USA

November 12, 2002

Marking Veterans Day, President Bush urged a new generation to find inspiration in the service of those who've fought for the US. After a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Bush said the danger to the US posed by Iraq is clear and "the time to confront this threat is before it arrives." Later, he presided over the wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and again voiced assurance that Iraq would be dissarmed.

A rash of tornadoes swept across parts of the South, killing at least 35 people and injuring more than 100 others. Damage was worst in Tennessee, with 17 deaths and an ongoing search for 150 missing people. In Alabama, where officials reported 11 deaths, emergency personnel worked through Sunday night, clearing trees and power lines from roads. In Ohio, a theater manager was credited with saving the lives of 50 people when he asked them to move into brick restrooms and hallways, the only areas of the building that weren't destroyed when the storm hit. Other states affected by the tornadoes included Georgia, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.

The launch of the shuttle Endeavor was postponed due to an oxygen leak. The Endeavor was scheduled to take off Monday morning on a mission to bring new personnel to the International Space Station, but a small leak was discovered in one of the systems that provides oxygen to the crew cabin. The launch was rescheduled for Nov. 18.

Defense lawyers will try to bar teenage sniper suspect John Lee Malvo's alleged confession from court. The teen's defense lawyer criticized police for questioning him without a guardian or attorney present and for leaking information about the case to the news media. Law-enforcement officials told the Washington Post Malvo confessed he was the gunman during the sniper attacks, while his accomplice, John Allen Muhammad, drove the getaway car. Officials also cited physical evidence, such as fingerprints and DNA, which pointed toward Malvo.

Roman Catholic bishops began a four-day meeting to discuss a new policy for priests accused of sexual abuse. The nation's prelates converged in Washington, attempting to revise a plan that would protect the rights of both victims and priests. Protesters claim the proposed disciplinary model would allow molesters to remain in active ministry instead of demanding their immediate removal.