US & World News, Wednesday 2/13

US & World Summary --- Bush Applauds Senate Action (Washington, DC) -- President Bush is applauding the Senate for their action to protect America. During a White House statement this morning, Bush said terrorists continue to plan to bring destruction to the U.S. and that the lives of countless Americans depends on the governments ability to monitor communication between terror groups. He thanked the Senate for coming up with a measure that he says gives the government the tools it needs to keep the country safe. Bush said House failure to pass the bi-partisan measure would hurt U.S. security. --- Obama, McCain Sweep Primaries (Washington, DC) -- Barack Obama and John McCain are inching closer to squaring off in Novembers general election. Both strengthened their positions as front-runners for their respective partys Presidential nomination with wins in three primaries. Obama and McCain swept primaries in Maryland, Virginia and Washington. Obamas win pushes him further ahead of Hillary Clinton in the delegate count among Democrats, while McCains victory helps him solidify his position as the probable Republican nominee. The candidates are now looking at the delegate rich states of Texas and Ohio who vote on March 4th. --- Writers Strike Officially Over (Los Angeles, CA) -- Its back to work for striking writers. Members of the Writers Guild of America are headed back to their computers after the union agreed on a new contract with the major studios and television networks. The agreement was announced last night bringing the 14-week walkout to an end. Some of the late night shows, including the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Late Night with Conan OBrien" could have their writers back for tonights shows, but TV dramas and sitcoms may take longer to get up and running. --- Berkeley City Council Backpeddles (Berkeley, CA) -- The Berkeley city council is backing down on a threat to tell Marine recruiters theyre not welcome in the Northern California community. City Council members had drafted a letter to the Marines, but voted 7-2 not to send it after a public backlash from the community and some politicians. Public comments on the issue went on for more than three hours last night at the council meeting before the body voted to reconsider. The council did reaffirm the citys anti-war stance and its support for American troops. --- Grand Jury Indicts Nurse For Rapes (Sandusky, OH) -- An accused rapist is facing multiple charges over allegations that he sexually abused patients at an Ohio nursing home. An Erie County grand jury took the action against 49-year old John Riems who reportedly told authorities that he abused nearly 100 patients during his 22 years as a nurse. Police say they have now identified at least 13 other potential victims. Riems was arrested last month after family members of a 55-year-old blind and paralyzed patient said Riems abused him at facility. --- Vikings Udeze Diagnosed With Cancer (St. Paul, MN) -- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi 1/81/8 ka-netch-ee 3/83/8 Udeze 1/81/8 you-dez-uh 3/83/8 is suffering from leukemia. The 24-year-old player is reportedly undergoing tests as his doctors try to determine the severity of the cancer. They say it may be a couple of weeks before the test results are known. Udeze played in all 16 games for the Vikings last season, recording 47 tackles and five sacks. Udeze was chosen from USC in the 2004 NFL Draft and was part of the Trojans 2003 national championship team. --- Hilton Brother Arrested For DUI Another Hilton is in trouble for driving under the influence. This time its Paris little brother Barron. According to TMZ.com, the 18-year-old Hilton blew a point-one-four blood-alcohol level after he was arrested yesterday morning. That number is significantly above the legal limit for people over the age of 21, and as an 18-year-old, any blood-alcohol level is considered legally drunk. In addition to the DUI charges, Barron is also reportedly facing a charge of carrying a false California drivers license. Paris Hilton famously spent time in jail last year after violating her own DUI probation. (Copyright 2008 by Newsroom Solutions) RNS-02-13-08 0841CST