VOLUME No: 78 Issue No:3
Washington, D.C. September 30, 2005
Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay Steps Down From His Post…
U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R) of Texas,
the second-highest ranking Republican in the House, was indicted by a
Texas court on Wednesday for an allegeded violation of federal
campaign-finance laws. While DeLay denied any transgression, House
Republican rules require that he resign from his leadership position,
though he may remain in Congress. Republicans chose House Whip Roy
Blunt of Missouri to replace DeLay. DeLay will undergo a trial and, if
cleared, plans to return to his post as Majority Leader.
Bush Judicial Appointee John Roberts Confirmed as Supreme Court Justice…
Bush appointee John Roberts, 50, was confirmed and sworn in on Thursday
as the 17th chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, a lifelong
position that will allow him to shape important American legislation for
years to come. The conservative judge came under heavy fire from
liberals during his hearings, but in the end received bi-partisan
support for his confirmation with 55 Republicans, 22 Democrats, and 1
Independent supporting his confirmation. He is the youngest chief
justice in two centuries, making the outlook on his term long and
significant for American history.
Karen Hughes wraps up Mideast 'Listening Tour'…
In her new role as under secretary of state for public diplomacy, Karen
Hughes wrapped up a 5-day Mideast trip this Thursday, a tour that
consisted of stops in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. As Ms. Hughes'
first trip overseas in her new post, the 'Listening Tour' was an effort
to reach out and speak with locals in the region, listening to
complaints and suggestions from school age children, government
officials, and others. The same frustrations were repeatedly declared:
the war in Iraq, the Israel/Palestine conflict, and other pressing
regional issues. Ms. Hughes listened and did her best to highlight the
positive, but heard much of the general frustration many have with US
policy in the region. She promised to take back dissenting views to
Washington and share them with President Bush. While she acknowledged
that 5 days in the region are not enough, Hughes believed the trip was a
positve step and plans to return to the region in the future.
California Wildfires Raging near L.A. …
Firefighters near Los Angeles have been working all week to contain and
attempt to quash a raging wildfire that has now destroyed 20,000 acres,
and is still on the move. As of Friday, September 30, the fires were
only 20 percent contained, with an expectation of gaining control of up
to 35 percent by the end of the day if the weather stayed calm. Smoke
from the fires moved over parts of L.A. and surrounding cities,
triggering health warnings and precautions to limit outdoor activities.
The fire erupted Wednesday afternoon in the Chatsworth area of northwest
Los Angeles, and was spread by strong winds. Though thousands have been
evacuated few buildings nor homes have been destroyed, and residents in
some areas have even been allowed to return as the fire is contained.
Blasts Rock Iraq...
Three car bombs exploded in a Shi'a neighborhood north of Baghdad, Iraq
on Thursday, killing at least 98 people and injuring several more. On
Friday, a southern Iraqi Shi'a town suffered blasts killing at least 12
people and injuring 47 others. The attacks are the latest of the
violence that has intensely rocked the country in recent weeks as the
October 15 constitutional referendum date draws nearer. Iraqis blame
the violence on foreign fighters, but the sources of the civil violence
include former Saddam Hussein loyalists.
NY Times Reporter Testifies in C.I.A Leak Case…
New York Times reporter Judith Miller was released earlier this week
after 85 days in jail for refusing to testify in the C.I.A. leak case.
Miller testified Friday before a grand jury investigating the case and
was finally able to head home to Long Island, NY. Miller only agreed to
testify after receiving assurance from her WH source that she would not
be violating her promise of confidentiality, and after a promise from
federal prosecutor Patrick J. Fitzgerald that her testimony to the grand
jury would be limited in scope. The source is acknowledged to be Lewis
"Scooter" Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff.
