USA
NASA was expected to announce "significant findings" on Mars by one of its twin geologic rovers in a news conference as the Monitor went to press. Last week, without disclosing details, scientists expressed excitement about data collected by the rover Opportunity in its search for signs of water on the red planet.
Three of Major League Baseball's top sluggers, among them reigning home run king Barry Bonds, allegedly received steroids and human growth hormone from a nutritional supplements lab, according to details given to federal investigators and shared with the San Francisco Chronicle. Also implicated were Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield, both of the New York Yankees, and several other athletes. Through his attorney, Bonds continued to deny he ever received banned substances from his former personal trainer, who last month was charged with participating in a steroid-distribution ring. The Chronicle report follows one in The Washington Post that the White House wants to convene a drug summit with the major pro sports leagues and the US Olympic community.
The 10-member commission reviewing the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks said it would consider subpoenaing National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, who has declined to testify publicly later this month. President Bush and Vice President Cheney have agreed to limited conditions for their participation. Interviews with former President Clinton and Vice President Gore are scheduled.
American Airlines agreed to spend about $1.5 million for civil rights training in a settlement, announced by the government. The carrier has been the subject of complaints about discrimination, including bumping passengers of perceived ethnic and religious backgrounds, since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Ex-WorldCom Inc. boss Bernard Ebbers was charged with conspiracy to commit securities fraud for his role in the multibillion-dollar accounting scandal that led to the company's bankruptcy. Meanwhile, chief financial officer Scott Sullivan pleaded guilty to fraud in federal court in New York.
A student wounded in the shooting rampage that killed 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., in 1999 reached an out-of-court settlement with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Patrick Ireland claimed the agency was negligent in responding to the massacre. He'll receive $117,500 but no admission of liability.
