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Monday, June 4

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Editor's Note: The CNN Wire is a running log of the latest news from CNN World Headquarters, reported by CNN's correspondents and producers, and The CNN Wire editors. "Posted" times are Eastern Time.

Suicide bomber kills self, wounds three police

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- A female suicide bomber detonated her explosives at a police checkpoint to eastern Baghdad's sprawling Sadr City neighborhood Tuesday, injuring three policemen and killing herself, an Interior Ministry official said.

The attack took place near a police recruiting center. The bomber's explosives went off after she was shot by police. (Posted 2:55 a.m.)

Coalition forces detain 4 suspected terrorists

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- U.S.-led coalition forces detained four suspected terrorists, including a suspected cell leader, during early Tuesday raids in northeast Baghdad, a military statement said.

"The individuals detained during the raid are believed to be members of the secret cell terrorist network known for facilitating the transport of weapons and explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, from Iran to Iraq, as well as bringing militants from Iraq to Iran for terrorist training," according to the release from Multi-National Force-Iraq.

The military said the suspected cell leader received minor injuries during the operation and was taken to a military medical facility for treatment. (Posted 2:25 a.m.)

Afghan, coalition forces kill about 2 dozen enemy fighters

(CNN) -- Afghan National Army Corps soldiers and coalition forces killed an estimated two dozen enemy fighters Monday during a four-hour battle in southern Afghanistan, a coalition military statement released Tuesday said.

The fighting took place near the village of Chenar in Kandahar province, about 22 miles (35 km) north of Kandahar.

"Enemy fighters are no match for the skill and determination of the Afghan National Army and Coalition forces," said Combined Joint Task Force- 82 spokesman Maj. Christopher Belcher. "We will continue to pursue and defeat all enemy fighters who threaten the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan."

There were no reports of civilian injuries. Information on military casualties was not immediately available. (Posted 1:35 a.m.)

Military judges throw out charges against bin Laden bodyguard

(CNN) -- Military judges at the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, threw out war crimes charges Monday against a Yemeni man, who said he served as al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's bodyguard and driver, and a Canadian accused of killing a U.S. soldier.

Military judge Navy Capt. Keith Allred granted a defense motion to dismiss the charges against Salim Ahmed Hamdan of Yemen based on a lack of jurisdiction. Allred's ruling follows a decision earlier Monday by Army Col. Peter Brownback, the judge who dismissed the charges against Canadian Omar Khadr for similar reasons.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Charles Swift, Hamdan's defense counsel, said his client is relieved that he will have a better chance at a fair hearing. "That's all he's ever asked for," Swift said.

Hamdan was at the center of a 2006 Supreme Court ruling that struck down the Bush administration's use of military tribunals to try suspected terrorists. The court ruled them unconstitutional because they did not allow prisoners to challenge their detention by U.S. authorities. (Posted 12:40 a.m.)

GOP Sen. Craig Thomas loses battle to leukemia

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Republican Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming, who had been battling leukemia since November, died Monday night at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., a family spokesperson told CNN. He was 74.

Reacting to the news of Thomas' death, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell expressed his condolences, saying "the state of Wyoming and our nation are much better places because he was here."

"Wyoming had no greater advocate, taxpayers had no greater watchdog and rural America had no greater defender than Craig Thomas," McConnell said.

Thomas was elected to a third term last year. The vacancy caused by his death will be filled by Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat. However, the seat won't not switch parties because, under state law, Freudenthal would be required to pick a new senator from a list of three candidates submitted by the GOP state central committee. (Posted 11:15 p.m.)

6 missing, feared dead after Lake Michigan plane crash

(CNN) -- Six people on a medical mission are missing and feared dead after the small jet in which they were traveling slammed into Lake Michigan just east of Milwaukee late Monday afternoon.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the plane, which was en route from Milwaukee to Ypsilanti, Mich., carried four members of the University of Michigan organ transplant team, along with a two crew members. Prior to the crash, which happened about 4 p.m. (5 p.m. ET), the crew reported engine problems and tried unsuccessfully to return to Milwaukee.

Authorities said 70 divers were on the scene, searching for crew members and passengers in the chilly waters of Lake Michigan, which is just 20 feet deep at the crash site.

An oil sheen and debris field were visible. Milwaukee Fire Chief Douglas Holton, whose officers responded to reports of the crash, said the Cessna Citation appeared to be traveling about 185 mph at the time of impact, which would be "absolutely devastating" to an aircraft of that size. (Posted 10:40 p.m.)

Ground beef in 10 states recalled because of possible E. coli

(CNN) -- Ground beef sold at Albertsons and Save-A-Lot supermarkets in 10 Western and Midwestern states is being recalled because of possible contamination with E. coli bacteria.

The voluntary recall was announced Monday night by Supervalu, the parent company of the two supermarket chains, "out of an abundance of caution."

The beef, most of which was sold under the Moran's label, has sell-by dates from April 20 to May 7. The product was sold at Albertsons locations in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming and Save-A-Lot stores in Arizona, California and Nevada.

In addition to the Moran's brand ground beef, the company also recalled sirloin fresh hamburger patties sold under the Albertsons label, Supervalu said in a statement posted on its Web site.

Customers who purchased the beef can return it for a full refund or exchange. The company has set up a toll-free number to handle customer questions: (800) 325-4164. (Posted 10:30 p.m.)

Feds: La. congressman pocketed more than $500k

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Louisiana congressman William Jefferson took more than half a million in bribes and sought millions more, using a network of family companies to conceal the money, federal prosecutors alleged Monday.

A federal grand jury indicted Jefferson of a raft of corruption charges Monday, nearly two years after federal agents reported finding $90,000 in a freezer in his Washington home. The 95-page, 16-count indictment accuses him of racketeering, money laundering, obstruction of justice and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

"Mr. Jefferson corruptly traded on his good office and on the Congress, where he served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, to enrich himself and his family through a pervasive pattern of fraud, bribery, and corruption that spanned many years and two continents," said Chuck Rosenberg, the U.S. attorney in Alexandria, Va., where the charges were brought.

Jefferson is scheduled to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Alexandria at 9 a.m. Friday, Rosenberg said. The nine-term New Orleans Democrat maintains his innocence and won a new term in a December runoff despite the allegations. (Posted 8:20 p.m.)

President's nephew backs Thompson in GOP race

(CNN) -- George P. Bush, nephew of President Bush and son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, has signed a fundraising letter on behalf of Fred Thompson, the TV actor and former senator who is now exploring a bid for the 2008 presidential nomination.

The younger Bush, 31, writes that Thompson "has generated buzz this election cycle because of his likable personality and approachable brand of politics, which, consequently, has attracted tremendous grassroots support of his potential candidacy."

"In a field of candidates without a clear favorite among our fellow Republicans, my sincere hope is that you consider joining us in this effort to encourage Fred to run," the letter said.

Bush, who works for a real estate development company, came to national attention with a speech on his uncle's behalf at the 2000 Republican National Convention. In March, he announced that he had been accepted into a Naval Reserve program to train as an intelligence officer. (Posted 8:13 p.m.)

Feds: Plot to depose Laotian government thwarted

(CNN) -- More than 200 federal and local law enforcement agents swooped down on locations in six California cities early Monday to disrupt what prosecutors described as an "audacious" plan to obtain guns, missiles and rockets in a plot to overthrow the government of Laos.

Ten people were arrested, including Vang Pao, 77, a former general in the Laotian army who emigrated to the United States in 1975, and Harrison Jack, 60, a West Point-educated former U.S. military officer, according to a statement from the office of U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott of the Eastern District of California.

"The United States cannot provide a safe harbor to those plotting to overthrow a government with whom we are at peace," Scott said in a statement. "These defendants flagrantly violated numerous federal laws, including the Neutrality Act, in planning to topple the government of Laos."

Most of the alleged conspirators were Hmong, an ethnic minority group in Laos that helped U.S. operatives fight communist insurgents during the Vietnam War. After the country fell to the communists in 1975, Hmong people began emigrating to the United States, and more than 500,000 now live in the country, according to the State Department. (Posted 7:45 p.m.)

GOP Sen. Craig Thomas seriously ill, battling leukemia

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Republican Sen. Craig Thomas of Wyoming, who has been battling leukemia since November, is in serious condition at a Washington-area hospital and is undergoing another round of chemotherapy after his blood cancer proved "resistant" to treatment, his office said Monday.

In addition to his leukemia, Thomas, 74, who was elected to a third term last year, is also battling an infection, according to a statement from his office. His wife and children were with him at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

"At this difficult time, all we can do is give him as much love and support as possible," his wife, Susan, said in the statement. "The support and prayers of Wyoming folks have made a tremendous difference to us. It has meant everything to Craig, and I know it helps him today." (Posted 5:56 p.m.)

Louisiana congressman took nearly $400,000 in bribes, feds say

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Louisiana congressman William Jefferson took nearly $400,000 in bribes over more than four years and attempted to conceal the proceeds through a network of companies controlled by his family, federal prosecutors alleged Monday.

A federal grand jury indicted Jefferson of a raft of corruption charges Monday, nearly two years after federal agents reported finding $90,000 in a freezer in his Washington home. The 95-page, 16-count indictment accuses him of racketeering, money laundering, obstruction of justice and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

"Mr. Jefferson corruptly traded on his good office and on the Congress, where he served as a member of the United States House of Representatives, to enrich himself and his family through a pervasive pattern of fraud, bribery, and corruption that spanned many years and two continents," said Chuck Rosenberg, the U.S. attorney in Alexandria, Va., where the charges were brought.

Jefferson, a nine-term New Orleans Democrat, has denied any wrongdoing and won a new term in a December runoff despite the allegations. But the probe already has led to guilty pleas by a Kentucky businessman and a former aide to the congressman. (Posted 5:23 p.m.)

Russian warnings over missile defense 'not helpful,' Hadley says

PRAGUE, Czech Republic (CNN) -- Increasingly stark Russian warnings over a U.S. plan to deploy missile defenses in eastern Europe are "not helpful," a top White House adviser said Monday as President Bush headed for the Group of Eight economic summit.

Top Russian officials have sharply objected to the deployment of missile-defense technology in Poland and the Czech Republic, where Bush landed Monday en route to this week's G8 conference. Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the ante over the weekend, warning that he may aim nuclear weapons at European targets unless Washington abandons its plans.

"If this does not happen, then we will withdraw any responsibility for our retaliatory measures because it wasn't us who initiated a new round of arms race development in Europe," Putin said.

But Stephen Hadley, Bush's national security adviser, said the missile-defense system is aimed at the threat of emerging powers such as North Korea and Iran, not Russia. (Posted 4:32 p.m.)

Charges increased against 2 in connection with Madrid train bombings

MADRID (CNN) -- Prosecutors in the Madrid train bombings trial on Monday sharply stiffened the charges against two men who had been relatively minor defendants, but are now considered as prime suspects in the attacks that killed 191 people and wounded 1,800 others in 2004.

The two Moroccan-born men -- Othman El Gnaoui, 32, and Rafa Zouhier, 28 -- formerly faced 24 years and 20 years, respectively, if convicted in the bombings. But now they are considered as "necessary cooperators" in the attacks, and face nearly 39,000 years each for mass murder, according to a copy of the prosecution order, viewed by CNN.

The trial of 29 defendants is now in its fifth month, and the prosecution -- having analyzed evidence and testimony during the proceedings -- submitted in court a revised list of charges against various defendants, as the trial draws to a close this summer. A verdict is expected in the autumn.

Until now, the 29 defendants, mainly Moroccans, included seven prime suspects -- three as masterminds, three for actually placing bombs aboard the Madrid morning commuter trains, and one, a Spaniard, as a "necessary cooperator," for supplying explosives used in the attacks. --From CNN Madrid Bureau Chief Al Goodman (Posted 4:25 p.m.)

End of the road for NASCAR president

(CNN) -- William C. France Jr., who transformed his father's vision for NASCAR from a regional attraction into a sport with legions of fans around the world, died Monday at his home in Daytona Beach, Fla., NASCAR said in a statement on its Web site.

The chairman of the board of directors for International Speedway Corporation and of NASCAR for three decades was 74.

France's father founded NASCAR in 1948; "Bill France Jr. proved to be the ultimate general manager," the statement said.

"Other than the founding of NASCAR itself, Bill Jr.'s appointment to leadership is probably the most significant event in the history of the sanctioning body," says his plaque at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, Ala. (Posted 3:16 p.m.)

U.S. general says only one-fourth of Baghdad is in 'controlled state'

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In the most direct comments to date about the security situation in Iraq, a top U.S. military commander said Monday progress is lacking in key areas of the city.

Only one-quarter of Baghdad is currently under control, according to Army Brig. General Vincent Brooks, the deputy commanding general for Multi-National Division-Baghdad.

In a telephone interview with CNN, Brooks said just "one-quarter of Baghdad is in a controlled state." In defining "a controlled state" he said, "generally speaking it is when we are able to maintain physical influence over a specific area, preventing its use by the enemy."

Brooks emphasized that progress is being made in some areas. But he said establishing control has progressed slower than planned in some key neighborhoods -- in part due to a continuing shortage of qualified Iraqi police forces. --From CNN Pentagon Correspondent Barbara Starr (Posted 2:16 p.m.)

Louisiana congressman indicted in bribery probe

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Nearly two years after federal agents found $90,000 in cash in a freezer in his Washington home, Louisiana congressman William Jefferson has been charged with soliciting bribes, obstruction of justice and racketeering, Justice Department officials said Monday.

The veteran New Orleans Democrat faces 16 criminal counts, the officials said. In addition to the racketeering and solicitation charges, he has been charged with money laundering, wire fraud, conspiracy and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The officials, who asked not to be identified, said the charges are based on a scheme in which Jefferson allegedly solicited bribes for himself, his family and a Nigerian government official.

Prosecutors are expected to lay out details of the charges at a news conference later Monday.

Jefferson has denied any wrongdoing, and won a ninth congressional term in a December runoff despite the allegations. --From CNN Justice Producer Terry Frieden (Posted 2:10 p.m.)

First 2 sputum tests for TB man prove negative

DENVER (CNN) -- The first two of three planned sputum test results for Andrew Speaker, the 31-year-old lawyer who has extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, have come back negative, National Jewish Hospital said Monday in a written statement.

If the third test result, expected later Monday, also proves negative, Speaker -- whose air travel last month to his wedding in Greece set off international concerns for the safety of his fellow passengers -- would be considered "relatively non-contagious," the statement said.

Speaker is confined to his room, which is equipped with special air filters and negative air pressure to ensure he does not infect others with the drug-resistant bacteria, which can prove fatal.

He has been given antibiotics intravenously. (Posted 1:56 p.m.)

Louisiana congressman indicted in bribery probe

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Louisiana congressman William Jefferson has been indicted on racketeering, obstruction of justice and money laundering charges in a long-running federal bribery probe, the Justice Department announced Monday. --From CNN's Kevin Bohn and Kelli Arena (Posted 1:55 p.m.)

Guantanamo judge drops charges against Canadian detainee as trial starts

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Charges against a detainee beginning his trial at the U.S. base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, were dropped by a U.S. military judge Monday because of a discrepancy of language used to legally define the detainee, Pentagon officials said.

The trial, one of the first to be held at Guantanamo under the new rules set by Congress, started Monday with the military Judge, Col. Peter Brownback, ruling that the charges be dropped, Pentagon officials said.

The prosecutor then filed an appeal to the Military Commissions Review Panel, according to Pentagon officials.

The technicality came as the judge said the new congressional rules for military commissions set in 2006 state that the detainees must be classified as an "unlawful enemy combatant," not "enemy combatant" to face trial, said Pentagon officials. --From CNN Pentagon Producer Mike Mount (Posted 1:37 p.m.)

Sources: Rep. Jefferson to be indicted by federal grand jury

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A federal grand jury Monday is expected to indict Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., on more than a dozen charges stemming from an investigation into accusations of corruption, sources told CNN.

The indictment is expected to be returned in an Alexandria, Va., courtroom later in the day, the sources said.

Jefferson has denied any wrongdoing. He has been accused of taking bribes on behalf of a telecommunications firm in Kentucky.

Federal prosecutors said $90,000 in cash was found in the congressman's freezer during a search of his Washington, D.C.-area home in 2005. --From CNN's Kevin Bohn and Kelli Arena (Posted 1:24 p.m.)

Insurgent video appears to show missing soldiers' IDs

(CNN) -- The Islamic State of Iraq Monday released video showing what appears to be the military identification cards of two missing American soldiers.

The video also carries an audio commentary in Arabic in which the speaker says -- without providing any proof -- "We decided to put an end to this matter and announce the death of the soldiers." According to the commentary, the group made the move because the U.S. military did not heed its demand to end its search for the soldiers.

CNN cannot independently verify the video, which was intercepted by terrorism expert Laura Mansfield. There was no indication in the video whether the two soldiers are dead or alive.

Islamic State of Iraq is a Sunni insurgent group that includes al Qaeda in Iraq.

The video included a still image of the photo identifications of Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence, Mass., and Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich. (Posted 12:25 p.m.)

Justices rule for insurance companies in disputes over credit reporting

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Insurance companies won a big legal victory Monday when the Supreme Court issued a ruling that means policy holders will face a tough time proving they were subjected to higher rates because of an "adverse" credit score.

The justices threw out a lower court decision that would have made it easier for consumers to sue for punitive damages over violations of the Fair Credit and Reporting Act. That federal law requires customers to be notified when they are charged more "because of information contained in a consumer (credit) report."

The unanimous court concluded in two separate appeals that the notification standard was not violated.

The insurance industry had argued a ruling against it would mean a lower legal standard to prove liability, and would have meant billions in dollars in potential damages. --From CNN Supreme Court Producer Bill Mears (Posted 11:30 a.m.)

FBI figures show murder increased slightly, mostly in largest cities

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The number of murders in the United States last year increased only slightly -- 0.3 percent -- but in cities of a million or more residents murders rose by 6.7 percent, according to newly released FBI figures.

The formal release of the first crime statistics for all of calendar year 2006 show that overall crime nationwide increased 1.3 percent, marking the second consecutive year that crime had increased. Meanwhile property cr9imes last year were down 2.9 percent.

Robberies rose 6 percent, forcible rapes dropped 2 percent, and aggravated assaults declined 0.7 percent from the previous year.

Regionally, the biggest increase was in the West where overall violent crime rose 2.8 percent.

Auto theft dropped 4.7 percent nationally. --From Justice Producer Terry Frieden(Posted 9:53 a.m.)

Hearing held in Trinidad to extradite JFK airport plot suspects

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CNN) -- An extradition hearing was under way Monday morning for the two men arrested here in connection with the plot to attack New York's JFK airport.

Abdul Kadir of Guyana, a former member of the Guyana parliament, and Kareem Ibrahim of Trinidad were in custody in the Caribbean nation.

The two, along with U.S. citizen Russell Defreitas and Abdel Nur of Guyana, are charged with conspiring to plant explosives to blow up fuel supply tanks, pipelines and buildings at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Saturday.

Nur is still at large. The FBI has sent personnel to Trinidad to help local authorities in the hunt for him. (Posted 9:50 a.m.)

Insurgent video appears to show missing soldiers' IDs

(CNN) -- The Islamic State of Iraq released video Monday showing what appears to be the military identification cards of two missing American soldiers.

CNN cannot independently verify the video, which was intercepted by terrorism expert Laura Mansfield. There was no indication in the video whether the two soldiers are dead or alive. Islamic State of Iraq is a Sunni insurgent group that includes al Qaeda in Iraq.

The video included a still image of the photo identifications of Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence, Mass., and Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Mich. Above the photos, written in Arabic, was the message, "Bush is the reason for the loss of your prisoners."

The images appear to be authentic U.S. military identification cards, a military official told CNN's Barbara Starr in Washington.

The images of the ID cards were part of a 10-minute video that also included a masked man at a diagram board -- apparently the planning stage of the attack -- followed by nighttime video of an apparent attack, and al Jazeera video of soldiers searching fields. Images of what appear to be the missing soldiers' personal effects -- including Visa and Mastercard credit cards, a cross, $50 U.S. bills, and Iraqi currency -- are shown at the end of the video. -- CNN's Senior Arab Affairs Editor Octavia Nasr contributed to this report (Posted 9:12 a.m.)

Former Liberian president boycotts opening of war crimes trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (CNN) -- Former Liberian President Charles Taylor boycotted the opening of his war crimes trial, calling it a "charade" in a letter read by his attorney, Karim Ahmad Khan. In the same letter, Taylor also dismissed Khan from the case and asked to represent himself.

In a court directive, the presiding judge, Julia Sebutinde, ordered Khan to continue representing the former president for the remainder of the opening arguments -- an assignment Khan said he could not adhere to and remain "principled." Khan then walked out of the court with his files.

Sebutinde assigned another attorney to represent Taylor during opening statements and directed Chief Prosecutor Stephen Rapp to begin his statement.

Taylor is to stand trial on 11 war crimes charges and is accused of fueling a bloody civil war in Sierra Leone that led to widespread murder, rape and mutilation. In April 2006, appearing before a U.N.-backed tribunal in Sierra Leone, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, which include crimes against humanity, terrorizing a civilian population, unlawful killing, murder, mutilation and sexual slavery, among others.

They stem from the civil war that devastated much of Sierra Leone. (Posted 5:55 a.m.)

Hilton surrenders to begin serving jail term

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Paris Hilton surrendered to authorities late Sunday to begin serving a sentence for violating probation, according to her publicist Elliot Mintz and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Hilton, accompanied by members of her family, turned herself in at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, Calif. at 11:15 p.m. (2:15 a.m. ET Monday) and was booked into the jail about 20 minutes later.

The celebrity Web site TMZ.com posted video of Hilton, 26, leaving her parents' Los Angeles-area home and then arriving at the Lynwood facility a short time later. Earlier in the day she was seen at the MTV Movie Awards.

In early May, Hilton was sentenced to 45 days in jail for violating her probation on a reckless driving conviction in 2006, but was expected to serve only 23 days, if she maintains good behavior. (Posted 4:25 a.m.)

Taliban commander detained

(CNN) -- Afghan National Security forces, working with coalition forces, detained a wanted Taliban commander during an operation in Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan, a coalition military statement released Sunday said.

According to the statement, Mullah Sher Mohammad, a Zharie-Panjwayi region Taliban commander, was taken into custody during a Friday raid on a compound in the village of Kanowzai, based on intelligence information.

"Sher Mohammad will no longer terrorize Afghan civilians living in Panjwayi," said Combined Joint Task Force-82 representative Maj. Chris Belcher.

According to the statement, Sher Mohammad led groups of Taliban fighters in attacks on Afghan fighters in Maywand, Zharie, and Panjwayi, resulting in the injuries and deaths of dozens of Afghan civilians. The coalition also said he is responsible for the kidnapping of four interpreters and the subsequent deaths of three of them. (Posted 1:50 a.m.)

New FBI crime figures to show wide disparities among cities

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Monday release of the FBI's first crime statistics for 2006 will show a 1.3 percent increase in crimes nationally, but the levels of violent crimes committed in the 253 largest cities showed large disparities, federal and state law enforcement officials said.

The number of murders, armed robberies and aggravated assaults increased in several medium-sized cities, according to preliminary figures for cities with populations of 100,000 or more. Officials attributed the increase to the movement of organized drug-trafficking and youth gang activities from some major metropolitan areas -- where police task forces cracked down on violent offenders -- to these smaller cities.

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales dismissed the national significance of the new crime figures.

"In general, it doesn't appear that the current data reveal nationwide trends," Gonzales said. "Rather, they show local increases in certain communities."

But Bush administration critics cited the the statistical uptick in violence as evidence of federal failures to address crime.

In 2006, the FBI announced that total violent crime had increased 2.3 percent in 2005, the first such increase in 15 years. --From CNN Justice Producer Terry Frieden (Posted 11:20 p.m.)

Mexican gangs gun down police in eight cities Coordinated attacks in at least eight Mexican cities killed three federal police officers and two soldiers Saturday in what officials are calling an unprece ...

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