USA
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld, a potential landmark case that challenges President Bush's power to create military war crimes tribunals for Guantánamo prisoners. The challenge was brought by Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a Yemeni accused of being Osama bin Laden's bodyguard and driver. The arguments can be accessed by clicking on Supreme Court on the C-Span.org website.
An undercover investigation into security at US borders last December showed that radioactive materials easily entered the country from Canada and Mexico in a test, according to the Government Accountability Office, the congressional watchdog agency. Border patrols did not catch fake paperwork that allowed vehicles to transport enough radioactive material to make two so-called "dirty bombs."
In a surprise announcement, Mayor James Sharpe (D) of Newark, N.J., said he will not seek a sixth term leading the state's largest city. Sharpe said he is withdrawing because he is also a state senator but opposes dual office-holding, a standard practice in New Jersey.
The Federal Election Commission brought Internet political advertising under the nation's campaign finance law Monday but declared that all other political activity on the Internet would be untethered by federal rules. Blogging, e-mail communications, and online publications are not covered by the law.
The number of millionaire households in the US rose almost 9 percent to 8.2 million from 2004 to 2005, according to TNS, a British market research firm. The data defines millionaire households as those with a net worth of $1 million or more, not including the value of the principal residence.
Consumer confidence rebounded in March to a near four-year high, according to a consumer index compiled by the Conference Board. Nevertheless, the board said consumer expectations are still subdued, suggesting a slowdown in purchasing later in the year.
Lyn Nofziger, a longtime aide and adviser to Ronald Reagan during his years as president and California governor, died Monday in Falls Church, Va.
Arizona law enforcement officials have issued warrants for the arrest of Elbert and Becky Higginbotham, who were rescued along with four family members from a snowbound motor home in Oregon last week. The couple, found after being missing for two weeks, faces drug charges and has since disappeared.
