LITTLE ROCK — QUOTE OF THE DAY "I would leave office sooner than participate in a violation of law." Attorney general nominee Michael Mukasey, in a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee's 10 Democrats Article, this page
Bush says Congress not getting work done
WASHINGTON - President Bush scolded lawmakers Tuesday, saying the Democratic-led Congress hasn't "seen a bill they could not solve without shoving a tax hike into it."
Bush chided Congress for failing to send him any appropriations bills even though the government started a new budget year on Oct. 1.
"The leadership that's on the Hill now can't get that done," Bush said, standing outside the White House with Republican leaders.
Bush also warned Congress not to bother sending him another version of a children's health insurance bill that he will not sign. Bush vetoed the legislation once; the House has passed a revamped version that he does not support, and the Senate is expected to take it up soon.
Rep. Rahm Emanuel, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, responded: "President Bush's rally this morning reminds us that congressional Republicans remain ready and willing to rubber-stamp the Bush agenda: no to children's health care; no to a new direction in Iraq; and no to investing in America's future."Tasered student to apologize, avoid counts
ORLANDO, Fla. - A University of Florida student who was shocked with a Taser after persistently questioning Sen. John Kerry will avoid criminal charges by apologizing and complying with terms of a voluntary 18-month probation, authorities said Tuesday.
Andrew Meyer, 21, yelled "Don't Tase me, bro!" as he scuffled with officers during the campus speech last month.
In letters to the university, its president and the campus police department, he apologized, attorney Robert Griscti said.
"I made the decision to supersede the rules, and for that I apologize," Meyer wrote. "I should have acted calmer and obeyed the directives of the officers. If I had, none of the subsequent issues would ever have arisen."
State Attorney William Cervone said charges of resisting an officer without violence and interfering with a school function would be dismissed if Meyer "demonstrates his ability to behave appropriately and without violating the law" during 18 months of probation.
Virginia Tech gives $8.5 million to victims
BLACKSBURG, Va. - Virginia Tech has distributed more than $8.5 million in donations to aid victims of the mass killings on campus in April, school leaders said Tuesday.
Families of the 32 people killed by student gunman Seung-Hui Cho were eligible for cash payments or a combination of funds and endowed scholarships in the victims' names.
Funds also were distributed to more than two dozen who were injured in the classroom building where Cho killed most of his victims and himself, as well as people who were uninjured but in the classrooms during the rampage.
All 79 people and families eligible to receive payments and benefits applied to do so.
Families of those killed were eligible for $208,000 in cash or a combination of funds and endowed scholarships in the victims' names.
The five most severely injured received $104,000 plus free tuition as long as they attend Tech. Eight less severely injured were due $46,000 plus free tuition. The 34 other victims received either $11,500 or free tuition.
Another $860,000 of the donations was designated to honor specific victims.
Georgia Aquarium cutting back on water
ATLANTA - The Georgia Aquarium, home of the world's largest fish tank, has emptied some of its watery displays in an attempt to conserve water. The downtown Atlanta attraction has drained a lake in an atrium, turned off a waterfall and nearly emptied a moat at an exhibit, refilling it with sand.
As Georgia contends with one of the worst droughts in its history, the state already has banned virtually all outdoor water use and ordered public water utilities to cut back water use by 10 percent.
The aquarium also is installing waterless urinals and lowflow faucets, banning pressure-washing of its building and requiring all employees and volunteers to take a water-conservation course.
None of the drained exhibits contained fish, aquarium spokesman Meghann Gibbons said, estimating that changes at the aquarium will save more than 3 million gallons a year.
Front Section, Pages 4 on 10/31/2007