DAILY BRIEFING
McConnell criticizes Iraqi government
The top-ranking Republican senator said yesterday that Republicans were "overwhelmingly disappointed" with the Iraqi government's leadership. "They've not been able do anything they promised on the political side," Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said on CNN's "Late Edition." He cited Iraq's failure to pass an oil revenue bill, hold local elections, and dismantle the former Ba'ath Party. (Reuters)
Medicare drug costs on rise, panel says
After some initial success, private insurers in the new Medicare prescription drug program may be losing their leverage over manufacturers as they try to hold down drug costs for seniors and the government, House investigators found. Prices for 10 of the most prescribed brand-name drugs rose an average of 6.8 percent under the Medicare private insurance plans, while their wholesale prices rose 3 percent. (CALIFORNIA
2 killed, 4 injured in crash at bus stop
LOS ANGELES -- A driver apparently fell asleep before his car plowed into a bus stop yesterday, killing two people and injuring four others. The six were at the bus stop in South Los Angeles when the out-of-control vehicle struck them, officials said. (AP)
FLORIDA
Opening statements begin in terror trial
MIAMI -- After months of investigation, legal maneuvering, and jury selection, federal prosecutors and attorneys for alleged Al Qaeda operative Jose Padilla finally get to present their cases in a trial expected to last into August. Opening statements are scheduled today in the trial of Padilla and two co defendants accused of being part of a terrorist support cell. (AP)
Wildfire forces highway closures
LAKE CITY -- Authorities briefly reopened two highways crossing north Florida into Georgia yesterday before dense wildfire smoke forced them to again halt traffic, while hundreds of Florida residents waited to return to their homes. (AP)
KANSAS
95-year-old grad may keep studying
HAYS -- At the age of 95, Nola Ochs is now the world's oldest college graduate. But her studying days might not be over yet -- she's considering a master's degree. Ochs received her bachelor's degree in general studies and history during Saturday's commencement at Fort Hays State University. Among the other graduates was her granddaughter, Alexandra Ochs. Nola Ochs will be entered in the Guinness Book of Records. (AP) 