Bush likely to repeal tariffs on steel imports

The Bush administration has decided to repeal its 20-month-old tariffs on imported steel to head off a trade war that would have included foreign retaliation against products from politically crucial states, administration and industry sources said yesterday. The officials, who would not say when President Bush will announce the decision, said they had to allow for the possibility that he would make some change in the plan, but a source close to the White House said it was "all but set in stone." European countries had vowed to respond to the tariffs, which were ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization, by imposing sanctions on up to $2.2 billion on imports from the United States. Japan issued a similar threat. The sources said Bush's aides concluded they could not run the risk that the European Union would carry out its threat to impose sanctions on citrus fruit from Florida, farm machinery, textiles, and other products. (Washington Post)

Colorado

Ruling expected today on redistrict challenge

DENVER -- The Colorado Supreme Court is expected to issue a long-awaited ruling today on whether the Republican-led Legislature had the right to redraw congressional districts earlier this year. Colorado's Constitution calls for redistricting only once a decade, and Democrats argue the task was completed by a Denver judge in 2002 after lawmakers failed to agree on new boundaries. Republicans argue the map drawn by the judge was temporary and the law requires redistricting work to be done by the Legislature. (AP)

Florida

Minister leaves prison, starts preaching again

LAKELAND -- The Rev. Henry J. Lyons walked out of prison yesterday morning and headed directly back to the pulpit, telling worshipers he had erred but that time behind bars helped renew his faith. Lyons served nearly five years on grand theft and racketeering charges for using his former role as president of the National Baptist Convention to steal $4 million to finance his lavish lifestyle. The scheme fell apart after Lyons's wife set a fire at a home he had secretly bought with his mistress. (AP)

2003 hurricane season blamed for 62 deaths

MIAMI -- The 2003 Atlantic hurricane season was busier than usual, with 14 named storms blamed for 62 deaths by the season's end yesterday, but forecasters say it could have been worse. Hurricane Fabian was the strongest of the storms to hit land, raking Bermuda with 120-mile-per-hour wind that tore up roofs and roads in early September. Two weeks later, Hurricane Isabel plowed into North Carolina's Outer Banks with 100-mile-per-hour wind and became the season's deadliest and most damaging storm. The six-month hurricane season produced seven hurricanes. (AP)

Financial investigation to look at Florida A&M

TALLAHASSEE -- The board that oversees the state's higher education will investigate the finances of Florida A&M University, whose books are off by $1.8 million, a newspaper reported yesterday. The school has been troubled by a series of financial problems, including late financial aid payments to students, theft charges against two employees, and sloppy business practices, the St. Petersburg Times reported. (AP)