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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Obama's ambitious strategy for Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan, dubbed "Afpak" by administration officials, will face its first test Wednesday when he meets with the leaders of both countries -- neither of which is seen as able to maintain stability and fight strengthening Islamic insurgencies. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari will meet with Afghanistan's president and President Obama. The president will meet separately with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari before holding a joint session with the two leaders. The leaders also will hold talks at the State Department, FBI, CIA and on Capitol Hill. Obama will try to build an enduring regional alliance with both countries, enlisting them as full partners rather than treating them as battlefields for U.S. soldiers to fight extremists. But both leaders are seen as weak and are deeply unpopular back home. The Taliban has re-emerged to retake large swaths of Afghanistan, and in recent weeks, Taliban fighters have made alarming advances in Pakistan. Just last week, the State Department warned that al Qaeda continues to enjoy safe haven along the rugged border between the countries, where al Qaeda plots attacks against the U.S. and its allies. U.S. concern has focused on Pakistan, which Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-New York, on Monday aptly warned has its "pants on fire." In Pakistan's Swat Valley, the government's recent peace deal with militants pushing for the establishment of strict Islamic law went awry, allowing the Taliban to advance within 60 miles of the capital, Islamabad. The government's initial inaction prompted Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to accuse Islamabad of abdicating to terrorists. Obama also expressed concern about the fragility of Zardari's government. Richard Holbrooke, Obama's formidable point man for Afpak, insists Pakistan isn't a failed state. Yet there is plenty of concern in Washington that Zardari's government could fall, leaving Pakistan's considerable nuclear arsenal at risk. Holbrooke also played down reports the U.S. is courting Zardari's main political rival, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Rather, officials say the U.S. wants the two men to work together, which would divert Zardari's attention away from domestic political squabbles and enable him to unite the country in the fight against extremists. This is the U.S. main challenge -- persuading Pakistan to focus on what it considers a "mortal threat," and not on what Obama himself has called the Pakistani military's misguided "obsession" with neighboring India. The Taliban advances seem to have delivered a wake-up call to the government, which has launched an offensive against the militants. To help, Obama has asked Congress to quickly approve hundreds of millions of dollars in emergency aid to help the Pakistanis combat the insurgency and is supporting a $7.5 billion civilian aid package over the next five years. Concerned about reports that the Pakistani military is working at cross-purposes and, in some cases, aiding the Taliban, Congress is trying to condition the money on progress made by Pakistani forces in rooting out extremists. A key component of the U.S. strategy is a surge in civilian assistance to boost domestic support for both governments. In an effort to promote more economic development and cooperation between the U.S. and the two countries, the ministers of agriculture and finance from both countries have been invited to Washington to join the talks. While the U.S. focus clearly has been on Pakistan, violence in Afghanistan has reached its highest levels since Taliban forces were driven from power after the U.S. invaded in the fall of 2001 in response to the 9/11 terror attacks. The U.S. wants to ensure stability in the lead-up to August elections, which is why Obama has committed 21,000 additional troops, in addition to the much needed economic assistance. Since talking office in January, Obama and other U.S. officials have been tough on Karzai, criticizing his government as ineffective and weak on corruption. Karzai further angered U.S. officials this week when he named Mohammad Qasim Fahim, a powerful warlord accused of violating human rights, as his vice presidential running mate, despite warnings from Secretary of State Clinton that Fahim would be a polarizing choice. But despite the	[ "Where have the Taliban made gaines recently?", "What does a lack of influence do?", "What is the president's agenda?", "Who did Obama meet?", "Is the agenda ambitious?", "Who is Obama meeting?" ]	[ [ "Afghanistan," ], [ "al Qaeda continues to enjoy safe haven" ], [ "build an enduring regional alliance with both countries," ], [ "leaders of both countries" ], [ "strategy for Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan," ], [ "Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari" ] ]	Obama to meet with leaders of Afghanistan, Pakistan on Wednesday . President's ambitious agenda for nations faces its first critical test . Recent Taliban gains in nuclear-armed Pakistan especially worrisome . Analysis: Lack of influence with the populace could weaken Obama's hand .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Richard M. Nixon and his Brazilian counterpart, Emilio Medici, in 1971 discussed ways their countries could work together to overthrow the socialist government of Salvador Allende in Chile, according to a newly declassified document. President Richard M. Nixon, right, and his Brazilian counterpart, Emilio Medici. During a meeting of the two leaders at the White House on December 9 of that year, Medici was discussing the possibility of a coup by the Chilean military with assistance from Brazilian military officers when Nixon said that it was "very important that Brazil and the United States work closely in this field," according to the document. Nixon offered money or other discreet aid for the effort if it could be made available, the document shows. "We must try and prevent new Allendes and Castros, and try where possible to reverse these trends," Nixon said. Medici said he was "happy to see that the Brazilian and American positions and views" were so close. The declassified document, a previously top secret memorandum for Nixon's file written by National Security Adviser Henry Kissinger, was published by the National Security Archive, a nongovernmental research institute in Washington. The memorandum, along with other documents, were declassified in July as part of the State Department's Foreign Relations of the United States series. "This is an explosive document that details collusion between the colossus of the North [the United States] and the colossus of the South [Brazil]," said Peter Kornbluh, the director of a Chile and Brazil Documentation Project for the National Security Archive. He called it "a smoking gun of confirmation of Brazil's effort to engage in operations to overthrow the government of Chile and a discussion of collusion with the United States." The two leaders also discussed the creation of a back channel for direct communication outside normal diplomatic protocols, according to the document. Each designated personal aides to carry handwritten communications back and forth to keep discussions out of official records. "I think there is precedent, but we've never seen it detailed in a document this way, in which two presidents set up the utmost secret of back-channel communications so they can discuss the most sensitive aspects of collusion and collaboration in efforts to challenge the left in Latin America and change the futures of select Latin American governments," Kornbluh said. He added that "there's a significant paper trail of evidence of what that collusion was that remains secret, and we're going to have to press Brazil and Washington to recover those documents." Despite the leaders' effort to keep the subject of their talks secret, word got out. A declassified CIA memorandum written some time after the Nixon-Medici meeting in Washington said that word of the secret talks between the two leaders about shaping Brazilian foreign policy filtered down to Brazilian military officers by a "Cabinet leak." Gen. Vicente Dale Coutinho, commander of Brazil's 4th Army, reacted to this by saying that the United States obviously wanted Brazil "to do the dirty work," it said. A declassified CIA national intelligence estimate written in 1972 concluded, "Brazil will be playing a bigger role in hemispheric affairs and seeking to fill whatever vacuum the U.S. leaves behind. It is unlikely that Brazil will intervene openly in its neighbors' internal affairs, but the regime will not be above using the threat of intervention or tools of diplomacy and covert action to oppose leftist regimes, to keep friendly governments in office, or to help place them there." The newly published documents do not offer any conclusive proof of Brazilian involvement in the Chilean coup of 1973, which the Nixon administration supported. Kornbluh said that with the passage of time and change in governments in all of the countries involved, the real story of diplomatic and covert collusion between the United States and Brazil in Chile can finally be told. The National Security Archive will push for the declassification and publication of more top-secret documents from the Nixon library, he said, and will approach Brazilian government officials to ask for their cooperation in getting documents released in Washington and Brasilia, the capital of	[ "who had like-minded goals?", "What month were declassified some documents?", "when were documents declassified ?", "Who met at white house?", "What did the CIA memo say about the Brazilian general?", "When were the documents declassified?", "How many leaders met at the White House?", "What did Nixon offer?", "What did the U.S. want Brazil to do?", "What does document show?" ]	[ [ "President Richard M. Nixon and his Brazilian counterpart, Emilio Medici," ], [ "July" ], [ "in July" ], [ "President Richard M. Nixon and his Brazilian counterpart, Emilio Medici," ], [ "reacted to this by saying that the United States obviously wanted Brazil \"to do the dirty work,\"" ], [ "in July" ], [ "two" ], [ "money or other discreet aid" ], [ "overthrow the socialist government of Salvador Allende in Chile," ], [ "Nixon offered money or other discreet aid for the effort if it could be made available," ] ]	Document shows Richard M. Nixon, Emilio Medici had like-minded goals . It says two leaders met at White House, Nixon offered money or other discreet aid . CIA memo says Brazilian general thought U.S. wanted Brazil "to do the dirty work" Memo, other documents were declassified in July of this year as part of project .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama is likely to name Steven Chu, a physicist who runs the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, as his energy secretary, three Democratic officials close to the transition said. Steven Chu explains his Nobel-winning theory on superfreezing gases in 1997. The three officials said the announcement is expected next week in Chicago, Illinois, and that Obama will also name Carol Browner, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the Clinton administration, as the newly created "climate czar" inside the White House. Chu won the 1997 Nobel Prize in physics and is highly respected in energy circles. But some Democrats have privately expressed concern that Chu has no political experience as he takes on the monumental task of passing a landmark energy reform bill early next year. Although Browner is seen as a shrewd inside player who could help the incoming energy secretary navigate Capitol Hill, Obama will face questions about how effective his team will be going up against oil companies and other special interests that do not want to change the status quo. "Energy is going to be a huge fight," one Democratic official said. "They need someone with the gravitas and force of personality to make it happen." Democrats have privately floated some other big names for energy secretary in recent days, including California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. But a source close to Schwarzenegger said the governor wants to serve out the rest of his term. A source close to Powell said the retired general will take "no formal Cabinet role" in an Obama administration but is leaving the door open to an informal troubleshooting role -- such as Mideast envoy -- if the incoming president has a specific mission that needs to be filled. iReport.com: What do you think of Obama's cabinet picks so far? Energy is one aspect of the president-elect's one-year goal to create 2.5 million jobs by 2011. The plan, which Obama announced Saturday, aims to put Americans to work updating the country's infrastructure, making public buildings more energy-efficient and implementing environmentally friendly technologies, including alternative energy sources. During his campaign, Obama said he would invest $150 billion over 10 years in clean energy. He proposed increasing fuel economy standards and requiring that 10 percent of electricity in the United States comes from renewable sources by 2012.	[ "What does Chu lack?", "Who is going to be named as nominee?", "Nominee for what?", "What will be tough?", "When is Chu to be named nominee?", "When does the team face a tough fight?" ]	[ [ "political experience" ], [ "Steven Chu," ], [ "energy secretary," ], [ "\"Energy is going to" ], [ "next week" ], [ "Saturday," ] ]	Physicist Steven Chu to be named as nominee next week . Former EPA chief Carol Browner picked as new "climate czar" Nobel Prize winner Chu has some wondering about lack of experience . Obama's energy team will face tough fight next year, officials warn .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Rep. Patrick Murphy, an Iraq war veteran, kicked off a push Wednesday to persuade Americans that the president should repeal "don't ask, don't tell," the policy that prevents openly gay troops from serving in the U.S. military. Rep. Patrick Murphy, a veteran of the Iraq war, says it is time to end "don't ask, don't tell." Murphy, D-Pennsylvania, appeared along with several gay, lesbian and straight service members to launch the initiative. "We can not afford to wait any longer" for the policy's repeal, Murphy said at the National Press Club in Washington. "Now is the time to change this, when our military is stretched so thin" with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A "Voices of Honor" tour, sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, will travel across the country, sharing stories of gay, lesbian and straight servicemen and -women in hopes of garnering support for the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would repeal the law that established the policy. The act would allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve in the military without concealing their sexuality. Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said in a statement, "We must repeal this discriminatory policy and ensure that our military can recruit and retain the best and the brightest troops regardless of their sexual orientation." President Obama has said he wants Congress to repeal the law, but gay rights groups have been angered that the president has not done more to hasten the change. Since Obama took office, 287 service members have been discharged for being gay, according to the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, which supports the repeal. The bill, introduced by Colin Powell in 1993 and signed into law by President Clinton, ended the protocol requiring service members to state their sexual orientation. But Powell now says the time has come to review whether the policy is still necessary. "Sixteen years have now gone by, and I think a lot has changed with respect to attitudes within our country, and therefore I think this is a policy and a law that should be reviewed," Powell said. "I am withholding judgment, because the commanders of the armed forces of the United States and the joint chiefs of staff need to study it and make recommendations to the president and have hearings before the Congress before a decision is made," he added. The military's top uniformed officer, Adm. Mike Mullen, said Wednesday that it's clear the president wants the law changed and that he is beginning to work with his staff on how a repeal would be implemented. But, he advised, with two wars ongoing, that the decision not be hurried. "When I talk about looking at this in the future, we have a force that's under extraordinary stress, and it's a force that, you know, should this occur, I think we need to implement in a way that is -- that recognizes the challenges and the stress that we're under right now," said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "But, if it does occur, when it does occur, you know, I'll certainly lead it and carry it out." Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently said he is looking for ways to make the policy "more humane," including letting people serve who may have been outed because of vengeance or a jilted lover. But there is plenty of opposition to the repeal. In the spring, more than 1,000 retired officers signed a letter organized by Flag and General Officers for the Military urging Obama to uphold the law. "We believe that imposing this burden on our men and women in uniform would undermine recruiting and retention, impact leadership at all levels, have adverse effects on the willingness of parents who lend their sons and daughters to military service, and eventually break the all-volunteer force," the letter said. The recent shooting death of a sailor has also raised questions about acceptance of gays among troops. The family of Seaman August Provost of Houston, Texas, said they	[ "Who signed the law?", "Who says the decision should not be hasty?", "Who introduced this law?", "Which year was the law singed?", "When did President Clinton sign the law ?", "When was the law eventually signed?" ]	[ [ "President Clinton," ], [ "Adm. Mike Mullen," ], [ "Colin Powell" ], [ "1993" ], [ "1993" ], [ "1993" ] ]	NEW: Amid wars, decision should not be hasty, Joint Chiefs chair says . "We can not afford to wait any longer" to change policy, congressman says . President Clinton signed law in 1993 after it was introduced by Colin Powell . Family of dead seaman says they believe he was killed because he was gay .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reached an important milestone Wednesday in her quest to pay the debt from her failed 2008 presidential bid: For the first time in eight months, her campaign committee reported having more money in the bank than it owes. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's campaign committee reported owing $2.3 million in debt at the end of March. On a day most Americans were preoccupied with filing their federal income taxes, Clinton's campaign committee filed finance documents with the Federal Election Commission, reporting a total of $2.3 million in debts at the end of March, compared with $2.6 million in the bank. The nation's top diplomat has been steadily chipping away at unpaid campaign bills since suspending her White House bid in June 2008, when her debt peaked at $25.2 million. That amount covered $12 million owed to vendors, as well as the $13.2 million she loaned her campaign from personal funds. Clinton's campaign was unable to repay that personal loan by the time the Democratic National Convention convened in Denver, Colorado, last August, the deadline mandated by the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. The former New York senator was forced to forgive the entire loan amount. Her campaign owed $6.4 million to 16 creditors at the end of November; $5.9 million to five creditors at the end of December; and the current $2.3 million owed to just one creditor at the end of March. That creditor is Penn, Schoen & Berland, a political consulting and polling firm that advised Clinton during her presidential bid. The firm's president, Mark Penn, was Clinton's senior campaign strategist until he stepped down last April amid revelations that he had lobbied on behalf of Colombia for a U.S.-Colombia trade deal that Clinton opposed. Penn remained involved with the campaign. Earlier this year, Clinton and her supporters raced to pay as much of the debt as possible by the time she was confirmed and sworn in as the nation's 67th secretary of state on January 21. As of that date, Clinton became subject to a federal law known as the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from personally soliciting or accepting political contributions. The Hatch Act allows others to keep raising money on Clinton's behalf, without her direct involvement. This week, longtime Clinton ally James Carville, a CNN contributor, sent a fundraising e-mail to Democrats on behalf of Clinton's campaign, requesting contributions of as little as $5 in exchange for a chance to win one of several prizes, including spending a day with former President Bill Clinton. "I won't spend a lot of time trying to convince you to help Hillary," Carville e-mailed. "I know what she means to you, and I'm sure you know how important it is for her to have her campaign pay off all its obligations." It's unclear whether the campaign will use the $2.6 million in the bank to clear its $2.3 million in debts in the short term. Continued fundraising indicates that it will not. Additional operating expenses and other outlays could emerge. Any extra money from the campaign could be donated to political causes or returned to donors. Clinton's campaign reported raising $938,000 in contributions in the first three months of 2009. In addition to tapping traditional fundraising, the campaign also generated money by selling or renting various campaign assets to other organizations. It received $2.6 million from Clinton's "Friends of Hillary" U.S. Senate campaign committee for the sale of unspecified assets and an additional $2.2 million from renting out its lists of campaign supporters. Organizations that have rented Clinton's lists include the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the inaugural committee of then-President-elect Barack Obama, and the William Jefferson Clinton Foundation. Those organizations each paid $274,297. Clinton's political action committee, HillPAC, rented the lists for $822,492. Among the Democratic candidates who have rented Clinton's campaign lists are Arkansas Sen. Blanche Lincoln; Virginia gubernatorial candidate and former Clinton campaign Chairman Terry McAuliffe; New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed to fill Clinton's seat	[ "What James Carville did to Democrats?", "How much campaign debt does Clinton have", "How much does she owe?", "In which year Hillary Clinton failed presidential bid?", "James Carville sent what to Democrats" ]	[ [ "sent a fundraising e-mail" ], [ "$2.3 million in" ], [ "$2.3 million" ], [ "2008" ], [ "fundraising e-mail" ] ]	Hillary Clinton owes $2.3 million in campaign debt from failed 2008 presidential bid . Her campaign committee reported having $2.6 million in bank at end of March . Clinton ally James Carville recently sent fundraising e-mail to Democrats .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sen. Mel Martinez, a Florida Republican, announced Friday that he will resign his seat as soon as a replacement can be named by the governor. Sen. Mel Martinez is the only Hispanic Republican in the U.S. Senate. "My priorities have always been my faith, my family and my country, and, at this stage of my life and after nearly 12 years of public service in Florida and in Washington, it is time to return to Florida and my family," the 62-year-old said in Orlando, Florida. "So today I am announcing my decision to step down from public office." Martinez said he is resigning "of my own free will. There is no impending reason; it's only my desire to move on and to get on with the rest of my life." He added that he is in good health and that he expects the next phase of his life will take place in the private sector. "However, I do hope that I can have a voice to speak out on issues I think are important," he said. Martinez added that he has no plans to run for any other public office. At a news conference at McDill Air Force Base in Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist said he will "undertake a very thorough, comprehensive, thoughtful process" to find a replacement for Martinez. He vowed not to appoint himself to complete Martinez's six-year term, which ends in about 17 months, and predicted that he would reach a decision before the Senate returns from recess September 8. Crist, a Republican, had announced in May that he would not seek a second term as governor and instead would run for Martinez's seat in the 2010 election. Martinez was elected in 2004. He announced in December his intention to retire at the end of his term. Martinez is the only Hispanic Republican in the Senate. He joined eight other Republicans on Thursday in voting to confirm Judge Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Democrats hold a tenuous filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, with 60 votes. Martinez is one of six Republicans who have stated they would not seek re-election in 2010. But the Florida senator is the second Republican who has decided to leave before the curtain drops on the 111th Congress next fall. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, recently announced her intention to quit the Senate three years before her term expires, in order to run for governor next year. The five other Republicans who are retiring are Missouri Sen. Kit Bond, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg, Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning and Ohio Sen. George Voinovich. Two Democrats will not run in 2010: Illinois Sen. Roland Burris and Delaware Sen. Ted Kaufman. Republicans must defend 19 seats next year, and Democrats must protect 18. CNN's Rick DiBella, Mark Preston and Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report.	[ "Which governor will seek the seat?", "Which Florida senator is not seeking re-election?", "In what month did the individual in question announce they would not seek reelection?" ]	[ [ "Crist," ], [ "Sen. Mel Martinez," ], [ "May" ] ]	NEW: Florida senator says there is no "impending reason" behind decision . NEW: He has no plans to run for another office, he says . He announced in December that he would not seek re-election . Florida governor has said he will seek the seat .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Several Marines who were involved in the November 2004 offensive in Falluja, Iraq, are now the focus of an investigation into allegations that civilians were intentionally killed during the operation, several Pentagon officials have confirmed. Members of the 1st U.S. Marines Expeditionary Force operate in Falluja, Iraq, in November of 2006. No one has been charged in the probe, which is based on what one official told CNN were "credible allegations" from a former Marine. That Marine volunteered the information during an employment polygraph test administered by the U.S. Secret Service. Several sources familiar with the probe say the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is conducting the investigation. The allegations first surfaced on a Web site, defendourmarines.com, posted by Nathaniel Helms, a military journalist who wrote a book about the Marines in Falluja. The Web posting includes an account from a Marine who alleges eight captured Iraqis were gunned down following a firefight. The weeklong anti-insurgent offensive in Falluja began on November 7, 2004. It was called Operation New Dawn, and it sparked intense fighting involving airstrikes and house-to-house searches. There were reports of civilians being killed in the crossfire at that time. The allegations are the latest involving Marines and civilian deaths in Iraq. Seven Marines and a Navy medic were charged with killing an Iraqi civilian in Hamdaniya in April 2006. One Marine will serve eight years in a plea deal; another Marine withdrew his guilty plea, saying he acted under orders. Four Marines were charged with murder in the 2005 killings of 24 Iraqi civilians in Haditha. Four officers are accused of failing to investigate and report the deaths properly. Haditha was a target of Marine operations to root out insurgents. Both U.S. military law and international law of armed conflict prohibit the killing of unarmed captured prisoners, whether or not they are combatants. E-mail to a friend	[ "What is called \"credible.\"", "Who are the focus of the 2004 Falluja civilian death investigation?", "Who is conducting the probe?", "Are allegations from former Marine called \"credible\"", "what caused the marines to be the focus?" ]	[ [ "allegations\"" ], [ "Several Marines" ], [ "Naval Criminal Investigative Service" ], [ "were \"credible allegations\"" ], [ "allegations that civilians were intentionally killed during the operation," ] ]	Several Marines are the focus of 2004 Falluja civilian death investigation . Allegations from former Marine called "credible" Sources: Naval Criminal Investigative Services conducting the probe .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Sheila Wash greets her son and daughter, 13-year-old Cecil and 9-year-old Sheliah, every day when their school buses arrive "home." Sheila Wash says being homeless has been an "eye-opening experience" for her. They talk about the school day, their homework and even joke that Sheliah can't remember what she ate for lunch. The fourth-grader wonders aloud, "What did we have? We had something good." But it's hardly a homecoming for any of them. The Wash family has been homeless since 2007, after Sheila lost her government job. She says unemployment benefits quickly ran out and, as she searched for a job, the family was forced to move six times in the last two years. They're now living in the Family Forward Shelter in Washington. "I just thank God we have a roof over our head right now. You have to accept the things that come to you. You don't like them but, you know, until you can get your foot forward, you do what you have to do. We just keep going," Wash said. Wash's situation was only made worse as the economic recession set in. Jobs became harder and harder to find with more competition for each position. She says she's still searching. The Washes are part of the changing face of homelessness in America today. For years, homelessness has been depicted as that of an individual man or woman living on the street and begging for money. But with the perfect storm of the foreclosure crisis and the faltering economy, more and more families are becoming homeless. According to a recent count by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the number of homeless families in the Washington region alone has jumped 15 percent since last year. There are several national estimates of homelessness, but many are dated or based on dated information. TheU.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development points to a study done in 2007 -- before the brunt of the foreclosure crisis hit --which stated that about 3.5 million people, 1.35 million of them children, are likely to experience homelessness in a given year. That study was conducted by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty "People lose their jobs. Their monthly household expenses spiral out of control because maybe their car broke down that month, and when you have such a tight budget with high rental costs, there is no room for error. And so that is what really leads families to the shelter door," said Mary Cunningham, author of "Preventing and Ending Homelessness - Next Steps." Reflecting on their struggles over the last few years, Sheila calls it "eye-opening." "It's like they say you never know [someone] until you walk in their shoes, so truly I know now and if I ever get out [of] this situation, I will always give back to people less fortunate than I am because I know their struggles," Wash said. School officials in Prince George's County, Maryland, where the two Wash children go to school, say a day doesn't go by without the need to enroll another child as homeless. Denise Ross, supervisor for the school district's Homeless Education Office, said they've been inundated with requests. "Some of them are embarrassed, some of them are scared, some of them are sad. They're just not sure what's going to happen next," Ross said. "Students who are displaced or homeless students feel that school is a safe haven. They really want to come to school. They really want to attend school." For homeless students, Prince George's County Schools offers free transportation to and from school, free breakfast and lunch, help with school supplies and also clothing. "Either in the shuffle of being evicted or moving from shelter to shelter or place to place, their clothes may not have followed them. Or may have been set out and somebody may have taken them. So they may only have [the] clothes that are on their back.	[ "What do school officials say?", "when have they been homeless since", "what happened to make them homeless", "How long have they been homeless?", "What caused Sheila Wash to be homeless?", "Where has homelessness increased by 15%?", "who has been homesless", "What does the Author say?" ]	[ [ "a day doesn't go by without the need to enroll another child as homeless." ], [ "2007," ], [ "after Sheila lost her government job." ], [ "since 2007," ], [ "lost her government job." ], [ "Washington region" ], [ "Sheila Wash" ], [ "really leads families to the shelter door,\"" ] ]	Sheila Wash and her two kids have been homeless since 2007, after she lost her job . School officials in the Washes' district say more of their students are homeless . Author: Having "no room for error" on finances often sends families to shelter door . By one count, homelessness in the D.C. area has jumped by 15% over last year .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Shortly before President Obama departs for a trip to the Middle East, a new national poll suggests that one in five Americans has a favorable view of Muslim countries. President Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visit an Istanbul mosque in April. That view compares with 46 percent of the people questioned in a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey who say they have an unfavorable opinion of Muslim countries. That's up 5 percentage points from 2002, when 41 percent indicated that they had an unfavorable view. Meanwhile, three in 10 say they have a neutral opinion of Muslim countries. The poll also suggests that most Americans suspect people in Muslim countries don't think highly of the United States. Nearly eight in 10 questioned say people in Muslim countries have a unfavorable opinion of the United States, with 14 percent saying Muslims hold a favorable view. iReport.com: Your perspectives on the Muslim world But the poll indicates Americans seem to be split on whether such negative opinions by Muslims matter. Fifty-three percent of those questioned say they think Muslim views of the United States matter greatly or moderately, with 47 percent saying that Muslim opinions of the United States don't matter very much or at all. The poll's release comes hours before the president flies to Saudi Arabia for meetings with King Abdullah. Following the stop in Saudi Arabia, Obama will head to Egypt, where he'll deliver a long-awaited speech Thursday on relations between the United States and the Muslim world. Watch the challenges Obama faces with the speech » At a town hall in Turkey earlier this year, the president declared that "the United States is not, and will never be, at war with Islam." Many Americans seem to agree with the president: Sixty-two percent of those surveyed say they don't think the United States is at war with the Muslim world, with 36 percent indicating that the country is at war with Muslim countries. Those numbers have remained stable since CNN's 2002 poll. But the poll suggests that six out of 10 think that the Muslim world considers itself at war with the United States. "The feeling seems to be mutual. We distrust Muslims. They distrust Americans. Views of Americans have not changed very much over the past seven years. There are some indications that Muslims' views of Americans have improved a bit since Barack Obama took office, but they are still not positive," said Bill Schneider, CNN senior political analyst. The CNN/Opinion Research poll was conducted May 14-17, with 1,010 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.	[ "who has a favorable view of muslim countries?", "Who will be the primary audience of Obama's speech?", "Where will Obama give his speech?", "where was the speech?", "Does the average American have a favorable view of Muslim countries?" ]	[ [ "one in five Americans" ], [ "the Muslim world." ], [ "Egypt," ], [ "Egypt," ], [ "one in five" ] ]	Poll: One in five Americans has a favorable view of Muslim countries . Poll released on eve of President Obama's speech in Cairo, Egypt, to Muslim world . Poll: Americans say they aren't at war with Muslims but think Muslims at war with U.S.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Six life insurance companies have qualified to receive billions of dollars in bailout money under the government's Troubled Asset Relief Program, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. Allstate is one of six life insurance companies who are qualified to receive TARP money. Treasury Department spokesman Andrew Williams said Allstate, Ameriprise Financial, Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., Lincoln National Corp., Principal Financial and Prudential Financial Inc. have qualified for TARP money. "These life insurers met the requirements for the Capital Purchase Program because of their bank holding company status and each applied for CPP capital investments by the deadline of November 14, 2008," Williams said. Williams also said other financial institutions in the Capital Purchase Program "will be reviewed and funded as appropriate on a rolling basis." In April, about $135 billion remained from the original $700 billion allocated for the bailout last October. No current figures were immediately available. No funding amounts were announced by the Treasury Department, but Hartford said it had been preliminarily approved for $3.4 billion. "We are pleased that we received preliminary approval to participate in (the) Treasury's Capital Purchase Program," said Ramani Ayer, chairman and chief executive officer of Hartford. "These funds would further fortify our capital resources and provide us with additional financial flexibility during one of the most volatile market climates in our nation's history." Investors have been increasingly worried about the health of life insurers, which have been hit hard by worries about capital requirements and growing losses. A number of insurers that are also bank holding companies or thrifts have been eligible for funds from TARP since last fall. Last year, the Office of Thrift Supervision approved applications from Hartford and Lincoln to become bank holding companies, because of their planned bank purchases. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-based Lincoln is buying Newton County Loan & Savings FSB in Goodland, Indiana. Hartford, based in Hartford, Connecticut, is buying Federal Trust Bank in Sanford, Florida.	[ "how many insurance companies will receive money?", "How many insurance comapnies received TARP money?", "How much money was allocated for the bailout?", "How much money remained in the fund as of April?", "who will receive the money", "when will the money be released", "how much remains?", "where is the money coming from?" ]	[ [ "six life" ], [ "six" ], [ "$700 billion" ], [ "about $135 billion" ], [ "Six life insurance companies" ], [ "November 14, 2008,\"" ], [ "$135 billion" ], [ "Troubled Asset Relief Program," ] ]	Six life insurance companies to receive TARP money, U.S. Treasury says . As of April, about $135 billion remained from original $700 billion allocated for bailout . Industry has suffered amid concerns with capital requirements, growing losses .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Smoking cessation programs make up $75 million of the economic stimulus bill making its way through the Senate, according to Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who sponsored the funding. Sen. Tom Harkin's office says smoking causes $110 billion in health costs each year. Harkin said the programs were an attempt to bolster the economy by lowering the soaring health-care costs smoking causes each year. The money will be used to bolster existing anti-smoking campaigns run by the Department of Health and Human Services and to buy new equipment at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which tests the contents of cigarettes. Harkin's office cited figures that smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths and causes $110 billion in heath costs every year. Harkin believes prevention will go a long way to boosting the health of Americans while boosting health of the American economy. Watch Harkin describe how anti-smoking programs help economy » The U.S. House on Wednesday evening passed the $819 billion economic stimulus package on a party-line vote, despite President Barack Obama's efforts to achieve bipartisan support for the bill, CNNMoney.com reports. The final vote was 244 to 188. No Republicans voted for the bill, while 11 Democrats voted against it. The Senate is likely to take up the bill next week.	[ "What amount would go toward smoking cessation programs?", "What programs are going to receive $75million?", "What is the intended result of the smoking cessation programs?", "What do the programs hope to bolster?", "what amount would go toward smoking cessation programs?", "What did the U.S. House pass?", "What did the US House pass?", "Who made the annoucement about smoking cessation programs?", "What do the programs lower the cost of?" ]	[ [ "$75 million" ], [ "Smoking cessation" ], [ "lowering the soaring health-care costs" ], [ "the economy" ], [ "$75 million" ], [ "$819 billion economic stimulus package on a party-line vote," ], [ "$819 billion economic stimulus package" ], [ "Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa," ], [ "soaring health-care" ] ]	$75 million would go toward smoking cessation programs, says Sen. Tom Harkin . Programs are effort to bolster economy by lowering soaring health-care costs . U.S. House passes $819 billion economic stimulus package .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Some $700 million in economic stimulus money intended to upgrade baggage screening systems at airports will go further than originally expected, Department of Homeland Security officials said Wednesday. The new systems can process up to 500 bags an hour, compared to the 150 to 160 bags per hour on the older machines, the TSA said. The DHS said the money will now upgrade systems at 10 additional airports. Earlier this year the DHS announced funding for baggage screening at airports in 15 cities. The money will be used to speed up construction of in-line baggage screening systems, which take advantage of the airline's existing conveyor belt systems to check bags, eliminating the need for minivan-size bomb detection systems now found in many airport lobbies. Government auditors have long complained about existing systems, which the Transportation Security Administration rushed into place to meet congressional deadlines after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. At airports with in-line systems, airline workers at the ticketing counters place the bags on conveyor belts, which pass through explosive detectors on their way to the aircraft. That is more efficient than stand-alone systems, which the TSA employees must staff. In addition, in-line systems can process up to 500 bags an hour, compared to the 150 to 160 bags per hour processed by stand-alone machines, the TSA said. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said in a statement that DHS was able to "stretch our resources" by managing the recovery money and by negotiating with airports. In addition to the $700 million intended for checked baggage systems, $300 million is being allocated for checkpoint technology, such as new X-ray machines, "whole body imaging" technology and bottled liquid scanners. The new airports expected to get stimulus money for in-line explosive detection systems are: • Washington Dulles International Airport (Chantilly, Virginia) • Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (St. Louis, Missouri) • Yellowstone Regional Airport (Cody, Wyoming) • William P. Hobby Airport (Houston, Texas) • St. Petersburg/Clearwater International Airport (St. Petersburg, Florida) • Gallatin Field Airport (Bozeman, Montana) • Little Rock National Airport (Little Rock, Arkansas) • Tulsa International Airport (Tulsa, Oklahoma) • Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte, North Carolina) • Colorado Springs Airport (Colorado Springs, Colorado) Earlier this year, DHS announced funding for airports in the following cities: Atlanta, Georgia; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Honolulu, Hawaii; Huntsville, Alabama; Jackson, Wyoming; Maui, Hawaii; New Orleans, Louisiana; Orange County, California; Orlando, Florida; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Portland, Maine; and Sacramento, San Francisco and San Jose, California. To learn more about the DHS Recovery Act projects, visit www.dhs.gov/recovery.	[ "What does the Department of Homeland security say?", "How many additional airports did DHS identify to receive in-line baggage screening systems?", "Are updated screening processes more efficient than stand-alone machines?", "What makes this process more efficient than stand-alone machines?", "What does the department of Homeland security say can happen with stimulus money?", "Which airports will receive in-line baggage screening systems?" ]	[ [ "systems at airports will go further than originally expected," ], [ "10" ], [ "systems," ], [ "airline workers at the ticketing counters place the bags on conveyor belts, which pass through explosive detectors on their way to the aircraft." ], [ "will be used to speed up construction of in-line baggage screening systems," ], [ "Washington Dulles International" ] ]	Department of Homeland security says stimulus money can be stretched . DHS identified 10 additional airports to receive in-line baggage screening systems . Updated screening process is more efficient than stand-alone machines .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Somewhere, it's engraved in stone: "Thou shalt remove thy laptop from thy bag." Beginning Saturday, travelers will be able to leave laptops in bags that meet TSA screening requirements. But savvy travelers can begin ignoring that commandment of air travel beginning Saturday, when the Transportation Security Administration begins recognizing the latest innovation in aviation security -- checkpoint-friendly computer bags. The TSA said it has worked with bag manufacturers to address one of the biggest frustrations of air travelers, the need to remove computers from carry-on bags and place them in bins. It asked manufacturers to design bags that give X-ray machines a clear, unobstructed view of the laptops. Some 60 manufacturers responded to the TSA's solicitation, with 40 of them submitting prototypes for testing. About a dozen manufacturers are currently advertising checkpoint-friendly bags. Many of the bags are deceptively simple. One common design resembles a clam shell. The case unzips into two, with one side holding the computer and the other holding computer peripherals, keys and other personal items. All of the bags are devoid of metal zippers, clips and buckles on the side of the bag that holds the computer. Learn about the TSA's laptop bag requirements » Travelers at Reagan National Airport near Washington had different opinions on the hassles of carrying computers but were uniformly supportive of having checkpoint-friendly bags. "Sign me up," said traveler Seth Robertson, who was carrying a computer bag and a large, stuffed pony, a present for a friend in Nicaragua. Getting the computer through the checkpoint was more difficult than the stuffed animal, he said. "The laptop, I have to take out of the bag and put it separately," Robertson said, whereas the pony, he could "just stuff right through." Screeners didn't even look the gift horse in the mouth. The TSA says about one-third of all air travelers carry laptops. And the current screening procedures are cumbersome for travelers who sometimes leave laptops at the checkpoints in their haste. Watch a screening demonstration with a new laptop bag » In fact, about 4,800 laptops are lost at airport checkpoints every day, according to a study conducted this year by the Ponemon Institute for the Dell computer company. It is not known how may are quickly recovered, an institute official said. But a checkpoint-friendly carrying case could potentially alleviate problems caused when folks grab the wrong computer by mistake, or grab the bag and forget the computer, he said. TSA spokeswoman Ellen Howe said the bags may even improve speed at checkpoints. "Less time (is) spent putting things in the bin and putting things back in at the other end, so it may help the process along," she said. For a bag to meet TSA requirements, it must meet the following five standards: The TSA says it is not approving or endorsing any bag design, but it says manufacturers have stepped up to the plate, providing a number of bags that qualify.	[ "What must travelers use?", "What kind of checkpoints will be available from Saturday?", "What shouldn't there be on laptop bags according to the TSA?", "Which items can be placed in the new bags?", "What must not obstruct the view?", "When will the bags be eligible for screening?", "What does TSA stand for?" ]	[ [ "checkpoint-friendly bags." ], [ "able to leave laptops in bags that meet TSA screening requirements." ], [ "metal zippers, clips and buckles" ], [ "laptops" ], [ "bags" ], [ "Beginning Saturday," ], [ "Transportation Security Administration" ] ]	Checkpoint-friendly computer bags will be eligible for TSA screening Saturday . Travelers must use bags with a designated laptop-only section . There must be no metal snaps, zippers or buckles obstructing the view .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Taken alone, a California woman's 20-minute video "scrapbook" is basically a collection of photographic memories spanning her 19-year-old daughter's all-too-brief life. Birthday parties, picnics, graduations -- all set to evocative music and narrated matter-of-factly by the mother. John Paul Stevens was one of three justices who wanted to grant further review of the defendant's case. What makes this video unusual is that it was presented at a California murder trial as "victim impact evidence." The Supreme Court on Monday gave an indirect endorsement to such videos when it rejected an appeal from a defendant who argued that the presentation violated his right to a fair trial. The high court also rejected a similar capital case, also from California, involving a woman who narrated a video montage of her slain parents. With the court's refusal to intervene, the death sentences imposed by the juries in the two cases were upheld. At issue was not whether any testimony can be used showing the impact a crime victim's loss had on family, friends and society at large. The question for the justices was how that testimony is presented. Some trial courts, but not all, have allowed such videotapes to be played in court, while often placing limitations on the content. One case involved Douglas Oliver Kelly, convicted in the 1993 slaying of Sarah Weir. The teenager had befriended Kelly at a Burbank gym. Her body was found stabbed 29 times, probably by a pair of scissors. During the penalty phase of the trial, the prosecution presented just one witness to provide victim impact evidence: the victim's mother, Martha Farwell, a Los Angeles-area attorney. She had prepared the video, describing how her daughter had been adopted from Canada and was a Blackfoot Indian. In the background is the music of Enya, an Irish singer and composer. Most of the video simply describes the photos and home movies, but near the end is a shot of Weir's grave and Farwell's narration: "As time goes by, I try very hard not to think of Sarah in terms of this terrible tragedy that we've had to deal with here in court, but rather of her in a place like this." Over photos of the Canadian landscape, Farwell concludes, "This is filmed in southern Alberta, the land where Sarah's people lived for so many generations. This is the kind of heaven she seems to belong in." The trial judge had allowed the video to be presented, calling it a "very compelling tape" and adding that "it has more probative value than any prejudicial effect." Kelly appealed, saying the video so influenced the jury that the panel was unable to render a fair assessment of the penalty. California's highest court allowed the verdict and death penalty to stand, but urged judges to use caution in allowing such video evidence. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, in a brief statement, said Monday he would have accepted Kelly's appeal of his sentence and held oral arguments on the issue. "The videos added nothing relevant to the jury's deliberations," he wrote, "and invited a verdict based on sentiment, rather than reasoned judgment." But it takes four justices to grant further review of a case, and only Justices David Souter and Stephen Breyer joined Stevens. Breyer called the Kelly video "poignant, tasteful, artistic and, above all, moving," but he noted that was the problem. "Those aspects of the film tell the jury little or nothing about the crime's 'circumstances' " the jury had to consider during sentencing. The companion case dealt with Samuel Zamudio, convicted in the February 1996 slayings of Elmer Benson, 79, and his wife Gladys, 74, in the South Gate area of Los Angeles. The defendant lived next door to the Bensons and owed money to them. He robbed and stabbed the elderly couple, and a jury sentenced him to death. The Bensons' daughter, Linda Bouffard, narrated 118 scenes from her parents	[ "where was the murder", "what is the name of the defendant of the case?" ]	[ [ "California" ], [ "Douglas Oliver Kelly," ] ]	Case involved case of Sara Weir, stabbed to death in California . Victim's mother, a lawyer, put together moving video scrapbook . Defendant Douglas Oliver Kelly contended video was prejudicial . Justices rejected Kelly's appeal, indirectly endorsing victim impact videos .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Terrorists are likely to use a weapon of mass destruction somewhere in the world in the next five years, a blue-ribbon panel assembled by Congress has concluded. Police watch over travelers at New York's Grand Central Terminal before Thanksgiving. They are more likely to use a biological weapon than a nuclear one -- and the results could be devastating, the chairman of the commission told CNN. "The consequences of a biological attack are almost beyond comprehension. It would be 9/11 times 10 or a hundred in terms of the number of people who would be killed," former Sen. Bob Graham said. He cited the flu virus that killed millions of people in 1918 as an example. "Today it is still in the laboratory, but if it should get out and into the hands of scientists who knew how to use it for a violent purpose, we could have multiple times the 40 million people who were killed 100 years ago," he said. Watch how officials worry about a biological terror attack » The U.S. government "needs to move more aggressively to limit" the spread of biological weapons, the commission said in its report. Graham warned that such measures would be costly, but were necessary. "The leadership of this country and the world will have to decide how much of a priority ... they place on avoiding the worst weapons in the world getting in the hands of the worst people in the world," he said. "It is not going to be cheap. It is not going to be accomplished without some sacrifices. It won't be accomplished without putting this issue ahead of some other competing national and international goals. But I think our safety and security depend upon doing so," he added. Graham said a biological attack was more likely than a nuclear one because it would be easier to carry out. Biological weapons "are more available," he said. "Anthrax is a natural product of dead animals. Other serious pathogens are available in equally accessible forms." "There are so many scientists who have the skills to convert a pathogen from benign, helpful purposes into an illicit, very harmful weapon," he added. But the commission warned that there is also a threat of nuclear terrorism, both because more countries are developing nuclear weapons and because some existing nuclear powers are expanding their arsenals. "Terrorist organizations are intent on acquiring nuclear weapons," said the report, which was published Tuesday on the Internet and will be officially released Wednesday. CNN obtained a copy of the report Monday evening. It cited testimony before the commission from former Sen. Sam Nunn, who said that the "risk of a nuclear weapon being used today is growing, not receding." The report recommends a range of measures, including increased security and awareness at biological research labs and strengthening international treaties against the spread of biological and nuclear weapons. "Many biological pathogens and nuclear materials around the world are poorly secured -- and thus vulnerable to theft by those who would put these materials to harmful use, or would sell them on the black market to potential terrorists," the report warned. The commission expressed particular concern about the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, and about Pakistan, which it described as "the intersection of nuclear weapons and terrorism." While observing that Pakistan is a U.S. ally, the report said, "the next terrorist attack against the United States is likely to originate from within the Federally Administered Tribal Areas" in Pakistan. The tribal areas lie in northwest Pakistan where the government exerts little control; the United States says it is a haven for militants from both Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan. Congress created the commission to investigate and report on WMD and terrorism in line with a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, which compiled a report on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Commissioners heard testimony from more than 250 experts from around the world over the course of their six-month investigation. CNN's Jeanne Meserve contributed to this report.	[ "Which nations have nuclear weapons?", "What is the terror attack?", "Which is more likely?", "What could kill millions?", "What's more likely than a nuclear attack?", "when Terrorists with biological weapons could kill millions?" ]	[ [ "North Korea," ], [ "biological" ], [ "to use a biological weapon than a nuclear one" ], [ "Terrorists" ], [ "biological weapon" ], [ "in the next five years," ] ]	NEW: Next terror attack on U.S. likely to originate in Pakistan tribal areas, report says . Terrorists with biological weapons could kill millions, panel's chairman says . Biological attack more likely than nuclear attack, report says . Number of nations with nuclear weapons also growing, panel says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Terrorists are likely to use a weapon of mass destruction somewhere in the world in the next five years, a blue-ribbon panel assembled by Congress has concluded. Police watch over travelers at New York's Grand Central Terminal before Thanksgiving. They are more likely to use a biological weapon than a nuclear one -- and the results could be devastating, the chairman of the commission told CNN. "The consequences of a biological attack are almost beyond comprehension. It would be 9/11 times 10 or a hundred in terms of the number of people who would be killed," former Sen. Bob Graham said. He cited the flu virus that killed millions of people in 1918 as an example. "Today it is still in the laboratory, but if it should get out and into the hands of scientists who knew how to use it for a violent purpose, we could have multiple times the 40 million people who were killed 100 years ago," he said. Watch how officials worry about a biological terror attack » The U.S. government "needs to move more aggressively to limit" the spread of biological weapons, the commission said in its report. Graham warned that such measures would be costly, but were necessary. "The leadership of this country and the world will have to decide how much of a priority ... they place on avoiding the worst weapons in the world getting in the hands of the worst people in the world," he said. "It is not going to be cheap. It is not going to be accomplished without some sacrifices. It won't be accomplished without putting this issue ahead of some other competing national and international goals. But I think our safety and security depend upon doing so," he added. Graham said a biological attack was more likely than a nuclear one because it would be easier to carry out. Biological weapons "are more available," he said. "Anthrax is a natural product of dead animals. Other serious pathogens are available in equally accessible forms." "There are so many scientists who have the skills to convert a pathogen from benign, helpful purposes into an illicit, very harmful weapon," he added. But the commission warned that there is also a threat of nuclear terrorism, both because more countries are developing nuclear weapons and because some existing nuclear powers are expanding their arsenals. "Terrorist organizations are intent on acquiring nuclear weapons," said the report, which was published Tuesday on the Internet and will be officially released Wednesday. CNN obtained a copy of the report Monday evening. It cited testimony before the commission from former Sen. Sam Nunn, who said that the "risk of a nuclear weapon being used today is growing, not receding." The report recommends a range of measures, including increased security and awareness at biological research labs and strengthening international treaties against the spread of biological and nuclear weapons. "Many biological pathogens and nuclear materials around the world are poorly secured -- and thus vulnerable to theft by those who would put these materials to harmful use, or would sell them on the black market to potential terrorists," the report warned. The commission expressed particular concern about the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, and about Pakistan, which it described as "the intersection of nuclear weapons and terrorism." While observing that Pakistan is a U.S. ally, the report said, "the next terrorist attack against the United States is likely to originate from within the Federally Administered Tribal Areas" in Pakistan. The tribal areas lie in northwest Pakistan where the government exerts little control; the United States says it is a haven for militants from both Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan. Congress created the commission to investigate and report on WMD and terrorism in line with a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, which compiled a report on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Commissioners heard testimony from more than 250 experts from around the world over the course of their six-month investigation. CNN's Jeanne Meserve contributed to this report.	[ "What is more likely than an nuclear attack?", "Who could kill millions?", "what is likely to originate in Pakistan tribal areas?", "What is the danger of biological weapons?", "what is growing?", "what is the name of panel's chairman?" ]	[ [ "a biological weapon" ], [ "Terrorists" ], [ "\"the next terrorist attack against the United States" ], [ "mass destruction" ], [ "\"risk of a nuclear weapon being used" ], [ "Bob Graham" ] ]	NEW: Next terror attack on U.S. likely to originate in Pakistan tribal areas, report says . Terrorists with biological weapons could kill millions, panel's chairman says . Biological attack more likely than nuclear attack, report says . Number of nations with nuclear weapons also growing, panel says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Bush administration hailed North Korea's declaration of its nuclear program as a success for the multilateral diplomacy it engaged in through the six party talks with South Korea, China, Japan and Russia. Workers remove fuel rods on the reactor floor at North Korea's Yongbyon nuclear facility this year. In fact, North Korea's confessions of many of its nuclear sins -- and its shutdown of its nuclear reactor at Yongbyon -- are the closest the international community has come to curbing North Korea's nuclear program. As a result of Pyongyang's handover of the 60-page declaration document -- and Friday's expected destruction of the cooling tower at Yongbyon -- President Bush ordered some sanctions against North Korea lifted and instructed the State Department to remove the reclusive communist nation from U.S. lists of enemies and nations that support terrorism. But as important as what the document says is what it doesn't say. There is no mention of how many weapons North Korea has or where they are hidden. Nor did North Korea admit to a suspected uranium enrichment program or what nuclear secrets it may have shared with Syria. Both issues are reduced in the declaration to "concerns" Pyongyang promises to address down the road. Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have pledged a robust verification process to double-check North Korea's claims. And North Korea has promised to allow U.S. inspectors access to the Yongbyon facility and to interview its nuclear experts. But it is far from clear whether Pyongyang will allow the kind of intrusive inspections of its entire nuclear arsenal that the United States will need to get a complete picture of North Korea's program. Congressional Republicans not so sure about Pyongyang The stiffest opposition to the deal is coming from conservative Republicans. Once considered President Bush's strongest allies in confronting North Korea's nuclear ambition, they feel that the Bush administration has let North Korea off the hook, especially when it comes to its enriched uranium program and suspected proliferation to Syria. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Florida, the top Republican on the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed "profound disappointment" over Bush's announcement that North Korea would be coming off the lists of enemies and state sponsors of terrorism. And Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Michigan, the top Republican on the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, accused President Bush of sacrificing its principles for a foreign policy success. "A decision seemingly has been made that it is more important for the White House to reach a legacy agreement than to get to the bottom of North Korea's nuclear efforts," Hoekstra said. "Lifting sanctions and removing North Korea from the list of state sponsors of terrorism flies in the face of history and rewards its brutal dictator for shallow gestures." Rep. Ed Royce, R-California, called North Korea's declaration late and incomplete, alleging that North Korea built a nuclear facility for Syria, considered a terrorist state by the United States, while the nuclear negotiations were ongoing. That, he said, was proof that Pyongyang can't be trusted. "How do you have a meaningful declaration of your nuclear program without saying how many bombs you have?" Royce asked. "This is a signal to other proliferating regimes that nuclear weapons will be rewarded without ever having to give them up." Democrats, who once criticized Bush for not talking directly to North Korea about its nuclear program, are cautiously supportive of the deal. Howard Berman, the Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the North's submission of a declaration "encouraging." Even former presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, praised the Bush administration, saying "engaging our enemies can pay dividends." But Kerry added, "historians will long wonder why this administration did not directly engage North Korea before Pyongyang gathered enough material for several nuclear weapons, tested a nuclear device and the missiles to deliver them." Are we headed down the same road with Iran? In his 2002 State of the Union address, Bush termed Iraq, North Korea and Iran the "axis of evil," saying they were "arming	[ "Who says the Bush administration has let Pyongyang off the hook?", "Who may be headed down the same road with Iran?", "What didn't North Korea admit to?", "What did North Korea not admit to?", "Who has been let off the hook?" ]	[ [ "conservative Republicans." ], [ "North Korea" ], [ "suspected uranium enrichment program" ], [ "a suspected uranium enrichment program or" ], [ "North Korea" ] ]	Just as important as what the nuclear declaration says is what it doesn't say . North Korea didn't admit to uranium enrichment or sharing secrets with Syria . Many Republicans say Bush administration has let Pyongyang off the hook . U.S. may be headed down the same road with Iran .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Bush administration misused intelligence to build a case for the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Senate Intelligence Committee said in a report issued Thursday. President Bush didn't request intelligence reports about the post-war situation, the Senate panel's report says. The White House exploited its ability to declassify intelligence selectively to bolster its case for war, the committee chairman, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-West Virginia, said in the report. Senior officials disclosed and discussed sensitive intelligence reports that supported the administration's policy objectives and kept out of public discourse information that did not, he said. The report also found that the administration misled the American people about contacts between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda. "Policymakers' statements did not accurately convey the intelligence assessments" about contacts between the then-Iraqi leader and Osama bin Laden's group, "and left the impression that the contacts led to substantive Iraqi cooperation or support of al Qaeda," the report said. "Statements and implications by the president and secretary of state suggesting that Iraq and al Qaeda had a partnership, or that Iraq had provided al Qaeda with weapons training, were not substantiated by the intelligence," according to the committee's exhaustive report on prewar intelligence. The top Republican on the committee dismissed its findings as "partisan gamesmanship." "It is ironic that the Democrats would knowingly distort and misrepresent the committee's findings and the intelligence in an effort to prove that the administration distorted and mischaracterized the intelligence," said Sen. Christopher Bond of Missouri. The White House also rejected the report as old news. "I know this is another report, and I'm sure that they put a lot of considerable thought into it, but this is a subject that has been gone over many many, many times, and I don't know of anything that's particularly new in it," said spokeswoman Dana Perino, who said she had not yet read it. She said the White House relied on the same information as the rest of the world, admitting that it was wrong but denying that Bush had set out to mislead the country. White House claims that Hussein was seeking weapons of mass destruction were partially backed by available intelligence, the report found, but did not reflect disputes within the intelligence community. The CIA, among others, believed Iraq was trying to acquire nuclear weapons, but the Department of Energy disagreed, the report said. No weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq after the invasion. The report also took the administration to task for its predictions about the aftermath of the invasion, including Vice President Dick Cheney's assertion that U.S. troops would be greeted as liberators. Bush and Cheney did not request intelligence reports about the post-war situation, and their public statements did not reflect doubts and uncertainties in the intelligence community, the report said. The report comes days after former White House press spokesman Scott McClellan published a book saying Bush decided on war with Iraq soon after the September 11, 2001, attacks. "Bush and his advisers knew that the American people would almost certainly not support a war launched primarily for the ambitious purpose of transforming the Middle East. Rather than open this Pandora's Box, the administration chose a different path -- not employing out-and-out deception, but shading the truth," McClellan wrote in his memoir, "What Happened." Current and former White House officials have dismissed McClellan's accusations, saying he was not in a position to know about top-level White House decision-making before the war when he was deputy press secretary. The Senate committee chairman slammed the White House in a statement marking the release of the long-awaited report. "Before taking the country to war, this administration owed it to the American people to give them a 100 percent accurate picture of the threat we faced," Rockefeller said Thursday. "Unfortunately, our committee has concluded that the administration made significant claims that were not supported by the intelligence. In making the case for war,	[ "What did the report say?", "What does the report say the Bush administration misused?", "What spokesperson called the findings \"old news\"?", "What contacts was the public deceived about?", "What was the public misled about?", "Who did the panel say the public was mislead about contacts between?", "Who was mislead about Saaddam Hussein and al Qaeda?", "Whose administration misused intelligence?", "What did the administration do?" ]	[ [ "President Bush didn't request intelligence" ], [ "intelligence" ], [ "Dana Perino," ], [ "between the then-Iraqi leader and Osama bin Laden's group," ], [ "contacts between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda." ], [ "Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda." ], [ "American people" ], [ "Bush" ], [ "misused intelligence" ] ]	Report says Bush administration misused intelligence in run-up to Iraq war . Administration selectively declassified information to bolster case, report says . Panel: Public misled about contacts between Saddam Hussein, al Qaeda . White House spokeswoman calls findings old news .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Defense Department will release "a substantial number" of photographs showing abuse of prisoners at prisons in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. Aggressive techniques to interrogate terror suspects are making headlines again. The release will be in response to an open-records lawsuit filed by the ACLU, the group said in a written statement. The statement released late Thursday said the photos were taken at facilities other than Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. "These photographs provide visual proof that prisoner abuse by U.S. personnel was not aberrational but widespread, reaching far beyond the walls of Abu Ghraib," Amrit Singh, an ACLU attorney, said in the release. The photos are to be released by May 28, the ACLU said. The Department of Defense announced in a letter addressed to the federal court on Thursday that it would release the photos. In a copy of the letter posted on the ACLU's Web site, acting U.S. Attorney Lev L. Dassin said that 21 photographs would be released and that the government "also is processing for release a substantial number of other images." The lawsuit was filed in 2004 after the Bush administration denied a 2003 open-records request by the ACLU. The 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled last year that the photos should be released. The Defense Department will not appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, Dassin said in the letter. Attempts by CNN to reach the White House and Department of Defense for comment were not immediately successful.	[ "What did the ACLU file a lawsuit for?", "When will the pictures be released?", "Where are the abused prisoners?" ]	[ [ "was filed in 2004 after the Bush administration denied a 2003 open-records request by the" ], [ "May 28," ], [ "prisons in Iraq and Afghanistan," ] ]	Photos showing abuse of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan to be released, ACLU says . ACLU filed lawsuit in 2004 against Bush administration for access to photos . Defense Department says it will not appeal court ruling, will release pictures . ACLU: Pictures, taken at facilities other than Abu Ghraib, to be released by May 28 .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Department of Homeland Security and FBI have issued security bulletins to raise awareness regarding "terrorist interest" in attacking sports and entertainment venues as well as luxury hotels. The bulletins, which were sent to law enforcement Monday, said that authorities did not know of any credible or specific terrorist plots to attack U.S. stadiums, arenas or luxury hotels. However, it said that terrorist groups such as al Qaeda view crowded stadiums and arenas as potential targets. It said hotels are also attractive targets for terrorists. The Department of Homeland Security said it released the notes to assist law enforcement partners as they go about their daily duties. "While DHS and FBI have no information regarding the timing, location or target of any planned attack, we believe it is prudent to raise the security awareness of our local law enforcement partners regarding the targets and tactics of previous terrorist activity," the department said. The bulletins did not mention the recent arrest of three men in connection with what the Justice Department has said was a plot to detonate bombs in the United States. The men are charged with lying to federal agents during the probe of the alleged plot. The bulletin on stadiums and arenas said that previous attacks against crowd gatherings have included improvised explosive devices and car bombs, "tactics that are also applicable to many stadiums and arenas. ... "Detained terrorists have also discussed the use of aircraft and chemical weapons to attack stadiums and arenas. " It said the al Qaeda training manual lists " 'blasting and destroying the places of amusement, immorality and sin ... and attacking vital economic centers' as a key objective." The bulletins on luxury hotels said analysis of previous attacks abroad and thwarted plots showed that terrorists have used paramilitary and "small unit" tactics, explosives, improvised explosive devices and car bombs. It said hotel owners can protect their properties by installing fencing or walls around the buildings and populated areas; implementing random screening of people and their possessions; and training security staff.	[ "Did Homeland Security and FBI say there were credible or specific terrorist threats?", "What type of bulletins did both the department of homeland security and the FBI issue?", "What do crowds at stadiums and hotels generate?", "what agencies are involved", "What did the FBI issue?", "what are security bulletons" ]	[ [ "not know of any" ], [ "awareness regarding \"terrorist interest\"" ], [ "\"terrorist interest\"" ], [ "The Department of Homeland Security and FBI" ], [ "security bulletins" ], [ "awareness regarding \"terrorist interest\" in attacking sports and entertainment venues as well as luxury hotels." ] ]	Department of Homeland Security and FBI issue security bulletins . No credible or specific terrorist attack threats at this time, agencies say . Crowds at stadiums, hotels generate terrorist attention, agencies say .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Director of National Intelligence is replacing the agency's inspector general just days after the public release of a blistering report critical of the DNI's office. DNI head Dennis Blair announced Friday Justice Department official Roslyn Mazer will replace Inspector General Edward McGuire as the DNI's internal watchdog. The inspector general's role is to examine the operations of the office and investigate any allegations of waste, fraud or misconduct. Earlier this week, Maguire testified before Congress about his report on the state of the DNI's office, outlining rampant communication problems, continuing turf battles within the intelligence community and financial mismanagement. All of those problems were supposed to be addressed when the position of DNI was created by Congress in 2004 to look at the intelligence failures associated with the 9/11 terrorism attacks and the claims of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction. The classified inspector general report was completed in November 2008, but was not made public until this week. DNI spokeswoman Wendy Morigi said Maguire's departure has nothing to do with his report. She claimed Blair, who assumed his position two months ago, wanted to bring his own leadership team. "The director appreciates the efforts and work of the previous inspector general and will continue to build on some of the suggested reforms," Morigi said.	[ "Who is being replaced as DNI's internal watchdog?", "What is the name of the Inspector General?", "What does Magure's Departure come after?", "Who is being replaced?", "Who was his blistering report critical of?" ]	[ [ "Inspector General Edward McGuire" ], [ "Edward McGuire" ], [ "just days after the public release of a blistering report" ], [ "Inspector General Edward McGuire" ], [ "DNI's office." ] ]	Inspector General Edward McGuire is being replaced as DNI's internal watchdog . Maguire's departure comes after blistering report critical of DNI . Report details turf battles within intelligence community, financial mismanagement .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The FBI did not participate in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists detained in Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan or Iraq, said a Justice Department investigation released Tuesday. An April 2007 photo shows a room at Guantanamo Bay that had been used for interrogations. The investigation also concluded that the bureau generally reported potentially illegal actions by the CIA and Defense Department. In "only a few instances" did FBI agents use techniques that were not approved by FBI policies, according to the report by Inspector General Glenn Fine. Fine criticized the FBI for being slow in developing and distributing its interrogation policy to its interrogators. Though the the FBI decided to avoid harsh techniques in August 2002, the decision was not put in writing until 2004, when the bureau also put in writing that the harsh techniques used by other agencies should be reported to FBI superiors. The 2002 decision by FBI Director Robert Mueller was that the bureau would adhere to restrictions used in interrogations of detainees within the United States. Those techniques prohibit coercion, abuse or threats. The policy is based on the belief that building a rapport with prisoners is the best way to gain intelligence, according to Tuesday's report. The FBI issued a statement saying it is "gratified" by the report's findings, and Mueller promised that the bureau will continue to use "rapport-building techniques in interviews" of detainees. The inspector general's investigators interviewed almost all of the more than 1,000 FBI employees who were deployed to one or more military zones between 2001 and 2004, the report said. The vast majority of the agents adhered to FBI policies and separated themselves from other agencies' interrogators who were using techniques that the FBI didn't approve of, the report said. The report listed "a few incidents" that "clearly would not be permissible for FBI agents to use in the United States," including isolating a prisoner from human contact and participating in an interrogation in which detainees were "given a 'drink of water' in a forceful and inappropriate manner." It also listed incidents that were not "clear violations of FBI policy" but which should have raised questions. Some agents participated in a program of subjecting detainees to frequent cell relocations, the report said. In another case, two agents joined in an interview in which a detainee's hands and feet were "short-chained" close together for several hours, during which time the prisoner urinated on himself. FBI agents reported that non-FBI interrogators engaged in sleep deprivation or sleep disruption techniques, which include using bright lights, loud music and extreme temperatures "to keep detainees awake or otherwise wear down their resistance." No FBI agents witnessed the abuses at Abu Ghraib, the U.S. Army-operated Baghdad correctional facility where some prisoners were physically and sexually abused, sparking outrage when photos of the abuse became public. However, the report said, an FBI agent said he witnessed a naked Abu Ghraib prisoner forced to roll between rows of cells. He did not report the incident because he didn't know whether it was an acceptable technique. The report also said FBI personnel did not witness the controversial waterboarding technique, which the CIA has confirmed was used on three prisoners. The FBI protested when it witnessed techniques used by the military and the CIA in questioning top terror suspects Abu Zubayda and Yousef al-Qarani, according to the report. In one instance, an agent objected to using a snarling dog to interrogate al-Qarani. Despite some criticism, the inspector general offered the FBI modest praise at the conclusion of his three-year investigation. "We believe that while the FBI could have provided clearer guidance earlier, and while the FBI could have pressed harder for resolution of concerns about detainee treatment by other agencies, the FBI should be credited for its conduct and professionalism in detainee interrogations in the military zones in Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan and Iraq, and in generally avoiding participation in detainee abuse," the report concluded. The inspector general's investigation did not quiet the FBI's chief critics. The American Civil Liberties Union said FBI leaders failed	[ "How many instances of unapproved techniques by the FBI were found?", "What did the investigation find about FBI?", "What did the report acknowledge?", "Who looked at interrogations at Guantanamo Bay?", "Who acted generally responsibly?", "At what places where the interrogations?" ]	[ [ "\"only a few instances\"" ], [ "not participate in harsh interrogations of suspected terrorists detained" ], [ "building a rapport with prisoners is the best way to gain intelligence," ], [ "Justice Department" ], [ "the CIA and Defense Department." ], [ "Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan" ] ]	Justice Department investigation finds FBI generally acted responsibly . Probe looked at interrogations at Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan, Iraq . Investigators find "only a few instances" of unapproved techniques by FBI . FBI "could have provided clearer guidance earlier," report acknowledges .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered its inspectors to make sure regional airlines' training programs are in line with federal regulations, authorities announced Tuesday. Regional airline Colgan Air's Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo, New York, on February 12. "It's clear to us in looking at the February Colgan Air crash in Buffalo that there are things we should be doing now," FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said. "My goal is to make sure that the entire industry -- from large commercial carriers to smaller, regional operators -- is meeting our safety standard." Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo, New York, on February 12, killing all 49 passengers and crew members aboard. One person on the ground was also killed. Federal investigators held hearings on Capitol Hill last month on the cause of the crash but have not concluded their inquiry. Several shortcomings of the crew came to light during the National Transportation and Safety Board hearings when it was revealed that Colgan Air Capt. Marvin Renslow failed to reveal two pilot exam failures in his job application. Testimony at the hearings also revealed that fatigue apparently contributed to the failure of Renslow and First Officer Rebecca Shaw to save the plane as it approached Buffalo Niagara International Airport. USA Today newspaper reviewed the safety board's accident reports over the past 10 years and found that in nearly every serious accident involving a regional airline during that time, at least one of the pilots had failed multiple skill tests. "In eight of the nine accidents during that time, which killed 137 people, pilots had a history of failing two or more 'check rides,' tests by federal or airline inspectors of pilots' ability to fly and respond to emergencies," USA Today reported Sunday. "In the lone case in which pilots didn't have multiple failures since becoming licensed, the co-pilot was fired after the nonfatal crash for falsifying his job application." In addition to reviewing regional airlines' training programs, Babbitt and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood have called on representatives from major air carriers, their regional partners, aviation industry groups and labor to participate in a "call to action" in Washington on Monday, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation news release. The review will address pilot training, cockpit discipline and other flight safety issues, the release said.	[ "Will FAA examine training at regional airlines?", "How many pilot test failures did USA Today find in regional airline crashes?", "who investigated the fatal crash?", "Where did the fatal crash occur that the NTSB is currently investigating?", "who's inquiry found pilot test failures?", "What is the FAA examining?" ]	[ [ "programs are in line with federal regulations," ], [ "eight of the nine accidents" ], [ "Federal Aviation Administration" ], [ "Buffalo, New York," ], [ "The Federal Aviation Administration" ], [ "regional" ] ]	FAA to examine training at regional airlines to make sure it meets federal standards . NTSB investigation into fatal crash in Buffalo revealed pilot exam failures . USA Today inquiry found pilot test failures in eight of nine regional airline crashes .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill that would make suing for pay discrimination easier by altering a time limit on such suits. The act is named for Lilly Ledbetter, seen here in 2008. Her discrimination lawsuit victory was overturned in 2007. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which passed 250-177, would give workers alleging unequal pay the right to sue within 180 days of their most recent paycheck. Current law says such employees must sue within 180 days of receiving their first unfair paycheck. Supporters of the new legislation say that, under the current law, an employer merely needs to hide unfair pay practices for three months before being able to continue them without penalty. The act, named for a former Goodyear Tire employee who sued the company for gender discrimination in 1998, would effectively overturn a 2007 Supreme Court decision on the limit. Ledbetter was awarded $360,000 in back pay by a federal judge in Alabama, but the verdict was overturned in a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in May 2007. The court said that even though she filed her complaint within 180 days of when she first learned that she was getting paid less than comparable male employees, she had failed to file within 180 days of the first unequal paycheck. After Tuesday's House vote, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the chamber had "taken a bold step" in passing the legislation. "In doing so, it has injected fairness, reason and common sense back into policy," Pelosi said. The legislation, which passed the Senate on Thursday, now goes to President Barack Obama, who has promised to sign it into law. It is the first major piece of legislation Congress has sent to Obama for his approval. On the campaign trail, Obama and Republican nominee Sen. John McCain debated the bill. Obama heavily emphasized what he called the plan's benefits to working women, while McCain criticized it as a boon for trial lawyers. Pelosi said Obama called to congratulate her on the bill's passage. Obama danced with Ledbetter at one of his inaugural balls, and she spoke at the Democrat National Convention at which he accepted his party's nomination. "My case is over -- I will never receive the pay I deserve," Ledbetter said in that speech. "But there will be a far richer reward if we secure fair pay for our children and grandchildren, so that no one will ever again experience the discrimination that I did."	[ "What would the Act change?", "Who is the Act named for ?", "What has President Obama promised to sign?", "What will the act do?", "What has Obama promised to sign?", "When was the women's discrimination victory overturned?" ]	[ [ "give workers alleging unequal pay the right to sue" ], [ "Lilly Ledbetter," ], [ "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act," ], [ "give workers alleging unequal pay the right to sue within 180 days of their most recent paycheck." ], [ "The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act," ], [ "in 2007." ] ]	President Obama has promised to sign Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act . Act would alter time limit for pay-discrimination suits, makes them easier to file . Limit would be based on date of most recent unfair paycheck, not the first . Act named for woman whose discrimination victory was overturned in 2007 .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has been asked to investigate whether Panama tortured an Ecuadorian citizen who was being held as an illegal immigrant, an official hemispheric human rights organization said. Jesus Tranquilino Velez Loor was arrested November 11, 2002, and deported to Ecuador on September 10, 2003. During that time, he was held without receiving procedural guarantees, the right to be heard and the right to present a defense, said the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. "The case also involves the lack of investigation of complaints of torture presented by Mr. Velez Loor before the Panamanian authorities, as well as the inhumane conditions of detention under which he was held in several Panamanian penitentiaries," the human rights commission said in a release Tuesday. The human rights panel, which is part of the 35-nation Organization of American States, said it referred the case to the court last week because Panama did not adopt sufficient measures to address issues raised in a previous commission report. Velez Loor "was sentenced to a prison term for having repeatedly entered Panama illegally. ... Panamanian law provides that foreign nationals, who repeatedly enter Panama, without the necessary papers, will be imprisoned for two years and then deported," Panama said in a 2006 report. Velez Loor admitted he had gone into Panama without proper papers or visas. The commission said it received an e-mailed complaint from Velez Loor on February 10, 2004, "in which he claims to have undergone torture, forced isolation, and mistreatment at the hands of Panamanian police officers at two Panamanian detention centers without being given the opportunity to defend himself, without the benefit of any court of law, without being allowed to make a telephone call and while being deprived of all medical care." Panama denied those allegations in the 2006 human rights commission report. Officials at the Panamanian embassy in Washington did not return a telephone request Tuesday from CNN for comment on the latest development. The human rights commission consists of seven members who act in a personal capacity, without representing any country, and who are elected by the OAS General Assembly.	[ "What did Commission say?", "What did embassy not do?", "What was Loor sentenced to prison for?", "Who did not return request for comment?", "When did Commission say it received complaint from Velez Loor?", "What was Loor sentenced for?" ]	[ [ "\"The case also involves the lack of investigation of complaints of torture presented by Mr. Velez Loor before the Panamanian authorities, as well as the inhumane conditions of detention under which he was held in several Panamanian penitentiaries,\"" ], [ "return a telephone request" ], [ "having repeatedly entered Panama illegally." ], [ "Officials at the Panamanian embassy in Washington" ], [ "February 10, 2004," ], [ "having repeatedly entered Panama illegally." ] ]	Commission says it received complaint from Velez Loor in 2004 of alleged torture . Velez Loor sentenced to prison term for illegal entry into Panama, Panama says . Officials at Panamanian embassy in Washington did not return request for comment .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The National Archives -- a repository of important government documents, including the U.S. Constitution -- has lost a computer hard drive containing large volumes of Clinton administration records, including the names, phone numbers and Social Security numbers of White House staff members and visitors. The National Archives has lost a hard drive containing large volumes of Clinton administration records. Officials at the Archives say they don't know how many confidential records are on the hard drive. But congressional aides briefed on the matter say it contains "more than 100,000" Social Security numbers, including one belonging to a daughter of then-Vice President Al Gore. It also contains Secret Service and White House operating procedures, the staffers said they were told. The hard drive was last seen in the National Archive's complex in College Park, Maryland, sometime between October of last year and the first week of February. It was discovered missing in late March, prompting a thorough search for the small, 2.5 pound device, the Archives said. When it could not be located, the inspector general's office opened a criminal investigation. On Wednesday, the Archives announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to its return. The Archives said no national security information is on the hard drive, nor any original documents. But they said it does contain "personally identifiable information," and they take the loss "very seriously." U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-California, whose staff was briefed on the matter, said the House will hold a hearing Thursday on the incident. "If they [the National Archives' staff] can't handle a hard drive that may be sensitive properly, we need to ask the question, will they handle the most secret materials properly?" Issa said. The Archives Wednesday gave the following account of the disappearance: Last October, the hard drive was moved from a "secure" storage area to a workspace where it was being used for routine recopying to ensure preservation of the records. But work was halted last year because archivists "wanted to investigate using automated tools to generate inspection reports." Staffers were moved to other projects until an automated tool was found in mid-March -- that's when they found the hard drive was missing. The device is described as a two terabyte Western Digital MY BOOK external hard drive, measuring 6.5 x 2.1 x 5.4 inches. More than 110 4-millimeter tape cartridges were copied onto the hard drive. The records included records from the Clinton Administration Executive Office of the President. The archives said no original records have been lost, and the Archives has a backup hard drive that will enable them to determine what information is on the missing device. The inspector general said at least 100 people had access to the area where the hard drive was left unsecured, and that janitors, visitors and others also passed through the area. The Archives said it is reviewing the data on a copy of the missing hard drive and compiling a list of people whose personal information may be compromised. It will notify individuals of the potential breach and will provide them with a year of credit monitoring, the Archives said. "Because of the extremely large volume of data on the drive, we do not know yet the number of individuals whose privacy has been affected," the Archives said Wednesday. "As individuals are identified, they will be notified." The Archives also said it has taken steps to improve security, including both physical control of records and the treatment of personal information.	[ "What is on the hard drive?", "What reward has been announced?", "What do the Congressional aides say?", "How many records are on the hard drive?", "How much is the reward?", "What don't Officials know?", "Who has announced the reward?", "What is the reward for?" ]	[ [ "containing large volumes of Clinton administration records, including the names, phone numbers and Social Security numbers of White House staff" ], [ "$50,000" ], [ "it contains \"more than 100,000\" Social Security numbers," ], [ "it contains \"more than 100,000\" Social Security numbers," ], [ "$50,000" ], [ "how many confidential records are on the hard drive." ], [ "The National Archives" ], [ "information leading to its return." ] ]	Officials say they don't know how many confidential records are on the hard drive . Congressional aides say "more than 100,000" Social Security numbers on drive . Archives announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to its return .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The National Organization for Women has sharply criticized comedian David Letterman, accusing him of promoting a hostile, uncomfortable work environment. David Letterman's behavior with employees has created "a toxic environment" in the workplace, NOW says. "The latest Letterman controversy sheds new light on the widespread objectification of women in the workplace," NOW said in a statement Tuesday. "Most women can attest to the fact that many workplaces are plagued with inappropriate behavior by men in power." The "Late Show With David Letterman" host admitted last week on his CBS program that he had sex with unnamed employees and had testified about those liaisons before a New York grand jury as part of an alleged extortion attempt. A CBS producer, Robert "Joe" Halderman, is accused of threatening to go public with embarrassing information about Letterman's private life unless the 62-year-old funnyman ponied up $2 million. Watch NOW's president slam Letteman, CBS » Letterman made a public apology Monday to his wife, Regina Lasko, who, he said, had been "horribly hurt by my behavior." He said he is trying to repair that relationship. "Either you're going to make some progress and get it fixed, or you're going to fall short and perhaps not get it fixed, so let me tell you folks, I got my work cut out for me," Letterman told the audience Monday night. Letterman married Lasko in March, and they have a 5-year-old son together. All the affairs took place before the marriage, Letterman's production company has said. One of the women who engaged in a sexual relationship with Letterman was identified as Stephanie Birkitt, an assistant to the talk show host and also a former live-in girlfriend of Halderman. Letterman spokesman Tom Keaney said that Birkitt is on a paid leave of absence from the show. NOW said Letterman's behavior was inappropriate in the workplace, saying all employees should be respected for their talent and skills. "Recent developments in the David Letterman extortion controversy have raised serious issues about the abuse of power leading to an inappropriate, if not hostile, workplace environment for women and employees," NOW said in Tuesday's statement. Men such as Letterman make decisions on hiring and firing, who gets raises, who advances and who does entry-level tasks, NOW said. "As 'the boss,' he is responsible for setting the tone for his entire workplace -- and he did that with sex. In any work environment, this places all employees -- including employees who happen to be women -- in an awkward, confusing and demoralizing situation," the group said. "The National Organization for Women calls on CBS to recognize that Letterman's behavior creates a toxic environment and to take action immediately to rectify this situation. With just two women on CBS' board of directors, we're not holding our breath." Those board members are Shari Redstone, vice chairwoman of the board and president of National Amusements Inc., which operates motion picture screens, and Linda Griego, president and chief executive of Griego Enterprises Inc., a business management company. CBS airs "Late Show With David Letterman," which Letterman's company, Worldwide Pants Inc., produces.	[ "What did he do with employees?", "Who accused in extortion plot against talk-show host?", "Who urges CBS \"to take action immediately\"?", "Which group urgs CBS to take action inmediately?", "Whose behaviour was inappropriate in the workplace?", "Who are urging CBS to take action immediately?", "Who admitted to sex with employees, apologized to wife?", "Who accused of extortion?", "Who admitted on air to sex with employees?" ]	[ [ "unnamed" ], [ "Robert \"Joe\" Halderman," ], [ "\"The National Organization for Women" ], [ "National Organization for Women" ], [ "David Letterman's" ], [ "The National Organization for Women" ], [ "David Letterman\"" ], [ "David Letterman" ], [ "David Letterman\"" ] ]	NOW calls David Letterman's behavior inappropriate in the workplace . Letterman on air admitted to sex with employees, apologized to wife . Feminist group urges CBS "to take action immediately" CBS producer accused in extortion plot against talk-show host .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The National Transportation Safety Board has released dramatic animation of two runway near-collisions this year to illustrate what the agency says is the need for improvements in runway safety. The NTSB animation shows two planes nearly colliding at the San Francisco International Airport in May. The first animation shows a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 and a United Airlines Airbus A320 coming within 230 feet of colliding on the runway at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida in July. The re-creation was based on radar and flight data recorder information from the planes involved. The animation includes audio from the air traffic controller, who can be heard yelling, "Stop, stop, stop!" to the United plane as the Delta aircraft attempts to land. Watch animation, hear controller's pleas » The second animation shows a May incident at San Francisco International Airport in California in which a Republic Airlines jet takes off, coming within 35 feet of a SkyWest Airlines commuter turboprop that has just landed. There were no injuries in either situation. The videos were shown Thursday during the NTSB's annual "most wanted transportation safety improvements" board meeting, where the agency reviews its greatest concerns in transportation safety. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that serious runway incursions were reduced by 25 percent in 2007, but the NTSB said much work remains on runway safety and systems to notify pilots when they are about to collide with another plane or vehicle. NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker expressed frustration with the slow progress of implementing new technology, such as the use of a global positioning system-type procedure in cockpits that would help warn pilots of dangers on the runway. Rosenker told the NTSB-only panel, "It is time to do something before we have to investigate an accident that is catastrophic." Among the most wanted transportation safety improvements cited on the NTSB's Web site are items to "stop runway incursions/ground collisions of aircraft" with the notations "action needed by Federal Aviation Administration" and "unacceptable response." The site says systems the FAA has added to airports to warn air traffic controllers of potential collisions aren't "sufficient." "In recent incidents, [one system] did not alert controllers in time to be effective, and the situations were instead resolved by flight crew actions that sometimes bordered on heroics or just plain luck," the NTSB site says. "Until there is a system in place to positively control ground movements of all aircraft, with direct warning to pilots, the potential for this type of disaster will continue to be high." Rosenker told Thursday's board gathering that "this must be resolved." "We've had this recommendation for a number of years -- too many number of years," he said. Other areas of NTSB concern include fuel tanks on airplanes, pilot and air traffic controller fatigue, and technologies that could help prevent automobile collisions. E-mail to a friend CNN's Eric Fiegel contributed to this report.	[ "What age are the examples the NTSB is using?", "What does the animation show?", "What does the NTSB want?", "Who is asking the FAA to improve systems?", "Who shows dramatic animations of two recent near-collisions on runways?", "What was the distance?", "How many planes were involved in Florida?" ]	[ [ "this year" ], [ "two planes nearly colliding" ], [ "improvements in runway safety." ], [ "The National Transportation Safety Board" ], [ "National Transportation Safety Board" ], [ "230 feet" ], [ "two" ] ]	NTSB shows dramatic animations of two recent near-collisions on runways . In a Florida incident, planes came within 35 feet of colliding . NTSB wants FAA to improve systems to alert pilots to runway danger .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Obama administration is working on a substantial sanctions package against Iran in case current diplomatic efforts to curb its nuclear program fail, top officials told Congress on Tuesday. Treasury Under Secretary Stuart Levy also developed some of the existing financial sanctions against Iran. Under Secretary of the Treasury Stuart Levy, who developed some of the existing financial sanctions against Iran under the Bush administration, said at a Senate Banking Committee hearing that the "comprehensive" plan would target "key vulnerabilities and fissures" in Iran to show Tehran that it would face "serious costs" for thwarting international demands. "It takes into account that no single sanction is a 'silver bullet'; we will need to impose measures simultaneously in many different forms in order to be effective," Levy said. He stressed, however, that the United States would be mindful of actions that would harm the Iranian people or undercut the opposition battling the Iranian government. The hearing comes as some members of Congress push for tougher U.S. sanctions on the Iranian regime in light of the recent revelation that Iran was building a second uranium enrichment facility near Qom, a dramatic development that jacked up tension between Iran and international powers. During talks last week in Geneva, Switzerland, between Iranian officials and representatives of the so-called P5+1 -- the United States, Britain, France, German, Russia and China -- Iran agreed to admit inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to the Qom facility. Tehran also agreed "in principle" to ship its low-enriched uranium produced in Iran to third countries for further enrichment for a nuclear reactor used for medical research. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg told the panel Tuesday that one reason for the Obama administration's engagement toward Iran was to secure international support for sanctions if Iran continued to defy international demands. Last week's talks, he said, shined a "spotlight" on Iran that makes inaction more costly. Levy also stressed that an international coalition was key to keeping pressure on Iran. "Because financial measures are most effective when imposed as part of a broad-based effort with support of the largest possible international coalition, we are working closely with our allies as we put together this strategy," he said. "The less united we are in applying pressure, the greater the risk our measures will not have the impact we seek." Several lawmakers expressed doubt that Iran would negotiate in good faith and threatened legislation to impose tough new sanctions against Tehran. Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, D-Connecticut, said he planned to move forward this month on a proposal to expand financial restrictions, impose new sanctions on Iran's oil and gas sectors and ban both the export of refined gasoline products to Iran and the import of Iranian goods. Steinberg said the United States and its allies will judge Iran's seriousness about the talks by whether it makes good on its commitments to ship the uranium out of the country and admit the IAEA inspectors, who are expected to visit the Qom facility October 25. "By the end of the month, we will have some very clear indications of what their intentions are," he said.	[ "What is key to keeping pressure up?", "Who could possibly be harmed?", "What would target \"key vulnerabilities,\"?", "What would the U.S. be mindful of?", "Who would be mindful of actions that would harm Iranian people?", "What is the key to keeping the pressure up?" ]	[ [ "international coalition" ], [ "Iranian people" ], [ "\"comprehensive\" plan" ], [ "harm the Iranian people or undercut the opposition" ], [ "United States" ], [ "Levy also stressed that an international coalition was" ] ]	"Comprehensive" plan would target "key vulnerabilities," official says . But U.S. would be mindful of actions that would harm Iranian people, he says . International coalition is key to keeping pressure up, diplomat says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Obama administration will ask Congress for another $83.4 billion to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through the end of September, Democratic congressional sources said Thursday. President Obama's spending measure is likely to be the last supplemental request submitted to pay for the wars. The request is expected to pay for those conflicts for the rest of the 2009 budget year, two Democratic congressional sources said. The money would bring the running tab for both conflicts to about $947 billion, according to figures from the Congressional Research Service. More than three-quarters of the $864 billion appropriated so far has gone to the war in Iraq, the agency estimated. Since taking office in January, President Obama has announced plans to shift troops out of Iraq and beef up U.S. forces in Afghanistan, where American troops have been battling al Qaeda and Taliban fighters since al Qaeda's 2001 attacks. In a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Obama said the situation in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan "demands urgent attention." "The Taliban is resurgent, and al Qaeda threatens America from its safe haven along the Afghan-Pakistan border," Obama wrote in submitting the funding request. "There is no question of the resolve of our military women and men. Yet, in Afghanistan, that resolve has not been matched by a comprehensive strategy and sufficient resources," Obama wrote. About $75 billion of the latest request would pay for military operations, including $9.8 billion for body armor and protective vehicles and $11.6 billion to replace worn-out equipment. The rest would go to diplomatic programs and development aid -- including $1.6 billion for Afghanistan, $1.4 billion for Pakistan and $700 million for Iraq. The request would also provide about $800 million for the Palestinian Authority, including humanitarian aid for Gaza, the Hamas-ruled territory that was heavily bombarded by Israel in December and January; $800 million to support U.N. peacekeeping missions in Africa; and $30 million to the Department of Justice to manage the closure of the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The supplemental spending bill is likely to be the last such request submitted to Congress to pay for the wars, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said. While the Bush administration relied on supplemental spending bills to fund the conflicts, Obama began including war spending in his 2010 budget. The president urged Congress to move quickly on the request "and not to use the supplemental to pursue unnecessary spending." But Rep. Lynn Woolsey, a prominent anti-war Democrat, said the requested funding would "prolong our occupation of Iraq through at least the end of 2011," when U.S. troops are scheduled to leave the country, "and it will deepen and expand our military presence in Afghanistan indefinitely." "Instead of attempting to find military solutions to the problems we face in Iraq and Afghanistan, President Obama must fundamentally change the mission in both countries to focus on promoting reconciliation, economic development, humanitarian aid, and regional diplomatic efforts." Last month, Obama announced the United States plans to withdraw most of its troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010. A residual force of between 35,000 to 50,000 troops will remain until December 31, 2011. There are 142,000 American troops in Iraq now. Obama has ordered the deployment of 17,000 troops to fight the Taliban in the south and east and 4,000 more to train Afghan troops.	[ "What will body armor cost?", "who did says funds would prolong U.S. occupation of Iraq?", "How much are the total funds between Iraq and Afghanistan?", "what are they funding?" ]	[ [ "$9.8 billion" ], [ "Lynn Woolsey," ], [ "$947 billion," ], [ "wars in Iraq and Afghanistan" ] ]	NEW: About $9.8 billion would pay for body armor and protective vehicles . NEW: More than $2 billion would go to aid for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq . NEW: Democratic lawmaker says funds would prolong U.S. occupation of Iraq . Funds would bring tab for Iraq and Afghanistan wars to $947 billion .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Organization of American States suspended Honduras late Saturday because the nation's new leaders refused to reinstate ousted President Jose Manuel Zelaya. Ousted Honduran President Jose Manuel Zelaya appears Tuesday at the U.N. General Assembly. Zelaya was removed by the military on June 28 and flown to Costa Rica. Congressional leader Roberto Micheletti was sworn in as provisional president later that day. The OAS set a Saturday deadline for Honduras to return Zelaya to power or be suspended from the 35-nation hemispheric organization. Honduran officials told OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza on Friday that they would not allow Zelaya to return to power. Thousands of protesters demanding the return to power of ousted Honduran President Jose Manuel Zelaya pushed through riot police at Tegucigalpa's airport and surrounded the terminal Saturday, but there were no reports of violence. The airport continued to operate, CNN Correspondent Karl Penhaul reported. Zelaya, a leftist who took office in 2006, says he will return to Honduras on Sunday. Micheletti has vowed to have Zelaya arrested if he returns. "I am simply defending a system," Zelaya told the OAS delegates early Sunday, after the 33-0 vote to suspend Honduras. Among the delegates were two heads of state: Presidents Christina Fernandez de Kirchner of Argentina and Fernando Lugo of Paraguay. "I am here not only as president of the republic of Argentina, but also as part of a delegation who was the object of coups in Argentina," Fernandez said. Lugo also spoke in favor of restoring Zelaya and democracy to his nation. "I come from Paraguay, a country that has had the long night of dictatorships," Lugo said. "I come here with a pain, but also with a hope." Micheletti repeated in an interview with CNN en Español on Saturday night that a coup did not take place. What happened, he said, was a constitutional transfer of power authorized by the nation's congress. But Micheletti is swimming against world opinion. The U.N. General Assembly condemned the coup last week and demanded that Zelaya be reinstated. The European Union and other nations have recalled their ambassadors from Honduras, and the United States and the World Bank have suspended some aid. Honduran officials have said the Central American nation was prepared to withdraw from the OAS rather than reinstate Zelaya. "If the Organization of American States doesn't deem Honduras worthy of membership of the Organization of American States, then Honduras would renounce with immediate effect the inter-American charter," said Deputy Foreign Minister Marta Lorena Alvarado. At the center of the dispute was a referendum Zelaya had vowed to carry out even after the country's supreme court and congress found it illegal. The nonbinding referendum could have led to the creation of a constitutional assembly to modify the country's charter to allow the president to run for re-election. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a Zelaya ally, won a similar referendum this year, and many Hondurans thought Zelaya was trying to maneuver a way to seek re-election in November. Zelaya has denied that was his intent. Zelaya narrowly won the presidency in 2005, with 49.8 percent of the vote to 46.1 percent for Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo. After 18 years of nearly uninterrupted military rule, Honduras returned to civilian control in 1981. Since then, the military has not seemed interested in holding power in the nation of more than 7 million people, about 70 percent of whom live in poverty. Military interventions were once common in Latin America, but civilian governments have held sway since the 1980s. Before Sunday, the only other barracks revolt this decade was an unsuccessful 2002 coup attempt against Chavez, when the military displaced him but backed down days later and allowed his reinstatement. CNN's Tom Watkins contributed to this report	[ "What does the new President of Honduras say he will do to Jose Zelaya?", "What happened in wake of coup", "Was Jose Zelaya ousted?", "Will Jose Zelaya be arrested upon return?", "Who wants Zelaya restored to power is Honduras?", "What is name of ousted president" ]	[ [ "arrested if" ], [ "The Organization of American States suspended Honduras" ], [ "June 28" ], [ "Micheletti has vowed to have" ], [ "Thousands of protesters demanding the return" ], [ "Jose Manuel Zelaya." ] ]	Organization of American States suspend Honduras in wake of coup . Thousands of supporters at airport for return of ousted president Jose Zelaya . Organization of American States wants Zelaya restored to power . Newly installed president says Jose Zelaya will be arrested upon return .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate on Wednesday narrowly rejected a controversial measure to allow people to carry concealed weapons from state to state. A Miami, Florida, gun store offers concealed weapons training. The measure would have required each of the 48 states that currently allow concealed firearms to honor permits issued in other states. The vote was 58-39 in favor. The amendment needed 60 votes to pass. The vote split the Democrats, with 20 supporting the measure and 35 opposing it. Two of the Senate's 40 Republicans -- Richard Lugar of Indiana and George Voinovich of Ohio -- and both independents, Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernard Sanders of Vermont, voted against it. Robert Byrd of West Virginia, Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, all Democrats, did not vote. A coalition of mayors that fought the law welcomed its defeat. "Our bipartisan coalition of Mayors Against Illegal Guns fought this amendment tooth-and-nail, because we recognize that the laws of one state may not be best for another," Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston, Massachusetts, said in a statement. "We will continue to work with our members to support common-sense policies and oppose dangerous ones, like the Thune Amendment that was defeated today," he said, referring to Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, who sponsored the proposal. It was the first significant defeat this year for advocates of gun rights, after gun control advocates faced an unexpected setback in May. Map: See which states allow citizens to carry concealed weapons » Gun rights advocates attached a measure allowing people to carry guns in national parks to credit card legislation. President Obama signed the package into law. The interstate concealed-weapons proposal was an amendment to a larger defense appropriations bill. Supporters of the measure argued it would help deter criminals; opponents claimed it would, in effect, force most of the country to conform to regulations in states with the loosest gun-ownership standards. Opponents of the amendment mounted a huge campaign to stop it. Mayors Against Illegal Guns -- which says it represent more than 450 mayors in 40 states -- took out an ad in USA Today opposing the measure. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a campaign co-chairman, opposed the law on a number of grounds, arguing both that it tramples on states' rights and that guns are dangerous. "There's no evidence that if you have a gun, you're safer," he said on CNN's "American Morning" Wednesday. "Quite the contrary. If you have a gun at home, [you are] something like 20 times more likely to have somebody in your house killed. ... "We have to protect our policemen, protect our citizens. We can't have all these guns, and it's reasonable to have each state make their own laws," he said. "Wyoming shouldn't be subject to New York state laws, and we're going in that direction," he said. "What's right for the people of Wyoming isn't necessarily right for the people of New York and vice versa." Sen. John Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican who was a co-sponsor of the amendment, had argued that gun licenses should apply across state lines, like driver's licenses. "People travel," he said on "American Morning." "We have truck drivers on our roads, people traveling for vacation in their vehicles, and if you have a license ... you should be able to use that license in other states. It should apply like a driver's license," he said. He argued that concealed weapons deter crime. "Carrying a concealed weapon is a sign of self-defense, self-protection, and I think it lowers crime," he said. And he said people carrying guns would still have to obey laws wherever they are. "The law of the state where that person happens to be at the time are the laws that apply in terms of if	[ "What did they turn down", "What would the proposal force states to do?", "What lobby was defeated?", "Who turns down the proposal?" ]	[ [ "a controversial measure to allow people" ], [ "honor permits issued in other" ], [ "advocates of gun rights," ], [ "The Senate" ] ]	Senate turns down proposal to make permits valid despite differing laws . Foes said it would force states to honor laws in more gun-permissive states . First significant defeat for the gun lobby .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Senate passed groundbreaking legislation Thursday that would make it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. President Obama has said the country must make significant changes to ensure equal rights. The expanded federal hate crimes law now goes to President Obama's desk. Obama has pledged to sign the measure, which was added to a $680 billion defense authorization bill. President George W. Bush had threatened to veto a similar measure. The bill is named for Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming teenager who died after being kidnapped and severely beaten in October 1998, and James Byrd Jr., an African-American man dragged to death in Texas the same year. "Knowing that the president will sign it, unlike his predecessor, has made all the hard work this year to pass it worthwhile," said Judy Shepard, board president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation named for her son. "Hate crimes continue to affect far too many Americans who are simply trying to live their lives honestly, and they need to know that their government will protect them from violence, and provide appropriate justice for victims and their families." Several religious groups have expressed concern that a hate-crimes law could be used to criminalize conservative speech relating to subjects such as abortion or homosexuality. Attorney General Eric Holder has asserted that any federal hate-crimes law would be used only to prosecute violent acts based on bias, as opposed to the prosecution of speech based on controversial racial or religious beliefs. Holder called Thursday's 68-29 Senate vote to approve the defense spending bill that included the hate crimes measure "a milestone in helping protect Americans from the most heinous bias-motivated violence." Watch survivor of attack discuss legislation » "The passage of this legislation will give the Justice Department and our state and local law enforcement partners the tools we need to deter and prosecute these acts of violence," he said in a statement. Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, called the measure "our nation's first major piece of civil rights legislation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people." "Too many in our community have been devastated by hate violence," Solmonese said in a statement. "We now can begin the important steps to erasing hate in our country." This month, Obama told the Human Rights Campaign, the country's largest gay rights group, that the nation still needs to make significant changes to ensure equal rights for gays and lesbians. "Despite the progress we've made, there are still laws to change and hearts to open," he said during his address at the dinner for the Human Rights Campaign. "This fight continues now, and I'm here with the simple message: I'm here with you in that fight." Among other things, Obama has called for the repeal of the ban on gays serving openly in the military, the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. He also has urged Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and pass the Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act. The Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage, for federal purposes, as a legal union between a man and a woman. It allows states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages. The Domestic Partners Benefit and Obligations Act would extend family benefits now available to heterosexual federal employees to gay and lesbian federal workers. More than 77,000 hate-crime incidents were reported by the FBI between 1998 and 2007, or "nearly one hate crime for every hour of every day over the span of a decade," Holder told the Senate Judiciary Committee in June. The FBI, Holder added, reported 7,624 hate-crime incidents in 2007, the most current year with complete data.	[ "What did the Attorney general say?", "what could be criminalized", "What do religious groups fear?", "what does it prosecute?", "what is now a crime", "what will the law be used for" ]	[ [ "called Thursday's 68-29 Senate vote to approve the defense spending bill that included the hate crimes measure \"a milestone in helping protect Americans from the most heinous bias-motivated violence.\"" ], [ "to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity." ], [ "a hate-crimes law could be used to criminalize conservative speech relating to subjects such as abortion or homosexuality." ], [ "violent acts based on bias," ], [ "to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity." ], [ "crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity." ] ]	NEW: Senate approves bill expanding hate crimes law . Measure would make it a crime to assault person because of sexual orientation . Religious groups fear law could criminalize conservative speech . Attorney general says it will be used only to prosecute violence .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department called the expulsion of the second U.S. diplomat from Ecuador in just over a week "unjustified," rejecting charges the diplomats meddled in Ecuador's internal affairs. First Secretary Mark Sullivan has been given 48 hours to leave the U.S. embassy in Quito, Ecuador. On Wednesday, the Ecuadorian government expelled First Secretary Mark Sullivan, whom it accused of meddling in the government's internal police policies, giving him 48 hours to leave the country. On February 7, the government expelled Armando Astorga, an attaché with the Department of Homeland Security working in the U.S. Embassy. Acting Deputy Spokesman Gordon Duguid said the expulsions stem from the fact that certain Ecuadorian police were banned from taking part in U.S. counternarcotics training programs, but rejected "any suggestion of wrongdoing by embassy staff." "Despite the government of Ecuador's unjustified actions, we remain committed to working collaboratively with Ecuador to confront narcotics trafficking," Duguid said. Asked whether the State Department would reciprocate the expulsions by kicking out Ecuadorian diplomats from the United States, Duguid would say only, "We will respond as appropriate." A senior State Department official suggested the police in Ecuador police did not meet the criteria to take part in the training, noting, "The United States does have procedures that require it to vet candidates for U.S.-funded training." The official added, "In some countries this is seen as onerous. However, it is part of the legal accountability measures we must follow."	[ "How long before he has to leave?", "who was given 48 hours to leave the country?", "Who was the other diplomate expelled?", "who calls action unjustified?", "What is he accused of?", "What policies is he accused of meddling in?", "Who was the first U.S. diplomat expelled by Ecuador?" ]	[ [ "48 hours" ], [ "First Secretary Mark Sullivan" ], [ "Armando Astorga," ], [ "Duguid" ], [ "of meddling" ], [ "internal police" ], [ "Armando Astorga," ] ]	Government gives First Secretary Mark Sullivan 48 hours to leave the country . Sullivan is accused of meddling in internal police policies . The State Department calls the action 'unjustified' He's the second U.S. diplomat Ecuador has expelled in just over a week .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department called the expulsion of the second U.S. diplomat from Ecuador in just over a week "unjustified," rejecting charges the diplomats meddled in Ecuador's internal affairs. First Secretary Mark Sullivan has been given 48 hours to leave the U.S. embassy in Quito, Ecuador. On Wednesday, the Ecuadorian government expelled First Secretary Mark Sullivan, whom it accused of meddling in the government's internal police policies, giving him 48 hours to leave the country. On February 7, the government expelled Armando Astorga, an attaché with the Department of Homeland Security working in the U.S. Embassy. Acting Deputy Spokesman Gordon Duguid said the expulsions stem from the fact that certain Ecuadorian police were banned from taking part in U.S. counternarcotics training programs, but rejected "any suggestion of wrongdoing by embassy staff." "Despite the government of Ecuador's unjustified actions, we remain committed to working collaboratively with Ecuador to confront narcotics trafficking," Duguid said. Asked whether the State Department would reciprocate the expulsions by kicking out Ecuadorian diplomats from the United States, Duguid would say only, "We will respond as appropriate." A senior State Department official suggested the police in Ecuador police did not meet the criteria to take part in the training, noting, "The United States does have procedures that require it to vet candidates for U.S.-funded training." The official added, "In some countries this is seen as onerous. However, it is part of the legal accountability measures we must follow."	[ "What is Sullivan accused of?", "What does the State Department call the action?", "How much time was Mark Sullivan given to leave the country?", "What is Sullivan accused of doing?", "What does the government fgive Mark Sullivan?", "How long is Mark Sullivan given to leave the country?" ]	[ [ "meddling in the government's internal police policies," ], [ "\"unjustified,\"" ], [ "48 hours" ], [ "meddling in the government's internal police policies," ], [ "48 hours to leave the U.S. embassy in Quito, Ecuador." ], [ "48 hours" ] ]	Government gives First Secretary Mark Sullivan 48 hours to leave the country . Sullivan is accused of meddling in internal police policies . The State Department calls the action 'unjustified' He's the second U.S. diplomat Ecuador has expelled in just over a week .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department on Monday continued to publicly downplay the threat North Korea presents to the United States with spokesman P.J. Crowley telling reporters North Korea "represents an infinitesimal threat to the United States directly." A North Korean soldier looks at the South Korean side of the demilitarized zone earlier this month. The spokesman's statement followed comments from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in an interview with ABC, broadcast Monday, in which she said the reason for the United States' low-key reaction to North Korea's recent missile test was that the United States wasn't "going to give the North Koreans the satisfaction they were looking for, which was to elevate them to center stage." In that interview, Clinton said North Korea has a "constant demand for attention," and she added, "maybe it's the mother in me, the experience I've had with small children and teenagers and people who are demanding attention: Don't give it to them." After calling the direct threat to the U.S. "infinitesimal," Crowley went on to say that "North Korea, and its provocative actions, does represent a significant threat to the region and its actions recently have been unhelpful and potentially destabilizing." A senior U.S. official, who did not want to be identified, said there is a "theoretical" question of whether a North Korean missile could hit the United States. "There's nothing in their recent development," he said, "which would suggest that their technology is becoming more accurate." The United States says its primary concerns about North Korea's actions are its impact on security in the region and the risk of nuclear proliferation. Last week the United Nations imposed sanctions on a number of individuals, companies and goods connected with North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Taking aim at several key North Korean officials, it subjected them to a freeze on their assets and an international travel ban.	[ "Who had low-key reaction to missile tests?", "Who is the Secretary of State?", "What does North Korea have?", "What did U.S have low key reaction to?", "What is potentially destabilizing to the region?", "Who does Secretary Clinton say has \"constant demand for attention'?", "What country had a low-key reaction to missile tests?" ]	[ [ "United States'" ], [ "Hillary Clinton" ], [ "nuclear and missile programs." ], [ "North Korea's recent missile test" ], [ "\"North Korea, and its provocative actions," ], [ "North Korea" ], [ "United States'" ] ]	State Department spokesman: Recent actions "potentially destabilizing" to region . Secretary of State Clinton: North Korea has "constant demand for attention" That is why U.S. had low-key reaction to missile tests, Clinton says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The State Department's chief of diplomatic security has resigned amid scrutiny of the use of private military contractors to guard the department's staff in Iraq, a spokesman said Wednesday. Richard Griffin testifies before a House committee looking into private security contractors earlier this month. Richard Griffin, a 36-year career official, gave no explanation for his decision in his resignation letter to President Bush. "I am grateful that I had the opportunity to serve as the assistant secretary for the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, whose brave men and women serve on the front lines of the Global War on Terror," he wrote in his resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by CNN. "Without their courage and commitment, the State Department could not possibly carry out its foreign policy mission." Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice accepted Griffin's resignation, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. Griffin's decision to step down follows weeks of investigations into the September 16 killings of Iraqi civilians by Blackwater USA, a North Carolina-based firm hired by the State Department to protect American diplomats in Baghdad. Meanwhile, a survivor of the September 16 incident told CNN on Wednesday that he and a number of other victims were summoned to a meeting with U.S. Embassy officials and were offered money. Mohammed Abdul Razzaq, whose 9-year-old son died, said the embassy offered him $12,500 -- which he said he refused because "they didn't acknowledge their crime." "Don't they need to acknowledge my son's blood first so I can forgive them? Now I can't. How can I take compensation and they never acknowledge the crime?" he said. The father is demanding a formal apology from Blackwater CEO Erik Prince, prosecution of those responsible for his son's death and political asylum in the United States so he can pursue the case in American courts. Another survivor, taxi driver Sami Hawas, told CNN he received $7,500 from the embassy, a payment he described as "aid." Hawas was shot a number of times in the back and leg. He said he is unable to work now and complained about the high cost of medication. He took the money, he said, because he needs help paying for medical treatment and supporting his family. "Even if they compensate me with millions, it will not make up for the lost blood and the pain I live every day," he told CNN. U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Mirembe Natango said the payments were "part of a standard procedure" and would continue. She described them as "short-term and speedy aid and support" but said they were not an admission of guilt. She said those receiving the money do not waive any right to future compensation. The State Department and the FBI are conducting their own investigation into the killings, and a joint U.S.-Iraqi commission is reviewing the results of both probes. Prince has said that Blackwater guards came under fire while protecting a State Department convoy and acted properly in self-defense. Watch Blackwater chief talk about his company » But Iraqi authorities have called the killings "premeditated murder" and demanded Blackwater leave Iraq. A State Department report of its own operations, released Tuesday, found lax oversight of security contractors, who are under the supervision of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. It recommended tightening the rules of engagement for contractors to bring them in line with those used by the U.S. military, and Rice appointed a top U.S. diplomat to oversee all security operations in Iraq. Blackwater is the most prominent of the military contractors working in Iraq, where an estimated 25,000 private contractors guard diplomats, reconstruction workers and government officials. Company officials urged subscribers to its e-mailed newsletter Wednesday to help fight its public-relations battle. "In this tumultuous political climate, Blackwater Worldwide has taken center stage, our services and ethics aggressively challenged with misinformation and fabrications. Letters, e-mails and calls to your elected congressional representatives can and will create a positive impact by influencing the manner in which they gather and present information," the company wrote	[ "What did Blackwater shooting survivor say?", "What did the Assistant secretary of state announce?", "What reason did he give", "What did the survivor say", "Who is the secretary of state for diplomatic security?", "Who is resigning?", "Who decided to resign", "What reason did Griffin give for resignation?" ]	[ [ "he and a number of other victims were summoned to a meeting with U.S. Embassy officials and were offered money." ], [ "resigned" ], [ "no explanation" ], [ "he and a number of other victims were summoned to a meeting with U.S. Embassy officials and were offered money." ], [ "Richard Griffin" ], [ "Richard Griffin" ], [ "Richard Griffin," ], [ "no explanation" ] ]	Assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security announces decision to resign . Richard Griffin gave no specific reason for resignation or offered timetable . Blackwater issues appeal to supporters to stand up for company . NEW: Blackwater shooting survivor says U.S. Embassy offered victims money .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Supreme Court heard new arguments Wednesday in a dramatic case that started with a movie attacking Hillary Clinton -- but that could have far-reaching implications for U.S. elections. The campaign finance case before the court stems from a film critical of then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. "If you thought you knew everything about Hillary Clinton, wait till you see the movie," said an ad last year for "Hillary: The Movie," a scorching attack on the woman then running for president. Citizens United, the conservative group behind the film, promoted it as featuring 40 interviews -- a "cast to end all casts"-- and promised that if "you want to hear about the Clinton scandals of the past and present, you have it here! 'Hillary: The Movie' is the first and last word in what the Clintons want America to forget!" Few Americans ever saw the ad; a federal court ruled that it broke the law on campaign advertising. Citizens United argued that the movie was a documentary, not "electioneering communication." As a result, the group argued, it was not subject to campaign finance rules that require disclosure of the movie's financial backers or restrictions on when the film could air. It was financed with a mix of corporate and individual donations. Judges disagreed. Citizens United, a Washington-based nonprofit advocacy group, took its case to the Supreme Court. Unusually, the top court did not reach a decision on the case after it was first heard and ordered Wednesday's rare September rehearing to consider more aspects of the case. A ruling is expected in a couple of months. The case hinges on whether corporations can be barred from pouring money into election campaigns or whether they have free-speech rights -- and the right to spend their cash to influence elections, just like individual people do. "It's about money," said Lawrence Noble, former general counsel of the Federal Election Commission and a national expert on campaign spending. "It's about free speech, and it's about the ability of corporations to influence elections through the direct use of their ... money." Fred Wertheimer of Democracy 21 said the courts were right in the first place. "Allowing corporations to flood our elections and use campaign expenditures to buy influence would fundamentally undermine our democracy," he said. "The little guy would have no role here, because the dominant force in politics -- the dominant force in Washington decision-making -- would become corporations." But David Bossee of Citizens United doesn't buy that. He argued that groups of people who pool resources, ranging from labor unions to the health industry to advocacy groups like the National Rifle Association, still have the right to free speech. "I don't believe the federal government should have the right to impede people's entry into the [political] process," he said. "And that's what I believe the Federal Election Commission is doing here: squelch our First Amendment rights." U.S. courts have consistently ruled that spending money on elections is a form of speech. The case has made for unusual alliances: the American Civil Liberties Union, for example, sides with Citizens United. "For many free-speech advocates, this is maybe a case of strange bedfellows, but they agree with Citizens United," said George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley. "They say, 'If you start to say these types of movies are prohibited speech, it could sweep into things like books.' Indeed, [the first time this case was argued,] the U.S. government said, 'Yes, we could restrict books during these election periods,' " Turley said. "That sent a chill through the free-speech community. On the other side, people are saying, 'Yeah, campaign finance [reform] is strangling the democratic process,' " he said. "You have two worthy values and very strong values on both sides," he said on CNN's "American Morning."	[ "What movie broke the laws?", "what did federal court rule?", "what was documentary?", "Who does the film attack?", "What kind of laws did the movie break?", "When is the Supreme Court expected to rule?", "when is supreme court expected to rule?" ]	[ [ "\"Hillary: The Movie,\"" ], [ "it broke the law on campaign advertising." ], [ "\"Hillary: The Movie,\"" ], [ "Hillary Clinton," ], [ "on campaign advertising." ], [ "couple of months." ], [ "in a couple of months." ] ]	Federal court ruled that movie broke campaign ad laws . Group behind film attacking Clinton said it was a documentary . Can corporations be barred from giving to election campaigns? Supreme Court expected to rule in a couple of months .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Supreme Court offered unanimous support for police Wednesday by allowing drug evidence gathered after an arrest that violated state law to be used at trial, an important search-and-seizure case turning on the constitutional limits of "probable cause." The Supreme Court unanimously gave police broader powers to search for and seize evidence. "When officers have probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime in their presence, the Fourth Amendment permits them to make an arrest, and to search the suspect in order to safeguard evidence and ensure their own safety," Justice Antonin Scalia wrote. David Lee Moore was stopped by Portsmouth, Virginia, officers five years ago for driving his vehicle on a suspended license. Under state law in such incidents, only a summons is to be issued and the motorist is to be allowed to go. Instead, detectives detained Moore for almost an hour, arrested him, then searched him and found cocaine. At trial, Moore's lawyers tried to suppress the evidence, but the state judge allowed it, even though the court noted the arrest violated state law. A police detective, asked why the man was arrested, replied, "Just our prerogative." While some of the justices expressed concern about that level of discretion at oral arguments in January, their 9-0 ruling raised few such doubts. "The arrest rules that the officers violated were those of state law alone," Scalia said. "It is not the province of the Fourth Amendment to enforce state law." The state had argued an arrest is constitutionally reasonable if officers have probable cause to believe a suspect has committed a crime. "This standard represents the best compromise between the needs of the citizens and the duty of the government to combat crime," Stephen McCullough, Virginia's deputy solicitor general, had told the high court. But Moore's attorney, Thomas Goldstein, called an "extreme proposition" the idea that it would be reasonable "to go out and arrest someone for a non-arrestable offense and not only do that, but having committed that trespass at common law, to further search them." There has been widespread judicial confusion over how such police searches should be handled. Some lower courts had ruled that when state arrest law is violated, the Constitution provides a remedy in the suppression of any evidence resulting from the arrest and a related search. But the justices agreed with the majority of courts that said constitutional requirements are satisfied when an officer has probable cause to make an arrest, even if some provision of state law was violated in the process. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote a concurring opinion suggesting Virginia change its law to make driving on a suspended license an arrestable offense. During arguments, Ginsburg spoke for several colleagues when she pointed out that if a summons had been issued in Moore's case, any incriminating evidence would have been excluded. "Would you explain the logic to saying that when the police violate state law, then the evidence can come in, but when they comply with state law, it can't," she asked. The ruling means Moore's original jury conviction and 3-½ year prison term will stand. E-mail to a friend	[ "Who allowed evidence of drugs?", "what does case involve?", "What was the justices ruling with regard to the officers?", "Who was stopped for driving with suspended license?", "what did trial judge allowed?", "What did police do instead of issuing a ticket?", "What was the Virginia man stopped for?" ]	[ [ "Supreme Court" ], [ "violated state law to be used at trial, an important search-and-seizure" ], [ "Moore's original jury conviction and 3-½ year prison term will stand." ], [ "David Lee Moore" ], [ "the evidence," ], [ "detectives detained Moore for almost an hour, arrested him, then searched him and found cocaine." ], [ "driving his vehicle on a suspended license." ] ]	Case involves Virginia man stopped for driving with suspended license . Instead of issuing ticket, police detained him and searched his car . Arrest violated state's law, but trial judge allowed evidence of drugs . Justices ruled that officers had probable cause for search .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday federal regulators have the authority to clamp down on the broadcast TV networks that air isolated cases of profanity, known as "fleeting expletives." The Supreme Court ruled federal regulators can stop TV networks from airing profanity. The 5-4 vote was a victory for Bush-era officials who pushed fines and sanctions when racy images and language reached the airwaves. Controversial words have been aired in scripted and unscripted instances on all the major over-the-air networks in the past six years -- dating back to when the Federal Communications Commission began considering a stronger, no-tolerance policy. "It suffices the new policy is permissible under the statute, there are good reasons for it, and the agency believes it to be better," said Justice Antonin Scalia, writing for the conservative majority. The high court, however, refused to decide whether the commission's policy violates the First Amendment guarantee of free speech, only the agency's enforcement power. The justices ordered the free-speech aspect to be reviewed again by a federal appeals court. ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox were parties in the case. A federal appeals court in New York had ruled in their favor, calling the commission's policy "arbitrary and capricious." The commission then appealed to the Supreme Court, seeking restoration of its power to penalize the networks airing "indecent" speech, even if it is broadcast only one time, and even if it does not describe a specific sex act. The high court agreed to some extent. "Even when used as an expletive, the F-word's power to insult and offend derives from its sexual meaning," wrote Scalia. Such language is heard with greater, albeit varying frequency on cable television, the Internet, and satellite radio, which do not use public airwaves. But the federal government is charged with responding to viewer complaints when "indecent" language reaches broadcast television and radio, which is subject to greater regulation. That is especially relevant during daytime and early evening hours, when larger numbers of families and younger viewers may be watching. The FCC's acting chairman, Michael Copps, called Tuesday's ruling a "a big win for America's families." The commission formally reversed its policy in March 2004 to declare even a single use of an expletive could be illegal. The changes became known as the "Golden Globes Rule," for singer Bono's 2003 acceptance speech at the awards show on NBC, where he uttered the phrase "really, really, f---ing brilliant." The commission specifically cited celebrities Cher and Nicole Richie for potty-mouth language in the 2002 and 2003 Billboard Music Awards, which aired on Fox. Richie, in an apparent scripted moment said, "Have you ever tried to get cow s--t out of a Prada purse? It's not so f---ing simple." The complaint against ABC involved "NYPD Blue," a now-canceled scripted police drama, and the CBS' complaint involved "The Early Show," a news and interview program. Enforcement of the law had been put on hold while the case was being argued. In dissent, Justice John Paul Stevens said "customs of speech" and context made the Federal Communications Commission's position unworkable. "As any golfer who has watched his partner shank a short approach knows, it would be absurd to accept the suggestion that the resultant four-letter word uttered on the golf course describes sex or excrement and is therefore indecent," he wrote. "But that is the absurdity the FCC has embraced in its new approach to indecency." And Stevens wondered why the agency was going after words that he said had a "tenuous relationship" to sex and bodily functions, while at the same time prime-time commercials "frequently ask viewers whether they, too, are battling erectile dysfunction or are having trouble going to the bathroom." Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg made clear how she viewed the broader free speech questions the high court may be forced	[ "what did supreme court rule", "What did the FCC chairman call the ruling?", "Who called the ruling \"a big win for America's families\"?", "What was the Supreme Court breakdown in votes?", "what does FCC's chairman call ruling", "What did the Supreme Court rule?" ]	[ [ "federal regulators can stop TV networks from airing profanity." ], [ "\"a big win for America's families.\"" ], [ "Michael Copps," ], [ "5-4" ], [ "\"a big win for America's families.\"" ], [ "federal regulators can stop TV networks from airing profanity." ] ]	NEW: FCC's acting chairman calls ruling "a big win for America's families" NEW: Thomas sides with majority, but questions FCC's "underlying authority" NEW: Media Access Project head warns of "impaired artistic expression" Supreme Court ruled 5-4 federal regulators can clamp down on "fleeting expletives"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Army intentionally denied benefits to soldiers suffering from a widespread stress disorder after they returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, a veterans advocacy group charges in a suit filed Wednesday. A soldier is welcomed home from Iraq by his son at Fort Stewart, Georgia, earlier this month. The lawsuit, filed by the National Veterans Legal Services Program, accuses the Army of illegally cutting off benefits to thousands of veterans and their families by refusing to assign a proper disability rating to those veterans after they had been discharged with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, the veterans have been denied benefits, including, among other things, lifetime monthly disability payments and free medical care for themselves and their families. "I experience firsthand the horrors of war" said Juan Perez, an Iraq veteran and one of five plaintiffs in the lawsuit. "My expectation was that the military would be there for me, and my country would be there for me. Instead, the way I was treated felt more like a slap to the face." All disabled veterans are assigned a disability rating from zero to 100 percent. According to the Legal Services Program, a rating of at least 30 percent is required to qualify for benefits such as monthly disability payments and free health care. Soldiers receiving less than a 30 percent rating are entitled only to a one-time lump sum severance payment after being discharged. On October 14, the Defense Department ordered the Army to assign at least a 50 percent rating to all soldiers discharged with PTSD in the future. The lawsuit seeks to provide full benefits to all veterans discharged with PTSD in the past six years. A Rand Corp. study released in April indicated that nearly 20 percent of all military service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have reported symptoms of PTSD or major depression.	[ "What does PTSD stand for?", "How long do soldiers wants their eligibility to go back?", "Who ordered all future PTSD sufferers to be eligible for benefits?", "What did the Army order for all future PTSD sufferers?", "How far back to soldiers want eligibility to go?", "Who denied soldiers a disability rating?", "What branch of the military was involved in this decision?", "What veterans advocacy group helped the veterans?" ]	[ [ "post-traumatic stress disorder" ], [ "six years." ], [ "the Defense Department" ], [ "provide full benefits" ], [ "past six years." ], [ "The U.S. Army" ], [ "U.S. Army" ], [ "National" ] ]	Soldiers: Army denied them disability rating, so they were denied benefits . Lawsuit filed by veterans advocacy group on behalf of vets with PTSD . In October, Army ordered all future PTSD sufferers to be eligible for benefits . Soldiers want eligibility to go back six years .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Army is establishing a suicide prevention board to examine the mental health of its recruiters around the country after the fourth suicide in three years by Houston, Texas-based recruiters, according to Army officials. The Army Recruiting Command is examining recruiters all over the country for job-related and combat-related stress. The board will look at how to handle the high-stress climate facing recruiters who may be both under pressure from their job and victims of post-combat deployment stress, according to Douglas Smith, a spokesman from the U.S. Army Recruiting command. "The United States Army Recruiting Command is deeply concerned by the instances of suicide within the Houston Recruiting Battalion," said a statement released by the Recruiting Command. "The board's objective will be to prevent future suicides, increase suicide awareness, analyze trends and highlight additional tools and resources to combat suicide within the Recruiting Command." The Army's examination comes after a sergeant first class, a member of the Houston Recruiting Battalion and an Iraq combat veteran, killed himself at his home earlier this month. CNN has chosen not to name any of the recruiters. The sergeant's was the second suicide within the ranks of the battalion within weeks, Army officials said. In August, a staff sergeant, a combat veteran in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, also killed himself. Another Houston recruiter killed himself in 2007 and a yet another in 2005, Army records show. The Army Recruiting Command is sending a team -- including a chaplain and a psychologist -- to assist the Houston recruiters. The team was scheduled to show up in mid-September, but because of the severe hurricane damage the arrival was delayed until October, officials said. A chaplain from Army Recruiting Command in Fort Knox, Kentucky, was sent to be with the battalion shortly after the latest victim's death, Smith said. He said recruiters receive annual suicide prevention training, and commanders have additional tools to help their soldiers cope. The members of the Houston battalion received their last training in December 2007, according to an Army statement. The Army Recruiting Command is examining recruiters all over the country for both job-related and combat-related stress problems, but is giving special attention to the Houston battalion at the moment, according to Smith. "We do not have any other circumstances with our recruiters around the country like we do with the Houston unit," he said. The deaths of the two recruiters this year also caught the eye of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn from Texas. Cornyn wrote a letter to Army Secretary Pete Geren this month about the suicide rate in the battalion. "Due to the recurring deployments that have proven necessary to sustain operations in the Middle East, it is likely that a large majority of our recruiters are also veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," he wrote. "Many of our military recruiters work in recruiting offices and facilities remote from the military installations at which their fellow soldiers serve. As such, many of them lack the same access to peer support networks and important services for dealing with stress, anxiety, PTSD and other conditions that may directly result from their prior combat service," he said. A veteran's advocacy group says Houston has one of the top recruiting operations in the United States but there is a good deal of stress in bringing in new recruits when the Army is stretched. "The suicides in the Houston battalion are a very loud, very bright alarm that Army officials and politicians can't afford to ignore," said Paul Sullivan, executive director of Veterans for Common Sense. While recruiting among all of the services has been on target for more than a year, the stress levels on recruiters to bring in new service members can be crushing with extended hours and, many times, six- or seven-day work weeks. Army officials said Cornyn was correct in saying one of the problems for recruiters is they work in locations often far from bases where they can get the mental health help that is readily available to other troops.	[ "What will the Army examine, of recruiters?", "Which branch of the military is mentioned?", "State that saw four suicides in three years?", "What puts pressure on recruiters?", "Who is under pressure?", "How many suicides has Texas seen in three years?", "What place has seen military-related suicides recently?", "What are recruiters under pressure from?", "What org will examine mental health of recruiters?", "How many suicides has Texas seen?", "Who will examine the recruiters mental health?" ]	[ [ "mental" ], [ "The U.S. Army" ], [ "Texas-based" ], [ "job-related and combat-related stress." ], [ "recruiters" ], [ "fourth" ], [ "Houston," ], [ "their job" ], [ "U.S. Army" ], [ "fourth" ], [ "U.S. Army" ] ]	Army will examine mental health of recruiters . Recruiters under pressure from job and victims of post-combat deployment . Texas sees four suicides in three years .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. State Department threw aside diplomatic language Tuesday, attacking Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for creating what it calls a "catastrophe" by throwing many international aid workers out of the country. President Omar al-Bashir ordered the expulsion of aid groups after he was indicted on war crimes charges. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a direct challenge to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir Tuesday, warning that he and his government "will be held responsible for every single death that occurs in" the refugee camps of the Darfur region. Al-Bashir ordered the expulsion of 13 international aid groups from the Sudan earlier this month after he was indicted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes. While other aid groups remain in Sudan, the United Nations said the 13 expelled groups provided roughly half the assistance delivered in Darfur. Nearly 300,000 people have died in the Darfur conflict, and millions are homeless, according to the U.N. Calling the situation in Darfur "horrendous," Clinton said President Obama's administration will appoint a special envoy for Sudan "in the coming days." On Wednesday, retired Air Force Gen. J. Scott Gration was appointed as U.S. special envoy for Sudan, the White House announced in a written statement. "Sudan is a priority for this administration, particularly at a time when it cries out for peace and for justice. The worsening humanitarian crisis there makes our task all the more urgent," President Barack Obama said in the statement. "General Gration's personal and professional background, and his service to the country as both a military leader and a humanitarian, give him the insights and experience necessary for this assignment." Gration, a former fighter pilot, served as assistant deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs. Fluent in Swahili, he was raised partly in Africa, where his parents were missionary teachers Clinton said the real question now is what kind of pressure can be brought to bear on al-Bashir and the government in Khartoum to make them understand "that they will be held responsible for every single death that occurs in those camps." State Department spokesman Robert Wood told reporters, "It's just a catastrophe that Bashir has created. We're going to continue to make this case and we're imploring others to make this case that he needs to reverse that decision he took. Thousands, hundreds of thousands of people, could possibly be at risk and it's irresponsible, the action he took, and he needs to reverse it and reverse it immediately. People's lives are at risk." Clinton said countries that support al-Bashir's expulsion order "have the responsibility to persuade the government in Sudan to change its decision to let the aid workers back, or they must replace with money and personnel those who have been expelled so that innocent lives are not lost and further undermined." Clinton said the United States is "very concerned" and is looking for more effective ways to convince the Sudanese government that "they have assumed an even greater sense of responsibility and infamy in the eyes of the world by turning their backs on these refugees whom they created in the first place." Wood said it is clear that Bashir is the sole person at fault. "Bashir is to blame for this crisis on the ground," he said. His actions have only made things a lot worse. We are trying to get him to reverse this decision. We want to call on all those who have influence with the government of Sudan, institutions like the African Union, the Arab League, to do what they can to get Bashir to reverse his decision." Obama, during his election campaign, made the crisis in Darfur a major focus. Since then, some have criticized him for putting it on the back burner. Seeking to rebut that view, Wood listed all recent steps the administration has taken to resolve the situation. Last week, he said, Obama discussed the deteriorating situation in Sudan with U.N. Secretary General Ban ki-Moon. U.S. officials have been meeting in New York, Washington	[ "Who did Hillary Clinton warn?", "What must Bashir do?", "Whose lives are at risk?", "What is a catastrophe?", "Who is throwing out aid?" ]	[ [ "Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir" ], [ "reverse this decision." ], [ "Thousands, hundreds of thousands of people, could possibly be" ], [ "throwing many international aid workers out of the country." ], [ "President Omar al-Bashir" ] ]	State Department says Sudan president throwing out aid agencies is "catastrophe" Hillary Clinton warns Sudan president will be "responsible for every single death" Omar al-Bashir wanted aid groups out after indictment on war crime charges . Spokesman: Bashir must reverse decision because "people's lives are at risk"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. military plans to help the Afghanistan government recruit, train and arm local Afghans to fight a resurgent Taliban, U.S. military officials say. U.S. soldiers patrol near Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan on Wednesday. U.S. officials describe the proposal as a "community-based" security effort. The main job of the local units is to be an "early warning system" and be armed mainly for defensive operations, a U.S. military official said. Participants will get uniforms so they can be readily identified, officials said. The first phase of the program is expected to begin next year in Wardak province, where the Taliban have overrun many local government institutions. For the United States, the most sensitive part of the proposal will be the use of American military funds to purchase small arms, most likely AK-47 rifles, that will be given to local Afghans, according to a U.S. military official. U.S. commanders acknowledge concerns that arming local groups is risky, as it could lead to new armed conflicts between tribes, putting American troops in the middle of unexpected firefights. The Afghan government will select men for the new security program. It will train them and technically arm them, although the funds will come from the U.S. military. The Afghans will be responsible for ensuring the loyalty of people in the program, but the United States will oversee the effort and collect biometric information, such as eyeprints and fingerprints, on all participants, according to the U.S. military official. U.S. officials are emphasizing that because of tribal diversity, the Afghan program differs from the Awakening Councils in Iraq, which include tens of thousands of Sunni gunmen and was credited with helping reduce violence there.	[ "Who will be \"early warning system?\"", "What are locals to be?", "When is the program to begin?", "Where is the program to begin in?", "When will the program begin?" ]	[ [ "local units" ], [ "\"early warning system\"" ], [ "next year" ], [ "Wardak" ], [ "next year" ] ]	"Community-based" security effort designed to counter Taliban gains . Locals to be "early warning system," U.S. official says . Program to begin next year in Wardak province .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. military will stop publishing the number of Taliban and insurgents it kills in Afghanistan under orders from the senior U.S. military spokesman for the American-led coalition. A French soldier mans a gun Sunday during maneuvers in Afghanistan's Kapisa province. Rear Adm. Gregory Smith ordered the change as part of the new military strategy in the war that focuses on protecting Afghan citizens rather than killing militants. "Indicating the number of insurgents killed has little relevance to impacting the lives of Afghans. In fact, if that were the only purpose and metric, you would likely only extend the time it takes to bring about an end to the insurgency," Smith said in an e-mail to CNN responding to a query about the change. The issue of publishing enemy body counts has been extremely sensitive to the U.S. military since the Vietnam War when the military regularly published large enemy body counts but seemed to be failing overall to make progress in the war. In the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Pentagon has shifted policies several times, both publishing numbers in news releases on particular engagements and firefights and also declaring it would not publish body counts. In the past some military officials have said the numbers have been part of individual releases to the media as a means of demonstrating success against enemy forces. Smith said, "We conduct operations not aimed at killing insurgents, although in many instances that is the outcome, but to over time clear areas of insurgency and give the people a chance to reconnect with official forms of governance and to rebuild their lives, socially and economically."	[ "Who will stop publishing numbers?", "What does the new military strategy focus on?", "Where are Taliban and insurgents killed?" ]	[ [ "The U.S. military" ], [ "protecting Afghan citizens rather than killing militants." ], [ "Afghanistan" ] ]	U.S. will stop publishing number of Taliban and insurgents killed in Afghanistan . Change is part of a new military strategy that focuses on protecting Afghans . Issue of publishing enemy body counts has been sensitive to military since Vietnam .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States Mint launched a new coin Tuesday featuring jazz legend Duke Ellington, making him the first African-American to appear by himself on a circulating U.S. coin. The District of Columbia coin honoring Duke Ellington was introduced Tuesday in Washington. Ellington, the composer of classics including "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" appears on the "tails" side of the new D.C. quarter. George Washington is on the "heads" side, as is usual with U.S. quarters. The coin was issued to celebrate Ellington's birthplace, the District of Columbia. U.S. Mint Director Ed Moy introduced the new coin at a news conference Tuesday at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. Members of Ellington's family were present at the ceremony, and the jazz band of Duke Ellington High School performed. Ellington won the honor by a vote of D.C. residents, beating out abolitionist Frederick Douglass and astronomer Benjamin Banneker. Also on the coin is the phrase "Justice for all." The Mint rejected the first inscription choice of D.C. voters, which was "taxation without representation," in protest of the district's lack of voting representation in Congress. Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington received 13 Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, among numerous other honors. His orchestra's theme song, "Take the A Train," is one of the best-known compositions in jazz. Ellington was born in the district in 1899 and composed more than 3,000 songs, including "Satin Doll," "Perdido" and "Don't Get Around Much Any More." "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" helped usher in the swing era of jazz. Ellington performed with other famous artists, including John Coltrane, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, and he traveled around the world with his orchestras. He died in 1974 at the age of 75. The first African-American to appear on a circulating coin was York, a slave who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their "Corps of Discovery" adventures across America at the dawn of the 19th century. The 2003 Missouri quarter features the three men together in a canoe on the obverse. The U.S. Mint distinguishes between circulating coins, which are intended for daily use, and commemorative ones, which mark special occasions. African-Americans including Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball's color barrier, have appeared on commemorative coins. Educator Booker T. Washington, botanist George Washington Carver and the first Revolutionary War casualty, Crispus Attucks, all of whom were black, have also appeared on commemorative coins, according to the U.S. Mint.	[ "Where was the coin introduced?", "Where was the musician born?", "Where was Ellington born?", "Who is featured on the quarter?", "What was Ellington featured on?" ]	[ [ "Washington." ], [ "the District of Columbia." ], [ "District of Columbia." ], [ "Duke Ellington," ], [ "\"tails\" side of the new D.C. quarter." ] ]	Duke Ellington featured on reverse of new quarter honoring District of Columbia . Coin introduced at Smithsonian's National Museum of American History . African-Americans have appeared on commemorative coins or as minor figures . Ellington was born in D.C. and composed several jazz standards .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States ambassador to Afghanistan, William Wood, said Friday that changes in communications with Afghan military forces have been made in the aftermath of a disputed U.S. air raid on an Afghan village. Civilians are overcome with emotion outside a home destroyed by a U.S. airstrike in Afghanistan. And despite Afghanistan's outrage over the loss of life, he said, the incident has not undermined the nations' relationship. The Afghanistan government has said that as many as 90 civilians -- including many children -- were killed in the August 22 air attack on a village in the Shindand district of Western Afghanistan. The United States had said that only seven civilians died, along with dozens of insurgents. A number of investigations into the incident are under way, including a "senior level" review by the United States. "People who are reviewing our findings have been in Afghanistan for a while, and I don't know when they will complete their review," Wood said at the State Department late Friday. "There is no American involved who doesn't feel a personal sense of pain and regret any time any civilian casualty occurs," he said. "Speaking as an official of the American government, I can say there is no one who works harder than the United States does to minimize such casualties. "I know as a matter of absolute certainty of operations that have been canceled precisely because there was a risk of civilian casualties," he added. "I think there is no question there has been what one Afghan official referred to as 'sort of a bumpy time' over this issue in the last few weeks. I think that it has never threatened the underlying relationship of confidence between our two countries and between our peoples or between our military and the people of Afghanistan. "That said, we are certainly committed to taking the steps necessary to ensure that such casualties are reduced to the absolute minimum and to working closely, even more closely, with the Afghan government to successfully carry out the military mission." The ambassador said the United States has made changes in communication between the U.S. and Afghan forces. "Steps are already not simply under way but have been taken to improve coordination," he said. U.S. and Afghanistan officials have just completed a new round in what is called the United States-Afghanistan Strategic Partnership. A joint U.S.-Afghanistan statement released Thursday referred to the attack. "The United States delegation expressed regret over the loss of any innocent civilian lives incurred during security operations," the statement said. "In response to concerns expressed by the government of Afghanistan, the United States is conducting a senior level review and assessment of the August 22 Shindand operation. In addition, both sides recognize the need for establishing a mutually agreed-upon framework and mechanism to minimize civilian casualties and to maintain the strong support of the Afghan people in fighting terrorism."	[ "Who said attack hasn't threatened nation's relationship?", "How many civilians does Afghan government say we're killed?", "How many were killed by the airstrike?", "What did the ambassador say about the incident?", "What did the bombings lead to according to US ambassador?", "What did the bombing lead to?", "Number of civilians the airstrike killed?", "Who said bombing lead to \"bumpy time\"?", "what did U.S. ambassador call time after the bombing?", "US says what number was killed in airstrikes?", "Who said airstrike lead to 90 civilian deaths?", "How many civilians does U.S. say we're killed?" ]	[ [ "William Wood," ], [ "90" ], [ "as many as 90 civilians" ], [ "has not undermined the nations' relationship." ], [ "in communications with Afghan military forces" ], [ "U.S. airstrike in Afghanistan." ], [ "as many as 90" ], [ "William Wood," ], [ "bumpy" ], [ "90" ], [ "Afghanistan government" ], [ "90" ] ]	U.S. ambassador says bombing led to "bumpy time" Afghan government says August airstrike killed 90 civilians . U.S. says attack killed seven civilians and many insurgents . Incident hasn't threatened nations' relationship, ambassador says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States and Britain said Wednesday they are committed to remaining in Afghanistan, despite increased military casualties and declining public support for the war effort. U.S. Marines partrol part of the Gharmsir district in Afghanistan's Helmand province on Wednesday. "We went into this together, and we will work it through together because we are stronger together," British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said after a half day of talks at the State Department with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Clinton praised Miliband's approach on Afghanistan, including the call for the government to reconcile with moderate elements of the Taliban. "His analysis of the way forward is very much consistent with ours, and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder in pursuit of our common objectives," Clinton said of her counterpart. In a speech at NATO headquarters on Monday, Miliband called for rank-and-file Taliban to be given the chance to reconcile with the Afghan government, even as the campaign continues against Taliban commanders who are waging jihad. He also urged greater burden sharing not only among NATO allies in Afghanistan but by the Afghan government. "There is a lot of talk, rightly, about burden sharing within the coalition, but the greatest burden sharing must be between the international community and the government of Afghanistan, which increasingly needs to take the lead -- the security lead, as well as the political lead -- in shaping the future of that country," he said. Richard Holbrooke, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, told reporters that boosting the training of Afghan forces would be a big focus after the country's August 20 election. When asked whether the election would be fair, Holbrooke, who just returned from the region, said he had heard complaints from all sides but was not "unduly upset." "It's an extraordinary thing to hold an election in the middle of a war, and this is the first contested election in Afghanistan in history," Holbrooke said, adding the United States has no favorite candidate but only wants "an election whose outcome is accepted as legitimate by the Afghan people and the world, which reflects the desires of those who vote." July has been the deadliest month for U.S. and British forces since the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, with 39 U.S. troops and 22 British troops killed. Miliband said the effort was going through a "tough phase," but added that the British people understood the "vital nature" of the mission to stabilize Afghanistan. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been under under enormous pressure from his opposition, which charges that British troops don't have proper resources to fight the war, including helicopters. But he was sanguine. "I think the British people will stay with this mission, because there is a clear strategy and a clear determination on behalf of the United States and other coalition members to see this through," he said, adding that the British people understood the mission's "vital nature." Americans, too, have questioned whether the war in Afghanistan is winnable and worth the effort. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and members of Congress, including Democrats, have predicted that President Obama has a year to show progress in Afghanistan before public support for the war further erodes. Clinton said Britain and the United States "have made significant gains in the recent operations" against the Taliban, but "there remains much work to be done." "We know that this is a challenge that is not going to be easily resolved in a short period of time," she said, adding "both of our countries are still threatened by the same enemy, an enemy that has attacked London, New York and Washington." "We know they've attacked us in the past, and, unfortunately, we know that they plot against us even today," she said.	[ "Who called for reconciliation?", "What will be a big focus for the US in regards to Afghan forces?", "The Afghan government needs to reconcile with who?", "What is the name of the British Foreign Secretary?", "What is the deadliest month for the forces?", "What month is deadliest month fro U.S and British forces?", "What British Foreign Secretary said about it?", "what did the british foreign secretary David Miliband said?", "What did Miliband say?", "What month was the deadliest month for U.S. and British forces in Afganistan since the 2001 invasion?", "What was the deadliest month?", "what's the deadliest month for U.S. British forces in Afghanistan since '01 invasion?", "Miliband calls for Afghan government to do what?", "What did the U.S. official say?", "Who does the British Foreign Secretary want the Afghan government to reconcile with?" ]	[ [ "David Miliband" ], [ "boosting the training of" ], [ "moderate elements of the Taliban." ], [ "David Miliband" ], [ "July" ], [ "July" ], [ "\"We went into this together, and we will work" ], [ "\"We went into this together, and we will work it through together because we are stronger together,\"" ], [ "\"We went into this together, and we will work it through together because we are stronger together,\"" ], [ "July" ], [ "July" ], [ "July" ], [ "reconcile with moderate elements of the Taliban." ], [ "that boosting the training of Afghan forces would be a big focus after the country's August 20 election." ], [ "moderate elements of the Taliban." ] ]	July deadliest month for U.S., British forces in Afghanistan since '01 invasion . "We will work it through together," British Foreign Secretary David Miliband says . Miliband calls for Afghan government to reconcile with moderate Taliban elements . U.S. official: Boosting the training of Afghan forces will be a big focus .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States fears recent weapons purchases by Venezuela could fuel an arms race in South America, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday. Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez met and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington on Tuesday. "They outpace all other countries in South America and certainly raise the question as to whether there is going to be an arms race in the region," Clinton said about Venezuela's arms deals, after a meeting with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez. The Russian government Monday extended $2.2 billion in credit to Venezuela to finance arms purchases, including 92 Soviet-era T-72 tanks and short-range missiles with a reach of 55 miles (90 kilometers). Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez also said his nation will purchase an anti-aircraft weapons system with a range of 185 miles (300 kilometers). The planned arms purchases come at a time when Venezuela is at odds with neighboring Colombia over negotiations that would give U.S. troops access to Colombian military bases. Chavez has said his military buildup is in response to the growing U.S. presence in the region, which he calls threatening and dangerous to Latin America. The United States is also concerned about deepening ties between Venezuela and Iran. In addition to ongoing military cooperation, Chavez said in Tehran last week that the Iranian government would help Venezuela develop nuclear technology. In exchange, Venezuela has offered to export gasoline to Iran, which would give Tehran an out if Western nations impose petroleum sanctions over Iran's nuclear program. Senior administration officials say Venezuela's attempt at "sanctions busting" is alarming. Clinton urged Venezuela to be transparent about its weapons purchases. Venezuela, she said, "should be putting in place in procedures and practices to ensure that the weapons they buy are not diverted to insurgent groups or illegal organizations like drug trafficking gangs and other criminal cartels." Vazquez voiced concern that an arms race in South America would divert funds from badly needed development in poor countries. "We should devote our energies and resources to fight against the real scourges of our societies ... such as drug trafficking and terrorism," he said. "Instead of spending it in weapons, spending it in housing, good housing for our people, and to further deepen investment, especially in the field of education."	[ "Washington worries about who deepening ties to Iran?", "Who has deepening ties to Iran?", "Who is Secretary of State?", "Who worries about the arms race in South America?", "How many credit extends Russia to Venezuela?", "Russia extends how much in credit to Venezuela to finance arms purchases?", "Who is worried about arms race in South America?" ]	[ [ "Venezuela" ], [ "Venezuela" ], [ "Hillary Clinton" ], [ "The United States" ], [ "$2.2 billion" ], [ "$2.2 billion" ], [ "The United States" ] ]	Russia extends $2.2 billion in credit to Venezuela to finance arms purchases . Secretary of State Hillary Clinton worries about arms race in South America . Relations tense between Venezuela and neighboring Colombia, a U.S. ally . Washington worries about Hugo Chavez's deepening ties to Iran as well .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States is expelling the Venezuelan ambassador to the United States in response to a similar move by Venezuela, U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Friday. "We have informed the Venezuelan ambassador to the United States that he will be expelled and should leave the United States," McCormack said. Separately, the U.S. Treasury Department accused Friday two senior Venezuelan intelligence officials -- Hugo Armando Carvajal Barrios and Henry de Jesus Rangel Silva -- and one former official -- Ramon Rodriguez Chacin -- of assisting leftist rebels in the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, with narcotics trafficking. "Today's designation exposes two senior Venezuelan government officials and one former official who armed, abetted and funded the FARC, even as it terrorized and kidnapped innocents," said Adam J. Szubin, director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, in a statement. The action freezes assets the three men may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits Americans from conducting business with them. The U.S. decision to expel the Venezuelan ambassador, Bernardo Alvarez Herrera, is the latest move in an escalating diplomatic battle that pits the United States against two of Latin America's leftist leaders. It comes a day after Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced that he was expelling the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela, Patrick Duddy. Chavez also said he was recalling the Venezuelan ambassador from the United States. "He has 72 hours, from this moment, the Yankee ambassador in Caracas, to leave Venezuela," Chavez told a crowd of supporters. "When there's a new government in the United States, we'll send an ambassador. A government that respects Latin America." The president said he was making the moves "in solidarity with Bolivia and the people of Bolivia." Bolivian President Evo Morales on Thursday accused the United States of fomenting a coup d'etat by rich eastern department landowners against him, and he called for the U.S. ambassador to leave for allegedly encouraging those protesters. For the past two weeks, the demonstrators in the country's richer eastern lowlands have been protesting Morales' plans to redistribute the country's natural gas revenues. "Without fear of anyone, without fear of the empire, today before you, before the Bolivian people, I declare the ambassador of the United States persona non grata," Morales said Wednesday of Ambassador Philip Goldberg in a nationally televised speech. The United States called the allegations baseless and kicked out the Bolivian ambassador Thursday. The Bolivians "made it very clear what their intention was and we took them at their word," McCormack said Friday. "We take President Chavez at his word in this particular case, and we have reacted appropriately." Before expelling the U.S. diplomat from his country, Chavez also said Thursday that he had uncovered a U.S.-backed plot to remove him from power. "It's the empire that's behind this," he told supporters in a televised address. "They go around looking for a way to stop our revolution and, with it, to strike all the processes of change that are occurring in our Americas, in the Caribbean, in Central America." Chavez then played a four-minute tape of what he said were conversations among current and retired members of the Venezuelan military discussing whom they could count on to support a movement against the presidential palace. He said also that the presence of two Russian warplanes on Venezuelan soil for a training exercise "is a warning" to the rest of the world that Venezuela's allies include Russia.	[ "Who is expelling the US ambassador?", "Who acussed the Venezuelans of aiding Colombian rebels?", "Who is the Venezuelan president?", "What ambassador is being expelled by Chavez?", "Who moved on the Venezuelan ambassador?", "What's then name of the Venezuelan President?", "What does the U.S. Treasury accuse Venezualans of?", "Where was the U.S. ambassador expelled to?", "What does the U.S. Treasury Department accuse Venezuelans of doing?", "Who is the US in an escalating diplomatic war with?" ]	[ [ "Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez" ], [ "U.S. Treasury Department" ], [ "Hugo Chavez" ], [ "U.S." ], [ "The United States" ], [ "Hugo Chavez" ], [ "of assisting leftist rebels in the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, with narcotics trafficking." ], [ "Venezuela," ], [ "assisting leftist rebels" ], [ "Venezuela," ] ]	U.S. move on Venezuelan ambassador follows similar action by Caracas . Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expelling the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela . U.S. Treasury Department also accuses Venezuelans of aiding Colombian rebels . U.S. in escalating diplomatic battle with Venezuelan, Bolivian leaders .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States on Tuesday imposed financial sanctions on an Iran-based company that it said is a cover for North Korea's missile proliferation network, the Department of the Treasury announced. Hong Kong Electronics in Kish Island, Iran, was added to the list of "designated proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their supporters" for working with two others already on the list: North Korea's Tanchon Commercial Bank and the Korea Mining Development Trading Corp. (KOMID), according to a Treasury news release. The designation under Executive Order 13382 freezes any U.S. assets of Hong Kong Electronics and prohibits any transactions with the company by U.S. individuals, companies or financial institutions, the statement said. "North Korea uses front companies like Hong Kong Electronics and a range of other deceptive practices to obscure the true nature of its financial dealings, making it nearly impossible for responsible banks and governments to distinguish legitimate from illegitimate North Korean transactions," said Stuart Levey, the undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence at the Treasury. "Today's action is a part of our overall effort to prevent North Korea from misusing the international financial system to advance its nuclear and missile programs and to sell dangerous technology around the world." The Treasury statement alleged that Hong Kong Electronics has transferred millions of dollars of proliferation-related funds on behalf of Tanchon and KOMID since 2007. It also accused Hong Kong Electronics of facilitating the movement of money from Iran to North Korea on behalf of KOMID. Tanchon, a commercial bank based in Pyongyang, North Korea, is the financial arm for KOMID, which the Treasury statement described as North Korea's premier arms dealer and main exporter of goods and equipment related to ballistic missiles and conventional weapons. Both Tanchon and KOMID were previously subjected to sanctions under Executive Order 13382 and sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council, according to the Treasury statement. It said both also had ties with other sanctioned entities, including Iran's Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group, which it called the Iranian organization responsible for developing liquid-fueled missiles.	[ "What did Hong Kong Electronics call a cover for?", "Who called for a cover of NK's missile proliferation network?", "What is the Treasury's goal?" ]	[ [ "North Korea's missile proliferation network," ], [ "The United States" ], [ "to prevent North Korea from misusing the international financial system to advance its nuclear and missile programs and to sell dangerous technology around the world.\"" ] ]	Hong Kong Electronics called a cover for North Korea's missile proliferation network . U.S. Treasury says company's U.S. assets frozen, transactions in U.S. prohibited . It says company worked with bank, arms dealer tied to other sanctioned entities . Goal is to stop misuse of financial system to advance arms programs, Treasury says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States temporarily closed its government facilities in South Africa on Tuesday after a "possible threat" to its embassy, the U.S. State Department said. The U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, is among the American facilities closed Tuesday. The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and other government offices in South Africa will remain closed Wednesday as the security threat is being monitored, embassy spokeswoman Sharon Hudson-Dean said. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said the action was a precaution. "We are ... notifying the American community in South Africa to remain vigilant," Kelly said. "We are also maintaining close contact with South African authorities on this issue." He had no further details on the "possible threat" to the embassy in Pretoria. A note on the embassy's Web site said all U.S. government facilities in South Africa were temporarily closed following "information recently received" by regional security officials. Kelly said the embassy's Emergency Action Committee met and is formulating an appropriate course of action. CNN's Nkepile Mabuse and Elise Labott contributed to this report.	[ "What are Americans being told to do?", "What will be closed an additional day ?", "What recommendation are giving to Amercans in South Africa ?", "When are they closed?", "What are the closing for ?", "Where is the U.S. Embassy located?" ]	[ [ "remain vigilant,\"" ], [ "The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and other government offices in South Africa" ], [ "remain vigilant,\"" ], [ "Tuesday." ], [ "\"possible threat\" to its embassy," ], [ "in Pretoria" ] ]	NEW: U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, other offices will be closed additional day . U.S. State Department spokesman calls temporary closings a precaution . Americans in South Africa told to remain "vigilant"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Veterans Administration's handling of disability claims has seen improvements and setbacks, a congressional watchdog said Wednesday. Sen. Daniel Akaka says, "Our goal is to provide veterans with accurate and timely resolution to their cases." "Over the past several years, VA disability claims workloads at both the initial and appellate levels have improved in some areas and worsened in others," the Government Accountability Office said in a report. The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee asked the GAO to present its preliminary findings on the processing of disability claims, which were under discussion at a committee hearing. "Our goal is to provide veterans with accurate and timely resolution to their cases," said Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, the committee's chairman. Ranking member Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, said, "For the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation, they deserve a system that meets their needs without hassles or delays." Along with a GAO representative, the hearing invited testimony from the Pentagon and the Department of Veterans Affairs, a professor and an official from the Disabled American Veterans. The GAO report said the number of initial claims the VA annually completes has increased from the 1999 to 2008 fiscal years. But it says the number of pending claims at year's end has grown during the same time period. The review cites "increases in disability claims received, growing complexity of claims, court decisions and changes in regulation." There have been mixed results for claims workloads at the appellate level. The number of resolved claims has increased from 2003 to 2008, but it took an average 96 days longer to resolve appeals during that same time period. "One factor that affects workloads at the appellate level is the submission of new evidence or claims that must be evaluated," the report said. The report said the VA has worked to improve the handling of claims but said the results of those efforts "is not yet known." It mentions an increase in staff from 2005 to 2009, "which has helped to increase the total number of decisions VA issues annually." At the same time, training and staff integration challenges could cause a "short-term" decline in productivity "In addition, VA has established 15 resource centers to which it redistributes claims and appeals for processing from backlogged regional offices. Although VA has not collected data to evaluate the effect of its workload redistribution efforts, these efforts may ultimately increase the timeliness and consistency of VA's decisions," the report said. The VA is starting a pilot program with the Pentagon "to perform joint disability evaluations that has the potential to streamline the disability process for prospective veterans." The VA also is reviewing other potential programs -- "targeting certain claims for fast-track processing and leveraging technology."	[ "Who has led to increase?", "What happened with the number of claims?", "Who has seen improvements?", "What happened with handling claims?", "What has seen improvvements?" ]	[ [ "Sen. Daniel Akaka" ], [ "has increased" ], [ "The Veterans Administration's" ], [ "has seen improvements" ], [ "The Veterans Administration's handling of disability claims" ] ]	VA's handling of disability claims has seen improvements, setbacks, review finds . Government Accountability Office presents findings at Senate panel hearing . Number of pending claims at year's end has grown, GAO report says . Report: Larger staff has led to increase in number of decisions VA issues annually .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Watergate Hotel, part of a complex that became synonymous with President Richard Nixon's downfall, attracted no bids at an auction Tuesday. The Watergate Hotel will most likely have to be sold privately after not attracting bids at auction. According to Paul Cooper, vice president of Alex Cooper Auctioneers, some 10 bidders ready to provide a $1 million deposit were registered for the auction. But the hotel fell back into the hands of its lender, PB Capital, after no one advanced the $25 million opening bid, the auction company said. The auction was sponsored by PB Capital, which holds a $40 million note on the hotel after the previous owner, Monument Reality, defaulted on its loan. Monument's 30-day foreclosure note expired Thursday. Cooper said PB Capital will most likely sell the hotel privately after it takes over the title and will not try to operate the hotel itself. On the night of June 17, 1972, the hotel served as a base for an illegal break-in by operatives of the Nixon re-election campaign at the offices of the Democratic National Committee, located in the Watergate office building next door. Some of the burglars and their handlers, whose arrests began the investigation that led, two years later, to Nixon's resignation, actually stayed at the Watergate hotel prior to the break-in. Among the hotel guests were former FBI agent G. Gordon Liddy, and former CIA operative Howard Hunt, both of whom later served prison time as a result of the Watergate break-in. Developers estimate the hotel could need up to $100 million in renovations. The Watergate complex was built in the late 1960s and consists of the hotel, two office buildings, and three apartment buildings. Only the hotel building was up for auction Tuesday. It closed two years ago for renovations, and possible conversions into co-op apartments.	[ "When will PB Capital likely sell the hotel?", "What will PB Capital do after it takes over the title?", "What did Nixons operatives do?", "What was the hotel a base for?", "Who is the lender?", "Name the lender?", "What did the hotel fall back to?", "The operatives were part of whose campaign?", "What will PB Capital do with the hotel?" ]	[ [ "after it takes over the title" ], [ "sell the hotel privately" ], [ "break-in" ], [ "an illegal" ], [ "PB Capital," ], [ "PB Capital," ], [ "PB Capital," ], [ "Nixon re-election" ], [ "sell the" ] ]	Hotel falls back into the hands of its lender, PB Capital . PB Capital will most likely sell the hotel privately after it takes over the title . Hotel was a base for a break-in by operatives of the Nixon re-election campaign .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The commander of a U.S. Navy submarine that collided with another Navy ship last month has been relieved of duty, according to a U.S. Navy statement issued Tuesday. The submarine USS Hartford and amphibious ship USS New Orleans are shown in Navy photos. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ryan Brookhart was relieved by his superior officer, who cited a loss of confidence in his ability to command, according to the statement. While the investigation into the collision is still ongoing, Brookhart's commander, Rear Adm. Michael J. Connor, decided there was enough evidence to remove him from his leadership position. Brookhart has been reassigned to administrative duty in Bahrain. Cmdr. Chris Harkins, deputy commander of Submarine Squadron Eight, based in Norfolk, Virginia, has taken over as commander of the USS Hartford, according to Navy officials. Brookhart was in command of the Hartford, a nuclear-powered submarine, when it collided with the USS New Orleans (LPD 18) on March 20 in the Strait of Hormuz. Fifteen sailors aboard the Hartford were slightly hurt in the incident, and both vessels suffered extensive damage, according to U.S. Navy officials. The submarine also punched a hole in the fuel tank of the New Orleans, causing thousands of gallons of fuel to pour from the ship. When the incident occurred, both vessels were headed to ports in the Persian Gulf to stock up on provisions and allow for some recreation, Navy officials said. There were about 200 sailors in the sub and 1,000 sailors and Marines aboard the ship. The Strait of Hormuz is between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, linking the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. It is heavily used by oil tankers. Both vessels are on regularly scheduled deployments to the U.S. Navy Central Command area of responsibility and conduct Maritime Security Operations.	[ "what did the officer cite", "where was he assigned", "What will happen in Bahrain?", "who was assigned in Bahrain" ]	[ [ "a loss of confidence in his ability to command," ], [ "to administrative duty in Bahrain." ], [ "Brookhart has been reassigned to administrative duty in" ], [ "U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ryan Brookhart" ] ]	Superior officer cited a loss of confidence in removing the Navy commander . U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ryan Brookhart reassigned to administrative duty in Bahrain . Fifteen sailors were slightly hurt in the incident; two vessels damaged .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The confirmation of Michael Mukasey as attorney general was all but assured Friday when two key Democratic senators said they will vote in favor of the nominee despite questions about his views on "waterboarding" and the president's power to order electronic surveillance. Sens. Dianne Feinstein of California and Charles Schumer of New York announced they would support the retired federal judge from New York just hours after the chairman of the Judiciary Committee announced his opposition to the nominee. Feinstein and Schumer are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is scheduled to vote on the Mukasey nomination Tuesday. If all the Republican members of the committee also vote for Mukasey, which is expected, his nomination will go before the full Senate. A leading Democrat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Wednesday Mukasey is likely to be confirmed if his nomination passes the Judiciary Committee. Schumer had praised the nomination of Mukasey as a consensus candidate when the president announced Mukasey as his choice to replace former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. Gonzales gave up the post in September. "This is an extremely difficult decision," Schumer said. "When an administration so political, so out of touch with the realities of governing and so contemptuous of the rule of law is in charge, we are never left with an ideal choice. Judge Mukasey is not my ideal choice. However, Judge Mukasey, whose integrity and independence is respected even by those who oppose him, is far better than anyone could expect from this administration." A number of Democratic senators, however, have said they will oppose Mukasey because of questions about his views on the interrogation technique called "waterboarding" and the president's power to order electronic surveillance. Waterboarding involves restraining a suspect and using water to produce the sensation of drowning. Mukasey told senators this week that he finds waterboarding "repugnant," but he could not answer whether the technique amounts to torture. While saying "serious questions have been raised about Judge Mukasey's views on torture and on separation of powers," Feinstein said she would support the nominee because the Justice Department needed fresh leadership. "First and foremost, Michael Mukasey is not Alberto Gonzales. Rather, he has forged an independent life path as a practitioner of the law and a federal judge in the Southern District of New York. "I believe that Judge Mukasey is the best we will get and voting him down would only perpetuate acting and recess appointments, allowing the administration to avoid the transparency that confirmation hearings provide and diminish effective oversight by Congress." Just hours before Feinstein and Schumer announced their decisions, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, announced he would vote against the Mukasey nomination. Watch Sen. Leahy explain why he can't support the Mukasey nomination » "No American should need a classified briefing to determine whether waterboarding is torture," Leahy said. "Waterboarding was used at least as long ago as the Spanish Inquisition. We prosecuted Japanese war criminals for waterboarding after World War II. "I am eager to restore strong leadership and independence to the Department of Justice. I like Michael Mukasey. I wish that I could support his nomination. But I cannot. America needs to be certain and confident of the bedrock principle -- deeply embedded in our laws and our values -- that no one, not even the president, is above the law." President Bush demanded the Senate confirm Mukasey during a speech Thursday at the Heritage Foundation, an influential conservative think tank. "In a time of war, it's vital for the president to have a full national security team in place," the president said. The president has equated asking Mukasey about his opinion of waterboarding with asking him about the CIA-run interrogation program, whose details are classified. Bush said the program does not violate U.S. bans on torture, but added that Mukasey "does not want an uninformed opinion to be taken by our professional interrogators in the field as placing them in legal jeopardy." But Leahy said "Judge Mukasey was not asked to evaluate any secret 'facts and circumstances	[ "Who has endoresed Mukasey?", "When is the vote?", "Is Mukasey's nomination expected to pass the Judiciary Committee?", "Who says he will not vote to confirm Michael Mukasey?", "What party is Sen. Leahy?", "Who is in the Judiciary Committee?", "Who said they will vote for a nominee?", "Who says they'll vote for attorney general nominee?", "Is there a reason why Sen. Patrick Leahy won't vote?", "Who is nominated?", "What day is the committee scheduled to vote on?", "When is the committee scheduled to vote on the nomination?", "Who will not vote for Mukasey?", "Who is the attorney general nominee?", "Will Sen. Leahy vote to confirm Mukasey?", "what will the committee vote for?", "What was the outcome of the committee's decision?", "Who is Michael Mukasey", "When will the vote take place?", "Who will vote for the nominee?" ]	[ [ "Sens. Dianne Feinstein of California and Charles Schumer of New York" ], [ "Tuesday." ], [ "all but assured" ], [ "Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont," ], [ "D-Vermont," ], [ "Schumer" ], [ "Democratic senators" ], [ "Charles Schumer" ], [ "he can't support the Mukasey nomination" ], [ "Michael Mukasey" ], [ "Tuesday." ], [ "Tuesday." ], [ "A number of Democratic senators," ], [ "Michael Mukasey" ], [ "Patrick" ], [ "confirmation of Michael Mukasey as attorney general" ], [ "The confirmation of Michael Mukasey as attorney general" ], [ "attorney general" ], [ "Friday" ], [ "Sens. Dianne Feinstein of California and Charles Schumer of New York" ] ]	NEW: Feinstein, Schumer say they'll vote for attorney general nominee . Michael Mukasey's nomination now expected to pass Judiciary Committee . Sen. Patrick Leahy says he will not vote to confirm Michael Mukasey . Committee scheduled to vote on nomination on Tuesday .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The contentious debate over so-called enhanced interrogation techniques took center stage Wednesday on Capitol Hill as a former FBI agent involved in the questioning of terror suspects testified that such tactics -- including waterboarding -- are ineffective. From left: Sens. Lindsey Graham, Sheldon Whitehouse, Patrick Leahy and Dianne Feinstein listen Wednesday. Ali Soufan, an FBI special agent from 1997 to 2005, told members of a key Senate Judiciary subcommittee that such "techniques, from an operational perspective, are ineffective, slow and unreliable and harmful to our efforts to defeat al Qaeda." Soufan's remarks followed heated exchanges between committee members with sharply differing views on both the value of the techniques and the purpose of the hearing. Soufan, who was involved in the interrogation of CIA detainee Abu Zubaydah, took issue with former Vice President Dick Cheney, who has said that enhanced interrogation techniques helped the government acquire intelligence necessary to prevent further attacks after September 11, 2001. The techniques, which the Bush administration approved, are considered torture by many critics. Watch analysts discuss harsh interrogations and torture » "From my experience -- and I speak as someone who has personally interrogated many terrorists and elicited important actionable intelligence -- I strongly believe that it is a mistake to use what has become known as the 'enhanced interrogation techniques,' " Soufan noted in his written statement. Such a position is "shared by many professional operatives, including the CIA officers who were present at the initial phases of the Abu Zubaydah interrogation." Soufan told the committee that within the first hour of his interrogation of Zubaydah, the suspected terrorist provided actionable intelligence. But once the CIA contractors took over and used harsh methods, Zubaydah stopped talking, Soufan said. When Soufan was asked to resume questioning, Zubaydah cooperated. After another round of more coercive techniques used by the contractors, however, Soufan said it was difficult for him to re-engage Zubaydah. One of four recently released Bush administration memos showed that CIA interrogators used waterboarding at least 266 times on Zubaydah and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the suspected planner of the September 11 attacks. "People were given misinformation, half-truths and false claims of successes; and reluctant intelligence officers were given instructions and assurances from higher authorities," Soufan testified. "I wish to do my part to ensure that we never again use these ... techniques instead of the tried, tested and successful ones -- the ones that are also in sync with our values and moral character. Only by doing this will we defeat the terrorists as effectively and quickly as possible." Watch as Soufan makes his case before the panel » Soufan was hidden behind a protective screen during his testimony before the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Administrative Oversight and the Courts. Staffers for the committee cited "documented threats" against him, noting his previous interaction with al Qaeda terrorists as well as his undercover work against Islamic extremists. Philip Zelikow, who was a top aide to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, repeated an accusation during the hearing that Bush officials ordered his memo arguing against waterboarding to be destroyed. The order, "passed along informally, did not seem proper, and I ignored it," Zelikow said. He said that his memo has been in State Department files and is being reviewed for possible declassification. Zelikow slammed the "collective failure" behind the government's adoption of "an unprecedented program of coolly calculated dehumanizing abuse and physical torment to extract information. This was a mistake, perhaps a disastrous one." He added that some "may believe that recent history, even since 2005, shows that America needs an elaborate program of indefinite secret detention and physical coercion in order to protect the nation. ... If they are right, our laws must change and our country must change. I think they are wrong." Watch Zelikow tell CNN's Kiran Chetry how U.S. leaders came to the wrong conclusions on interrogation policy » Committee Republicans warned that the hearing ultimately could contribute to diminished national security. "As we harshly judge those who had to make decisions we	[ "what did the republican committee say?", "What did Committee Republians say?", "Who did the ex-FBI agent take issue with?", "Who said \"such tactics helped U.S.\"?", "What were people given?", "Who OK'd the techniques used?", "What could help diminish national security?" ]	[ [ "the hearing ultimately could contribute to diminished national security." ], [ "Republicans warned that the hearing ultimately could contribute to diminished national security." ], [ "former Vice President Dick Cheney," ], [ "Vice President Dick Cheney," ], [ "misinformation, half-truths and false claims of successes;" ], [ "the Bush administration" ], [ "the hearing" ] ]	Committee Republicans say hearing could help diminish national security . Ali Soufan: "People were given ... half-truths and false claims of successes" Ex-FBI agent takes issue with Dick Cheney, who says such tactics helped U.S. The techniques, OK'd by Bush administration, are considered torture by some .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The crew of a commuter plane that crashed outside Buffalo, New York, in February may have responded improperly to signs the plane was stalling, according to details of the investigation released Wednesday. Only a few pieces of the Continental Connection Dash 8 turboprop were recognizable after the crash. The crew of Continental Connection Flight 3407 pulled back on the plane's control column when it received a stall warning, pulling the plane upward, an update released by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed. That would have aggravated the situation rather than improving it, according to a veteran pilot contacted by CNN. But investigators are far from determining the exact cause of the crash, the NTSB said. And Colgan Air, the plane's operator, urged the public not to jump to conclusions. The Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 crashed into a house about six miles from Buffalo-Niagara International Airport the night of February 12. All 49 people on the plane and one man who was in the house were killed. The pilot and first officer discussed "significant" ice buildup on the aircraft's windshield and wings before the crash, the cockpit voice recorder revealed. But in an update on the investigation, the NTSB said there is no indication that aircraft's systems failed, or that ice had a significant impact on the plane. The NTSB said a stall warning device known as a "stick shaker" appears to have behaved properly, activating when the plane's speed dropped to 130 knots (150 mph). At that point, however, "there was a 25-pound pull force on the control column," pulling the plane upward, and data suggests there was a "likely separation of the airflow over the wing" -- meaning the plane had stalled. "The circumstances of the crash have raised several issues that go well beyond the widely discussed matter of airframe icing," the NTSB's acting chairman, Mark Rosenker, said in a statement on the findings. In general, when a stick shaker activates, pilots are taught to apply full power and maintain the plane's altitude or lower the nose, a captain for a major airline told CNN. "What you don't want to do is aggravate the situation," said the pilot, who would not be named because he had not sought approval from his airline. "By pulling it up without adding power, you're aggravating the situation." The safety board said it intends to investigate "stall recovery training" among other issues at a three-day public hearing it will offer on the crash in mid-May. Doug Moss, a United Air Lines pilot and aerospace consultant, said that appears to be what the NTSB "is really looking at." "It's easy to build a lot of experience in airline flying without ever getting close to the edges of the envelope," he said. In a statement issued Wednesday afternoon, Colgan Air said the NTSB data does not pinpoint a cause, and its crews "are prepared to handle emergency situations they might face." "We stand by our FAA-certified crew training programs which meet or exceed the regulatory requirements for all major airlines and include training on emergency situations," the Virginia-based carrier said. Colgan Air said it is "cooperating thoroughly" with the investigation. "The only absolute fact is that we do not know the cause of this accident," it said. Information released Wednesday appears to count out one possibility that was the subject of speculation after the crash: a stall induced by ice on the aircraft's tail. Pilots say those stalls are particularly insidious because pilots cannot see the tail wings and because the recovery procedure is the opposite of a main-wing stall -- tail-wing stalls generally are overcome by raising the plane's nose. The NTSB said that toxicology tests of the flight crew were negative for alcohol or illicit substances. The captain tested positive for diltiazem, a prescription blood pressure medication the Federal Aviation Administration had permitted him to use. At the board's hearing in May, the NTSB will look into a number	[ "How many were killed", "What month did this accident occur?", "What city were they killed near?", "What did pilot tell CNN?", "What shouldn't public do?" ]	[ [ "49" ], [ "February" ], [ "Buffalo," ], [ "That would have aggravated the situation rather than improving it," ], [ "not to jump to conclusions." ] ]	NEW: Plane's operator: Cause still not known; public shouldn't jump to conclusions . NTSB: Crew pulled back on control column after stall warning . A pilot tells CNN that move would have aggravated the situation . All 49 aboard, plus 1 in house, were killed in February crash near Buffalo, New York .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The director of Federal Emergency Management Agency on Sunday defended giving away an estimated $85 million in hurricane relief supplies, blaming Louisiana officials for turning down the stockpiles. A New Orleans charity keeps goods in trash bags in an empty church. FEMA never told it about the free items. "We still have quite a few left if Louisiana needs those," David Paulison said. "But we did find out, we did ask Louisiana, 'Do you want these?' They said, 'No, we don't need them.' So we offered them to the other states." A CNN investigation revealed last week that FEMA gave away 121 truckloads of material the agency amassed after 2005's Hurricane Katrina. The material was declared surplus property and offered to federal and state agencies -- including Louisiana, where groups working to resettle hurricane victims say the supplies are still needed. Paulison told CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" his agency distributed more than 90,000 "living kits" to people in Louisiana whose homes were destroyed or damaged by Katrina. The kits included cleaning supplies, mops, brooms, pots and pans. After CNN reported on the giveaway, Louisiana officials asked that the supplies be redirected to the state, which originally passed on them. John Medica, director of the Louisiana's Federal Property Assistance Agency, told CNN he was unaware Katrina victims still needed the items because no agency had contacted his office. Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, an outspoken critic of FEMA's response to the hurricane, told CNN the supply giveaway was "just a shame." "It's just another example of the failings of the federal bureaucracy," said Landrieu, who wrote Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff last week to request an explanation. "We're still trying to fix it. It's going to take a lot more work." Paulison said much of the stockpile included "things we don't normally store -- refrigerators, stoves, coolers, diapers, things like that." States, meanwhile, were requesting those items, he said. "It didn't make any sense for FEMA to sit on this much stuff and supplies we normally don't even keep. We have plenty of supplies in place if we have another disaster. We can duplicate that type of commodities and get them for people in need," he said. The agency's chief spokesman, James McIntyre, had declined a request for an on-camera interview and told CNN the giveaway was "not news." Paulison said the story "just really missed the mark" -- that the supplies given away were not exclusively for Katrina victims, but were "donated from disasters all around the entire country." But e-mails from McIntyre and from the General Services Administration, which manages federal property, contradict Paulison's account. In an e-mail sent in April, McIntyre told CNN "in many cases, items were purchased in the field by FEMA." And in a phone interview with CNN, McIntyre said, "That is property that was purchased in response to Katrina. We purchased most of that equipment because of the catastrophic nature of that disaster." General Services Administration spokeswoman Viki Reath wrote the supplies given away were "surplus from the Katrina and [hurricane] Rita disasters... some purchased by FEMA, some donated by foreign countries and federal government agencies." McIntyre said FEMA's storage costs were running more than $1 million a year, and that GSA officials wanted to tear down the Fort Worth, Texas, warehouses in which the stockpiles were being kept. CNN's Abbie Boudreau and Scott Zamost contributed to this report.	[ "when the CNN story was revealed?", "When did Katrina happen?", "What kind of property were the Katrina supplies declared?", "what FEMA chief says?", "What kind of supplies were given away?", "What number of truckloads did FEMA give away?", "What state did the FEMA chief say didn't want the supplies?", "What does FEMA stand for?" ]	[ [ "last week" ], [ "2005's" ], [ "surplus" ], [ "to sit on this much stuff and supplies we normally don't even keep." ], [ "hurricane relief" ], [ "121" ], [ "Louisiana," ], [ "Federal Emergency Management Agency" ] ]	NEW: FEMA chief: Louisiana said it didn't want the supplies . CNN story revealed last week that FEMA gave away 121 truckloads of supplies . Katrina supplies were declared surplus property, offered to federal, state agencies .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The family of a retired FBI agent who was reported missing in Iran two years ago said Monday that they remain hopeful for his return. Photos from Robert Levinson's family show him in 2006, left, and as he might look today. Monday marks the second anniversary of the disappearance of Robert Levinson, a father of seven children and grandfather of two. "After two years of constantly praying for his return, we continue to anxiously await word of his whereabouts," said Christine Levinson, the missing man's wife, in a statement. "Two years [have passed] since our seven children and I last heard his voice, saw his warm, loving smile, and since we last hugged him hello or kissed him goodbye," she said. Tuesday will be Levinson's 61st birthday. Levinson disappeared during a business trip to Iran's Kish Island in 2007. Iranian authorities have said repeatedly that they do not know what might have happened to him, but the claim is widely doubted in the United States. "Since that day our family has been living a nightmare," Christine Levinson said. "This has brought so much darkness to our lives." Christine Levinson released a computer-enhanced photograph showing what the family thinks Bob Levinson may look like today. The State Department has consistently denied Levinson was working for the U.S. government and has unsuccessfully pressed Tehran for information about his whereabouts. "We reiterate our commitment to determining Mr. Levinson's welfare and whereabouts, and reuniting him with his family," acting State Department spokesman Robert Wood said in a statement on Sunday. Congressional reaction in Levinson's home state of Florida has been more pointed. "On several diplomatic occasions when Bob Levinson's name has been brought up to Iranian officials, the standard answer is, 'We don't know anything about that.' But the next thing out of the Iranian officials' mouths are to discuss the matter of the Iranians held by the Americans in Irbil, Iraq," Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida, told reporters last month. "You can draw your own conclusions," he said. U.S. troops arrested five Iranians accused of being members of an elite Iranian military unit during a January 2007 raid in the Iraqi city of Irbil. The Iranians were accused of supporting Shiite militias in Iraq, but Iran said they were diplomats and accused the United States of violating international law by raiding a consulate. Nelson and Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Florida, have said they plan to introduce legislation in their respective chambers calling on Iran to cooperate with the United States and come up with information about Levinson. Levinson had been working as a private investigator in Dubai. He was last heard from on March 8, 2007, when he checked into a Kish Island hotel and then checked out to return to the United States the following day. Wexler has said Levinson never arrived at the airport for his flight home. In December 2007, Levinson's wife and other relatives traveled to Iran and met with officials. Christine Levinson has said the Iranian government was polite and guaranteed her family's security on their trip, but provided no details regarding her husband's whereabouts. "In the past two years, our family's grief has grown to despair," Christine Levinson said. The State Department is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the department or the Levinson family via their Web site, www.helpboblevinson.com. CNN'S Jill Dougherty contributed to this report.	[ "Whose family is \"constantly praying for his return,\" wife says?", "Where is the Iranian claim doubted?", "What is the name of the family?", "What are Robert Levinson's family praying for?", "Where did Levinson disappear from?", "Who says they have no knowledge?" ]	[ [ "Robert Levinson's" ], [ "in the United" ], [ "Levinson," ], [ "his return," ], [ "a business trip to Iran's Kish Island" ], [ "Iranian authorities" ] ]	Robert Levinson's family "constantly praying for his return," wife says . Levinson disappeared two years ago during trip to Iranian island . Iranians say they have no knowledge of missing man's whereabouts . Iranian claim is widely doubted in the United States .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The federal government has released to CNN more than 100 photographs of a Halloween party that temporarily threatened to derail the nomination of a top Department of Homeland Security official. ICE chief Julie Myers poses with a costume contest winner at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement party. The images included several digital photos that the official had ordered erased because they were deemed to be inappropriate and offensive. At the party, Julie Myers, then-acting chief of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), part of the Department of Homeland Security, gave an award for "most original costume" to an employee wearing prison stripes, a wig with dreadlocks and face-darkening makeup. Immediately after posing for a photo with the winner, Myers later told Congress, she recognized that she made an error in judgment and ordered the photos deleted from the camera. Myers said she did not know the employee was wearing skin makeup, but ordered the photos destroyed because she did not think that "recognizing an escaped prisoner in any way was beneficial to the agency's goal of treating everyone in our custody with dignity and respect." This week, in response to the Freedom of Information Act request filed by CNN on November 6, ICE released 113 official photographs of the party, including all of the deleted photos, which technicians were able to electronically restore. An ICE spokeswoman denied the photos were suppressed until after Myers' job was secure, saying ICE responded in an "efficient time frame" to the FOIA request. News of the photos' existence infuriated some members of Congress, who said they should have been made aware of them earlier. "It is too bad that these photos surfaced too late to have dealt with her nomination, perhaps, in a different way," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, who last November put a "hold" on Myers' confirmation because of the hubbub. Watch what congressmen think about party photos » Myers was confirmed on December 20. As an assistant secretary of Homeland Security, she leads ICE, the agency charged with enforcing immigration law in the nation's interior. The agency has more than 15,000 employees, including 6,000 investigators. McCaskill said she believed the photos would have affected the confirmation. "This is such brutally bad judgment that, to me, it indicates that the leadership of this division is flawed," she said. Rep. Bennie Thompson, whose committee oversees ICE, said Wednesday he is upset both by the photos and by ICE's failure to give the photos to Congress in November. "I was satisfied [with Myers' explanations and apology] until I found out that these pictures existed," Thompson said. An ICE spokeswoman denied that there was any intentional effort to mislead Congress. "We had asked that they be destroyed, and as far as we knew, that was the case," spokeswoman Kelly Nantel said. Myers was "frank and honest about every aspect of that situation from the very beginning," she said. An estimated 50 to 75 employees attended the October 31 costume party at ICE headquarters in the District of Columbia. A poster advertising the contest said costumes should be tasteful and "office appropriate." Myers declined to talk to CNN Wednesday, but in written comments to Congress last November, she offered the following account of the incident: She and two other ICE officials served as judges of the costume contest, and she had "very limited interaction" with the employee in the prisoner costume, who "was present at the [judging] table for less than half a minute before he moved on. "I was not aware at the time of the contest that the employee disguised his skin color," she wrote. Nonetheless, after posing for a photo with the employee, she realized it was inappropriate. "Although I did not know that this individual had disguised his race, I determined that I had made an error in judgment in recognizing an escaped prisoner at this party," she wrote, and she instructed her chief of staff to direct the official photographer	[ "who told photos were destroyed?", "what kind of contest did they hold?", "Who judged the costume contest?", "What did the partygoer dress up as?", "what did partygoer used to darken skin?" ]	[ [ "Julie Myers," ], [ "costume" ], [ "ICE chief Julie Myers" ], [ "prison stripes, a wig with dreadlocks and face-darkening makeup." ], [ "face-darkening makeup." ] ]	Partygoer used make-up to darken skin, went as escaped prisoner . Acting Immigration chief judged costume contest . Congress told photos destroyed before Julie Myers' confirmation hearings . CNN got photos through Freedom of Information Act request .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The federal judge whose husband and mother were slain in their family home in Chicago, Illinois, four years ago was honored Monday by U.S. marshals charged with combating a growing number of threats to the judiciary. Judge Joan Lefkow has advocated improving judicial security since her husband and mother were killed. Judge Joan Lefkow, who eventually returned to the bench, credited the marshals who protect federal judges at work and at home with major improvements in judicial security in the years since her family tragedy. "It's now four years later, and I do see dawn has broken," Lefkow told a crowd of friends and federal officials gathered at the Marshals Service headquarters across the Potomac River from Washington. The improved security -- including home intrusion security systems and coordinated intelligence and threat analysis -- was badly needed, according to both judges and the Marshals Service. The number of threats has increased each year, and is expected to exceed 1,500 this year, up from 1,278 last year. "We've already had 600 inappropriate communications reported in the first months of this year," said Marshals Service spokesman Dave Turner. Whether real threats or hoaxes, every e-mail, phone call, written note and letter -- including some with white powder -- is investigated. The scope and seriousness of the protective effort increased sharply after the Lefkow tragedy. On Tuesday, the Marshals Service dedicated the "Joan Lefkow Conference Room" in the new Threat Management Center to the memory of her slain husband, Michael Lefkow, and mother, Donna Humphrey. Judge Lefkow returned home on February 28, 2005, to find them shot to death. The man authorities said was their killer committed suicide 10 days later when he was stopped by police in Wisconsin. The killer was angry that Judge Lefkow had dismissed his medical malpractice case and he sought revenge, police concluded. U.S. Marshals Director John Clark credits Lefkow's advocacy for better security as the catalyst for dramatic changes. "Because of her courage to speak out and her advocacy for reform in the protection of judges, things started to happen," Clark said. He cited congressional funding for home-intrusion alarms in every judge's residence and a sharp increase in funding to hire more threat investigators, protections specialists, analysts and trainers. The threat management center has been open for more than a year. Deputy marshals in the judicial protection effort attribute a growing number of the threats to disgruntled members of what is known as the sovereign citizenship movement. The movement is a loosely organized network of individuals and groups claiming not to be accountable to the federal government. The movement includes tax protesters, white separatists, zealots of fringe religious groups and desperate individuals lashing out at bankruptcy courts or judges who had wronged them. As a result, some judges have been given around-the-clock protective details by deputy marshals. "While steady progress has been made, we must be ever vigilant and progressive in order to ensure we are providing the best possible protection to our nation's judiciary," Clark said.	[ "How long has it been for Lekkow?", "Who is the man the U.S Marshals are honoring?", "What was the man angry about who killed the family?", "What was the motive behind the murder of the judge's family?", "Who do the U.S. Marshals honor?" ]	[ [ "four years" ], [ "Judge Joan Lefkow" ], [ "that Judge Lefkow had dismissed his medical malpractice case and he sought revenge," ], [ "The killer was angry that Judge Lefkow had dismissed his medical malpractice case" ], [ "The federal judge whose husband and mother were slain in their family home in Chicago," ] ]	U.S. Marshals honor federal judge whose husband and mother were killed . Family killed by man angry at judge's decision to dismiss malpractice case . Judge Joan Lefkow, marshals have worked to help increase security for judges . Lefkow: "It's now four years later, and I do see dawn has broken"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The head of ACORN on Tuesday sharply deplored recent videos showing some of the group's workers advising people how to set up a prostitution business. ACORN leader Bertha Lewis defends her group at the National Press Club on Tuesday in Washington. "It made my stomach turn," Bertha Lewis, chief executive officer of ACORN, told reporters at the National Press Club in Washington. "It just made you sick." ACORN workers who did perform their tasks properly "did not deserve to have co-workers who did not live up to their standards," Lewis said. "So yes, I terminated those employees." At the same time, Lewis defended the community organizing group and punched back at widespread criticism, touting the group's efforts in helping poor people in the areas of housing and voting. She backed up the group's legal action in Maryland against the makers of one of the videos. Video, shot with a hidden camera, shows conservative activists posing as a pimp and a prostitute. Lewis said that "we want to hold them accountable" for what she said was breaking the law. Similar videos were made at other ACORN offices. "It is illegal, as Linda Tripp will tell you, to record someone in the state of Maryland without their permission. Just because we were embarrassed by these highly edited tapes, which don't tell the whole story again, and hopefully that will come out, doesn't mean that these people didn't break the law in order to embarrass and attack the organization," Lewis said. Lewis was referring to the former White House employee who recorded conversations with White House intern Monica Lewinsky about her sexual encounters with President Clinton, which ultimately led to his impeachment. ACORN -- which stands for Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now -- was in the headlines during last year's presidential campaign after GOP allegations of falsifying voter registration applicants. Some of its voter registration workers were prosecuted, and some other employees resigned. But after the recent release of videos, the political criticism grew. In the videos, some ACORN workers advised the undercover conservative activists how to set up a prostitution business involving underage, foreign girls. Along with firing employees, ACORN also is conducting an investigation through an independent auditor. The Justice and Treasury departments are investigating the group, too. The U.S. Census Bureau has terminated ACORN's involvement in its public outreach program, both chambers of Congress have voted to deny federal funding to the organization, and several states are looking into ACORN operations. In addition, ACORN suspended tax preparation services it carried out as part of an Internal Revenue Service program. And Bank of America announced it is pulling its funding of an ACORN housing affiliate until it is satisfied that all issues related to the organization have been resolved. Lewis contends the group also has been responsive to allegations that some canvassers falsified voter registration applications and turned in those who falsified voter registration forms. "We were punished for following the law and doing the right thing, and that part of the story was never told," she said. "And so nine months later it finally began to resonate with folks that we had not had one individual who voted fraudulently in the presidential election because of an ACORN registration -- not one Mickey Mouse, not one Donald Duck, not one New York Jet, Giant or any other fraudulent person." One of the shadows over ACORN is an embezzling incident involving Dale Rathke, the brother of ACORN founder Wade Rathke. Lewis acknowledged that the founder's sibling embezzled nearly $1 million from the group. She disputed reports that a subpoena from the Louisiana attorney general's office showed that the amount was up to $5 million. Lewis said the claim is "speculation, "completely false" and not based on any documentation. She attributed the contention to two "disgruntled former board members." Lewis' group works in poor precincts across the country considered Democratic turf. She said e-mails from Karl Rove, when he was Bush's top political adviser, show that ACORN was targeted	[ "What is the name of the spokesperson?", "What does ACORN claim to have done about the workers in the videos?", "Who defended the community organising group at the National Press Club?", "What did the ACORN workers advise undercover conservatives on?", "Who got fired in the videos?", "What is ACORN being forced to defend?", "What did ACORN leader do?" ]	[ [ "Bertha Lewis" ], [ "terminated those employees.\"" ], [ "ACORN leader Bertha Lewis" ], [ "how to set up a prostitution business." ], [ "ACORN workers" ], [ "recent videos showing some of the" ], [ "deplored recent videos" ] ]	ACORN leader defends community organizing group at National Press Club . Some ACORN workers advised undercover conservatives on prostitution in videos . ACORN's Bertha Lewis says group targeted due to its voter registration efforts . Lewis: ACORN has responded properly to allegations, fired workers in videos .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The man charged with murder in the shooting death of a guard at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum was denied bail Wednesday and will undergo psychiatric testing against his will. "Your Constitution guarantees me a speedy and fair trial," James von Brunn said from his wheelchair. James von Brunn ignored the advice of the judge and his defense attorney and addressed the court during a hearing to fight any delays as prosecutors press their case. "Your Constitution guarantees me a speedy and fair trial," he said from his wheelchair during the hearing before U.S. District Judge Reginald Walton. But Walton granted the defense request for a mental evaluation, which will take place within the next 30 days at a facility in Butner, North Carolina. Von Brunn, a self-avowed white supremacist, will remain in custody after the judge said there were no conditions for release that would protect the public. Federal prosecutor Nicole Waid said von Brunn is "dangerous because this defendant has nothing to lose," and that he wants to be "a martyr for his cause." Von Brunn's attorney, public defender A.J. Kramer, did not challenge the government's request to deny bail, saying "we don't have any evidence to offer at this time." Kramer also convinced the judge to order a competency exam, which will include observations as to whether von Brunn understands the charges and can assist in his own defense. Prosecutors said four of the charges in the indictment are capital offenses and could mean the death penalty if he is convicted. Waid told the judge the government's evidence is "overwhelming" and includes security camera video from the June 10 attack, in which von Brunn is seen raising a gun and shooting guard Stephen Tyrone Johns, who had opened the door for him. As Johns stumbled back mortally wounded, Waid said, "you can see the defendant fire two more times," before he is shot and wounded by other guards. Also seen on the tape is the weapon being taken from von Brunn's hands, the prosecutor said. During the discussions about psychiatric testing, von Brunn looked at spectators in the courtroom and shook his head as if to say "no," when it became clear he would not be arraigned on the charges unless he is deemed competent. "Mr. von Brunn, I advise that you not speak," the judge said, explaining that his attorney can best represent him. But von Brunn ignored his advice. "I'm a United States citizen, and as a U.S. Naval officer, I swore to protect my country," he said. "I take my vows very seriously." The 89-year-old World War II veteran did not explain his remarks.	[ "What is the shooter's name?", "Who was denied bail?", "How long does James von Brunn have to get a psychiatric evaluation?", "when will the evaluation be done?", "What was Von Brunn charged with?", "Who was bail denied for?", "What did James von Brunn say?" ]	[ [ "James von Brunn" ], [ "James von Brunn" ], [ "30 days" ], [ "within the next 30 days" ], [ "murder" ], [ "James von Brunn" ], [ "\"Your Constitution guarantees me a speedy and fair trial,\"" ] ]	NEW: Bail denied for accused Holocaust Memorial Museum shooter . During hearing, James von Brunn says he doesn't want a psychiatric evaluation . U.S. District Court judge orders an evaluation anyway, within 30 days . Von Brunn is charged in the death of Holocaust museum guard Stephen Johns .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The nation's largest publicly owned utility company may be vulnerable to cyber attacks, according to a new report. In 2007 President Bush visited the Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. The Tennessee Valley Authority, which supplies power to almost 9 million Americans, "has not fully implemented appropriate security practices to protect the control systems used to operate its critical infrastructures," leaving them "vulnerable to disruption," the Government Accountability Office found. Simply put, that means a skilled hacker could disrupt the system and cause a blackout. Rep. James Langevin, a Rhode Island Democrat, fears the problem is much larger than just the TVA. "If they are not secure, I don't have a great deal of confidence that the rest of our critical infrastructure on the electric grid is secure," he said. The TVA operates 52 nuclear, hydroelectric and fossil-fuel facilities in the southeastern United States. Among the government watchdog agency findings: • The TVA's firewalls have been bypassed or are inadequately configured • Passwords are not effective • Servers and work stations lack key patches and effective virus protection • Intrusion-detection systems are not adequate • Some locations lack enough physical security around control systems. The GAO recommends 73 steps to correct the problems in its report to Congress. In September, CNN first aired dramatic footage of a government experiment demonstrating that a cyber attack could destroy electrical equipment. The experiment, dubbed "Aurora," caused a generator to fall apart and grind to a halt after a computer attack on its control system. The test was conducted by scientists at the Idaho National Laboratory. In October, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. told Congress that 75 percent of utilities had taken steps to mitigate the Aurora vulnerability, but Langevin said it now appears that Congress was misled. A congressional audit of the electric reliability corporation's claim cast doubt on the assertion that most utilities were taking steps to fix the problem. "It appears that they just made those numbers up," Langevin said. "It is not acceptable. It is outrageous." He said the result is there is now no clear picture of how vulnerable utilities are to cyber attacks. The electric reliability corporation -- a nongovernmental group that oversees the power system and comprises members of the industry and some consumers -- told CNN it regrets the confusion. Experts told CNN that Cooper Industries is the only manufacturer of hardware that can close the Aurora vulnerability. The company estimated it would need to sell about 10,000 devices to fix the problem nationwide. It has sold just over 100, it told CNN. Langevin said the federal government may need new powers to require utilities to take corrective actions to close cyber security gaps, and he will press to give those powers to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The congressman is chairing an Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology subcommittee hearing Wednesday afternoon. Representatives of the TVA, the GAO, the federal commission and the electric reliability corporation are to appear before the subcommittee.	[ "Who can disrupt the Tennessee Valley Authority?", "What was Congress told?", "TVA supplies power to how many Americans?", "What does the TVA do?", "Who caused the blackouts?", "What did representative say?", "What percentage of utilities were fixed to combat attacks?" ]	[ [ "skilled hacker" ], [ "75 percent of utilities had taken steps to mitigate the Aurora vulnerability," ], [ "almost 9 million" ], [ "supplies power to almost 9 million Americans," ], [ "a skilled hacker" ], [ "\"If they are not secure, I don't have a great deal of confidence that the rest of our critical infrastructure on the electric grid is secure,\"" ], [ "75 percent" ] ]	A hacker could disrupt Tennessee Valley Authority system, causing blackouts . TVA supplies power to almost 9 million Americans . Congress was told 75 percent of utilities fixed problems to combat attacks . Representative: no clear picture of how vulnerable utilities are to cyber attacks .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The struggle over health care reform intensified Thursday as President Obama sought to build on what administration officials hoped was new momentum generated by his prime-time address to Congress. In his address to Congress on Wednesday, President Obama pushed for the government to help the uninsured. Republican leaders ripped the president's Wednesday night speech, arguing that he had botched a unique opportunity to build bipartisan consensus and offer specifics on his long-awaited plan. "Now is the time to act," Obama told an audience near the White House. "We have talked this issue to death. ... The time for talk is winding down. The time for bickering is past." The president was joined by representatives of the American Nurses Association, which has strongly endorsed the passage of a healthcare bill incorporating the president's ideas. Obama repeated several reform principles outlined in his Wednesday night address, including the need for all Americans to have access to coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions. He again insisted that his plan will provide "more security and stability to those who have insurance," extend it to those who don't and slow the rate of growth in health care costs. He reiterated his call to cap out-of-pocket costs and create a health insurance exchange in which individuals and small businesses can pool resources to help bargain for lower coverage costs. iReport.com: "Obama's speech lacked courage" Obama has also pushed for the federal government to provide greater financial assistance to those who can't afford insurance. The president's latest call for reform came as the Census Bureau released new data showing that the number of people without health insurance rose from 45.7 million in 2007 to 46.3 million in 2008. All Americans would be required by law to have health insurance under Obama's proposal, which the administration has projected to cost $900 billion over 10 years. The requirement, Obama noted Wednesday night, would be similar to mandatory auto insurance in most states. Businesses would also be required to either offer health care coverage to workers or contribute to covering their costs of obtaining coverage. CNN's political analysts respond to Obama's speech » Top congressional Republicans declared Thursday that they remain staunchly opposed to Obama's plan. They also accused the president of delivering an intensely partisan speech to Congress that unfairly maligned opponents and distorted basic facts. "I thought the speech was partisan, uninformative, disingenuous and not likely to encourage those who have honest disagreements with him to be able to work toward some kind of common solution," said Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl, R-Arizona. Kyl complained that Obama had made it tougher to reach common ground by constantly referring to opponents' "unyielding ideological" arguments and "bogus claims." "Nobody can have a disagreement with him based upon a valid difference of opinion," Kyl said. "It's always the other -- the motive of the other individual is a bogus motive." Among other things, Kyl disputed Obama's claims that the Democratic plan won't add to the federal deficit. "He wasn't referring to either the House or Senate bill that have gone through committee, because [the Congressional Budget Office] has projected that both of them have a deficit," he said. "So somehow there's going to be a different bill, which is going to solve that deficit problem, I gather, but we didn't hear any detail about that." Health care legislation has cleared three committees in the House of Representatives, as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. It is currently under consideration by the Senate Finance Committee. Kyl also took issue with Obama's claim that people will have the option of keeping their current coverage if they like it. "It's not true under the bills. Even if you like your insurance, there's a good chance you won't be able to keep it," Kyl claimed. Democrats and Republicans remain deeply divided over the question of whether to allow for a government-run public health insurance option.	[ "What do Republicans say?", "Where was the president while talking?", "What did the President say near the White House?", "Who is calling for a legislation this year?", "What did he follow up with Congress with a call for?", "Who are saying Obama is missing opportunities?", "What does new data show?", "What did republicans say about Obama?" ]	[ [ "that they remain staunchly opposed to Obama's plan." ], [ "near the White House." ], [ "\"Now is the time to act,\"" ], [ "American Nurses Association," ], [ "to cap out-of-pocket costs and create a health insurance exchange in which individuals and small businesses can pool resources to help bargain" ], [ "Republican leaders" ], [ "number of people without health insurance rose from 45.7 million in 2007 to 46.3 million in 2008." ], [ "he had botched a unique opportunity to build bipartisan consensus and offer specifics on his long-awaited plan." ] ]	NEW: Republicans say Obama missed opportunity to build consensus . "The time for talk is winding down," president says near White House . He follows up address to Congress with call for legislation this year . New data show increase in number of Americans without insurance .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The swine flu virus that has sparked fear and precautions worldwide appears to be no more dangerous than the regular flu virus that makes its rounds each year, U.S. officials said Monday. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said swine flu is no more danerous than the regular flu virus. "What the epidemiologists are seeing now with this particular strain of U.N. is that the severity of the disease, the severity of the flu -- how sick you get -- is not stronger than regular seasonal flu," Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Monday as the worldwide number of confirmed cases of swine flu -- technically known as 2009 H1N1 virus -- topped 1,080. The flu has been blamed for 26 deaths: 25 in Mexico and one in the United States, according to the World Health Organization. Still, Napolitano noted, the seasonal flu results in "hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations" and roughly 35,000 fatalities each year in the United States. There are still concerns that the virus could return in the fall, in the typical flu season, as a stronger strain. "We are cautiously optimistic that this particular strain will not be more severe than a normal seasonal flu outbreak," Napolitano said. Watch Napolitano assess the swine flu risk » Napolitano acknowledged claims by health officials in Mexico, the epicenter of the H1N1 outbreak, who believe their cases have peaked and said, "I have no reason to think that is inaccurate." The WHO said there were no immediate plans to raise its alert to the highest level, Phase 6. That designation would mean "that we are seeing continued spread of the virus to countries outside of one region," Assistant Director-General Keiji Fukuda said. "If you are seeing community outbreaks occur in multiple regions of the world, it really tells us if the virus has established itself and that we can expect to see disease in most countries in the world." In the United States, the CDC on Monday reported confirmed 279 cases across 36 states -- 60 more than were confirmed the day before. Several states, including New York and Massachusetts, confirmed dozens more cases Monday that were not immediately added to the CDC tally. See where the H1N1 virus has spread across the world » Earlier, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said the CDC "erroneously" doubled the cases in his state. Jindal confirmed his state's total is seven, and the CDC dropped its nationwide count from 286 to 279. Many of the cases are among children; the median age is 16, said Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the CDC. The youngest confirmed case is a 3-month-old, he said. There are also more than 700 probable cases across 44 states, Besser said. "This likely represents an underestimation of the total number of cases across the country," he said, because not everyone with flu-like symptoms goes to the doctor and gets tested. The numbers are expected to increase. Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC's interim deputy director for public health, said Sunday, "We believe we're just on the upswing here." But in Mexico, where the first cases were reported, illnesses may have peaked for now. Mexico City will reopen government offices and restaurants Wednesday, and museums, libraries and churches Thursday as officials cited improvements in the battle against swine flu. Officials said university and secondary students can return to class Thursday while younger students will wait until May 11. In another sign of improving conditions with the H1N1 virus, federal officials lowered the nation's health alert level Monday from red, or "high," to orange, or "elevated." "The measures we have taken, and above all the public's reaction, have led to an improvement," Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said at a news conference. "But I insist that the virus is still present, that we need to remain on alert, and the resumption of activities will be little by little, not all at once." The Mexican and Chinese government sent chartered flights to each other's countries	[ "How many confirmed cases are ther ein the US?", "When will Mexico City reopen restaurants?", "How many U.S. states have confirmed cases?", "Which city will open government offices?", "What has WHo got no plans to do at the moment", "Which city will be re opening restaurants and government buildings on wednesday", "How many cases have been confirmed in the United States", "What does Janet Napolitano say?", "Will WHO raise the alert level to 6?" ]	[ [ "279" ], [ "Wednesday," ], [ "36" ], [ "Mexico" ], [ "raise its alert" ], [ "Mexico" ], [ "279" ], [ "swine flu is no more danerous than the regular flu virus." ], [ "no" ] ]	Janet Napolitano: Epidemiologists note severity of swine flu same as regular flu . Mexico City will reopen government offices and restaurants Wednesday . WHO has no plans to raise alert level to 6 . Centers for Disease Control: 286 confirmed cases across 36 states in U.S.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- There is an increasing threat of homegrown terror stemming from segments of a deeply isolated and alienated Somali-American community, a U.S. Senate committee hearing concluded Wednesday. Sen. Joseph Lieberman says a number of Somali-Americans support terrorist groups. The hearing, conducted by the Senate Homeland and Governmental Affairs Committee, focused on the attempted recruitment of young Somali-American men by al-Shabaab, "a violent and brutal extremist (Somali) group" with significant ties to al Qaeda, according to the U.S. State Department. "Over the last two years, individuals from the Somali community in the United States, including American citizens, have left for Somalia to support and in some cases fight on behalf of al-Shabaab," noted the committee's chairman, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Connecticut. Al-Shabaab -- also known as the Mujahedeen Youth Movement -- was officially designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government in March 2008. The hearing highlighted the case of Shirwa Ahmed, a 27-year-old Somali-American who had been radicalized by al-Shabaab in his adopted home state of Minnesota before traveling to Somalia and blowing up himself and 29 others in October. The idea that Ahmed was radicalized in the United States raised red flags throughout the U.S. intelligence community. The incident -- the first suicide bombing by a naturalized U.S. citizen -- was the "most significant case of homegrown American terrorism recruiting based on violent Islamist ideology," Lieberman said. "The dangers brought to light by these revelations is clear: radicalized individuals trained in terrorist tactics and in possession of American passports can clearly pose a threat to the security of our country," said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Segments of the Somali-American community have been made vulnerable to recruitment by al-Shabaab because of a particularly tumultuous adjustment to American life, noted Andrew Liepman, deputy director for intelligence at the National Counterterrorism Center. "Despite significant efforts to facilitate their settlement into American communities, many Somali immigrants face isolation," Liepman said. "The (tough) adjustment to American society has reinforced their greater insularity compared to other more integrated recent immigrant communities and has aggravated the challenges of assimilation for their children," he said. Somalis began arriving in the United States in significant numbers following the U.S. intervention in Somalia's humanitarian crisis in 1992, Liepman said. The Somali-American population is now concentrated in clusters primarily in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Columbus, Ohio; Seattle, Washington; and San Diego, California. The potential recruitment of young Somali-American men has been made possible by "a number of factors that come together when a dynamic, influential and extremist leader gains access to a despondent and disenfranchised group of young men," Liepman said. Many refugees, he said, "lack structure and definition in their lives" and are "torn between their parents' traditional tribal and clan identities and the new cultures and traditions offered by American society." Liepman pointed out that there was no evidence of a radicalization of the entire Somali-American community, now believed to number between 70,000 and 200,000 people. In fact, he said, the Somali-American community has been victimized by a "small group of extremists who are essentially terrorizing their own community, who are recruiting and radicalizing young people within that community." "We don't have radicalized communities. We have radicalized clusters of (young) people," emphasized Philip Mudd, a director of the FBI's national security branch. The potential terrorist indoctrination and recruitment was a consequence of these clusters, Liepman said, and is the product of "the refugee experience of fleeing a war-torn country combined with isolation, perceived discrimination, marginalization and frustrated expectations. "Local criminal familial and clan dynamics make some members of this community more susceptible to (this) sort of extremist influence" of groups such as al-Shabaab, he said. Liepman said there is a serious concern about individuals being indoctrinated by al Qaeda and al-Shabaab while in Somalia and then returning to the United States "	[ "What did the hearing highlight?", "What is the committee focused on?", "What did the committee focus on?", "What ties does the group have?", "What is recruitment a result of?", "What is isolation a result of?" ]	[ [ "the case of Shirwa Ahmed," ], [ "the attempted recruitment of young Somali-American men by al-Shabaab," ], [ "the attempted recruitment of young Somali-American men by al-Shabaab," ], [ "to al Qaeda," ], [ "\"a number of factors that come together when a dynamic, influential and extremist leader gains access to a despondent and disenfranchised group of young men,\"" ], [ "potential terrorist indoctrination and recruitment" ] ]	Committee focused on recruitment of Somali-Americans by group with al Qaeda ties . Hearing highlighted case of the first suicide bombing by a naturalized U.S. citizen . Recruitment is a result of "refugee experience" and "isolation," official says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- They came from all corners of the world, braved fiercely cold temperatures and stood together on the Mall in Washington to share in one historic moment -- when Barack Obama became the 44th president and the first African-American elected to the post. Crowds at the inaugural parade cheer and snap photos of President Obama on Tuesday. Millions of people packed the Mall early Tuesday to watch Obama's inauguration and later hit the parade route to catch a glimpse of the new president. For many, the inauguration was the realization of a dream they never thought could be fulfilled. 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." Obama's speech: How did he do? 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" » iReporter Barbara Talisman, 48, of Chicago, watched Tuesday from a spot on the Mall near the American Museum of Natural History. "The historical significance of today and importance of our work made it necessary for me to be here and not at home. I want to be a witness," Talisman said. 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 a 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." 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 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 iReporter 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	[ "What was the parade called?", "what did a new jersey woman call the inauguration parade?", "what does the election show?" ]	[ [ "the inaugural" ], [ "capped five decades of struggle" ], [ "Obama's inauguration capped five decades of struggle" ] ]	New Jersey woman calls inauguration, parade "majestic" "This is America happening," says New York woman . Barack Obama's election shows American people "can do anything," woman says .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Thousands of Muslims gathered Friday on Capitol Hill for a day of prayer that organizers said was intended to inspire American Muslims and non-Muslims alike. People traveled from all over the United States to attend the Capitol Hill event, organizer Abdul Malik said. "America is not perfect," Abdul Malik, an organizer of the event called Islam on Capitol Hill, told the crowd. "But I will say something it took me my whole adult life to come to: America is not perfect, but I want to tell the truth: It is one of the best places in the world to live." Organizers had hoped that 50,000 people would show up for the Friday afternoon prayer session, which took place at the foot of the U.S. Capitol. There were also anti-Muslim protesters near the event. Earlier, Malik said, "This is not a protest, it is a day of prayer, of devotion, hoping that we can work ... for the betterment of the world community." He added, "We can come together and work together for the common good." He said that Muslims in the United States have a "unique responsibility" and that the event seeks to inspire Muslims and all Americans. "America represents, still, a beacon of hope," he said. Malik said conversations about the event began only a few months ago. "It's amazing," he said. "The Web site has gotten more than 3 million hits already." Friday's event was focused on a 1 p.m. prayer, and a reception and banquet were planned afterward. Malik said attendees were traveling from all over the United States -- including Texas, Florida and Georgia -- as well as from other countries, such as Britain and Canada. "The beautiful thing ... about this, is that we have a good representation of the uniqueness and beauty of what Islam stands for," he said. Besides the protesters, the event drew other criticism. Malik said he had received some "very nasty e-mails." And one Christian leader warned of a strategy to "Islamize" American society. "It is important for Christians to understand that Friday's Muslim prayer initiative is part of a well-defined strategy to Islamize American society and replace the Bible with the Koran, the cross with the Islamic crescent and the church bells with the Athan [the Muslim call to prayer]," the Rev. Canon Julian Dobbs, leader of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America's Church and Islam Project, said in a written statement. "The time has come for the American public to call Islam to account," he said.	[ "What is the Speakers name", "Who does the organizer hope to inspire?", "What is one of the best places in the world to live?", "What drew the protestors", "What does the prayer event try to do?", "What did the event draw?", "What country does the speaker say is one of the best places to live?", "What has drawn protests and criticism?", "Who called the U.S. \"one of the best places in the world to live\"?", "What did the event draw?", "What event sought to inspire Muslims and all Americans?", "Who is the event sought to inspire?", "What does the speaker call U.S.?" ]	[ [ "Abdul Malik," ], [ "American Muslims and non-Muslims" ], [ "America" ], [ "to inspire American Muslims and non-Muslims alike." ], [ "inspire American Muslims and non-Muslims alike." ], [ "other criticism." ], [ "America" ], [ "Friday afternoon prayer session," ], [ "Abdul Malik," ], [ "criticism." ], [ "a day of prayer" ], [ "American Muslims and non-Muslims" ], [ "not perfect,\"" ] ]	NEW: Speaker calls U.S. "one of the best places in the world to live" Prayer event sought to inspire Muslims and all Americans, one organizer says . Event drew protesters, criticism from Christian leader, "very nasty e-mails"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- To this day, Linda Haywood recalls the shame she once felt for her great-uncle. Jack Johnson was convicted of transporting a white woman across state lines for "immoral purposes." "I could see from the expression on my mother's face that it pained her to tell me about him," she recalled, "but it wasn't just her. The shame was there for all the members of my family." Haywood's great-uncle, Jack Johnson, shocked the nation in 1908 by becoming the first African-American world heavyweight champion. Yet the boxer was arrested not long afterward for taking a white woman across state lines for "immoral" purposes. That case fell apart and the woman later became his wife, but then investigators charged him with a similar offense involving a woman he had dated years earlier. An all-white jury's decision to convict him in that case has come to be widely viewed as a symbol of racial injustice. Now Haywood is working with Sen. John McCain and others to try to clear her great-uncle's name. McCain wants the Senate to pass a resolution urging President Obama to grant Johnson a presidential pardon. It would represent a final vindication for Haywood, a 53-year-old seamstress in Chicago who now views her great-uncle with pride. Her parents didn't tell her until she was 12 that she was related to Johnson, even though she saw his photo at school during lessons on black history. "I remember seeing his picture on the wall of my sixth-grade classroom in Chicago in 1966," Haywood said in a voice tinged with sadness. "It was up there next to pictures of Sojourner Truth and George Washington Carver as part of a black history week my teacher put together. I didn't have the first clue who the man was. My parents didn't want me to know." Her parents, she said, were trying to protect her from a legacy of racial injustice at a time when the country had yet to emerge from the long shadow of segregation. Haywood was stunned when she learned her great-uncle's story. Less than five years after winning the heavyweight title, Johnson was convicted for violating the Mann Act, which outlawed the transportation of women across state lines for "immoral" purposes. Johnson was black and the woman was white -- enough to get even a champion imprisoned in early 20th century America. Justice Department lawyers decried it as a "crime against nature" for him to have a sexual relationship with a white woman. Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis, later to become the first commissioner of Major League Baseball, set Johnson's bail at $30,000 -- the equivalent of more than $660,000 today. When a bail bondsman showed up, Landis jailed him, too, according to an account that filmmaker Ken Burns relays in his documentary, "Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson." An all-white jury convicted Johnson in less than two hours. "Mr. Johnson was perhaps persecuted as an individual, but ... it was his misfortune to be the foremost example of the evil in permitting the intermarriage of whites and blacks," one of the prosecutors later said. Johnson's real crime, in the eyes of many, was committed three years earlier, when he successfully defended his boxing title against Jim Jeffries, a white boxer who came to be called the "Great White Hope" because many white fans saw him as the best chance to wrest back a boxing title from the African-American champ. Jeffries, a former heavyweight champion, had come out of retirement intending to reclaim a title that many Americans believed Johnson had no right to in the first place. Johnson beat Jeffries on July 4, 1910, before a stunned, almost entirely white crowd in Reno, Nevada. Race riots followed. More than 20 people were killed and hundreds were injured. Most victims were black. So when they "couldn't beat him in the ring, the white power establishment decided to beat him in	[ "who was arrested", "What was his offense?", "Which heavyweight champ was arrested?", "what was he charged with", "What are relatives working to get?" ]	[ [ "Jack Johnson" ], [ "transporting a white woman across state lines for \"immoral purposes.\"" ], [ "Jack Johnson," ], [ "transporting a white woman across state lines for \"immoral purposes.\"" ], [ "her great-uncle's name." ] ]	Heavyweight champ Jack Johnson was arrested around 1908 . His offense: Transporting a white woman across state lines for "immoral purposes" Relatives working with Washington powers to get Johnson a posthumous pardon .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy has checked into an unnamed medical facility for help with his recovery from substance abuse, the Rhode Island Democrat said in a statement Friday. "I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine," Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy says in a statement. In May 2006, Kennedy, the son of Sen. Edward Kennedy, was admitted to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, a day after slamming his car into a security barricade on Capitol Hill. At the time, Kennedy said he had been suffering from addictions and depression since he was a young man. "I have always said that recovery is a life-long process and that I will do whatever it takes to preserve my health," Kennedy, 41, wrote in Friday's release. "In consultation with my doctors, I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine to ensure that I am being as vigilant as possible in my recovery. I hope that in some small way my decision to be proactive and public in my efforts to remain healthy can help remove the stigma that has served as a barrier for many Americans reluctant to get the help they need." A Democratic aide declined to say what facility is providing treatment or how long Kennedy might be there. Kennedy left for treatment earlier this week, said a close associate who didn't want to be identified. Since the 2006 incident, the associate said, Kennedy often goes to the Mayo Clinic for one- or two-day stints without anyone knowing. This time, Kennedy and his aides realized the stay would be longer and more aggressive and decided to put out a statement. There was no "culminating event" this time, the associate said, and he did not think it was related to Edward Kennedy's ongoing battle with brain cancer. "He's human," the source said of Patrick Kennedy. "He has good days and bad days. This is a part of his effort to make sure there are more good days than bad days." CNN's Dana Bash contributed to this report.	[ "Which state was the Congressman from?", "What did son of Sen. Edward Kennedy say?", "How many years old was the Congressman?", "When was the auto accident?", "What afflicts Re. Patrick Kennedy?" ]	[ [ "Rhode Island" ], [ "\"I have decided to temporarily step away from my normal routine,\"" ], [ "41," ], [ "May 2006," ], [ "substance abuse," ] ]	Congressman from Rhode Island seeks help against substance abuse . Rep. Patrick Kennedy, 41, acknowledges long struggle with addiction, depression . "I have always said that recovery is a life-long process," lawmaker says in statement . Son of Sen. Edward Kennedy sought help after 2006 auto accident .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was hospitalized Thursday after falling ill in her chambers, the court confirmed. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg became ill in her chambers on Thursday. Ginsburg, 76, felt faint, light-headed and fatigued about 4:50 p.m., around an hour after receiving a treatment for iron deficiency, the court said in a statement. She was monitored by an in-house physician, who performed blood tests and found her to be in stable health. Her symptoms improved, though she was taken to the Washington Hospital Center as a precaution at about 7:45 p.m., according to the court statement. Ginsburg had surgery in February for pancreatic cancer. She termed the removal of her cancer "successful" and was back on the bench 18 days later when the high court resumed oral arguments. Ginsburg, who was appointed by President Clinton, has been on the Supreme Court since 1993. She was the second woman appointed to the court.	[ "When is she sent to Washington Hospital Center?", "What time does Ruth Bader Ginsburg feel faint and tired?" ]	[ [ "7:45 p.m.," ], [ "about 4:50 p.m.," ] ]	Ruth Bader Ginsburg feels faint, light-headed and fatigued about 4:50 p.m. The 76-year-old Supreme Court Justice had treatment for iron deficiency hour earlier . She's sent to Washington Hospital Center as a precaution at about 7:45 p.m.
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Violent crime in the United States declined in 2008, due in part to a significant drop in the number of murders, according to the first available FBI figures covering the entire year. The decline would be the third straight year-to-year drop in violent crime in the United States. The preliminary figures for 2008, released Monday, show that overall reported crime dropped 2.5 percent nationally from the previous year, including a 4.4 percent decline in murders. Although crime statistics varied sharply from city to city, the overall number of reported murders declined 9.1 percent in cities with populations of 100,000 to 250,000. However, murders increased 5.5 percent in towns of fewer than 10,000 residents. Overall, the number of aggravated assaults declined 3.2 percent, forcible rape decreased 2.2 percent, and robbery decreased 1.1 percent. The Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report historically provides a strong indication of the final figures that will be compiled and released later in the year. The statistics are based on a compilation of crime reports provided to the FBI by the more than 12,000 law enforcement agencies in the nation. The report shows a small increase in violent crime in the second half of the year. Figures for the first half of 2008, which were released in early January, showed that overall violent crime through the end of June had declined 3.5 percent, compared with the 2.5 percent decline for the entire year. Other results in the year-end figures were a 1.6 percent drop in reported property crimes from 2007, including a 13.1 percent decline in motor vehicle thefts. Violent crime in the United States has largely been on the decline over the past two decades. In 2005, however, a surprising increase prompted headlines of an end to the drop in violence. Monday's figures show that the downward trend has resumed. After the 2005 violent crime increase of 2.3 percent, the figures increased only 1.9 percent in 2006 and then dropped 0.7 percent in 2007 before the decline of 2.5 percent in the preliminary 2008 figures.	[ "What has been largely declining in the U.S. over the past two decades?", "What would be third consecutive year-to-year decline?", "What happened to the murder rate in towns under 10,000 population?", "What percentage did murders decline?", "What percent did violent crime drop by?", "What percentage did U.S. violent crime drop in 2008?" ]	[ [ "Violent crime" ], [ "violent crime in the United States." ], [ "increased" ], [ "4.4 percent" ], [ "dropped 2.5" ], [ "2.5 percent" ] ]	Preliminary data: U.S. violent crime in 2008 dropped 2.5 percent from 2007 . Murders declined 4.4 percent but rose in towns of fewer than 10,000 people . Drop in violent crime would be third consecutive year-to-year decline . Violent crime in the U.S. has largely been declining over the past two decades .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- When shots rang out at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum last week, security officers Harry Weeks and Jason McCuiston were stunned. Harry Weeks, left, and Jason McCuiston fired on James von Brunn at the Holocaust Memorial Museum. "I would say it was surreal, both of us couldn't believe what was happening," Weeks told CNN in his first national televised interview since the June 10 shooting. "I know myself I just, I heard 'pop, pop' and it was surreal." McCuiston added: "It wasn't normal. You knew something was wrong and you knew it was very bad." What went terribly wrong is that white supremacist James von Brunn allegedly walked into the museum and started firing his rifle, shooting security officer Stephen Johns in the chest. Despite their initial shock, Weeks and McCuiston kept their composure enough to draw their weapons and start shooting at von Brunn, 88. Weeks had fired his gun in the line of duty 25 years earlier as a Washington, D.C., police officer. But he said nothing compared to this bloody confrontation. "This was terrible," Weeks said softly. "This was worse. ... We lost Officer Johns." Johns died shortly after the shooting, leaving behind a family that includes a teenage son who told CNN affiliate WUSA-TV the day after the tragedy that his dad was "my hero." Watching a video clip of those comments, McCuiston started crying. "First thing I thought about, I have an 11-year-old," the officer said before breaking down. Watch the officers tell their story » Just moments before their joint interview with CNN on Thursday, McCuiston and Weeks attended a grief counseling session together, and both men say they are still struggling with their emotions. The security officers said they believe von Brunn will survive his wounds and eventually face trial. So they would not discuss details of the shootout out of a fear of jeopardizing the criminal investigation, but they were willing to discuss their memories of Johns so that the public knows more about him. McCuiston said the 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound Johns was a "gentle giant" who was always friendly to colleagues and museum visitors. "Just an awesome guy," he recalled. "Grin from ear to ear. You'd never know that man probably ever had a bad day in his life." Weeks said he wanted the world to see "what a man of hate did to this family, and the grief he caused. Let's all remember Officer Johns, and his family, because he took the ultimate -- he did his job and he was where he was supposed to be -- and the family suffered. That could have been anyone." McCuiston and Weeks, however, deflected suggestions that they may be heroes as well because if they had not stopped von Brunn, there's no telling how many of the more than 2,000 people visiting the museum at the time could have been injured or killed. "A lot of people are going to be saying what they have been saying, 'You are a hero, you're this, you're that,' " McCuiston said. "It's like we tell everybody, 'We chose this job, it's a job. It's the same as a firefighter who would walk into a building, that is his job, he chose to do it.' " Johns' funeral on Friday has been moved to a larger church in the Washington area to accommodate all of the people who want to attend, and the museum will be closed most of the day so that his colleagues can attend. "Everyone knows when you lose someone, death is one of the worst things, even though it is reality," McCuiston said. "Time will hopefully heal all, and hopefully there will be a little bit of closure with us and the family and we can all just move forward but never forget what a wonderful man he was."	[ "when they knew something had gone terribly wrong?", "What did they call the slain officer?", "Where did they hear shots at?", "Harry Weeks and Jason McCuiston are what type of officers?" ]	[ [ "When shots rang out" ], [ "\"my hero.\"" ], [ "U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum" ], [ "security" ] ]	Security officers Harry Weeks and Jason McCuiston recall shooting, fellow officer . When they heard shots at museum, they knew something had gone terribly wrong . They call slain officer a "gentle giant" who was always friendly to colleagues, visitors . Men, who shot shooting suspect, say they're not heroes, were just doing their jobs .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- While most sitting Supreme Court justices refuse to comment about current and future nominees to that bench, one member says she can't wait to welcome Judge Sonia Sotomayor to that exclusive club. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg her views occasionally are ignored by the male justices. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the only women on the nine-member court, told a group of lawyers and judges this weekend she was "cheered" at the nomination of Sotomayor. Ginsburg said the 54-year-old federal appeals court judge brings "a wealth of experience in the law and in life. I am glad to no longer be the lone woman on the court, and look forward to a new colleague well-equipped to handle the challenges our work presents." Her remarks were made at a semi-private conference in Upstate New York. The justice has made no secret of her desire to see greater gender diversity on her court. She has lamented the departure of her friend and colleague Sandra Day O'Connor in 2006. She told USA Today just weeks before Justice David Souter announced his retirement that more women should join her. "Women belong in all places where decision are being made," she said. "I don't say [the split] should be 50-50. It could be 60 percent men, 40 percent women, or the other way around. It shouldn't be that women are the exception." Sotomayor has drawn controversy with her remarks at a 2001 speech: "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life." She has echoed the sentiment in related talks she has given over the years. Ginsburg spoke weeks before Sotomayor was tapped for the high court about observations she and O'Connor had made in the past that were similar to Sotomayor's. "You know the line that Sandra and I keep repeating... that 'at the end of the day, a wise old man and a wise old woman reach the same judgment'?" she told USA Today. "But there are perceptions that we have because we are women. It's a subtle influence. We can be sensitive to things that are said in draft opinions that [male justices] are not aware can be offensive." Ginsburg used the word "same" to describe the outcome, Sotomayor used the word "better," a wording she has told senators privately she now regrets. Ginsburg noted gender differences are "seldom in the outcome." But then, she said, "it is sometimes in the outcome." Ginsburg expressed frustration in that interview with how her male colleagues view her role, and how they view certain cases. She said in closed door conferences where all the justices gather to decide cases and pending appeals, her views occasionally are ignored. "When I will say something -- and I don't think I'm a confused speaker -- and it isn't until somebody else says it that everyone will focus on the point." The same thing can happen in the public setting of oral arguments, the 76-year-old justice said. A case from April dealt with whether school officials abused their discretion by conducting a strip search on a 13-year-old female student who was suspected of carrying ibuprofen medicine, in violation of the school's anti-drug policy. In arguments, she asked a lawyer for the school, "After Redding [the student] was searched and nothing was found, she was put in a chair outside the vice principal's office for over two hours, and her mother wasn't called. What was the reason for... putting her in that humiliating situation?" Her colleague Justice Stephen Breyer had noted, "I'm trying to work out why is this a major thing to, say, strip down to your underclothes, which children do when they change for gym," Breyer said. "How bad is this, underclothes? That's what I'm trying to get at. I'm asking because I don't	[ "What is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg happy about?", "What does she say about Sotomayor?", "What did Ginsburg say?", "Who is happy about possibility of a female colleague?", "what did says Sotomayor?", "What is Sotomayor?" ]	[ [ "the nomination of Sotomayor." ], [ "brings \"a wealth of experience in the law and in life." ], [ "she can't wait to welcome Judge Sonia Sotomayor to that exclusive club." ], [ "Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg" ], [ "\"I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.\"" ], [ "Judge" ] ]	Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg happy about possibility of female colleague . Ginsburg: "Women belong in all places where decision are being made" She says Sotomayor "well-equipped to handle the challenges our work presents"
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- While nearly all maritime activity on the Potomac River will be halted on Inauguration Day, a handful of Mall-goers will sail from Virginia to Washington on water taxis. Some people will cross the Potomac River via water taxi on Inauguration Day. Working closely with the United States Coast Guard, the Potomac Riverboat Company, based in Alexandria, Virginia, plans to ferry up to 3,200 passengers from across the frigid Potomac on seven climate-controlled boats. The service is partially a response to the closure of all bridges from Virginia to D.C. on Inauguration Day, a measure that prompted an uproar among Virginia residents. According to maritime authorities in charge of the region, PRC is the only company being allowed to taxi across the river on the 20th. "Because the taxi service provided us with a security plan that we examined and deemed adequate to provide good security, I granted them a waiver to operate at an increased security level," National Capitol Region Port Captain Brian Kelley says. "The taxis are going to operate on a strict schedule and a strict route." The Coast Guard established a temporary security zone on waterways in the National Capitol Region, stepping up restrictions day-by-day leading up to 11 p.m. on January 19. At that point, all vessels must be docked and only boats with an approved sail plan will be allowed to operate. John Lake, a ship captain and the general manager of the company, said the sail plan he submitted was approved only a week ago and details nearly every move taxis will make. "All the departures are scheduled times. And those departures are supposed to leave on-time," Lake said. "We have to call in on each departure to the Coast Guard, let them know we're preparing to get under way, and get the permission, basically, to get under way." The boats depart the Alexandria Marina for the 40-minute trip beginning around 6 a.m. and must be docked on the southwest D.C. shore by 10 a.m. From there, it's a cold, mile-long walk to the Mall, so Lake has some advice for passengers. "Show up early to get through the security check and dress warm," he said. "It's going to be nice and toasty on the boat, but not so much outside." Return trips, tentatively scheduled for around 6 p.m., are not allowed to depart D.C. until after the inaugural parade events have concluded and President Obama is secured. In keeping with the Coast Guard's security measures, Lake says all passengers must arrive at least an hour early for a full screening. Passengers that want to stay in D.C. after the early evening departures will have to find other transport back across the Potomac. PRC Vice President Charlotte Hall says tickets went on sale Monday and the initial response from customers has been enthusiastic.	[ "How many passengers will be taken across the Potomac?", "Where were the bridges closed?", "Up to how many passengers are to be taken across the Potomac?", "Who cleared security to provide service?", "What is the service a response to?", "How many boats will carry the passengers across the Potomac?", "What company is clearing security?", "Who will be taken across the Potomac?", "How many passengers will be taken?" ]	[ [ "3,200" ], [ "from Virginia to D.C." ], [ "3,200" ], [ "Potomac Riverboat Company," ], [ "closure of all bridges" ], [ "seven" ], [ "the Potomac Riverboat" ], [ "a handful of Mall-goers" ], [ "3,200" ] ]	Up to 3,200 passengers to be taken across Potomac on seven boats . Service is partially a response to the closure of all bridges from Virginia to D.C. Potomac Riverboat Company clears security to provide service . All passengers must arrive at least an hour early for a full screening .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- William Jackson was a slave in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis during the Civil War. It turns out he was also a spy for the Union Army, providing key secrets to the North about the Confederacy. William Jackson, a slave, listened closely to Jefferson Davis' conversations and leaked them to the North. Jackson was Davis' house servant and personal coachman. He learned high-level details about Confederate battle plans and movements because Davis saw him as a "piece of furniture" -- not a human, according to Ken Dagler, author of "Black Dispatches," which explores espionage by America's slaves. "Because of his role as a menial servant, he simply was ignored," Dagler said. "So Jefferson Davis would hold conversations with military and Confederate civilian officials in his presence." Dagler has written extensively on the issue for the CIA's Center for the Study of Intelligence . Watch the stories of slaves as spies » In late 1861, Jackson fled across enemy lines and was immediately debriefed by Union soldiers. Dagler said Jackson provided information about supply routes and military strategy. "In Jackson's case, what he did was ... present some of the current issues that were affecting the Confederacy that you could not read about in the local press that was being passed back and forth across local lines. He actually had some feel for the issues of supply problems," Dagler said. Jackson and other slaves' heroic efforts have been a forgotten legacy of the war -- lost amid the nation's racially charged past and the heaps of information about the war's historic battles. But historians over the last few decades have been taking an interest in the sacrifice of African-Americans during those war years. Jackson's espionage is mentioned in a letter from a general to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. Maj. Gen. Irvin McDowell refers to "Jeff Davis' coachman" as the source of information about Confederate deployments. Watch grandson of slaves: "They call me Little Man" » Dagler said slaves who served as spies were able to collect incredibly detailed information, in large part because of their tradition of oral history. Because Southern laws prevented blacks from learning how to read and write, he said, the slave spies listened intently to minute details and memorized them. "What the Union officers found very quickly with those who crossed the line ... was that if you talked to them, they remembered a great more in the way of details and specifics than the average person ... because again they relied totally on their memory as opposed to any written records," he said. Jackson wasn't the only spy. There were hundreds of them. In some cases, the slaves made it to the North, only to return to the South to risk being hanged. One Union general wrote that he counted on black spies in Tennessee because "no white man had the pluck to do it." No one was better than Robert Smalls, a slave who guided vital supply ships in and out of Charleston Harbor in South Carolina. He eventually escaped and provided the Union with "a turning of the forces in Charleston Harbor," according to an annual report of the Navy secretary to President Lincoln. "A debriefing of him gave ... the Union force there the entire fortification scheme for the interior harbor," Dagler said. One of the most iconic spies was Harriet Tubman, who ran the Underground Railroad, bringing slaves to the North. In 1863, she was asked by the Union to help with espionage in South Carolina. She picked former slaves from the region for an espionage ring and led many of the spy expeditions herself. "The height of her intelligence involvement occurred late in 1863 when she actually led a raid into South Carolina," Dagler said. "In addition to the destruction of millions of dollars of property, she brought out over 800 slaves back into freedom in the North." As the nation marks Black History Month in February, Dagler said that history should include the sacrifices of the African-Americans who risked	[ "who learned key details inside the home of Jefferson Davis?", "What is William Jackson's relevance?", "Where did he live during that time?", "wher Author said history must never forget the sacrifice of African-Americans?", "What did Jackson learn of?", "Who was the President of the Confederacy?" ]	[ [ "William Jackson" ], [ "was a slave in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis" ], [ "in the home of Confederate president Jefferson Davis" ], [ "Ken Dagler," ], [ "high-level details about Confederate battle plans and movements" ], [ "Jefferson Davis" ] ]	William Jackson, a slave, learned key details inside the home of Jefferson Davis . Davis was president of the Confederacy; Jackson leaked key secrets to the Union . "Because of his role as a menial servant, he simply was ignored" by Southerners . Author said history must never forget the sacrifice of African-Americans in Civil War .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With moments of silence punctuated by somber music, readings of names, and tears, Americans held solemn memorial services Thursday to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. President Bush comforts a mourner Thursday at the dedication of the Pentagon's 9/11 memorial. Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld returned to the Pentagon to help dedicate a memorial to victims of the attack there. "Today we renew our vows to never forget how this long struggle began and to never forget those who fell first," said Rumsfeld, who despite his high office helped carry the wounded from the burning building seven years ago. "We will never forget the way this huge building shook. We will not forget our colleagues and friends who were taken from us and their families. "And we will not forget what that deadly attack has meant for our nation." Watch Rumsfeld speak » Rumsfeld donated hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money to help build the Pentagon memorial. President Bush followed Rumsfeld at the lectern. "On a day when buildings fell, heroes rose," Bush said. "... One of the worst days in America's history saw some of the bravest acts in America's history." Watch Bush speak » After the ceremony, participants moved through the memorial, finding and touching the benches honoring loved ones, colleagues and fellow citizens. Earlier, a bagpiper walked alone across the Pentagon memorial playing "Amazing Grace." Watch the bagpiper's moving solo » Seven years ago, al Qaeda terrorists used hijacked airplanes to attack the World Trade Center and the Pentagon -- the twin symbols of America's financial and military might. Another hijacked plane crashed in Pennsylvania. iReport.com: 'I just sat in my car and cried' At the Pentagon, the ceremony dedicated a memorial to the 184 victims killed when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building's west wall. An American flag was raised smartly to the top of a flagpole, then slowly lowered to half-staff, and a band played the national anthem. Watch and listen to Thursday's ceremonies » At the White House, President Bush and first lady Laura Bush, along with Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, observed a moment of silence on the South Lawn at 8:46 a.m., the moment when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower of the World Trade Center. In New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg introduced a moment of silence also at 8:46 a.m. Throughout the day's ceremonies, he was also to call for moments of silence to mark the time the second plane hit the south tower, the fall of the south tower, and then the fall of the north tower. Watch an audio slide show about that day » "We come each year to stand alongside those who loved and lost the most, to bear witness to the day which began like any other and ended as none ever has," Bloomberg said. Flanked by police officers, firefighters and other officials, Bloomberg quoted what he called an Irish proverb: "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal." Watch Bloomberg honor the victims » Relatives then began to read the names of the 2,751 victims at the crash site, commonly called ground zero. Moments of silence were also observed at 9:03 a.m., the moment in 2001 that the south tower of the World Trade Center was struck by United Airlines Flight 175; 9:59 a.m., when that tower fell; and 10:29 a.m., marking the collapse of the north tower. The New York Stock Exchange observed a moment of silence before its opening bell sounded. In Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Sen. John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee, spoke for less than two minutes at a ceremony to remember the 40 passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, who perished after the hijacked plane went down in a field there. Watch Americans remember 9/11 victims » It is believed that the passengers and crew, aware of the fate of at least some of the other hijacked	[ "What did former defense secretary donate thousands for?", "Finish the quote.. \"On a day when building fell..\"", "what kind of memorials can be watched Live on CNN.com", "Where can you view 9/11 memorials?", "Who was the former defense secretary?", "How much has the former defense secretary donated?", "Who was the president during 9/11 ?", "What did the mayor say?", "Who is the mayor of New York?", "What did the president say?", "What rose when buildings fell, according to the president?" ]	[ [ "build the Pentagon memorial." ], [ "heroes rose,\"" ], [ "9/11" ], [ "Pentagon's" ], [ "Donald Rumsfeld" ], [ "hundreds of thousands of dollars" ], [ "President Bush" ], [ "\"We come each year to stand alongside those who loved and lost the most, to bear witness to the day which began like any other and ended as none ever has,\" Bloomberg said." ], [ "Michael Bloomberg" ], [ "\"On a day when buildings fell, heroes rose,\"" ], [ "heroes" ] ]	NEW: Former defense secretary donated thousands for memorial . 'On a day when buildings fell, heroes rose,' president says . Day 'began like any other and ended as none ever has,' New York mayor says . Watch 9/11 memorials in New York and Washington on CNN.com Live .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- With outrage mounting over AIG's $165 million in bonuses to executives, the president's chief economic adviser offered a new line of defense for the White House in an exclusive interview with CNN. Larry Summers said an AIG meltdown was too risky for the economy to push too hard on executive bonuses. Larry Summers suggested that if Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner had pushed the insurance giant too hard on the bonuses, AIG could have collapsed just like Lehman Brothers and sparked an even bigger crisis. "Secretary Geithner has used all the legal authorities that are open to him to contain and limit the payment of bonuses," said Summers, chairman of the National Economic Council. "What he did not do, and what would have been irresponsible to do, as outrageous as these payments are, would have been to put at risk the stability of the financial system. "To have courted the kind of disaster that followed the decision to let Lehman Brothers simply collapse might have felt good briefly, but it would have touched the lives of a huge number of Americans who would have unnecessarily become unemployed or seen destruction of their lifetime savings." The collapse of the 158-year-old investment bank in September turned the U.S. crisis, based on the subprime loan debacle, into a global one, leading to credit freezes and plummeting markets nearly everywhere. Summers said Geithner was notified about the AIG bonuses last week. The secretary tried to stop them, Summers said, but ran up against a legal contract. "Secretary Geithner courageously has gone after these bonuses and will continue to go after these bonuses in a very aggressive way, but we can't suspend the rule of law and we can't put the whole economy at risk," said Summers. Asked whether AIG could get more bailout funds down the road, Summers suggested the door is open to more taxpayer money, despite the bonus controversy. Watch senators' plan to retrieve money » "It is wrong to govern out of anger," said Summers. "We have to recognize what we are angry about, do something about it. That's why we are focused on a new resolution regime as part of a sweeping overhaul of the financial system. " ... But we can't let anger stop us from taking the steps that are necessary to maintain the stability of the financial system, keep credit flowing." Watch tempers rise over bonuses » Summers said President Obama's entire economic team is working hard to mitigate the problems caused by bank failures, bailouts and credit freezes and boost the country's economy. "There's one lesson of the history of financial crisis that no one can argue with, and that is that they all end, and this one will, too," he said. "And if we are able to maintain the right policies, we'll bring forward the day when it ends, and -- probably even more important -- we'll have a sounder stronger economic expansion at the end of it." The former treasury secretary is not quite as bullish about a turnaround, however, as Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who predicted the recession may be over by the end of 2009. Asked about Bernanke's prediction, Summers said he was upbeat about some aspects of the economy -- such as a 22 percent spike in housing starts and recent upticks in the stock market -- but said he was cautious about making any grand pronouncements. Summers told CNN that while he's confident of a turnaround, "just what day the turn will come isn't something that I would dare to forecast." "Something that the president has made clear to us is his approach and the approach he wants us to take is a recognition that we don't panic when there's a bad number, bad day on the markets, and we don't become euphoric when there's a good day in the markets, or a good number," Summers said. Asked specifically about Bernanke's prediction on CBS' "60 Minutes" about the recession ending this year and 2010 potentially being a year of recovery, Summers	[ "What could have led to the Lehman Brothers collapse?", "What did Summers caution against?", "Who is Obama's chief economic adviser?", "who is trasury secretary?" ]	[ [ "bonuses," ], [ "cautious about making any grand pronouncements." ], [ "Larry Summers" ], [ "Timothy Geithner" ] ]	Larry Summers is President Obama's chief economic adviser . He says contracts legally tied hands of Treasury secretary to deal with AIG bonuses . Summers: Pushing AIG too hard could have led to Lehman Brothers-style collapse . "We can't put the whole economy at risk" because we're angry, he cautions .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Over-the-counter painkillers and fever reducers will now carry new labels warning consumers of the potential risks of liver damage and internal bleeding associated with the drugs, according to a final ruling Tuesday by the Food and Drug Administration. The new warning labels will affect over-the-counter pain relievers including Tylenol, aspirin and ibuprofen. The new rule covers acetaminophen, the popular pain medicine also known as Tylenol, and a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. The most commonly used NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen (the main ingredient in Motrin and Advil), naproxen and ketoprofen. The modified labeling also applies to all products that contain these ingredients, such as cough and cold medicines. Under the new rule, package labels and bottles must prominently state in highlighted text the drug's ingredients. For acetaminophen, the label must include bold lettering warning patients about severe liver damage. The new labeling also instructs patients using the blood thinner warfarin to consult their doctor before using acetaminophen. Bold lettering on NSAIDs labels must warn of severe stomach bleeding. "Acetaminophen and NSAIDs are commonly used drugs for both children and adults because they are effective in reducing fevers and relieving minor aches and pain, such as headaches and muscle aches," said Dr. Charles Ganley, director of nonprescription drugs in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "However, the risks associated with their use need to be clearly identified on the label so that consumers taking these drugs are fully aware of the potential harm they can cause. It is important that they know how to take these medications safely to reduce their risk." The new labeling for acetaminophen also warns against taking multiple drugs that contain acetaminophen at the same time and exceeding the recommended dosage of the drug. And, it warns that drinking alcohol -- three or more drinks a day -- while using the painkiller can increase the risk of liver damage. For NSAIDs, the new labels will also caution users that alcohol use and taking the drugs for longer than directed can increase the risk of stomach bleeding. The agency says the use of blood thinning drugs or steroids while taking NSAIDs can also increase the risk of internal bleeding. The American Pain Foundation is pleased with the new rule. "This ruling will not only help protect consumers using OTC pain medication on a periodic basis," APF said, "But will be especially meaningful for people suffering from chronic pain who may face co-morbid conditions and are taking OTC pain medication along with their prescribed pain medication." According to the FDA, some manufacturers have already voluntarily started listing some of these risks on their product labels. The new rule gives manufacturers one year from today's date to re-label their products.	[ "What does the new rule cover?", "What other drugs are affected?", "What warnings should there be?", "Who has one year from today's date to re-label their products?" ]	[ [ "acetaminophen," ], [ "Tylenol, aspirin and ibuprofen." ], [ "risks of liver damage" ], [ "manufacturers" ] ]	FDA requires OTC painkillers to carry new warnings on liver damage, bleeding risks . New rule covers acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs (aspirin and ibuprofen) Ibuprofen is the main ingredient in Motrin and Advil, naproxen and ketoprofen . Manufacturers have one year from today's date to re-label their products .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- -- Federal officials have fined Exxon Mobil more than $6 million after it violated a three-year-old agreement to decrease air pollution at four of its refineries. Exxon Mobil's refinery in Baytown, Texas, is one of four that the EPA said had high sulfur emissions. The Justice Department announced Wednesday that the oil giant agreed to pay $6.1 million after Environmental Protection Agency officials determined the company had not sufficiently reduced sulfur emissions in its refineries in Baytown and Beaumont, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Torrance, California. Exxon Mobil had paid a $7.7 million fine in its original 2005 agreement with the government and promised to install new emissions controls at the refineries. The petroleum company said after the latest settlement its refineries now meet the required EPA standards on sulfur emissions. The company's role in environmental pollution has been in the spotlight ever since the 1989 Exxon Valdez accident in Alaska, the worst oil spill in U.S. history. This past summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the company to pay $507 million in punitive damages from the incident, down from an original $2.5 billion judgment.	[ "Where are the facilities located?", "Who says the company has not sufficiently reduced sulfur emissions?", "Company that says the refineries meet EPA standards?", "What did Exxon Mobile say?", "Where are the facilities located at?", "In how many states are the four facilities located?", "What did the EPA say?", "What gases are mentioned?", "Who owns these refineries?", "What company says the refineries now meet EPA standards?", "How many refineries had not reduced sulfer emissions sufficiently for the EPA?" ]	[ [ "Baytown and Beaumont, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Torrance, California." ], [ "Environmental Protection Agency officials" ], [ "Exxon Mobil" ], [ "its refineries now meet the required EPA standards on sulfur emissions." ], [ "Baytown and Beaumont, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Torrance, California." ], [ "Texas;" ], [ "Environmental Protection Agency officials determined the company had not sufficiently reduced sulfur emissions in its refineries in Baytown and Beaumont, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Torrance, California." ], [ "sulfur" ], [ "Exxon Mobil" ], [ "Exxon Mobil" ], [ "four" ] ]	EPA says company had not sufficiently reduced sulfur emissions at four refineries . The facilities in question are in Texas, Louisiana and California . Exxon Mobil says refineries now meet EPA standards on sulfur emissions .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- "There's no doubt" that the deadly attack on India's financial capital last month was planned inside Pakistan, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told CNN on Sunday. People in New Delhi, India, take part in a candlelight vigil for the victims of the Mumbai attacks on Sunday. Her comments to CNN's "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" were the most definitive made by a top-ranking U.S. official regarding Pakistan's connection to the November 26-29 attack on Mumbai, in which more than 170 were killed and hundreds of others were wounded. "Well, I think there's no doubt that Pakistani territory was used by probably non-state actors," Rice said. "I don't think that there is compelling evidence of involvement of Pakistani officials. But I do think that Pakistan has a responsibility to act, and it doesn't matter that they're non-state actors." Last week, Rice traveled to the region to try to ease tension between India and Pakistan, both nuclear powers and key allies of the United States. While in New Delhi, India, she called on Pakistan to take responsibility for terrorists operating within its borders. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has said "stateless actors" carried out the attack while Indian authorities say they believe all the attackers were Pakistanis, specifically blaming Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), an Islamic militant group based in Pakistan. U.S. counterterrorism officials say signs point to LeT, and they haven't seen anything to rule it out. However, they have not definitively said the group is responsible. U.S. Director of National Intelligence Michael McConnell said during an appearance Tuesday at Harvard University that the Mumbai attacks were carried out by the same group responsible for the parliament attack and a series of bomb explosions aboard trains and at railway stations in Mumbai in 2006 -- though he didn't specifically name LeT. LeT has denied any responsibility for the attacks, but a suspect in custody -- whom India has said was one of 10 gunmen in the attacks -- told interrogators he was trained by LeT, Indian authorities said. India said its forces killed nine gunmen. On Sunday, Rice said LeT and al Qaeda "tend to travel in the same circles," though she declined to directly link either group to the Mumbai attack. But she stressed that Pakistan is obligated to root out terrorists within its borders. "Well, I don't want to go into too much detail here because, obviously, in counterterrorism no one wants to tip the hand of what has happened here and what may happen in the future," Rice said. "The important thing now is to get these perpetrators and to prevent follow-on attacks. And Pakistan's cooperation, Pakistan's action, is absolutely essential to doing that." Asked about possible ties between Pakistan's government and LeT, Rice acknowledged "there have been historic ties -- there's no doubt about that." "But Pakistan is a different place now with a civilian government and an army leadership that is working in concert to try to bring an end to extremism within Pakistan," she said. "We have to remember that Pakistan itself has been suffering at the hands of extremism. So whatever the history here, and there is a history, the important thing is that Pakistan act against those who used Pakistani soil to perpetrate attacks."	[ "Who did Condoleeza Rice say was used by non-state actors?", "What is Pakistan obligated to do according to Rice?", "What did Rice say about Pakistan's obligations?", "Who did India blame for the Mumbai attacks?", "How many people died in the Mumbai attacks?", "What position does Condoleezza Rice hold?", "What did India allege?" ]	[ [ "Pakistani territory" ], [ "root out terrorists within its borders." ], [ "is obligated to root out terrorists within its borders." ], [ "Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT)," ], [ "170" ], [ "Secretary of State" ], [ "terrorists operating within its borders." ] ]	Condoleezza Rice: "No doubt" Pakistani territory used by "probably non-state actors" Rice: Pakistan is obligated to root out terrorists within its borders . India has alleged Pakistan-based Islamic militant group linked to Mumbai attacks .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A 19-year-old Jordanian bent on committing "violent jihad" was arrested Thursday after undercover FBI agents foiled his attempt to bomb an office tower in Dallas, Texas, authorities announced late Thursday. Authorities say a suspect tried to set off a bomb attached to a vehicle at the base of the Fountain Plaza tower. Federal officials said Hosam Maher Husein Smadi, who entered the U.S. illegally and lived in Texas, tried to set off an improvised explosive device attached to a vehicle at the base of the 60-story Fountain Plaza office tower. Counterterrorism officials arrested Smadi on Thursday before publicly disclosing a similar, but unrelated, terrorism sting arrest in Springfield, Illinois, Wednesday. A federal law enforcement official familiar with the cases said authorities feared word of the Illinois arrest could tip off the Texas suspect of an undercover sting operation. In a criminal complaint filed with Smadi's arrest, counterterrorism officials said the suspect had been under "continuous surveillance" because of oft-stated determination to inflict damage and death against the United States, which he deemed to be an enemy of Islam. "The identification and apprehension of this defendant, who was acting alone, is a sobering reminder that there are people among us who want to do us grave harm," said James Jacks, the top federal prosecutor in Dallas. After casing a Wells Fargo Bank in the office tower in July, Smadi told an undercover agent he would target the facility, according to authorities. Initially Smadi told the agent he wanted to conduct the bombing on September 11, but decided to wait until Ramadan ended September 20, authorities said. "Unbeknownst to Smadi, the FBI ensured the [vehicle-borne IED] contained only an inert/inactive explosive device, which contained no explosive materials," the Justice Department said in a written statement. Smadi will make his first court appearance before a federal magistrate judge in Dallas on Friday. The charge of attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Justice Department officials said the Dallas case was unrelated to the similar FBI sting in Springfield, Illinois, a day earlier when FBI undercover agents foiled a plot to bomb that city's federal building. In neither case did authorities find ties to known terrorist groups.	[ "What did Smadi reveal?", "where was the bomb", "Who tried to set of a bomb?", "Who was arrested on Thursday?", "who was arrested", "what Man, 19, tried to set off bomb at the base of 60-story?", "when Hosam Maher Husein Smadi arrested?" ]	[ [ "told an undercover agent he would target the facility," ], [ "vehicle at the base of the Fountain Plaza tower." ], [ "Hosam Maher Husein Smadi," ], [ "Hosam Maher Husein Smadi," ], [ "Hosam Maher Husein Smadi," ], [ "Hosam Maher Husein Smadi," ], [ "Thursday" ] ]	Authorities: Man, 19, tried to set off bomb at the base of 60-story office tower . Hosam Maher Husein Smadi arrested Thursday . Authorities: FBI ensured device wasn't explosive after learning of Smadi's plans . Smadi had revealed plans to an undercover FBI agent, authorities say .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A 219-year-old document that stemmed from alcohol tariffs to pay off Revolutionary War debts -- and signed by Alexander Hamilton -- became the property of The National Archives on Thursday. This document, signed by Alexander Hamilton, discusses tools for customs agents to determine alcohol content for imported spirits. The historic letter, which has been the property of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for the past 35 years, chronicles the federal government's earliest efforts to regulate alcohol. In the document, Hamilton, the first United States secretary of the Treasury, discusses tools for customs agents to determine -- for tax purposes -- the alcohol content of St. Croix rum and other imported spirits. Historians said the document is a notable footnote in American history. In 1789 and again in 1790, Congress imposed alcohol tariffs to pay Revolutionary War debts. In response to the tax on imports, Americans began distilling their own spirits. And when the federal government began taxing those beverages, citizens staged the "Whiskey Rebellion," harassing and threatening federal agents in several cities. But in 1794, the government squelched the uprising, helping to establish the federal government's authority in disputes with individual states. Even non-historians might appreciate the timelessness of the dog-eared document, given its skillful use of bureaucratic language to deliver bad news. One eye-glazing, 76-word sentence probably can be summarized as follows: "We don't have the thermometers you'll need, so for now, use the ones you've got." The document, dated Dec. 18, 1790, is an original draft of a "circular letter," an official memo that would have been hand-copied and sent to customs officers, historians said. "In this circular letter, Hamilton attempts to provide customs officers with new tools to more efficiently do their jobs," said Kenneth Melson, acting director of ATF. Hamilton notes that he is sending a hydrometer -- used to determine the specific gravity or density of liquids -- to ports so that customs officers can determine the proof of imported beverages. Hamilton says he intends to provide two hydrometers to every port; one to be used as a standard or check. "But it is not possible in the first instance to send both. Hence one only will accompany this letter," he writes. In a postscript, he adds that he is also sending a "Tin Cylinder" to hold liquor while its alcohol content is being measured. Archivists said the early history of the Hamilton circular is not known. But in the mid-1970s, an ATF spokesman and autograph collector -- Howard Criswell Jr. -- came across the letter in a catalog from an autograph dealer in New York City. He purchased it for about $100, intending to use it in an ATF bicentennial exhibit. Criswell, now 84, is retired and lives in Maryland. The document remained in an ATF safe until it was rediscovered by ATF employees during a relocation of its headquarters building in 2005. ATF officials said they had once planned to frame the letter, but were told that it would be damaged by exposure to light. The National Archives said the document will become part of its permanent holdings and will be preserved in a locked, temperature and humidity-controlled stack area at its facility in College Park, Maryland.	[ "What will the document be a part of?", "What is the item a guide for?", "What do the chronicles do the for the government?", "what did the document chronicle?", "When will the document become part of The National Archives' permanent holdings?", "What tests will customs agents perform to determine the alcohol content of imported spirits?", "What is the date of the document that chronicles the federal government's earliest efforts to regulate alcohol?" ]	[ [ "The National Archives" ], [ "imported spirits." ], [ "earliest efforts to regulate alcohol." ], [ "the federal government's earliest efforts to regulate alcohol." ], [ "Thursday." ], [ "hydrometer" ], [ "Dec. 18, 1790," ] ]	Document chronicles the federal government's earliest efforts to regulate alcohol . Item is guide for customs agents to determine the alcohol content of imported spirits . Document will become part of The National Archives' permanent holdings .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Bedouin who was just a boy when a U.S. Navy pilot's plane crashed in the Iraqi desert in 1991 was the key to finding his remains more than 18 years after he was killed, the Pentagon says. Marines conduct recovery efforts at the crash site of U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, shot down in 1991. The new details of the final hunt for U.S. Navy pilot Scott Speicher, who was lost over Iraq on the opening night of the Gulf War in January 1991, were released by the Pentagon Friday. Two sites were searched by U.S. troops who dug west of Baghdad, Iraq, in Anbar province, one at the plane crash site and another 2 kilometers away. The remains of Capt. Speicher were found at the second location. The U.S. military has long said Speicher had ejected out of his jet after it was hit by an Iraqi missile. After years of searching, it was just last month that the military got the crucial information that led them to the burial site. A Bedouin who was just 11 years old at the time of the crash came forward and connected the military with other locals who had knowledge of generally where the crash and burial locations were. The tipster did not know exactly where Speicher was buried but he knew others who had the knowledge, the military statement explained. "He willingly provided his information during general discussion with MNF-W [Multi-National Force-West]personnel and stated he was unaware of the U.S. government's interest in this case until queried by U.S. investigators in July 2009," according to the statement. Bedouin are desert-dwelling nomadic Arabs. One hundred and fifty U.S. military troops were dispatched to dig for the remains at the crash site and did not find any sign of the pilot. At the second site the troops discovered skeletal fragments, according to the statement. Dental records initially identified the bones as Speicher's and, on August 2, DNA results came back positive. Speicher's remains will be taken to Jacksonville, Florida, for burial, according to a family spokeswoman. Speicher was a lieutenant commander when shot down, but because his status remained uncertain, he received promotions during the past 18 years, reaching the rank of captain.	[ "What were searched by troops?", "What year what the opening night of Gulf War?", "When was he lost?", "tWhere are Speicher's remains taken?", "Where was his remains taken?", "Who was lost over Iraq?" ]	[ [ "Two sites" ], [ "January 1991," ], [ "1991" ], [ "Jacksonville, Florida," ], [ "Jacksonville, Florida," ], [ "U.S. Navy pilot Scott Speicher," ] ]	U.S. Navy pilot Scott Speicher lost over Iraq opening night of Gulf War in 1991 . Two sites searched by U.S. troops, west of Baghdad, Iraq, in Anbar province . A Bedouin, 11 at time of crash, connected military with locals who knew of crash . Speicher's remains will be taken to Jacksonville, Florida, for burial .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Boston trolley operator killed in a crash last year likely had a sleep disorder and fell into a "micro-sleep" shortly before the collision, the National Transportation Safety Board ruled Tuesday. Since last year's trolley crash in Boston, Massachusetts, there has been another incident on the same line. The safety board, completing a 14-month investigation, faulted operator Ter'rese Edmonds for ignoring a red signal along the tracks but directed harsh criticism at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority which operates the train system. The transit authority failed to screen operators for sleep disorders while enforcing a work schedule that could prevent train operators from getting enough sleep, the NTSB said. The NTSB's conclusion that Edmonds fell asleep is partly conjecture, the board acknowledged. Edmonds, a part-time trolley operator, had an opportunity for adequate sleep the day of the wreck, although investigators were not able to determine her sleep history. In addition, Edmonds had been given a break earlier in the day, had not complained to co-workers about fatigue and was found to be free of drugs and alcohol. "We cannot say for certain that she did have it (sleep apnea)," board member Dr. Mitch Garber said. But the NTSB concluded there was a "high likelihood" that Edmonds had an undiagnosed sleep disorder, largely because she was obese and because tests showed she had taken doxylamine, an ingredient commonly found in sleep aids, suggesting she had trouble sleeping during at least one of the nights leading up to the accident. In addition, there is a lack of other evidence to explain why Edmonds failed to slow or stop the train, the board concluded. Tests showed that the stopped train could be seen at a distance of 764 feet, and that "there were multiple opportunities to slow and stop this (advancing) train," NTSB investigator Wayne Workman said. "There was not any evidence that brakes were applied." Edmonds' westbound train was traveling at 38 mph when it struck the other train, which was traveling at 3 mph in the same direction. An estimated 185 to 200 passengers were on the two trains during the collision in the Boston, Massachusetts, suburb of Newton. Damage was estimated at $8.6 million. The board also noted that the MBTA had not installed systems on its Green Line to prevent two trains from occupying the same stretch of track, the NTSB said. The systems, known as "positive train control" systems, would have prevented the accident, the safety board said. One year after the fatal accident, more than 50 people were injured in another accident on the same line. The Boston accident highlights two issues that have risen to the top of the NTSB's concerns in recent years, positive train control and operator fatigue. The safety board says positive train control issues were involved in two other light rail incidents this year, a May 8 wreck on the same MBTA Green Line and a June 22 wreck which killed nine on Washington, D.C.'s Metro system. "If technology exists... on the other (MBTA) lines, why would the Green Line not have everything possible... to prevent accidents from happening," NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker asked. "I don't understand that as an operator; I just don't." The Metro system had a form of positive train separation, but investigators are exploring whether that crash resulted from a circuit malfunction. The safety board said fatigue issues affect all forms of transportation. It noted that two pilots fell asleep during a flight over Hawaii and that sleep issues played a role in a Cosco Busan ship incident in San Francisco, California, and a fatal bus crash in Mexican Hat, Utah. Rosenker said details that surfaced in the Boston trolley crash will guide the NTSB in the future. "Now it is up to us, because we now are the advocates for these changes," Rosenker said. Recommendations resulting from the Boston crash "raise the bar of safety not only in this system, but across the United States."	[ "What was the transportation board criticized for?", "There is a lack of systems to prevent trains from using what?", "what was the operator taking", "what other finding did the board make", "What leads to conjecture?" ]	[ [ "ignoring a red signal along the tracks" ], [ "occupying the same stretch of track," ], [ "doxylamine," ], [ "the MBTA had not installed systems on its Green Line to prevent two trains from occupying the same stretch of track," ], [ "conclusion that Edmonds fell asleep" ] ]	Obesity, evidence that operator was taking sleep aid leads to conjecture . Transportation board criticized for failing to screen for sleep disorders . Board also notes lack of systems to prevent trains from using same stretch of track .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Muslim family removed from an airliner Thursday after passengers became concerned about their conversation say AirTran officials refused to rebook them, even after FBI investigators cleared them of wrongdoing. A Muslim family was removed from an AirTran flight after a conversation about the safest place to sit. Atif Irfan said federal authorities removed eight members of his extended family and a friend after passengers heard them discussing the safest place to sit and misconstrued the nature of the conversation. Irfan, a U.S. citizen and tax attorney, said he was "impressed with the professionalism" of the FBI agents who questioned him, but said he felt mistreated when the airline refused to book the family for a later flight. AirTran Airways late Thursday said they acted properly and that the family was offered full refunds and can fly with AirTran again. "AirTran Airways complied with all TSA, law enforcement and Homeland Security directives and had no discretion in the matter," the company said in a prepared statement. Watch how Muslims find climate of fear at airport » Family members said FBI agents tried to work it out with the airline, but to no avail. iReport.com: Share your story "The FBI agents actually cleared our names," said Inayet Sahin, Irfan's sister-in-law. "They went on our behalf and spoke to the airlines and said, 'There is no suspicious activity here. They are clear. Please let them get on a flight so they can go on their vacation,' and they still refused." "The airline told us that we can't fly their airline," Irfan said. The dispute occurred about 1 p.m. Thursday as AirTran flight 175 was preparing for takeoff from Reagan National Airport outside of Washington, D.C., on a flight destined for Orlando, Florida. Atif Irfan, his brother, their wives, a sister and three children were headed to Orlando to meet with family and attend a religious conference. "The conversation, as we were walking through the plane trying to find our seats, was just about where the safest place in an airplane is," Sahin said. "We were (discussing whether it was safest to sit near) the wing, or the engine or the back or the front, but that's it. We didn't say anything else that would raise any suspicion." Watch Muslims recount how they were kicked off plane » The conversation did not contain the words "bomb," "explosion," "terror" or other words that might have aroused suspicion, Irfan said. "When we were talking, when we turned around, I noticed a couple of girls kind of snapped their heads," said Sobia Ijaz, Irfan's wife. "I kind of thought to myself, 'Oh, you know, maybe they're going to say something.' It didn't occur to me that they were going to make it such a big issue." Some time later, while the plane was still at the gate, an FBI agent boarded the plane and asked Irfan and his wife to leave the plane. The rest of the family was removed 15 or 20 minutes later, along with a family friend, Abdul Aziz, a Library of Congress attorney and family friend who was coincidentally taking the same flight and had been seen talking to the family. After the FBI interviewed family members, it released them, Irfan said. AirTran spokesman Tad Hutcheson said the incident began when some passengers reported hearing suspicious remarks by a woman and alerted flight attendants. Two federal air marshals, who were on board the flight, notified law enforcement about the security-related issue, AirTran said. After the family and Aziz were taken for questioning, the remaining 95 passengers were taken off of the plane and rescreened, along with the crew and the baggage, AirTran said. Irfan said he believes his family is owed an apology. "Really, at the end of the day, we're not out here looking for money. I'm an attorney. I know how the court system works. We're basically	[ "What Atif Irfan says of himself?", "Atif Irfan said what about the FBI?", "Atif Irfan claims FBI did what?", "Muslim family was taken off flight after what?", "Which airlines were mentioned", "Who deserves an apology" ]	[ [ "he felt mistreated when the airline refused to book the family for a later flight." ], [ "he was \"impressed with the professionalism\" of the" ], [ "said federal authorities removed eight members of his extended family and a friend" ], [ "passengers became concerned" ], [ "AirTran Airways" ], [ "A Muslim family" ] ]	Man says Muslim family taken off flight after discussion over safest place to sit . Atif Irfan claims FBI cleared family of wrongdoing, but AirTran wouldn't let them fly . AirTran says it acted properly, complied with all federal directives . Irfan says family owed an apology, may pursue a civil rights lawsuit .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Navy admiral engaged in sexual relations in the White House in 1990 with a federal employee whom he falsely told he was a widower, according to a report released Friday by the Defense Department. Rear Adm. John Stufflebeem was demoted and fired from his post as director of the Navy staff. In March, when the report was submitted to Pentagon officials, Rear Adm. John Stufflebeem was demoted and fired from his post as director of the Navy staff. Stufflebeem told investigators he couldn't remember the name of the woman he had an affair with. He also lied when he told investigators he did not engage in sexual relations with the woman, identified as "Jane Doe," the Defense Department's inspector general's report said. Jane Doe, who was then unmarried and working for a federal agency, told the investigators the allegations were true, the report said. Her supervisor and Stufflebeem's superiors supported her testimony. Stufflebeem was convicted April 18 of making false official statements to investigators. After the hearing, called an admiral's mast, he requested retirement. Jane Doe told investigators that she and Stufflebeem began their affair on an overseas trip in 1989, that the married admiral told her he was a widower who was raising his children as a single parent and that they had sexual relations several times, including once in a White House room reserved for "military aides with overnight duties." She also told investigators that Stufflebeem came to her home on the day in August 1990 when she learned he was married and that she called him "scum," shut the door in his face and never spoke to him again. Read the report (PDF) "We found Ms. Doe to be an extremely credible, candid and articulate witness who willingly participated in our interview with the knowledge and support of her husband," the report said. By contrast, the report said, Stufflebeem's testimony was "inconsistent with the weight of the evidence," and "it did not appear Stufflebeem's misstatements in these areas of testimony were inadvertent." At issue was Stufflebeem's removal from his post as a presidential aide in 1990. Stufflebeem testified that he initiated the request to leave his White House post because of "close family personal problems." But his superiors testified that he was removed from the post because of his relationship with the woman -- and that he admitted the affair. Jane Doe's supervisor told investigators that when she learned of the affair from Doe, she confirmed Stufflebeem's marital status and told Doe what she'd learned. "Ms. Doe's reaction, according to the supervisor, was one of complete surprise and shock," the report said. The supervisor also said that she telephoned Stufflebeem's immediate supervisor to tell him of the affair and that when she called a few weeks later to follow up, the supervisor told her that "everybody in town knew Boomer was f'ing some bimbo at the [federal agency]." Stufflebeem, however, denied to investigators that he had a sexual relationship with Jane Doe, although he admitted to one kiss and said he had an "inappropriate relationship" with her because he told her about his marital problems. "I did not have sex with this woman," he said during one of two interviews with investigators. Although he told investigators he could not remember the woman's name, he testified that he "had to live with shame for a long time" after the "inappropriate relationship" ended, that he was "racked with guilt" and "had a terrible time getting myself right with my family." "So I have had a great 18-year career since I left the White House," he said, according to the report. "If this is the end of it, then I still leave a rewarded individual, thankful for the blessings that I have had." Investigators found Stufflebeem's remarks inconsistent. "In our view, comments regarding guilt, shame, and the end of a distinguished naval career are incongruous with a physical relationship limited to one kiss," they wrote in the report.	[ "What was Stufflebeem's post prior to demoting?", "what did adm john tell the investigators", "What service was Stufflebeem in?", "what did the report say", "What did Adm. John Stufflebeem tell inventigators he couldn't remember?", "What rank did Stufflebeem have?", "whar did stufflebeem do", "What did Adm. John Stufflebeem tell investugators?" ]	[ [ "director of the Navy staff." ], [ "he couldn't remember the name of the woman he had an affair with." ], [ "Navy" ], [ "A Navy admiral engaged in sexual relations in the White House in 1990 with a federal" ], [ "had an affair with." ], [ "Rear Adm." ], [ "he had an affair" ], [ "he couldn't remember the name of the woman he had an affair with." ] ]	Adm. John Stufflebeem told investigators he couldn't remember name of mistress . Stufflebeem lied to mistress that his wife had died of cancer . Stufflebeem was demoted and fired from his post as director of the Navy staff . Report: Investigators received anonymous letter with "significant" details of affair .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Qatari man held for years in military custody in the United States was charged Friday in federal court with conspiracy "to provide material support and resources" to al Qaeda, prosecutors announced. Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri was a student at Bradley University in Illinois when he was arrested in 2001. The Supreme Court was to hear arguments in April on a challenge by the suspect, Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri, to the principle that the president has the authority to detain suspected terrorists indefinitely and without charges. The Justice Department on Friday asked the high court to dismiss that pending appeal. "Because the military detention challenged by the petitioner has ended, no live controversy remains in this case," said Obama administration lawyers in their brief. Al-Marri's lawyers oppose such a move, saying the fundamental constitutional question of military detentions needs to be answered. The federal indictment means the case will be transferred to civilian courts for prosecution. Andy Savage, one of al-Marri's lawyers, visited him at the naval brig in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Friday to show him the indictment charging him with terrorism. "He denies it," Savage said. "I'm sure he'll enter a not guilty plea." Savage said he was disappointed in the information contained in what he called a brief indictment. "We'd like information about what he's supposed to have done," he said. "You'd think after 7½ years they'd have a little more to say. "The most important thing to him is he now has some definition of his future. Before, he didn't know if he'd be charged, be repatriated or held forever." The decision by the Obama administration to criminally charge al-Marri after he spent seven years in custody -- more than five years in South Carolina -- is the latest twist in the ongoing legal saga of the only remaining "enemy combatant" held in the United States. He had been accused of being an al Qaeda sleeper agent, but until this indictment he had never been charged with a criminal or terrorism-related offense. He will be transferred at some point to Peoria, Illinois, to face a criminal trial. Oral arguments in the case are scheduled April 27. A Justice Department official said the White House will release an official presidential order to transfer al-Marri into civilian custody. Al-Marri's lawyer applauded the move. "This indictment is an important step toward restoring the rule of law and is exactly what should happen when the government suspects an individual of terrorist acts. This case is now finally where it belongs: in a legitimate court that can fairly determine whether Mr. al-Marri is guilty of a crime," said Jonathan Hafetz, an ACLU attorney who is representing him in the pending high court appeal. President Obama last month ordered a prompt and thorough review of the "factual and legal basis" for the continued detention of al-Marri. Obama late Friday issued a presidential memorandum ordering Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to facilitate al-Marri's transfer, calling it "in the interest of the United States." Since his initial arrest on credit card fraud charges in December 2001, al-Marri, a 43-year-old legal resident of the United States, has remained in "virtual isolation in the brig," his attorneys said. They were suing the government to improve his jail conditions and are challenging the constitutionality of his detention. They said his cell at the brig in South Carolina is only 9 feet by 6 feet and he is allowed little contact with the outside world, including his family. Military officials deny mistreatment. The case posed a sticky legal dilemma for the high court and the current and previous administrations. President George W. Bush ordered al-Marri confined in military custody, and the Bush Justice Department had been filing the appeals opposing al-Marri's legal claims. At issue was whether the Authorization for Use of Military Force, passed by Congress after the September 11, 2001, attacks	[ "When was he arrested?", "Who was charged with conspiracy?", "Where was he a native of?", "What is al-Marri charged with?", "Who was charged with conspiracy to provide support to al Qaeda?" ]	[ [ "2001." ], [ "Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri" ], [ "Qatari" ], [ "conspiracy \"to provide material support and resources\" to al Qaeda," ], [ "Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri" ] ]	Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri charged with conspiracy to provide support to al Qaeda . The native of Qatar will be prosecuted in civilian courts . He was arrested weeks after the September 11, 2001, attacks . Former President Bush declared him an "enemy combatant" in 2003 .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Republican congressman Wednesday asked the head of the FBI to investigate allegations that the CIA lied to Congress about the Bush administration's use of "alternative" interrogation techniques on suspected terrorists. Rep. Darrell Issa asked the FBI to investigate Speaker Nancy Pelosi's claim that the CIA lied to Congress. Rep. Darrell Issa, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, asked FBI director Robert Mueller whether the bureau was investigating that allegation and whether he could request a probe as a member of Congress. He said the claim, leveled last week by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, left him doubting whether "I can believe in the briefings I am receiving" from intelligence agencies. "If CIA is lying to any of us -- and I have been briefed many times by them on the Intelligence Committee -- it puts me in a position of not being able to do my job properly," said Issa, R-California. Pelosi made the charge in response to questions about what she was told about the use of the techniques, which critics say amounted to the torture of prisoners in U.S. custody. Her claim provoked a firestorm on Capitol Hill, with Republicans -- who generally defend the techniques -- blasting Pelosi and demanding she back up the allegation. Mueller said he would check into whether Issa's request would be enough to launch an investigation. Watch more on the Pelosi-CIA controversy » Justice Department documents released in April show Bush administration lawyers authorized the use of techniques such as sleep deprivation, slapping, stress positions and waterboarding, which produces the sensation of drowning. Waterboarding in particular has been considered a form of torture since the Spanish Inquisition, and U.S. authorities prosecuted Japanese officers who used the techniques against American prisoners during World War II. But Bush administration lawyers argued that the tactics did not violate U.S. laws against torture as long as interrogators had no intent to cause "severe pain." Many Republicans, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, argue the tactics produced useful intelligence that saved American lives. Pelosi, D-California, has called for an investigation into whether the Bush administration authorized the torture of suspected al Qaeda figures, prompting Republicans to question what she knew about the tactics at the time they were approved. Watch Colin Powell's former aide speak out on CIA's history » She told reporters last week that she was briefed by the CIA on such techniques once -- in September 2002, when she was the ranking Democrat on the Republican-led House Intelligence Committee -- and that she was told at the time that techniques such as waterboarding were not being used. She said she learned that waterboarding had been used after other lawmakers were briefed in 2003. CIA spokesman George Little said last week that the agency's records indicate Pelosi was briefed on the interrogation methods being used. But Little said it was up to lawmakers "to determine whether this information is an accurate summary of what actually happened." Rep. Pete Hoekstra, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, said Monday that Pelosi may be forced to resign if her claims are proven untrue. "Either the CIA needs to be held accountable for their performance during this time, or the speaker needs to be held accountable and be responsible for the actions and the statements that she made last week," Hoekstra said. But Rep. Baron Hill, D-Indiana, said Republicans are trying to divert attention from the question of torture by attacking Pelosi. "I think a lot of people have lost focus on the people who put those torture policies in place in the first place," Hill said. "Nancy didn't do anything wrong, in terms of the legalities, that I'm aware of. I don't know what she was told."	[ "What is the opinion of Pelosi?", "who is the director of the fbi?", "Who was not informed about interrogation techniques?", "Who calls on FBI director?", "Who is a member of the House Judiciary Committee?", "Who said the CIA didn't inform her about interrogation techniques?", "Who puts them in the situation of not being able to do their job?" ]	[ [ "that the CIA lied to Congress." ], [ "Robert Mueller" ], [ "Congress." ], [ "Rep. Darrell Issa" ], [ "Darrell Issa," ], [ "Rep. Darrell Issa" ], [ "CIA" ] ]	Rep. Darrell Issa, R-California, is a member of the House Judiciary Committee . Issa calls on FBI director for a probe on CIA-Pelosi spat . "If CIA is lying...it puts me in a position of not being able to do my job," he says . Pelosi, D-California, has said the CIA didn't inform her about interrogation techniques .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. government panel listed 13 countries Friday as "egregious" violators of religious freedom. Homeless Pakistani Christians protest last month in Islamabad for protection of Christian minorities. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom's annual report named Myanmar, North Korea, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. It recommended that the Obama administration designate them as "countries of particular concern" or CPC. The group has issued a watch list that includes Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Egypt, Indonesia, Laos, Russia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Venezuela, countries that don't rise to the level of a CPC but need to be monitored. "Unfolding events in Pakistan make clear the relevance of this theme to the 2009 Annual Report. At the time of writing, emboldened Taliban-associated extremists had advanced to within 60 miles of the Pakistani capital of Islamabad," the report said. "In the areas they already control, these groups are imposing draconian restrictions on human rights and religious freedom and engaging in brutal acts against individuals, particularly women and local police, who refused to accede to their repressive policies." The federal commission is bipartisan, and its commissioners are appointed by the president and members of Congress. A CPC designation gives Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "a range of specific policy options to address serious violations of religious freedom." It requires the secretary "to enter into direct consultations with a government to find ways to bring about improvements in the respect for religious freedom." The report covers the period May 2008 through April. The commission was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. "While sanctions are a possible policy option, the secretary may decide to develop a binding agreement with the CPC government on specific actions that it will take to end the violations that gave rise to the designation or take a commensurate action," the commission said. "The secretary may determine that pre-existing sanctions are adequate or waive the requirement of taking action in furtherance of the Act."	[ "Are the violations considered serious?", "What gives secretary of state policy options to address serious violations?", "Who names 13 nations?", "What is the number of nations named?", "What does panel recommend?", "What does designation give?", "What is the reason they were named?", "How many nations did the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom name?", "How many countries of particular concern did the panel recommend administration designate?" ]	[ [ "\"egregious\"" ], [ "A CPC designation" ], [ "U.S. government panel" ], [ "13" ], [ "that the Obama administration designate them as \"countries of particular concern\" or CPC." ], [ "Secretary of State Hillary Clinton \"a range of specific policy options to address serious violations of religious freedom.\"" ], [ "freedom." ], [ "13 countries" ], [ "13" ] ]	U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom names 13 nations . Panel recommends administration designate 13 as "countries of particular concern" Designation gives secretary of state policy options to address serious violations .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. soldier convicted of rape and murder two decades ago will be executed December 10 in the nation's first military execution since 1961, the Army said Thursday. Pvt. Ronald Gray has been on the military's death row at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, since 1988. A court-martial panel sitting at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, unanimously convicted him of committing two murders and other crimes in the Fayetteville, North Carolina, area, and sentenced him to death. Gray's execution by injection will be carried out by Fort Leavenworth soldiers at the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Indiana, the Army said in a news release. Gray was convicted of raping and killing a female Army private and a civilian near his post at Fort Bragg. He was also convicted of the rape and attempted murder of another fellow soldier in her barracks at the post. Both military and civilian courts found Gray responsible for the crimes, which were committed between April 1986 and January 1987. Gray pleaded guilty to two murders and five rapes in a civilian court and was sentenced to three consecutive and five concurrent life terms. The general court-martial at Fort Bragg then tried him and in April 1988 convicted him of two murders, an attempted murder and three rapes. In July, President George W. Bush approved the Army's request to execute Gray. "The president took action following completion of a full appellate process, which upheld the conviction and sentence to death," the Army said in the news release. "Two petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court were denied during the appellate processing of Pvt. Gray's case." Members of the U.S. military have been executed throughout history, but just 10 have been executed with presidential approval since 1951 under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the military's modern-day legal system. The Army also sought Bush's authorization to execute another condemned soldier, Pvt. Dwight Loving, who was convicted of robbing and killing two cab drivers in 1988. The last U.S. military execution was in 1961, when Army Pvt. John Bennett was hanged for raping and attempting to kill an 11-year-old Austrian girl. Bennett was sentenced in 1955. The U.S. military hasn't actively pursued an execution for a military prisoner since President John F. Kennedy commuted a death sentence in 1962. Nine men are on military death row. CNN's Mike Mount contributed to this report.	[ "Who is Army Pvt. John Bennett?", "when he will be executed?", "What are two reasons Ronald Gray was convicted?", "What was the name of the last man executed by military in 1961?", "What date will Gray be executed by soldiers?", "who is convicted?" ]	[ [ "U.S. soldier" ], [ "10" ], [ "murders and other crimes in the Fayetteville," ], [ "John Bennett" ], [ "December" ], [ "Pvt. Ronald Gray" ] ]	Pvt. Ronald Gray convicted of raping, murdering fellow soldiers, civilian . Gray will be executed December 10 by soldiers in Terre Haute, Indiana . Army Pvt. John Bennett was last man executed by military in 1961 .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A United Nations court has found that the United States violated an international treaty and the court's own order when a Mexican national was executed last year in a Texas prison. Jose Ernesto Medellin was executed by lethal injection for raping and murdering two girls aged 14 and 16. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling Monday in an unusual case that pitted President Bush against his home state in a dispute over federal authority, local sovereignty and foreign treaties. Mexico had filed a formal complaint against U.S. state and federal officials "The United States of America has breached the obligation incumbent upon it" to stop the execution, the ICJ announced in a unanimous opinion. Jose Ernesto Medellin's death by lethal injection in August followed a 15-year legal dispute after his conviction for two brutal slayings. At issue was whether Texas and other states had to give in to a demand by the president that the prisoner be allowed new hearings and resentencing. Bush made that request reluctantly after the international court in 2004 concluded that Medellin and about 50 other Mexicans on various states' death rows were improperly denied access to their consulate upon arrest, a violation of a treaty signed by the United States decades ago. Their home countries could have provided legal and other assistance to the men had they been notified, the court said. In a separate judgment, the ICJ declined Mexico's demand that the United States provide guarantees against executing other foreign inmates in the future. The U.S. Supreme Court last March ruled for Texas, allowing the Medellin execution to proceed. Efforts stalled in Congress last summer over legislation that would have given foreign death row inmates like Medellin a new hearing before any punishment could be carried out. State Department officials have said the international ruling will not help other foreign inmates in U.S. prisons, because federal officials cannot force states to comply. Administration officials also said that the president did all he could to force state compliance and that Congress now needs to intervene with specific legislation. Medellin was 18 when he participated in the June 1993 gang rape and murder of two Harris County girls: Jennifer Ertman, 14, and Elizabeth Pena, 16. He was convicted of the crimes and sentenced to death. The prisoner's lawyers argued that Mexican consular officials were never able to meet with the man until after his conviction. Only Oklahoma has commuted a capital inmate's sentence to life in prison in response to the international judgment. Days after Medellin died by lethal injection, Texas executed Honduran native Heliberto Chi Acheituno, who also said his treaty rights were violated. The ICJ in 2004 ordered the United States to provide "review and reconsideration" of the sentences and convictions of the Mexican prisoners. That world court again in July mandated that the United States do everything within its federal authority to stop Medellin's execution until his case could be further reviewed by American courts. Based in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICJ resolves disputes between nations over treaty obligations. The 15-judge panel is the principal judicial organization of the United Nations, laying out rights of people detained in other nations. The Supreme Court appeal turned on what role each branch of government plays to give force to international treaty obligations. After the ICJ ruling, the United States pulled out of that international court's jurisdiction in matters arising from the Vienna Convention. In allowing the Medellin execution to proceed, the Supreme Court majority noted congressional "inaction" on the issue, efforts that had "not progressed beyond the bare introduction of a bill in the four years since the ICJ ruling."	[ "What did the State Department say the ruling won't aid?", "What did the U.S ruling allow to proceed?", "Who was executed in Texas?" ]	[ [ "other foreign inmates in U.S. prisons," ], [ "Medellin execution" ], [ "Jose Ernesto Medellin" ] ]	Jose Ernesto Medellin executed in Texas by lethal injection last year . State Department says ruling won't aid other foreign inmates . U.S. Supreme Court ruling had allowed execution to proceed .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient who volunteered to return to the Army and serve in Afghanistan became the oldest U.S. service member to die in combat there, the U.S. military announced Friday. First Sgt. Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo was killed by a roadside bomb in Kabul on Tuesday while riding in an armored Humvee. His body was flown to the United States early Thursday morning. Crisostomo of Spanaway, Washington, was 59. He would have turned 60 later this month, according to KING television in Seattle, Washington. He was one of a very few service members who served in Vietnam and in current U.S. military operations, his record shows. He twice received the Bronze Star, which is awarded to U.S. troops for combat valor. Crisostomo also received the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat, according to his records. It was not clear from his official records if he received the medals for combat in Vietnam or Afghanistan. His records also indicate he received numerous other commendations. He also served during the first Gulf War in 1991 and received the Kuwait Liberation Medal. He jointed the Army in 1969 and retired in 1993, then volunteered to serve again in 2008. According to his records, his position in the Army was automated logistical specialist, but it was unclear in what capacity he was serving while in Afghanistan. Earlier this year, a 60-year-old soldier was killed in Iraq, becoming the oldest U.S. service member killed in either the war in Iraq or the war in Afghanistan.	[ "who was killed", "where was he killed", "Wat killed Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo?", "what killed him", "In what other war did Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo serve?", "When did Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo rejoin the army?" ]	[ [ "First Sgt. Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo" ], [ "in Kabul" ], [ "roadside bomb" ], [ "a roadside bomb" ], [ "during the first Gulf" ], [ "volunteered to serve again in 2008." ] ]	First Sgt. Jose San Nicolas Crisostomo killed by a roadside bomb in Kabul . He served in Vietnam, retired, rejoined Army in '08 to serve in Afghanistan . Crisostomo of Spanaway, Washington, was Bronze Star, Purple Heart recipient .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A backlog in processing education benefits has forced the Department of Veterans Affairs to authorize millions of dollars in emergency funds for veterans who need the cash to pay for school. The Veterans Affairs department will give up to $3,000 to students who haven't received funds from education bills The department announced Friday that it will issue up to $3,000 to students who have yet to receive the funds that the VA's various education bills -- including the recently passed Post-9/11 GI Bill -- provide to help veterans pay for college. "This is an extraordinary action we're taking," VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said in a statement. "But it's necessary because we recognize the hardships some of our Veterans face." The VA estimates there are 75,000 veterans eligible for the emergency funds, including 25,000 veterans who have served since September 11. VA statistics show more than 27,500 vets have already received benefits for housing or books under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, and hundreds of thousands more have gotten benefits under its other programs. The delay in processing the benefits has created much consternation among veterans, with some worried they would have to drop out of school because of a lack of funds. The lag was caused because some schools have not yet filed for the tuition and because of a backlog at the Veterans Affairs offices, according to a department official. Any money given to eligible veterans will be deducted from the education benefits they are scheduled to receive and can be used for housing and books. The VA has been speaking to schools to ensure that veterans do not get kicked out if their tuition has not yet been paid, said VA spokeswoman Katie Roberts. "Veterans were having a lot of financial issues, and we needed to address them," she said. To help with the influx of applications, the department has hired more than 700 extra processors. Veterans groups said the emergency funds were much needed. "AMVETS is very happy with the swift action taken by the secretary. We suggested a similar solution earlier this month so we are happy to see they're listening," said Ryan Galluci, a spokesman for AMVETS, a veterans' service organization.	[ "What is the number of veterans eligible for emergency funds?", "Who authorized millions in emergency funds?", "What caused the VA to authorize millions in emergency funds?", "There was a backlog in what?", "What was backlogged?", "How many veterans are eligible for the mentioned emergency funds?", "How many vets are eligible for the funds?" ]	[ [ "75,000" ], [ "Affairs" ], [ "A backlog in processing education benefits" ], [ "processing education benefits" ], [ "processing education benefits" ], [ "75,000" ], [ "75,000" ] ]	Backlog in tuition payments forces VA to authorize millions in emergency funds . VA estimates 75,000 veterans are eligible for the emergency funds . Delayed payments makes vets fear they may have to drop out of school .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A bronze statue of Helen Keller was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as lawmakers praised her as a trailblazer and an inspiration for those with disabilities. The Helen Keller statue depicts the moment when Anne Sullivan spelled "W-A-T-E-R" into the child's hand "Some are still dismissed and cast aside for nothing more than being less than perfect," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, said at the unveiling ceremony. "The story of Helen Keller inspires us all." The statue shows Keller -- who lost her sight and hearing to illness when she was 19 months old -- standing at a water pump as a 7-year-old, a look of recognition on her face as water streams into her hand. It depicts the moment in 1887 when teacher Anne Sullivan spelled "W-A-T-E-R" into one of the child's hands as she held the other under the pump. It's the moment when Keller realized meanings were hidden in the manual alphabet shapes Sullivan had taught her to make with her hands. "W-A-T-E-R," said Alabama Gov. Bob Riley. "Five simple letters that helped rescue 7-year-old Helen Keller from a world of darkness and a world of silence. "It is this defining moment that we celebrate today. And in time, this moment so vividly depicted by this statue helped the world to understand that all of us, regardless of any disability, have a mind that can be educated, a hand that can be trained, a life that will have meaning." Keller learned to speak and earned a degree from Radcliffe College and the women's branch of Harvard University. She traveled the world as an adult, wrote 12 books and championed causes including women's suffrage and workers' rights. Carl Augusto, president and CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, told the crowd he thinks Keller, who worked for the foundation for the last 44 years of her life, "would have loved this impressive statue of herself and the symbolism attached." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, and others assisted Augusto as he ran his hands over the statue. The foundation, Augusto said, still considers Keller "our guiding light. She embodies the American spirit of limitless possibility ... her biggest desire was to leave the world a better place than she found it, and ladies and gentlemen, that's the legacy she leaves all of us." More than 40 of Keller's descendants attended the ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. Students from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind sang a medley of patriotic songs. The statue, said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, will "always remind us that people must be respected for what they can do rather than judged for what they cannot." The statue is also the Capitol's first depicting a child, Riley's office said. Since 1864, each state has been allowed to place two statues in the Capitol. In 2002, Congress changed the law to allow states to change their statues. Riley, then a U.S. representative, suggested the state place a statue of Keller, and the state Legislature passed a resolution asking Congress to accept a statue of Keller as a gift. A committee with Alabama first lady Patsy Riley serving as honorary chairwoman raised private donations and selected Utah bronze sculpture artist Edward Hlavka to create the piece. The 600-pound statue is made of bronze with a base of Alabama marble, Riley's office said. In 1997, a Franklin Delano Roosevelt memorial that opened near the National Mall drew complaints from disability advocates because the statue of the president, who suffered from polio, did not show him in a wheelchair. In 2001, President Clinton unveiled an addition to the memorial including a new statue of the four-term president sitting in a wheelchair. "By placing this statue in the Capitol, we appropriately honor this extraordinary American, and will inspire countless children who will come to understand that with faith and with	[ "where is the statue located", "what is on the statue", "what caused her to loose her sight", "What meant to imply the teacher to write \"W-A-T-E-R\" in your hand?", "what did teacher Anne Sullivan spell?", "when did Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing to illness?", "what did Helen Keller do?" ]	[ [ "U.S. Capitol" ], [ "\"W-A-T-E-R\"" ], [ "illness" ], [ "It's the moment when Keller realized meanings were hidden in the manual alphabet shapes Sullivan had taught her" ], [ "\"W-A-T-E-R\"" ], [ "19 months old" ], [ "trailblazer and an inspiration for those with disabilities." ] ]	Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing to illness when she was 19 months old . Statue depicts when teacher Anne Sullivan spelled "W-A-T-E-R" into the child's hand . She traveled the world, wrote books, championed women's and workers' rights .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A company accused of encouraging hundreds to illegally enter the United States and then hiring them using fake Social Security numbers has agreed to pay the largest settlement ever in a workplace immigration bust, the Department of Justice said Friday. Relatives of people arrested in IFCO raids gather for a news conference in July 2006. IFCO Systems North America, a pallet and crate company, will pay a $20.7 million settlement, which includes $18.1 million in fines and $2.6 million for overtime violations, the Department of Justice said. In early 2006, immigration officials raided 45 IFCO sites, arresting almost 1,200 low-level workers. Federal officials also charged several managers, accusing them of using "as a business model the systematic violation of United States law." To date, nine IFCO managers and employees have pleaded guilty to criminal conduct, the Justice Department said. Four managers are awaiting trial on felony charges and the investigation is continuing, it said. The Justice Department said it will not pursue criminal charges against the company if it complies with the terms of the settlement. "The agreement severely punishes IFCO for its serious immigration and employment violations," acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Baxter said. "But it also allows the corporation to continue its operations, so that its lawful employees and innocent shareholders do not suffer the consequences of a business failure in this economy." IFCO's violation of the law was flagrant, officials said. More than half of the company's 5,800 workers during 2005 had invalid Social Security numbers, and the company ignored at least 13 letters from the Social Security Administration about questionable Social Security numbers. IFCO records suggests that as many as 6,000 illegal immigrants worked at company plants from 2003 to 2006, the Justice Department said. Federal officials said Friday that IFCO "acknowledges and accepts responsibility for the unlawful conduct of its managers and employees." An IFCO official could not be reached for comment.	[ "how much will pay to North America?", "How many illegal immigrants worked for the company?", "Who will pay $20.7 million?", "what sort of company id IFCO Systems", "Who is accused of luring workers?", "how much will IFCO Systems pay?", "what company are mention?" ]	[ [ "$20.7 million settlement," ], [ "6,000" ], [ "IFCO Systems North America," ], [ "a pallet and crate" ], [ "IFCO Systems North America," ], [ "$20.7 million" ], [ "IFCO Systems North America," ] ]	Pallet and crate company IFCO Systems North America will pay $20.7 million . IFCO accused of luring workers to U.S., giving them fake Social Security numbers . Justice won't pursue criminal charges if company complies with settlement . As many as 6,000 illegal immigrants worked for company from 2003 to 2006 .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A court Thursday rejected an appeal filed by a former administrative law judge who sued a dry cleaners for $54 million over a missing pair of pants. An unidentified man talks on a cell phone in front of the Chung family's shop, Custom Cleaners. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals "ruled resoundingly in favor of the Chung family and denied Mr. Roy Pearson's appeal of the case completely," said Christopher Manning, an attorney for the Chung family, who own Custom Cleaners. "The D.C. Court of Appeals held that the trial court correctly ruled that Mr. Pearson's claims had no merit whatsoever," he added. The Chungs have "some level of relief," Manning told CNN, "but they won't count Mr. Pearson out for at least trying to torment them further" with future appeals. "We are very happy with the result and thank everyone for supporting us," Jin Chung said in a statement issued by Manning. "The past three years have been very difficult, but we hope this nightmare is finally over." Pearson initially sought $67 million from the Chungs, calculating the amount by estimating years of legal violations, adding nearly $2 million in common law claims for fraud. The saga began in May 2005, when Pearson took several pairs of pants to Custom Cleaners for alteration as he prepared to start his new job as an administrative law judge. He alleged that among them was a pair of pants from a blue and maroon suit. When he came to collect his clothing, he said, the Chungs tried to give him a pair of charcoal gray pants that were not his. During a two-day trial, Pearson, who represented himself, said that when he took the pants to the cleaners, his financial situation was precarious: He had just been ordered to pay $12,000 in attorney's fees to his ex-wife, and his credit cards were at their limit. He claimed millions of dollars in attorney fees and millions more in punitive damages for what he called fraudulent advertising under the law. He also claimed that a sign in the store's window promising "satisfaction guaranteed" was an unconditional warranty that required the defendants to honor any claim by any customer without limitation. The Chungs' attorney argued that no reasonable person would interpret the signs to mean an unconditional promise of satisfaction. District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Judith Bartnoff agreed, ruling that Custom Cleaners did not violate the city's Consumer Protection Act. Manning, whose law firm handled the appeal on a pro bono basis for the Chungs, said the Chungs hope the "vague and often unfair" act will be changed "so that others do not suffer like they did." In August 2007, the Chungs dropped their bid to recover legal costs in the hopes that Pearson would drop his appeal. Pearson may request that the appeal be heard again by the entire panel of D.C. Court of Appeals judges, Manning said. He also could petition to the U.S. Supreme Court for an appeal. "It is the Chungs' hope that Mr. Pearson will not attempt to appeal any further and will end his frivolous and baseless attacks on the Chung family," Manning wrote in the statement. "The 3½ years this case has been pending and appealed have been very difficult for the Chungs," he said. "They lost two of their dry cleaning stores and their realization of the American dream." He said the family wants to "quietly return to their one remaining small dry-cleaning store ... to rebuild their lives." Pearson was taken off the bench in May 2007 while the lawsuit was pending and was not reappointed as an administrative law judge when his term expired. He filed a federal lawsuit in May 2008 to get his government job back, accusing city government and others of an "unlawful demotion and subsequent termination." That suit remains pending. CNN's Paul Courson contributed to this story.	[ "How much money was this lawsuit for?", "What was this lawsuit about?", "What did dry cleaners say?", "What kind of company is getting sued for $54 million?", "How much was the lawsuit over missing pants for?", "The Appeals court rejects what?", "The dry cleaners aren't counting who out?", "What high court might eventually hear this case?", "Who filed the $54 million dollar lawsuit?" ]	[ [ "$54 million" ], [ "missing pair of pants." ], [ "\"We are very happy with the result and thank everyone for supporting us,\"" ], [ "dry cleaners" ], [ "$54 million" ], [ "sued a dry cleaners for $54 million over a missing pair of pants." ], [ "Mr. Pearson" ], [ "U.S. Supreme" ], [ "former administrative law judge" ] ]	Appeals court rejects appeal of failed $54 million lawsuit over missing pants . Dry cleaners say they aren't counting plaintiff out . Ex-administrative judge who filed case could take it to Supreme Court .
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A day before embarking on a trip to Latin America, President Obama described his planned talks with Latin American leaders as discussions among equals. President Obama refuses to criticize Latin American leaders. "Times have changed," Obama told CNN en Español Wednesday. Referring to his planned meeting later this week with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, he said, "My relationship with President Lula is one of two leaders who both have big countries, that we are trying to solve problems and create opportunities for our people and we should be partners. "There's no senior partner or junior partner." Obama and Lula da Silva are among leaders scheduled to attend the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago. Obama refused to criticize the leaders of Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador, who have taken measures to change their constitutions to extend their holds on power. "I think it's important for the United States not to tell other countries how to structure their democratic practices and what should be contained in their constitutions," he said. "It's up to the people of those countries to make a decision about how they want to structure their affairs." Asked how he plans to interact with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a fierce critic of the United States who once described former President George Bush as the devil, Obama offered no criticism. "Look, he's the leader of his country and he'll be one of many people that I will have an opportunity to meet." Though he said he believes the United States has a leadership role to play in the region, Obama qualified that role, saying, "We also recognize that other countries have important contributions and insights. We want to listen and learn as well as talk, and that approach, I think, of mutual respect and finding common interests, is one that ultimately will serve everybody." Asked about Cuba, Obama, who recently eased restrictions on travel and sending money to the island, offered a prod and a carrot to Havana. "What we're looking for is some signal that there are going to be changes in how Cuba operates that assures that political prisoners are released, that people can speak their minds freely, that they can travel, that they can write and attend church and do the things that people throughout the hemisphere can do and take for granted," he said. "And if there is some sense of movement on those fronts in Cuba, then I think we can see a further thawing of relations and further changes." Obama sought to distance his administration from that of his predecessor, noting that he plans to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where "some of the practices of enhanced interrogation techniques, I think ran counter to American values and American traditions." He said his team has spoken with the Spanish government about a Spanish judge's call for an investigation into the role of Bush administration officials in the detention of five Spaniards at Guantanamo. But he did not dwell on his predecessor's legacy. "I'm a strong believer that it is important to look forward and not backward and to remind ourselves that we do have very real security threats out there." Though the U.S. image abroad may have suffered in recent years, "there's a reason why there are consistently so many immigrants to our country from Latin America," he said. Obama lauded Mexican President Felipe Calderon, with whom he is to meet Thursday in Mexico City, as having done "an outstanding and heroic job in dealing with what is a big problem right now along the borders with the drug cartels." He vowed that the United States can be counted on to help. "We are going to be dealing not only with drug interdiction coming north, but also working on helping to curb the flow of cash and guns going south," Obama said. Obama described himself as "a strong proponent of comprehensive immigration reform," and said he has met with the congressional Hispanic Caucus "to try to shape an agenda that can move through	[ "Where is Obama heading?", "What should U.S. not do?", "What does Obama say we should do?", "Where is Obama going?", "Where is Obama heading to?", "What does Obama want to do as well as talk?" ]	[ [ "Latin America," ], [ "criticize Latin American leaders." ], [ "be partners." ], [ "Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago." ], [ "Latin America," ], [ "solve problems and create opportunities for our people and we should be partners." ] ]	Obama heading to Summit of Americas this week in Trinidad and Tobago . He says U.S. should not tell "countries how to structure their democratic practices" "We want to listen and learn as well as talk," Obama says .

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