USA
Russia and the US share a broad understanding of problems in Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, but disagree on how to resolve them, President Vladimir Putin said at a news conference with President Bush Saturday, after two days of talks. Despite differences, both said their ties remain strong, and Bush called Putin "a good fellow to spend quality time with." The Russian leader said any contribution by his government to the Iraq effort will hinge on an eventual UN Security Council resolution. He also made no concessions on Russia's role in a nuclear power plant project for Iran that Bush opposes.
Philadelphia's new Roman Catholic Archbishop Justin Rigali was the lone American among 30 cardinals named by Pope John Paul II in Rome, despite speculation that Boston Archbishop Sean O'Malley would be similarly honored. Both are considered conservatives on church doctrine with close ties to the Vatican. The pope has appointed all but five members of the College of Cardinals, which will be responsible for electing his successor.
The national do-not-call registry for telemarketers is on hold once again after a federal judge in Denver ruled that it infringes on advertisers' free-speech rights. The Federal Trade Commission plans to appeal, but admitted Friday it has no authority to enforce the list, which had been set to take effect Wednesday. Meanwhile, a top industry trade group, the Direct Marketing Association, urged members not to call the nearly 51 million US households that have signed up.
Authorities in Nashville, Tenn., are investigating a nursing home fire that killed eight residents and critically injured 16 others late Thursday. Firefighters, who had to carry out many of the 116 residents, said more lives might have been saved if the building had had a sprinkler system. It is exempt because it predates state requirements adopted in 1994.
US Rep Bill Janklow (R) of South Dakota will go on trial Dec. 1 for a car crash that killed a motorcyclist last month. At a brief appearance in Moody County Circuit Court Friday, Janklow pleaded innocent to second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, and other charges. The popular ex-governor earlier apologized for the accident but said he has no plans to resign.
Donald O'Connor, who died Saturday in Calabasas, Calif., was an actor, singer, and dancer best known for his roles in '50s musicals such as "Singin' in the Rain," "Call Me Madam," "There's No Business Like Show Business," and the "Francis the Talking Mule" series. His TV work netted him an Emmy in 1954 for "The Colgate Comedy Hour."
