- Making News: Democrats Won't Block Vote on Gonzales Nomination
A Senate Committee has taken up the nomination of Michael Chertoff to be Secretary of Homeland Security. He's testified that he'll balance tough tactics with protection of civil rights. Meantime, the full Senate is still debating confirmation of Alberto Gonzales to be Attorney General. Eric Lichtblau, who is covering that story for the New York Times, updates the nomination that Republicans are calling a true American success story. - Reporter's Notebook: Pope John Paul II Hospitalized for Breathing Difficulty
The Vatican says there's no cause for alarm, even though 84 year-old Pope John Paul II will be hospitalized for the time being. Today, he missed his weekly audience for the first time since September, 2003, after last night being rushed to the hospital with what are described as "severe breathing difficulties." Beppe Severgnini, columnist for Corriere Della Sera, updates the health of the man who leads a billion Roman Catholics.
Bush nomination of Alberto Gonzalez as Attorney General
Attorney General-designate Alberto Gonzalez
Bush nomination of Michael Chertoff as Head of Homeland Security
Homeland Security Chief-designate Chertoff
Lichtblau's article on Democrats and Gonzalez nomination
Israeli press release on Sharon-Abbas summit