The CNN Wire: Friday, July 20

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.

Blast kills U.S. soldier in Diyala province

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- A U.S. soldiers, assigned to Task Force Lightning, died as a result of injuries suffered from an explosion near his vehicle while conducting operations in northern Iraq's Diyala province Friday, the U.S. military said.

The number of U.S. troops killed in July is 52 and the number of U.S. military killed in the war is 3,63. (Posted 2:29 a.m.)

White House: Congress can't make prosecutors bring contempt charges

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Congress cannot compel the Justice Department to seek indictments for anyone accused of contempt of Congress, senior administration officials said Friday, adding more rhetoric to the battle between lawmakers and the White House over executive privilege and the investigation into the firings of several U.S. attorneys last year.

President Bush invoked a blanket executive privilege covering the testimony of all former and current White House officials and documents subpoenaed by Congress on the controversial firings, which Democrats believe were made for political reasons.

The White House denies any politicization in the firings, noting that U.S. attorneys serve at the pleasure of the president.

Earlier this month, a House Judiciary subcommittee voted to recommend to the full committee that former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten be charged with contempt of Congress. Miers refused to honor a subpoena to testify before the committee, and Bolten did not supply documents the committee had subpoenaed, both citing the president's claim of executive privilege.

-- From CNN White House Correspondent Suzanne Malveaux (Posted 10:09 p.m.)

FEMA orders testing of air in Gulf Coast trailers

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Trailers provided to residents of the Gulf Coast who lost their homes in hurricanes Katrina and Rita will be tested for levels of formaldehyde fumes, and residents will be given information about the possible health effects from exposure, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Friday.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison also vowed to move "swiftly" to address concerns that FEMA employees did not act "with the speed and sensitivity I expect" in dealing with complaints from Gulf Coast residents who were worried about health affects from living in the trailers.

The announcement came a day after Paulison and FEMA were heavily criticized during a House committee hearing by lawmakers who were angered by evidence that agency officials were aware of complaints about formaldehyde but opted not to initiate a testing program because doing so might subject FEMA to liability. (Posted 8:55 p.m.)

NBA referee under scrutiny in gambling probe

NEW YORK (CNN) -- The National Basketball Association pledged Friday to cooperate fully with an FBI investigation into allegations that one of the league's referees, Tim Donaghy, may have placed bets on NBA games, including games in which he officiated.

NBA Commissioner David Stern issued a statement late Friday assuring fans "that no amount of effort, time or personnel is being spared to assist in this investigation, to bring to justice an individual who has betrayed the most sacred trust in professional sports and to take the necessary steps to protect against this even happening again."

Earlier in the day, the NBA had refused to comment on the gambling probe, originally reported in the New York Post, because "we were asked by the government not to comment about the investigation," Stern said. (Posted 8:23 p.m.)

Al Gore III charged with speeding, drug possession

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Prosecutors Friday charged the son of former Vice President Al Gore with speeding and illegal possession of marijuana and prescription drugs, according to a statement from the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

Al Gore III, 24, was arrested early in the morning on July 4 when Orange County Sheriff's deputies pulled him over for allegedly driving 100 mph in his 2006 Toyota Prius. The deputy reported that he could smell marijuana when he approached the car. After conducting a search, the deputy found a small amount of marijuana and prescription pills -- including Adderall, Vicodin, Xanax and Valium -- all without a prescription.

Gore is charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, two misdemeanor counts of possessing a controlled substance without a prescription, one misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana and a traffic infraction.

If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of three years and eight months in prison, but he could be eligible for a drug diversion program, the District Attorney's Office said. (Posted 8:13 p.m.)

Shays apologizes for incident with Capitol policeman

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Republican Rep. Christopher Shays apologized Friday for a loud and angry altercation he had a day earlier with a Capitol Police officer, saying he behaved "in a way I know was not appropriate."

Shays spokesman John Cardarelli said the incident took place at the West Front entrance to the Capitol during a rainstorm when the congressman was trying to locate a group of his Connecticut constituents who were coming for a Capitol tour.

An intern had gotten lost with the group and had difficulty describing where they were to Shays, who asked to speak to the police officer. The officer refused, saying it was against policy to accept phone calls while on duty.

Shays eventually found the group and went to them, but the police officer refused to allow them to enter the building through the West Front entrance, which is off-limits to tourists. Shays, Cardarelli said, grabbed the officer's lapel "to look at his name badge" and shouted at him. (Posted 7:45 p.m.)

ConEdison may change maintenance practices after steam pipe explosion

NEW YORK (CNN) -- The steam pipe explosion that killed one and injured 45 in midtown Manhattan this week was a "unique event," ConEdison said Friday, but the power company is considering changing its maintenance practices because of it.

Company officials will "certainly reflect on some of our practices to see if it's appropriate to make any adjustments," spokesman Bill Longhi said in response to a reporter's question.

The tragic rupture sent vapor, mud and hot air hundreds of feet into the air. It injured 45 people, one critically, and caused the death by cardiac arrest of a 51-year-old woman.

Earlier Friday, ConEdison spokesman Chris Olert acknowledged that human error, "among many other issues, is being analyzed," as a potential cause for the explosion of the 84-year-old steam pipe. --From CNN's Katy Byron (Posted 5:05 p.m.)

Bush signs executive order regarding detainee interrogations

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush on Friday signed an executive order specifying that the CIA is forbidden to use cruel or inhuman treatment -- including insulting a person's religion or religious practices -- when interrogating detainees, specifically suspected terrorists, the White House said.

The order interprets Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, said a statement from White House spokesman Tony Snow. "Specifically, the interpretation ... is applied to the Central Intelligence Agency's detention and interrogation program whose purpose is to question captured al Qaeda terrorists."

It requires that any CIA interrogation program comply with federal law, including the prohibition of "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment" in the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005, federal statutes against torture and the War Crimes Act, Snow said.

In addition, it bars "willful and outrageous acts of personal abuse done for the purpose of humiliating or degrading the individual in a manner so serious that any reasonable person, considering the circumstances, would deem the acts beyond the bounds of human decency." (Posted 4:22 p.m.)

State Supreme Court asks 'where is the justice' in teen sex case

ATLANTA (CNN) -- The Georgia Supreme Court heard arguments Friday morning regarding the future of Genarlow Wilson, who is serving a 10-year sentence under a since-altered law for engaging in a consensual sex act with a girl four years ago, when both were teenagers.

A Superior Court judge had reduced Wilson's sentence, but state Attorney General Thurbert Baker appealed, saying the judge overstepped his authority. Justices on Friday had questions for both sides.

"What does the state have to say about criminalizing our children?" Presiding Justice Carol Hunstein, one of the seven justices at the hearing, asked the prosecutor. "Teenagers make mistakes, and where is the justice in a 10-year sentence and being on the sex offenders' registry for the rest of that person's life?"

Justice Robert Benham looked at the other side, saying, "The other argument is that the consequences can open up the floodgates for other litigants who are also in prison who would seek to come through the breach, if there is one, that would be created in this case."

Wilson, now 21, was convicted of aggravated child molestation for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17. It is not known when the Georgia Supreme Court will announce a decision on whether to uphold the lower court's ruling to let Wilson go free. (Posted 3:35 p.m.)

McConnell: Key time for Iraq assessment is September

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The top Republican in the Senate made clear Friday he and the GOP membership expect a thorough assessment of progress in Iraq by mid-September, as planned.

Feeling political pressure from national polls, and his own jittery members, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky told reporters, "There may be various generals or various politicians who want to mention some other key time," for measuring how things are going, but "the key time for the vast majority of my members is September. And it certainly is for me."

In a news briefing Thursday, Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, deputy to the commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, indicated it would take "at least until November" to truly assess how the troop increase was working. But he clarified that Friday, saying there is no effort "to push our reporting requirement beyond September."

McConnell, asked by reporters if he would be willing to wait until November, said no. "September's the month we're looking to" for reports from the top commander in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker. --From CNN Radio's Bob Costantini (Posted 2:30 p.m.)

2 Mexican policemen accused of assaulting Coast Guard seaman, cadet

(CNN) -- Two Mexican policemen are under arrest after being accused of assaulting and robbing a U.S. Coast Guard seaman and sexually assaulting a Coast Guard Academy cadet while they were on leave in Veracruz, Mexico, Saturday, said a Coast Guard spokesman and spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office handling the case in Mexico.

The crew member and cadet were in the Gulf of Mexico port city with their ship, the Coast Guard Barque Eagle, said the Coast Guard spokesman, Cmdr. Brendan McPherson

The cadet and crew member were visiting a beach near Veracruz when they were attacked by two Mexican police in uniform, he said. The police robbed and assaulted the pair and sexually assaulted the female cadet, McPherson said.

"The Coast Guard is cooperating with the State Department and Mexican authorities in the investigation," he said. (Posted 2:07 p.m.)

Official: 40 killed by lightning storm in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- At least 40 people, including women and children, were killed when a lightning storm struck the Ashere Darra village in the Upper Dir District of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province on Friday, a local government official said.

The storm destroyed more than 24 houses, the official said. Sixteen bodies were found in the rubble of collapsed homes.

More than 30 people were taken to hospitals. Police and rescue workers were on the scene. --From CNN's Syed Mohsin Naqvi (Posted 1:44 p.m.)

Senate GOP leader sets low expectations for 2008 elections

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Republicans are unlikely to win back control of the Senate in 2008, their Senate leader, Mitch McConnell, said Friday, gloomily predicting that "holding our own is about all we could hope for."

But McConnell didn't blame the low approval ratings of the Congress or the president or public rejection of the Iraq war for the anticipated poor showing by the GOP.

"The numbers are against us," he told reporters at a Capitol news conference, noting that 22 Republicans and just 12 Democrats are up for re-election this cycle. "It would take an extraordinarily good day to get back up to 50. So our goal is to stay roughly where we are.

"If we had a good day we might be able to get it back narrowly," he said. "But that's just a realistic assessment of where we are." (Posted 1:36 p.m.)

Top insurgent detained by U.S. troops

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- An insurgent described as a "high-value individual" was detained by American soldiers Friday in the southern Baghdad belt where the U.S. military is conducting major operations against militants, the U.S. military said.

The insurgent and four others were detained near Jisr Diyala by soldiers from the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, the military's news release said. Jisr Diyala is one of the hot spots in the southeastern Baghdad region being targeted by U.S. troops.

The insurgent's name was not disclosed, but the military said he is considered one of Multi-National Division-Center's most wanted insurgents. (Posted 1:29 p.m.)

Marine sentenced in Hamdaniya case

(CNN) -- A Marine corporal found guilty on charges related to the death of an Iraqi civilian was sentenced at a court-martial Friday to a reduction in rank to entry-level private and a bad-conduct discharge, according to the Marines' Camp Pendleton media center in California.

Cpl. Trent D. Thomas was found guilty Wednesday of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit several offenses -- including murder, larceny, housebreaking, kidnapping, and making false official statements -- for his involvement in the death of the Iraqi.

He had been found not guilty of committing murder, larceny, housebreaking and making a false official statement. (Posted 1:14 p.m.)

Pakistan calls White House remarks 'irresponsible and dangerous'

(CNN) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's government Friday slammed recent remarks by the White House that the United States would be willing to strike "actionable targets" in Pakistan.

In a written statement, Islamabad called the comments "irresponsible and dangerous."

This week, following a flare-up in violence between Pakistani forces and militants in the Waziristan region, White House spokesman Tony Snow was asked whether Bush rules out military activity in Pakistan.

"We never rule out any options, including striking actionable targets," he said.

Friday, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement saying, "There have been comments recently by U.S. officials that in the hypothetical situation of 'actionable targets' on the Pakistan side of Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the U.S. did not rule out any options, including striking such targets. Certain elements in the U.S. media have also urged military action against supposed al Qaeda safe haven in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

"Such comments and calls are irresponsible and dangerous." (Posted 12:54 p.m.)

NBA referee under investigation for gambling on basketball

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A National Basketball Association referee is the subject of an FBI investigation after allegations that he bet on games, including those he was officiating, a spokesman for the National Basketball Referees Association said Friday.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Lamell McMorris, a union spokesman, said that "these accusations, if true, are extremely serious and we have been in discussions with the NBA regarding this matter."

The story, originally reported in Friday's New York Post, alleges that the referee was working on behalf of a mafia-controlled syndicate and was making calls that affected the point spread of games.

Tim Frank, a spokesman for the NBA, said the league will not comment on the allegations. --From CNN's Chris Browne (Posted 12:44 p.m.)

ConEdison considering human error as possible cause of steam pipe explosion

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A spokesman for power company ConEdison acknowledged Friday that human error, "among many other issues, is being analyzed," as a potential cause for the explosion of an 84-year-old steam pipe in midtown Manhattan Wednesday that killed one and injured 45 people.

Human error is "always a possibility" that is looked at when examining the cause for a pipe explosion, Chris Olert, spokesman for ConEdison, told CNN.

Steve Mosto, a 20-year veteran of the steam pipe business, said that so far as he knows, an explosion of a steam pipe of this type is unprecedented. Mosto is the president of Mosto Technologies, which does consulting for large commercial buildings in New York, coordinating installation and maintenance of steam network systems constructed by ConEdison.

He said the initial theory for the cause of the blast offered by ConEdison -- that recent cold water rain created condensation within the extremely hot steam pipe -- seems unlikely. "The steam system is designed to handle that exact kind of condition," Mosto said. --From CNN's Katy Byron (Posted 12:38 p.m.)

Bush to undergo routine colonoscopy, transfer power

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush will undergo a routine colonoscopy Saturday, and will transfer power to Vice President Dick Cheney during the procedure, expected to take about two and a half hours, the chief White House spokesman said.

Tony Snow said Friday that the procedure, during which a doctor looks for any signs of cancer, will be carried out at Camp David, Md., and the president will be placed under anesthesia.

Bush's last colonoscopy was in June 2002, and no abnormalities were found, Snow said. (Posted 12:27 p.m.)

PETA urges NFL to suspend Vick after dogfighting accusations

NEW YORK (CNN) -- More than 50 PETA supporters gathered outside the National Football League's headquarters in Manhattan Friday morning demanding the suspension of quarterback Michael Vick for his alleged involvement in organized dog fighting on his Virginia property.

In an indictment filed Tuesday in a federal court in Virginia, Vick and three associates were charged with organizing bloody and vicious dog fights on a piece of property that Vick bought in 2001.

After the indictment was filed, PETA sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Vick's corporate sponsors and the Atlanta Falcons condemning dog fighting as ignorant and cruel. The letter does not directly presume Vick's guilt, nor does it directly ask the NFL to suspend Vick. However, at Friday's protest PETA spokesman Dan Shannon told CNN that PETA is hoping the NFL will suspend him.

The letter was backed by the Rev. Al Sharpton, hip-hop mogul and vegan Russell Simmons, and the president of PETA. --From CNN's David Miller (Posted 12:24 p.m.)

Appeal filed in dismissed civil suit against administration figures in CIA leak case

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Lawyers filed an appeal Friday seeking to restore a civil lawsuit initiated by a onetime covert CIA operative against Vice President Dick Cheney and other top Bush administration officials, including Cheney's former chief of staff Lewis "Scooter" Libby.

"There are ample grounds for appeal," said attorney Anne Weisman, representing Valerie Plame Wilson and her husband, former ambassador Joe Wilson, in their case for damages in what became known as the "CIA leak" case.

U.S. District Judge John Bates dismissed the lawsuit Thursday. Though the lawsuit raises "important questions relating to the propriety of actions undertaken by our highest government officials," he said in a 41-page decision that the Wilsons failed to show the case belongs in federal court on the basis they cited.

Weisman, in an e-mail Friday responding to a CNN request for comment, said, "Having had the opportunity to review Judge Bates' decision, the Wilsons and their legal team have concluded that there are ample grounds for appeal." (Posted 11:30 p.m.)

Bush urges Congress to pass legislation to help troops in Iraq and give them time to allow war strategy to work

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a message to Congress, President Bush urged lawmakers Friday to pass legislation to help troops in Iraq and to give them time to allow the "new war strategy to work."

"It is time to rise above partisanship," said Bush, who urged lawmakers to back the troops in the field and give them the resources they need.

He made only a brief statement in the White House Rose Garden without fielding questions from reporters. He was surrounded by veterans and military families.

Bush said Congress, which is nearing its August recess, has failed to act on a bill to provide funds for troops and resources in the coming fiscal year, including a pay raise for the military. (Posted 11:18 a.m.)

Poll: Blacks in South Carolina say Clinton has better chance for 2008 win than Obama

(CNN) -- Black Democratic primary voters in South Carolina believe -- by a large margin -- that Hillary Clinton has a better chance than Barack Obama of beating the Republican nominee in the November 2008 presidential election, a poll released Friday shows.

Among blacks who said they plan to vote in the Democratic primary, 63 percent said Clinton has a better chance while 29 percent gave the edge to Obama. Among white Democratic voters, 46 percent said Clinton would have a better chance in the general election, while 40 percent said Obama would.

In the CNN survey, conducted Monday through Wednesday by the Opinion Research Corporation, interviewers talked to 1,052 adults in South Carolina, including 380 who said they plan to vote in the 2008 Democratic primary. In the questions in which respondents were split by race, sampling error was a relatively large plus or minus 8 percentage points.

Asked which candidate they plan to vote for in the Democratic primary, 47 percent of blacks chose Clinton, 31 percent chose Obama, and 4 percent chose former Sen. John Edwards. Whites narrowly selected Clinton over Edwards, 30 percent to 27 percent, while 18 percent chose Obama. (Posted 11:13 a.m.)

Bush urges Congress to pass legislation to help troops in Iraq and give them time to allow war strategy to work

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In a message to Congress, President Bush urged lawmakers Friday to pass legislation to help troops in Iraq and to give them time to allow the "new war strategy to work."

"It is time to rise above partisanship," said Bush, who urged lawmakers to back the troops in the field and give them the resources they need.

He made only a brief statement in the White House Rose Garden without fielding questions from reporters. (Posted 10:52 a.m.)

Top U.S. commander in Anbar says it will take a 'couple of years' to get Iraqi security forces into shape

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- The top U.S. commander in Iraq's vast and volatile Anbar province boasted Friday of progress in the war against the Iraqi insurgency, but despite the strides, he didn't indicate there would be a drawdown of U.S. troops anytime soon.

Marine Maj. Gen. Walter E. Gaskin, commander of Multi-National Force - West, said he believes it will take "another couple of years" to get Iraqi security forces into shape to take the reins in that province.

He said the presence of coalition forces in the region will help speed the progress of self-sufficiency.

"You cannot buy or nor can you fast-forward experience," Gaskin told Pentagon reporters via teleconference from Baghdad. (Posted 10:25 a.m.)

Pakistan's supreme court reinstates top judge

ISLAMABAD (CNN) -- Pakistan's Supreme Court reinstated Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry on Friday, dealing a blow to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf and marking what many called a historic moment for the country.

The court ruled Musharraf's suspension of Chaudhry was illegal, government officials said.

The judge's supporters took to the streets in celebration.

Munir Malik of Pakistan's Supreme Court Bar Association hailed the "landmark judgment" that helps ensure "an independent judiciary." Slamming Musharraf's grip on power that has long put him at odds with pro-democracy advocates, Malik referred to the president and military leader's "autocratic rule."

"I hope an independent judicary will be a step toward the restoration of civilian supremacy in this country," he told CNN. (Posted 8:58 a.m.)

USGS: 4.2 earthquake gives Bay Area area a rude awakening

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (CNN) -- A light 4.2-magnitude earthquake shook the San Francisco area Friday at 4:42 a.m. PT (7:42 a.m. ET), the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

An Oakland police dispatcher told CNN the quake set off alarms at people's homes. But there have been no reports of injuries or significant damage.

According to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers, the violent shaking lasted about 50 seconds.

"It was like a jet flying over you," San Francisco Police Capt. Al Casciato said.

Under the USGS classification, a "light" quake usually causes minimal damage, but would be strong enough to awaken people sleeping. The vibration can break dishes and windows and overturn unstable objects, the agency says. Pendulum clocks may stop.

The quake was two miles east-northeast of Oakland, at a depth of 3.6 miles, the Survey said. Oakland is just east of San Francisco, across the San Francisco Bay. (Posted 8:46 a.m.)

Pakistani court reinstates top judge

ISLAMABAD (CNN) -- Pakistan's Supreme Court reinstated Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry on Friday after ruling his suspension by Gen. President Pervez Musharraf was illegal, according to court officials.

Chaudhry's suspension sparked widespread, largely peaceful demonstrations by the country's attorneys and those who believe Musharraf abused his authority in suspending Pakistan's top judge.

Musharraf appointed Chaudhry to the court in 2005, but the judge fell from favor after he started exercising independence from the government in a number of cases involving the disappearance of terrorist suspects and human-rights activists. --From CNN's Mohsin Naqvi (Posted 7:48 a.m.)

2 Afghans killed, 2 wounded in southern Afghan car bombing

(CNN) -- Two Afghans were killed and two coalition soldiers were wounded Friday in a car bombing at a bazaar in southern Afghanistan, the U.S.-led coalition said.

The strike took place as Afghan and coalition vehicles were passing through the bazaar in Sangin village, in Helmand province.

"Once again, the enemies of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have shown their true colors by attacking in an area sure to produce civilian casualties," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, a Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesperson.

In eastern Afghanistan, U.S.-led coalition and Afghan forces battled militants in a gunfight and detained eight people. The incident took place in Paktika province, U.S. military in Afghanistan said.

Also, a NATO helicopter made a precautionary landing in eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said. There were no casualties of any type. The helicopter, a UH-60 Blackhawk, is used to carry troops and equipment. (Posted 7:28 a.m.)

U.S. Coalition forces kill 3 suspected terrorists, detain 44

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- U.S.-led coalition forces killed three suspected terrorists and detained 44 others during raids in the Baghdad and Mosul areas early Friday, a U.S. military statement said.

The operations targeted terrorist leaders and their operational cells believed to be involved with al Qaeda in Iraq.

"Our forces continue to strike terrorists wherever they hide," said Maj. Marc Young, a Multi-National Force - Iraq spokesman. "We're seeking to eliminate the terrorists who conduct indiscriminate attacks against innocent Iraqi civilians." (Posted 7:28 a.m.)

U.S. military offers to help Pakistan fight terrorism in border regions

NUREMBERG, Germany (CNN) -- The U.S. military Friday offered to help the Pakistani government battle terrorists operating near the Pakistani-Afghan border -- a Taliban and al Qaeda stronghold where a controversial peace deal has collapsed.

Outgoing Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Peter Pace said the United States will offer Pakistanis intelligence and firepower.

There was no immediate word from Pakistan's government on Pace's statement.--From CNN's Barbara Starr (Posted 7:05 a.m.)

Coalition and Afghan forces nab 8 militants in eastern Afghanistan operation

(CNN) -- U.S.-led coalition and Afghan forces battled militants in a gunfight and detained eight in a Friday operation conducted in eastern Afghanistan's Paktika province, the Coalition Press Information Center in Afghanistan said.

The operation centered on a compound where suspects involved in illegal weapons trafficking were believed to be hiding.

"The detainees will be questioned to determine their identities and involvement in militant activities," the coalition said. There were no civilian casualties as a result of the operation. (Posted 5:45 a.m.)

British police arrest 2 suspects under anti-terrorism laws

LONDON (CNN) -- British authorities have arrested two men on terror charges after a search in southwestern England this week, according to a statement released Friday by Avon and Somerset Police.

Police discovered a substance at a Bristol address that led them to believe there may be a potential link to terrorist activity. The search was initiated after an Afghan man was arrested late Wednesday on drug-related charges.

The discovery also led to him being arrested under the Terrorist Act 2006.

The investigation led to the arrest of a second man, although no additional details were given by police. (Posted 4:50 a.m.)

2 U.S. soldiers die from battle wounds in Iraq

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- The U.S. military on Friday announced the deaths of two U.S. soldiers from wounds sustained during operations in the Iraqi capital.

One U.S. soldier, assigned to Task Force Lightning, died from wounds sustained in a Thursday bomb blast in Baghdad. The explosion occurred near his vehicle, the military said.

A second soldier was wounded in the explosion and was treated at a coalition medical facility.

In eastern Baghdad, a separate explosion killed a Multi National Corps - Iraq soldier on Thursday. The military said the soldier was conducting combat operations.

The U.S. service members killed in the Iraq war stands at 3,630. (Posted 4:03 a.m.)

Lohan booked in connection with May DUI

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (CNN) -- Actress Lindsay Lohan was booked into the Beverly Hills jail Thursday afternoon in connection with her May arrest on driving under the influence of alcohol and misdemeanor hit and run charges, authorities said.

Accompanied by her lawyer, Lohan's stay was only 45 minutes long, during which she posted a $30,000 bond and was released, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Web site.

Lohan, 21, is scheduled to be back in the Beverly Hills Courthouse on Aug. 24 to face her charges.

Early on the morning of May 25, Lohan lost control of her 2005 Mercedes Benz convertible and struck a curb. She received treatment for minor injuries at Century City Doctors hospital, where police cited and arrested her, but then released her on the misdemeanor charges.

Lohan checked out a Malibu rehab treatment center last week. (Posted 3:50 a.m.)

Israel releases scores of Palestinian prisoners to boost Abbas

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- More than 250 Palestinian prisoners -- the majority aligned with Fatah -- were freed from Israeli jails Friday as part of a series of goodwill gestures designed to bolster Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in his standoff against Hamas.

In the largest prisoner release in many years, the first batch of some 256 detainees at Israel's Ketzoit prison camp in the arid Negev region boarded armored buses bound for the West Bank early Friday.

Standing in front of the prison as the detainees were readied for the transfer, Israeli prison authority spokesman Ian Domnitz said all had been "identified, medically checked, had interviews with the Red Cross and this is the final stage of them being put on the vehicles and the buses."

The buses were taking them to the Beitunya checkpoint, where they will be transferred into Palestinian Authority custody. They are scheduled to meet with Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah, and later with their family members. (Posted 3:20 a.m.)

Senate: Gitmo detainees should not be moved to U.S.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- By an overwhelming vote, the Senate Thursday approved an amendment saying detainees at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should not be moved to facilities inside the United States.

The amendment, authored by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, passed on a 94-3 vote. It states that detainees "including senior members of al Qaeda, should not be released to American society" or transferred into "facilities in American communities and neighborhoods."

"Some in Congress have actually proposed that we require the president to move terrorist detainees held at Guantanamo Bay to the continental United States and keep them here," said McConnell, R-Ky. "That means moving them into facilities in cities and small towns across America in states like California and Illinois and Kentucky. Well, I can guarantee you that my constituents don't want terrorists housed in their backyards in Fort Knox, Fort Wright or anywhere else within the commonwealth. I know I don't."

The amendment does not offer an opinion on the closure of Guantanamo Bay or prohibit moving terrorists elsewhere, according to a statement released by McConnell's office. (Posted 9:06 p.m.) E-mail to a friend