USA
"Terrorist groups" in Iraq are becoming "better organized" and "more sophisticated," US civilian administrator Paul Bremer said Sunday following a deadly rocket attack in Baghdad. But Bremer told ABC-TV's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" that he did not think the incident is a sign of deteriorating security. Bremer blamed ongoing attacks on non-Iraqi fighters from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, and Syria.
Several thousand protesters demanding an end to the US-led occupation of Iraq and the return of American troops rallied in Washington Saturday, the largest such march since President Bush declared an end to major combat in Iraq May 1.
Massive wildfires driven by dry Santa Ana winds destroyed at least 200 homes in Southern California over the weekend, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. At least two fire- related deaths were reported in San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles. Gov. Gray Davis (D) declared a state of emergency there and in nearby Ventura County.
Wal-Mart will fire any illegal immigrants found on the payroll after reviewing records for its 1.1 million US employees, a spokesman for the world's largest retailer said Saturday. Federal agents last week detained almosts 250 undocumented workers at 60 Wal-Mart stores in 21 states, in a sweep dubbed "Operation Rollback." Almost all were cleaners employed by contractors, not by the retailer itself. However, federal law-enforcement officials alleged some Wal-Mart executives knew of the practice.
Toddlers regularly eat unhealthy foods such as french fries and pizza, but relatively few fruits and vegetables, according to a new study. The survey of 3,000 youngsters ages 4 months to 24 months was conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, babyfood company Gerber, and Tufts University School of Medicine. Researcher Kathleen Reidy said the results may help to explain growing child-obesity rates. The best solution, she said, is for parents to "be role models for their children to eat in a more healthy way."
The Florida Marlins won their second World Series championship in six years, beating the New York Yankees 2-0 Saturday night. The team, only in its 10th season, took its first title in 1997. Miami police said 50,000 fans turned out for spontaneous street celebrations, with double that number expected Tuesday at parades there and in Fort Lauderdale.