The CNN Wire: Wednesday, Sep. 19

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.

O.J. Simpson back in Florida after posting bond in Las Vegas

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (CNN) -- Former NFL star O.J. Simpson remained quiet and expressionless as he and his girlfriend walked briskly through a crush of reporters to a waiting SUV early Thursday, following a five-hour flight from Las Vegas.

Video from outside Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport showed Simpson -- dressed in a gray suit, white shirt and white visor -- getting into a Ford Excursion parked curbside, just after midnight. His girlfriend was wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap.

New York Post reporter Steve Dunleavy, who was on the same U.S. Air flight as Simpson, told reporters that "between dozing and watching the movie 'Oceans 13'" Simpson was with his lawyer and girlfriend. "He didn't look the least stressed. In fact he was rather relaxed," he added.

Simpson, 60, was free to return to his home in Miami after paying a $125,000 bail, following a court hearing in a Las Vegas sports memorabilia robbery case. (Posted 2:30 a.m.)

Police issue warrant for man accused of killing wife, abandoning daughter

(CNN) -- New Zealand police Thursday issued a warrant for the arrest of a man accused of killing his wife and abandoning their young daughter.

Authorities said they believe Nai Yin Xue has fled to the United States and may be in Los Angeles.

"We have a warrant for Mr Xue's arrest in New Zealand for the murder of Anan Liu and the abduction of their daughter, Qian Xun Xue," said Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Scott with the Auckland City Police.

"We have good reason to believe he is in the United States of America and we have the correct processes in place to be able to detain him there if located." (Posted 2:30 a.m.)

Iranian-American released from Tehran prison

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Kian Tajbakhsh, an Iranian-American social scientist who has been held in Iran since May, has been released from Tehran's Evin Prison, according his employer.

"We are delighted that Dr. Kian Tajbakhsh is reunited with his family in Tehran and we hope that this ends the distinguished scholar's ordeal," said Laura Silber with George Soros' Open Society Institute.

In an interview with reporters allowed into the prison last week, he said he expected to be released soon.

Tajbakhsh, who lives in New York, was working as a consultant for Iranian government ministries on issues like HIV and Aids when he was arrested in May. He was picked up in mid-May along with his pregnant wife, who is due with the couple's first child at any time. She was released the next day. (Posted 12:30 a.m.)

Massive blast kills anti-Syrian Lebanese lawmaker, believed to be target of the attack

BEIRUT (CNN) -- A powerful bomb Wednesday killed at least six people in Beirut, including anti-Syrian Lebanese parliamentarian Antoine Ghanem, authorities said.

Ghanem, 64, was a Christian Maronite and a member of Lebanon's Phalange Party, which is known to take an anti-Syrian stance.

Fellow parliamentarian Walid Jumblatt, head of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party, called the killing "a bloody message" as it comes ahead of elections and reduces the parliamentary majority from 69 to 68, preventing them from electing "a free president for Lebanon."

Former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel called Ghanem a "very close friend of mine," and added that his assassination is "very, very dangerous for the future of democracy in Lebanon." (Posted 11:30 p.m.)

Hurricane Ivo forms off Pacific coast of Mexico

MIAMI (CNN) -- A storm off the Pacific coast of Mexico strengthened into a hurricane Wednesday evening, but forecasters said it likely would weaken before threatening land, although a forecast path shows it reaching the southern tip of Baja California next week.

Hurricane Ivo had winds of about 75 mph as of 11 p.m. ET Wednesday, and was moving northwest at about 9 mph, the National Hurricane Center said in a discussion of the storm. The NHC was not issuing public advisories on Ivo, as it was not threatening land within the next few days.

Ivo could strengthen in the next 24 to 36 hours, forecasters said, but is expected to weaken afterward. Some computer models show the storm dissipating after its third day, the NHC said. A forecast path shows Ivo reaching the Baja peninsula on Monday after weakening to a tropical storm. (Posted 11:25 p.m.)

Netanyahu confirms Israeli airstrike inside Syria

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Wednesday became the first Israeli official to publicly acknowledge that his country's military forces carried out an airstrike inside Syria earlier this month.

In an interview with Israel's Channel One television, Netanyahu, the opposition leader in the Knesset, said he supported the decision by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to carry out the operation, which threatened to escalate tensions in the already volatile region.

"When the prime minister takes action in important and necessary matters, and generally, when the government is doing things for the security of Israel, I give it my endorsement," he said. "I was party to this matter, I must say, from the first minute, and I gave it my backing. But it is still too early to discuss this subject." Asked if he congratulated Olmert on the attack, Netanyahu said , "Yes, I did."

Sources in the region and the United States said the Israeli airstrike in northern Syria may have targeted weapons destined for Hezbollah militants coming into Syria or transiting through the country from Iran, whose government supports Hezbollah, which fought a war with Israel in southern Lebanon last summer. (Posted 10:42 p.m.)

Louisiana judge orders hospital probe records released

NEW ORLEANS (CNN) -- Louisiana's attorney general can release most records of his investigation into the deaths of patients at New Orleans' Memorial Medical Center in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, a state judge ruled Wednesday.

District Judge Donald Johnson ordered most documents compiled by Attorney General Charles Foti's office during the two-year probe released. Johnson's ruling rejected arguments by a group of 59 medical workers who argued they should have been considered confidential informants, that the records were covered by grand-jury secrecy rules and their privacy would be violated if the documents were released.

CNN and the New Orleans Times-Picayune had sought the release of Foti's investigative file into the deaths. CNN was the first to report the allegations of euthanasia, six weeks after the hurricane.

Johnson ordered anything gathered by Foti's office before Feb. 14 -- the date he turned the case over to a New Orleans grand jury -- is a public record, and he said he would consider whether to release other documents in the next five business days. Among the records he ruled exempt from open-records laws were documents from the internal investigation conducted by Lifecare -- the acute-care facility on the seventh floor of the hospital that housed the nine patients whose deaths were considered suspicious -- and personnel records from the company. (Posted 10:02 p.m.)

McCanns will not be asked to return to Portugal for questioning

LONDON (CNN) -- Kate and Gerry McCann will not be asked to return to Portugal for questioning about their daughter Madeleine's disappearance, according to a family spokesman.

While the couple are still considered suspects in the case, the McCanns also will not face questioning in the UK, where they live, Clarence Mitchell, a former BBC reporter and the family's new spokesman, told the British network ITN. The McCanns' attorney is reviewing a statement sent by the prosecutor's office in Portugal, Mitchell said. He called the development "encouraging" for the McCanns.

The couple, both doctors, were vacationing in Portugal's Algarve region with their children -- including then-3-year-old Madeleine -- in May. The couple said they were having dinner at a restaurant while their children slept at their hotel May 3, and discovered Madeleine was gone when they checked in on them.

News of the missing wide-eyed toddler has grabbed headlines across the globe and moved celebrities such as soccer star David Beckham to make public pleas for the girl's safe return. (Posted 9:18 p.m.)

Historic spy plane lands at CIA headquarters

LANGLEY, Va. (CNN) -- In its day, it was a state-of-the-art spy plane which flew faster and higher and took crisper pictures than any of its predecessors.

Only 15 of the super-secret A-12 aircraft were built in the 1960s. Nine of them still exist, and one of them has found a home on the grounds of the Central Intelligence Agency headquarters.

As part of the agency's 60th anniversary celebrations, the CIA unveiled the sleek reconnaissance plane Wednesday at a ceremony hosted by CIA Director Michael Hayden. A number of the former pilots were in attendance.

The A-12 has not flown since 1968. At the ceremony, Hayden called the A-12 "one of the greatest technical achievements in CIA history." Former pilot Ken Collins lamented that the plane is no longer flying, saying he believes it was a very capable plane that could be used in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Posted 8:39 p.m.)

Johanns to leave Cabinet for Senate run

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will resign his post to seek an open seat in the U.S. Senate from his home state of Nebraska, sources told CNN Wednesday.

President Bush and Johanns, who served six years as Nebraska's governor before coming to Washington, will appear at the White House Thursday morning for an announcement, senior administration officials told CNN. The White House would not confirm that his resignation would be announced. But a Republican source and a Bush administration official told CNN that Johanns had informed the White House that he plans to resign this week.

The Republican source said Johanns has also told friends he will run next year for the GOP nomination for the seat being vacated by fellow Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, who announced earlier this month that he won't seek re-election to a third term. Hagel told CNN Wednesday that he had spoken with Johanns Tuesday and encouraged him to run for the seat. Hagel would not confirm Johanns' candidacy, but said Johanns would make an announcement soon.

Hagel's retirement has created an opening for Democrats as the two parties struggle for control of the closely divided Senate. Despite Nebraska's generally strong Republican leanings, Democrats have won nine out of the last 11 Senate elections in the Cornhusker State. (Posted 8:30 p.m.)

New York bars Iranian leader from Ground Zero

NEW YORK (CNN) -- City officials in New York have denied Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's request to visit the site of the destroyed World Trade Center next week, citing safety concerns, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

Iranian officials said their controversial, outspoken president wanted to "pay his respects" and lay a wreath at the site of the 2001 al Qaeda attacks during his visit to the U.N. General Assembly, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. But workers are currently rebuilding the foundations of the site, "and it would not be possible for him to go where other people don't go," Kelly told CNN.

Police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN the Iranians have not put in any additional requests to visit the site, known as "Ground Zero," from public platforms. But Browne said, "If there were a further request, we'd reject it," citing security fears.

The United States and Iran have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1980, but Iran keeps a mission at the United Nations. The Iranian mission said New York officials had not notified them of their decision, but in a statement issued Wednesday evening, it called the rejection "unfortunate." (Posted 8:17 p.m.)

No manslaughter option for deadlocked Spector jury, judge rules

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- The judge in music producer Phil Spector's murder trial said Wednesday he won't allow the deadlocked jury to consider a reduced charge of manslaughter.

But Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler insisted Wednesday, "This jury is not hung, they are at an impasse." The nine men and three women on the jury, which began deliberating Sept. 10, are split 7-5 after four ballots. It's unclear which way they were leaning.

While Fidler on Tuesday discussed the possibility of adding involuntary manslaughter to the charges jurors could consider, he told attorneys Wednesday that he had never settled on that specific charge. Also on Wednesday, Fidler told the court that he would toss out "Special Instruction 3" which he gave them before they began deliberating. That instruction, as described by the judge, stated that for Spector to be guilty of the February 2003 second degree murder of B-movie actress Lana Clarkson, he must have committed an act that led to her death.

That phrase "an act" may have been controversial to some jurors, who later told the judge that they were having problems understanding and applying it. (Posted 8:15 p.m.)

Senate Democrats fail in push to limit Iraq troop deployments

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Senate Democrats' best shot at using their legislative machinery to force the Bush administration to change course in Iraq fell short Wednesday evening, when an amendment that would have limited troop deployments failed in a procedural vote.

The amendment, sponsored by Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., would have required the Pentagon to give troops returning from Iraq stateside leave equal to their time in the combat zone. It also would have required that National Guard and Reserve forces get three years between deployments.

The vote on the amendment, which was opposed by the White House and the Pentagon, was 56-44, four votes short of the 60 needed for it to move forward under Senate rules. Only six Republicans voted for Webb's proposal, compared to seven who voted yes when a similar measure was defeated back in July.

The lone switch came from influential GOP Sen. John Warner of Virginia, who supported Webb's amendment in July. Earlier in the day, he took the Senate floor to announce that despite agreeing "with the principles" of the measure, he had decided to vote no because of opposition from the Pentagon. (Posted 7:25 p.m.)

No manslaughter option for deadlocked Spector jury, judge rules

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- The judge in music producer Phil Spector's murder trial said Wednesday he won't allow the deadlocked jury to consider a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter.

But Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler insisted Wednesday, "This jury is not hung, they are at an impasse." The nine men and three women on the jury, which began deliberating Sept. 10, are split 7-5 after four ballots. It's unclear which way they were leaning.

Also on Wednesday, Fidler told the court that he would toss out "Special Instruction 3" which he gave them before they began deliberating. That instruction, as described by the judge, stated that for Spector to be guilty of the February 2003 second degree murder of B-movie actress Lana Clarkson, he must have committed an act that led to her death.

The phrase "an act" may have been controversial to some jurors, who later told the judge that they were having problems understanding and applying it. (Posted 7:25 p.m.)

Husband in Jeffs trial contradicts wife's testimony

ST. GEORGE, Utah (CNN) -- The spurned husband whose arranged marriage is at the center of the rape-accomplice charges against Warren Jeffs took the witness stand Wednesday to defend his prophet.

Polygamist leader Warren Jeffs, head of the FLDS, is being tried on charges he was an accomplice to rape for allegedly coercing a 14-year-old follower into a marriage she did not want.

Allen Steed, 26, told the jury he did everything he could think of to make his 2001 marriage to his then-14-year-old cousin work. That included seeking the advice of Jeffs, then second-in-command of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or FLDS.

He said his bride, identified in court as Jane Doe, was affectionate to him in private, but cold in public. He denied that he or Jeffs had forced sex on his bride, and contradicted her testimony that she had resisted him during their first sexual encounter, several weeks after the wedding. --From CNN's Amanda Townsend (Posted 6:34 p.m.)

New York bars Iranian leader from Ground Zero

NEW YORK (CNN) -- City officials in New York have denied Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's request to visit the site of the destroyed World Trade Center next week, citing safety concerns, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

Iranian officials said their controversial, outspoken president wanted to "pay his respects" and lay a wreath at the site of the 2001 al Qaeda attacks during his visit to the U.N. General Assembly, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said.

But workers are currently rebuilding the foundations of the site, "and it would not be possible for him to go where other people don't go," Kelly told CNN.

Police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN the Iranians have not put in any additional requests to visit the site, known as "Ground Zero," from public platforms. But Browne said, "If there were a further request, we'd reject it," citing security fears. (Posted 6:05 p.m.)

Senate Democrats fail in push to limit Iraq troop deployments

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A measure that would have forced the Pentagon to give troops sent to Iraq stateside leave equal to their time in the battle zone was defeated in the Senate Wednesday evening after failing to draw enough Republican votes.

The amendment from Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., won the support of 56 senators, four short of the 60 votes needed under Senate rules to move it forward. A similar measure had failed to gain approval back in July.

Webb's amendment to a defense authorization bill was strongly opposed by the Bush administration, which argued that it would hamstring the Pentagon's ability to deploy troops as needed.

The measure's chances of passage took a blow earlier in the day, when influential GOP Sen. John Warner of Virginia, who had voted for it in July, announced he would no longer support it. (Posted 5:53 p.m.)

Dan Rather claims CBS made him scapegoat, seeks $70 million

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Dan Rather filed a $70 million breach of contract lawsuit Wednesday against his former network over the fallout from what his critics referred to as the "Rathergate" scandal.

Filed in New York Supreme Court, the lawsuit claims that CBS intentionally mishandled the aftermath of a "60 Minutes II" story about President Bush's time in the Texas Air National Guard during the Vietnam War.

After the Sept. 8, 2004, broadcast, questions were raised about the accuracy of the reporting. The lawsuit claims the allegations of inaccuracies cost Rather significant financial loss and seriously damaged his reputation.

The lawsuit alleges that Rather was used as scapegoat by CBS management and was coerced into publicly apologizing and taking personal blame for alleged journalistic errors in the Sept. 8, 2004, broadcast. It also says that those errors have never been established and that, in any case, Rather was not responsible for them. --From CNN's Kelly Marshall (Posted 5:47 p.m.)

Group urges State Department inspector-general to step aside after accusations of hindering probes

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A group of Foreign Service officers Wednesday called on State Department Inspector General Howard Krongard to give up day-to-day control of his office amid accusations that he interfered with investigations to protect the Bush administration.

"The worst-case scenario in corruption is when it endangers lives," said John Naland, president of the American Foreign Service Association. "The worst-case scenario in public service is when the watchdog becomes the suspected violator. Both of these allegations have been leveled against Mr. Krongard."

The association represents 28,000 active and retired employees at the State Department and other federal agencies. Krongard is the focus of a probe by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

The committee's chairman, Rep. Henry Waxman, wrote Wednesday that State Department employees have complained that the inspector-general "repeatedly interfered with on-going investigations to protect the State Department and the White House from political embarrassment." --From CNN's Charley Keyes

Toy safety investigation by Congress reveals more toys to be recalled, amount of lead in products disclosed

(CNN) -- There will be additional recalls of toys with lead-contaminated paint in "the coming weeks," a source with knowledge of the coming announcements told CNN Wednesday.

The House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection has posted letters from retailers on its Web site that include toys the companies found to contain a hazardous amount of lead that have not yet been recalled and may be on store shelves.

Target disclosed to the committee that it had recalled 1,854 units of Sunny Patch Safari Children's Chair toys on Aug. 30 after the company found the paint on the toys contained more than 30 times the amount of lead allowed by U.S. law. However, neither the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor Target's Web sites contain any information about the hazards of this product.

The House subcommittee requested similar information from 19 toy companies that had previously distributed toys found to contain illegal levels of lead -- including Mattel, Target, Dollar General, and Tween Brands -- ahead of a two-day hearing on protecting children and toy safety that began Wednesday with the testimony of CPSC acting Chairman Nancy Nord, CPSC Commissioner Thomas Moore, and Mattel CEO Bob Eckert. --By CNN's Katy Byron in New York (Posted 5:09 p.m.)

U.S. attorney: No link between nooses, beating at Jena High School

JENA, La. (CNN) -- The U.S. attorney who reviewed investigations into nooses hung by white students from a tree outside a Louisiana high school and the alleged beating of a white student by black teens says he believes that the incidents -- though likely symptoms of racial tension -- were unrelated.

The events occurred in Jena (prono: GEE- nuh) three months apart last year.

Thousands of protesters are descending on the town of 3,000 to demonstrate Thursday against the way the cases have been handled.

Many are angry that the six black students, dubbed the "Jena 6," are being treated more harshly than the white students who hung the nooses. The white students were suspended from school but did not face criminal charges. (Posted 4:45 p.m.)

Defense rests in Jeffs trial

ST. GEORGE, Utah (CNN) -- The defense rested Wednesday in the case against polygamist leader Warren Jeffs, who is accused of being an accomplice to rape for allegedly coercing a 14-year-old follower into a marriage she did not want.

One redirect witness is to testify next, and closing arguments are set for Friday.

Defense attorneys had argued that the charges should be dismissed because prosecutors did not prove there was a rape. But Judge James Shumate denied the motion.

Prosecutors called just three witnesses -- the reluctant child bride, who has not been identified publicly, and two of her sisters. --From CNN's Amanda Townsend (Posted 4:31 p.m.)

Sources: Johanns to resign as agriculture secretary

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has informed the White House he plans to resign this week, possibly as early as Wednesday, a Bush administration official and a Republican Party source told CNN.

Johanns' resignation will definitely come this week, the sources said.

The GOP source said Johanns, a former Nebraska governor, is calling friends and telling them he will run for the Nebraska senate seat to be vacated by Chuck Hagel next year.

Hagel announced earlier this month he will leave the political stage next year. Johanns' name had been mentioned among those expected to take a look at the Nebraska Senate race. (Posted 4:19 p.m.)

Rescuers scale back search for missing millionaire Fossett

(CNN) -- Nevada authorities have scaled back their 16-day search for millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, but have not yet called off the effort, a National Guard spokesman said Wednesday.

Fossett, 63, was last seen Sept. 3 after taking off in a single-engine plane from hotel magnate Barron Hilton's ranch outside Minden, Nev. He was reported missing after his single-engine Bellanca Super Decathlon failed to return from the flight, which was aimed at scouting test sites for an attempt to break the land speed record.

Maj. Ed Locke said helicopters involved in the search of the high desert will return to their bases, but rescuers will continue to pursue the numerous tips sent in by phone and e-mail each day. If any of those tips require air support to search a location on the ground, an aircraft will be sent out, he said. (Posted 4:17 p.m.)

Bush pushes Congress to make permanent eavesdropping law

FORT MEADE, Md. (CNN) -- President Bush on Wednesday urged Congress to move quickly to make permanent and expand legislation -- passed in haste early last month -- that allows the intelligence community to monitor communications of foreign terrorist suspects without a warrant.

"It is the job of Congress to give the professionals the tools they need to do their work as effectively as possible," Bush told intelligence professionals at the National Security Agency.

The president, accompanied by Vice President Dick Cheney, described the Foreign Intelligence Security Act, which was passed in 1978 in the aftermath of Watergate abuses, as "dangerously out of date."

The act gained prominence in December 2005, when the New York Times revealed the existence of the National Security Agency's warrantless domestic wiretap program. (Posted 4:08 p.m.)

Simpson pays bail, leaves jail

LAS VEGAS (CNN) -- Former NFL star O.J. Simpson paid the $125,000 bail set by a judge earlier Wednesday and left the Clark County Detention Center around 12:17 p.m. (3:17 p.m. ET).

Video from outside the jail showed Simpson, wearing a grey suit and white shirt, get into a car that was immediately driven away.

Judge Joe Bonaventure ordered that Simpson pay the bail and turn over his passport to his attorneys before he would be released.

Records at the detention center show a bail bondsman paid the bail at 9:06 a.m., minutes after the hearing ended, the official said. (Posted 3:19 p.m.)

Joint Iraq-U.S. commission to look at issue of security contractors

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday the creation of a joint commission to examine issues of security and safety in the aftermath of the shooting involving a U.S. diplomatic convoy in Baghdad Sunday.

The commission -- to be co-chaired by an American and an Iraqi with equal representation from both countries -- will receive the results of both the State Department investigation and the separate Iraqi investigation, State Department spokesman Tom Casey said.

"We are committed to working together," Casey said at the regular State Department briefing. --From CNN's Charley Keyes (Posted 2:18 p.m.)

No manslaughter option for deadlocked Spector jury, judge rules

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- The judge in music producer Phil Spector's murder trial said Wednesday he won't allow the deadlocked jury to consider a reduced charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler said giving the jury instructions on a new offense after more than a week of deliberations would be inappropriate. Fidler had previously ruled against including the lesser charge in his charge to the jury, which began deliberating Sept. 10.

The ruling is a break for the the legendary producer's defense, and Spector, his wife and lawyers appeared cheered by Fidler's decision. (Posted 2:14 p.m.)

Warner reverses course on Webb amendment to limit troop deployment

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Hours before an expected, high-profile vote on an amendment relating to the Iraq war, Sen John Warner, D-Va., announced Wednesday that he will not support it -- a switch of position that is at least symbolic and could be decisive.

"I endorsed it. I intend now to cast a vote against it," Warner said in a speech on the Senate floor.

The amendment -- put forward by Warner's fellow Virginian, Democratic Sen. Jim Webb -- would mandate that troops in Iraq rest for as much time at home as they served abroad. That could affect not only the length of deployments but also the number of troops that can be sent to Iraq at any one time.

"I agree with the principles (in the amendment)," Warner said Wednesday, "but I regret to say I've been convinced by those in the professional uniform that they cannot do it and do it in a way that wouldn't invoke further unfairness to other soldiers now serving in Iraq." --From CNN's Dana Bash and CNN Radio's Lisa Goddard (Posted 1:43 p.m.)

Public health advocates push for more Americans to get flu vaccine

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Public health advocates Wednesday predicted that this year's supply of flu vaccine will be the largest ever, and urged some 130 million Americans to take advantage of its protection.

"If you had something that was incredibly cheap, incredibly safe, could save lives, money, hospitalization, inconvenience and time, why wouldn't you use it?" asked Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at a news conference held by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

"Despite the fact that we have such a product in flu vaccine, we're still failing to protect a large proportion of people," she said.

Influenza is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, resulting each year in about 36,000 deaths, more than 280,000 hospitalizations and $87 billion in costs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Posted 1:01 p.m.)

Warner is key in next Iraq vote, may reverse course on Webb

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Hours before an expected, high-profile vote on the Iraq war, both sides of the issue are focusing pressure on a single senator whose influence is at least symbolic and could be decisive.

Sen. John Warner, R-Va., may determine the fate of an amendment put forward by his fellow Virginian, Sen. Jim Webb, a Democrat. The Webb amendment would mandate that troops in Iraq get as much rest time at home as they served abroad. That could affect not only the length of deployments but also the number of troops that can be sent to Iraq at any one time.

Warner voted for a similar amendment in July and in August he was openly critical of President Bush's war strategy, calling for some 5,000 troops to come home by Christmas.

In the past week, the president has announced he will bring home some 5,700 troops by the end of the year. And Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said the Webb amendment would tie the hands of the Pentagon and hurt the war effort. --From CNN's Dana Bash and CNN Radio's Lisa Goddard (Posted 12:40 p.m.)

Official: Lebanese lawmaker killed in Beirut explosion

BEIRUT (CNN) -- Lebanese parliamentarian Antoine Ghanem was killed in Wednesday's massive bombing in Beirut, a high-ranking Lebanese official confirmed to CNN.

Ghanem was a Christian Maronite and a member of Lebanon's Phalange Party, which is known to take an anti-Syrian stance. It is believed he was the target of the attack.

Fellow parliamentarian Walid Jumblatt, head of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party, called the killing "a bloody message" as it comes ahead of elections and will affect the ability of Lebanon's majority to elect "a free president for Lebanon."

Former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel said his assassination is "very very dangerous for the future of democracy in Lebanon." (Posted 11:44 a.m.)

Simpson gets $125,000 bail in hearing on charges connected to alleged armed robbery

LAS VEGAS (CNN) -- A justice of the peace Wednesday read 11 charges against NFL Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson stemming from what one alleged victim called a "home-invasion-style" robbery last week in a Las Vegas hotel.

The justice also set bail for Simpson at $125,000 and ordered him to turn over his passport to his attorneys. Clark County District Attorney David Roger agreed to the bail.

The justice of the peace also told Simpson he must refrain from contacting any victims, witnesses or co-defendants in the case. His next court appearance was set for Oct. 22 (Posted 11:38 a.m.)

LBC: Lebanese lawmaker killed in Beirut explosion

BEIRUT (CNN) -- Lebanese parliamentarian Antoine Ghanem was killed in Wednesday's massive bombing in Beirut, according to Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation, quoting a member of Ghanem's Phalange Party. (Posted 11:35 a.m.)

Bail set at $125,000 for Simpson

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (CNN) -- A Nevada judge Wednesday set bail of $125,000 for O.J. Simpson. (Posted 11:34 a.m.)

Explosion strikes Beirut; 4 dead; government car damaged

BEIRUT (CNN) -- An explosion struck a Christian neighborhood in east Beirut Wednesday, killing four people and striking a vehicle with a government license plate, according to Red Cross officials and Lebanese internal security forces.

Red Cross officials told Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation that 20 people were wounded in the massive blast, which caused a huge fireball and damaged dozens of cars in the middle of the street. Nearby buildings sustained massive damage.

The blast happened near the Librairie Antoine, a book store.

It is unclear if any Lebanese government officials were among the dead. (Posted 11:02 a.m.)

Explosion strikes Beirut; 4 dead

BEIRUT (CNN) -- An explosion struck a Christian neighborhood in east Beirut Wednesday, killing four people, according to Red Cross officials and Lebanese internal security forces.

Video showed a car in the middle of the street engulfed in flames. Other nearby cars sustained massive damage.

The blast happened near the Librairie Antoine, a book store. -- From CNN's Nada Husseini in Beirut and Octavia Nasr in Atlanta (Posted 10:45 a.m.)

Simpson to be arraigned on 11 counts connected to alleged armed robbery

LAS VEGAS (CNN) -- Former NFL star O.J. Simpson will be arraigned Wednesday on 11 charges -- 10 of them felonies -- connected to an alleged armed robbery of sports memorabilia last week.

One of those charges, first-degree kidnapping, carries a possible life sentence.

Simpson attorney Yale Galanter said he planned to ask for Simpson's release on his own recognizance during the 8 a.m. PT (11 a.m. ET) arraignment. Simpson has been held without bail since his arrest Sunday.

The attorney also expressed optimism about the outcome of the entire case. (Posted 10:19 a.m.)

Iraqi PM calls on Washington to end its contract with Blackwater

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Wednesday called for the U.S. government to end its contract with Blackwater USA after a much-disputed shooting incident Sunday that resulted in the loss of Iraqi civilian lives. The incident involved Blackwater security contractors guarding a State Department convoy.

Iraqi officials are outraged at accounts that Blackwater contractors "initiated random and indiscriminate shooting at civilians" on Sunday in Baghdad's Mansour area, according to Interior Ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul Kareem Khalaf. Blackwater has flatly denied the Iraqi government's account of events, saying its contractors "acted lawfully and appropriately in response to a hostile attack."

Speaking at a Wednesday news conference, Iraqi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Qassim Atta blamed Blackwater for "a number of violations" over the past month, citing reported incidents in al-Wathba and al-Khillani squares in central Baghdad.

Meanwhile, U.S. diplomats in the Iraqi capital Wednesday are banned from leaving Baghdad's Green Zone for a second day after the U.S. government grounded all civilian ground movements outside the heavily fortified section. (Posted 9:07 a.m.)

U.S. housing starts, permits for August lowest in 12 years

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Housing starts and permits for new homes i nthe United States fell to their lowest level in 12 years in August, as the problems in the mortgage and real estate markets caused builders to slam the brakes on new construction.

The government report showed that housing starts fell to an annual pace of 1.33 million in August, down from a 1.38 million rate in July. Economists surveyed by Briefing.com had forecast starts would fall to a pace of 1.35 million in the month.

Permits, which are taken as a sign of builders' confidence in the market, fell to an annual rate of 1.31 million from 1.39 million in July. Economists had also been looking for that number to fall to a 1.34 million rate.

The downturn in housing has led to losses at the nation's six largest home builders. (Posted 8:54 a.m.)

Israeli security cabinet declares Hamas-controlled Gaza a 'hostile entity' in battle against Palestinian rockets

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- The Israeli security cabinet declared Hamas-controlled Gaza a "hostile entity" Wednesday in response to continued Palestinian rocket attacks, a decision Hamas said amounted to a declaration of war.

The step marks a major escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Under the plan proposed by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Israel would disrupt electrical supplies, reduce fuel shipments to a bare minimum to run hospital generators, and choke off shipments of goods to allow only essential food and medicine to enter Gaza. In addition, it will continue military operations "against terror organizations."

The ministers, however, voted not to disrupt the water supply to Gaza, the home of 1.4 million Palestinians.

The vote by the security cabinet was unanimous.

A spokesman for Ismail Haniya, the former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister and current Hamas leader, called Israel's decision to classify Gaza as a "hostile entity" a method of "collective punishment" on the residents of Gaza and said that the Hamas government considered it a "declaration of war" by Israel. (Posted 8:35 a.m.)

Indian army trooper killed in Kashmiri convoy ambush

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir (CNN) -- Armed militants ambushed an Indian army convoy, killing at least one trooper and wounding 10 others -- four seriously -- on a highway near Ganiwan village Wednesday, police said.

"Reinforcements were rushed to the spot and we have surrounded the area for searches," police said after the attack.

The guerillas fired indiscriminately on the troops as they carried supplies through the mountainous Ladakh region, which borders China and Pakistan. (Posted 6:31 a.m.)

Journalist groups defend Somali radio network after attack

(CNN) -- Journalist groups rushed to the defense of Somalia's Shabelle Media Network after its facilities came under fire Tuesday from government forces.

Media reports said forces of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) surrounded the Shabelle compound and fired into it, trapping a number of journalists inside.

The Committee to Protect Journalists and the National Union of Somali Journalists condemned the actions of the government forces.

"The Somali government must do everything in its power to stop this brazen attack on Radio Shabelle and withdraw these security forces immediately," said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. "Police should be protecting journalists, not attacking them." (Posted 5:45 a.m.)

O.J. Simpson set to appear in court, attorney says client has good chance of being acquitted

LAS VEGAS (CNN) -- Football hall of famer and legendary murder defendant O.J. Simpson will make a court appearance Wednesday, a day after prosecutors lengthened the list charges against him for an alleged robbery of sports memorabilia at a Las Vegas hotel last week.

The 11 criminal counts include two counts of first-degree kidnapping with use of a deadly weapon; two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon; and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. All but one of the listed offenses are felonies.

The kidnapping charges were added on Tuesday as the case took a more serious turn.

Prosecutors contend Simpson and his co-defendants -- Walter Alexander, Clarence Stewart and Michael McClinton -- committed kidnapping because they intended to hold or detain the two alleged victims using a weapon.

Simpson attorney Yale Galanter said his client has "a very substantial chance of being acquitted of those charges" and that "under the circumstances (Simpson) is doing well." (Posted 4:40 a.m.)

U.S. soldier dies in Iraq

BAGHDAD (CNN) -- A U.S. soldier died Tuesday in Baghdad during combat operations in the southern section of the capital, a U.S. military statement released Wednesday said.

The soldier, a member of the Army's Multi-National Division-Baghdad, was killed by small arms fire.

Since the start of the war, 3,789 U.S. troops have died in Iraq. (Posted 3:55 a.m.)

Terror suspect to appear in London court

LONDON (CNN) -- A British man charged with three offenses under the country's anti-terrorism laws was scheduled to appear in a London courtroom Wednesday, police said.

Raingzieb Ahmed, 32, of Fallowfield, near Manchester, was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Sept. 10, but was not charged until Tuesday, according to a Greater Manchester Police representative.

He will appear at the City of Westminster Magistrates Court in London.

According to police, Ahmed "directed the activities of an organization which was concerned in the commission of acts of terrorism" between April 2004 and Aug. 2006, carried books "likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism," and had in his possession a backpack "containing traces of explosive, in circumstances which give rise to a reasonable suspicion that possession of it was for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism." (Posted 3:55 a.m.)

Former Khmer Rouge leader arrested

(CNN) -- Cambodian authorities Wednesday arrested the top surviving member of the country's former Khmer Rouge regime blamed for the deaths of some 1.7 million people in the 1970s.

According to a statement from the United Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Trials (UNAKRT), Nuon Chea, a top lieutenant of leader Pol Pot, was brought before judges of the genocide tribunal in the capital, Phnom Penh, on Wednesday.

"An initial appearance will be held today during which he will be informed of the charges which have been brought against him," the statement said.

The murderous Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979 and was responsible for the deaths of at least 1.7 million people in its quest to create an agrarian utopia. (Posted 2:55 a.m.)

Motion to release teen is 'premature'

(CNN) -- A Louisiana appeals court Tuesday ruled it was "premature" to consider a motion to release a teenager accused in a violent, racially charged incident from 2006 in Jena, Louisiana.

In not considering the motion, the three-judge panel said, "The motion for release from custody, filed by the defendant in this court, is premature." No date for considering the motion has been set.

On Friday, the 3rd District Court of Appeals in Lake Charles threw out the conviction for second degree battery against Mychal Bell, saying the charges should have been brought in juvenile court.

Bell, who is now 17, was 16 at the time of the fight. Earlier this month, a district court judge vacated Bell's other conviction for conspiracy to commit second-degree battery, also saying that charge should have been brought in juvenile court.

Bell and five other members of the "Jena 6" -- all of them African-Americans -- were initially charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit attempted murder in connection with the Dec. 4 beating of a white student.

On Thursday, thousands of people are expected to march on the small central Louisiana town to protest what they feel are excessive criminals charges and bond amounts for the teens. Before Bell's convictions were overturned, he was to be sentenced Thursday. (Posted 2:10 a.m.)

Rice begins diplomatic push to advance talks on Palestinian state

SHANNON, Ireland (CNN) -- Traveling to Israel with plans to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she will launch a diplomatic push to advance negotiations on a Palestinian state.

"We can't simply continue to say we want a two-state solution," Rice told reporters aboard her plane. "We've got to move toward one."

In her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Rice said she will seek to "build on the momentum" of summit meetings between the two leaders and lay the groundwork for an international meeting this fall.

Her two-day trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories is the beginning of what Rice called a "very intensive period for diplomacy." From the Middle East, she travels to New York, where she will meet with members of the Mideast Quartet and Arab foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. (Posted 11:40 p.m.)

Rice: Proliferation concerns important in six-party talks

SHANNON, Ireland (CNN) -- Amid reports of North Korean nuclear cooperation with Syria, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said concerns about North Korean proliferation were an important factor in six-party talks aimed at shutting down Pyongyang's nuclear program.

"We don't have any illusions about the nature of the North Korean regime, and we have been concerned about proliferation from the very beginning," Rice told reporters aboard a plane to the Middle East. "We also have concerns about Syria."

Rice spoke as she traveled to Israel, where she is expected to be briefed about an Israeli strike last week on Syria, which news reports suggest could been targeting a nuclear facility built with cooperation from North Korea.

A senior State Department official said last week that North Korean officials have been in Syria and the nations could be cooperating on nuclear issues. (Posted 11:35 p.m.)

Rice warns IAEA to stick to its mission

SHANNON, Ireland (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cautioned the U.N. nuclear watchdog to stick to what it does best and not interfere with international diplomacy over Iran.

"The IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) is not in the business of diplomacy," Rice told reporters traveling with her en route to the Middle East. "The IAEA is a technical agency that has a board of governors, of which the United States is a member."

Rice was referring to recent comments made by Mohamed ElBaradei, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in which he criticized U.S. rhetoric regarding Iran.

ElBaradei has called for a slow down in discussions of additional U.N. sanctions against Iran in favor of enhanced cooperation from Tehran with the nuclear watchdog. Iran has agreed with the IAEA to answer unresolved questions about its nuclear program. (Posted 11:30 p.m.) E-mail to a friend