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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. Woman finds day-old baby in northern Ohio(CNN) -- Susan Redman told CNN's Anderson Cooper she noticed a basket at her back door as she and her husband returned to their rural home from dinner. Assuming it was some produce from neighbors, she went to the door and "I was totally shocked to see a sleeping, beautiful little girl in the basket." The baby girl was found in a wicker basket Monday at the residence south of Wooster, Ohio, in adjacent Wayne County, near where Jessie Davis, 26, went missing last week. She was nine months pregnant. The child's umbilical cord was still attached, Redman said, and was still moist. It was tied off with a black rubber band, she said. Redman, a nurse, brought the child inside, as it was 88 degrees outside, and told her husband to call 911. Authorities asked her to remove the baby's clothing to see what sex it was. She did, she said, and noticed that she had meconium stool, common to newborns, in her diaper. The baby had a lot of "very thick mucus" in her throat and had trouble breathing, an indication she had not been suctioned out at a hospital, Redman told CNN. She turned the baby over and struck its back gently about four times, and told the arriving deputy that the child should be taken to a hospital. Redman said the girl had a moderate amount of black hair and seemed to be less than six pounds. She said she later learned the baby weighed five pounds and 15 ounces. The basket and the child's clothing appeared to be new and were very clean, she said. "She is a beautiful little girl." (Posted 1:25 a.m.) Chertoff to announce plan to phase in changes in passport requirementsWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Responding to a furor over passport application delays, and facing a looming deadline for land border identification cards, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Wednesday will announce a plan to phase in changes to give travelers time to adjust, but at the same time will emphasize the need to move forward with security measures, according to a Department of Homeland Security official. The federal government will "try to give travelers time to adjust," the official told CNN. But he added, "Make no mistake about it, we are moving forward with secure identification requirements ... if we do not fix what is a known vulnerability, we're tempting fate." The government recently began requiring U.S. travelers arriving by air from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean to present passports, but the resulting rush for passports has created backlogs, even though the State Department had beefed up its resources in anticipation of the onslaught. The bigger crush, however, is anticipated next January when DHS will require secure travel documents at U.S. land borders. The vast majority of travelers arriving from Canada and Mexico arrive by land. (Posted 1:10 a.m.) Coalition, Iraqi forces kill at least 30 insurgentsBAGHDAD (CNN) -- At least 30 insurgents were killed during the first full day of Operation Arrowhead Ripper, a joint push by U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi security forces in Diyala province, north of Baghdad, a U.S. military statement released Wednesday said. "This operation is just beginning and we will continue to strike al Qaeda no matter where they hide and we won't rest until the job is done," said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek with Multi-National Corps - Iraq. "The people of Diyala are tired of the terror and violence these al Qaeda thugs have brought to their province and are cooperating with us in order to root them out." Launched Tuesday, the operation involves thousands of U.S. and coalition forces, along with about 2,000 Iraqi soldiers and police, in raids and operations in and around the Baquba area. (Posted 1:05 a.m.) Wyoming GOP picks finalists for Thomas seat; Georgia voters pick successor to Norwood(CNN) -- GOP leaders in Wyoming Tuesday narrowed a long list of candidates down to three finalists for the seat of the late Republican Sen. Craig Thomas, who died of leukemia earlier this month, while voters in a northeast Georgia congressional district went to the polls to pick a successor to Rep. Charlie Norwood, a Republican who died of cancer in February. In a non-partisan special election in Georgia's Republican-leaning 10th District, GOP state Sen. Jim Whitehead from Evans earned a spot in a July 17 runoff by capturing about 44 percent of the vote, according to returns from the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Two candidates were in a razor-tight battle for the runoff spot against Whitehead. Democrat James Marlow, a high-tech executive from Lincolnton, and Republican Paul Broun, a doctor from Athens, were separated by less than 50 votes, with about 94 percent of the precincts reporting. Meanwhile, in Wyoming, the state Republican central committee picked three finalists to succeed Thomas -- Tom Sansonetti, 58, of Cheyenne, Thomas' former chief of staff and a former state party chair; state Sen. John Barrasso, 54, a surgeon from Casper; and Cynthia Lummis, 52, a former state treasurer and rancher from Cheyenne. (Posted 10:23 p.m.) Wyoming GOP picks finalists for Thomas seat; Georgia voters pick successor to Norwood(CNN) -- GOP leaders in Wyoming Tuesday narrowed a long list of candidates down to three finalists for the seat of the late Republican Sen. Craig Thomas, who died of leukemia earlier this month, while voters in a northeast Georgia congressional district went to the polls to pick a successor to Rep. Charlie Norwood, a Republican who died of cancer in February. In a non-partisan special election in Georgia's 10th District, the pre-election favorite, GOP state Sen. Jim Whitehead from Evans, led a crowded field that included six Republicans, three Democrats and a Libertarian. Whitehead needed to capture more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff in the Republican-leaning district; with about 83 percent of the precincts reporting, he was at 41 percent, according to returns from the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Two candidates were in a tight battle for a possible runoff spot against Whitehead -- Democrat James Marlow, a high-tech executive from Lincolnton, and Republican Paul Broun, a doctor from Athens. Marlow had a lead of less than 500 votes. Meanwhile, in Wyoming, the state Republican central committee picked three finalists to succeed Thomas -- Tom Sansonetti, 58, of Cheyenne, Thomas' former chief of staff and a former state party chair; state Sen. John Barrasso, 54, a surgeon from Casper; and Cynthia Lummis, 52, a former state treasurer and rancher from Cheyenne. (Posted 9:26 p.m.) SC treasurer indicted on cocaine charges(CNN) -- A federal grand jury Tuesday indicted South Carolina Treasurer Thomas Ravenel on cocaine charges, U.S. Attorney Reggie Lloyd announced in Columbia. Lloyd said Ravenel, who was elected treasurer last year, was charged along with Michael Miller with conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Ravenel will receive a summons to appear in federal court July 9 for his arraignment, Lloyd said. Miller is currently in state custody on drug trafficking charges. State Law Enforcement Division Chief Robert Stewart said that the charges stemmed from an investigation begun by the Charleston Police Department, assisted by state authorities. When information surfaced that Ravenel was involved, Stewart said, he called in federal authorities in April 2007. Lloyd said Ravenel faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine if convicted. (Posted 8:01 p.m.) Senators grill top CIA lawyer on interrogation techniquesWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee grilled the CIA's top lawyer during his confirmation hearing Tuesday about his involvement in the decisions surrounding the agency's controversial interrogation techniques used against suspected terrorists. Acting CIA General Counsel John Rizzo, who is seeking confirmation to become its permanent general counsel, was repeatedly asked about whether he concurred with a 2002 Department of Justice memo which, among other things, concluded that to violate laws against torture, pain experienced by a detainee during interrogation must be equivalent to a "serious physical injury, such as organ failure, impairment of bodily function or even death." Rizzo indicated he did not object to that legal analysis at the time, but added he thought it was an aggressive, expansive reading of the statute and agreed with the Justice Department when it refuted that interpretation in 2004. -- From National Security Producer Pam Benson (Posted 8 p.m.) House Democrats rebuff veto threatsWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Congressional Democrats are not backing down from President Bush's veto threats over billions of dollars in spending that exceed his funding request. "The difference between our budget and the president's budget is about 0.8 percent. This administration continues to believe that Congress' role is to rubber stamp whatever it asks for," argued House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. The House last week passed two of the 12 appropriations bills that fund the federal government. Three more are expected to pass this week. In total, Democrats plan to spend $21 billion more on discretionary spending than the entire $2.9 trillion in President Bush's budget for fiscal year 2008. "This is fiscal recklessness at its worst," said Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., the top Republican on the budget committee, speaking about the billions of additional funds Democrats are adding. -- From Congressional Producer Evan Glass (Posted 7:06 p.m.) Obama apologizes for critical memo about Clinton's Indian ties(CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama is apologizing for an opposition research memo prepared by his campaign that took his Democratic presidential rival, Sen. Hillary Clinton, to task for her financial and political ties to India and Indian-Americans. The memo, in which Clinton was identified as "D-Punjab," touched off a furor among Obama's Indian-American supporters -- and raised eyebrows because of Obama's often-stated vow to stay above the fray and conduct a "new kind of politics." In an open letter to his Indian-American supporters, Obama called the memo "potentially hurtful" and apologized for its "caustic tone." (Posted 6:59 p.m.) Truth may come with immunity on New Orleans hospital deaths(CNN) -- Two nurses accused in the post-Katrina deaths of four patients at New Orleans' Memorial Hospital have been offered a grant of immunity to testify before a special grand jury investigating the case, CNN has learned. Sources also tell CNN the grand jury investigating the case has been told as many as nine patients may have died after being administered what the attorney general of Louisiana called a "lethal cocktail" of medications by hospital staff. Family members say staffers gave the drugs to kill patients so caregivers could flee appalling conditions inside the hospital after the storm. Sources close to the investigation tell CNN the two nurses are expected to testify before the grand jury in the next two weeks, which could signal a possible wrapping up of the case. It could also signal the main target of the investigation is Dr. Anna Pou, a physician who was under contract with Memorial Hospital when Katrina struck. --By CNN's Drew Griffin and Kathleen Johnston (Posted 6:36 p.m.) Search for pregnant Ohio woman continues; day-old baby found in nearby countyNORTH CANTON, Ohio (CNN) -- Police on Tuesday released pictures of a pregnant woman missing since last week in the northeastern Ohio town of North Canton, saying they hoped it would jog the memory of anyone who may have seen her since then. The pictures were of Jessie Davis as she was shopping June 13 at about 6:25 p.m., authorities said. Davis, 26, was nine months pregnant when she was last seen. Rick Perez, chief deputy of the Stark County, Ohio, sheriff's department, told reporters Tuesday a day-old baby girl was found in a wicker basket Monday at a residence south of Wooster, Ohio, in another county. Wooster is 28 miles west of North Canton. Authorities were continuing to follow up on that discovery, he said, but released no further information. The infant was in good condition, Perez said. (Posted 6:29 p.m.) Democrats show differences over Iraq at Washington conferencesWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Democratic presidential hopefuls lined up to rally the faithful at meetings of liberal activists and trade union members Tuesday, but front-running Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton warned that getting out of the war in Iraq would not be easy. Clinton, at a candidate forum held by the nation's largest public employee union, said the United States "will have to protect our interests" in Iraq even if combat in the 4-year-old war ends soon. "We'll have an embassy there," the New York senator and former first lady said. "And if the Iraqi government does get its act together, we may have a continuing training mission. But that's a limited number of troops with very specific missions -- no permanent bases, no permanent occupation." She said she does not think the situation would require the kind of long-term military presence the United States has kept in South Korea since the 1950s, as some Bush administration officials have suggested. But the effort to get Iraq's year-old government to take more responsibility for its security, she said, "hasn't proven to be very successful." (Posted 6:11 p.m.) Olmert finds friends on Capitol HillWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Few issues in Congress today have the ability to unite lawmakers -- certainly not immigration reform, energy legislation or the war in Iraq. But during a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to the Capitol on Tuesday, party leaders took a break from legislating and took time for a photo-op with a shared friend. "When it comes to Israel and our bilateral relationship, there are no differences here in the Congress," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "We have no friend in the world like the state of Israel," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. "We consider Israel a great friend and a great model for what can happen and needs to happen in the Middle East," said House Minority Whip Roy Blunt, R-Mo. "You see how strong bipartisanship is for a great leader," added House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. --From CNN Congressional Producer Evan Glass (Posted 5:50 p.m.) Anti-abortion extremist gets life sentence for shooting death of doctorNEW YORK (CNN) -- The man convicted in the fatal sniper shooting of a New York physician was sentenced in federal court Tuesday to a life in prison plus 10 years for using violent force against an abortion provider. "I think he expected it," said public defender John Humann, who served as James Kopp's attorney during the sentencing. Kopp served as his own attorney during the trial, arguing that his actions were justified because he was protecting unborn children. In 2003 Kopp was sentenced to 25 years to life for using a high-powered rifle to shoot Dr. Barnett Slepian through the window of his suburban Amherst home in October 1998. In the Erie County Court murder trial, Kopp claimed he meant only to wound Slepian to prevent the obstetrician-gynecologist from performing abortions. Prosecutors argued that Kopp's choice of a military assault rifle suggested his aim had been to kill. --From CNN's Mythili Rao (Posted 4:54 p.m.) Senate to vote on ambitious energy billNEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- With gas prices near record highs and global warming making more headlines than ever, the Senate is getting close to a vote on one of the most ambitious pieces of energy legislation this country has seen in decades. From an environmental perspective, analysts say it's the first time in a long time that lawmakers are considering meaningful legislation to reduce fossil fuel consumption and address global warming. "All the right pieces are floating around," said Dave Hamilton, director for global warming and energy projects at the Sierra Club. "This Congress will be judged to a large extent on what happens at this moment." Raising vehicle fuel efficiency standards is one of the most contentious provisions. Other measures include requiring the purchase of renewable electricity and shifting money from Big Oil to alternative energy research. One Senate staffer said late Tuesday that a measure calling for big incentives for liquid coal -- a fourth highly contested measure in the bill -- is probably dead. --By CNNMoney.com's Steve Hargreaves (Posted 4:44 p.m.) Fred Thompson: Military action must remain option regarding IranLONDON (CNN) -- Likely Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson told a London audience Tuesday "you cannot take the military option off the table" in dealing with Iran. Thompson's remarks came in a question-and-answer session after he made a foreign policy address to the Policy Exchange, a British think tank. The former Tennessee senator told the audience there are three choices for dealing with Iran: "sanctions, regime change or a military option." He expressed hope that further sanctions, and the possibility of a future blockade, could help pressure Tehran on its nuclear program. "We've made some progress on sanctions, but not nearly enough," he said. Military action is not "the first thing that ought to be thrown out for consideration," he said. But he later added, "Ultimately you cannot take the military option off the table." (Posted 3:59 p.m.) Immigrant advocates present Bush with Father's Day cardWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Amid a mass of balloons, American flags and posters, immigrants, allies and religious leaders from across the country assembled in the nation's capital Tuesday to show support for immigrants' rights. As the crowd marched through the streets toward the White House, they loudly chanted, "Bush, escucha: estamos en la lucha" -- "Bush, listen, we're continuing the fight." The rally, organized by the Center for Community Change, included participants from all over the world. Communications Director Germonique Jones estimated that 2000 people participated in the march. --From CNN's Kirsty McNamara (Posted 3:54 p.m.) Laywers challenge ruling jailing Libby regardless of filing appealWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Lawyers for Lewis "Scooter" Libby have taken to a higher court their fight to keep Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff out of jail pending appeal. Libby was convicted in March on federal charges of perjury and obstruction, and last week a U.S. District judge ordered him to immediately pay a fine of $250,000 and to prepare to serve his sentence of 30 months in prison. Challenging the jail time, Libby's attorneys Tuesday filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals, saying they have met the standard that would allow him to remain free as he fights his convictions. --From CNN's Paul Courson (Posted 3:52 p.m.) 78 killed, 224 wounded in Baghdad truck bombBAGHDAD (CNN) -- A massive truck bomb rocked a busy commercial district in central Baghdad on Tuesday and damaged a historic Shiite mosque while killing at least 78 people and wounding 224, Iraq's Interior Ministry said. The U.S. military said that 35 people were killed and 65 wounded in the blast. The military said the truck apparently was loaded with propane tanks. The attack, which damaged Khalani Mosque, stoked fears of more sectarian violence. It occurred nearly a week after the second bombing of Al-Askariya Mosque in Samarra, a Shiite shrine, destroyed the structure's two minarets. (Posted 3:45 p.m.) Bush taps ex-Rep. Jim Nussle to replace budget chief PortmanWASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush nominated former House Budget Committee Chairman Jim Nussle to replace Rob Portman as his budget director Tuesday after administration officials announced Portman's resignation. "Rob's a tough act to follow, but that's why I picked Jim Nussle," Bush said. "He's a man of integrity, a man of vision, a man well qualified to hold this job. I ask the Senate to act quickly on his nomination." Nussle, of Iowa, served eight terms in Congress before running unsuccessfully for governor in 2006, and has been working as an adviser to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign since January. Privately, Republicans say Portman's departure amid Capitol Hill's budget battles will be a blow to the White House. Officials there have said the budget director's close ties to Capitol Hill would be an important asset when Bush sought major immigration, health care and energy reforms. (Posted 3:40 p.m.) Two U.S. soldiers killed in IraqBAGHDAD (CNN) -- Two U.S. soldiers died in separate incidents in Iraq on Monday and Tuesday, the U.S. military said Tuesday. A soldier assigned to Task Force Lightning died Tuesday as a result of injuries sustained in an explosion near his vehicle while he was conducting operations in the province of Diyala, the military said. Two other soldiers were wounded in the incident. The second soldier, assigned to Task Force Marne, died Monday when a patrol was struck by a roadside bomb south of Baghdad. Three other soldiers were wounded. The soldiers were responding to another bombing that wounded a soldier, the military said. (Posted 3:35 p.m.) Charleston fire chief: 'I lost nine of my best friends'CHARLESTON, S.C. (CNN) -- Charleston, S.C., Fire Chief Russell Thomas said Tuesday his department lost "over 100 years of service," and he is missing "nine of my best friends" after their deaths in a massive fire at a warehouse furniture store. Mayor Joe Riley told reporters the firefighters who died Monday night "will never be forgotten. This time yesterday they were firefighters. This time today they are heroic, historic figures in our city." "They lost their lives fighting for the safety of our citizens," he had said earlier in the day. "This is the most tragic reminder of their profession and what they are willing to do." Officials said firefighters rescued one employee inside the Sofa Super Store by punching a hole in a wall; a second worker escaped more easily. But the fire quickly spread through the building, causing part of it to collapse. (Posted 3:24 p.m.) Search expert going to Ohio to help look for missing pregnant womanNORTH CANTON, Ohio (CNN) -- The founder of EquuSearch planned to arrive in northeastern Ohio late Tuesday to help look for a pregnant woman missing since last week in the northeastern Ohio town of North Canton. Patricia Porter, the mother of Jessie Davis, 26, said she welcomed any extra help. Porter last spoke with her daughter by phone Wednesday, and went to her home Thursday when she couldn't reach her. Porter told police she found Davis' 2-year-old son, Blake, wandering amid broken furniture. She also said there was bleach spilled on the floor and a comforter missing. The mother told CNN she was contacted by EquuSearch Monday night. Tim Miller established the nonprofit organization EquuSearch in Dickinson, Texas, after his 16-year-old daughter, Laura, was abducted, raped and brutally murdered in September 1984. A spokeswoman in his office said Miller would assess the situation before deciding whether anyone else from Texas should join him. (Posted 2:01 p.m.) U.S., Iraq soldiers conduct operation in restive province against al Qaeda in IraqBAGHDAD (CNN) -- U.S. and Iraqi troops early Tuesday launched a "large-scale" operation against al Qaeda in Iraq militants in the Baquba area of the volatile Diyala province, killing at least 22 enemy fighters, the military said. "The end state is to destroy the al Qaeda influences in this province and eliminate their threat against the people," said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek of the 25th Infantry Division, who was quoted in a statement issued by the military. "That is the number one, bottom-line, up-front, in-your-face, task and purpose." Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon -- commander of Task Force Lightning, which handles northern Iraq -- told CNN the operation is focused on Diyala's restive provincial capital of Baquba and that the troops are off to a "good start." "We've killed multiple members of the enemy," he said, but added, "there's a lot of work left to be done." (Posted 1:04 p.m.) EU, Iranian officials to meet on nuclear issue this weekend(CNN) -- Portugal will host Saturday's round of nuclear talks between Iran and the European Union, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced Tuesday. Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, will discuss the issue in Lisbon with Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, according to a written statement. Solana and Larijani, who last met May 31 in Spain, will follow up on the blueprint for settlement of the nuclear dispute they agreed on during talks in Madrid, which was developed further the following week in Vienna by deputies of the two officials. Larijani said after the last meeting that the men had found "common ground," but neither man would answer reporters' questions about the possible suspension of nuclear activities. (Posted 12:45 p.m.) At least 17 people killed in explosion in Pakistan's tribal areaLAHORE, Pakistan (CNN) -- At least 17 people were killed Tuesday and many others were injured in explosions in a Pakistani tribal area near the Afghanistan border, Pakistani intelligence sources and an army spokesman told CNN. It is unclear what caused the blasts. The intelligence sources said missiles were fired on a Taliban terrorist hide-out from across the border. But Pakistan's army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Arshad Waheed, said the terrorists were killed when the explosive devices they were preparing accidentally detonated. The incident happened at a compound near the border village of Mami Rogha in North Waziristan. --From CNN's Syed Mohsin Naqvi (Posted 12:23 p.m.) Pakistan protests knighthood for Salman RushdieLAHORE, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistan's foreign ministry on Tuesday summoned the British high commissioner to lodge an official protest against Britain's decision to award knighthood to "Satanic Verses" author Salman Rushdie. Pakistan told the British representative that Britain's decision hurt the feelings of many Muslims who were offended by Rushdie's book, foreign ministry spokesman Tasnim Aslam told CNN. In 1989, Rushdie was forced into hiding when the late Iranian Islamic fundamentalist leader Ayatollah Khomeni issued a religious death decree for alleged blasphemy against Islam in the novel. Pakistan's Senate on Tuesday passed a unanimous resolution strongly condemning the British government for awarding knighthood to Rushdie. --From CNN's Syed Mohsin Naqvi (Posted 12:17 p.m.) White House budget director resigning, administration officials sayWASHINGTON (CNN) -- White House budget chief Rob Portman is resigning, two administration officials told CNN. He will be replaced by former House Budget Chairman Jim Nussle. The president will announce the changes at 2:40 p.m., the officials said. Republicans privately say that Portman leaving in the middle of budget battles on Capitol Hill will be a blow to the White House, especially since the administration previously touted Portman's close ties to congressional Republican leaders as an important asset in the final 18 months of the Bush presidency as the White House tried to pass legacy items such as immigration, energy and health-care reform. --From CNN's Ed Henry (Posted 12:11 p.m.) 78 killed, 224 wounded in Baghdad truck bombBAGHDAD (CNN) -- A massive truck bomb rocked a busy commercial district in central Baghdad on Tuesday and damaged a historic Shiite mosque while killing at least 78 people and wounding 224, Iraq's Interior Ministry said. The attack damaged Khalani Mosque. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki accused Saddamists and takfiri militants of fomenting sectarian violence. Takfiri is a reference to Sunni extremists, such as al Qaeda in Iraq. The mosque contains the tomb of Mohammed al-Khalani, who had been the second deputy of the Mehdi, the 12th and final awaited imam in Shiite Islam. (Posted 11:53 a.m.) Crying judge in Anna Nicole Smith case resigns(CNN) -- The Florida judge noted for his unorthodox oversight of the Anna Nicole Smith case will retire at the end of next month, he said in a letter to the governor that was made public Tuesday. "As a judge, I have been deeply touched by the thousands of children and families in crisis who have come before me to share their struggles in juvenile, family and probate court, and I hope that by working together, we have made a positive difference in their lives," Broward County Circuit Judge Larry Seidlin wrote June 13 to Gov. Charlie Crist. The 57-year-old Bronx native wept on the bench during his oversight of the disposition of Smith's remains. CNN Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin referred to him as "Judge Judy's wacky little brother." Some observers speculated he was using his platform as a dais from which to try out for a job on television. (Posted 11:36 a.m.) Bush, Olmert pledge support for Abbas-appointed Palestinian governmentWASHINGTON (CNN) -- After their meeting at the White House, President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Tuesday voiced their "common vision" for a Palestinian state living peacefully beside Israel, and called President Mahmoud Abbas the only legitimate leader for the Palestinian people. "We share a common way forward and our hope is that others in the region understand that this way forward leads to peace," Bush told reporters, with Olmert seated by his side. Palestinians are split both geographically and politically after Hamas seized control of Gaza last week, ousting all forces loyal to Abbas' Fatah movement. That prompted Abbas to install an emergency cabinet, which is consolidating its power in the West Bank. The new government has received financial support from the United States, the European Union and Israel, which agreed to restore funds that had been frozen after Hamas won last year's legislative elections. (Posted 11:14 a.m.) 75 killed, 204 wounded in Baghdad truck bombBAGHDAD (CNN) -- A massive truck bomb rocked a busy commercial district in central Baghdad on Tuesday and damaged a historic Shiite mosque while killing at least 75 people and wounding 204, Iraq's Interior Ministry said. The attack, which damaged Khalani Mosque, stoked fears of more sectarian violence. It occurred nearly a week after the second bombing of Al-Askariya Mosque in Samarra, a Shiite shrine, destroyed the structure's two minarets Tuesday's attack -- swiftly condemned by Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki -- occurred about 2 p.m. in Khalani Square near the Khalani Shiite mosque in the Iraqi capital, the ministry said. Ten civilian cars were destroyed. Video showed part of the wall surrounding the mosque collapsed as a result of the blast, which reverberated in the busy commercial district. (Posted 10:21 a.m.) Libby lawyers to file appeal TuesdayWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Lawyers for convicted former White House aide Lewis "Scooter" Libby will ask a federal appeals court Tuesday to allow him to stay free while they contest the sentence of two and a half years, a defense source told CNN. After U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton last week denied the defense request to allow him to stay free, Libby's lawyers promised to quickly appeal. His attorneys argue there are several key legal issues which they believe they have a good chance of winning on appeal, including whether Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald had the constitutional authority to conduct his probe. Fitzgerald, the U.S. attorney in Chicago, was appointed in December 2003 to investigate whether a law was broken in connection with the leaking of the identity of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame. They also argue it was improper for Walton not to allow a memory expert to testify during Libby's trial. (Posted 10:10 a.m.) U.S. Embassy in Baghdad seeks seasoned State Department employeesBAGHDAD (CNN) -- The U.S. ambassador to Iraq is recruiting the State Department's best and the brightest to work at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Already, at least three senior U.S. diplomats are joining the team at the Baghdad mission, arguably America's most crucial foreign mission, an embassy official told CNN. Charles Ries, the ambassador to Greece, will leave his post to become coordinator of economic transition. His wife, Marcie Ries, has finished her job as ambassador to Albania, and will become counselor for political and military affairs. And Patricia Butenis, who was the ambassador to Bangladesh, will become deputy chief of mission. -- From CNN's Cal Perry (Posted 9:25 a.m.) Google pushes 100-mpg carNEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Google said Tuesday it is getting in on the development of electric vehicles, awarding $1 million in grants and inviting applicants to bid for another $10 million in funding to develop plug-in hybrid electric vehicles capable of getting 70 to 100 miles per gallon. The project, called the RechargeIT initiative and run from Google's philanthropic arm, Google.org, aims to further the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles - cars or trucks that have both a gasoline engine and advanced batteries that recharge by plugging into the nation's electric grid. "Since most Americans drive less than 35 miles per day, you easily could drive mostly on electricity with the gas tank as a "safety net," Dan Reicher, director of Climate and Energy Initiatives for Google.org, wrote on the organization's Web site. "In the preliminary results from our test fleet, on average the plug-in hybrid gas mileage was 30-plus mpg higher than that of the regular hybrids." --From CNNMoney's Steve Hargreaves (Posted 8:53 a.m.) Warehouse blaze kills 9 South Carolina firefighters(CNN) -- The city of Charleston, S.C., is mourning the loss of nine firefighters killed when they rushed into a warehouse furniture store to control a massive fire and rescue two employees inside, officials told CNN. "They lost their lives fighting for the safety of our citizens," Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said. "This is the most tragic reminder of their profession and what they are willing to do." Both employees were able to get out safely, but the fire, which began Monday night, quickly spread throughout the Sofa Super Store, causing part of the building to collapse. Watson said most of the bodies were found in the back of the building, where the fire collapsed several large shelving units that held heavy furniture. "The fire burned so hot, so fast that those all collapsed and that's where the majority of the fatalities (occurred)," he said. (Posted 8:50 a.m.) 61 killed, 138 wounded in Baghdad truck bombBAGHDAD (CNN) -- At least 61 people were killed and 138 were wounded on Tuesday when a truck bomb ripped through a crowded square near a Shiite shrine in central Baghdad, an Iraqi Interior Ministry official said. The incident occurred about 2 p.m. in Khalani Square near the Khalani Shiite mosque in the Iraqi capital, the ministry said. Ten civilian cars were destroyed. Authorities say the mosque was damaged by the blast, which reverberated in the busy commercial district. --From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq (Posted 7:43 a.m.) 41 killed, 124 wounded in Baghdad car bombBAGHDAD (CNN) -- At least 41 people were killed and 124 were wounded on Tuesday when a car bomb ripped through a crowded square in central Baghdad, an Iraqi Interior Ministry official said. The incident occurred about 2 p.m. in Khalani Square near a Shiite mosque in the Iraqi capital, the ministry said. Several civilian cars were destroyed. Police do not know whether the blast damaged the mosque. -- From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq (Posted 7:12 a.m.) 8 dead, scores wounded during fight in southern IraqBAGHDAD (CNN) -- Fighting between Iraqi security forces and a notorious Shiite militia in southern Iraq has killed eight people and the wounded 156, a Nasiriya hospital official said Tuesday. The fighting -- which took place in Thiqar province, including Nasiriya, the provincial capital -- may have ended as a result of an agreement between the forces. Nasiriya is a Shiite city about 230 miles south of Baghdad. The casualties occurred Sunday and Monday, and three of those killed were Iraqi security forces. The forces were fighting members of the Mehdi Army, the militia of anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Bahaa al-Araji, a parliamentarian in the al-Sadr bloc, said an agreement has been reached to stop the fighting, but it has not been independently confirmed that the clashes have ceased. --CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq and Saad Abedine contributed to this report (Posted 6:37 a.m.) 12 killed, 55 wounded in Baghdad car bombBAGHDAD (CNN) -- At least 12 people were killed and 55 were wounded on Tuesday when a car bomb ripped through a crowded square in central Baghdad, an Iraqi Interior Ministry official said. The incident occurred about 2 p.m. in Khalani Square near a Shiite mosque in the Iraqi capital, the ministry said. Several civilian cars were destroyed. --From CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq (Posted 6:36 a.m.) At least 9 people, believed to be firefighters, dead in warehouse fire(CNN) -- At least nine people were dead, most of them believed to be firefighters, after a Charleston, S.C., furniture store and warehouse collapsed during a Monday night fire, officials told CNN. According to Lt. Chad Watson of Charleston Fire and Rescue said most of the bodies were found in the back of the building, where the fire collapsed several large shelving units that held heavy furniture. A reporter on the scene told CNN she saw firefighters salute two of the bodies brought out of the building. It is believed that all nine are firefighters who were trapped inside the building after it collapsed, but Watson cautioned there is an "outside chance" that others may have been in the warehouse since the fire broke out during business hours. (Posted 6:32 a.m.) 33 bullet-riddled bodies found in BaghdadBAGHDAD (CNN) -- Iraq's Interior Ministry reports that police found 33 bullet-riddled bodies across the capital on Monday. The total for June stands at 359, a ministry spokesman said Tuesday. (Posted 5:25 a.m.) 2 Lebanese soldiers die in fighting at refugee campBEIRUT, Lebanon (CNN) -- Two Lebanese soldiers died Tuesday during fighting in and around the Nahr el-Bared Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon, the military said. During five weeks of battles with Fatah al-Islam militants inside the camp, 64 soldiers have lost their lives. Several hundred refugees have been evacuated from the camp during occasional lulls in the fighting, but it is thought that about 2,000 noncombatants remain inside the camp because they are unable or unwilling to leave. (Posted 5:10 a.m.) Coalition forces kill 9 suspected terrorists, detain 22 othersBAGHDAD (CNN) -- Coalition troops killed nine suspected terrorists and detained 22 in raids across the country this week, a U.S. military statement released Tuesday said. The operations have been targeting al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgent forces since Sunday. "Our continued pressure on the leaders and operatives of the al Qaeda network is denying them breathing space in Iraq," said Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Garver. "The crumbling network has no place in the future of Iraq." The raids took place in Anbar province, Dura'iya, Mosul, Baquba and the greater Baghdad area. (Posted 4:55 a.m.) U.S. soldier dies in eastern BaghdadBAGHDAD (CNN) -- A U.S. soldier was killed Monday by small arms fire while on patrol in eastern Baghdad, a military statement released Tuesday said. The soldier was a member of Multi-National Division-Baghdad. Since the war started, 3,528 U.S. military personnel have died in Iraq. (Posted 4:40 a.m.) Explosion guts Tokyo spa, injuring 5Tokyo (CNN) -- A powerful explosion ripped through a spa in Tokyo's fashionable Shibuya district Tuesday, injuring at least five people, one critically, the Tokyo Fire Department said. All are believed to be employees of the spa. According to a fire department spokeswoman, a woman in her 20s was near death and other victims had suffered severe burns. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known, but video from the scene showed only the skeleton of the building remained. (Posted 3:30 a.m.) U.S. military launches operation against al Qaeda in IraqBAGHDAD (CNN) -- The U.S. military early Tuesday launched a "large-scale" operation against al Qaeda in Iraq militants in the Baquba area, north of Baghdad, killing at least 22 enemy fighters, the Army said in a statement. "The end state is to destroy the al Qaeda influences in this province and eliminate their threat against the people," said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek of the 25th Infantry Division. "That is the number one, bottom-line, up-front, in-your-face, task and purpose." Operation Arrowhead Ripper will ultimately involve about 10,000 soldiers and "a full complement of attack helicopters, close air support, Strykers and Bradley Fighting Vehicles." The operation is in its opening stages, according to the military. (Posted 2:35 a.m.) |
 | Sources: Democrats set to drop Medicare buy-inSenate Democrats are preparing to drop a compromise health-care plan that would allow 55- to 64-year-olds to buy into Medicare because of opposition from Co ... |
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