September 16, 2005
Friday

Bush takes responsibility for sluggish Katrina relief

President Bush took responsibility for the federal government's slow response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster and called for rebuilding the Gulf Coast in one of the largest reconstruction projects ever. In a televised speech from New Orleans, the president also promised that the federal government will review the disaster plans of every major American city.

Ophelia soaks Carolina coast

Hurricane Ophelia damaged homes and businesses on the North Carolina coast, but didn't cause the severe floods that many feared. After giving the coast a three-day soaking, Ophelia weakened and sloshed north toward New England. It was the 15th named storm and seventh named hurricane of this year's busy Atlantic season, which ends Nov. 30.

Roberts: 'I am not an ideologue'

Chief-justice nominee John Roberts ended three days of Senate testimony by declaring, "I'm not an ideologue." But Democrats on the Judiciary Committee said they were frustrated because Roberts shed little new light on his views on issues likely to come before the Supreme Court. "I think if you've looked at what I've done since I took the judicial oath, that should convince you that I'm not an ideologue," Roberts said.

Bombings kill 152 in Baghdad

In one of Baghdad's deadliest days since the American occupation of Iraq began, more than a dozen explosions killed at least 152 people and wounded 542. Al Qaeda in Iraq claimed responsibility. The worst attack was a suicide car bombing in a crowd of laborers assembled to find work for the day. Explosions erupted for hours throughout the day, bringing Baghdad to a standstill.

Brown quits as FEMA chief

Michael Brown resigned as director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He was under harsh criticism because of confusion and delay in the federal response to Hurricane Katrina. He resigned after Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff sent him from the Gulf Coast back to FEMA headquarters and put Coast Guard Vice Adm. Thad Allen in charge of Katrina relief efforts.

Nursing-home owners charged in deaths

The owners of a New Orleans-area nursing home were charged with negligent homicide for the deaths of 34 patients in Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters. Authorities said Mable B. Mangano, 62, and Salvador A. Mangano, 65, were warned repeatedly about Katrina but didn't evacuate the patients. "In effect, their inaction resulted in the deaths of these patients," Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti said.

Bush urges terror fight

President Bush told world leaders at the United Nations that terrorism needs to be fought by spreading democracy and an ideology of hope. He said the industrialized world should work together to combat poverty and diseases such as malaria and HIV-AIDS. "We must change the conditions that allow terrorists to flourish and recruit by spreading the hope of freedom to millions who've never known it." Bush said. He addressed more than 160 presidents, prime ministers, kings and ambassadors gathered to commemorate the United Nations' 60th birthday.

DeLay declares victory against budget fat

House GOP leader Tom DeLay of Texas declared victory in the war against federal budget fat. He credited Republicans for cutting spending, said there is no waste left to cut and defended plans to add to this year's expected $331 billion deficit to pay for Hurricane Katrina relief. Asked whether the government was running at peak efficiency, DeLay told reporters, "Yes, after 11 years of Republican majority we've pared it down pretty good."

Britney becomes a mother

Britney Spears gave birth to a boy. It is the first child for the 23-year-old pop star and her husband, Kevin Federline. The baby was born by Caesarean section at the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center in California. "We are ecstatic to announce the birth of our son! Everyone is happy, healthy and doing wonderful. Thank you for all your love and well wishes!!" the couple said in a statement posted on Spears' Web site.

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