USA
Any Roman Catholic priest who abuses a child in the future will be defrocked, and dioceses will report all abuse allegations to police under recommendations made public Tuesday in response to the clergy sex-abuse scandal. The draft document, by a panel of US bishops, will voted on at a conference next week in Dallas. Other proposals call for dismissal of priests who committed repeated past abuses, creation of a national office for youth protection, greater openness, and a church apology to victims. (Story, page 1.)
Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak is due in Washington today for a visit that includes talks with President Bush Friday and Saturday. A senior adviser to Mubarak said he would push for US backing of a deadline for creation of a Palestinian state something Israel's prime minister recently said he opposes and an Israeli pullout from the West Bank and Gaza. US officials say the Bush is seeking input from a number of Middle East leaders while trying to organize a regional peace conference later this summer.
More than 700 homes were in danger of being engulfed by a 4,400-acre wildfire in the mountains of south-central Colorado. Hundreds of firefighters were working to contain the blaze near Cañon City, about 100 miles southwest of Denver. Authorities warned of possible evacuations in three communities due to a separate 11,000-acre fire near the New Mexico line. Above, a firefighter monitors a 70-acre blaze in Santee, Calif.
Stocks again were sliding in late-morning trading on Wall Street Tuesday, after their steep drop Monday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 215 points, losing 2.2 percent for the weakest finish in four months. The Nasdaq fell to an eight-month low, and the dollar hit a 16-month low against the euro. Analysts blamed the decline on investor concerns about earnings, questionable corporate accounting practices, and foreign conflicts. Adding to the market uncertainty were the sudden resignation of Tyco International's chairman and the apparent suicide of an executive at energy firm El Paso Corp.
Voters in seven states cast ballots in primary elections Tuesday. New Jersey, Iowa, Montana, and Mississippi picked nominees for Senate races in November. Alabama and New Mexico decided on candidates for governor and a House seat. House nominations also were at stake in South Dakota.
The shuttle Endeavor will try once again for a liftoff later today after nearly a week of delays due to storms and a pressure-valve leak. Endeavor is bringing supplies and a fresh crew to the International Space Station. The current occupants, who have aboard since December, will set a US space endurance record by the time they return to Earth.
