To the Point

Hurricane Wilma, Continued Disaster and Fiscal Restraint

President Bush declared a disaster in Florida today as Hurricane Wilma became the latest major storm to ravage the Sunshine State. After hovering over the Yucatan Peninsula this weekend, Wilma has headed east, with winds between 105 to 125 miles per hour. Meantime, the President said federal compassion for victims of Katrina must be mixed with fiscal restraint. Investigators say levees failed because of faulty design. Does that make rebuilding a federal responsibility? Is the Lower Ninth Ward in danger of being written off? We update the damage in Florida and get the latest on what devastated New Orleans can expect from Washington. Making News: Bombs Rock Baghdad While Iraqis Consider ConstitutionIn Baghdad today, three explosions went off as Iraqis were heading home to break their daily Ramadan fast. At least 10 people were killed and 18 were wounded. The blasts occurred near two hotels where journalists are staying, including the Palestine. Babak Dehghanpisheh, who is reporting from Baghdad for Newsweek magazine, has more on today's blasts and the vote-count on Iraq's constitution.Reporter's Notebook: President Bush Names Economic Aide to Succeed Greenspan at FedAlan Greenspan, head of the Federal Reserve for 18 years and four presidents, will step down at the end of January. Today, President Bush named Greenspan's successor. Ben Bernanke served on the Fed's Board of Governors from 2002 until this year, when Bush made him Chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisors. Michael Mandel of BusinessWeek magazine, has more on Bernanke and his prospects for confirmation.