US & World News, Monday 4/23

US/World Summary The Kremlin has announced that former Russian President Boris Yeltsin has died. Investigation Continues Into Virginia Tech Shooting (Blacksburg, VA) -- One week after the biggest massacre in U.S. history, classes resume today at Virginia Tech. Thirty-two people were killed when Seung-Hui Cho went on a rampage in two separate shootings. According to the "Washington Post," police are still looking into what, if any, connection there was between the first double shooting and the mass killings at Norris Hall. The report says police are also looking at Chos cell phone records to see who he contacted before the incidents. --- Congress Set To Defy Bush On Iraq War (Washington, DC) -- There could be a showdown this week between Congress and President Bush over the war in Iraq. Democrats are expected to sent the President a bill containing 100-billion-dollars for war funding, but containing a timetable for withdrawing the troops. Bush has promised to veto any measure that sets a date for withdrawal. Despite the rhetoric, this past week, Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Iraqi leaders that the U.S. cant indefinitely commit to having troops in their country. --- Alberto Gonzales Criticized On Sunday Talk Shows (Washington DC) -- The overall consensus among guests on yesterdays television news-talk shows was that Attorney General Albert Gonzales must go. On "Fox News Sunday," Republican Senator Arlen Specter said it would be in the best interest of the Justice Department for Gonzales to resign, while Democratic Senator Charles Schumer said Gonzales "should not be there." On CBS "Face the Nation," Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy called for Gonzales resignation, while on ABCs "This Week," Former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich called President Bushs continued loyalty to Gonzales a "tremendous mistake." --- Spitzer Prepared To Introduce Gay Marriage Bill (Albany, NY) -- New York could be the next state to tackle the gay marriage issue. According to a spokeswoman for the Governor, Eliot Spitzer plans to introduce a bill in the next couple of weeks to legalize same-sex marriage in the Empire State. Massachusetts is the only state where such marriage is legal, but several others do allow same-sex civil unions. Legislation to allow gay marriage in New York has never made it to a floor vote in either chamber of the statehouse. --- Mayor Says SF Will Continue To Be A "Sanctuary City" (San Francisco, CA) -- If the Mayor has his way, San Francisco will continue to be a sanctuary city for illegal immigrants. Earlier this year Gavin Newsom announced that city employees wouldnt help federal agents with immigration enforcement. The Mayor repeated those sentiments yesterday, telling a gathering that while he cant prevent federal authorities from making arrests, the city wont cooperate in immigration busts. The vow comes during a time of increased raids throughout the area. Last Friday, about a dozen migrant workers were arrested at an Oakland factory. --- Gas Prices Up More Than Eight Cents Over Past Two Weeks Gas prices continue to rise well ahead of the summer driving season. According to the Lundberg gas survey, prices have risen more than eight-cents over the past two weeks. The national average for regular, unleaded is now two-dollars-87-cents a gallon. Missouri has the nations lowest average prices at 2-66, while people in Alaska are shelling out 3-84 a gallon. --- All Sanjaya, All Day Long If you thought youd seen the last of Sanjaya after he was booted off "American Idol" last week, think again. Chances are if you turn on the TV today, youll catch a glimpse of him. The 17-year-old singer is scheduled to make appearances on "Live with Regis and Kelly" and "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Hell also be presenting the nightly "Top Ten" list on CBS "The Late Show with David Letterman." Over the weekend, Sanjaya kept pretty busy, showing up at the White House Correspondents Dinner on Saturday as a guest of "People" magazine. (Copyright 2007 by Newsroom Solutions/Regional News Service) RNS-04-23-07 0840CDT