referring to it as H1N1. "I also see the concern of consumers. When there is this situation everybody tends to connect the two. But there is no connection at all between the flu and pork," he says. "There's no fear in eating pork based on the scare of the flu pandemic." The disease most people in the United States and worldwide have been calling swine flu is actually a combination of human and animal strains. It has not been shown to be transmissible through eating pork. In an already suffering market, the negative news is something the U.S. pork industry says could have been prevented. "This flu is being called something that it isn't, and it's hurting our entire industry," Dave Warner, communications director for the National Pork Producers Council, said last week. "It is not a 'swine' flu, and people need to stop calling it that ... they're ruining people's lives."	[ "What does hog population need?", "facility in which U.S. state says humans must wear special suits to keep hogs disease-free?", "What has hit the pork industry hard", "Researchers say population of which animal needs protection from human diseases?", "What does the facility in Minnesota say?", "What must humans wear to keep diseases from hogs", "Fear over which disease has hit pork industry hard?", "For what reason does the hog population need protection", "What has hit the pork industry?" ]	[ [ "protecting." ], [ "Minnesota" ], [ "H1N1 flu virus," ], [ "pork producers and those who use swine" ], [ "\"If we are sick and we come in here, we can easily transfer [diseases], especially flu, to these pigs,\"" ], [ "overalls and boots" ], [ "H1N1 flu virus," ], [ "H1N1 flu virus," ], [ "H1N1 flu virus," ] ]	Researchers say hog population needs protection from human diseases . Fear over so-called "swine flu" has hit pork industry hard -- and unfairly, many say . Minnesota facility says humans must wear special suits to keep hogs disease-free . "No connection at all between the flu and pork," researcher says .
WASHAKIE COUNTY, Wyoming (CNN) -- Federal agents have apprehended accused child molester Edward Eugene Harper, who was on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, an FBI official said Thursday. Edward Eugene Harper is believed to have lived a nomadic lifestyle since fleeing Mississippi. Harper, 63, is accused of molesting two girls, ages 3 and 8, in his neighborhood in Hernando, Mississippi, more than a decade ago, the FBI said. The FBI said it received a telephone tip in June at the Denver office regarding Harper, and brought a SWAT team and a hostage negotiation team to apprehend him in rural Wyoming on Thursday. He surrendered without incident, the FBI said, and later admitted his identity to agents. Harper was living in a 1979 truck with a camper top in the southern portion of Washakie County's Big Horn Mountains, the FBI said. He is believed to have lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place and earning a living by doing odd jobs and herding sheep, the FBI said in a statement. He was indicted in April 1994 with conspiracy to commit sexual battery, fondling a child and sexual battery. He failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing and a state warrant was issued for his arrest in October 1994. He was later charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, a federal offense. The FBI added him to its 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list last year. Before living in Mississippi, Harper had been a ranch hand, working with cattle and sheep in Montana and Wyoming, the FBI said in its release on Harper last year. He has also worked as a truck driver, the agency said. According to the FBI, Harper subscribed to "sovereign citizen" ideology and claimed to be a member of the Montana Freemen, a group that rejected the authority of the U.S. government. The group became famous for an 81-day standoff with federal agents in Montana in 1996. But after the arrest and conviction of many of its members, the group essentially disintegrated, according to Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center. "As far as I know," they don't exist, he said. "Most of them went to prison and there was nothing left."	[ "what was he working as?", "Who was fondling a child?", "What is Harper accused of?", "Who was accused of molesting two girls?", "Who surrendered without an incident?", "What did the FBI say?", "Who surrendered without incident?" ]	[ [ "doing odd jobs and herding sheep," ], [ "Edward Eugene Harper" ], [ "molesting two girls, ages 3 and 8," ], [ "Edward Eugene" ], [ "Edward Eugene Harper" ], [ "Federal agents have apprehended accused child molester Edward Eugene" ], [ "Edward Eugene Harper" ] ]	Edward Eugene Harper accused of molesting two girls ages 3 and 8 a decade ago . Harper surrendered without incident after telephone tip in June led FBI to him . FBI says he was working as sheep herder, living in camper in rural Wyoming . Harper was indicted in Mississippi on charges of sexual battery, fondling a child .
WASHAKIE COUNTY, Wyoming (CNN) -- In the predawn darkness the agents switch the federal plates on their vehicles to local Wyoming tags and check they have no other signs showing they are from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Edward Eugene Harper is believed to have lived a nomadic lifestyle since fleeing Mississippi. They want to give the impression that they are fish and wildlife officers, certainly not what they really are -- an elite squad in search of one of the FBI's 10 most-wanted fugitives. Their target lives eight miles up a dirt road in the Big Horn mountains of Washakie County -- and he is also not what he seems. For the past few years Edward Eugene Harper has been tending a flock of sheep in the semi-wilderness of the region. But 15 years ago he failed to turn up for a court appearance in Mississippi on charges he had molested two girls, aged 3 and 8. He'd been on the lam ever since. Recently the FBI had received a tip on his whereabouts. Watch how FBI planned hunt for fugitive » Snipers spent the night watching the truck with a camper top where Harper, 63, has been sleeping for the past few weeks. Michael Rankin, assistant special agent in charge at the FBI's Denver, Colorado, field office and leader of the operation to capture Harper, said he wanted to use a ruse to get close to Harper. "We don't want to alert him or anybody who might be a supporter of his, and we want to get as close to him without somehow raising his antenna that we may be law enforcement and we may be wanting to take him into custody," Rankin said. "It's an individual that has been a fugitive for almost 15 years, so he certainly doesn't want to go to jail or be put into the system after being on the lam for this length of time." The locals are used to seeing officers from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and it's one of their men who will make the first contact and perhaps lead Harper to think the accompanying agents are also wildlife officials. The sun is up now and it is dusty and hot. At the end of the dirt road the FBI has officers working the command and control element, a team of crisis negotiators and investigators who will confirm Harper's identity, and a tactical unit aiming to make the arrest. FBI sources say they are concerned about another "Ruby Ridge incident." In August 1992, more than 400 members of federal and local law enforcement and the military converged on the Idaho hillside where a white separatist, Randy Weaver, lived in a cabin with his family. By the end of the operation, there had been a 12-day siege and a U.S. marshal, Weaver's wife and his 14-year-old son were dead. Ruby Ridge became a rallying cry for right-wing militias, and agents do not want this arrest mission spiraling out of control. Harper subscribes to "sovereign citizen" ideology and once claimed to be a member of the Montana Freemen, a group that rejected the authority of the U.S. government, the FBI said. In the end, the arrest of Harper is nothing like Ruby Ridge. He puts up no resistance, no shots are fired and there is no standoff. Harper, now with a heavy beard, shaggy hair and wearing a black patch on his left eye, sits calmly in a government SUV heading back into the system and a county jail in Casper, Wyoming, as authorities begin the process of extraditing him to Mississippi. He has requested a public defender. "It feels very good that everybody's safe," Rankin said as the teams leave the wilderness to head back to base where they can strike a name off their most wanted list.	[ "When Harper skipped court date?", "Where was Harper detained?", "Where child molester Edward Eugene Harper had been detained?", "What is the child molester's name?", "What is the name of the accused child molester?", "When did he go on the run?" ]	[ [ "15 years ago" ], [ "county jail" ], [ "a county jail in Casper, Wyoming," ], [ "Edward Eugene Harper" ], [ "Edward Eugene Harper" ], [ "15 years ago" ] ]	Accused child-molester Edward Eugene Harper detained in Wyoming . FBI snipers, investigators headed into wilderness before dawn to catch him . Harper skipped court date in 1994 and had been on the lam since .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama raised more than $40 million from more than 442,000 donors in March, his presidential campaign announced Thursday. Sen. Barack Obama greets campaign volunteers during a stop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wednesday. More than 218,000 of the donors were giving for the first time, the campaign said. The figures are estimates, a campaign spokesman said. "We're still calculating." Sources in Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign said the New York senator raised $20 million in March. Impressive as the $40 million figure is, it is well below the $55 million Obama raised in February. Clinton, Obama's rival for the Democratic nomination, raised about $35 million in February. Political analysts say this kind of fundraising power catches the attention of voters. "They add to the so-called 'bandwagon effect' -- the sense that Obama is building, that he's going to be the nominee," said Stu Rothenberg of the Rothenberg Political Report. With its March totals, the Obama campaign has raised approximately $234 million, which surpasses the Democratic record of $215 million that 2004 nominee Sen. John Kerry raised in that presidential primary season. Obama is $25 million shy of President Bush's presidential primary fundraising record of $259 million, set in his uncontested campaign in 2004. Obama raised $194 million through the end of February. Official fundraising tallies for March are due to the Federal Election Commission by April 20. Clinton raised $156 million through the end of February. The Clinton campaign said Thursday morning it would not release March figures until required to file its FEC report, two days before the critical Pennsylvania primary April 22. But later, campaign sources provided the figures, which show March to be Clinton's second-highest fund-raising month for the campaign. A Clinton spokesman downplayed the importance of Obama's fundraising total. "We knew that he was going to out-raise us. He has out-raised us for the last several months," Howard Wolfson said after Obama's figures were released. "We will have the resources that we need to compete and be successful in the upcoming primary states." Wolfson also said he expected Clinton's tax returns to be released soon. Clinton pledged March 25 she would release her returns within a week. Sen. John McCain, the expected Republican nominee, raised $11 million in February. He has not announced his March total. E-mail to a friend CNN's Rebecca Sinderbrand and Rob Yoon contributed to this report.	[ "Who said tax returns will be released soon?", "Who raised $20 million in March", "Who contributes to Sen. Barack Obama's campaign?", "Who raised $20 million in March?", "What did more than 442,000 donors contribute to?", "When will Clinton release her tax returns?" ]	[ [ "Wolfson" ], [ "Hillary Clinton's" ], [ "442,000 donors" ], [ "Sen. Hillary Clinton's" ], [ "Sen. Barack Obama" ], [ "within a week." ] ]	NEW: Sen. Clinton raised $20 million in March, campaign sources say . Clinton camp says her tax returns will be released soon . More than 442,000 donors contribute to Sen. Barack Obama's, campaign says . Number is below record $55 million Obama raised in February .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Department of Homeland Security will investigate a Halloween costume party hosted by a top immigration official and attended by a man dressed in a striped prison outfit, dreadlocks and darkened skin make-up, a costume some say is offensive, the department's secretary said. Julie Myers, head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, called the man's costume "offensive." Julie Myers, head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and host of the fundraising party, was on a three-judge panel that originally praised the prisoner costume for "originality." Myers later apologized for "a few of the costumes," calling them "inappropriate and offensive." She said she and other senior managers "deeply regret that this happened." A department photographer photographed Myers with the man, but the images were deleted after the costume were deemed offensive, ICE spokeswoman Kelly Nantel said. Between 50 and 75 people attended the party, which was a fundraiser for the Combined Federal Campaign, a federal government collection of charities. Nantel said one employee, whom she declined to identify, was wearing a black-and-white striped prison outfit, dreadlocks and a skin "bronzer" intended "to make him look African-American." But, she said, it was not immediately apparent that he was wearing the make-up. "Most people in the room didn't realize he was wearing make-up at all," she said. "It was unintentioned. The employee did not mean to offend although there were some employees that were rightfully offended by it," Nantel said. Myers and the other judges "noted his costume for originality." "There were a couple of people who were offended," Nantel said. "When it was confirmed through a conversation with the employee that he was wearing make-up," Nantel said, the employee was counseled and Myers sent out a note to employees apologizing. In a November 2 email to ICE employees, Myers wrote, "It is now clear that, however unintended, a few of the costumes were inappropriate and offensive. While we were all thrilled to be a part of the CFC fundraising effort, I and the senior management at ICE deeply regret that this happened." She reminded all employees to be compliant with the department's diversity training requirement. Myers has served as head of ICE since January of 2006 but is still awaiting Senate confirmation. An ICE congressional liaison said ICE officials briefed congressional staffers about the costume party this week as a courtesy. But at least one congressional staffer said they approached ICE after receiving an anonymous fax about the incident. Myers called House Homeland Security Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi, about the incident and is expected to meet with him before the end of the week, a Thompson spokeswoman told CNN. Myers also contacted the National Association of African-Americans in the Department of Homeland Security. In a letter to NAADHS members, the group's vice president, Sjon Shavers, said the group "appreciates (Myers) reaching out to us so quickly in order to keep us apprised of the matter and we commend her on moving so swiftly toward appropriate corrective action." As head of ICE, Myers heads the law enforcement agency charged with enforcing immigration law inside the United States. It is the second largest investigative agency in the federal government, with more than 15,000 employees, including 6,000 investigators. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff "supports the actions that Assistant Secretary Myers has taken," DHS spokeswoman Laura Keehner said. "We do not tolerate inappropriate behavior at DHS." "The Secretary has asked for an inquiry into the facts surrounding the incident. Once the facts have been determined, we will take all necessary and appropriate actions," Keehner said. E-mail to a friend	[ "What costume offended some people at the party?", "whos party was it?", "What is Myers' vocation?", "Who praised the man's costume originally?", "Who was the party host?", "Who was the party's host?" ]	[ [ "man dressed in a striped prison outfit, dreadlocks and darkened skin make-up," ], [ "hosted by a top immigration official" ], [ "head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement," ], [ "Julie Myers," ], [ "Julie Myers," ], [ "Julie Myers," ] ]	Man in prison outfit, dreadlocks and darkened skin make-up came to party . Party host was Julie Myers, head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement . She and other judges at first gave man praise for costume's "originality" But some were offended and Myers later apologized in an email to employees .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- More than 33,000 items of old denim -- jeans, hats and jackets -- were sent to Washington in a recycling effort that will benefit disaster-struck homes, officials said. Erek Hansen donated five pairs of his own outgrown jeans to the cause and collected almost 1,700 pairs. National Geographic Kids magazine encouraged readers to donate their old denim instead of throwing it away. The resulting 33,088 pieces of denim clothing set a world record, verified Wednesday by a representative from Guinness World Records, according to the magazine's blog. The thousands of pairs of jeans, which are on display at Union Station for two weeks, will be turned into housing insulation for homes affected by natural disasters. According to the magazine, there will be enough material to provide insulation for 60 houses. The jeans will be turned over to Cotton Inc., which collects used denim for natural fiber insulation made without carcinogens or chemical irritants. Paula Rosario, vice president of consumer marketing for the company, said that the new record "certainly attests to the civic-mindedness of today's children." The ceremony unveiling the denim display also honored 9-year-old Erek Hansen, who collected nearly 1,700 jeans. The elementary school student from Curtice, Ohio, said that his friends and classmates "were happy to help the environment." Hansen donated five pairs of his own outgrown jeans. The display also includes a pair from actor Ben Stiller.	[ "How many items of old denim were sent?", "To what location was the old denim sent to?", "What did the National Geographic Kids magazine encourage readers to do?", "what does the magazine encourage", "How many items were donated?", "how many items were sent to washington", "Who collected almost 1,700 pairs of jeans?", "What age is Erek Hansen of Curtice, Ohio?", "how many jeans were collected" ]	[ [ "More than 33,000" ], [ "Washington" ], [ "donate their old denim" ], [ "readers to donate their old denim instead of throwing it away." ], [ "More than 33,000" ], [ "33,000" ], [ "Erek Hansen" ], [ "9-year-old" ], [ "1,700 pairs." ] ]	National Geographic Kids magazine encouraged readers to donate old denim . More than 33,000 items of old denim -- jeans, hats and jackets -- sent to Washington . Material will be turned into housing insulation for homes affected by natural disasters . Erek Hansen, 9, of Curtice, Ohio, collect almost 1,700 pairs of jeans .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Bush administration official has publicly described a detainee's treatment at the U.S. Navy Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as torture, according to a published report. The detention of terror suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, has been a source of controversy. Susan Crawford, the retired judge in charge of determining which Guantanamo detainees should be tried by a U.S. military commision, has refused to refer the case of Mohammed al-Qahtani to prosecutors because of that assessment, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. "We tortured (Mohammed al-) Qahtani," Crawford told the Post. "His treatment met the legal definition of torture. And that's why I did not refer the case" for prosecution. Military prosecutors have accused al-Qahtani of helping to plan the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, and believe he may have sought to participate, possibly as the "20th hijacker." The United States had been seeking the death penalty against al-Qahtani and five other men in connection with the 9/11 attacks. Crawford approved charges against the other five. She told the newspaper she came to her decision based on the combination of the interrogation techniques, their duration and the effect on al-Qahtani's health. "The techniques they used were all authorized, but the manner in which they applied them was overly aggressive and too persistent," she said. "You think of torture, you think of some horrendous physical act done to an individual. This was not any one particular act; this was just a combination of things that had a medical impact on him, that hurt his health. It was abusive and uncalled for. And coercive. Clearly coercive. It was that medical impact that pushed me over the edge" to call it torture, she told the paper. When asked later Wednesday about the report, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino responded, "It has never been the policy of this president or this administration to torture. "Because of command influence concerns, I have not commented about individual cases from this podium and ... that's as much as I can say about it." Pressed further on the issue, Perino said, "The commander-in-chief should not be commenting on cases where the government is bringing a case against a detainee. It would be inappropriate to do so from the White House." The Department of Defense issued a statement Wednesday defending the military treatment of al-Qahtani. "We have conducted more than a dozen investigations and reviews of our detention operations, including specifically the interrogation of al-Qahtani, the alleged 20th hijacker. "The investigations concluded the interrogation methods used at Gitmo (Guantanamo), including the special interrogation techniques used with Qahtani in 2002, were lawful. "However, subsequent to those reviews, the department adopted new and more restrictive policies, and improved oversight procedures for interrogation and detention operations. "Some of the aggressive questioning techniques used on al-Qahtani, although permissible at the time, are no longer allowed in the updated Army field manual." In November, military prosecutors said they would try to refile charges against al-Qahtani based on later interrogations that did not use harsh techniques, the paper reported. Crawford, who dismissed war crimes charges against al-Qahtani in May 2008, said she won't let the prosecutors pursue other charges. His interrogation took place over 50 days -- from November 2002 to January 2003, and he was held in isolation until April 2003, she said. "For 160 days, his only contact was with the interrogators," she said. Crawford, who studied interrogation and other military records, said al-Qahtani was forced to stand naked in front of a female agent, threatened with a military dog named Zeus, "forced to wear a woman's bra and had a thong placed on his head" during questioning, and "was told that his mother and sister were whores," the newspaper reported. Al-Qahtani, a Saudi national, was denied entry to the United	[ "What is Mohammed al-Qahtani accused of?", "What did the judge refuse to do?", "Which paper had the story?", "What was the White houses response?", "What did Crawford say?", "What did the judge do?", "What did Susan Crawford say?", "What was al-Qahtani accused of?" ]	[ [ "helping to plan the September 11, 2001, terror attacks," ], [ "to refer the case of Mohammed al-Qahtani to prosecutors" ], [ "Washington Post" ], [ "\"It has never been the policy of this president or this administration to torture." ], [ "\"We tortured (Mohammed al-) Qahtani,\"" ], [ "refused to refer the case of Mohammed al-Qahtani to prosecutors because of that assessment," ], [ "\"We tortured (Mohammed al-) Qahtani,\"" ], [ "helping to plan the September 11, 2001," ] ]	Retired judge refuses to refer case to prosecutors because of torture assessment . Susan Crawford describes techniques as "overly aggressive and too persistent" Military prosecutors accuse Mohammed al-Qahtani of helping plan 9/11 attacks . White House, Defense Department respond to Washington Post story .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Senate subcommittee Tuesday tackled one of the most contentious issues in U.S. sports: the fairness of the Bowl Championship Series that decides the top college football team each season. Tim Tebow, right, of the Florida Gators talks to coaches at the 2009 BCS national championship game January 8. Convened by Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, the hearing by the Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights subcommittee provided a sounding board for his state's disappointment over the inability of the undefeated University of Utah to qualify for the BCS national championship game last January. The BCS operates under an agreement among the major college football conferences that decides which teams qualify for the biggest bowl games each season, including the national championship game. It also distributes the revenue generated by the bowl games, with the participating members taking part in more of the post-season matches and taking home more money. Every season brings heated debate over the bowl lineup and calls for a playoff system similar to the ones used for every other National Collegiate Athletic Association sport, including small-college football. President Obama has joined many Americans in expressing his preference for a playoff system to decide the nation's top college football team. Hatch complained that the BCS system denies outsiders -- such as Utah of the Mountain West Conference -- a fair chance to compete with major conferences such as the Big 12, Big 10, Pacific 10 and Southeast Conference for a spot in the lucrative bowl games. Last season, he said, Utah went undefeated and gained a BCS berth in the Sugar Bowl against perennial power Alabama, which it defeated 31-17. However, the BCS ranking system prevented Utah from any realistic chance of selection for the national championship game, which pitted two teams that each had one loss on their records, Hatch said. For schools outside what he called the "privileged conferences," the BCS system has "significant and largely insurmountable obstacles to playing for a national championship," Hatch said. University of Utah President Michael Young complained that the BCS system both stifles competition and guarantees the majority of revenue from bowl games to the traditional powers. "If you can't beat them, eliminate them," he said of BCS policy. In response, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman said the BCS system -- while imperfect -- is the only workable formula that ensures participation by major football powers such as his institution. The BCS recognizes the strength and depth of traditional programs, Perlman said, rejecting Young's argument that Utah has no chance to improve its status. "There realistically is something Utah could do," Perlman said. "They could play the schedule Nebraska played." At the same time, Perlman said that uneven odds are part of every university's experience at one time or another. "It's the same as when Nebraska walks into the NIH [National Institutes of Health] and seeks a federal grant and competes with Harvard," he said. "Theoretically we have the same the chance, but do we really?" Two anti-trust experts provided conflicting testimony on whether the BCS system violates the Sherman Antitrust Act. Barry Brett of the law firm Troutman Sanders insisted the BCS holds what amounts to an illegal monopoly and "uses this control to exclude all but its founding members [from] fair access to the competition and control of hundreds of millions of dollars." In response, William Monts III of Hogan and Hartson noted the BCS members created the national championship game and therefore have the right to determine who participates. He also warned against seeking anti-trust relief in court, saying a ruling against the BCS would end its existence without creating an alternative. "The peculiar irony of an anti-trust claim is that it is likely to sound the death knell for the playoff system proponents want," Monts said.	[ "who convened the meeting?", "Who beat Alabama in Sugar Bowl last season?", "What kept Utah out of the national championship game?", "Who did Utah go undefeated against?", "Who was undefeated?" ]	[ [ "Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah," ], [ "Utah" ], [ "BCS ranking system prevented" ], [ "Alabama," ], [ "University of Utah" ] ]	Convened by GOP Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah . Utah went undefeated and beat Alabama in Sugar Bowl last season, noted Hatch . But BCS ranking system kept Utah out of national championship game, he said . Teams in championship game each had one loss on their records, Hatch noted .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. Marine videotaped throwing a puppy over a cliff while on patrol in Iraq has been kicked out of the Corps, and a second Marine involved has been disciplined, according to a statement released by the Marines. YouTube.com removed the video for violating the Web site's terms of use. Lance Cpl. David Motari, based in Hawaii with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, is being "processed for separation" and received non-judicial punishment, officials said in the statement Wednesday night. The Marine Corps would not specify what that punishment was because of privacy regulations. The statement said Motari received the punishment for his role in the "episode which generated international attention." The incident appeared on the Internet web site YouTube in March, sparking outrage from animal rights groups around the world. In the video, Motari is seen throwing the dog off a cliff as it yelps. A second Marine, San Diego-based Sgt. Crismarvin Banez Encarnacion, received non-judicial punishment as well. Janice Hagar, a spokeswoman for the Marines in San Diego, said Encarnacion shot the video. Marine officials at the Pentagon would not disclose the severity of the disciplinary action against Encarnacion, also because of privacy regulations. CNN did not receive a response from the Marine Corps in San Diego to questions about the case. The statement said the Marines conducted an investigation as soon as the YouTube video came to the attention of commanders. "The actions seen in the Internet video are contrary to the high standards we expect of every Marine and will not be tolerated," according to the statement. On the video, Motari smiles as he is holding the puppy and then hurls the dog over a cliff. An unknown person operating the video cameras is heard laughing and another voice saying "that's mean, Motari." In a statement, the Humane Society of the United States applauded the Marine Corps' decision to punish those involved. "The bad actors in this case have been dealt with by the Marine Corps, which rightly recognizes that harming animals is unacceptable conduct," said Dale Bartlett, the group's deputy manager for animal cruelty issues. "Now, the Department of Defense and the Congress must step up protection from cruelty for all animals under the law governing military conduct."	[ "what is happening to lance", "Who is being processed for separation?", "what Second Marine, who filmed the incident?", "Who is also being disciplined?" ]	[ [ "being \"processed for separation\"" ], [ "Lance Cpl. David Motari," ], [ "Sgt. Crismarvin Banez" ], [ "second Marine" ] ]	Hawaii-based Lance Cpl. David Motari is being "processed for separation" Motari was seen on video tossing a puppy off a cliff while on patrol in Iraq . Second Marine, who filmed the incident, was also disciplined .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A dream come true, a part of history, an accomplishment for all of us. Margret Forsythe, left, and Evadey Minott came to Tuesday's inaugural events from Brooklyn, New York. Millions of people gathered on the Mall in Washington on Tuesday to celebrate the inauguration of the 44th U.S. president, Barack Obama. "This is America happening," said Evadey Minott of Brooklyn, New York. "It was prophesied by [the Rev. Martin Luther] King that we would have a day when everyone would come together. This is that day. I am excited. I am joyful. It brings tears to my eyes." L.J. Caldwell of Somerset, New Jersey, said Obama's inauguration capped five decades of struggle for African-Americans. "When you think back, Malcolm [X] fought. Then we come a little further, Rosa Parks sat. Then come up a little further and Martin [King Jr.] spoke. Then today, President Obama ran and we won." Watch Obama say Americans have "chosen hope over fear" » Kim Akins, 43, of Chicago, Illinois, who lives just blocks from Obama's home, made the trek to Washington with her 8-year-old daughter, Chloe. Vanessa Reed, of Centerville, Virginia, took her daughters to spot on the inaugural parade route. "I was going to take my daughter here if it was the last thing I did," she said. "It's breathtaking. ... It's overwhelming." Vanessa Reed, of Centerville, Virginia, who brought her two young daughters to the inauguration, reflected on Obama's speech as she sat with her daughters across from the presidential reviewing stand at the end of the parade route. "It was beautiful. It spoke to the issues of the moment," said Reed, who worked for the Obama campaign. "I am proud this country saw what we saw in him." Not as impressed, her youngest daughter, Brooke. "It was so boring," the 4-year-old said. Patrick Bragg, 44, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, contemplated the day as he tried to stay warm standing over steam vents on H Street. Patrick Bragg says he rode a bike 18 miles to get to downtown Washington on Tuesday morning. "I've been sitting here thinking -- it's really beautiful," said Bragg, who said he rode a bike 18 miles from Bethesda, Maryland, to attend Tuesday's ceremonies. "This is what I would consider the true representation of all of America. Obama gives everyone space at the table." Some of those attending Tuesday recalled how they were part of the effort that culminated in the historic day. "You remember why you are doing it all, why you were working so hard on the campaign making phone calls, knocking on doors and getting slammed in the face sometimes," said iReport contributor Vanessa Palmer of the University of South Florida in Tampa. Howard University student Shakuwra Garrett, 18, said she felt like "a part of history." "I can carry this with me the rest of my life," Garrett said. "It's an accomplishment for all of us." The accomplishment crossed borders and oceans for some of those at Tuesday's inauguration. "The dream came true," said Fatima Cone, 39, who came to the U.S. from Ivory Coast, where her mother wears an Obama T-shirt. She conveyed the excitement her family feels in West Africa. "The fight is the same for all blacks. It's the same story. It's the same fight wherever you come from," Cone said. Canadians Peter and Susan Butler drove down from Toronto, Ontario, to see the event and "support the American people." iReport.com: Are you in Washington? Share your story "This is a world event," Susan Butler said. "We can tell our grandchildren we were here." Brtion Simon Ginty called	[ "Who was elected in this story?", "What did the woman from New York say?", "What did the New York woman say?", "What did Obama's election show according to a woman?", "What ethnicity was the person who said, \"This is a world event\"?", "What did the Canadian say?" ]	[ [ "Barack Obama." ], [ "\"This is America happening,\"" ], [ "\"This is America happening,\"" ], [ "a day when everyone would come together." ], [ "Canadians" ], [ "\"This is a world event,\"" ] ]	A McDonald's in Washington goes silent as patrons watch inaugural . "This is America happening," says New York woman . Canadian says, "This is a world event" Barack Obama's election shows American people "can do anything," woman says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A drunk passenger who tried to set the curtains of a Boeing 767 on fire during a trans-Atlantic flight is in custody in Vienna, Austria, the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday. A drunk Delta passenger was placed in custody after he tried to light curtains on fire during a flight. There was no apparent connection to terrorism, officials said. Zoltan Lensky, 25, a Slovakian citizen, was on Delta Flight 40 from Atlanta, Georgia, to Vienna Wednesday night when flight attendants refused his request for more liquor. According to TSA spokesman Christopher White, Lensky slapped a flight attendant on the hand, moved forward in the cabin, pulled out a lighter and tried to ignite the curtains around the flight attendants' rest area. A federal air marshal on the flight arrested Lensky and put him in handcuffs, White said. Lensky was handed over to authorities in Vienna when the flight landed. It is policy for air marshals never to fly alone. According to White, the other air marshal, or marshals, on the Delta flight remained undercover in case Lensky was being used as a diversion. However, "he was nothing but an intoxicated passenger," said White.	[ "what did the passenger do on the flight", "What country is Lensky from?", "where was the drunk passenger from", "What type of plane was it?", "where was the flight going", "Who slapped the flight attendant's hand?", "What authorities was Lensky handed to?", "who tried to set the curtains on fire?" ]	[ [ "tried to light curtains" ], [ "a Slovakian citizen," ], [ "Slovakian citizen," ], [ "Boeing 767" ], [ "Vienna" ], [ "Zoltan Lensky," ], [ "in Vienna" ], [ "A drunk passenger" ] ]	A drunk passenger tried to set the curtains of a Boeing 767 on fire . Zoltan Lensky, 25, a Slovakian citizen, was on Delta flight from Atlanta to Vienna . He slapped a flight attendant's hand when she refused to provide more booze . Lensky was handed over to authorities in Vienna when the flight landed .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A form of liquid morphine used by terminally ill patients will remain on the market even though it is an "unapproved drug," according to a decision by the Food and Drug Administration. Last month, the FDA warned nine companies to stop selling unapproved pain-relief drugs. After talking with hospital and hospice organizations, which expressed concern that taking the product off the market would result in hardship for terminally ill patients and their caregivers, the agency decided to extend the usage of morphine sulfate oral solution 20 mg/ml. The agency wants to ensure there is no shortage of the drug while patients wait for an approved product to take its place. "While the FDA remains committed to ultimately ensuring that all prescription drugs on the market are FDA approved, we have to balance that goal with flexibility and compassion for patients who have a few alternatives for the alleviation of their pain," Dr. Douglas Throckmorton, deputy director of the FDA's Center for drug Evaluation and Research, said Thursday. "In light of the concerns raised by these patients and their health-care providers, we have adjusted our actions with regard to these particular products." Last month, the FDA sent warning letters to nine companies telling them to stop manufacturing 14 unapproved narcotics that are widely used to treat pain. Seven of those companies made or distributed the oral morphine. The morphine elixir is widely used by terminal patients in hospital and home hospice care settings and is manufactured by Lehigh Valley Technologies Inc., Mallinckrodt Inc. Pharmaceuticals Group, Boehringer Ingelheim Roxane Inc. and Cody Laboratories, Inc. In its warning letter last month, the agency gave the companies 60 days to stop manufacturing the drug before enforcement action was taken. Thursday's announcement did not prompt immediate reactions from the companies. A spokesman for Cody Laboratories said the firm did not have all the details of the decision. Other companies did not immediately return calls from CNN. The FDA estimates there are several thousand drugs, mostly older products, marketed illegally without FDA approval in this country. Once an illegally marketed drug is identified, enforcement action begins because the agency does not have information on the quality of these drugs and has not had an opportunity to approve their labeling. In 1976 the agency began a program to bring companies manufacturing these drugs into compliance. Thursday's announcement applies only to the morphine sulfate elixir 20mg/ml, and the warning letters sent to the other product manufacturers are still in effect. Currently there are no approved morphine sulfate oral solution 20mg/ml products on the market. Until there are, the FDA says it will allow companies making and distributing the unapproved drugs to continue, until 180 days after any company receives approval to manufacture a new morphine replacement drug of the same dosage. The FDA says it expects all companies marketing unapproved drugs to submit the necessary applications to get approval for those drugs.	[ "How many drugs marketed without approval?", "What is the number of drugs that are estimated to be marketed without approval?", "will this change things?", "what is morphine sulfate", "What did the FDA extend?", "What does FDA stand for?", "What drugs are marketed without approval?", "What drug had its usage extended?", "What is the top priority until alternatives are developed?", "What would pulling the drug cause?", "what was the estimation", "what did hospital groups say" ]	[ [ "14" ], [ "14" ], [ "we have adjusted our actions with regard" ], [ "A form of liquid" ], [ "usage of morphine sulfate oral solution 20 mg/ml." ], [ "Food and Drug Administration." ], [ "A form of liquid morphine" ], [ "morphine sulfate oral solution 20 mg/ml." ], [ "ensure there is no shortage of the drug while patients wait for an approved product to take its place." ], [ "hardship for terminally ill patients and their caregivers," ], [ "there are several thousand drugs, mostly older products, marketed illegally without FDA approval in this country." ], [ "expressed concern that taking the product off the market would result in hardship for terminally ill patients and their caregivers," ] ]	FDA decides to extend the usage of morphine sulfate oral solution 20 mg/ml . Hospital, hospice groups had said pulling drug would cause hardship . FDA said until alternatives are developed, easing of pain must remain a priority . FDA estimates several thousand drugs marketed without approval .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A former Army captain who was dismissed under a federal law dealing with gays and lesbians in the military lost his appeal Monday at the U.S. Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to intervene in the challenge to the "don't ask/don't tell" law. James Pietrangelo and 11 other veterans had sued the government over the "don't ask/ don't tell" law passed in 1993. Pietrangelo was the only one who appealed to the high court, but the justices without comment refused to intervene. The provision forbids those in the military from openly acknowledging or revealing their homosexuality, and prevents the government from asking individual soldiers and sailors about their sexual orientation. The Obama administration had asked the high court not to take the case, and White House officials had said they would not object to homosexuals being kicked out of the armed services. During the presidential campaign last year, President Obama said he supported throwing out the federal law but has taken no specific action on the controversy. The Justice Department said in a high court filing the law was "rationally related to the government's legitimate interest in military discipline and cohesion." A federal appeals court in Boston, Massachusetts, had ruled against Pietrangelo, essentially ending his legal efforts. But a San Francisco, California-based federal appeals court ruled partially in favor of Maj. Margaret Witt, allowing her lawsuit against the Pentagon to move ahead. Those judges said the Air Force must prove the dismissal of the flight nurse would ensure troop readiness and cohesion. Justices say state judge should have recused himself In a separate ruling, the high court on Monday found a state judge acted improperly when he refused to remove himself from a 2006 civil appeal despite having received financial support during his campaign from the CEO of the key defendant. Chief Justice Brent Benjamin of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals cast the deciding vote in favor of that company. In a 5-4 ruling, the justices found that a perceived conflict of interest should have led to the judge's recusal. "On these extreme facts the probability of actual bias rises to an unconstitutional level," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote. The issue has become a touchstone of a growing political debate over whether judicial election races -- which have become more expensive and contentious in recent years -- erode public confidence in the legal system. The West Virginia case has attracted nationwide attention and was the basis for author John Grisham's 2008 best-seller, "The Appeal." The case now goes back to the state courts, where Benjamin likely will have to pull out of a rehearing. The U.S. Supreme Court issued a narrow ruling on the specific facts of the West Virginia dispute, but the implications are likely to be felt nationwide. Thirty-nine states elect some or all of their judges. The facts of the case read like a legal thriller. Businessman Don Blankenship, chairman of A.T. Massey Coal Co., spent $3 million supporting Benjamin's 2004 run for the judicial seat -- accounting for 60 percent of the money spent in support of his campaign. Massey was involved in a decade-old business dispute with Hugh Caperton, owner of rival Harman Mining. Caperton accused Massey of unlawfully interfering with his business relations. A jury agreed, and in 2002 awarded Harman Mining $50 million in compensatory and punitive damages. Massey waited four years to appeal. It was during those four years that Benjamin won his state high court seat. In April 2006, Benjamin declined to recuse himself from Massey's appeal, which had reached his five-member court. West Virginia, like most state and federal courts, leaves to an individual judge's discretion the decision to stay out of a case because of a potential conflict of interest.	[ "did pietranglo appeal", "who refused to intervene", "What did Pietrangelo appeal?", "what did the administration ask", "Who was sued over \"don't ask/don't tell\" law?" ]	[ [ "lost his" ], [ "The U.S. Supreme Court" ], [ "the \"don't ask/ don't tell\" law" ], [ "not to take the case," ], [ "the government" ] ]	Ex-Army Capt. James Pietrangelo sued over "don't ask/don't tell" law . Pietrangelo had appealed case to U.S. Supreme Court . Justices without comment refuse to intervene . Obama administration had asked the high court not to take the case .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A former State Department employee and his wife, who are accused of spying for Cuba for nearly 30 years, will remain in jail as they await trial, a judge ruled Wednesday. An artist's sketch shows Walter Kendall Myers, 72, and his wife, Gwendolyn Myers, 71, in court Wednesday. Walter Kendall Myers, 72, and his wife, Gwendolyn Myers, 71, are charged with conspiracy to act as illegal agents of the Cuban government, wire fraud and providing classified information to Havana, according to court documents. U.S. Magistrate John Facciola ordered the couple Wednesday held without bail after a prosecutor said they posed a flight risk. Investigators found a calendar showing that the couple planned to sail to the Caribbean in November, federal prosecutor Michael Harvey told the court. The two have the financial means to obtain false documents and flee to Cuba with their sailboat or through Mexico or Canada, he said. "They are unworthy of this court's trust," Harvey added. The couple was quiet and expressionless during the proceedings Wednesday. Kendall Myers sat with his arms folded across his chest, while his wife sat with her arms at her side. They stared straight ahead, and did not appear to acknowledge anyone in the courtroom. A defense attorney urged the court to allow them to remain in their home, where they could visit with their children. "You could disable the sailboat, freeze their funds and require ankle bracelets," Thomas Green said. The judge allowed the couple to meet briefly with their son after the court proceedings, but turned down the request to allow them to go home. He said he was concerned that the two would go to the Cuban Interests Section or the embassy of a country that has diplomatic relations with Cuba. Such a move would put them beyond the reach of federal law enforcement agencies. The State Department has not described what information the Myerses may have passed to their Cuban handlers, but said more information would come out after a full assessment. A senior State Department official said Kendall Myers was an "upper-level civil service employee" at the Bureau of Intelligence and Research who "had come up in the ranks." U.S. officials did not discuss the Myerses' motives for their alleged work for the Cuban government. Conviction on the wire fraud charge would carry a sentence of up to 20 years; illegally acting as an agent of a foreign government would carry a sentence of up to 10 years; and the conspiracy charge would carry a sentence of up to five years. Myers retired from the State Department on October 31, 2007. He had viewed more than 200 classified reports on Cuba in his final months, even though he was an analyst on European issues at the time, court documents say. The couple has been held without bail since pleading not guilty Friday. A future trial date has not been scheduled. CNN's Carol Cratty contributed to this report.	[ "What are the husband and wife charged with?", "Who will wait in jail as the await trial?", "Who might the pair have passed data to?", "What are they charged with?", "Husband and wife did what?", "Where will the wife remain?" ]	[ [ "spying" ], [ "former State Department employee and his wife," ], [ "the Myerses" ], [ "conspiracy to act as illegal agents of the Cuban government," ], [ "Cuba" ], [ "in jail" ] ]	NEW: Judge rules that husband, wife will remain in jail as they await trial . NEW: He cites concern about pair fleeing beyond reach of U.S. law enforcement . They're charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, providing classified data to Havana . State Department hasn't said what data the pair may have passed to Cuban handlers .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A former head of the CIA slammed President Obama on Sunday for releasing four Bush-era memos, saying the new president has compromised national security. Former CIA chief Michael Hayden said Sunday it is wrong to make interrogation methods public. Michael Hayden, who served as former President Bush's last CIA director from 2006 to 2009, said releasing the memos outlining terror interrogation methods emboldened terrorist groups such as al Qaeda. "What we have described for our enemies in the midst of a war are the outer limits that any American would ever go to in terms of interrogating an al Qaeda terrorist. That's very valuable information," Hayden said during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday." "By taking [certain] techniques off the table, we have made it more difficult -- in a whole host of circumstances I can imagine -- for CIA officers to defend the nation," he said. But Sens. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, and Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, said certain techniques should not have been allowed in the first place. McCaskill called them "a great recruitment tool for those who want to do harm to our country." White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel dismissed Hayden's assertion that releasing the memos had undermined U.S. intelligence efforts by giving al Qaeda critical new information. "One of the reasons the president was willing to let this information out was that already the information was out," he said on ABC's "This Week." "Go get the New York Review of Books. It's there." Hayden said he called several senior White House officials to express his opposition before the president released the documents. Hayden also noted that four previous CIA directors, as well as current agency director Leon Panetta, opposed the release. The memos said, among other things, that interrogation tactics such as waterboarding, sleep deprivation and slapping did not violate laws against torture absent the intent to cause severe pain. Obama prohibited the use of so-called "enhanced interrogation techniques" such as waterboarding shortly after taking office in January. Such techniques "undermine our moral authority and do not make us safer," he said Thursday, when the White House released the memos. The Obama administration has said it won't pursue charges against CIA officers who used those tactics against prisoners in their custody. And Emanuel told ABC that the people who crafted the policy "should not be prosecuted either." But in a sharply worded editorial Sunday, The New York Times called for the impeachment of Jay Bybee, a federal appeals court judge who was a Justice Department official when he wrote one of the memos that authorized those techniques. "These memos make it clear that Mr. Bybee is unfit for a job that requires legal judgment and a respect for the Constitution," the newspaper editorialized. The memos "were written to provide legal immunity for acts that are clearly illegal, immoral and a violation of this country's most basic values," it stated. Asked about that call on "Fox News Sunday," McCaskill said: "I think we have to look at it." McCaskill, a member of the Senate's standing investigative subcommittee, said the Obama administration made the right decision by agreeing not to prosecute intelligence officers. But she added: "A lawyer that's responsible for this kind of advice that clearly went too far in terms of stretching what our law is -- it worries me that he's sitting on the federal bench right now." Graham, however, said seeking to punish lawyers who advised the Bush administration "is a very bad precedent." "I think it would be disaster to go back and try to prosecute a lawyer for giving legal advice that you disagreed with to a former president," said Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a lawyer in the Air Force reserve. Hayden said the administration's decision to release the Bush administration memos will make CIA officials less willing to engage in interrogation tactics now sanctioned by the federal government. "The basic foundation	[ "What memos are harmful?", "who defended the release?", "Who's memo's are to be released?", "Who defends the release of the memos?", "What does Michael Haydon say?" ]	[ [ "outlining terror interrogation methods" ], [ "Michael Hayden," ], [ "Jay Bybee," ], [ "Michael Hayden" ], [ "it is wrong to make interrogation methods public." ] ]	Michael Hayden: Releasing Bush-era interrogation memos harmful . Release puts CIA officers "in a horrible position," subject to political process, he says . White House chief of staff defends release, saying info was already public . Sens. Claire McCaskill and Lindsey Graham say techniques were a mistake .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A leader of the conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats told CNN Wednesday he and other group members may vote to block House Democrats' health care bill from passing a key committee if they don't get some of the changes they want. Rep. Mike Ross, D-Arkansas, is a leading negotiator for the Blue Dog Democrats on health care. "We remain opposed to the current bill, and we continue to meet several times a day to decide how we're going to proceed and what amendments we will be offering as Blue Dogs on the committees," said Rep. Mike Ross, D-Arkansas. Ross said the bill unveiled Tuesday by House Democratic leaders did not address concerns he and other conservative Democrats outlined in a letter late last week to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The conservative Democrats don't believe the legislation contains sufficient reforms to control costs in the health care system and believe additional savings can be found. Their letter to leaders raised concerns about new mandates on small businesses. Blue Dogs also say the bill fails to fix the inequities in the current system for health care costs for rural doctors and hospitals. The Energy and Commerce committee, along with two other House committees, is scheduled to take up the bill Thursday. Democrats outnumber Republicans 36-23 on the Energy and Commerce committee, which contains eight Blue Dogs, including Ross. If seven Democrats vote with Republicans against the bill, it would fail to advance to the House floor. Asked whether the Blue Dogs on Energy and Commerce are considering voting as a group against the bill if it remains unchanged, Ross replied, "absolutely." He didn't give details on changes the Blue Dogs want. But he did say he wasn't satisfied with the penalty exemption for small businesses that don't provide health insurance for employees. An earlier draft of the Democrats' bill exempted businesses from paying a penalty if their payrolls were less than $100,000. Democratic leaders raised that payroll amount to $250,000.	[ "who doesn't control costs", "What does the bill not control?", "The bill wont advance if the Blue Dogs and who else votes against it?", "What doesn't the bill address?", "what doesn't address concerns" ]	[ [ "the legislation" ], [ "costs in the health care system" ], [ "seven Democrats" ], [ "concerns he and other conservative Democrats outlined in a letter late last week to Speaker Nancy Pelosi." ], [ "bill unveiled Tuesday by House Democratic" ] ]	Rep. Mike Ross: House Democrats' bill doesn't address group's concerns . Blue Dog Democrats: Bill doesn't control costs in the health care system . If committee's Blue Dogs and Republicans vote against it, bill won't advance .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A man who his attorney says was the youngest prisoner sent to the Guantanamo Bay detention center -- captured in Pakistan at 14 -- was ordered freed by a federal judge Wednesday. A guard keeps watch from a tower at the military facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The judge ruled Mohammad el-Gharani was not an enemy combatant and directed the military "to take all necessary and appropriate diplomatic steps to facilitate the release" of el-Gharani from the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. El-Gharani, now 21, was among the first terrorism suspects and enemy fighters sent to the U.S. military prison camp. His arrival in 2002 came after he was seized by Pakistanis at a mosque and transferred to the U.S.-led coalition. He has been in custody since. El-Gharani's lawyers filed a habeas corpus petition in federal court, demanding the government justify its continued detention or release him. Details of his case have not been widely released, but his lawyer said he was accused of working with al Qaeda 10 years ago, at age 11. The court ruling also alleges el-Gharani, a citizen of Chad, was an al Qaeda courier and participated in the battle of Tora Bora in late 2001 in Afghanistan. But U.S. District Judge Richard Leon noted serious questions were raised about another detainee who implicated el-Gharani. Leon said that given the "substantial and troubling uncertainties regarding petitioner's conduct and whereabouts prior to his detention by Pakistani forces, the [U.S.] government has failed to establish a preponderance of the evidence" that el-Gharani was an al Qaeda agent. The judge gave no timetable on when the suspect -- also called Yousef -- must be freed. Under U.S. and international policy, he could not be sent to a country where he might face torture or severe physical mistreatment. The Bush administration has said it has had difficulties finding countries willing to take many Guantanamo prisoners awaiting release. El-Gharani's lawyers have alleged mistreatment by his captors, including cigarette burns and verbal abuse. Court records allege he was a native of Saudi Arabia who left that country around 2001 and moved to Pakistan. He denied that he was fleeing the fighting in Afghanistan when he was captured across the border in Pakistan. Another Guantanamo detainee, Canadian Omar Khadr, was 14 or 15 when he was captured six years ago. Military prosecutors formally charged him in April 2007 with killing Sgt. Christopher James Speer, a U.S. soldier whose reconnaissance patrol was ambushed in Afghanistan in 2002. The American died nearly two weeks later. Khadr and el-Gharani remain among the youngest of Guantanamo's approximately 250 prisoners. The civil case is el-Gharani v. Bush (05-429).	[ "What age was El-Gharani when he was captured in Pakistan?", "what age was Mohammad el-Gharani when he was captured", "where was he captured?", "who is not an enemy combatant?", "What is Mohammad el-Gharani's age?", "what was he accused of?" ]	[ [ "14" ], [ "14" ], [ "Pakistan" ], [ "Mohammad el-Gharani" ], [ "21," ], [ "of working with al Qaeda 10 years ago, at age 11." ] ]	Mohammad el-Gharani, now 21, not an enemy combatant, U.S. judge rules . El-Gharani was 14 when he was captured in Pakistan, detained at U.S. base in Cuba . Judge notes questions raised about a detainee who implicated el-Gharani . El-Gharani was accused of being al Qaeda courier, Tora Bora battle participant .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A man who was raised at Camp Lejeune told lawmakers Thursday that he blames contaminated water at the U.S. Marines training base for his breast cancer. Government records show decades of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Michael Partain, who was diagnosed two years ago at the age of 39, told the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs that his parents were stationed at the base in North Carolina when he was born. At least 40 former U.S. Marines or sons of Marines who lived at Camp Lejeune have been diagnosed with the cancer that strikes fewer than 2,000 men a year, compared with about 200,000 women. The committee hearing was focused on exposure by military personnel to hazardous materials in the United States, Japan and Iraq, including toxic smoke from burn pits in Iraq and contaminated water. Partain said that during his mother's pregnancy, the family was exposed to high levels of tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, dichloroethylene, benzene and vinyl chloride in the tap water at the military base. "I am one of about 40 men who share this unique commonality of male breast cancer and exposure to contaminated tap water [at] Camp Lejeune," he told the committee. The Marines with breast cancer served or lived at Camp Lejeune between the 1960s and 1980s. Government records show that the camp's water was contaminated for three decades. Although the Marine Corps contends that two independent studies have found no link between water contamination and later illnesses, the men facing a debilitating and possibly lethal disease don't believe it. Partain said his illness has been been a "traumatic, emotional and physical" ordeal for his family. Two North Carolina senators -- Richard Burr, the ranking Republican on the committee, and Kay Hagan, a Democrat who is not a panel member -- are pushing legislation that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover the medical costs of Marines and their families who were exposed to the contaminated water. The provision, which has passed the Senate, would amend the Defense Appropriations Bill to prohibit the Navy from "disposing of water-contamination claims before critical scientific studies can be completed." According to Hagan, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is conducting human health and water modeling studies to determine whether the toxic water contributed to health problems at the base. Some of the water was contaminated with toxins at concentrations up to 280 times what is currently considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency, Hagan said. The bill covers the period between 1957 and 1987. "I think it should be our mission to give these families complete answers," she said. "They can't get closure until the remaining CDC studies, which are in progress, are complete." Sen. Roland Burris, D-Illinois, added, "I am deeply concerned about possible environmental hazards in places where we are fighting two wars." He and other senators agreed that current military personnel and veterans should not have to battle red tape to get health care and benefits. Russell Powell, a medic with the 1092nd West Virginia Army National Guard, said that from April 2003 to June 2004, the unit was assigned to the Qarmat Ali water treatment plant in Basra, Iraq, to provide security for contractors with KBR, an engineering and construction company hired by the Defense Department to provide services in Iraq. When the platoon reached the plant, they found it in disarray and coated with orange-colored dust, he testified. Large bags of the dust had been ripped open, and frequent dust storms blew through the facility, he said. At no time were the security guards offered protective clothing, masks or respirators, Powell said. After a few weeks, several soldiers began getting lesions on their hands, arms, faces and nostrils. "As a medic, I felt very concerned for the safety and health of persons exposed. I questioned one of the KBR workers, and he told me that his supervisors told him not to worry about it, that we were allergic to sand and dust	[ "who testifies about exposure in Iraq?", "What was stationed at base when he was born?", "who was exposed to chemicals?", "What type of cancer did the man experience after the exposure?", "What type of exposure occured in Iraq?", "Who was exposed to chemicals in tap water?", "who was diagnosed with breast cancer?" ]	[ [ "Michael Partain," ], [ "his parents" ], [ "Michael Partain," ], [ "breast" ], [ "by military personnel to hazardous materials" ], [ "Michael Partain," ], [ "Michael Partain," ] ]	NEW: National Guard medic testifies about exposure in Iraq . Man tells Senate panel that his family was stationed at base when he was born . He was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago at age 39 . Family was exposed to chemicals in tap water during mother's pregnancy, he says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A missile shield test was a "smashing success," Pentagon officials said Friday, despite the failure of the test to put to rest concerns that the interceptor might not be able to differentiate between real missiles and decoys. Eight of the United States' 13 missile defense tests have been deemed a success. The ground-based interceptor missile, launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, destroyed a long-range ballistic missile launched from Kodiak, Alaska, the Defense Department's Missile Defense Agency said. But one key aspect of the test -- to see whether the system could tell the difference between a missile and a decoy aimed at confounding its "seek" systems -- failed because the decoy did not deploy. Officials told CNN on Thursday that Friday's test would be the most realistic of 13 missile shield system tests conducted to date. Eight of the 13 tests have now been deemed a success by the Pentagon. Watch a Pentagon spokesman explain the Friday's problem Â» This was the first test in which a crew at an alternate fire control center in Alaska remotely launched the interceptor missile from California. The "initial indications," according to the Defense Department, are that all components of Friday's test performed as designed. Critics have long complained that the tests are not realistic because they don't involve balloons or other simple decoys that, they argue, could easily fool the interceptor. Watch a report on the defense system Â» In Friday's test, however, the target was a mock warhead and was supposed to be accompanied by "countermeasures similar to what Iran or North Korea could deploy," according to a missile defense agency official. The intention was for the interceptor's kill vehicle to distinguish the target from the decoys. But the decoy that was supposed to deploy to test the system did not. The Pentagon blamed a 40-year-old target system. "Countermeasures are very difficult to deploy. We have had trouble deploying them in the past," said Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly, director for the Missile Defense Agency. But O'Reilly said that the interceptor did differentiate between the actual missile target and the upper stage of the missile it had detached from. The test, which had been delayed several times, comes at a crucial time for the $100 billion system, as President-elect Barack Obama is about to take office. Early in his campaign, Obama pledged to "cut investments in unproven missile defense systems." But he later said he would support missile defense systems if they work. "The biggest threat to the United States is a terrorist getting their hands on nuclear weapons," Obama said in the September 26 presidential debate. "And we are spending billions of dollars on missile defense. And I actually believe that we need missile defense, because of Iran and North Korea and the potential for them to obtain or to launch nuclear weapons." Friday's test also showed the Pentagon that multiple sensor systems were able to network together and hone in on a single object, O'Reilly said. "All those sensors working together, at any one time the system knew which sensor was reporting what and tracking it and gave the war fighter one presentation of a target," O'Reilly said soon after the test was finished. "That was one tremendous accomplishment for us." Last month, the outgoing head of the Missile Defense Agency said that not only are U.S. missile defenses workable, they are up and running. "Our testing has shown not only can we hit a bullet with a bullet, we can hit a spot on the bullet with a bullet. The technology has caught up," Lt. Gen. Trey Obering said. CNN's Jamie McIntyre and Adam Levine contributed to this report	[ "Where did the missle launch from?", "What did critics complain about?", "Where did the missile fire from?", "What did previous missile tests NOT involve?", "What failed to deploy?", "Where was the missile launched from?", "What launched from Alaska?", "What will President Obama support?", "Who is the president-elect?" ]	[ [ "Vandenberg Air Force Base in California," ], [ "that the tests are not realistic" ], [ "Kodiak, Alaska," ], [ "balloons or other simple decoys that, they argue, could easily fool the interceptor." ], [ "the decoy" ], [ "Vandenberg Air Force Base" ], [ "a long-range ballistic missile" ], [ "missile defense systems if they work." ], [ "Barack Obama" ] ]	NEW: "Countermeasures" failed to deploy during test . Missile launched from Alaska; interceptor launched from California . Shield critics have long complained previous tests didn't involve decoys . President-elect Obama has said he'll support missile defense systems if they work .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A new national poll indicates that nearly three out of four Americans are scared about the way things are going in the country today. A deputy oversees an eviction in Lafayette, Colorado, last week. Seventy-three percent of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey released Monday say they're very or somewhat scared about the way things are going in the United States. That's six points higher than in an October poll. Nearly eight in 10 say things are going badly in the country, with just 21 percent suggesting that things are going well. The survey also says that three out of four Americans are angry about the way things are going in the country. But three out of four questioned say that things are going well for them personally. The poll was released a day before President Obama gives a prime-time address before a joint session of Congress. "Americans always believe things are better in their own lives than in the rest of the country," said CNN polling director Keating Holland. "But they are realists as well -- they recognize that bad times somewhere else in the U.S. may eventually come to affect them. That's why so many say they are angry and scared, even though they're content with their own personal circumstances. "There is a tiny sliver of good news -- the number of Americans who think things are going very badly has dropped from 40 percent in December to 32 percent now," Holland added. "But since most of those people switched from the very bad category to the pretty bad category, it's wrong to say that the public is more optimistic -- call them a little less pessimistic at best." The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted Wednesday and Thursday, with 1,046 adults questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.	[ "How many say things are going well for them, personally?", "What are Americans angry about?", "Who ran this poll?", "What positive sentiment did a lot of Americans echo?", "What out of four people say things are going well for them?", "How many say things are going badly in the country?", "Who says things are going well?", "Number of people in 10 that say thing are going badly in country?", "What proportion of Americans think things are going badly domestically?" ]	[ [ "three out of four" ], [ "the way things are going in the country." ], [ "CNN/Opinion Research Corporation" ], [ "that things are going well for them personally." ], [ "three out of four questioned say that things are going well for them personally." ], [ "Nearly eight in 10" ], [ "21 percent suggesting that" ], [ "Nearly eight" ], [ "Nearly eight in 10" ] ]	Nearly eight in 10 say things are going badly in the country . Three of four Americans are angry about the way things are going in the country . But three out of four questioned say that things are going well for them personally .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A new national poll suggests a majority of Americans oppose legalizing same-sex marriages, but the survey indicates a vast generational divide on the issue. The recent poll shows that those who have a gay friend or relative are more likely to support gay marriage. Fifty-four percent of people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll released Monday say marriages between gay or lesbian couples should not be recognized as valid, with 44 percent suggesting they should be considered legal. But among those 18 to 34 years old, 58 percent said same-sex marriages should be legal. That number drops to 42 percent among respondents aged 35 to 49, and to 41 percent for those aged 50 to 64. Only 24 percent of Americans 65 and older support recognizing same-sex marriages, according to the poll. While a majority of those polled oppose legalizing gay marriage, six of ten said states that do not recognize gay marriages should allow civil unions. When it comes to supporting civil unions, the poll indicates a similar generational shift. Three states -- Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa -- currently allow same-sex marriages. A law passed by Vermont legislators that makes gay and lesbian marriages legal takes affect in September. New Hampshire lawmakers are close to passing a similar bill. "It's not surprising that three Northeastern states are the first to take this step," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland, referring to Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont. "A majority of people who live in the Northeast say they approve of same-sex marriage. Solid majorities in the South, Midwest and West all oppose gay marriage." Forty-nine percent of those questioned say they have a family member or close friend who is gay. That's up eight points from 1998 and 17 points from 1992. Fifty-eight percent of those aged 18 to 34 say they have a family member or close friend who's gay. That drops to just one in three of people 65 or older. "People who say they have a gay friend or relative support same-sex marriage," Holland notes. "Most of those who say they don't know anyone who is gay, oppose gay marriage." The poll's release comes just three days after Supreme Court Justice David Souter announced he would step down from the high court after this year's session ends in late June. Any Supreme Court nomination battle between conservatives and progressives will most likely include hot-button social issues, like gay marriage. "Republicans don't have the votes to defeat President Obama's choice for the Supreme Court. They have to get some Democrats to join them, possibly on a hot-button social issue," says Bill Schneider, CNN senior political analyst. The poll indicates that close to 40 percent of Democrats oppose legalizing gay marriage. But Schneider says there's a risk for conservatives if they make same-sex marriage an issue in the fight over a Supreme Court nomination. "Young voters strongly favor marriage equality. They're the future of American politics," says Schneider. The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted April 23-26, with 2,019 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus three percentage points	[ "what did the poll show", "What do a majority of people in the Northeast approve of?", "What percentage of 1 to 34 year olds said same-sex marriage should be legal?", "What percent said same sex marriage should be legal?", "What did the number drop to among 35 to 49 year olds?", "The percentage drops to 42 percent in what age group of respondents?", "What part of the US do the majority of people approve of same sex marriages?" ]	[ [ "that those who have a gay friend or relative are more likely to support gay marriage." ], [ "same-sex marriage." ], [ "58" ], [ "44" ], [ "42 percent" ], [ "35 to 49," ], [ "the Northeast" ] ]	Fifty-eight percent of 18 to 34 years olds said same-sex marriages should be legal . Number drops to 42 percent among respondents 35 to 49 years old . A majority of people in the Northeast say they approve of same-sex marriage . Poll: Majority of those who don't know anyone gay also oppose same-sex marriage .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A new national poll suggests most Americans favor an economic stimulus package even if it comes with an $800 billion price tag, although that support doesn't indicate the public wants to see a new era of big government. Two-thirds of people polled think Present-elect Barack Obama's stimulus package will help the economy. Fifty-six percent of those questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey released Tuesday said they favor the stimulus package that President-elect Barack Obama is proposing; 42 percent were opposed. Obama is pushing Congress to pass the plan soon after he's inaugurated on January 20, to help jump-start an economy mired in a deep recession. The poll also indicates that two-thirds of the public thinks the stimulus package will do just that, with 17 percent saying it will help the economy a lot and another 50 percent feeling that it will help the economy somewhat. Twenty-one percent say the stimulus package won't help the economy very much and 10 percent say it won't help at all. But Americans seem to be split on whether they'd like more government regulation of business and industry, with 39 percent saying there's too much government regulation and an equal amount saying too little. Twenty percent said the amount of government involvement is just right. Watch why most Americans back the bailout » "Attitudes toward government have not changed since 2006, when the economy was still in pretty good shape," said CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "Most still say the government is doing too much that should be left to individuals and businesses, and trust in government is still low." On the other hand, he said, "with the economy in such poor shape, government action to stimulate the economy seems to get an exemption to the general concerns about big government." There also appears to be a divide between the parties when it comes to government involvement. "Six in 10 Democrats want to see the federal government do more," Holland said. "But three-quarters of Republicans would like to see a smaller government. The tiebreaker is independents. A majority of the independents polled say that government is doing too much that should be left to individuals and businesses." The poll also suggests that a declining number of Americans trust the government to do what's right. iReport.com: What should Obama do first? Twenty-two percent of those polled said they trust the government to do what's right most of the time. That's down 6 points from when the question was asked two years ago. Sixty-six percent said they trust the government some of the time, and 9 percent said they never trust Washington. On the opposite end of the spectrum, 3 percent said they can always trust the government to do the right thing. The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll was conducted Friday through Sunday, with 1,013 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.	[ "How many people favor the stimulus package?", "What percentage of people favor a stimulus plan?", "What company helped run this poll?", "Who thinks the package will work?", "Who wants to help the woes?", "Which political party thinks the government should be more active in solving this issue?", "What percent of people favor the stimulus plan?", "Two-thirds of those polled thought what?" ]	[ [ "most Americans" ], [ "Fifty-six" ], [ "CNN/Opinion Research Corp." ], [ "Two-thirds of people polled" ], [ "Barack Obama" ], [ "Democrats" ], [ "Fifty-six" ], [ "Barack Obama's stimulus package will help the economy." ] ]	CNN/Opinion Research Corp. finds 56 percent of people favor stimulus plan . Numbers are more evenly split about government regulation of business . More Democrats want the government to help more with economic woes . Two-thirds of those polled thought Obama stimulus package would help economy .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A nonprofit consumer group said Thursday that it will sue Bayer HealthCare, alleging "deceptive and irresponsible" advertising that contends selenium in two of its multivitamins may reduce men's risk of prostate cancer. One A Day Men's 50+ Advantage ads say selenium may cut men's risk of prostate cancer, a consumer group says. The Center for Science in the Public Interest said it informed the multinational company of its intent Thursday. David Schardt, the center's senior nutritionist, told reporters during a teleconference that the center already has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. "We are standing behind all the claims we make in support of the products," Trish McKernan, Bayer's global spokeswoman, told CNN. "The selenium claims are made by a [Food and Drug Administration]-approved qualified health claim. We regularly review the evidence, and we change our claims if necessitated. The emerging science hasn't compelled us to change our claims, and the FDA claim is intact." Bayer's HealthCare division, based in Leverkusen, Germany, researches, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products. Bayer promotes One A Day Men's 50+ Advantage and One A Day Men's Health Formula multivitamins on package labels, TV and radio ads and on its Web site. In its promotions, the company says "emerging research" suggests that selenium might reduce the risk of prostate cancer, the center said. "Did you know that there are more new cases of prostate cancer each year than any other cancer?" according to one radio ad. "Now there is something you can do." Both dietary supplements contain 105 micrograms of the trace mineral selenium per daily dose, or about twice the Recommended Daily Allowance, which is 55 micrograms a day for adults, according to the center. Visit CNNhealth.com, your connection for better living "It's astounding that a company such as Bayer ... would make such deceptive claims," the center's litigation director, Steve Gardner, told reporters during the same teleconference. Supporting the center in its letter of complaint to the FTC are nine researchers, who wrote a separate letter to Mary Engle, associate director of advertising practices. Among the signees are medical professionals from the Harvard School of Public Health, American Cancer Society and University of Illinois at Chicago Division of Pathology Research. All agree there is scant evidence to support Bayer's claim. A seven-year, $118 million study funded by the National Institutes of Health found last year that selenium does not prevent prostate cancer in healthy men, the center said. The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial involving 35,000 U.S. and Canadian men was halted in October when researchers determined that selenium was not protecting the men from prostate cancer and may have been causing diabetes in some of them. According to the researchers in their letter supporting the FTC's complaint, "the federally financed study was the largest individually, randomized cancer prevention trial ever conducted, and, given its high rates of adherence and its statistical power, it is unlikely to have missed detecting a benefit of even a very modest size." "Bayer Healthcare is doing a disservice to men by misleading them about a protective role for selenium in prostate cancer," they added. CNN's Ann Curley contributed to this report.	[ "Which claims are false?", "Who does the Center for Science in the Public Interest plan to sue?", "Which company is to be sued?", "what is the reason for sueing", "What does not prevent prostate cancer in healthy men?", "What condition does Selenium not prevent?", "Name the Ingredient in men's vitamins", "what are the claims" ]	[ [ "selenium in two of its multivitamins may reduce men's risk of prostate cancer." ], [ "Bayer HealthCare," ], [ "Bayer HealthCare," ], [ "\"deceptive and irresponsible\" advertising" ], [ "selenium" ], [ "prostate cancer" ], [ "selenium" ], [ "\"deceptive and irresponsible\" advertising that contends selenium in two of its multivitamins may reduce men's risk of prostate cancer." ] ]	Center for Science in the Public Interest plans to sue Bayer HealthCare . Group says claims that ingredient in men's vitamins may cut cancer risk are false . Bayer spokeswoman: "We are standing behind all the claims" NIH: Selenium does not prevent prostate cancer in healthy men .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A pair of tornadoes struck suburban Washington on Sunday, mangling trees and stripping siding off several homes, the National Weather Service confirmed. No injuries were immediately reported. The first tornado hit St. Charles, Maryland -- about 30 miles south of Washington -- just after 2 p.m. It uprooted several trees, many of which fell onto cars and homes. The strongest wind from that touchdown was 80 mph -- enough force to blow out windows. A second tornado followed about 30 minutes later outside Hyattsville, Maryland -- about 10 miles northeast of the capital. The high-speed winds, peaking at 100 mph, hit the George E. Peters Adventist School especially hard, tearing off a portion of the roof and flinging it and mounds of debris into the parking lot. A nearby construction trailer was also knocked over. E-mail to a friend	[ "When were injuries reported?", "What was the strength of the tornadoes?", "When did the tornadoes hit?", "The first tornado hit where?", "The second tornado struck where?" ]	[ [ "immediately" ], [ "100 mph," ], [ "Sunday," ], [ "St. Charles, Maryland" ], [ "outside Hyattsville, Maryland" ] ]	First tornado hit St. Charles, Maryland, about 30 miles south of Washington . Second tornado struck 30 minutes later outside Hyattsville, Maryland . No injuries were immediately reported .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A source close to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi now confirms that Pelosi was told in February 2003 by her intelligence aide, Michael Sheehy, that waterboarding was actually used on CIA detainee Abu Zubaydah. Source says Nancy Pelosi didn't object about waterboard usage because she wasn't personally briefed about it. This appears to contradict Pelosi's account that she was never told waterboarding actually happened, only that the administration was considering using it. Sheehy attended a briefing in which waterboarding was discussed in February 2003, with Rep. Jane Harman, D-California, who took over Pelosi's spot as the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. This source says Pelosi didn't object when she learned that waterboarding was being used because she had not been personally briefed about it -- only her aide had been told. The source said Pelosi supported a letter that Harman sent to the administration at the time raising concerns. The source asked not to be identified because of the sensitive nature of matters discussed in classified intelligence briefings. Pelosi admits attending one briefing in September 2002, but at a news conference last month, she was adamant that she did not know waterboarding was used. "At that or any other briefing, and that was the only briefing that I was briefed on in that regard, we were not -- I repeat, we were not -- told that waterboarding or any of these other enhanced interrogation methods were used, " Pelosi said on April 23. Some Republicans have called for Pelosi to testify at congressional hearings. The number two House Democrat -- Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland -- said Tuesday, "I think the facts need to get out" regarding what members of Congress had been told about harsh interrogations. But when asked whether Pelosi testifying would be appropriate, Hoyer did not directly answer the question, saying, "The issue is what was done. If you don't have the facts pounded on the table, they (Republicans) are pounding on the table, or they are pounding on Speaker Pelosi. Take your pick. But they are doing so as a distraction, as a distraction from what was done in this case."	[ "What was Pelosi adamant about?", "Who has been previously adamant?", "Who found information of waterboarding?", "what was Pelosi adamant of?", "what was concern voiced about?", "Who supported the letter?", "what was the source told?", "Who did support letter voicing?" ]	[ [ "waterboard usage because she wasn't personally briefed" ], [ "Pelosi" ], [ "Harman" ], [ "that she did not know waterboarding" ], [ "waterboarding" ], [ "Pelosi" ], [ "actually used on CIA detainee Abu Zubaydah." ], [ "Nancy Pelosi" ] ]	Source says Nancy Pelosi was told by intelligence officer of waterboarding . The source also said because she wasn't personally briefed, Pelosi didn't object . She did support letter voicing concern about waterboarding, source says . Pelosi has been previously adamant she didn't know waterboarding was used .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Accused terrorists held at Guantanamo Bay complained of abuse that they said led them to tell their CIA interrogators lies, according to sections of U.S. government transcripts made public on Monday. A detainee walks at Camp 4 detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in May. Suspected al Qaeda figure Abu Zubaydah told a military tribunal in 2007 that he was physically and mentally tortured for months. "They did not care about my injuries," said Zubaydah, according to the newly released transcripts, adding, "doctors told me that I nearly died four times." When Zubaydah was captured in Pakistan and badly wounded during a shootout in March 2002, U.S. intelligence officials considered him a major player in al Qaeda. He was treated for his injuries, then later subjected to waterboarding and other harsh interrogation techniques after CIA interrogators said he stopped cooperating with them. According to a Justice Department memo released in April 2009 by the Obama administration, Zubaydah was waterboarded at least 83 times by CIA interrogators in August 2002. See timeline of events » In the newly released section, Zubaydah said his interrogators discovered "that I am not number three in al Qaeda." The transcripts were released in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union. The Obama administration reviewed the highly redacted portions of the transcripts that were released shortly after the Combatant Status Review Tribunals were held at Guantanamo Bay in the spring of 2007. The sections made public on Monday still remain heavily blacked out. See key players in interrogation policy » Khalid Sheik Mohammad, the self-proclaimed mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, told the military panel he made up stories when tortured. In broken English, Mohammad told of being questioned about the location of Osama bin Laden. "Where is he? I don't know," said Mohammad. "Then he tortures me. Then I said yes, he is in this area..." Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, accused of plotting the attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 Americans in 2000, said his interrogators "drown me in water," apparently in reference to the times he was subjected to waterboarding. According to the transcripts, he claimed he was able to run 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) before he was detained, "now, I cannot walk more than 10 minutes." ACLU Attorney Ben Wizner said in a statement that the documents "provide further evidence of brutal torture and abuse in the CIA's interrogation program and demonstrate beyond doubt that this information has been suppressed solely to avoid embarrassment and growing demands for accountability." Wizner said the ACLU will go back to court to seek the full release of all of the documents. CNN's Carol Cratty, Mike Ahlers and Larry Shaughnessy contributed to this report.	[ "Who is seeking full disclosue?", "what was made public", "what day are the transcripts made public?", "Who made up stories when tortured?", "what is waterboarding", "The al Qaeda figure was waterboarded how many times?", "who seek full disclosure?" ]	[ [ "Wizner" ], [ "U.S. government transcripts" ], [ "Monday." ], [ "Khalid Sheik Mohammad," ], [ "harsh interrogation techniques" ], [ "at least 83" ], [ "ACLU" ] ]	Sections of U.S. government transcripts on Guantanamo made public Monday . Released sections still remain heavily blacked out; ACLU to seek full disclosure . Khalid Sheik Mohammad tells military panel he made up stories when tortured . Suspected al Qaeda figure waterboarded at least 83 times by CIA in August 2002 .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Adventurer Steve Fossett's ill-fated flight was simply going to be a "Sunday drive," but one camper who thinks he saw the plane said the craft was fighting headwinds. Steve Fossett was the first person to circle the globe solo in a balloon and the first to fly a plane around the world solo without refueling. Details from a National Transportation Safety Board report released Thursday present facts about the accident that occurred September 3, 2007, after Fossett, 63, took off from the airport of the Flying M Ranch outside Minden, Nevada. These fact-finding reports, which are routine, do not give causes for crashes. Officials eventually discovered the wreckage at an altitude of about 10,000 feet in the Sierra Nevadas near Mammoth Lakes, California, after a hiker reported finding Fossett's personal effects, including identification cards, about a half-mile from the wreckage. DNA tests confirmed that skeletal fragments found near Fossett's personal effects were his. In 2002 Fossett became the first person to circle the globe solo in a balloon. Three years later he became the first to fly a plane around the world solo without refueling. Fossett also set world records in round-the-world sailing and cross-country skiing. The NTSB said the single-engine Super Decathlon "collided with terrain while maneuvering in remote mountainous terrain approximately eight miles west-northwest of Mammoth Lakes, California, destroying the plane and killing the pilot." The cause of death was "multiple traumatic injuries" and "the airplane was severely fragmented and a severe post crash fire burned most of the structure and surrounding vegetation." The accident site was 65 miles south of the departure point. A camper thinks he saw the plane about 30 miles north of the accident site. "The airplane was heading into the wind, and it looked like it was standing still due to the wind," the NTSB report said. The ranch's chief pilot prepared the plane for flight after Fossett told him at breakfast that he wanted to fly the Super Decathlon. The plane was commonly used for spotting cattle. It had hit a barbed wire fence several months earlier during a landing roll, and a new speed propeller was put on the plane. It was returned to service a month later and was flown 10 to 12 hours. The report noted that the pilot's wife said the "purpose of the flight was pleasure" and that she "characterized it as 'a Sunday drive.' " "The pilot gave no indication that he planned to perform aerobatic maneuvers, and he was not wearing a parachute, which is required for aerobatics. He was seated in the front seat of the tandem two place airplane," the report said. It had been previously reported that Fossett was scouting locations for an attempt to break the land speed record in a rocket-propelled car. Fossett arrived at the airport about 8:15 a.m. and conducted a preflight of the airplane in the presence of the chief pilot. A ranch employee saw the plane around 8:25 or 8:35 a.m. nine miles south of the departure strip and flying south about 150 to 200 feet about the ground. The airplane, which flew during downdrafts, was expected to return by 10:30 or 11 a.m. When the plane didn't return, a search began. Pilots in the region were interviewed in the aftermath of the crash. One pilot said there was no "big turbulence" and he did not have to slow up because of "rough air." Another pilot reported blue skies but remembers "random clear turbulence" in a descent into Reno, Nevada. He remembers a "random rough chop" interrupting a smooth ride, calling it a "weird day." A third pilot reported windiness during takeoff but said there was smooth air and dropped-off winds when he got above 10,000 feet. The accident area was "about 300 feet below the crest of a ridge" and "the steep terrain was sparsely forested with Ponderosa pines averaging 40 to 60 feet tall. Numerous boulders and rock outcrops surrounded by grassy areas covered the ground."	[ "Who was the report about?", "What else did Steve Fossett do for adventures?", "When Steve has accident?", "Who else has traveled in a balloon?", "What did the NTSB release about the September 3, 2007 accident?", "who releases facts about 03/09/2007?" ]	[ [ "Steve Fossett" ], [ "fly a plane around the world solo without refueling." ], [ "September 3, 2007," ], [ "Steve Fossett" ], [ "present facts" ], [ "National Transportation Safety Board" ] ]	NTSB releases facts about the September 3, 2007, accident that killed adventurer . Steve Fossett was first to circle the globe solo in a balloon . DNA tests confirmed that skeletal remains were Fossett's .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Afghan President Hamid Karzai discussed his sometimes-turbulent relationship with the United States on Friday as more details emerged about U.S. airstrikes in his country that killed dozens of people this week. Afghan President Hamid Karzai said his government does not tolerate corruption. Karzai reflected on the past seven years of his leadership of Afghanistan and characterized his relationship with the United States as having "serious bumps along the way, especially in the conduct of the war on terror." The theme he emphasized Friday was the problem of Afghan civilian casualties caused by American airstrikes. Karzai said he has raised the issue repeatedly since 2007. "We have complained bitterly about civilian casualties," he said. "We needed to get Washington's attention." The issue of civilian deaths has been at the foreground of Karzai's trip to Washington, where he's meeting with President Obama and other top officials. Afghan officials say that more than 100 civilians were killed in a U.S. airstrike Wednesday in Farah province, on the western border with Iran. If that death toll is confirmed, it will be the single deadliest incident involving Afghan civilians since the American-led invasion of the country in 2001 to oust the Taliban from power. A senior U.S. military official said Friday that 30 to 50 people were killed in the strikes, most of them insurgents. But the rest were civilians, including women and children. The U.S. military thinks some civilians were killed when they were caught up in the ground fighting and others in the airstrikes. The Taliban held some civilians against their will in the buildings that were attacked, according to the official. Karzai said senior Obama administration officials immediately and personally apologized to him about the incident when he met with them this week. Watch Karzai discuss U.S. airstrikes that allegedly killed civilians » At the White House on Wednesday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari that she "deeply regretted" the death of Afghan civilians and pledged that the United States "will work very hard with your governments and with your leaders to avoid the loss of innocent civilian lives." In response to recent suggestions by U.S. military officials that the civilian deaths in Farah province might have been staged by the Taliban, Karzai said that an Afghan government team was investigating the incident and that "there was no doubt that the casualties were caused by bombings... and the use of air power." As the president grapples with the latest incident, he's also dealing with criticism of his administration by American officials for its perceived tolerance of corruption. An independent assessment by the non-governmental organization Transparency International rated Afghanistan as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Karzai said his government does not tolerate corruption. "That is not right! That is not right!" he said firmly. The president pointed out that Afghan courts had recently convicted 600 people on corruption charges or on counts of major drug dealing. Karzai used the issue of corruption to segue into a critique of the way in which aid has been disbursed to Afghanistan. He asserted that of the $32 billion the international community had given his country since 2001, only $6 billion -- or 20 percent -- has been funneled through the Afghan government. The other $26 billion has been spent by the donor countries themselves, and Karzai implied that the Afghan government should not be held accountable for how those funds have been spent. Support for Karzai's critique came last year in a study by the leading British charity Oxfam that concluded that a large portion of the money the international community has given to Afghanistan does not end up in the country itself. The report estimated that 40 percent of the money spent is returned to donor countries, such as the United States, in the form of consultants' salaries and corporate profits. Turning to the election, to be held August 20, the Afghan president said that if he wins another five-year term, he will put a special emphasis on building dams and bringing electricity to the Afghan people. The U.S. government assesses that less than 10 percent	[ "Who is critical of how aid money is distributed to his nation?", "What is said to have killed 100 civilians Wednesday?", "How many civilians were killed?" ]	[ [ "Afghan President Hamid Karzai" ], [ "U.S. airstrike" ], [ "more than 100" ] ]	Afghan president says airstrikes have strained dealings with Washington . Latest incident is said to have killed 100 civilians Wednesday . Karzai critical of how aid money is distributed to his nation . He emphasizes importance of "peace process" with Taliban .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- After a town hall meeting on health-care reform in Belgrade, Montana, President Obama will escape to Big Sky country on Friday evening where he'll spend time with family and go fly-fishing for the first time. White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel carries fly-fishing tackle to Marine One on Friday. Fly-fishing requires a singular focus, much like golf. Having newly discovered the sport myself, it occurred to me as I watched Marine One lift off the South Lawn on Friday that there are probably some lessons on the river that could apply to Obama's presidency. Thinking like a producer, I called an expert -- fly-fishing instructor Tony Derosier, who described the evolution most fishermen go through. "Usually, when you first go fishing, all you want to do is catch a fish, and then all you want to do is catch a lot of fish, and then you just want to catch the larger fish. After you've caught a lot of large fish, you kind of go back to square one and catch just one fish," said Derosier, manager at Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Aspen, Colorado. "You basically just want to go fishing -- the numbers, the size, it doesn't matter any more." Obama is in the "big fish" stage of his presidency: He's trying to get health-care reform legislation passed hook, line, and sinker. If he's successful, anything else he gets passed will be icing on the cake. Learning the fundamentals of fly-fishing can serve as a metaphor for health care reform. Obama just needs to look at hooking and landing Blue Dog Democrats and Republicans like he would trout. The first step -- learn how to cast. "Fly-casting is all about maximizing the energy you put in your rod and you lose energy if you wait too long," Derosier said. "And conversely, if you don't wait long enough, your line will crack like a whip." Obama has to strike the right balance between rushing things through and losing momentum; and maintaining support while bringing others over to his side. The second step -- reading the water: "Instead of blindly casting anywhere in the river you want to understand where you might find fish," Derosier explained. Obama zeroed in on a fairly conservative state, Montana, where he faces a land full of skeptics about his health care reform plan. Third -- hook and land the fish: Derosier said once you hook the fish you have to know how to play the fish, which is a delicate balance between applying pressure but not so much that the line breaks -- much like the delicate balance of Obama's courting members of Congress. "The ultimate goal is to gain an advantage over the fish so that you can land him," he said. "It's the hardest thing to teach when it comes to fly-fishing," he said. Out in Montana, the game is catch-and-release trout. But in Washington, Obama is trying to hook Congress and take home health care reform, or risk it being the big one that got away.	[ "Which sport is used as a metaphor for Obama's presidency?", "Who wrote Obama is in the \"big fish\" stage?", "In which stage is Obama's presidency?", "What do beginning anglers what to catch?", "What is a metaphor for obama's presidency?", "What is the metaphor used?", "Who wants bigger fish?", "Who is the big fish?", "what do experts say", "What stage is Obama in, according to Shawna Shepherd?", "CNN White House producer uses what as a metaphor that fits Obama's presidency?", "Who is in the \"big fish\" stage of his presidency?", "what stage is obama at", "what is the metaphor used" ]	[ [ "Fly-fishing" ], [ "Tony Derosier," ], [ "\"big fish\"" ], [ "all you want to do is catch a fish," ], [ "Fly-fishing" ], [ "\"big fish\"" ], [ "President" ], [ "Obama is in the \"big fish\" stage of his presidency:" ], [ "\"It's the hardest thing to teach when it comes to fly-fishing,\"" ], [ "\"big fish\"" ], [ "Learning the fundamentals of fly-fishing" ], [ "Obama" ], [ "presidency." ], [ "health care reform." ] ]	CNN White House producer: Fly-fishing is a metaphor that fits Obama's presidency . Beginning anglers desire to catch bigger and bigger fish, expert says . Obama is in the "big fish" stage of his presidency, Shawna Shepherd writes . Delicate processes of political success are like casting, reading the water, etc.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An Army staff sergeant will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor after he sacrificed his own life in an effort to save another soldier in Afghanistan, the White House said Friday. By acts of "immeasurable courage," Staff Sgt. Jared Monti earned the Medal of Honor, the White House said. Staff Sgt. Jared Monti will receive the medal, the nation's highest military honor, on September 17 for his actions in combat, the White House said in a statement. His parents, Paul and Janet Monti, "will join the president at the White House to commemorate their son's example of selfless service and sacrifice." Monti, of Raynham, Massachusetts, died June 21, 2006, while deployed with the 10th Mountain Division, according to a Web site set up by family and friends to announce a scholarship in his honor. He was 31 when he died. Monti's reconnaissance team occupied a surveillance position when they were attacked near Gowardesh, Afghanistan, and he was killed by enemy fire, the Web site says. The White House statement said Monti "displayed immeasurable courage and uncommon valor -- eventually sacrificing his own life in an effort to save his comrade," but did not provide details of his actions. Monti's military decorations already included the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, five Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals and three National Defense Service Medals, the White House statement said. He is survived by his parents, his sister and brother and a niece. Monti was posthumously promoted to sergeant first class. The Medal of Honor is awarded to U.S. soldiers who distinguish themselves with "gallantry above and beyond the call of duty," the White House said. "The meritorious conduct must involve great personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous as to clearly distinguish the individual above his or her comrades and must have involved risk of life."	[ "Who will present medal?", "What will a president present to soldier's parents in September", "What was the soldiers name?", "Who is being honored?", "What was his rank?", "What did he give his life for?", "What will the President present?", "What did Monti give his life for?", "What did Monti show?" ]	[ [ "the president" ], [ "Medal of Honor" ], [ "Staff Sgt. Jared Monti" ], [ "Staff Sgt. Jared Monti" ], [ "Army staff sergeant" ], [ "in an effort to save another soldier in Afghanistan," ], [ "Medal of Honor" ], [ "to save another soldier in Afghanistan," ], [ "immeasurable courage and uncommon valor" ] ]	White House: President will present medal to soldier's parents in September . Staff Sgt. Jared Monti showed "immeasurable courage" in Afghanistan . White House says Monti gave his life for comrade in combat, but no other details . Much-decorated soldier was posthumously promoted to sergeant first class.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An attorney for convicted Washington-area sniper John Allen Muhammad, who is scheduled to be executed November 10, will seek clemency from Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine on October 22. John Allen Muhammad listen to testimony from victims' relatives during his 2004 sentencing. Jonathan Sheldon said he will also file an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on November 2. He posted the dates Tuesday on his law firm's Web site. During a three-week period in October 2002, police say, Muhammad and young accomplice Lee Boyd Malvo shot 13 people, killing 10. Malvo, who was 17 at the time, was convicted in one shooting and was sentenced to life in prison. Muhammad is to be executed for the murder of Dean Harold Meyers at a Manassas, Virginia, gas station. Meyers was killed by a single bullet, which became the signature of the two-person sniper team. Kaine told CNN affiliate WTOP Radio during its "Ask the Governor" program last month that he couldn't imagine a circumstance under which he would grant clemency. "I know of nothing in this case that would suggest that there is any credible claim of innocence or that there was anything procedurally wrong with the prosecution," Kaine said. Under Virginia law, condemned prisoners can choose to die by electric chair or by lethal injection. If the inmate does not state a preference, he or she is executed by lethal injection.	[ "Who is to be executed November 10?", "Who says he will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court?", "How many did he and hisaccomplice kill?", "what is in the attorney's webpage?", "how many people did mahoma kill?", "Where did John Allen Muhammad commit his crime?", "when is gonna be executed muhammad?" ]	[ [ "John Allen Muhammad," ], [ "Jonathan Sheldon" ], [ "shot 13 people, killing 10." ], [ "dates" ], [ "10." ], [ "Manassas, Virginia," ], [ "November 10," ] ]	John Allen Muhammad is to be executed November 10 for a Virginia slaying . Police say Muhammad and an accomplice killed 10 people in October 2002 . Gov. Tim Kaine has said he couldn't imagine a circumstance for clemency . On his firm's Web site, attorney says he will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An emotional Nancy Reagan helped unveil a statue of her late husband, President Reagan, on Wednesday, calling the 7-foot figure "a wonderful likeness." Nancy Reagan, with House Minority Leader John Boehner, wipes away tears at Wednesday's event. "I know Ronnie would be deeply honored to see himself with a permanent home in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol and very proud to be representing his beloved California," Nancy Reagan said. She appeared to battle emotions as she mentioned her last visit to the marbled hall for Reagan's memorial in June 2004. "It's nice to be back under happier circumstances," she said. Watch Nancy Reagan unveil the statue » The statue is one of two from California in the National Statuary Hall Collection donated by states to honor significant figures. Nancy Reagan stood arm-in-arm with House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio to pull down the curtain from the statue. She thanked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California for making the event possible. In her remarks, Pelosi noted that the former president's statue contains pieces of the Berlin Wall, "as a symbol of his commitment to national security and to his success." The wall was torn down shortly after Reagan left office. "I'm so grateful to Californians for giving him this honor," Nancy Reagan said. "Artist Chas Fagan has captured his likeness so well, and I think the addition of the pieces of the Berlin Wall in the pedestal reflects my husband's commitment to freedom and democracy for everyone." The former president is credited with polices that led to the break-up of the former Soviet Union and the dismantling of the wall that divided Berlin as a symbol of Cold War politics. James Baker, a longtime Republican who served in the Cabinets of Reagan and President George H.W. Bush, recalled that Reagan inherited some major problems when he took office in 1981. Citing the former president's trademark optimism, he quoted from Reagan's first inaugural address that "we are not, as some would have us believe, doomed to an inevitable decline." Nancy Reagan attended a White House ceremony Tuesday marking Barack Obama's signing of legislation authorizing a Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission. The 11-member commission will plan activities marking Reagan's 100th birthday on February 6, 2011. Reagan was president from 1981 to 1989.	[ "what was the figure", "Which state donated the figure?", "Statue contains pieces of what?", "who is the former president", "What will be celebrated in 2011?", "whose birthday is it", "What does Pelosi say?", "What did the statue contain?", "Which state donated the figure?", "What did Pelosi say?", "The commission was planning events to mark what?" ]	[ [ "Reagan," ], [ "California" ], [ "Berlin Wall," ], [ "Reagan," ], [ "Reagan's 100th birthday" ], [ "Ronald Reagan" ], [ "the former president's statue contains pieces of the Berlin Wall, \"as a symbol of his commitment to national security and to his success.\"" ], [ "pieces of the Berlin Wall," ], [ "California" ], [ "\"as a symbol of his commitment to national security and to his success.\"" ], [ "Reagan's 100th birthday" ] ]	NEW: Former first lady touts husband's "commitment to freedom" California donated figure for Capitol Rotunda to honor former president . Pelosi says statue contains pieces of Berlin Wall . Commission planning events to mark 100th birthday in 2011 .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An independent research group predicts that cyberwarfare will accompany future military conflicts and is recommending international action to blunt its impact. Computers can become victims in future military conflicts, a nonprofit group says. The nonprofit U.S. Cyber Consequences Unit studied the cybertactics used against the country of Georgia during its military conflict with Russia last year. Cyberattacks in August 2008 shut down the Web sites of crucial Georgian government agencies, the media and banks. "The Russians have developed a model here that is very effective," said Scott Borg, director of US-CCU. "We can expect to see the Russians use it in the future, and other countries as well." Because of the sensitive nature of much of the information, the full 100-page report is being released only to U.S. government officials and selected cybersecurity professionals. CNN was provided a nine-page summary. The study concludes that the cyberattacks against Georgian targets were carried out by civilians, many of them recruited via social networking forums devoted to dating, hobbies and politics. "There was a large-scale collaboration on these forums," said US-CCU's chief technical officer, John Bumgarner. "They were used to recruit potential actors to launch attacks, to collaborate on what types of attacks worked and what types of attacks didn't work. They were used to collaborate on how to bypass security controls and share attack codes." As a result, Borg said, Russian sympathizers who were not hackers, and who didn't even know much about computers, could participate. The report says the civilian cyberattackers were aided and supported by Russian organized crime. Although they found no evidence of direct involvement by the Russian government or military, the report concludes that the organizers were tipped off about the timing of Russian military operations. "There was a lot of information being passed on, but at what level it was being passed on was hard to say," Borg said. The report says that "the necessary reconnaissance and the writing of attack scripts had to have been done in advance ... and suggests that cyber attacks against Georgia had been on the Russian agenda for some time." The hackers did not carry out physically destructive cyberattacks, although they probably had the technical expertise to do so, suggesting that "someone on the Russian side was exercising considerable restraint," the report says. It also notes that media and communications facilities, which might have been attacked by missiles and bombs in a conventional war, were spared that, "presumably because they were being effectively shut down by cyberattacks." Because the cybercampaign against Georgia presents a pattern that can be expected in future conflicts, the report says, there is an "urgent need" for an international organization to provide risk advisories when preparations for a cybercampaign are detected. It also says there should be an international cyber-response force to provide quick assistance to member countries, advising them on how to thwart an attack and setting up operations to do so. The report also recommends that every country conduct cyber-response exercises, otherwise "the relevant officials will waste precious time trying to figure out whom they should be contacting and what they should be doing." Bumgarner said that cyberwarfare "is a global chess game in which citizens, governments and corporations are the pawns." Borg added, "Right now, the international community has no idea how to deal with this."	[ "When were the cybertactics used?", "Who carried out most attacks?" ]	[ [ "August 2008" ], [ "by civilians," ] ]	Study looked at cybertactics used during Russia-Georgia conflict . Civilians recruited from social networks carried out most attacks, report says . International agency needed to advise about risks, group says . Another recommendation is creation of cyber-response force .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Are circus elephants abused? Or are the elephants under the big top healthy and thriving in a caring environment? Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey elephants pass the U.S. Capitol in a parade this week in Washington. That's the issue a federal judge must decide in a 9-year-old legal dispute pitting four animal rights groups against the nation's most famous circus, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Closing arguments will be heard Wednesday in the case in which the circus is accused of mistreating its 54 Asian elephants, which are protected under the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Under the law, endangered species cannot be "harmed, harassed, wounded, injured or killed." The circus "is in fact in violation of the federal Endangered Species Act as a result of their routine practices that they use on the elephants," according to Tracy Silverman, general counsel for the Animal Welfare Institute. Silverman alleges that the circus uses "bull hooks" and electrical prods called "hot shots" to train and manage the elephants and that handlers chain the elephants for extended periods of time. These practices violate federal law, Silverman says. But the circus says that no evidence was presented at the six-week trial that such tools as bull hooks and hot shots are used on elephants. "Ringling Bros.' practices are well known to the federal government who regulates their business," says Ringling Bros. attorney Michelle Pardo. The tools the circus uses to handle animals "are time-tested, approved and commonly used," she added. Pardo insists the trial evidence "showed the elephants are healthy, well cared for and they're thriving in Ringling Bros. care." Besides the Animal Welfare Institute, other groups involved in the suit are the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Fund for Animals and Born Free USA, acting with the Animal Protection Institute. While the animal rights groups allege the circus "severely mistreats and abuses" elephants, the circus says the animals are not only healthy but "really do benefit from the enrichment that the circus provides." No immediate ruling is expected from the judge.	[ "What is the 1973 Endangered Species Act", "Who is the judge?", "How many Asian elephants are Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey accusesd of mistreating?", "Who are Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey?", "What animal was charged as mistreated?" ]	[ [ "Under the law," ], [ "a federal" ], [ "54" ], [ "the nation's most famous circus," ], [ "54 Asian elephants," ] ]	Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey accused of mistreating 54 Asian elephants . Judge is set to hear closing arguments in nearly decade-old legal dispute . Animal rights groups say circus violating 1973 Endangered Species Act . Circus attorney says elephants "thriving in Ringling Bros. care."
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- As Washington gears up for January's presidential inauguration with high-priced tickets to fancy affairs, one businessman is making sure that some of the less fortunate will have a chance to share in the festivities. Earl Stafford is a Virginia businessman helping the disadvantaged see the inauguration. Virginia businessman Earl Stafford has spent $1 million to give hundreds of poverty-stricken and terminally ill Americans, along with wounded men and women in uniform, an inauguration experience that won't cost them anything. The zero-dollar price tag is even more shocking, considering that tickets to the inaugural events are going for hundreds of dollars, the city's remaining hotel rooms are edging into four-figure territory, and even basements and couches miles from the National Mall are going for a premium on Craigslist. Tickets for the inauguration are distributed through members of Congress, and just 240,000 seats are available for the swearing-in ceremony. The tickets are supposed to be free, but with demand outpacing supply, some people have been trying to scalp tickets for thousands of dollars. Stafford's event is one of the splashiest inauguration packages out there. It includes high-end hotel rooms and luxury suites, food and drinks, a heated viewing spot right above the parade route, even gowns and tuxedos to wear to celebratory balls and a beautician to help attendees get ready. Hours after the election, Stafford, a 60-year-old businessman and son of a Baptist minister, invested in what the JW Marriott billed as its $1 million "build-your-own-ball" inaugural hotel package. His family's nonprofit foundation, the Stafford Foundation, is footing the bill for what it is calling the People's Inaugural Project, but it is also hoping to get money from sponsors. Stafford said Thursday that he hopes the balcony terrace is filled "with those who are disadvantaged, those who are distressed, mingling with those who aren't so. And we hope to see on their faces a sense of excitement." "I was inspired to do this by the Lord. ... It's not about us but about us helping other people," he said. At least third of the tickets to the event will go toward people who are needy or underprivileged, and the rest of those participating could be people from sponsoring foundations, companies or volunteers. Everything, he said, will be taken care of: transportation, evening gowns and tuxedos for the ball. He hopes that providing a front row seat to history will inspire those invited to do good things in their communities. Stafford said he began thinking about the project in March. He voted for Barack Obama, and records show he contributed $4,600 to the Democrat's campaign, according to the Washington Post. Stafford, a retired Air Force officer, noted that he does not agree with all of Obama's positions. But, he told the paper, he decided the inauguration would be "a transition in history, if you will ... and everyone should be included." CNN's Samantha Hayes and Rebecca Sinderbrand contributed to this report.	[ "What are the packages going for?", "Amount Earl Stafford paid?", "What was billed as \"build-your-own-ball\"?", "How much did Stafford pay?", "Who offered the package?", "Why did Stafford pay so much?", "What was going for hundreds of dollars?", "How much did Stafford pay to see the inauguration?", "Who paid for the needy to see the event?", "What did Stafford say?", "Who paid 1 million dollars so needy could the inauguration?" ]	[ [ "hundreds of dollars," ], [ "$1 million" ], [ "inaugural hotel package." ], [ "$1 million" ], [ "Earl Stafford" ], [ "inspired to do this by the Lord." ], [ "tickets to the inaugural events" ], [ "$1 million" ], [ "Earl Stafford" ], [ "that he hopes the balcony terrace is filled \"with those who are disadvantaged, those who are distressed, mingling with those who aren't so. And we hope to see on their faces a sense of excitement.\"" ], [ "Virginia businessman Earl Stafford" ] ]	Earl Stafford paid $1 million so needy could see inauguration . Packages for some inaugural events going for hundreds of dollars . Stafford said his effort was rooted in his faith, good fortune . Package offered by JW Marriott billed as "build-your-own-ball"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Attorney General Eric Holder was decidedly noncommittal Thursday as he was buffeted on Capitol Hill by alternating demands to release -- or not -- more secret documents related to alleged torture, and to prosecute -- or not -- Bush administration officials who wrote and approved those documents. Attorney General Eric Holder testifies before a U.S. House subcommittee on Thursday. Holder was scheduled to appear before a House committee to discuss the Justice Department budget, but lawmakers threw away the script and overwhelmed him with pointed questions about the memos and accountability for the interrogation policies. The toughest exchanges were with the top Republican in the session, Rep. Frank Wolf of Virginia. Wolf insisted Holder provide still-secret documents which former Vice President Dick Cheney says detail valuable intelligence gained from the use of the harsh techniques against captured suspected terrorists. "You have an obligation to release the rest of the memos," Wolf demanded. But Holder said he had no knowledge of documents that might contain the information to which Cheney referred. "I'm not familiar with those memos. I frankly have not seen them. I don't know that they exist," Holder said. When Holder said he doesn't control all of the documents, Wolf complained Holder was trying to duck responsibility "just because the documents might be in a different building." "It is certainly the intention of this administration not to play hide and seek, or not to release certain things," Holder replied. "It is not our intention to try to advance a political agenda or to try to hide things from the American people," he said. As Republican lawmakers complained about the administration's release of four documents last week that had authorized waterboarding and other controversial methods, Democrats praised the release. Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey, D-Wisconsin, said torture is illegal and those responsible for its use have to be held personally accountable. Representatives of liberal organizations including MoveOn.org, Democrats.com and the American Civil Liberties Union were in the hearing room seeking to cajole Holder and other administration officials to appoint a special prosecutor to press charges against Bush administration officials. "The Justice Department is obligated to appoint an independent prosecutor to investigate these crimes," said Mandy Simon of the ACLU. She said representatives of the groups had provided to Assistant Attorney General Lee Loftus a disk containing the signatures of about 260,000 individuals demanding the outside prosecutor be appointed. Holder was not asked whether he would seek an outside counsel, but indicated he was waiting for more information from pending reports. He said a key report on the actions of Bush Justice Department officials involved in drafting the controversial legal guidance would be completed "soon" and he hopes to make it public.	[ "What do Republicans criticise?", "What should be released?", "Who remains noncommittal?", "What groups want prosecutor to press charges" ]	[ [ "administration's release of four documents last week that had authorized waterboarding" ], [ "more secret documents related to alleged torture," ], [ "Attorney General Eric Holder" ], [ "liberal organizations including MoveOn.org, Democrats.com and the American Civil Liberties Union" ] ]	On Capitol Hill, Republicans criticize initial release of four interrogation memos . They say memos referenced by Dick Cheney should be released for complete picture . Liberal groups demand special prosecutor to press charges against Bush officials . Attorney general remains noncommittal on additional releases or any prosecutions .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Beginning Saturday, many air travelers will be asked their birth dates and genders when making airline reservations. The new travel rules are the latest "visible" expansion of the Secure Flight program. It's the latest "publicly visible" expansion of Secure Flight, a program that transfers responsibility for checking air passengers' identities from the airlines to the federal government, the Transportation Security Administration said. The change keeps the agency on track to assume responsibility for ID checks on all domestic flights by early next year, according to the TSA. Currently, the airlines check passenger identifications against lists of suspected terrorists. But the 9/11 Commission said the job was better suited for the federal government, which compiles the "terror watch lists." Government control increases security, according to the TSA, while reducing the number of instances in which innocent people are mistakenly confused with possible terrorists having similar or identical names. In May, the federal government began the first public phase of "Secure Flight" when four small airlines began asking passengers to provide their names, as the names appeared on the government-issued IDs they would be traveling with, when making reservations. Since then, additional airlines have begun asking for full names, TSA spokeswoman Sterling Payne said, though she declined to say how many airlines are participating for security reasons. The new change requires travelers to provide three pieces of information when making reservations: the passenger's full name as it appears on the government-issued ID they will be using, their birth date and their gender. The airline will transmit that information to the TSA, which will compare it to a "no-fly" list of people prohibited from flying or a list of "selectees" who can fly after they pass additional physical screening. If passengers are not asked for this addition information, they should not be concerned, as it will not affect their travel, the agency said. Early efforts to create the Secure Flight program were beset by problems, including program delays and complaints of privacy breaches. Finally, in 2006, after the TSA spent more than $130 million and four years on the system, then-TSA Director Kip Hawley ordered a complete overhaul of the program and dropped plans to check passengers' names against commercial databases, one of the most contentious features of the program. "Secure Flight is a key tool in confirming that someone identified as a 'No Fly' does not receive a boarding pass," TSA acting Administrator Gale Rossides said in a statement Wednesday. "Secure Flight will make travel safer and easier for passengers." The TSA says it plans to vet 100 percent of passengers on all domestic commercial flights by early next year and 100 percent of passengers on all international commercial flights by the end of 2010.	[ "Who takes responsibility for identity checking?", "What will the TSA do?", "What organization expects to check all domestic passengers?", "Many travelers will be asked what?", "Who will check identities?", "What will travelers be asked for?", "Who is taking over responsibility for checking identities?", "What will travellers be asked for?" ]	[ [ "federal government," ], [ "compare it to a \"no-fly\" list of people prohibited from flying" ], [ "TSA." ], [ "their birth dates and genders" ], [ "federal government," ], [ "birth dates and genders" ], [ "the federal government," ], [ "their birth dates and genders" ] ]	Many travelers will be asked for birth dates, genders on reservation . Federal government taking over responsibility of checking identities . TSA expects to check all domestic passengers by early next year . If you aren't asked for information, agency says, don't be concerned .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Bernie McDaid was an 11-year-old altar boy when his priest began molesting him, one of 50 boys who have said they were molested by the same man. Olan Horne, from left, Faith Johnston and Bernie McDaid met with the pope Thursday. Like with so many victims of abuse, McDaid's young life spiraled. He turned to drugs and alcohol in his teen years, struggling to cope with what "Father B" had done to him. On Thursday, he finally got a chance to do something he'd hoped for decades: He met with the Holy Father and told him about the abuse he had suffered. "I basically told him that I was an altar boy ... a young boy praying to God at the time that I was abused," McDaid said. "It wasn't just sexual abuse, it was spiritual abuse, and I want you to know that." "And then I told him that he has a cancer growing in his ministry and needs to do something about it. And I hope he hears me right, and I touched his heart. And he nodded." Watch victims describe abuse and pope's apology » McDaid was part of a small group of victims of the sexual abuse scandal that rocked the Roman Catholic Church who met with Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday. They shared their stories with the pope in a Washington chapel in what the victims called an emotional, frank and ultimately hope-filled meeting. Faith Johnston clutched her mother's rosary beads as she tried to speak to the pope. But her emotions took over. "I didn't end up saying anything. I got up to him, and I burst into tears," said Johnston, who at 14 was molested by her priest. "I think just my tears alone spoke -- just spoke so much." She added, "I hope that other survivors can hear about this, see this and get the same hope that we've gotten from it." Olan Horne said the pope first apologized to them in what he called an "unscripted" and "free-flowing" meeting. "We were all able to answer all of the questions that needed to be asked and for him to respond to. And he did -- and he did forthright," Horne said. "He seemed to intrinsically understand what we were talking about. And he spoke to those issues to each one of us in a spiritual way, in a pastoral way. And he also was very respectful of where and what we wanted to talk about." Horne added, "My hope was restored today from what I heard. And I believe we received a promise." Horne and McDaid both accused the same priest, the Rev. Joseph Birmingham, of molesting them. Birmingham died in 1989. The Rev. Federico Lombardi, a papal spokesman, said the pope listened to everyone's "personal accounts and offered them words of encouragement and hope." The surprise meeting came during the pope's visit, the first trip to the United States by the Holy Father since the abuse scandal rocked the church in the early 2000s. The meeting is believed to be the first between a pope and the victims of clergy sexual abuse. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, the nation's oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims, said it was pleased that the pope met with the victims but hopes the church will do more. "This is a small, long overdue step forward on a very long road. We're confident the meeting was meaningful for the participants, and we're grateful that these victims have had the courage to come forward and speak up," the group said. "But fundamentally, it won't change things. Kids need action. Catholics deserve action. Action produces reform, and reform, real reform, is sorely needed in the church hierarchy." Earlier Thursday, celebrating Mass in center field at Washington's new ballpark, the pope gave a 20-minute homily that focused on hope, repentance	[ "what support the victim?", "What says victim?", "who is responsible for all this", "Who abuse victims?", "Who met with the pope?" ]	[ [ "The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests," ], [ "\"It wasn't just sexual abuse, it was spiritual abuse, and I want you to know that.\"" ], [ "Joseph Birmingham," ], [ "priest" ], [ "Olan Horne," ] ]	Victim: I was "a young boy praying to God at the time that I was abused" Group of sex abuse victims met with pope Thursday; pope apologized . "He seemed to intrinsically understand what we were talking about," victim says . Victim support group says "real reform is sorely needed in the church hierarchy"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Boys may soon be able to get Gardasil, the vaccine given to girls and young women to prevent infection by four types of human papillomavirus. Gardasil, a vaccine against human papillomavirus, would be given to boys exactly as it is to girls. A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted Wednesday to recommend that the vaccine be made available to boys and young men aged 9 to 26 for protection against genital warts caused by HPV. The vaccine protects against four types of HPV, and two of those are believed to be responsible for 70 percent of cervical and anal cancers, and HPV-associated penile and throat-and-neck cancers. The other two cause 90 percent of genital warts cases, researchers say. At Wednesday's advisory committee meeting, pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., maker of Gardasil, presented data from three clinical trials that the company claims supports broadening the distribution of the vaccine to include males. The trials included more than 5,400 boys and men from six continents and 23 countries. According to Anna Giuliano, an independent scientist at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, and the trials' principal investigator, "The data clearly demonstrates that there was a benefit to men in receiving Gardasil. Overall, we saw a 90 percent reduction in disease -- genital warts and pre-cancerous lesions -- caused by HPV in men and an 89 percent reduction in genital warts incidence. "Essentially, we have a really fantastic opportunity to extend the benefit of the vaccine to men," Giuliano said. "This is a sexually transmitted infection; if we can reduce infection and related diseases in men, we have the potential to have a much broader public health impact by reducing the overall burden of infection and disease in the community at large." Giuliano said there were no serious adverse events related to the vaccine. There were some minor side effects such as pain at the injection site and low-grade fever. The vaccine would be administered in boys and young men exactly as it's been given to girls and young women: three doses over a period of six months. Merck spokeswoman Pam Eisele said the cost will be $130 per dose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20 million Americans are infected with HPV. There are 6.2 million new infections each year. The CDC says that at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women get an HPV infection at some time in their life. The American Social Health Association says HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus and puts that number at 75 percent or more. The CDC says that although HPV is very common in both sexes, most men won't develop symptoms or serious health problems, and there is no test to detect the virus in men. The only approved HPV test on the market is for women, for use in cervical-cancer screening. The advisory committee also voted that Cervarix, a new HPV vaccine made by GlaxoSmithKline, appeared to be safe and effective for girls and young women 10 to 25 years of age. Cervarix has been approved in Europe. "This is an important step in cancer prevention for the millions of girls and young women at risk for cervical cancer," said Barbara Howe, vice president and director of North American vaccine development for GlaxoSmithKline. "If approved, Cervarix will provide protection against cervical cancer, a devastating disease that is responsible for thousands of deaths in U.S. women each year." Still, the panel recommended that Glaxo do more studies that would monitor miscarriages and other problems reported by patients. In a final review, both applications will be considered by the FDA, which usually -- but not always -- follows the recommendations of its advisory committees.	[ "what does the committee say", "what does de CDC says about HPV?", "what could it prevent", "what is the treatment", "what causes the warts", "what does the shots can prevent according to a committee?", "what does the committee favors?" ]	[ [ "the vaccine be made available to boys and young men aged 9 to 26 for protection against genital warts caused by HPV." ], [ "infection at some time in their life." ], [ "infection by four types of human papillomavirus." ], [ "Gardasil," ], [ "HPV." ], [ "infection by four types of human papillomavirus." ], [ "vaccine be made available to boys and young men aged 9 to 26 for protection against genital warts caused by HPV." ] ]	Committee says shots could prevent genital warts in males 9 to 26 . Vaccine's maker claims studies show 90 percent less HPV-caused disease . HPV common in both sexes, CDC says, but men develop fewer problems . Committee also favors Cervarix, new vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Brand new runways are opening at three major airports Thursday, giving the aviation community something to cheer about in a year of dismal economic and travel news. Washington Dulles International Airport's new runway opens Thursday ahead of the busy holiday travel season. Washington Dulles International Airport will get a fourth runway, its first runway addition since the airport opened in 1962. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport's new runway is part of a massive, multi-billion dollar modernization program. Previously, six of the airport's seven runways intersected. When the entire project is completed in 2014, the airport will have eight runways in parallel configurations considered safer and more efficient. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's new runway is being especially welcomed because of the region's notoriously wet climate. The airport's third runway will allow planes to take off and land two abreast during inclement weather. The current runways are too close to allow simultaneous operations in foul weather. Airport officials claim the new runway will cut delays in half. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said travelers will benefit from coast to coast. See runways at the three airports » "It is going to make a difference," Peters said. "It is going to allow us to conduct more operations, meaning more takeoffs and landings per hour at these airports and will help move passengers efficiently through. "That, we hope, will give travelers a good experience this holiday season," she said. President Bush, this week, touted the arrival of the three new runways, noting that 14 new runways will have opened during his administration. However, aviation experts warn airport infrastructure still lags behind demand, and that real estate realities in the New York area, perceived to be the epicenter of aviation delays, mean that new runways are least likely to be built where they are most needed. Watch what Web sites offer best travel deals » "It would really be nice if we had even one new runway" at each of the nation's most congested airports, namely LaGuardia, Newark and JFK," aviation consultant Darryl Jenkins said. "It would do an enormous amount to relieve congestion throughout the entire nation." iReport.com: What are your holiday travel plans? Jenkins said new runways in New York are pipe dreams because of land constraints and local opposition. "Local opposition wins. There's no opposition that is as tough to beat down as local opposition," he said. Chicago O'Hare's International Airport, which has purchased more than 500 single-family homes to make room for expansion, remains in court battles with several property owners. Aviation experts argue the experience at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia demonstrate that new runways are invaluable to airlines and travelers. A new runway that opened there in 2006 has increased operations by 25 to 30 flights an hour, shaved minutes off average flight delays and saved airlines $10 million a week in fuel costs, airport officials said. Air traffic controllers are generally happy with the added concrete they will lord over. "There's no greater supporter of runways than controllers," said Doug Church, spokesman for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA). "It's reason to shout and celebrate from the rooftops." However, the new Dulles airport runway may not be of much benefit at the start. Controller Chris Sutherland, the NATCA representative for the Potomac Consolidated Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), explained that because only one taxiway has been completed, planes that land heading north must roll to a stop, turn around and taxi more than a mile and a half to the taxiway, costing the airlines both time and money. "Bottom line, the users are going to fight us tooth and nail if we try to land them on that runway out there," Sutherland said. The airport also does not have the technology necessary to use all three parallel runways in inclement weather, he said. "We're actually creating delays with additional new concrete and that's kind of going against why we built it in the first place,	[ "In which city is the airport located?", "When does the new airport runway open?", "What lags behind demand?", "What still lags behind", "What will make airports safer?", "What opens Thursday?", "What day does the new runway open", "What will the new runways allow?" ]	[ [ "Washington" ], [ "Thursday" ], [ "airport infrastructure" ], [ "airport infrastructure" ], [ "runways in parallel configurations" ], [ "Brand new runways are opening at three major airports" ], [ "Thursday," ], [ "planes to take off and land two abreast during inclement weather." ] ]	New airport runways open Thursday in Seattle, Chicago and Washington . Officials say new runways will make airports safer, more efficient . However, aviation experts caution airport infrastructure still lags behind demand .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Cell phone images are providing evidence that a large number of civilians may have been mistakenly killed by U.S. troops operating in Afghanistan last month, two NATO officials said Sunday. The grainy cell phone video shows blankets and quilts covering bodies inside a building. The Afghan government, a United Nations review and other reports from the region state that as many as 90 civilians were killed in an August 22 airstrike, but the Pentagon has adamantly disputed the death toll. Another U.S. military official, who has seen the cell phone imagery but asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak to the media, said Monday there were about 30 bodies, some covered and some in blankets. There were "several children who appear to be pulled from the rubble," he said. The grainy cell phone video, viewed by CNN, shows rows of blankets and quilts inside a building. In the video, someone lifts the blankets to show the heads of those slain. People who appear to be mourners sit by their loved ones and wail. Watch: Video prompts Pentagon probe » Though CNN has confirmed the military is reviewing the video, CNN has not independently verified the authenticity of the imagery. The U.S. military source, who has direct knowledge of the investigation, said the initial U.S. assessment was based largely on comparisons of satellite imagery of a 10-square-kilometer area from before the attack, taken August 14, and imagery captured after the attack, on August 24. Officials viewing the satellite imagery looked for fresh graves after the attack and found only 18 new plots, just in the village area, he said. A U.S. patrol then went to the area August 26. The patrol confirmed those graves but found no others, the source said. The cell phone images were recently shown to Gen. David McKiernan, the top NATO commander, who over the weekend asked for a high-level review of the previous military investigation. That probe concluded the United States was only responsible for a handful of civilian deaths. One of the NATO officials said it appears there were a number of villagers buried in the rubble that the U.S. troops did not see when they were searching the compound targeted in the airstrike. It is believed that after the U.S. troops left the compound, villagers pulled the bodies from the rubble and buried them. Locals apparently took cell phone images and showed them to U.N. investigators, who recently showed them to McKiernan, leading him to request a review. McKiernan learned of the cell phone imagery only after it was shown to him at the U.N. headquarters in Kabul a few days ago. "In light of emerging evidence pertaining to civilian casualties in the August 22 counter-insurgency operation in the Shindand District, Herat province, I feel it is prudent to request that U.S. Central Command send a general officer to review the U.S. investigation and its findings with respect to this new evidence," McKiernan said Sunday in statement. "The people of Afghanistan have our commitment to get to the truth," he said. Afghanistan's government and the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan concluded that 90 civilians were killed in the August 22 airstrike in the western Afghan province of Herat. UNAMA said it found "convincing" evidence that 60 children, 15 women and 15 men were killed in the strike. But the initial investigation by the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan found that 30 to 35 Taliban militants and five to seven civilians were killed. The findings have been handed over to McKiernan. After the Afghan government concluded its investigation, ministers demanded a review of international troops within its borders. On August 25, Afghanistan's Council of Ministers called on the Defense and Foreign Affairs ministries to start negotiating a "status of forces" agreement with international forces -- which include U.S. and NATO troops. The council also asked that the ministries demand the international forces halt airstrikes on civilian targets, as well as house searches not coordinated with Afghan authorities and the illegal detention of civilians. That same day, Afghan President Hamid Karzai announced that he had fired two military commanders, including Gen. Jalandar Shah,	[ "How many militants were killed according to the U.S?", "Reports say how many civilians were killed in the strike?", "What does video show?", "What is the number of dead in the strike?", "What was pulled from rubble?", "What do reports say?" ]	[ [ "30 to 35" ], [ "90" ], [ "blankets and quilts covering bodies inside a building." ], [ "90" ], [ "\"several children" ], [ "as many as 90 civilians were killed in an August 22 airstrike," ] ]	NEW: Video shows rows of blankets, apparent mourners wailing by loved ones . Locals apparently pulled bodies from rubble after U.S. troops left compound . Reports say as many as 90 civilians killed in strike; Pentagon disputes death toll . U.S. says it killed at least 30 militants, uncovered cache of weapons in strike .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Control tower tapes reveal that the pilot of presidential hopeful Barack Obama's plane told air traffic controllers there was an emergency when he made an unscheduled landing last month in St. Louis, Missouri. Barack Obama's plane had to make an unscheduled landing on July 7 in St. Louis, Missouri. On July 7 the Midwest Airlines MD-81 made an unscheduled landing during the flight from Chicago, Illinois, to Charlotte, North Carolina. The owner of the plane initially said the landing was not caused by an emergency. However the tapes, released to ABC News through a Freedom of Information Act request, contradict that report. ABC first reported on the tapes on Thursday. Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Laura Brown told CNN Thursday evening that preliminary information for incidents is often incomplete or incorrect. Watch what the tapes revealed » According to the tapes, the pilot told an FAA air traffic controller that he had limited ability to move the plane's nose up and down. "We have limited pitch authority at flight levels; we're descending to see if we can regain pitch authority," the pilot told the air traffic controller. "At this time we would like to declare this an emergency and also have CFR (fire and rescue equipment) standing by in St. Louis," the pilot said. The pilot remained calm throughout the recording. Midwest Airlines acknowledged at the time that the pilot had detected a control problem in the pitch of the plane after an emergency evacuation chute opened in the aircraft's tail cone while in flight. Normally, the chute deploys only after landing and after the tail cone pops off. The pitch, or angle of the nose of an airplane, affects the pilot's ability to control the plane. The airline said the pilot had "full authority of the aircraft." According to the tapes, the pilot said he regained control as the plane began to descend into St. Louis. "We had a pitch authority problem, now that we have come down to a lower altitude it seems to have rectified itself. We do have pitch control of the aircraft at this time," he said. Fire trucks met the aircraft when it landed at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. After the plane landed, Obama told reporters the plane landed because of a mechanical problem and noted it marked the first time he had had to do so. "Just thought we'd spice things up a little bit today," he joked. "Anytime a pilot says that something's not working the way its supposed to, then, you know, you make sure you tighten your seat belt. Everything seemed under control, the pilots knew what they were doing." The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the incident, said last month that there was no evidence of tampering. An "examination of the hardware did not reveal any evidence of missing components, nor any evidence of tampering," the board said. CNN's Jeanne Meserve and Mike Ahlers contributed to this report.	[ "What did officials say?", "Where was the descent?", "What made officials declare it was not an emergency?", "What prohibited him?", "Who obtained audio tape in Freedom of Information Act request?", "Who said it was not an emergency?", "Who obtained the audio tape?", "Who says he has limited ability to move plane's nose up and down?" ]	[ [ "preliminary information for incidents is often incomplete or incorrect." ], [ "St. Louis, Missouri." ], [ "the pilot had \"full authority of the aircraft.\"" ], [ "move the plane's nose up and down." ], [ "ABC News" ], [ "The owner of the plane" ], [ "ABC News" ], [ "the pilot" ] ]	On tape pilot says he has limited ability to move plane's nose up and down . ABC obtained audio tape in Freedom of Information Act request . When incident occurred, officials had said it was not an emergency . Pilot says on tape he was able to regain control during descent into St. Louis .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities do not consistently offer the level of services and infrastructure necessary to properly treat the growing number of female veterans, a government investigation concludes. One official says the VA can offer women better medical care than they would get in private practice. The report by the Government Accountability Office found wide variation in the medical centers' facilities and programs for female veterans. Investigators visited 18 veterans' facilities and found that basic services, like pelvic examinations, were being provided and that patients had access to female providers for gender-specific care. But the facilities were lacking in some simpler accommodations, such as the configuration of exam rooms and privacy in check-in areas. The department says it is taking comprehensive steps to improve, including programs for primary care and mental health care for female veterans, along with having a female veterans' program manager in each of its medical facilities. But Veterans Affairs faces hurdles in its efforts to improve its services and facilities, the department's chief consultant for women's medical care testified before Congress on Tuesday. "Moving to a more comprehensive primary care delivery model could challenge VA clinicians, who may have dealt predominantly with male veterans and sometimes have little or no exposure to female patients," said Patricia Hayes of the department's Women's Veterans Health Strategic Healthcare Group. Only one-third of veterans' facilities offer a separate space for women to receive gynecological, mental health and social work services, according to Hayes. There is a goal to have a gynecologist available at every facility by 2012, she said. And Dennis Cullinan, national legislative director for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, noted that Veterans Affairs has contracted out to provide female veterans care in the facilities where there are not in-house providers. He said the department is fighting an aging infrastructure that is making it tougher to improve facilities. "The facilities to provide the level of care and privacy just aren't there," he said. "The VA is pursuing this. They are absolutely not dodging it." There are more than 1.8 million female veterans in the United States, 8 percent of the veteran population. In 2008, more than 281,000 female veterans received care from Veterans Affairs, according to the department's statistics. The number of female veterans enrolled for medical care with the department is expected to increase by 30 percent in the next five years, it predicts. The median age of female veterans is much lower than their male counterparts: 47, compared with 61, according to Veterans Affairs data. Hayes said the department can offer female veterans better care than they would receive in private practices. "Women are screened for unique health concerns like cervical cancer or breast cancer at higher rates than non-VA health care programs," she noted. While noting that the department has taken steps to upgrade its services and facilities to meet the needs of female veterans, investigators found that it stumbled on some more basic elements. None of the facilities visited was fully compliant with the department's standards for privacy, investigators found, including privacy in the check-in area. "In most clinical settings, check-in desk or windows were located in a mixed-gender waiting room or on a high-traffic public corridor," the report explained. In a majority of the clinics, "check-in desk were located in close proximity to chairs where other patients waited for their appointment." In one facility, it said, investigators observed other patients lining up immediately behind the patient trying to check in. The government investigators also found that exam tables were not oriented away from the door or shielded properly by curtains, as is required, and there was a lack of toilets near the facilities where gynecological examinations were conducted. And only two of the facilities provided sanitary napkin dispensers in at least one public restroom for women.	[ "What GAO report finds?", "where is the report from", "How much is the number of enrolled women expected to rise?", "Who is the report written by?", "what does the report say", "What is the number of women enrolled ¡for care expected?" ]	[ [ "wide variation in the medical centers' facilities and programs for female veterans." ], [ "the Government Accountability Office" ], [ "by 30 percent" ], [ "the Government Accountability Office" ], [ "found wide variation in the medical centers' facilities and programs for female veterans." ], [ "to increase by 30 percent in the next five years," ] ]	GAO report finds centers lacking in simple accommodations . Veterans' agency says it is working hard for improvement . Aging infrastructure expected to complicate efforts . Number of women enrolled for care expected to rise 30 percent over five years .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal and state health officials said Monday that salmonella linked last week in Minnesota to King Nut peanut butter was caused by the same strain of bacteria responsible for an ongoing outbreak of 410 salmonella cases in 43 states. Salmonella bacteria are transmitted to humans by eating contaminated foods. The infection may have contributed to three deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday. "Preliminary analysis of an epidemiologic study conducted by CDC and public health officials in multiple states comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons has suggested peanut butter as a likely source," the disease agency said in a written statement. "To date, no association has been found with common brand names of peanut butter sold in grocery stores." A spokesman for the Food and Drug Administration said Monday that the agency has been collaborating with the CDC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and public health officials in many states to investigate the outbreak of infections due to Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium. "This new information from Minnesota will not change what we are currently doing as part of the investigation," said FDA spokesman Michael Herndon. What you need to know about food poisoning Â» The Minnesota bacteria were linked last week to institutionally distributed peanut butter, sold under the King Nut brand name. In one of the Minnesota patients, a 70-year-old female nursing home resident, the infection proved fatal, said Doug Schultz, a Minnesota public health department spokesman. "We do not know to what extent the salmonella contributed to the death," said Schultz, who added that the patient had other underlying illnesses. Virginia Health officials confirm that two of the three deaths linked to the salmonella outbreak were from their state. Although she could not provide a lot of information due to privacy laws, Michelle Peregoy, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Health tells CNN that one person who died was over age 65 and from the Southwest part of the state, the other person who died was a younger adult between the ages of 25-64. As with the Minnesota patient, both Virgina patients had underlying illnesses, which means they had weakended immune systems. Very young people, older people and those with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable to severe side effects, including death. Late last week, King Nut Companies, based in Ohio, recalled King Nut peanut butter. President and CEO Martin Kanan said the product is manufactured by a Lynchburg, Virginia-based company, Peanut Corporation of America. "King Nut took this action as soon as it was informed that salmonella had been found in an open five-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter," the company said Saturday in a posting on its Web site. King Nut, which distributes peanut butter through food service accounts, does not sell directly to consumers. Kanan said King Nut has asked customers to stop distributing peanut butter with lot codes beginning with "8" and has canceled orders with the manufacturer. The first cases nationwide were reported September 3, but most occurred between October 1 and December 31, the CDC said last week. About 18 percent of cases were hospitalized as a result of their illness, and patients have ranged from 2 months to 98 years of age. California has reported the highest case count with 55, followed by Ohio with 53, Massachusetts with 39, Minnesota with 30 and Michigan with 20. The other 37 states are each reporting from one to 19 cases. The seven states that have reported no cases connected to the outbreak are Montana, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Florida and Alaska. Strains of salmonella linked to outbreaks in the past have been traced to contaminated eggs, meat, poultry, vegetables, pet food and peanut butter. Contaminated tomatoes were blamed for an outbreak in the fall of 2006 caused by salmonella Typhimurium, which sickened at least 183 people in 21 states. Most people suffered from diarrhea and fever for about a week. No one is known to have died in that outbreak. Salmonella infections can be treated with antibiotics, though some strains are resistant	[ "What is the CDC?", "What product is associated with the King Nut brand?", "How many people are sick from salmonella?", "According to the CDC, how many have been sickened by the outbreak?", "Where is King Nut peanut butter manufactured?", "How many states were affected by salmonella-related illness?", "What did officials confirm?", "How man salmonella deaths have been confirmed in Virginia?", "According to the CDC, how many states have been affected?", "How many people died of salmonella in Virginia?" ]	[ [ "Centers for Disease Control" ], [ "peanut butter" ], [ "410" ], [ "410" ], [ "Minnesota" ], [ "43" ], [ "two of the three deaths linked to the salmonella outbreak were from their state." ], [ "two" ], [ "43" ], [ "three deaths" ] ]	New: Virginia officials confirm two salmonella-related deaths in the state . CDC: Salmonella outbreak sickens at least 410 people in 43 states . Officials link salmonella in Minnesota to same strain responsible for outbreak . Minnesota bacteria traced to institutionally distributed King Nut peanut butter .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal authorities have charged seven men in North Carolina with supporting terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder abroad, the Justice Department announced Monday. Daniel Patrick Boyd, left, and Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan are two of the seven men charged. Officials said one of the men, identified as North Carolina resident and U.S. native Daniel Patrick Boyd, had traveled to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where he trained in terrorist camps to carry out "violent jihad." Boyd, 39, who went by the name Saifullah, was charged along with two of his sons: Dylan Boyd, 22, also known as Mohammed, and Zakariya Boyd, 20. The four others also are residents of North Carolina, and all seven are accused of engaging in weapons training and military tactics in their home state, the Justice Department said. "We consider this significant. We've been watching them for some time, and we think they were dangerous," said a federal law enforcement official who asked not to be identified. The Boyd family and defendant Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan are identified as U.S.-born citizens. Defendant Hysen Sherifi is identified as a native of Kosovo who is a legal permanent resident of the United States, and Hiyad Yaghi and Anes Subasic are said to be naturalized U.S. citizens. Officials did not immediately identify their native countries. The indictment, made public by the Justice Department, says Daniel Boyd and others left the United States for Israel in June 2007 to "engage in violent jihad but ultimately returned to the United States after failing in their efforts." The defendants, with a substantial cache of weapons, had "practiced military tactics and use of weapons on private property in Caswell County, North Carolina, in June and July 2009," the indictment says. The documents make no reference to a direct threat to individuals or property in the United States. In a written statement, the Justice Department's top counterterrorism official, David Kris, said that Daniel Boyd, "a veteran of terrorist training camps" had conspired with others to recruit and help young men travel overseas in order to kill." The U.S. attorney in Raleigh, George E. B. Holding, said, "These charges hammer home the point that terrorists and their supporters are not confined to the remote regions of some far-away land, but can grow and fester right here at home." The defendants made an initial appearance in federal court in North Carolina. Officials said they are expected to return to court Thursday for detention hearings.	[ "Who are among suspects?", "Where are the suspects from?", "What was a man accused of?", "Where did the man train at?", "Who are the suspects?", "How many practiced military tactics?" ]	[ [ "Daniel Patrick Boyd," ], [ "North Carolina" ], [ "engaging in weapons training and military tactics in their home state," ], [ "terrorist camps" ], [ "Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan are two of the seven men charged." ], [ "seven" ] ]	U.S. native and two sons are among suspects . Man accused of attending training camps in Pakistan, Afghanistan . Seven "practiced military tactics" in North Carolina, indictment says . No mention of direct threats to individuals or property in United States .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal safety investigators said Tuesday they fear flaws found in Washington's Metro subway system after a deadly crash this summer may endanger other transit systems, and they sent out an urgent recommendation asking that other rail operators check for similar problems. Investigators are shown at the crash scene in Washington. Nine people were killed in the June 22 wreck. In letters to federal regulators, the National Transportation Safety Board said "all rail transit operators and railroads should be informed" about system flaws that could cause a track circuit to fail to detect a train. It was not clear how many rail systems have similar train detection systems. Neither the NTSB nor the Federal Transit Administration had a list of systems that use the "audio frequency track circuits" that are the focus of the probe. But an FTA spokesman said that because it doesn't know how many operators use the systems, "we are sending today's urgent recommendation to all rail transit operators, and will identify the pertinent operators through a later survey." Meanwhile, the Federal Railway Administration, which regulates Amtrak and more than a dozen commuter rail systems, said it also will follow the NTSB guidance but believes the number of impacted systems will be "limited." Nine people were killed and 52 taken to hospitals June 22 when a southbound Metrorail train struck the rear end of stopped train just north of the Fort Totten station. Investigators say an automatic train protection system did not detect the stopped train, so the moving train did not receive a command to slow or stop. The NTSB said it is continuing its investigation into the precise causes of the crash, but it said the investigation has raised concerns that the track circuit is susceptible to errant signals. In its letter to regulators, the NTSB said it discovered one circumstance in which an unintended signal path could be created, resulting in a track relay remaining energized even though a stopped train was occupying the circuit. "After only three months, this complex investigation is far from complete, so we are not ready to determine the probable cause of the [Metro] accident," NTSB Chairwoman Deborah A.P. Hersman said. "However, our findings so far indicate a pressing need to issue these recommendations to immediately address safety glitches we have found that could lead to another tragic accident." The NTSB sent letters to Metro, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration and Alstom Signaling Inc., which acquired General Railway Signal, the manufacturer of some of the equipment.	[ "What NTSB investigating?", "Who is investigating the train crash?", "Where was the train crash?", "When did the train crash occur?", "Is it clear how many rails has this system?", "What happened in the DC train crash?", "How many rail systems have this type of detection system?" ]	[ [ "precise causes of the crash," ], [ "National Transportation Safety Board" ], [ "Washington." ], [ "June 22" ], [ "was not" ], [ "Nine people were killed and 52 taken to hospitals June 22 when a southbound Metrorail" ], [ "It was not clear" ] ]	NTSB, investigating fatal D.C. train crash, cites flaw in train detection system . NTSB tells other transit systems to look for flaw . It's not clear how many rail systems have this type of detection system . Causes of June 22 D.C. Metro crash still under investigation .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal safety officials want the Federal Aviation Administration to immediately ground a type of small sports aircraft, saying six of the planes have broken up in flight in the past three years, killing 10 people. The National Transportation Safety Board questions the safety of the Zodiac CH-601XL. In an urgent letter to the FAA, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board says there is "substantial circumstantial evidence" that aerodynamic "flutter" preceded some, if not all, of the fatal accidents, and that more accidents are likely to occur if action isn't taken. Flutter is a condition in which airflow around the plane causes unsafe structural vibrations. The vibrations can quickly cause the plane to break up if it is not sufficiently dampened, the safety board said. The aircraft involved is the Zodiac CH-601XL, a single-engine, two-seater that was designed by Zenair Inc. It is built by various manufacturers and also sold as a kit. In making its recommendation, the safety board said it reviewed six fatal accidents, including crashes in Spain and the Netherlands, and said flutter is the likely cause of the accidents. The board said it also considered other incidents that did not result in deaths. The NTSB said two other countries, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, have grounded the aircraft. The FAA had no immediate response to the safety board's recommendation. A Zenair official did not immediately return a reporter's phone call. But the NTSB letter says Zenair contends that the flutter problem can be addressed by proper cable tension, and asserted that a November 2005 certification flight test confirmed the plane is protected from flutter. But the safety board said the type of testing used may not be adequate to uncover all susceptibility to flutter. The NTSB said the FAA certified the CH-601XL as a Special Light Sport Aircraft in 2005. This type of certification does not require that the FAA approve the airplane's design. Instead, the airplane model is issued an airworthiness certificate if the manufacturer asserts that the plane meets industry-accepted design standards and has passed a series of ground and flight tests. The safety board is asking the FAA to prohibit further flight of the Zodiac CH-601XL until the board can determine that the airplane is no longer susceptible to aerodynamic flutter. "The NTSB does not often recommend that all airplanes of a particular type be prohibited from further flight," NTSB Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker said in writing comments. "In this case, we believe such action will save lives. "Unless the safety issues with this particular Zodiac model are addressed, we are likely to see more accidents in which pilots and passengers are killed in airplanes that they believed were safe to fly." The safety board also found that the stick-force gradient -- a measure of the force applied to the control stick and the increase in lift that results -- was not uniform throughout the range of motion, particularly at high vertical accelerations or increased gravitational forces. The lessening of the gradient at high gravitational force could make the airplane susceptible to being inadvertently over-controlled by the pilot, which could create a condition in which the airplane is stressed beyond its design limits, leading to an in-flight structural failure. CNN's Mike M. Ahlers contributed to this report.	[ "How many planes have broken up in flight?", "where Six planes have broken up in flight?", "What was the FAA's response?", "who is the designer", "what Zenair, designer of plane, has said?", "Who designed the plane?" ]	[ [ "six" ], [ "Spain" ], [ "The" ], [ "Zenair Inc." ], [ "contends that the flutter problem can be addressed by proper cable tension," ], [ "Zenair Inc." ] ]	National Transportation Safety Board questions safety of the Zodiac CH-601XL . Officials: Six planes have broken up in flight in past three years, killing 10 people . Zenair, designer of plane, has said proper cable tension addresses issue . FAA had no immediate response to the safety board's recommendation .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- First lady Michelle Obama's father is not buried in the Chicago-area cemetery where investigators say hundreds of graves have been dug up in a scheme to resell the burial plots, a spokeswoman said Tuesday. First lady Michelle Obama's father is not buried in the Chicago-area cemetery where graves were disturbed. The announcement followed an earlier, mistaken statement by the first lady's communications director, Camille Johnston. Johnston later said that Obama's father, Fraser Robinson III, was buried in Lincoln Cemetery in suburban Alsip, Illinois, not the Burr Oak graveyard now at the center of a criminal investigation. "There has been some confusion that has been cleared up," Johnston said. Robinson, who worked as a pump operator for the Chicago water department, died in 1991 after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis. Lincoln Cemetery is about 2 miles from Burr Oak. Four people face felony charges in the investigation surrounding Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. Authorities said last week that about 300 graves had been disturbed as part of the scheme, but that number is expected to rise. Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart said his office has received more than 55,000 requests for information from families with loved ones buried in Burr Oak. But he said many of the cemetery's records are in rusted cabinets filled with decaying file cards. "Most of the file cards have rotted together," he said. "They're covered in mold, and they've rotted together." In addition, some of the cemetery's books are missing pages, and others are known to have been altered, "So this has made it incredibly difficult for us to give accurate information," Dart said. His office asked a court Tuesday to appoint a receiver to manage the graveyard, which he said has been run by his office since last week. Among others buried in the 150-acre graveyard are civil rights martyr Emmett Till, blues pioneer Willie Dixon, jazz and blues singer Dinah Washington and several Negro League baseball players. Cemetery groundskeepers told investigators that Till's grave was not among those disturbed, but the identities of other remains dug up have not been disclosed. Carolyn Towns, an office manager for the cemetery, and gravediggers Keith Nicks, Terrance Nicks and Maurice Daley have each been charged with dismembering a human body. The felony charge carries a sentence ranging from six to 30 years, authorities said. Authorities began investigating the cemetery about six weeks ago after receiving a call from its owners, who said they suspected "financial irregularities" regarding the business, Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart told CNN last week. He said the owners are not believed to be involved in the alleged scam. CNN correspondents Dan Lothian and Elaine Quijano contributed to this report.	[ "How many graves have been disturbed?", "what did the official correct", "where Authorities said last week about 300 graves?", "Where is Fraser Robinson III buried?", "what did the authorities say", "what Official corrects confusion, says Michelle Obama's dad?" ]	[ [ "hundreds of" ], [ "mistaken statement by the first lady's communications director," ], [ "Burr Oak Cemetery" ], [ "Lincoln Cemetery in suburban Alsip, Illinois," ], [ "about 300 graves had been disturbed as part of the scheme, but that number is expected to rise." ], [ "first lady's communications director, Camille Johnston." ] ]	NEW: Official corrects confusion, says Michelle Obama's dad not buried at cemetery . Fraser Robinson III buried at Lincoln Cemetery, about two miles from Burr Oak . Four people face felony charges in an investigation regarding cemetery scheme . Authorities said last week about 300 graves had been disturbed .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Five security guards from Blackwater Worldwide have been indicted on charges related to a 2007 shooting in which 17 Iraqis were killed in a Baghdad square, two sources said Friday. An Iraqi woman looks at a blood-stained car of two women killed in the 2007 Nusoor Square shooting. A sixth security guard is in plea negotiations, the sources told CNN. The exact charges handed up by a federal grand jury were not revealed. The sources requested anonymity because the indictment remains under court seal. It is expected to be made public by Justice Department officials as early as Monday. The Justice Department had no comment on the development, and defense attorneys for the men could not be reached for reaction. The State Department, which employed Blackwater to protect U.S. diplomats and other employees, also had no comment. Blackwater said it wouldn't comment until there's an official announcement. Iraqi authorities accused Blackwater guards of killing 17 civilians and wounding nearly 30 in the September 2007 shootings in Nusoor Square in western Baghdad. Blackwater said its guards were protecting a U.S. diplomatic convoy when they came under attack from armed insurgents. The guards returned fire, Blackwater said. But an Iraqi investigation called the killings "premeditated murder" and accused the guards of firing on civilians indiscriminately. The first U.S. soldiers to arrive on the scene also told investigators they found no evidence the guards were fired upon, sources told CNN. The complex legal case has been dogged by difficulties and may present a major challenge to federal prosecutors. Among the potential problems is the uncertain limit of a law passed by Congress that prevents prosecution of military personnel or others working for the military and leaves open the question of those working for other U.S. government departments and agencies abroad. The incident heightened tensions between U.S. and Iraqi government officials and contributed to a protracted debate over the extent of immunity that U.S. military personnel and civilian contractors have from Iraqi laws. Security contractors have had immunity from Iraqi law under a provision put into place in the early days of the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq. But starting next year, under a U.S.-Iraq security agreement that Iraq approved Thursday, Iraq will have the "primary right to exercise jurisdiction" over U.S. contractors and their employees. The State Department renewed Blackwater's contract this year over strong objections from the Iraqi government.	[ "How many did they kill?", "when charges will be made public", "What is sixth guard in?" ]	[ [ "17" ], [ "as early as Monday." ], [ "plea negotiations," ] ]	Sources: Five Blackwater guards charged in 2007 shooting that killed 17 Iraqis . Sixth guard in plea negotiations, sources say . Charges are not publicly known because indictment is under seal . Charges could be made public as early as Monday .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Flowers arrived at Capt. Marissa Alexander's office at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on June 3, 2005. Arlington's Section 60 is the final resting place for many casualties of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Her husband, Staff Sgt. Leroy Alexander, was half a world away fighting with the Special Forces in Afghanistan, but he had found a way to send a floral arrangement to his wife, who was five months pregnant with twins. "He called me and asked me what building I worked in. He said he had to update some records," Alexander said. The flowers lifted her spirits. But a few hours later, her emotions would be thrown into a tailspin. Alexander saw two Army officers in dress uniforms knock on her front door. One of the officers started to talk: "We regret to inform you..." If he said any more, Alexander doesn't remember. "The next memory I have is in my kitchen, banging on the floor. I just couldn't believe it," she said. The good feelings from flowers delivered a few hours before were gone, replaced by shock, pain and mourning. A roadside bomb had made her a widow. Staff Sgt. Alexander now lies in Arlington National Cemetery's Section 60, where 500 soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried. For years Section 60 has been the one of busiest parts of the cemetery. Every day new burials bring precision marches, the somber tones of taps and the nerve-rattling three-gun salutes. Watch how widows connect at Section 60 » Then there are family and friends who come to the graves to make an emotional connection to their lost loved ones. Memorial Day weekend brings even more activity and more visitors. Adults, even some uniformed generals, walk slowly between the rows and rows of headstones, looking for a familiar name. But small children often seem to find the cemetery a place to explore, even play. Their smiles and curiosity remind grown-ups that even in a place synonymous with death, life goes on. A sense of community has emerged in Section 60. "I've come here at times and I've met people who were paying remembrances to their loved ones. You become friendly," Capt. Alexander said. "You see each other sometimes and you make a friendship because you know that your loved ones died for the same cause." Angie Capra's husband is buried a few yards from Leroy Alexander. Air Force Tech Sgt. Anthony Capra was an explosive ordnance disposal expert, killed trying disarm a bomb in Iraq. "Other widows will come by and put something on there for me if they don't see me. They'll put down flowers. It's kind of a community," Capra said. More than flowers adorn the graves in Section 60. Visitors of all faiths have picked up the ancient Jewish tradition of leaving a small stone on the headstones to show that a visitor had been to the grave. In most cases these are pebbles found near the grave. But some people have taken to leaving colored glass beads or elaborately painted stones with shamrocks or words like "hero." View images from Section 60 » Capra recently found a small Yoda figure on her husband's grave. She doesn't know who left it, but it must have been a friend, because her husband loved "Star Wars." "We never know who puts stuff" on the headstone, she said. Some mementos leave one to wonder about the story behind them. Like the headstone topped by a tiny bottle of Tabasco hot sauce. Or a set of dog tags with a name that didn't match the name on the headstone. Watch how friends say goodbye to a fallen soldier » There is another topped by a small Lego toy, perhaps left by a child whose father died in a far-off land before they even knew each other. Or the grave adorned with an empty bottle of	[ "Where do visitors take up Jewish tradition of leaving stones as grave markers?", "Which culture leaves stones on grave markers?", "The national cementary's Section 60 contains dead people from which wars?", "What are some mourners doing?", "What is Section 60 holding?" ]	[ [ "Arlington National Cemetery's Section 60," ], [ "Jewish" ], [ "in Iraq and Afghanistan." ], [ "walk slowly between the rows and rows of headstones, looking for a familiar name." ], [ "many casualties of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." ] ]	National cemetery's Section 60 holds dead from Iraq, Afghanistan wars . Visitors take up Jewish tradition of leaving stones on grave markers . Some mourners leave tokens such as toys, empty liquor bottles . Families of fallen service members meet at cemetery, form bonds .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan and a co-defendant lost another legal round at the Supreme Court on Tuesday and will remain in prison on federal racketeering and fraud convictions. Ex-Gov. George Ryan walks out of a Chicago, Illinois, courthouse after his April 2006 conviction. Ryan and businessman Larry Warner claimed they did not receive a fair trial, but the justices, without comment, refused to intervene in the case. Justice John Paul Stevens refused last fall to grant bail for the 74-year-old Ryan, a move that would have kept him out of jail to file more appeals. The disgraced ex-governor reported to a federal prison in Wisconsin in November to serve a 6½-year sentence. The men were convicted in April 2006 for fraud in a case stemming from bribes paid for various state licenses. Their lawyers claimed the trial judge improperly removed two jurors while deliberations in the case had commenced, but a federal appeals court upheld the convictions. Ryan, a Republican, served as governor from 1999 to 2003. He retired following investigations into political corruption in his administration. He also was noted for issuing a moratorium on capital punishment in his state in 2000 over concerns innocent inmates might be executed. The case decided Tuesday is Warner and Ryan v. U.S. (07-977).	[ "will anything happen because of this?", "what did the justices do", "what did ryan do" ]	[ [ "remain in prison" ], [ "refused last fall to grant bail" ], [ "lost another legal round at" ] ]	George Ryan, co-defendant claim they didn't get fair trial in 2006 . Justices refuse to intervene in case, give no reason why . The men were convicted on charges related to bribery . Ryan, a Republican, served as Illinois governor from 1999-2003 .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former President Carter warned members of Congress on Tuesday that America's failure to achieve energy independence is threatening the country's national security, undermining its long-term potential for economic growth and contributing to global warming. Former President Carter said Tuesday that the United States must end its energy-based vulnerability. "Collectively, nothing could be more important than this question of energy," Carter said during a rare presidential appearance before a congressional committee. "I would guess that our entire status as a leading nation in the world will depend on the role that we play in energy and environment in the future." Carter, who in 1977 famously declared the fight for energy independence to be "the moral equivalent of war," told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that reaching that goal is crucial to ending the country's "vulnerability to possible pressures and blackmail." Right now, he noted, "whether we admit it or not, we are very careful not to aggravate our major oil suppliers." Watch Carter talk about energy and security » He also asserted that more jobs will be gained than lost by transitioning the country away from fossil fuels and toward cleaner, renewable energy sources. Carter's testimony came as Congress continues its consideration of broad-reaching energy legislation with the potential to dramatically tighten emissions controls while reshaping America's environmental standards. Among other things, the American Clean Energy and Security Act would create a controversial "cap-and-trade" system establishing steadily declining limits on greenhouse gas emissions over the next four decades. Under the bill, polluters would be able to buy and sell emissions credits while utilities would be required to generate an increasing amount of power from renewable sources. Congressional attention to the issue is being driven by President Obama, who, like Carter, has placed energy near the top of his domestic agenda. Carter suggested that energy reform advocates craft an omnibus proposal that could be considered collectively by Congress in order to minimize "adverse influence of special interest groups" opposed to any major changes. Powerful entrenched interests ultimately helped derail his administration's energy agenda, he said. Carter noted that his administration nevertheless succeeded in reducing net oil imports by 50 percent, from 8.6 to 4.3 million barrels per day. But after "a long period of energy complacency," he said, daily imports to the United States are now almost 13 million barrels. America consumes 2.5 times more oil than China and 7.5 times more than India, he noted. On a per capita basis, the United States consumes 12 times more oil than China and 28 times more than India. "Although our rich nation can afford these daily purchases, there is little doubt that, in general terms, we are constrained not to alienate our major oil suppliers, which puts a restraint on our nation's foreign policy," Carter said. The former president reminded committee members that, as part of his drive for renewable energy, he had ordered 32 solar panels to be placed on the roof of the White House in 1979. But the panels were removed "almost instantaneously after [Ronald Reagan] moved into the White House, with assurances to the American people that such drastic action would no longer be necessary." Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, opened the hearing by noting that the price of a barrel of oil has fallen $90 below the record high hit in summer 2008. Unfortunately, Kerry added, the "political will to take decisive action has dissipated" as each past energy crisis has subsided. Carter "had the courage to tell the truth to Americans [and] set America on the right path in the 1970s," Kerry said. "Regrettably, the ensuing years saw those efforts unfunded [and] stripped away." Richard Nixon was the first president to set a goal of energy independence, Kerry noted. Nixon called for that goal to be reached by 1980.	[ "What will energy independence protect?", "What does the ex-president claim energy independence will do?", "What does congress continue to do?", "What does Congress continue to consider?" ]	[ [ "national security," ], [ "ending the country's \"vulnerability to possible pressures and blackmail.\"" ], [ "dramatically tighten emissions controls while reshaping America's environmental standards." ], [ "broad-reaching energy legislation" ] ]	"Our entire status as a leading nation" will depend on energy role, ex-president says . Energy independence would protect national security, create jobs, he claims . Congress continues to consider broad-reaching energy legislation .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former Republican Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska has been "cleared" by the Justice Department's request to dismiss his federal corruption convictions and drop all charges against him, his lawyer said Wednesday. Former Sen. Ted Stevens, 85, of Alaska lost his re-election bid in November. Prosecutors accused Stevens of failing to disclose hundreds of thousands of dollars of "freebies" from an oilfield services company on Senate ethics forms. But in December, an unnamed FBI whistle-blower accused prosecutors of withholding evidence from the defense, and the Justice Department asked a judge to dismiss the charges against Stevens on Wednesday. "His name is cleared," Stevens' lawyer, Brendan Sullivan, told reporters. "He is innocent of the charges, as if they'd never been brought." Stevens, 85, lost his bid for a seventh full term in November after his conviction on seven counts of lying on Senate ethics forms. Sullivan said the Justice Department was forced to request the dismissal because of "extraordinary evidence of government corruption." Watch more on the dismissal of the case » "Not only did the government fail to provide evidence to the defense that the law requires them to provide, but they created false testimony that they gave us and actually presented false testimony in the courtroom," he said. And one of Stevens' longtime friends, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, said Wednesday that Stevens was "screwed by our own Justice Department." In a statement issued Wednesday morning, Stevens thanked the Justice Department and Attorney General Eric Holder for requesting that the charges be dropped. "I always knew that there would be a day when the cloud that surrounded me would be removed," Stevens said. "That day has finally come." U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan has set a Tuesday hearing on the Justice Department's request to dismiss the case. Sullivan, who is not related to Stevens' lawyer, excoriated prosecutors during the trial and held the prosecution in contempt at one point. In December, two months after the guilty verdicts, the FBI whistle-blower accused prosecutors of withholding evidence from the defense and reported that someone with the government had had an inappropriate relationship with Bill Allen, an oil industry executive who was the government's key witness. In the motion it filed Wednesday, the Justice Department acknowledged that Stevens was not given access to notes taken by prosecutors during an April 2008 interview with Allen, the former chairman of an oilfield services company at the center of a corruption probe in Alaska. The notes show that responses by Allen, the prosecution's star witness, were inconsistent with testimony he gave against Stevens, and that information from the interview could have benefited Stevens at trial, the motion says. "In light of this conclusion, and in consideration of the totality of the circumstances of this particular case, I have determined that it is in the interest of justice to dismiss the indictment and not proceed with a new trial," Holder said in a written statement. Hatch, a senior Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he called Stevens in Alaska on Wednesday and the former senator sounded "elated, as anyone would." "Here's a guy who gave better than 60 years' service to the country and was screwed -- screwed by our own Justice Department," Hatch said. But he praised Holder for "standing up and fixing this foul situation." "I think he's more than shown integrity and decency in this matter, and it's not an easy thing for him to do that," Hatch said. "He has, in looking at it, realized now what people like myself have been saying is 100 percent right." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, also commented on the Justice Department's request, saying, "Ted Stevens is 85 years old. He's already been punished enough. I'm satisfied." And in a statement Wednesday, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said that Stevens "deserves to be very happy today. What a horrible thing he has endured. The	[ "who is alaska governor?", "What did the defense attorney say?", "Who is the Utah Senator?", "who is ted stevens?", "Who does he praise?", "What did Stevens say?", "What does the defense attorney cite?", "what is the name of attorney general?", "What state's governor backs action?" ]	[ [ "Sarah Palin" ], [ "\"His name is cleared,\"" ], [ "Orrin Hatch," ], [ "Former Republican Sen." ], [ "Justice Department and Attorney General Eric Holder" ], [ "\"That day has finally come.\"" ], [ "\"His name is cleared,\"" ], [ "Eric Holder" ], [ "Alaska" ] ]	NEW: Senate majority leader, Alaska governor back Justice Department action . Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch says Stevens was mistreated, praises attorney general . Defense attorney cites "extraordinary misconduct of government prosecutors" Ted Stevens: "I always knew that there would be a day" when justice would come .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice defended the Bush administration's policies on the interrogation of terrorism suspects Sunday, saying former President George W. Bush would not have authorized anything illegal. Condoleeza Rice says George W. Bush was clear that interrogations during his presidency should break no law. "He was also very clear that we would do nothing -- nothing -- that was against the law or against our obligations internationally," Rice said during an appearance at a Washington school. A Senate Intelligence Committee report released in April showed Rice was among top Bush advisers who approved the CIA's use of waterboarding -- a technique considered a form of torture for centuries -- on terrorism suspects in its custody. Recently released Bush administration memos showed Justice Department officials argued that waterboarding, sleep deprivation and other coercive practices did not violate U.S. laws against torture. The disclosures have led to calls for investigations of former Bush administration officials. But Rice said Bush "was only willing to authorize policies that were legal in order to protect the country" after al Qaeda's September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington. "I hope people understand that it was a struggle, it was a difficult time," she said. "We were all terrified of another attack on this country because September 11 was the worst day of my life in government -- watching 3,000 Americans die because these people attacked us." But she added, "Even under those most difficult circumstances, the president was not prepared to do something illegal." President Obama has banned the use of techniques such as waterboarding, which he called torture. His administration released the Justice Department memos in response to a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union, and he called the legal reasoning behind the memos "a mistake." Unlike former Vice President Dick Cheney, who criticized the release of the documents, Rice did not criticize the Obama administration's decision. iReport.com: Share your take on interrogation techniques "I have said many times that the Obama administration is now in power, and he's my president, too," she said. "And, I owe him my loyalty. I will not agree with everything that they do. I will not agree with everything that they say."	[ "What did not violate U.S. laws?", "Who did the Senate report say gave the CIA approval on waterboarding?", "What did President Obama call waterboarding?", "What type of interrogations was Bush willing to authorize?" ]	[ [ "waterboarding, sleep deprivation and other coercive practices" ], [ "Condoleezza Rice" ], [ "torture." ], [ "of terrorism suspects" ] ]	Bush "was only willing to authorize" legal interrogations, ex-secretary of state says . Senate report says top Bush officials gave CIA approval on waterboarding . Bush administration memos argued waterboarding did not violate U.S. laws . President Obama, calling waterboarding torture, has banned technique .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Former congressman and Republican vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp died Saturday at age 73 after a battle with cancer, his family announced. Jack Kemp, a former congressman from New York, was the GOP's vice presidential candidate in 1996. A onetime professional football player, Kemp served nine terms in Congress as a representative from New York and was former Sen. Bob Dole's running mate in 1996. He was a leading advocate of "supply-side" tax cuts, advancing the argument that cutting taxes would boost economic growth and yield more revenue for the federal government. "The only way to oppose a bad idea is to replace it with a good idea, and I like to think that I have spent my life trying to promote good ideas," he told CNN in a 1996 interview. Kemp "passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord" Sunday evening, a family statement said. He disclosed his illness in January. Watch "During the treatment of his cancer, Jack expressed his gratitude for the thoughts and prayers of so many friends, a gratitude which the Kemp family shares," the family said. Watch how Jack Kemp made transition from football to politics » Kemp quarterbacked the Buffalo Bills to back-to-back American Football League championships in 1964 and 1965, before the merger that created the modern NFL. When he retired in 1970 after 13 seasons, the California native ran for Congress and represented the Buffalo area for 18 years in the House of Representatives. View photos of Jack Kemp's life » "He championed free-market principles that improved the lives of millions of Americans and helped unleash an entrepreneurial spirit that all of us still benefit from today," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said in a statement issued late Saturday. The 1981 tax cuts signed into law by Ronald Reagan, which cut marginal tax rates from 70 percent to 50 percent, bore Kemp's name as a co-sponsor. Critics mocked the policy as "trickle-down" economics and pointed to the decade's growing budget deficits as evidence that supply-side theories didn't work, but it has been GOP orthodoxy ever since. Kemp mounted an unsuccessful presidential bid in 1988, losing the Republican primaries to George H.W. Bush. But once in office, Bush made Kemp his secretary of housing and urban development -- a post Kemp used to promote what he called an "empowerment" agenda of tax breaks for urban businesses and expanded home ownership. iReport.com: Share your memories of Kemp Unlike many of the other conservatives of his era, Kemp actively courted African-American support. In 1992, he told CNN's "Larry King Live" that the GOP "could be a Lincoln party in terms of attracting black and brown and men and women of color and low-income status and immigrant status who want a shot at the American dream for their children." CNN Political Director Sam Feist contributed to this report.	[ "What was Kemp battling?", "What was he fighting?", "When did Kemp die?", "Did he serve in other capacities?", "Who was Jack Kemp?" ]	[ [ "cancer," ], [ "cancer," ], [ "Saturday" ], [ "Kemp served nine terms in Congress as a representative from New York and was former Sen. Bob Dole's running mate" ], [ "Former congressman and Republican vice presidential candidate" ] ]	Jack Kemp, former congressman and vice presidential candidate, dies at 73 . Kemp announced in January he was battling cancer . Before politics, Kemp was a professional football quarterback . Kemp also served as secretary of housing and urban development (1989-1993)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Four U.S. soldiers have been charged with cruelty and maltreatment of four subordinates in Iraq after a suicide investigation brought to light alleged wrongdoing, the military said Friday. There is no confirmed evidence that the suicide, which involved a fifth subordinate in the unit, was a result of any mistreatment, said Lt. Col. Kevin Olson, a spokesman for Multi-National Division-South, who said the military is looking into that possibility. Charges were brought Wednesday against three sergeants and a specialist with the 13th Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Bliss, Texas, accusing them of engaging in "verbal abuse, physical punishment and ridicule of subordinates," according to Olson. He described the physical punishment as falling into the category of "undue calisthenics." "Accusations of cruelty and maltreatment are taken very seriously, and we will investigate this isolated incident thoroughly," said Brig. Gen. David Elicerio, deputy commanding general for Multi-National Division-South. Olson said the Army does not believe the maltreatment of subordinates went beyond the soldiers' unit. The four were identified as: All four soldiers have been removed from their unit. Olson said Army officials have spoken to the four subordinate soldiers and are offering them any help they need. The suicide investigation began on August 4, Olson said. On that day, a Defense Department news release said that Pvt. Keiffer P. Wilhelm, 19, of Plymouth, Ohio, died in Iraq of injuries sustained from a noncombat-related incident. He was assigned to a unit from the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, the release said.	[ "how many soldiers were charged", "who was maltreated?", "who is accused of wrong doing", "What were four soldiers charged with?", "what do allegations include?", "what were they charged with", "what have four soldiers been charged with?" ]	[ [ "Four" ], [ "four subordinates" ], [ "Four U.S. soldiers" ], [ "cruelty and maltreatment" ], [ "cruelty and maltreatment of four subordinates" ], [ "cruelty and maltreatment of four subordinates" ], [ "cruelty and maltreatment" ] ]	Suicide probe uncovers alleged wrongdoing in Iraq, U.S. military says . Four soldiers charged with cruelty and maltreatment of four subordinates . Spokesman says there's no confirmed evidence alleged actions led to suicide . Allegations include verbal abuse, physical punishment .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Going to the prom is a highlight in many teenagers' lives. But attending a prom isn't always an option for some young people, including those with special needs. Alex Gonzales passes under the Marines' sword arch Saturday in Washington as he arrives at the prom. That's where Helen McCormick comes in. "We are dreaming for children who are excluded from their proms, and ... you're going to see people walk through the doors who are going to be just absolutely mesmerized," said McCormick, president of a Virginia-based nonprofit called The House, Inc. For the past four years, McCormick has organized a prom specifically for children with special needs. This year's prom, dubbed "The Cinderella Ball," was held Saturday night at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington. More than 150 teens attended the gala, where they were greeted by 41 Marines. Each one of the teens went down a red carpet, under a Marine Corps sword arch, before being seated for dinner. Watch scenes from the spectacular prom » "The children that will be coming are various disabled children with kidney (ailments), children that are literally terminally ill, children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism," McCormick said before the event. Norman Gonzales brought his 13-year-old son, Alex. "Their social life is very limited at school and outside school as well, so something like this is very good because they come to a place where they find themselves with people that they can relate to," Gonzales said. This was Alex Gonzales' first prom and he said he had a great time. "Coming to an event like this -- I think it's a great experience," he said. The entertainment for the evening was 2007 "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks. "I think it's so amazing with all the kids that they get to have their prom. They get to dress up and feel really beautiful and have this night dedicated to them," Sparks said. Most of the teens attending the prom were accompanied by a parent or friend. Some of them brought dates. It was a night many of them said they wouldn't forget anytime soon. Victor Padgett attended the festivities with his daughter, Dede. He said events like these prove that the human spirit is alive and well. "There is hope. There is love, and there is compassion for everyone," he said.	[ "Who was the organizer who arranged the top talent?", "Where is the ball held?", "Who gets to attend the cinderalla Ball?", "Who gets to attend prom of their own?", "Who is the organiser?", "Who is the origanizer for Cinderalla Ball?", "Which teens get to attend a prom of their own?", "What is held at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington?", "Where is the Cinderall ball held at?" ]	[ [ "Helen McCormick" ], [ "Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington." ], [ "various disabled children with kidney (ailments), children that are literally terminally ill, children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism,\"" ], [ "children with special needs." ], [ "Helen McCormick" ], [ "McCormick" ], [ "those with special needs." ], [ "This year's prom," ], [ "Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington." ] ]	"The Cinderella Ball" is held at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington . Teens with illnesses, autism, Down syndrome get to attend a prom of their own . Teens go down a red carpet and under a Marine Corps sword arch before dinner . Organizer Helen McCormick arranges top talent -- 2007 "Idol" winner Jordin Sparks .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- He would surely make history. But would Sen. Barack Obama's election as America's first black president transform the nation? Obama says yes. "The day I'm inaugurated, the country looks at itself differently. And don't underestimate that power. Don't underestimate that transformation," Obama told the crowd Friday at the National Urban League convention in St. Louis, Missouri. The Democrat from Illinois was answering a question about the racial polarization in America. Obama said "race is still an enormous factor in our society. But economics can overcome a lot of racial division." The Democratic presidential hopeful also said that action, rather than high-minded discussions, is the way to end racial inequality. Obama said "if we're doing the right thing and making sure that our young people are going to school, that they're getting good jobs, that they're starting businesses, that they're living in thriving neighborhoods and communities, that will do more to lessen racial tension, division and conflict than any set of roundtables and blue ribbon commissions are going to do." Two of Obama's main Democratic rivals, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, and former Sen. John Edwards, D-North Carolina, also spoke about racial inequality during the Urban League convention. Clinton told the crowd that she rejects "a conversation about 1.4 million young men as a threat, as a headache, or as a lost cause. I reject the conversation about 1.4 million disappointments, failures, and casualties of a broken system. That is not who these young men are. I believe it is long past time for a new and different conversation. It is time for America to begin a conversation about 1.4 million future workers, entrepreneurs, taxpayers, community leaders, business executives." Edwards addressed affirmative action, saying "I would ensure that my administration was a representation of what affirmative action can be. I would make sure that my administration looks like America, and I mean, from the top to the bottom, all the way through the administration." Edwards continued, saying "I would ensure that judges that I appointed to the federal bench and justices nominated to the United States Supreme Court believed in real equality and believed in the concept of affirmative action." Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, also spoke at the National Urban League convention, but no Republican candidates came to the presidential forum. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee met with members of the league at a gathering Thursday night. This is the second forum with a large African-American crowd that the Democratic candidates attended this month. All of the Democrats showed up in Detroit on July 12 for the presidential forum at the NAACP convention. Black voters are crucial to the Democratic Party. "Nearly nine in 10 blacks vote Democratic, making them the most reliable Democratic voting block in the country" said CNN Pollster Keating Holland. And they'll play an important role in picking the next Democratic presidential nominee, especially in South Carolina and Florida, two early primary states. In CNN's most recent polls, Clinton and Obama are running neck and neck among black voters nationally, though Clinton was well ahead in South Carolina. But it's still early and many voters haven't made up their minds. "I'm not feeling that at this point either candidate would be that much of a difference" says Amy Johnson, an undecided black voter in New Orleans, Louisiana. E-mail to a friend	[ "Where is Barack Obama from?", "What looks at itself differently?", "Who would be the first black president?", "Who are neck and neck in polls of black voters?", "Who would be first black president if elected?", "Who is ahead in the polls for black voters?", "What did Barack Obama say?", "What did Barack Obama say about the day he is inaugurated?" ]	[ [ "Illinois" ], [ "the country" ], [ "Barack Obama's" ], [ "Obama" ], [ "Barack Obama's" ], [ "Clinton and Obama are running neck and neck among" ], [ "\"The day I'm inaugurated, the country looks at itself differently. And don't underestimate that power. Don't underestimate that transformation,\"" ], [ "the country looks at itself differently. And don't underestimate that power. Don't underestimate that transformation,\"" ] ]	Barack Obama: "The day I'm inaugurated, the country looks at itself differently" Illinois Democrat would be first black president if elected . Hillary Clinton and Obama neck and neck in polls of black voters .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- He's already served the time, but lawyers Thursday argued to clear his name as onetime U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Smith appeals a conviction for the torture of detainees once held at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. Abu Ghraib prison was taken over by the Iraqi government after claims of abuse by U.S. troops. Disturbing snapshots and video portraying sexual humiliation and physical intimidation against the detainees tarnished the image of the United States as it fought to stabilize Iraq after the American overthrow of Saddam Hussein. A military panel found Smith guilty in March 2006 on allegations that he used his military working dog to illegally "terrorize and frighten" detainees as part of interrogation techniques at the U.S.-managed facility in Baghdad. But his lawyer, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jonathan Potter, told a military appeals court Thursday that the conviction was based on faulty instructions to the jury. "Nowhere in this case did the government establish that the use of the dog was illegal," the defense counsel said, noting that Smith "was not trained in interrogation techniques." The military's prosecutor, U.S. Army Maj. Karen Borgerding, argued that Smith "would know it's unlawful" to use his unmuzzled dog to snarl within inches of a detained prisoner's face. Smith was originally sentenced to 179 days confinement and received a bad conduct discharge. Smith was not in the courtroom for the proceedings. Potter told CNN that he was not authorized to disclose his whereabouts but confirmed that his client remains on "appeal release" status after completing a three-month sentence. If the appeal fails, the discharge stands. If the appeals court overturns the conviction, Smith could return to the military and may receive back pay, pension and other benefits. The judges did not indicate when they may rule after each side presented oral arguments Thursday. At the 2006 court-martial, the jury found Smith guilty of charges that he used his military dog, Marco, to terrify prisoners, allegedly for amusement and in competition with other soldiers. Smith also was found guilty of an indecent act involving his dog. A female soldier testified on the first day of the court-martial that she had allowed Smith's dog to lick peanut butter she had placed on her bare chest as part of a dare from another soldier, who videotaped the stunt. "It was foolish, stupid and juvenile," Smith said of the incident, reading from a statement. "There's nothing I can do to take it back. If I could, I would." Smith did not specifically express regret for the wrongdoing involving detainees.	[ "What did Smith's lawyer say he didn't know was illegal?", "What did Smith serve time for?", "What could happen to Smith if the conviction is overturned?", "What could he do if the conviction is overturned?", "What did former Sgt. Michael Smith serve time for?", "Could smith return to the military?", "Who served three months on a torture conviction?", "What did the lawyer say?" ]	[ [ "the use of the dog" ], [ "the torture of detainees" ], [ "return" ], [ "return to the military and may receive back pay, pension and other benefits." ], [ "he used his military working dog to illegally \"terrorize and frighten\" detainees" ], [ "the" ], [ "Sgt. Michael Smith" ], [ "the conviction was based on faulty instructions to the jury." ] ]	Former Sgt. Michael Smith served three months on torture conviction . Lawyer says Smith didn't know it was illegal to use working dog to threaten detainees . Smith could return to military if conviction is overturned .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- House Republicans on Wednesday presented what they called a "sorely needed" alternative to Democrats' proposals to overhaul health care. Rep. Eric Cantor says Republicans are drafting a plan to ensure all Americans have access to affordable coverage. Republicans want to make sure all Americans have access to affordable coverage, Rep. Eric Cantor, the House minority whip, said Wednesday. "We do so by making sure we keep down costs and incorporate the ability for folks to pool together to access lower costs, to bring private sector into the game and keep government out," Cantor said. Neither Democrats nor Republicans have detailed how they would pay for their proposals. Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, said his party's plan will cost "far less" than that of the Democrats and "provide better results for the American people." Rep. Dave Camp, R-Michigan, who co-authored the GOP plan, said it's important to make sure the bill is one with a "common-sense approach." "We are not going to have a bill that is larger than the GDP [gross domestic product] of most countries, which is what we are beginning to see roll out," said Camp, the ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee. "Clearly, if we move forward and this bill is on the floor, we are going to have to have a bill that is paid for and that's going to depend on what the scores come back." A score is a preliminary estimate of the cost of proposed legislation. A preliminary review by the Congressional Budget Office of a plan being drawn up in the Senate found it would cost about $1 trillion over 10 years to extend health insurance to 16 million people who otherwise would not be covered, about a third of the roughly 45 million now uninsured. Camp said that the House Republican proposal calls for refundable tax credits for lower-income Americans. But Camp and Republicans have not determined key details for their proposal, including the amount of those tax credits or who precisely could be eligible. House Republicans on Wednesday planned to release a two-page summary of Camp's proposal, which CNN Radio obtained. Some highlights include: This Republican alternative bill also contains several health care ideas that are increasingly championed by both parties. This House Republican plan comes a day after fellow Republican Rep. Mark Kirk of Illinois and other moderates in the so-called Tuesday Group released their proposal, which spelled out many of the same ideas as the Camp bill. Kirk contends his plan is less partisan but said he supports Camp's effort. CNN's Lisa Desjardins contributed to this report.	[ "Who says the plan keeps the government out of the health care market?", "how long is the summary", "What does the important bill have?", "Who is Eric Cantor?", "How many pages is the summary of health care bill?", "what should be detailed?" ]	[ [ "Rep. Eric Cantor" ], [ "two-page" ], [ "\"common-sense approach.\"" ], [ "the House minority whip," ], [ "two-page" ], [ "how they would pay for their proposals." ] ]	NEW: Rep. Eric Cantor says plan keeps "government out" of health care market . House Republicans plan to release two-page summary of health care bill . Plan's author says it's important bill have "common-sense approach" Neither Democrats nor Republicans have detailed how they would pay for proposals .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Humza Ismail hasn't spent much time in Raleigh, North Carolina, since he started graduate school two years ago. But when he heard two former acquaintances were arrested on terrorism charges this week, he says, "Honestly, I wasn't surprised." Omar Aly Hassan, left, and Ziyad Yaghi were clear on where they stood on terrorism, an acquaintance said. Omar Aly Hassan, Ziyad Yaghi and five others are charged with conspiring to commit violent jihad overseas. An eighth suspect is still being sought, authorities have said. When he lived in Raleigh, Ismail worshipped at the same mosque as Hassan and Yaghi. When groups of young men talked there, Ismail says, the conversation often turned to religion and politics, and Hassan and Yaghi made it clear where they stood. "When it came to something like suicide bombing, they would say, 'If it's a benefit for the Muslims then something like that can be permissible,' " Ismail says. "I could tell it was something they wanted to do." But, he adds, "They never indicated or said 'we are going to make jihad overseas.'" Ismail says the duo spoke in glowing terms about Osama bin Laden, calling him a scholar and a mujahedeen. "You could tell they were being influenced by somebody," Ismail says. He does not know by whom. He feels they were susceptible to a message of violence "because it sounded cool and exciting." Ismail says he strenuously disagreed with Yaghi and Hassan's views on terrorism even, he says, getting into a public shouting match with them at a restaurant. He says he told them, "You can't do this, man. You can't say it is OK. "That is corruption and terrorism and that is not permissible in Islam." Ismail says he and others raised concerns about Hassan and Yaghi to officials at the Islamic Center of Raleigh, but were "overlooked." "I did my part," Ismail says. Imran Aukhil, a spokesman for the Islamic Center of Raleigh, told CNN on Thursday that he had no information about complaints concerning Hassan and Yaghi. On Saturday, however, he informed CNN that he had researched the matter and learned there was a complaint several years ago against an individual at the mosque. Aukhil said he did not have the name of that person. "It was reported to the FBI," said Aukhil. "The FBI did take note of it in their investigation." Efforts to reach attorneys representing Hassan and Yaghi were unsuccessful.	[ "How long ago was the complaint lodged?", "What was the complaint about?", "what did Ismail say", "What mosque did they attend?", "who did they speak in glowing terms about", "The number of arrested men who attended the mosque amounted to what?", "Two arrested men spoke in glowing terms of who?" ]	[ [ "several years" ], [ "Hassan and Yaghi." ], [ "\"Honestly, I wasn't surprised.\"" ], [ "as Hassan and Yaghi." ], [ "Osama bin Laden," ], [ "Omar Aly Hassan, Ziyad Yaghi and five others" ], [ "about Osama bin Laden," ] ]	NEW: Spokesman says complaint lodged against person at mosque a few years ago . Humza Ismail attended the same mosque as two of seven men arrested this week . Ismail: When it came to violence, "I could tell it was something they wanted to do" Ismail says the two spoke in glowing terms about Osama bin Laden .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Hydroxycut products, popular dietary supplements used for weight loss, have been linked to liver damage and are being recalled, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday. The FDA has received 23 reports of serious liver injuries, including a death, linked to Hydroxycut products. The FDA said it has received 23 reports of serious liver injuries linked to Hydroxycut products, which are also used as energy enhancers and as fat burners. The reports include the 2007 death of a 19-year-old man living in the Southwest, which was reported to the FDA in March. Other serious liver problems reported included liver damage that resulted in a transplant in 2002, liver failure, jaundice, seizures and cardiovascular problems. The FDA is warning consumers to immediately stop using 14 Hydroxycut products manufactured by Iovate Health Sciences Inc. of Oakville, Ontario, and distributed by Iovate Health Sciences USA Inc. of Blasdell, New York. The company is voluntarily recalling the following products: Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets, Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets, Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Caplets, Hydroxycut Max Liquid Caplets, Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix), Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets, Hydroxycut Liquid Shots, Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink), Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed, Hydroxycut 24, Hydroxycut Carb Control and Hydroxycut Natural. Watch more on the FDA's concern » According to the FDA, last year, Iovate sold more than 9 million units of Hydroxycut products, which were distributed widely to grocery stores, health food stores and pharmacies. "The FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of Hydroxycut products in order to avoid any undue risks. Adverse events are rare, but exist. Consumers should consult a physician or other health care professional if they experience symptoms possibly associated with these products," said Dr. Linda Katz, interim chief medical officer of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. Liver damage is rare, but patients who experienced problems were taking doses recommended on the product label, the FDA said. Symptoms include brown urine, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, stomach pain, itching and light-colored stools. The FDA has not determined what specific ingredients are responsible for the problems, because the products contain a variety of overlapping ingredients and herbal extracts. Dietary supplements sold before October 1994 are not required to undergo any FDA review before going to market. The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 required manufacturers to ensure a supplement to be safe before marketing. But manufacturers still don't need to register a product with the FDA or get approval before selling a supplement. The agency can take action against an unsafe supplement once it's on the market. Since December 2007, any serious adverse event reported to the manufacturer must now be reported to the FDA within 15 days. The Council for Responsible Nutrition, the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement industry, said that both the FDA and Iovate "took appropriate action today." "We commend FDA for warning consumers of a potential safety problem associated with these products, and were encouraged to see that the company -- Iovate Health Sciences -- agreed to recall the products from the market until further determinations can be made," said Steve Mister, the council's president and CEO.	[ "What is hydoxycut used for?", "What products were recalled after 23 liver injuries and one death ?", "What was recalled due to 23 injuries and one death?", "What are Hydroxycut products used for ?", "What damage is caused by the product?", "What causes :liver failure, jaundice, seizures, cardiovascular problems ?" ]	[ [ "weight loss," ], [ "Hydroxycut" ], [ "Hydroxycut products," ], [ "weight loss," ], [ "linked to liver" ], [ "Hydroxycut products." ] ]	FDA recalls Hydroxycut products after 23 liver injuries and one death . Hydroxycut products used as popular dietary supplement for weight loss . Damage from product: liver failure, jaundice, seizures, cardiovascular problems .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In 2004, even after being captured by U.S. forces, Saddam Hussein told an FBI interrogator he believed Iran was a greater threat to Iraq than the United States, according to newly released FBI documents. Baghdad's Al Mutamar newspaper shows Saddam Hussein, right, with Ahmed Chalabi of Iraq's governing council in 2003. The FBI interviews took place while Hussein, then identified by the FBI as "High Value Detainee 1" was held captive by U.S. military forces at Baghdad International Airport between February and June of 2004. Hussein regarded the Iranian threat as so serious that it was the major factor in his decision not to allow United Nations weapons inspectors to return, he said. Citing their shared border and his belief Iran would intend to annex southern Iraq, Hussein said he was more concerned about Iran discovering Iraq's weaknesses than repercussions from the United States and the international community. He believed that the inspectors would have directly identified to the Iranians where to inflict maximum damage to Iraq. Approximately 100 pages of declassified interview summaries, previously classified as secret, were obtained by the National Security Archive at the George Washington University through a Freedom of Information Act request. The FBI declined CNN's request to interview special agent George L. Piro, the agent who interviewed Hussein. FBI spokesman Paul Bresson declined to comment on the declassified documents. "As a general rule, the FBI does not discuss FOIA'd documents. We let the information stand on its own," Bresson told CNN. Piro, an FBI agent fluent in Arabic, conducted the interviews along with another agent whose name has been redacted from the documents. Although Hussein had been a prisoner for months, at one point during an interview he said, "I am not the ex-president of Iraq. I am still the president of Iraq." Hussein also described al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden as a "zealot" and said he had never met or seen him. He also said the United States used the September 11 attacks as justification to attack Iraq, and that the United States had "lost sight of the cause." Despite Piro citing evidence of Iraq's contacts with al Qaeda, Hussein said, "The Iraqi government did not cooperate with bin Laden" and that the two "did not have the same belief or vision." The former regime's alleged weapons of mass destruction and alleged ties to al Qaeda were the Bush administration's primary justifications for invading Iraq in March of 2003. Piro and Hussein spoke extensively about Iraq's chemical weapons during the Iran war, the 1990 invasion of Kuwait and in the years before the second U.S. invasion. Hussein refused to answer a question about whether Iraq would have lost the war it fought with Iran from 1980 to 1988 if it had not used chemical weapons. He also said neither he nor any other Iraqi officials discussed using chemical weapons during the first Gulf War. Hussein admitted that Iraq made a mistake by destroying some weapons without U.N. supervision. In his view, the inspectors wanted all of their expenses paid for by Iraq. Instead of waiting for the inspectors and paying the expenses, Iraq began destroying the weapons. "We destroyed them. We told you, with documents. That's it," Hussein said. When asked about restrictions he placed on weapons inspectors regarding which locations they could visit, Hussein responded, "By God, if I had such weapons, I would have used them in the fight against the United States." Hussein commented about the mental state of U.S. soldiers occupying Iraq. "If you asked the American soldier -- who came to Iraq to find weapons of mass destruction, but none could be found, and who came to remove the leaders of the Hussein dictatorship, who are all in jail now, but are replaced with other dictators -- whether he wanted to stay or go, he would say go." Hussein said he alone gave the orders to fire SCUD missiles at Israel during the first Gulf War, adding, "Everything that happened to us was because of Israel." He said he figured that the United States would	[ "Hussein said US used September 11 as what?", "Where does Saddam Hussein live?", "What did Saddam Hussein say?", "Hussein described bin Laden as what?", "Who is Osama bin Laden?", "Which country did Saddam Hussein call a factor?", "What did Hussein describe Osama bin Laden as?" ]	[ [ "justification to attack Iraq," ], [ "Iraq" ], [ "he believed Iran was a greater threat to Iraq than the United States," ], [ "\"zealot\"" ], [ "al Qaeda leader" ], [ "Iran" ], [ "a \"zealot\"" ] ]	Saddam Hussein calls Iran a factor in keeping U.N. inspectors out of Iraq . Hussein described Osama bin Laden as a "zealot," said he never met him . He said the United States used September 11 attacks as justification to attack Iraq .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a time of economic turmoil, most Americans are being frugal with their money, but one freshman congressman is taking cost-cutting to a new level. Rep. Jason Chaffetz unfolds the cot that fits into a closet in his office. Newly elected Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, opted out of renting an apartment in Washington, instead deciding on a cot in his office every night. "I will save $1,500 a month doing this," Chaffetz said. "I get paid a very handsome salary, no doubt about it, but you know, I've got expenses and a future for my kids and my family, too. " In a stroke of luck, Chaffetz was one of the few freshmen members of Congress to have the chance at an office with a window when he drew number six out of 55 in the office lottery. His office in the Longworth House Building comes with a half-bathroom, a closet that fits a cot, and what he calls his "breakfast nook" where he stores Fig Newtons, granola bars and mixed nuts. Watch more on the thrifty congressman » The building also has a gym with a shower room, where Chaffetz starts his day about 5:45 each morning. "My home is in Utah. My wife and kids are there," he said. "I'm here to work." Cutting out travel to and from the office allows Chaffetz more time to serve his constituents and return more of their e-mail and phone calls, he said. The savings are certainly a plus for the congressman, who has three children to provide for, car payments and a mortgage to pay. But Chaffetz said his decision had a larger meaning. "We are now $10 trillion in debt. $10 trillion. Those are expenses that have to be paid at some point," he said. If he can tighten his belt in these tough economic times, Chaffetz said, Congress should be able to as well. "Our country has to learn to do more with less," he added. Although he is a relatively unknown freshman in the House, word of Chaffetz's sleeping arrangement is spreading. Republican Rep. Judy Biggert of Illinois, whose office is adjacent to Chaffetz's, said he isn't the first to sleep in his office, and he won't be the last. "This is a job that you have to have, really, two homes. One in your district where you're there on the weekends and then one here during the week, and it's expensive," Rep. Biggert said. "I'm really glad we have a neighbor here to make sure that the neighborhood is safe at night when we're not here," she joked, adding that Chaffetz is actually projecting the right image of the Republican Party by being a "fiscal conservative." Chaffetz said he is finally getting used to sleeping on his not-so-comfortable cot, but that doesn't mean he rests easy at night. "My biggest challenge is what goes on in the hallway at night," Chaffetz said. "There's this cleaning machine that comes down the hall at night. And it's got that obnoxious beep, beep, beep." Despite the din, Chaffetz has no plans to search for another form of housing -- unless his back gives out. "I've got to keep my back in check, but so far, so good," Chaffetz joked. "But look, our troops are sleeping on a lot worse than this."	[ "What makes is difficult to sleep at night?", "How much will he save?", "What should Congress so?", "Who will save $1500 a month?", "Who should tighten their belt?", "What is Chaffetz?" ]	[ [ "cleaning machine" ], [ "$1,500 a month" ], [ "tighten" ], [ "Rep. Jason Chaffetz" ], [ "Congress" ], [ "Newly elected Rep." ] ]	Jason Chaffetz says he'll save $1,500 a month by choosing cot over apartment . If he is tightening his belt, Congress should also be able to, he says . Chaffetz, R-Utah, is a freshman congressman . Chaffetz says noises in the hallway can make it difficult to sleep at night .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In their first head-to-head debate, Sen. John McCain criticized Sen. Barack Obama as a candidate who "doesn't understand" the key issues the country faces, and Obama linked McCain to President Bush on several issues. "I'm afraid Sen. Obama doesn't understand the difference between a tactic and a strategy," McCain said Friday as the two traded jabs over Iraq. Obama shot back, "I absolutely understand the difference between tactics and strategy. And the strategic question that the president has to ask is not whether or not we are employing a particular approach in the country once we have made the decision to be there." McCain drew from his experience overseas as he tried to portray himself as the more qualified candidate. "Incredibly, incredibly Sen. Obama didn't go to Iraq for 900 days and never asked for a meeting with Gen. [David] Petraeus," he said. Watch McCain, Obama talk about fighting in Iraq » McCain slammed Obama for not supporting the surge, an increase of about 30,000 troops to Iraq in early 2007. Bush sent the additional troops as part of a campaign to pacify Baghdad and its surrounding provinces. "John, you like to pretend like the war started in 2007," Obama shot back. "You talk about the surge. The war started in 2003, and at the time when the war started, you said it was going to be quick and easy. You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were. You were wrong." Watch entire debate: Part 1 » \| Part 2 » \| Part 3 » Obama repeatedly criticized the Bush administration and charged that McCain is an endorser of his policies. See scenes from the debate » In describing his tax plan, Obama said, "over time, that, I think, is going to be a better recipe for economic growth than the -- the policies of President Bush that John McCain wants to -- wants to follow." Obama also said the economic crisis is the "final verdict on eight years of failed economic policies promoted by George Bush, supported by Sen. McCain." Both candidates squeezed in a few cheap shots. Obama brought up McCain's jokingly singing a line about bombing Iran, and McCain jabbed Obama for his short-lived "presidential seal." Immediately after the debate, both campaigns issued statements declaring their candidate the winner. Grade the candidates' performance in the debate "This was a clear victory for Barack Obama on John McCain's home turf. Sen. McCain offered nothing but more of the same failed Bush policies, and Barack Obama made a forceful case for change in our economy and our foreign policy," said Obama-Biden campaign manager David Plouffe. "John McCain needed a game-changer tonight, and by any measure, he didn't get it," he said. iReport.com: Who do you think won the debate? McCain's campaign said "there was one man who was presidential tonight; that man was John McCain." "There was another who was political; that was Barack Obama. John McCain won this debate and controlled the dialogue throughout, whether it was the economy, taxes, spending, Iraq or Iran. There was a leadership gap, a judgment gap and a boldness gap on display tonight, a fact Barack Obama acknowledged when he said John McCain was right at least five times," communications director Jill Hazelbaker said. Full coverage of the debates During the first 30 minutes of the debate, the candidates focused on the economy, even though the debate was supposed to be centered on foreign policy. For a while, it seemed like the debate might not even take place, because McCain said he would not show up unless Congress came to an agreement on the government's proposed $700 billion bailout plan. McCain said Friday that enough progress has been made for him to attend the debate, even though Congress has not made a deal. Here's a snapshot of what the candidates said. On government spending:	[ "What did the candidates debate?", "What did Obama say about McCain?", "Who accused Obama of failing to understand key issues?", "Who did McCain say doesn't understand?", "What did McCain say Obama doesn't understand?", "What did Obama say McCain was wrong about?" ]	[ [ "key issues" ], [ "\"I absolutely understand the difference between tactics and strategy. And the strategic question that the president has to ask is not whether or not we are employing a particular approach in the country once we have made the decision to be there.\"" ], [ "Sen. John McCain" ], [ "Sen. Barack Obama" ], [ "the difference between a tactic and a strategy,\"" ], [ "You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were. You were wrong.\"" ] ]	Barack Obama says John McCain wrong about Iraq . McCain says Obama "doesn't understand" some key issues . Candidates debate earmarks, taxes, economic plans . Status of debate was in limbo until Friday afternoon .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Insurgents' use of roadside bombs has increased dramatically in Afghanistan this year, according to Pentagon statistics, and the United States' top military official is calling them the "No. 1 threat" to troops there. An IED is exploded by U.S. Marines near the remote village of Baqwa, Afghanistan, in March. In June there were 736 incidents in Afghanistan involving roadside bombs, called improvised explosive devices or IEDs, and 82 "effective attacks," ones that caused casualties among coalition forces, the figures show. That was up from 263 incidents and 25 effective attacks in February, with the numbers increasing each month, said the Pentagon's Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization, an agency dedicated to thwarting roadside bombs. The number of coalition forces killed and wounded by such bombs has climbed, though not steadily, from 18 killed and 33 wounded in February to 23 killed and 166 wounded in June, the agency said. No numbers were provided for July, but such attacks have continued this month. In the latest, roadside bombs killed two NATO-led troops on Thursday, one in eastern Afghanistan and the other in southern Afghanistan. The military has called IEDs the weapon of choice for insurgents in that country. And at the National Press Club on Wednesday, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in response to a reporter's question that the biggest threat to coalition troops in Afghanistan is improvised explosive devices. Watch Adm. Mullen address efforts in Afghanistan » He noted that they "have become more and more sophisticated over time" and that they are being combined with "more and more sophisticated attacks from the Taliban, where they use IEDs as well as other tactics to inflict or to fight our troops."	[ "how much number were in july?", "What has been called the weapon of choice for insurgents?", "how many coalition troops were injured in june", "how many incidents were in June?", "What is the name of the weapon of choice for insurgents?", "What number of incidents in June caused casualties?", "What has continued this month?", "where are these incidents taking place" ]	[ [ "No" ], [ "IEDs" ], [ "166" ], [ "736" ], [ "IEDs" ], [ "736" ], [ "attacks" ], [ "in Afghanistan" ] ]	Pentagon agency: 82 incidents in June caused casualties among coalition troops . Military has called IEDs the weapon of choice for insurgents in Afghanistan . No numbers were provided for July, but such attacks have continued this month .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Interrogation tactics such as waterboarding, sleep deprivation and slapping did not violate laws against torture when there was no intent to cause severe pain, according to a Bush-era memo on the tactics released Thursday. Attorney General Eric Holder says government workers who followed protocol won't be prosecuted. "To violate the statute, an individual must have the specific intent to inflict severe pain or suffering," said an August 2002 memo from then-Assistant Attorney General Jay Bybee to John Rizzo, who was acting general counsel for the CIA. "Because specific intent is an element of the offense, the absence of specific intent negates the charge of torture. ... We have further found that if a defendant acts with the good faith belief that his actions will not cause such suffering, he has not acted with specific intent," Bybee wrote. The Bybee opinion was sought on 10 interrogation tactics in the case of suspected al Qaeda leader Abu Zubaydah. The memo authorized keeping Zubaydah in a dark, confined space small enough to restrict the individual's movement for no more than two hours at a time. In addition, putting a harmless insect into the box with Zubaydah, who "appears to have a fear of insects," and telling him it is a stinging insect would be allowed, as long as Zubaydah was informed the insect's sting would not be fatal or cause severe pain. "If, however, you were to place the insect in the box without informing him that you are doing so ... you should not affirmatively lead him to believe that any insect is present which has a sting that could produce severe pain or suffering or even cause his death," the memo said. Other memos allowed the use of such tactics as keeping a detainee naked and in some cases in a diaper, and putting detainees on a liquid diet. On waterboarding, in which a person gets the sensation of drowning, the memo said, "although the waterboard constitutes a threat of imminent death, prolonged mental harm must nonetheless result" to violate the law. Authorities also were allowed to slap a detainee's face "to induce shock, surprise or humiliation" and strike his abdomen with the back of the hand in order to disabuse a detainee's notion that he will not be touched, the memos said. Bybee noted in the memo that the CIA agreed all tactics should be used under expert supervision. Other memos said waterboarding can be used only if the CIA has "credible intelligence that a terrorist attack is imminent" and if a detainee is believed to have information that could prevent, disrupt or delay an attack, and other methods fail to elicit the information. Another memo to Rizzo, from Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Steven G. Bradbury on May 10, 2005, noted that nudity could be used as an interrogation technique. "Detainees subject to sleep deprivation who are also subject to nudity as a separate interrogation technique will at times be nude and wearing a diaper," it said, noting that the diaper is "for sanitary and health purposes of the detainee; it is not used for the purpose of humiliating the detainee and it is not considered to be an interrogation technique." "The detainee's skin condition is monitored, and diapers are changed as needed so that the detainee does not remain in a soiled diaper," the memo said. Another Bradbury memo laid out techniques and when they should be used in a "prototypical interrogation." "Several of the techniques used by the CIA may involve a degree of physical pain, as we have previously noted, including facial and abdominal slaps, walling, stress positions and water dousing," it said. "Nevertheless, none of these techniques would cause anything approaching severe physical pain." All of the CIA techniques were adapted from military "survival evasion resistance escape" training, according to a May 30, 2005, memo from Bradbury to Rizzo. "Although there are obvious differences between training exercises and actual interrogations, the fact that the United States uses similar techniques on its own troops for training purposes strongly suggests that	[ "What must one have intent to do?", "Who was guidance offered to?", "Which actions will not be prosecuted?", "What law is the memo about?" ]	[ [ "the specific" ], [ "Rizzo." ], [ "tactics such as waterboarding, sleep deprivation and slapping" ], [ "against torture" ] ]	Memo: To violate torture law, must have intent to inflict severe suffering . Obama says releasing memos vital to maintaining transparency, accountability . Legal memos offered guidance to CIA on "enhanced interrogation" No prosecution for actions consistent with memos, official says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Iranian-Americans demonstrated on the streets of Washington on Wednesday evening, marching from Iranian diplomatic offices to the Russian embassy, in protest of both governments' actions. A Tuesday meeting of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, and Dmitry Medvedev has angered Iranian-Americans. The demonstration came in the wake of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hosting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Moscow on Tuesday, despite allegations of ballot fraud in Ahmadinejad's re-election last week. "We're hoping that the world attention does not end from what the Iranians are doing right now, because this is not going to end in the next few days, because this is a long haul, a long battle," said Washington protest and group organizer Morteza Ahmady. "Iranians are very capable of deciding their own destiny." The group Whereismyvote.org organized the demonstration of about 100 people and aims to build support for its "global protest" this Saturday. "I think it's a very new thing from a historical point of view; it's a civic movement. People try to keep it as nonviolent and civil as possible," said group organizer Negar Mortarzavi. In Russia, Ahmadinejad was welcomed as the "newly re-elected president of Iran," with Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov telling reporters, "the issue of elections in Iran is an internal affair of the Iranian people." Eighty-five percent of the country's 46 million eligible voters went to the polls on Friday, an unprecedented turnout, Iran's interior ministry said. When the ballots were counted, the government declared Ahmadinejad the winner, with 62.63 percent of the vote. The man many analysts had widely expected to win, Mir Hossein Moussavi, received 33.75 percent. The speed with which the election results were released -- two hours after polls closed -- insulted the Iranian people, said Ahmady, who cited that as a sign of fraud. Moussavi's camp has demanded new elections. Sarah, a Washington protester who would give only her first name, agreed. "We're not saying that pro-Ahmadinejad supporters don't exist; they do exist," she said. "And we're saying that, yes, if they indeed did win the vote, then the election should be theirs, because we are a democratic people. But we don't feel comfortable with the numbers that came out of Iran. And we're not saying that we don't accept it altogether. We're just asking for a revote."	[ "Where did they march?", "Who hosted Mahmoud Admadinejad after the election?", "Where do they march from?" ]	[ [ "marching from Iranian diplomatic offices to the Russian embassy," ], [ "Russian President Dmitry Medvedev" ], [ "Iranian diplomatic offices" ] ]	They march from Iranian to Russian embassies, protesting both governments . Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hosted Mahmoud Ahmadinejad after election . D.C. protest organizer: "This is a long haul, a long battle" Iran has been gripped by protests since Ahmadinejad was declared victor in election .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It isn't clear whether the United States will ever be able to declare victory in Iraq, the top U.S. commander there said Thursday. Army Gen. Ray Odierno speaks to reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday. "I'm not sure we will ever see anyone declare victory in Iraq, because first off, I'm not sure we'll know for 10 years or five years," Army Gen. Ray Odierno told reporters at the Pentagon. About 123,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq now, and President Obama says all combat forces will be gone by the end of August 2010, leaving as many as 50,000 noncombat troops to advise and train Iraqi forces before leaving by the end of 2011. Odierno has said he wants to draw down the U.S. forces at a faster rate than planned if the security situation allows it. On Thursday, he said he expected the number of U.S. troops to drop to 120,000 by the end of October, and to as few as 110,000 by the end of 2009. "What we've done here is we're giving Iraq an opportunity in the long term to be a strategic partner of the United States, but more importantly, be a partner in providing regional stability inside of the Middle East," Odierno said. Odierno also highlighted continuing security issues inside the country, saying Iraqi security forces have recently seized several "very large" caches of Iranian-made rockets and armor-piercing munitions known as explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs. "If you're training people ... in Iran to come back into Iraq, and you're providing them rockets and other things, I call that significant because it still enables people to conduct attacks not only on U.S. forces but on Iraqi civilians," Odierno said. At a congressional hearing Wednesday, Odierno said the main threat to stability in Iraq are Arab-Kurd tensions, adding there has been difficulty bringing the two sides together for possible joint patrols. "We've had some very good meetings," he said. "But we still have some ways to go on that."	[ "How many U.S. troops are presently in Iraq?", "What were the remarks made to reporters?", "How many U.S. troops in Iraq?", "How many troops does Odierno want to keep in Iraq?", "What did Iraqi security forces recently seize?", "Who makes remark to reporters at Pentagon?", "What was in the weapons caches?", "what did they seize", "What did Iraqi security forces seize?", "Who made remarks to the reporters?", "What number could the troops drop to by January?", "what remarks did he make" ]	[ [ "About 123,000" ], [ "\"I'm not sure we will ever see anyone declare victory in Iraq, because first off, I'm not sure we'll know for 10 years or five years,\"" ], [ "About 123,000" ], [ "110,000" ], [ "several \"very large\" caches of Iranian-made rockets and armor-piercing munitions" ], [ "Army Gen. Ray Odierno" ], [ "Iranian-made rockets and armor-piercing munitions" ], [ "\"very large\" caches of Iranian-made rockets and armor-piercing munitions" ], [ "several \"very large\" caches of Iranian-made rockets and armor-piercing munitions" ], [ "Army Gen. Ray Odierno" ], [ "110,000" ], [ "\"I'm not sure we will ever see anyone declare victory in Iraq, because first off, I'm not sure we'll know for 10 years or five years,\"" ] ]	U.S. Army Gen. Ray Odierno makes remark to reporters at Pentagon . About 123,000 U.S. troops in Iraq; could drop to 110,000 by January, he says . Odierno: Iraqi security forces recently seized caches of Iranian-made weapons .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It was a heartwarming sight: Laura Ling and Euna Lee landing on U.S. soil and being reunited with their families. To the elation of their families, Bill Clinton returned to the U.S. with journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee. Then, after an appropriate amount of time for hugs and kisses, Bill Clinton appeared, descending from his movie-producer friend's plane like an angel from heaven. An emotional Ling practically referred to the former president as a messiah, describing to the media and well-wishers waiting at the airport how she and Lee thought they were being sent to a hard-labor camp, only to walk through a door to find Clinton. The crowd broke into loud applause. For all of those who wondered what Bill would do in Hillary Clinton's diplomatic world, wonder no longer. As details of the Clinton mission came out, it was revealed that the North Koreans themselves asked for Clinton, promising amnesty for the women upon delivery of the former president, whose visit eluded them while he was in office. The deal was done even before Clinton stepped on the plane. So what is next for Bill Clinton? If the mere thought of a meeting with him is enough to move a regime notorious for never moving, can the Obama administration use that star power to rescue three American hikers who ventured into Iran and are believed to be held by Iranian authorities? Can Clinton head off two Russian attack submarines cruising in the Atlantic off the East Coast of the United States? Former presidents are used as envoys and undertake humanitarian missions all the time. Then-President Clinton used former President Jimmy Carter to travel to North Korea in 1994 to negotiate the end to the first nuclear crisis. Clinton and his predecessor, George H.W. Bush, were tapped by Bush's son, then-President George W. Bush, to lead relief efforts to help Asian and African nations devastated by the 2004 tsunami and again in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. But the relationship between Bill and Hillary Clinton and President Obama is complex, to say the least. After a bitter-fought battle during the Democratic primaries, Hillary Clinton supporters were looking for a robust role for her in exchange for her support of Obama, with many even suggesting her as a possible candidate for vice president. That idea was short-lived. The Obama team wanted Hillary far from the West Wing. And they wanted Bill even farther. When Obama tapped Hillary to be his secretary of state, there was no shortage of critics who asserted that her husband's global foundation and role as a high-paid public speaker would present a conflict of interest. The Clintons agreed to strict rules of the road to avoid such conflicts going forward. However Hillary never demurred in her praise for what her husband has accomplished, both during his eight years in the White House or post-presidency. Hillary herself has said she considered her husband a trusted adviser and could even consider using him where appropriate. He is a former president, after all. Bill Clinton has largely stayed out of the limelight, quietly continuing his globetrotting on behalf of the world's poor and downtrodden. In May, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appointed him as the United Nations' special envoy to Haiti in an effort to refocus international attention on the Caribbean country's deep economic problems and environmental decay. But with the success of his North Korean mission so quick and easy, it's conceivable that Bill Clinton could add the role of "diplomatic cleaner" to his resume -- a version of Harvey Keitel's role as Winston Wolfe in the movie "Pulp Fiction" -- a fixer of messy problems, which he solves with a combination of stylish charisma and lucid thinking under pressure. The Obama administration has no shortage of messy foreign policy problems that Hillary Clinton knows could use a Winston Wolfe.	[ "Who had a successful mission to North Korea?", "Who was detained in North Korea?", "Who did the ex-president retrieve?", "Where is Clinton going?", "Which movie character was Clinton compared to after his successful mission?" ]	[ [ "Bill Clinton" ], [ "Laura Ling and Euna Lee" ], [ "journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee." ], [ "U.S." ], [ "Winston Wolfe" ] ]	Spotlight returns to Bill Clinton after successful mission to North Korea . Ex-president's speedy retrieval of detained journalists could set stage for new role . In "Pulp Fiction," characters turned to Winston Wolfe to calmly solve messy problems . Analysis: Clinton's charms could be used with Wolfe-like efficiency around globe .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- It was the annual revving of the engines Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial as thousands of motorcyclists converged on Washington to honor those who have served the country. Members of Rolling Thunder ride into Washington on Sunday. Riders from Rolling Thunder, a group created to bring attention to soldiers listed as POW or MIA, rolled into the nation's capital, greeting crowds of supporters who lined the streets. "It's a great tribute to people that have sacrificed everything, including their life," said rider Mick Smith. He and fellow Vietnam veteran Juan Cruz rode their motorcycles from Pennsylvania. "It's a brotherhood that we have, veterans of the foreign wars," Cruz said. "The camaraderie is so perfect that we don't need anything else. We forget about our problems." Lyn Seidler was among the spectators who lined the motorcycle route in the hot and humid weather to greet the bikers as they passed over the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington. "The servicemen made a sacrifice," Seidler said. For her, cheering on Rolling Thunder was a way to help celebrate troops, "and to say thank you," she said. After completing their rides, the bikers gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial. "I'm here today to honor our veterans, our fallen veterans, to help the living by supporting the dead," Cruz said. The Defense Department says there are more than 88,000 soldiers still listed as missing in action from World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War combined. -CNN's Lauren Pratapas contributed to this report	[ "What is Rolling Thunder?", "How many are missing in action?", "What does the rider call the Rolling Thunder?", "How many soldiers listed as missing in action?", "What does Rolling Thunder bring attention to?", "How many soldiers are listed as missing in action?", "What did Rolling Thunder create?" ]	[ [ "a group created to bring attention to soldiers listed as POW or MIA," ], [ "88,000" ], [ "a great tribute to people that have sacrificed everything, including their life,\"" ], [ "more than 88,000" ], [ "soldiers listed as POW or MIA," ], [ "more than 88,000" ], [ "bring attention to soldiers listed as POW or MIA," ] ]	Rolling Thunder created to bring attention to soldiers listed as POW or MIA . "It's a brotherhood that we have, veterans of the foreign wars," rider says . Defense Department: More than 88,000 soldiers listed as missing in action .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Kyrgyzstan's decision to close a key U.S. military base is "regrettable," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said, but it won't affect the U.S. military effort in nearby Afghanistan. Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan serves as a U.S. supply route for troops and supplies into Afghanistan. On Friday, Russia announced it would assist the U.S. in transporting nonmilitary cargo to Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. The United States uses Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan as a route for troops and supplies into Afghanistan. Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev announced Tuesday that "all due procedures" were being initiated to close the base. "It's regrettable that this is under consideration by the government of Kyrgyzstan, and we hope to have further discussions with them," Clinton told reporters Thursday after a meeting with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. "But we will proceed in a very effective manner no matter what the outcome of the Kyrgyzstan government's deliberations might be." Bakiyev made his announcement at a news conference in Moscow, Russia, following news reports of a multimillion-dollar aid package from Russia to Kyrgyzstan. Lavrov said on Russian television that his country intends to help get vital cargo -- but no weapons or troops -- to NATO troops in Afghanistan. The United States asked to transport the cargo through Russian territory to Afghanistan, Lavrov said. The U.S. military is planning to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan to halt a resurgence of the Taliban. Gen. David Petraeus, who oversees U.S. operations in the Middle East and Central Asia, described Manas as having "an important role in the deployment of these forces" and in refueling aircraft. Senior State Department officials said the State and Defense departments are working with Kyrgyzstan to keep the lease to the base. The officials said the Kyrgyzstan government has not yet responded to an offer to renew the lease. Discussions are being conducted through the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan and relevant State Department and Pentagon bureaus, the officials said. One official said the United States has almost 18 months to renegotiate the lease before it expires and hopes Kyrgyzstan will reconsider their position. Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell called Manas "a hugely important air base." "It provides us with launching point to provide supplies in Afghanistan. We very much appreciate [Kyrgyz] support in using that base, and we hope to continue," he said at a daily news briefing earlier this week. Clinton said the Defense Department "is conducting an examination as to how else we would proceed that will not affect whatever decisions we make." Petraeus was in Kyrgyzstan last month, partly to lobby the government to allow the United States to keep using the base. He said he and Kyrgyz leaders did not discuss at all the possible closure of the base and said local officials told him there was "no foundation" for news reports about the issue. The mountainous former Soviet republic is Central Asia's second poorest country. The United States pays about $63 million a year for use of the base and employs more than 320 Kyrgyz citizens there, Petraeus said. The base has been in operation since December 2001 under U.N. mandate. The Russian newspaper Kommersant reported Tuesday that Russia would offer Kyrgyzstan a $300 million, 40-year loan at an annual interest rate of 0.75 percent, and write off $180 million in Kyrgyz debt. Kyrgyzstan also is home to a Russian military base, at Kant, that officially opened in 2003. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Igor Chudinov told Russian news agency Interfax it was coincidence that talk of the base closure comes at the same time as the loan. "The Russian decision to grant a major loan has nothing to do with the pullout of the U.S. air base from the Kyrgyz territory," Chudinov said. The relationship between the United States and Kyrgyzstan was damaged when a U.S. airman killed a Kyrgyz citizen in December 2006. The airman was transferred out of Kyrgyzstan, and the dead man's family was offered compensation. Petraeus said in January an investigation into the death was being reopened. In announcing the base closure, Bakiyev said he was not satisfied	[ "what does united states use", "Who uses Kyrgyz base as a route for troops and supplies in Afghanistan?", "Who says it will help transport U.S. nonmilitary cargo to Afghanistan?", "What says Russia?", "russia says what", "who says procedures had been initiated to close base" ]	[ [ "Manas Air Base in Kyrgyzstan" ], [ "The United States" ], [ "Russia" ], [ "announced it would assist the U.S. in transporting nonmilitary cargo to Afghanistan," ], [ "it would assist the U.S. in transporting nonmilitary cargo to Afghanistan," ], [ "President Kurmanbek Bakiyev" ] ]	NEW: Russia says it will help transport U.S. nonmilitary cargo to Afghanistan . United States uses Kyrgyz base as a route for troops and supplies in Afghanistan . Kyrgyz president says procedures had been initiated to close base . Move follows news of a multimillion-dollar aid package from Russia .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Last week's "balloon boy" incident is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration, an agency representative said Tuesday. The Heene family -- including Falcon, second from right -- on CNN's "Larry King Live" last week. Richard and Mayumi Heene, whose son Falcon was thought for several hours to have flown away in a homemade balloon, are facing a number of local charges, a Colorado sheriff said this week. The Fort Collins couple could be charged with conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and attempting to influence a public servant, Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden said Sunday. The family also probably will be charged with filing a false police report, which is a misdemeanor, Alderden said. Their lawyer, David Lane, said the sheriff was overreaching and that the family deserves the presumption of innocence. Watch the Heenes' friends talk about the incident » FAA spokeswoman Diane Spitaliere confirmed Tuesday that the agency was "investigating the circumstances" of the incident, in which police and military scrambled to rescue the 6-year-old boy, who later turned out to be hiding in his family's attic. A source familiar with the investigation said no record has been found indicating that Richard Heene called the FAA. The agency does not record all of its calls, and the search for a record of any call is continuing, the source said. The Heenes may have violated FAA regulations barring people from flying balloons or kites within 5 miles of an airport, an FAA official said. The official declined to be named because the case is under investigation. The giant silver balloon was apparently not visible on radar, the official said, and the FAA is relying on pilot reports to determine its approximate flight path during the roughly three hours it was aloft Thursday. CNN's Mike M. Ahlers in Washington contributed to this story.	[ "who is facing charges", "What does the Heene family deserve?", "What will Federal Aviation Administration do?", "who deserves the presumption of innocence", "What are the balloon owners facing?", "What are balloon's owner facing?", "who might have called the faa", "What is the Federal Aviation Adminstration looking into?", "What did the lawyer say?" ]	[ [ "Richard and Mayumi Heene," ], [ "the presumption of innocence." ], [ "\"investigating the circumstances\"" ], [ "the family" ], [ "a number of local charges," ], [ "number of local charges," ], [ "Richard Heene" ], [ "Last week's \"balloon boy\" incident" ], [ "the sheriff was overreaching and that the family deserves the presumption of innocence." ] ]	Federal Aviation Administration looking into "escaped balloon" story . Balloon's owners already facing several local charges . Heene family deserves presumption of innocence, lawyer says . No proof that Richard Heene called FAA when balloon set off, source says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Mexican and Colombian officials working with U.S. agents have seized about $41 million in cash hidden in shipping containers, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency announced Monday. Colombian authorities seized $11.2 million in U.S. currency in Buenaventura, Colombia, on September 9. The U.S. agency, commonly called ICE, says the seizures were made September 9-18. It called them the largest seizure of cash ever found in shipping containers destined for Colombia and the largest for the agency since its inception. According to ICE: • On September 9, Colombian customs inspectors and Colombian national police, acting on intelligence reports, seized $11.2 million in U.S. currency hidden in two shipping containers. The containers were aboard a vessel that sailed from the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico, and was headed to Buenaventura, Colombia. Colombian customs inspectors said it was the most cash ever seized by police at a port in the nation. • On September 10, a second seizure of U.S. currency estimated at $11.2 million also was made at the Buenaventura port. • On September 11, a shipment of $11 million was discovered hidden inside two shipping containers at the Port of Manzanillo. • On September 14, ICE special agents, along with Colombian authorities, discovered three additional shipping containers in Buenaventura containing about $5 million in $100 and $50 bills. These shipping containers also originated in Manzanillo. • On September 18, authorities seized $2.15 million in $100 bills concealed inside two containers aboard a vessel that arrived in Manzanillo. "This seizure represents a bad day for organized crime," ICE Director John Morton said at a Monday news conference in Washington. "Forty-one million dollars is not a rounding error. The loss of that kind of money hurts." All of the money was concealed in sacks of fertilizer chemicals in containers transported on commercial ships, Morton said. Watch investigators uncover cash » "When it's packed in very large containers, it's extremely difficult to probe; it's extremely difficult to X-ray. And so it was a very good means of concealing currency," he said. The ports of Buenaventura and Manzanillo are key points along a well-known route used for smuggling cocaine northward to Mexico and then on to the United States, and for sending cash back into Colombia, where most of the cocaine originates, ICE said in a news release. Morton called the smugglers "very, very sophisticated," saying they were using the lawful shipping trade to send drug profits from the U.S. through Mexico to Colombia. Morton said the money will be forfeited in accordance with the laws of the nations where it was seized, with Colombia keeping $28 million and Mexico getting $13 million. "None of these monies will be forfeited to the United States," he said. While large, this month's cash seizure is not a record. In March of 2007, officials in Mexico officials confiscated $207 million in cash in what was then called the largest drug-related cash seizure in history. ICE is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security, investigating financial crime, trade fraud, narcotics smuggling and cash smuggling, the agency said. ICE was established in 2003 after the Homeland Security Act of 2002. CNN's Mike M. Ahlers and Elaine Quijano contributed to this report.	[ "Joint operation nets about how many million in cash?", "Who calls ports key points in drug trade route?", "The cash was hidden where?", "Who is working with U.S. agents?" ]	[ [ "$41" ], [ "ICE" ], [ "in shipping containers," ], [ "Mexican and Colombian officials" ] ]	Joint operation nets about $41 million in cash hidden in shipping containers . Mexican, Colombian authorities working with U.S. agents seize money in 2 ports . U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement calls ports key points in drug trade route .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Mohammed Ismail was released from the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in early 2004 and sent back to Afghanistan to be set free. A guard talks with a detainee at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, earlier this year. Within four months, the U.S. military said, he was recaptured in Afghanistan attacking U.S. troops there, with paperwork on him that said he was a Taliban in good standing. He is just one of 74 former Guantanamo Bay detainees who the military says were active in, or were suspected of being active in, fighting against the United States or committing terrorist acts after being released. Another is Abdullah Gulam Rasoul, who was released from Guantanamo in December 2007 and set free in Afghanistan. Rasoul has become a powerful Taliban military commander in southern Afghanistan, the military said, and the United States suspects he is responsible for several attacks on U.S. forces there. A senior U.S. military official said he believes Rasoul is using his former Guantanamo experience to build on his "rock star status" among the Taliban. Abd al Hadi Abdallah Ibrahim al Shaikh of Saudi Arabia, who was released in 2007, was arrested in 2008 by Saudi authorities on suspicion of supporting terrorism inside that country, the military said. On Tuesday, the Pentagon released information that showed 14 percent of former detainees have turned to, or are suspected of having turned to, terrorism activity since being released from Guantanamo. The data represent the most recent statistics of former detainees tracked by military and other U.S. government intelligence agencies. The report shows that of the more than 530 detainees released from the prison, 27 have been confirmed to have engaged in terrorist activities and 47 are suspected of participating in some kind of terrorist act. The statistics indicate that there has been a slight increase since the end of 2008, and the number of released detainees turning to or suspected of turning to the insurgency is almost doubled from the 7 percent in that category a few years ago, according to Pentagon officials familiar with the information. The report said that between December 2008 and March 2009, nine former detainees were added to the confirmed list, six of whom were moved over from the suspected list. The Pentagon's definition for "suspected" is significant reporting indicating a person is involved in terrorist activities and an analysis showing a match to an identity of a former detainee. The report defines "confirmed" as a preponderance of evidence, including fingerprints, DNA, photo match or reliable or well-corroborated intelligence that can identify a former detainee at Guantanamo. In January, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said 62 former Guantanamo detainees may have gone on to participate in terrorism or military activity. That number included 18 who had been directly tied to an attack or attacks and 43 who were suspected of such action, Pentagon officials said at the time. "What's clear is we are not seeing recidivism on the decline," according to a defense official who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman declined to say what officials think is the reason for the numbers having gone up, but said the United States does monitor as best as it can detainees who have been released from Guantanamo. The Pentagon released the names of almost 30 former detainees confirmed or suspected to have gone on to fight, with examples of what these men had done after their release. Abdullah Saleh Ali al-Ajmi, for example, was released in 2005 to Kuwait. In April 2008 he blew himself up in Mosul, Iraq, killing a number of Iraqis, the Pentagon said. Yousef Muhammed Yaaqoub was released from Guantanamo and sent back to Afghanistan to be freed in 2003. The Pentagon documents show that he rejoined the Taliban as a commander in southern Afghanistan, and planned a jailbreak in Kandahar and a "nearly successful capture of the town of Spin Boldak, Afghanistan." Yaaqoub was killed fighting U.S. troops on May 7, 2004, according to the Pentagon data, and his memorial service in Pakistan drew a number of wanted Taliban leaders. Other examples released by the Pentagon show men	[ "What are 14 percent suspected of turning to?", "What is the amount of ex-detainees?", "What prrcent turn to or a suspected of turning to terrorism?", "How many detainees have gone on to fight?", "How many ex-detainees' names were released?", "How many turn to terrorism activities?", "What has doubled from a few years ago?" ]	[ [ "terrorism activity" ], [ "530" ], [ "14 percent" ], [ "74" ], [ "almost 30" ], [ "14 percent of former detainees" ], [ "number of released detainees turning to" ] ]	Pentagon: 14 percent turn to, or are suspected of turning to, terrorism activities . Rate has doubled from that of a few years ago, Pentagon officials say . Names of almost 30 ex-detainees believed to have gone on to fight released .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Nearly 6.2 million students in the United States between the ages of 16 and 24 in 2007 dropped out of high school, fueling what a report released Tuesday called "a persistent high school dropout crisis." A new report on high school dropouts in the United States calls for a national re-enrollment strategy. The total represents 16 percent of all people in the United States in that age range in 2007. Most of the dropouts were Latino or black, according to a report by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Alternative Schools Network in Chicago, Illinois. "Because of the widespread, pressing nature of the crisis and the large numbers of young people who have already dropped out, a national re-enrollment strategy should be a fundamental part of America's national education agenda," the report says. However, the report notes, the "absence of new funding at the federal and state level since the 1980s has led to decades of disinvestment in re-enrollment programs across the country." Despite the funding cutbacks, there have been re-enrollment successes nationally and in a number of cities including Chicago; Los Angeles, California; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Portland, Oregon, the report says. "These programs have found that young people who have left high school before earning a diploma are not dead-end dropouts, but often are in fact students waiting and looking for opportunities to re-enroll and finish high school," the study says. "The most successful programs are small (80-150 students), offering comprehensive after-school and summer activities, led by experienced principals and teachers, focused on learning in the real world, well-funded with local school site program and fiscal control, and track specific, measurable outcomes for student achievement including skill gains, enrollment, attendance, credit gains, promotions and graduations." Jesse Williams, 22, was one of those dropouts who is now working on her degree. She said a street shooting in which one friend died and two were wounded was the start of her losing interest in school. "My junior year I dropped out," she said at a summit in Washington on Tuesday. "Too much gang violence, teachers discriminating because of the color of my skin, or where I come from." Now re-enrolled in a Chicago school dedicated to bringing dropouts back to education, Williams said, "They help me in my classwork. I have a mentor that checks up on me monthly. She goes to my house, sees if there's anything that I need." Researchers for the study analyzed the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Surveys, household data from the Current Population Survey, national data on GED certificate awards and other official sources to examine the problem at the national level and in the nation's 12 largest states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Men and blacks and Hispanics of both genders are among those particularly prone to dropping out of high school. "As these data show, this dropout crisis is disproportionately affecting America's communities of color," said Marc Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League. "Youth from all communities deserve an equal chance at educational success." Among the findings in the report, "Left Behind in America: The Nation's Dropout Crisis:" The dropout situation at the state level was similarly widespread: The report emphasized the importance of having at least a high school education. "In the current global economy, having at least a high school diploma is a critical step for avoiding poverty, and a college degree is a prerequisite for a well-paying job," the study says. "The costs of dropping out of high school today are substantial and have risen over time, especially for young men, who find it almost impossible to earn an adequate income to take care of themselves and their families." The report	[ "how many dropouts?", "Who dropped out the most?", "What did the report conclude?", "who ran the study?", "What did the report emphasize the importance of?", "What did the study find?", "What did the study show?", "what ethnicity has the highest dropout rate?", "What does the study examine?" ]	[ [ "6.2 million" ], [ "Latino or black," ], [ "\"a persistent high school dropout crisis.\"" ], [ "Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts," ], [ "having at least a high school education." ], [ "Men and blacks and Hispanics of both genders are among those particularly prone to dropping out of high school." ], [ "\"a persistent high school dropout crisis.\"" ], [ "Latino or black," ], [ "U.S. Census Bureau American Community Surveys," ] ]	Newly released study examines rates of high school dropouts . Study finds African-American and Latino youths prevalent among dropouts . Urban League head: crisis hitting "America's communities of color" Report also emphasizes importance of obtaining high school diploma .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Negotiations between the United States and Libya that could result in compensation for past acts of state-sponsored terrorism by Libya are under way, a senior State Department official said Friday. The wreckage of Pan Am 103 in Lockerbie, Scotland; the bombing killed 270 people in 1989. U.S. and Libyan officials met Wednesday and Thursday, the official said. The nations hope to hammer out a deal in which Libya would "resolve all outstanding claims in good faith" and offer "fair compensation" to victims and their families, he said. "We are just at the beginning of this process. The goal is to get something that is fair and comprehensive," the official said. The official said that any agreement would cover about eight acts, including the 1989 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, which killed 259 passengers and 11 people on the ground; and the 1986 bombing of the La Belle disco in Berlin, Germany, that killed two people and injured at least 120, including 40 Americans. Outstanding terrorism claims have been a problem for Libya in its attempts to normalize relations with the United States and to begin development of its oil resources. Libya has expressed disappointment that it has failed to reap any political and economic benefits promised by the U.S. government and others after Libya renounced terrorism and stopped development of weapons of mass destruction. And some of the largest U.S. oil companies are eager to begin exploration and development of Libya oil fields, among the 10 largest in the world. The new negotiations and development of an agreement would ideally fulfill all outstanding lawsuits against Libya and allow investment to move forward. A joint U.S.-Libyan statement said, "Both parties affirm their desire to work together to resolve all outstanding claims in good faith and expeditiously in the establishment of a fair compensation mechanism."	[ "What number of acts would be covered in possible agreement?", "What country renounced terrorism?", "what Lybia has tried to normalize?", "what nations are hoping?", "what would be covered in possible agreement?", "How many acts are covered in agreement?", "What is the number of acts in the agreement?", "What countries are involved?", "What country has tried to normalize relations with U.S.?", "What country's wants to explore Libya's oil fields?", "How many acts would be covered in a possible agreement?", "Where do U.S. oil companies want to explore and develop?" ]	[ [ "eight" ], [ "Libya" ], [ "relations with the United States" ], [ "United States and Libya" ], [ "about eight acts," ], [ "eight" ], [ "eight" ], [ "United States and Libya" ], [ "Libya" ], [ "United States" ], [ "eight" ], [ "Libya" ] ]	Nations hoping for deal in which Libya would compensate terrorism victims . Eights acts would be covered in possible agreement . Libya has tried to normalize relations with U.S. by renouncing terrorism . U.S. oil companies want to explore and develop Libya's oil fields .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer said Wednesday he is giving up his proposal to grant driver's licenses to undocumented workers, a plan he said would "improve the safety and security of the people of my state." New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer says Wednesday in Washington that opposition to his plan doomed it. Spitzer said he was giving up because he had concluded that "New York state cannot successfully address this problem on its own." He said he wanted to act because of the failure of the federal government to deal with immigration policy and the impact that failure was having on New York. "I would suggest to you what everyone already knows, " Spitzer said. "The federal government has lost control of its borders. It has allowed millions of undocumented workers to enter our country and now has no solution to deal with them." The effect was about 1 million undocumented workers in New York state, "many of whom are driving without licenses," said Spitzer, surrounded at a news conference by members of his state's congressional delegation. Watch Spitzer explain why he's withdrawing the proposal » Spitzer said licensing workers who did not have Social Security numbers, which New York had done in the past, would have aided law enforcement and would have made the state's streets safer and more secure. However, Spitzer acknowledged that "you don't need a stethoscope to hear the heartbeat of the public," saying he had concluded that opposition to his plan would have doomed it. "You have polarization on this issue that has defied resolution," he said. Watch what a hornet's nest the proposal stirred up Spitzer put forward his proposal in September, saying it would bring New York's estimated 1 million illegal immigrants "out of the shadows." In October, the governor said there would be three tiers of licenses, ranging from a license restricting travel, a document called Real ID for legal residents and a stricter one that would allow people to travel into Canada. U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel, D-New York, on Wednesday thanked Spitzer for making the effort to bring about change, noting that undocumented workers "are part of the economy, they are part of what America's supposed to be." "There is no question that we lack the leadership on the national level to change the tone," Rangel said. "And that is the reason why leaders all over the country -- mayors and governors -- are trying so desperately hard to deal locally with a problem that is basically a national problem." One influential member of New York's congressional delegation missing from the briefing was Sen. Hillary Clinton, considered the front-runner in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. A spokesman from her office said she couldn't attend the news conference because of a scheduling conflict. As the plan became a topic of national discussion, critics accused her of failing to take a definitive stance on the issue. In a debate last week, Clinton said Spitzer's plan "makes a lot of sense" but stopped short of endorsing it. On Wednesday, Clinton issued a written statement supporting Spitzer's decision to withdraw the proposal. "His difficult job is made that much harder by the failure of the Congress and the White House to pass comprehensive immigration reform," Clinton said. "As president, I will not support driver's licenses for undocumented people and will press for comprehensive immigration reform that deals with all of the issues around illegal immigration, including border security and fixing our broken system." Clinton's rivals quickly pounced on her statement. A spokeswoman for Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Connecticut, called her action "flip-flopping cubed," and Bill Burton, a spokesman for Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, also sharply criticized Clinton for switching her views on the issue. "When it takes two weeks and six different positions to answer one question on immigration, it's easier to understand why the Clinton campaign would rather plant their questions than answer them," Burton said. Seventy-	[ "Who says she will not support licenses for illegal immigrants?", "Who says federal government \"has lost control of its borders\"?", "What did Gov. Eliot Spitzer say?" ]	[ [ "Sen. Hillary Clinton," ], [ "Spitzer" ], [ "he is giving up his proposal to grant" ] ]	NEW: Rivals criticize Clinton for changing stance . Sen. Hillary Clinton says she will not support licenses for illegal immigrants . N.Y. governor describes "polarized" public opinion on immigration . Gov. Eliot Spitzer says federal government "has lost control of its borders"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- North Korea is to blow up a key part of its controversial Yongbyon nuclear reactor on Friday. Hyun Hak-Bong (right), North Korea's deputy negotiator to six-party talks, crosses the border into South Korea on June 5. The destruction of the plant's cooling tower is part of an agreement with the United States aimed at denuclearizing the Korean peninsula in exchange for loosening some restrictions on the highly secretive Communist country. The North Korean government has invited news organizations, including CNN, to witness the event. Earlier this year, Pyongyang agreed to disable its nuclear reactor and provide a full accounting of its plutonium stockpile, "acknowledge" concerns about its proliferation activities and its uranium enrichment activity, and agree to continue cooperation with a verification process to ensure no further activities are taking place. North Korea has been taking Yongbyon's main reactor apart, but imploding the cooling tower is an exceptionally important psychological step given that the highly recognizable shape of the structure is synonymous with nuclear power plants. The United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, says it would take a year to rebuild if North Korea decided to go back on its agreement, and that the construction could not be done in secret. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice defended U.S. diplomacy toward North Korea last week, saying the deal with Pyongyang made Asia and the U.S. safer. Speaking at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington think tank, Rice said that "North Korea will soon give its declaration of nuclear programs to China." China is the host of the six-party talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear program, along with Russia, South Korea, Japan and the United States. Rice spoke in advance of her upcoming trip to Asia where she will be attending a meeting of G8 foreign ministers and meeting with her Asian counterparts. Rice said once North Korea submits its declaration, President Bush will notify Congress he intends to remove North Korea from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism and scrap some sanctions levied against North Korea because of nuclear concerns. But she noted that there would be no practical effect to loosening the restrictions because North Korea still was under the same sanctions because of other areas of U.S. law. Rice said a 45-day review would then begin to see if North Korea is telling the truth and living up to its end of the deal struck in the six-party talks. "Before those actions go into effect, we would continue to assess the level of North Korean cooperation in helping to verify the accuracy and completeness of its declaration," she said. "And if that cooperation is insufficient, we will respond accordingly." The United States softened its demand that North Korea publicly admit to having a highly enriched uranium program and to providing Syria with nuclear technology, key unanswered questions that have left negotiations stalled for months. North Korea has already handed over about 18,000 documents on its nuclear past to the U.S., which the U.S. says are critical to verify North Korea's claims. Rice said that the deal with North Korea wasn't perfect but offered the U.S. the best chance to learn about North Korea's nuclear history. "We must keep the broader goal in mind: the elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons and programs, all of them," she said. "North Korea has said that it is committed to this goal. We'll see." Rice said that "no final agreement can be concluded" unless the U.S. verifies North Korea's claims. CNN State Department Correspondent Elise Labott contributed to this report	[ "What is North Korea going to destroy?", "What does North Korea plan to destroy?", "What was the long term aim?", "What country was it?", "How long will the cooling tower take to rebuild?", "What was the US agreement?", "How long will it take to rebuild cooling tower?", "How long does the U.N say the cooling tower take to rebuild?", "How long does the U.N. say the cooling tower would take to rebuild?", "What does North Korea plan to do?", "What is North Korea planning to do?", "What is part of the agreement with the U.S?", "Which country plans to destroy the cooling tower?" ]	[ [ "a key part of its controversial Yongbyon nuclear reactor" ], [ "a key part of its controversial Yongbyon nuclear reactor" ], [ "denuclearizing the Korean peninsula" ], [ "North Korea" ], [ "a year" ], [ "denuclearizing the Korean peninsula in exchange for loosening some restrictions on the highly secretive Communist country." ], [ "a year" ], [ "a year" ], [ "a year" ], [ "blow up a key part of its controversial Yongbyon nuclear reactor" ], [ "blow up a key part of its controversial Yongbyon nuclear reactor" ], [ "The destruction of the plant's cooling tower" ], [ "North Korea" ] ]	North Korea plans to destroy nuclear plant's cooling tower . Implosion is part of an agreement with the United States . U.N. says the cooling tower would take a year to rebuild . Long-term aim is to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- One of the the country's most powerful unions stepped up its campaign for a hotly disputed labor bill Monday, holding a rally on the eve of the bill's formal introduction in Congress. Workers rally in support of the Employee Free Choice act in Lafayette Square in Washington on Monday. The legislation -- the Employee Free Choice Act -- would create an alternate process for bringing a union into a workplace. It is supported by President Barack Obama and the Democratic congressional leadership, but is fiercely opposed by most congressional Republicans and corporate leaders, who fear it will saddle a sagging business community with new burdens at the worst possible time. Business leaders "believe in this old market-worshipping, privatizing, deregulating, trickle-down [policy] that took the greatest economy on the Earth and sent it staggering forward because of their greed and their selfishness," declared Service Employees International Union President Andy Stern. "Without the Employee Free Choice Act ... the rich will get richer and the rest of us will fend for ourselves." Sterns issued his warning as his 1.8 million-member union prepared for a daylong Capitol Hill lobbying blitz on behalf of the bill Tuesday. Democrats and Republicans may disagree sharply over the merits of the legislation, but leaders on both sides of the aisle freely admit it has the potential to significantly reshape the balance of power between business and labor for the first time in years. The controversial act would allow employees to signal support for unionizing by openly signing a card demanding it. If a majority signed, the company involved would have 90 days to negotiate union representation. It would also stiffen federal laws barring employers from intimidating or firing workers who try to bring in a union. The traditional option to vote by secret ballot would still be available. But critics say the measure -- dubbed the "card check" bill by its opponents -- would effectively eliminate union elections, removing a fundamental hard-earned right of workers and forcing some workers into unions they don't want to join. Some corporate leaders have reacted angrily against the measure. If a retailer has not gotten involved with fight over this bill, he "should be shot," Bernie Marcus, co-founder and former CEO of The Home Depot, said during a conference call about the act last October. Retailers who don't speak out against it "should be thrown out of their goddamn jobs." "This is how a civilization disappears," Marcus said. "I'm sitting here as an elder statesman, and I'm watching this happen, and I don't believe it." Dave Bego, a business owner in Indianapolis, Indiana, shares Marcus' concern. Bego is the owner of EMS, which provides janitors to businesses around the country. The family-owned company has been under fire from the SEIU, which argues that EMS intimidates, harasses and violates the rights of workers wanting to unionize. It has made the company a target of repeated protests for about three years. Bego said the claims are unfounded, and it's the union that has harassed him. He said the union has sent his clients threatening letters for using his company, staged noisy protests, confronted employees, blocked building entrances and even released balloons in a client's building to disrupt business. But he told CNN his workers don't want a union because they make more in pay and benefits without having to pay SEIU's labor dues. "We have several hundred people working for us in Indianapolis [alone]," Bego said. "They've been after us for almost three years, and they've got only about 10 or 12 people interested in what they said. If our people really needed protecting, don't you think they'd be out in mass droves in the street with the union protesting EMS? Do you think we'd still be in business? I don't think so." But union workers CNN talked to say workers at EMS are afraid to speak out because they might get fired, as Shaneka Brown said she was. "We're not	[ "What did the home Depot ceo say?", "What was the rally in support of?", "In support of what is the rally held?", "Who says \"this is how a civilization disappears\"?", "How many days would the company have to negotiate?" ]	[ [ "If a retailer has not gotten involved with fight over this bill, he \"should be shot,\"" ], [ "Employee Free Choice act" ], [ "Employee Free Choice act" ], [ "Marcus" ], [ "90" ] ]	One of largest unions holds rally in support of Employee Free Choice Act . Bill would let employees openly sign a card demanding a union . If a majority sign, company would have 90 days to negotiate . Home Depot CEO, critic of bill says "this is how a civilization disappears"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Police arrested 26 demonstrators at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday during a protest of federal AIDS policy, a Capitol police spokeswoman said. A man is placed in a van Thursday after being arrested on suspicion of unlawfully demonstrating in the Capitol. Police arrested the protesters on suspicion of unlawful assembly and disorderly conduct at the Capitol rotunda, spokeswoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider said. The protesting group, Health Global Access Project, said in a statement that 27 people were arrested. The 10 a.m. demonstration by dozens of AIDS activists for increased funding of AIDS programs coincides with this week's congressional talks over the financing of a health care reform plan. Members of Health Global Access Project entered the busy rotunda and chained themselves together with plastic chains, Schneider said. They lay on the ground holding up signs while some amused bystanders watched as police tried to persuade the protesters to disperse. Police took those who refused into custody. Group members knew they risked arrest, the group said in its statement, but they wanted to grab the attention of lawmakers and President Obama, who they accused of creating a "flawed budget proposal" that did not include critical HIV/AIDS funding. "HIV is not in recession," Omolola Adele-Oso of DC Fights Back said in the statement. "So why are we bailing out the bankers with $9 trillion, but breaking promises to fund life-saving AIDS programs in the U.S. and around the world at a fraction of that cost?" The group wants increased HIV/AIDS funding in the health care plan and requested that the government "fully fund" global AIDS programs and housing programs for low-income AIDS sufferers, they said. They argue that the administration's budget proposal "essentially flatlines global AIDS funding." HIV/AIDS funding increased for 2010 under a Department of Health and Human Services budget. Obama applauded former President Bush in December for his funding of global AIDS programs and said he planned to continue the work for AIDS relief in Africa. About 33 million people worldwide have HIV, according to the World Health Organization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1.1 million people living in the United States are infected with HIV/AIDS. More than 13 percent of those newly diagnosed in 2006 transmitted the disease through injection drug use, the CDC reported. Health Global Access Project also wants Congress to lift the federal ban on funding syringe exchange so clean needles are available to users, Jose De Marco said in the statement. De Marco, who has HIV, is a member of the AIDS activist organizations ACT UP Philadelphia and Proyecto Sol Filadelphia.	[ "What is there a federal ban on?", "What ban does the group want lifted?", "What does the group want?", "Who chained themselves together?", "Who chained themselves?", "What did the demonstators do?" ]	[ [ "funding syringe exchange" ], [ "funding syringe exchange" ], [ "to grab the attention of lawmakers and President Obama," ], [ "Members of Health Global Access Project" ], [ "Members of Health Global Access Project" ], [ "entered the busy rotunda and chained themselves together with plastic chains," ] ]	Police: Demonstrators chained themselves together, lay on ground in rotunda . Protesters: Federal government needs to spend more on AIDS programs . Group also wants Congress to lift the federal ban on funding syringe exchange .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday admitted he made a mistake in handling the nomination of Tom Daschle as his health and human services secretary, saying Daschle's tax problems sent a message that the politically powerful are treated differently from average people. President Barack Obama is interviewed by CNN's Anderson Cooper on Tuesday. Daschle, the former Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate, withdrew earlier Tuesday as news that he failed to pay some taxes in the past continued to stir opposition on Capitol Hill. "I think I screwed up," Obama said in a wide-ranging interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper. "And I take responsibility for it and we're going to make sure we fix it so it doesn't happen again." Daschle had apologized Monday for what he said were honest mistakes, calling them an embarrassment. The series of errors included improperly reporting $15,000 in charitable donations, failing to list $80,000 in lobbying income due to what Daschle said was a paperwork error, and not reporting as income a car and driver loaned to him by a friend and business associate. Watch Obama admit mistake » Daschle recently filed amended tax returns and paid more than $140,000 in back taxes and interest for 2005 to 2007. Those tax issues, as well as questions over whether work he did after his stint in the Senate amounted to lobbying, gave critics ammunition to question Obama's call for a change of culture in Washington. "Ultimately, I campaigned on changing Washington and bottom-up politics," Obama said. "And I don't want to send a message to the American people that there are two sets of standards -- one for powerful people and one for ordinary folks who are working every day and paying their taxes." Watch the full interview with Anderson Cooper » Obama defended Daschle's original appointment, saying "nobody was better-equipped to deal both with the substance and policy of health care." "He understands it as well as anybody, but also the politics, which is going to be required to actually get it done," Obama said. Earlier, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs insisted Daschle's decision to withdraw was made on his own, not as a result of any prodding from the administration. In a written statement, Daschle acknowledged the political problem he had created for the administration. Still, Obama insisted the mistake was his. Read how CNN analysts assess the situation » Obama also said he's going to crack down on businesses using taxpayer money to excessively pay executives. He plans a Wednesday announcement of mechanisms to keep that from happening. "I'm going to be talking about executive compensation and changes we're going to be making there," he said. "We've now learned that people are still getting huge bonuses despite the fact that they're getting taxpayer money, which I think infuriates the public." Watch Obama discuss getting tough on executives » The president also spoke about the struggling economy, the use of the label "war on terror," and lighter topics, including the family dog and his efforts to stop smoking. Thinking about the nation's faltering economy keeps him up at night, Obama said. He also addressed criticism that there is too much spending in the current stimulus package bill written by House Democrats. iReport.com: Was Daschle properly vetted? "Look, the only measure of my success as president when people look back five years from now or nine years from now is going to be, did I get this economy fixed. I have no interest in promoting a package that doesn't work," Obama said. Cooper also asked Obama about reports that he is not using former President Bush's phrase, "war on terror," to refer to the wars in Iraq in Afghanistan. "Words matter in this situation because one of the ways we're going to win this struggle is through the battle of hearts and minds," Obama said. "I think it is very important for us to recognize that we have a battle or a war against some	[ "What did Obama tell Anderson Cooper?", "What does Obama tell CNN?", "What did the message state?", "Who takes responsibility?", "What did the statements involve?", "Who apologized for mistakes with taxes?", "What did Obama also discuss?" ]	[ [ "admitted he made a mistake in handling the nomination" ], [ "\"I think I screwed up,\"" ], [ "the politically powerful are treated differently from average people." ], [ "President Barack Obama" ], [ "Daschle acknowledged the political problem he had created for the administration." ], [ "Tom Daschle" ], [ "getting tough on executives" ] ]	Obama tells CNN's Anderson Cooper: 'I take responsibility for it' President says message was sent that the politically powerful are treated differently . Daschle apologizes for what he says were honest mistakes involving taxes . Obama also discusses declining economy and fight against terrorist groups .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Barack Obama on Tuesday admitted he made a mistake in handling the nomination of Tom Daschle as his health and human services secretary, saying Daschle's tax problems sent a message that the politically powerful are treated differently from average people. President Barack Obama is interviewed by CNN's Anderson Cooper on Tuesday. Daschle, the former Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate, withdrew earlier Tuesday as news that he failed to pay some taxes in the past continued to stir opposition on Capitol Hill. "I think I screwed up," Obama said in a wide-ranging interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper. "And I take responsibility for it and we're going to make sure we fix it so it doesn't happen again." Daschle had apologized Monday for what he said were honest mistakes, calling them an embarrassment. The series of errors included improperly reporting $15,000 in charitable donations, failing to list $80,000 in lobbying income due to what Daschle said was a paperwork error, and not reporting as income a car and driver loaned to him by a friend and business associate. Watch Obama admit mistake » Daschle recently filed amended tax returns and paid more than $140,000 in back taxes and interest for 2005 to 2007. Those tax issues, as well as questions over whether work he did after his stint in the Senate amounted to lobbying, gave critics ammunition to question Obama's call for a change of culture in Washington. "Ultimately, I campaigned on changing Washington and bottom-up politics," Obama said. "And I don't want to send a message to the American people that there are two sets of standards -- one for powerful people and one for ordinary folks who are working every day and paying their taxes." Watch the full interview with Anderson Cooper » Obama defended Daschle's original appointment, saying "nobody was better-equipped to deal both with the substance and policy of health care." "He understands it as well as anybody, but also the politics, which is going to be required to actually get it done," Obama said. Earlier, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs insisted Daschle's decision to withdraw was made on his own, not as a result of any prodding from the administration. In a written statement, Daschle acknowledged the political problem he had created for the administration. Still, Obama insisted the mistake was his. Read how CNN analysts assess the situation » Obama also said he's going to crack down on businesses using taxpayer money to excessively pay executives. He plans a Wednesday announcement of mechanisms to keep that from happening. "I'm going to be talking about executive compensation and changes we're going to be making there," he said. "We've now learned that people are still getting huge bonuses despite the fact that they're getting taxpayer money, which I think infuriates the public." Watch Obama discuss getting tough on executives » The president also spoke about the struggling economy, the use of the label "war on terror," and lighter topics, including the family dog and his efforts to stop smoking. Thinking about the nation's faltering economy keeps him up at night, Obama said. He also addressed criticism that there is too much spending in the current stimulus package bill written by House Democrats. iReport.com: Was Daschle properly vetted? "Look, the only measure of my success as president when people look back five years from now or nine years from now is going to be, did I get this economy fixed. I have no interest in promoting a package that doesn't work," Obama said. Cooper also asked Obama about reports that he is not using former President Bush's phrase, "war on terror," to refer to the wars in Iraq in Afghanistan. "Words matter in this situation because one of the ways we're going to win this struggle is through the battle of hearts and minds," Obama said. "I think it is very important for us to recognize that we have a battle or a war against some	[ "What did Daschle apologize for?", "Who did Obama say is treated differently?", "Who does Obama tell he takes responsibility?", "What did Obama say?", "What else does Obama discuss?", "What did Obama tell Anderson Cooper?", "Who apologised?", "Who apologized for what he says were honest mistakes?", "What did Obama discuss?" ]	[ [ "honest mistakes," ], [ "the politically powerful" ], [ "CNN's Anderson Cooper." ], [ "\"I think I screwed up,\"" ], [ "also said he's going to crack down on businesses using taxpayer money to excessively pay executives." ], [ "\"I think I screwed up,\"" ], [ "President Barack Obama" ], [ "Tom Daschle" ], [ "getting tough on executives" ] ]	Obama tells CNN's Anderson Cooper: 'I take responsibility for it' President says message was sent that the politically powerful are treated differently . Daschle apologizes for what he says were honest mistakes involving taxes . Obama also discusses declining economy and fight against terrorist groups .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush has expressed his "deep concern" and regret to Iraq's prime minister over the desecration of a Quran by an American soldier, the White House said Tuesday. President Bush called Nuri al-Maliki over the incident, al-Maliki's office says. The leaders are seen in September. National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said Bush spoke to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Monday in one of their regularly scheduled secure video teleconferences. "President Bush expressed his deep concern over the incident and told Prime Minister Maliki that the soldier has been reprimanded by his commanders and removed from Iraq," Johndroe said. Al-Maliki's office on Tuesday said Bush issued an apology for the action on behalf of the United States and "promised to present the soldier to the courts." The office said Bush made the apology in a call to al-Maliki on Tuesday morning. An American staff sergeant -- a sniper section leader -- used a Quran for target practice in Iraq earlier this month. The U.S. commander in Baghdad issued a formal apology Saturday and read a letter of apology by the shooter. Watch the U.S. military formally apologize » The sergeant has been relieved of duty as a section leader "with prejudice," officially reprimanded by his commanding general, dismissed from his regiment and redeployed -- reassigned to the United States, the U.S. military said. Reports of the Quran desecration have enraged Muslims in Iraq and elsewhere around the world. The soldier, whose name was not released, shot at a Quran on May 9, villagers said. The Quran used in the incident was discovered two days later, according to the military. A tribal leader said "the criminal act by U.S. forces" took place at a shooting range at the Radhwaniya police station on Baghdad's western outskirts. After the shooters left, an Iraqi policeman found a target marked in the middle of the bullet-riddled Quran. Pictures of the Quran show multiple bullet holes and an expletive scrawled on one of its pages. Officials said the soldier asserted he wasn't aware the book was the Quran, but U.S. officials rejected the claim. On Saturday, Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, commander of U.S. forces in Baghdad, appeared with leaders from Radhwaniya and apologized. "I come before you here seeking your forgiveness," Hammond said to tribal leaders and others at the ceremony. "In the most humble manner I look in your eyes today and I say please forgive me and my soldiers." Hammond also read a letter from the shooter, who called his actions "shortsighted, very reckless and irresponsible," but he insisted he was not being malicious. "I sincerely hope that my actions have not diminished the partnership that our two nations have developed together," the letter said. Hammond said the soldier's actions were tantamount to "criminal behavior." "I've come to this land to protect you, to support you -- not to harm you -- and the behavior of this soldier was nothing short of wrong and unacceptable," the general said. Another military official kissed a Quran and presented it as "a humble gift" to the tribal leaders. Many Iraqi leaders said the apology alone would not suffice. Watch villagers protest the desecration » On Monday, the Iraqi Islamic Party, the movement of Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi, condemned what it said was a "blatant assault on the sanctities of Muslims all over the world." The party said it reacted to the news "with deep resentment and indignation" and wants the "severest of punishments" for the action. "What truly concerns us is the repetition of these crimes that have happened in the past when mosques were destroyed and pages of the holy Quran were torn and used for disgraceful acts by U.S. soldiers," al-Hashimi said. "I have asked that first this apology be officially documented; second a guarantee from the U.S. military to inflict the maximum possible punishment on this soldier so it would be a deterrent for the rest of the	[ "What did n American staff sergeant use for target practice?", "What did President Bush promise to do?", "What did the Iraqi Islamic Party demand?", "What was demanded for the soldier?", "What did an American staff sergeant use for target practice?", "What did the Iraqi Islamic Party has demand for the soldier?" ]	[ [ "used a Quran" ], [ "the courts.\"" ], [ "\"severest of punishments\" for the action." ], [ "maximum possible punishment on this" ], [ "a Quran" ], [ "\"severest of punishments\"" ] ]	Nuri al-Maliki's office: President Bush "promised to present the soldier to the courts" An American staff sergeant used a Quran for target practice . Iraqi Islamic Party has demanded "the severest of punishments" for the soldier .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Wednesday signed a sweeping energy bill that he said would help the country become "stronger, cleaner and more secure." President Bush on Wednesday signs a bill raising auto fuel economy standards for the first time in decades. The bill -- approved overwhelmingly Tuesday by the House of Representatives -- raises automotive fuel economy standards for the first time in more than three decades, requiring a corporate average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020. It also boosts federal support for alternative fuel research and energy conservation efforts. A Republican filibuster in the Senate removed provisions that Bush objected to that would have eliminated tax breaks for oil companies and a requirement that electric utilities produce a portion of their power from alternative sources. The current fuel-economy standards of 27.5 miles per gallon for passenger cars and 22.2 for light trucks were established in 1975. The new bill sets a single average standard for manufacturers. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, said Tuesday's bill was "a great, wonderful first step for an energy revolution that starts in America and ripples throughout the world." But Reid said Democrats would continue pushing to shift federal tax breaks away from fossil-fuel producers and into renewable energy research -- one of the party's top priorities when it took control of Congress in January. House opponents such as Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, complained that the bill will undo many of the efforts made to foster increased production of fossil fuels in an energy bill passed in 2005. "I understand the consequences of elections. I understand there's a new majority," said Barton, the ranking Republican on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. "I do not understand how what made sense two years ago doesn't make sense today." Barton called the legislation a "no-energy" bill and "a recipe for recession," arguing its mandated conservation measures would raise prices for fuel, homes and appliances for consumers. E-mail to a friend CNN's Ed Henry contributed to this report.	[ "What does the new law raise?", "What has raised efficiency standards?", "What did the majority leader say?", "When was the last law?", "What does the law do?", "What did the senate majority leader call the bill?", "Who calls bill a \"great, wonderful first step?\"" ]	[ [ "automotive fuel economy standards" ], [ "a bill" ], [ "Tuesday's bill was \"a great, wonderful first step for an energy revolution that starts in America and ripples throughout the world.\"" ], [ "1975." ], [ "the country become \"stronger, cleaner and more secure.\"" ], [ "\"a great, wonderful first step for an energy revolution that starts in America and ripples throughout the world.\"" ], [ "Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid," ] ]	New law raises auto fuel efficiency standards . Increase to fleet average of 35 miles per gallon is first in 32 years . Senate majority leader calls bill a "great, wonderful first step"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama affirmed his support for a woman's "right to choose" on Thursday, the 36th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that led to the legalization of abortion, as thousands of anti-abortion activists descended on the National Mall to challenge his position. President Obama issued a statement defending Roe v. Wade for protecting "women's health and reproductive freedom." Roe v. Wade "not only protects women's health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters," Obama said in a statement. The landmark 1973 decision held that a woman's right to abortion was protected by the right to privacy under the Constitution's 14th Amendment, voiding most state laws against abortion at the time. Nellie Gray, who helped organize the anti-abortion March for Life on the Mall, invited Obama to speak at the rally. "America needs your strong leadership as president of all the people to stop the intentional killing of an estimated 3,000 pre-born boys and girls each day and the brutalizing of mind, heart and body of pregnant mothers." Kim Gandy, president of the National Organization for Women, said she believes that while abortion should remain an option, increasing the availability and affordability of birth control and reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies is the real solution. "I think what everyone ought to be interested in doing, whether they are or not, is reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies," Gandy told CNN. "Because if we reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, it will by definition reduce the number of abortions and reduce a lot of the pain and despair that has befallen women in these economic times, who cannot afford to enlarge their families when they don't have a job and they don't have a way to put food on the table for the kids that they have now. "If we could all work together to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies, it would dramatically change the debate on this issue." Obama has so far not struck down rules reinstated by the Bush administration eight years ago, prohibiting U.S. money from funding international family planning groups that promote abortion or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion services. The "Mexico City policy" was initially put in place by President Ronald Reagan and suspended during Bill Clinton's presidency. Its opponents refer to it as the "global gag order." About 20 anti-abortion rights lawmakers spoke at the rally Thursday, pushing for a renewed effort to overturn Roe v. Wade. "At what instant does life begin?" asked Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, focusing on younger crowd members who answered, "Conception!" "And the next question is, " he continued, "President Obama, when did your life begin?" Other legislators detailed their plans to keep the issue on the table in Congress and on the minds of voters. Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Ohio, told the crowd she plans to introduce what she calls the "Juno Bill," referencing the hit 2008 film of the same title in which a high school teenager gives her baby up for adoption. "It will provide a tax credit to those women, just as we allow abortions to be tax deductible, it will provide a tax credit so that they can carry out their pregnancy, give that baby to a loving arm and not have to worry about the consequences or the costs involved," she said. Throughout the rally, speakers urged bold action for their cause. Gandy said the fight will also continue on the pro-abortion rights side. "There's no question we have a pro-choice president now, but he can't do it alone," she said. "He can't pass legislation. He can't stop what's going on at the state and local level and so the battle rages on ... at the congressional level, at the state and local level and certainly at the Supreme Court." She said the number of unwanted pregnancies is	[ "What did Obama say about private family matters?", "what did obama say?", "What did Obama do on the anniversary of Roe?", "what does a rally organizer say to obama?" ]	[ [ "that government should not intrude on" ], [ "Roe v. Wade \"not only protects women's health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters,\"" ], [ "affirmed his support for a woman's \"right to choose\"" ], [ "when did your life begin?\"" ] ]	Obama: "Government should not intrude on our most private family matters" Obama released statement on Roe anniversary while protesters descended on Mall . Rally organizer to Obama: Stop intentional killing" of unborn babies . Former President Bush typically spoke by phone to rally each year .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama declared Monday that his stimulus plan is "starting to work" and that 2,000 transportation projects -- costing much less than expected -- are under way. President Obama on Monday says the transportation projects will help create or save jobs. "Competition for these projects is so fierce, and contractors are doing such a good job cutting costs, the projects are consistently coming in under budget," Obama said Monday. The president gave a rapid-fire list of savings: a bid for road work in Connecticut is $8.4 million less than the state budgeted; Louisiana has a project coming in $4.7 million less than expected; projects in Colorado are averaging about 30 percent under the state forecast; and some bids in California are nearly half of what the state projected. The administration said those savings will stretch the agency's $48 billion stimulus budget. "Our recovery dollars can go further, and we can do more projects," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "This is great news." LaHood hosted the president and vice president at his department's headquarters in Washington for the announcement. Officials did not give an overall estimate of money saved from competitive bids. The three leaders also claimed a victory in the amount of transportation work approved so far, saying the agency has approved its 2,000th infrastructure project as part of the stimulus. "Some may have thought it would have taken months to get to this point," Obama said, "but we have approved these projects in just 41 days." Watch as Obama says projects are coming in ahead of schedule » The stimulus bill was signed February 17, but transportation dollars did not begin flowing until later. The president said the 2,000th transportation project to receive stimulus funds is one to widen and add an overpass to a stretch of Interstate 94 near Portage, Michigan. Vice President Joseph Biden plans to attend the groundbreaking in June. Obama said the highway projects from the stimulus bill will create or save 150,000 jobs by the end of next year. He pointed to the aggressive contractor interest in transportation projects, along with tax cuts going to millions of families from the stimulus plan, and implied it marks a turning point in the economic recovery effort. "Today, I think it's safe to say that this plan is beginning to work," the president said.	[ "Projects are consistently coming in under budget", "what have stimulus dollars funded?", "what will savings stretch?", "what didn't the official give?", "How many transportation projects have stimulus dollars funded?" ]	[ [ "transportation" ], [ "2,000 transportation projects" ], [ "the agency's $48 billion stimulus budget." ], [ "did not" ], [ "2,000" ] ]	NEW: President Obama: "Projects are consistently coming in under budget" Stimulus dollars have funded 2,000 transportation projects, officials say . Administration says savings will stretch $48 billion stimulus budget for infrastructure . Officials didn't give overall estimate of money saved from competitive bids .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama drew big laughs at the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner Saturday, taking jabs at his administration, his Republican rivals and even himself. President Obama delivers some one-liners at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday. "I would like to talk about what my administration plans to achieve in the next 100 days," Obama said. "During the second 100 days, we will design, build and open a library dedicated to my first 100 days." He added later, "I believe that my next 100 days will be so successful, I will be able to complete them in 72 days -- and on the 73rd day I will rest." The Democratic president poked fun at the Republican Party, saying it "does not qualify for a bailout" and conservative talk radio host Rush Limbaugh "doesn't count as a troubled asset." Watch Obama deliver laughs at dinner » Obama touched on a few gaffes during his short time in office, from Vice President Joe Biden's verbose tendencies to an unfortunate Air Force One photo op that frightened New Yorkers -- playfully pointing his finger at his young daughters. "Sasha and Malia aren't here tonight because they're grounded," he said. "You can't just take Air Force One on a joyride to Manhattan -- I don't care whose kids you are." Watch celebrities mingle before dinner » As the world shakes off swine flu fears that started in Mexico, Obama noted his old rivalry with former Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, who now serves as secretary of state. "We had been rivals during the campaign, but these days we could not be closer," the president said. "In fact, the second she got back from Mexico, she pulled me into a hug and gave me a big kiss -- told me to get down there myself." Gallery of celebrity guests » Obama even took on former Vice President Dick Cheney, who wasn't in attendance: "He is very busy working on his memoirs, tentatively titled, "How to Shoot Friends and Interrogate People." Obama took a somber tone, though, when specifically addressing the reporters in the room -- noting the financial struggles that have afflicted the newspaper industry. Watch reporters arrive for dinner » "Across the country, there are extraordinary, hardworking journalists who have lost their jobs in recent days, recent weeks, recent months," he said. "I know each newspaper and media outlet is wrestling with how to respond with these changes. ... Not every ending will be a happy one. "It is also true that your ultimate success as an industry is essential to the success of our democracy -- it's what makes this thing work," Obama said.	[ "who was the guest speaker?", "What is essential to democracy?", "What did Obama deliver?", "Which party does not qualify for a bailout?", "when did this happen?" ]	[ [ "President Obama" ], [ "ultimate success as an industry" ], [ "some one-liners at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner" ], [ "Republican" ], [ "on Saturday." ] ]	Obama delivers zingers at White House correspondents' annual dinner . President jokes Republican Party "does not qualify for a bailout" Obama also pokes fun at Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Clinton . Obama says journalism industry's success is essential to democracy .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama huddled with top military, foreign policy and national security advisers Wednesday as part of an ongoing review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan. President Obama and his national security team meet in the White House Situation Room on Wednesday. The meeting, the fifth such gathering in recent weeks, came as the administration continued to weigh a call for as many as 40,000 additional troops in Afghanistan from Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the top U.S. commander in that country. McChrystal has said the extra manpower is necessary to implement an effective counterinsurgency strategy. Wednesday's meeting, however, focused on efforts to strengthen the American civilian mission in Afghanistan, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. Obama also received a report on ongoing efforts to train Afghan security forces, Gibbs added. While McChrystal is pushing for a major troop increase, others in the administration are advocating a different approach. Vice President Joe Biden has called for a counterterrorism strategy, which would focus on using special forces and technology to reduce the number of al Qaeda insurgents on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. "I will tell you that our principal goal remains to root out al Qaeda and its extremist allies that can launch attacks against the United States or its allies," Obama said Tuesday. "That's our principal mission. We are also obviously interested in stability in the region, and that includes not only Afghanistan but also Pakistan." Obama has come under intense pressure from several leading senators to follow McChrystal's recommendation, a move vehemently opposed by many liberal Democrats. As Obama huddled with his national security team, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Maryland, said he's not ready yet to support sending additional troops to Afghanistan. Hoyer also told reporters he has serious questions about U.S. chances for success in the region and the stability of the Afghan government. "Afghanistan has not been a successful venue for many great powers in the past," Hoyer said. "I can't think of any. I think we also need to have some degree of confidence that the government in Afghanistan is a viable government that can create confidence within its people. I have reservations about whether that has happened at this point in time." The majority leader also argued that the situation in Afghanistan can't be viewed in isolation and requires a regional approach that includes Pakistan and India. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, said Sunday that any added military deployment that fell short of McChrystal's request "would be an error of historic proportions." "And I think the great danger now is a half-measure, sort of a -- you know, [trying] to please all ends of the political spectrum," McCain told CNN's John King. "I have great sympathy for the president, making the toughest decisions that presidents have to make, but I think he needs to use deliberate speed," he said. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, argued that U.S. troops would be put in "jeopardy" if Obama does not listen to McChrystal. "I don't know how you put somebody in who's as crackerjack as Gen. McChrystal, who gives the president very solid recommendations, and not take those recommendations if you're not going to pull out," she said Sunday on ABC's "This Week." Feinstein heads the Senate Intelligence Committee. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced Wednesday that he is increasing British troop levels in Afghanistan to 9,500, an increase of 500. The British have the second-largest contingent in Afghanistan, after the United States, according to NATO's International Security Assistance Force. Obama announced a plan to send 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan in March. A total of 65,000 U.S. soldiers are currently serving in the war-torn country. CNN's Richard Greene and Adam Levine contributed to this report.	[ "What did the Vice president call for?", "Do leading senators want the president to approve the request for additional U.S. troops?", "What has the vice president called for?", "What is the vice president calling for?", "What does the gathering focus on?", "What does the administration weigh to call for?", "Leading senators are urging for what?" ]	[ [ "a counterterrorism strategy, which would focus on using special forces and technology to reduce the number of al Qaeda insurgents on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border." ], [ "review of" ], [ "a counterterrorism strategy, which would focus on using special forces and technology to reduce the number of al Qaeda insurgents on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border." ], [ "a counterterrorism strategy," ], [ "using special forces and technology to reduce the number of al Qaeda insurgents" ], [ "as many as 40,000 additional troops in Afghanistan" ], [ "to follow McChrystal's recommendation," ] ]	Gathering focuses on efforts to strengthen civilian mission . Administration continues to weigh call for additional U.S. troops . Leading senators have urged president to approve request . Vice president has called for counterterrorism strategy .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama on Monday gathered together every confirmed member of his Cabinet for the first time as president and challenged them to cut $100 million in the next 90 days. President Obama meets Monday with his Cabinet, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates, right. Agencies will have to report how they saved on expenses at the end of the period. The federal government has "a confidence gap when it comes to the American people," Obama said at the White House. "We've got to earn their trust. They've got to feel confident that their dollars are being spent wisely." The edict is part of Obama's "commitment to go line by line through the budget to cut spending" and "reform the government," a senior administration official said. One potential Cabinet officer was missing from the meeting -- Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the health and human services secretary-designate. The Senate has not voted on whether to confirm Sebelius to the post. Obama made his savings request as the House of Representatives and Senate were returning from recess this week, ready to start reconciling their versions of the fiscal 2010 budget resolution. The president's budget request is $3.67 trillion. Watch how the administration hopes to cut costs » In the context of the federal budget, $100 million in savings is a small amount, critics said. "Any amount of savings is obviously welcome," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said. "But [$100 million is] about the average amount we'll spend every single day just covering the interest on the stimulus package that we passed earlier this year." White House press secretary Robert Gibbs insisted that ordinary Americans nevertheless would appreciate the savings effort. "Only in Washington, D.C., is $100 million not a lot of money," Gibbs said. "It is where I'm from. It is where I grew up. And I think it is for hundreds of millions of Americans." The administration also contends the order signaled an important demonstration of fiscal responsibility. "None of these savings by themselves are going to solve our long-term fiscal problems," Obama said. "But taken together, they can make a difference, and they send a signal that we are serious about how government operates." The White House offered examples of how agencies already have started cost-cutting measures, including: CNN's Suzanne Malveaux contributed to the report.	[ "What will the agencies have to report on?", "Who did Obama meet with?", "How much in savings is a small amount?", "What does the agency have to report?", "What is the savings amount?", "With whom will Obama meet?", "What do they have to earn?", "What did President Obama say?" ]	[ [ "how they saved" ], [ "his Cabinet," ], [ "$100 million" ], [ "how they saved on expenses" ], [ "$100 million" ], [ "his Cabinet, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates," ], [ "their trust." ], [ "\"We've got to earn their trust. They've got to feel confident that their dollars are being spent wisely.\"" ] ]	NEW: President Obama says, "We've got to earn [the public's] trust" NEW: Obama meets with Cabinet to discuss how agencies can cuts costs . Agencies will have to report how they saved on expenses after 90 days . Critics say $100 million in savings is a small amount .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama on Tuesday left open the possibility of criminal prosecution for Bush administration officials who drew up the legal basis for interrogation techniques that many view as torture. President Obama says any congressional investigation should be conducted in a bipartisan fashion. Obama said it will be up to Attorney General Eric Holder to decide whether or not to prosecute the former officials. "With respect to those who formulated those legal decisions, I would say that is going to be more a decision for the attorney general within the parameter of various laws, and I don't want to prejudge that," Obama said during a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House. "There's a host of very complicated issues involved there. As a general deal, I think we should be looking forward and not backward. "I do worry about this getting so politicized that we cannot function effectively, and it hampers our ability to carry out critical national security operations." Watch as Obama says U.S. can be protected and live up to its ideals » The president added that any congressional "accounting of what took place" should be done "in a bipartisan fashion outside of the typical hearing process that can sometimes break down ... entirely along party lines." It is important, he said, for the "American people to feel as if this is not being dealt with to provide one side or another political advantage." Obama's remarks came five days after the administration released four Bush-era memos detailing the use of terror interrogations such as waterboarding, a technique used to simulate drowning. One memo showed that CIA interrogators used waterboarding -- which Obama has called torture -- at least 266 times on two top al Qaeda suspects. Obama reiterated his belief that he did not think it is appropriate to prosecute those CIA officials and others who carried out the interrogations in question. "This has been a difficult chapter in our history and one of [my] tougher decisions," he added. The techniques listed in memos "reflected ... us losing our moral bearings." The president's apparent willingness to leave the door open to a prosecution of Bush officials seemed to contradict White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, who indicated Sunday that the administration was opposed to such an action. Obama believes "that's not the place that we [should] go," Emanuel said on ABC's "This Week." "It's not a time to use our energy ... looking back [with] any sense of anger and retribution." On Monday, Obama asserted during a visit to CIA headquarters that he had released the documents primarily because of the "exceptional circumstances that surrounded these memos, particularly the fact that so much of the information was [already] public. ... The covert nature of the information had been compromised."	[ "What was in the memos that were released?", "Who does Obama believe shouldn't be prosecuted?", "What did the administration release?", "what were released?", "Who released Bush-era memos?", "who believes CIA officers shouldn't be prosecuted?", "who decides prosecution on interrogations?" ]	[ [ "detailing the use of terror interrogations" ], [ "CIA officials and others" ], [ "four Bush-era memos" ], [ "four Bush-era memos detailing the use of terror interrogations such as waterboarding, a technique used to simulate drowning." ], [ "the administration" ], [ "Obama" ], [ "Attorney General Eric Holder" ] ]	President: It's up to attorney general to decide about prosecution on interrogations . President Obama repeats belief that CIA officers shouldn't be prosecuted . "I do worry about this getting so politicized," president says . Administration has released Bush-era memos detailing use of terror interrogations .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama reached out to citizens of the world Tuesday, saying in an op-ed piece that ran in 31 newspapers around the globe that there is an urgent need for worldwide economic cooperation. President Obama will discuss the economic downturn with other world leaders next week at the Group of 20 meeting. Obama's move comes ahead of next week's Group of 20 meeting in London, England, in which leaders of the world's richest nations will discuss the global economic downturn. "My message is clear," Obama wrote. "The United States is ready to lead, and we call upon our partners to join us with a sense of urgency and common purpose. Much good work has been done, but much more remains." The president is scheduled to hold his second prime-time news conference at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. In the op-ed, Obama spoke about the upcoming G-20 meeting, saying that world leaders have to work together. Watch as the White House press secretary outlines Obama's economic strategy » "We are living through a time of global economic challenges that cannot be met by half measures or the isolated efforts of any nation," Obama said. "Now, the leaders of the Group of 20 have a responsibility to take bold, comprehensive and coordinated action that not only jump-starts recovery, but also launches a new era of economic engagement to prevent a crisis like this from ever happening again." The president also pointed out that although the United States is separated by two oceans from most of the rest of the world, a global economy renders those geographic distinctions moot. "Once and for all, we have learned that the success of the American economy is inextricably linked to the global economy," Obama said. "There is no line between action that restores growth within our borders and action that supports it beyond." Next week's G-20 summit will be Obama's first meeting as president with many of the world's leaders. He will meet many of the Western Hemisphere's leaders at the Fifth Summit of the Americas next month in Trinidad and Tobago.	[ "What is the us economy linked to?", "Who is set to hold prime-time news conference Tuesday night?", "What did Obama urge nations to do?", "Where are the newpapers located?", "What will Obama do on Tuesday?", "Who urges nations to work together?" ]	[ [ "global economy,\"" ], [ "president" ], [ "worldwide economic cooperation." ], [ "around the globe" ], [ "hold his second prime-time news conference" ], [ "President Obama" ] ]	President Obama urges nations to work together ahead of Group of 20 meeting . Obama's op-ed piece runs in 31 newspapers worldwide . President set to hold prime-time news conference Tuesday night . Obama: U.S. economy's success is "inextricably linked to the global economy"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama said Friday he spoke with the police officer who arrested a Harvard professor and told the officer he did not mean to malign the Cambridge Police Department when he said police acted stupidly. President Obama on Friday explains to reporters the details of a phone conservation with Sgt. James Crowley. The president acknowledged that his words "helped to contribute to ratcheting" up the situation when he criticized the manner in which Sgt. James Crowley arrested professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. "I unfortunately gave an impression that I was maligning the Cambridge Police Department or Sgt. Crowley specifically," Obama told reporters. "I could have calibrated those words differently, and I told this to Sgt. Crowley." Watch Obama describe talk » Obama spoke about two hours after police unions in Massachusetts called on him to apologize. He did not apologize for his remark but repeated that he believed his choice of words was unfortunate. He reiterated his assertion that he believes police overreacted, but said Gates "probably overreacted as well." "My sense is you have got two good people in a circumstance in which neither of them were able to resolve the incident in the way that it should have been resolved," he said. Obama also spoke briefly with the arrested professor, Henry Louis Gates Jr., who is a friend of the president, the White House reported. He and Gates had a "positive discussion" about his call to Crowley on Friday afternoon, the White House said. Obama also invited Gates "to join him with Sgt. Crowley at the White House in the near future." In an e-mail Friday to CNN's Don Lemon, Gates wrote, "I was very pleased that the president called me today, and I was pleased that he proposed that I meet with Sgt. Crowley at the White House, since I had offered to meet with him since last Monday. "I am eager for this to be used as a teaching moment to improve racial relations in America," said the e-mail. "This is certainly not about me." His attorney, Charles Ogletree, told Lemon that he applauds Obama's intervention and "I look forward to working this out with all parties amicably." Asked if he plans to file suit, Ogletree said, "It depends on the response from everyone involved as to how we'll proceed." Earlier Friday, police unions said Obama should apologize to members of the Cambridge Police Department for saying they acted stupidly, the president of a city police union said. Watch African-American colleagues defend Crowley » Dennis O'Connor, president of the Cambridge Police Superior Officers Association, also took aim at Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, who reportedly has characterized the arrest as "every black man's nightmare and a reality for many black men." Echoing the words of Crowley, O'Connor said he was dismayed that the president and governor would opine on the issue without all the details. "It's noteworthy that both qualified their statements by saying they did not have all the facts," O'Connor said as members of his and another police union stood behind him. "Usually, when one hears those words, one would expect the next words to be 'so I cannot comment.' Instead, both officials, both admitted friends of professor Gates, proceeded to insult the handling of this case." He further said Cambridge police resent the implication they allowed race to dictate their actions in the situation. "We hope that [Obama and Patrick] will reflect upon their past comments and apologize to the men and women of the Cambridge Police Department," O'Connor said. Steve Killian, president of the Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association, also called on Obama to apologize to "all law enforcement personnel throughout the entire country that took offense to this." Crowley previously said Obama had offended police in Cambridge and elsewhere. "I was a little surprised and disappointed that the president, who didn't have all of the facts by his own admission, then weighed in on the events of	[ "What does the Union ask Obama to do?", "What does the president say?", "Who did the union ask Obama to apologize to?", "What is Gates eager for?", "what does obama owe an apology for", "What is Gates eager about?" ]	[ [ "apologize" ], [ "\"helped to contribute to ratcheting\"" ], [ "members of the Cambridge Police Department" ], [ "this to be used as a teaching moment to improve racial relations in America,\"" ], [ "he said police acted stupidly." ], [ "for this to be used as a teaching moment to improve racial relations in America,\"" ] ]	NEW: Gates eager for incident to be "teaching moment" to improve racial relations . President says he hopes incident provides "a teachable moment" Attorney says professor has no immediate plans to sue Cambridge police . Union asked Obama to apologize to "all law enforcement personnel" offended .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama will meet with top congressional leaders from both parties Tuesday to discuss a war in Afghanistan that now appears to be at a potential tipping point. The meeting on the war comes as the Obama administration conducts a review of its Afghan strategy. Obama will be joined by, among others, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the heads of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees in the House and Senate, two Democratic officials said. The meeting comes amid the Obama administration's comprehensive review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan. Several top military leaders and opposition Republicans are pressing Obama to act quickly to increase the present 68,000-troop level by as many as 40,000. "There's no doubt that, particularly on funding, it's not going to happen until Congress signs off," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Monday. "They're an important part of this, and the president wants to hear from them." In March, Obama announced a plan to send more than 20,000 additional troops to the country to provide security for a national election. That move followed what Obama and others called years of inadequate resources in Afghanistan because of the Bush administration's focus on Iraq. The Obama strategy was based on a counterinsurgency mission intended to defeat terrorists based in Afghanistan while winning local support and helping with development. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who took over four months ago as the top U.S. commander in the country, has submitted an assessment in which, sources have told CNN, he says he needs additional forces to carry out the counterinsurgency strategy successfully. Otherwise, McChrystal reportedly warns, the mission could fail, bringing a return of power to the Taliban. "We need to reverse the current trends, and time does matter," McChrystal said last week in a speech in London, England. "Waiting does not prolong a favorable outcome. This effort will not remain winnable indefinitely." U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, however, appeared to push back Monday against those who are loudly urging a rapid troop increase. It's "important that we get it right," he told a U.S. Army audience. Gates said that it's also "important that all of us ... provide the best advice to the president candidly but privately." Gen. George Casey, chief of staff of the Army, echoed Gates' view, telling reporters that he would be sharing his views "in private" and that they'd be "the second to know." Obama has yet to respond to McChrystal's report, prompting opponents to accuse him of indecisiveness and playing politics that puts U.S. soldiers on the ground at risk. Watch more on the debate over the best way forward » National Security Adviser James Jones Jr. on Sunday cited three developments since March that have led the White House to reconsider its overall Afghanistan strategy: • Questions about the legitimacy of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's election victory. • McChrystal's conclusion that the Taliban is stronger than previously thought. • Neighboring Pakistan's improved efforts to change the overall dynamic of the border region. "The key in Afghanistan is to have a triad of things happen simultaneously," Jones said on CNN's "State of the Union," listing improved security, economic development and "good governance and the rule of law." Jones said Karzai's government "is going to have to pitch in and do much better" than it has to improve the governance situation after the elections, widely considered as tainted by vote fraud in some areas. Some in Obama's inner circle, including Vice President Joe Biden, are advocating a counterterrorism approach that focuses on combating al Qaeda through the use of unmanned drones and special forces without involving additional troops. Others, especially McChrystal, are strongly advocating the broader counterinsurgency approach, which requires a much larger U.S. military footprint in the country. See who has Obama's ear on Afghanistan » Sen. John McCain of Arizona and other Senate Republicans -- as well as other advocates of an increase in troop levels	[ "Who has warned the mission could fail?", "what is the meeting about", "What is undergoing a review?", "What has a U.S. commander reportedly warned?", "What do some advisers advocate?", "who will attend", "Who will attend the meeting?", "What have some advisers advocated?" ]	[ [ "McChrystal" ], [ "war in Afghanistan" ], [ "Afghan strategy." ], [ "warns, the mission could fail, bringing a return of power to the Taliban." ], [ "a counterterrorism approach that focuses on combating al Qaeda through the use of unmanned drones and special forces without involving additional troops." ], [ "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the heads of the Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees" ], [ "House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell" ], [ "counterterrorism approach that focuses on combating al Qaeda through the use of unmanned drones and special forces without involving additional troops." ] ]	Heads of Armed Services and Foreign Relations panels in Congress will attend . Meeting comes amid comprehensive review of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan . U.S. commander reportedly has warned the mission could fail without more troops . Some advisers advocate counterterrorism approach without adding troops .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama will rack up plenty of frequent flyer miles this summer with planned trips in Africa, Russia and Italy. President Obama will travel to Ghana for two days after the G8 Summit in July. Obama, along with his wife, Michelle, will visit Accra, Ghana, on July 10 and July 11, the White House said Saturday. It will follow Obama's trip to the G8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy, from July 8 to July 10. Obama will address various bilateral and regional issues with Ghanaian President John Atta Mills, the White House said in a news statement. "The President and Mrs. Obama look forward to strengthening the U.S. relationship with one of our most trusted partners in sub-Saharan Africa, and to highlighting the critical role that sound governance and civil society play in promoting lasting development," according to the statement. Obama announced a week ago that he will visit Egypt on June 4 to deliver a speech on America's relationship with the Muslim world. Egypt is "a country that in many ways represents the heart of the Arab world," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said at the time. Gibbs deflected several questions at his daily briefing about whether Egypt is a wise choice given President Hosni Mubarak's resistance to making his government more democratic. Obama originally promised to deliver the speech during his first 100 days, but senior administration officials say the date slipped in part because of security and logistical issues. Obama has visited Africa before as a senator. In 2006, he received a hero's welcome in his father's native Kenya. Before the G8 summit, the president is scheduled to travel to Moscow from July 6 to July 8 at the invitation of Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev. The G8 is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, England and the United States.	[ "Which country is hosting the G8 Summit in July?", "When did Obama last travel to Africa?", "when obama traveled to africa", "When was Obama last in Africa?", "What other countries are on his itenary?", "Where is Obama planning to visit this summer?", "who is barac obama" ]	[ [ "Ghana" ], [ "In 2006," ], [ "July 10 and July 11," ], [ "In 2006," ], [ "Africa, Russia and Italy." ], [ "Africa, Russia and Italy." ], [ "President" ] ]	Obama to visit Ghana after his trip to Italy's G8 Summit in July . Obama also planning to visit Egypt, Russia this summer . Obama last traveled to Africa in 2006 .

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