News In Brief

Two suburban San Diego students were killed and 13 others were wounded in the worst shooting incident at a public school since the 1999 massacre in Littleton, Colo. Santana High School freshman Charles Andrew Williams allegedly began his assault in a restroom of the Santee, Calif., facility, then continued on to other areas of the campus. He is scheduled to be arraigned today as an adult. Classmates said they'd dismissed as a joke his threats to go on a shooting spree.

Vice President Cheney was released from a Washington hospital after further treatment for a heart condition, renewing concerns about his health. Cheney, who had complained of discomfort over the weekend, did not experience a heart attack, according to surgeons. They cited "a very high likelihood" that he can finish his term in "fully vigorous capacity."

Anticipating acute energy shortages this summer and hoping to stabilize costs in the long run, California officials have signed 40 contracts with electricity suppliers, Gov. Gray Davis (D) announced. He said the contracts range from four months to 10 years, but in all will supply enough power for 9 million homes for the next decade at below spot-market costs. Davis also said current rates, including an emergency 10 percent hike approved in January, still hold.

Prodded by business concerns about cost, Senate Republicans are moving to repeal a last-minute regulation signed by outgoing President Clinton to curb repetitive stress injuries. A vote is expected today. The measure, one of the most sweeping and expensive imposed by the government on the workplace, is due to go into effect in October. It requires businesses to redesign jobs involving typing, lifting, and other repetitive motions upon complaints by employees.

The Supreme Court refused to hear appeals seeking to keep the Klu Klux Klan from participating in "adopt-a-highway" programs, the Los Angeles Times reported. According to the report, all but two states have such programs, which encourage volunteers to clean up litter and recognize their efforts with official signs placed along highways. The Times said the high court has received appeals from 29 states that never anticipated racist groups might be interested in adopting highways.

Clinton turned down an offer to be questioned privately by senators about his pardon of billionaire fugitive Marc Rich, which is under investigation for possible links to political donations. Sen. Arlen Specter (R) of Pennsylvania had hoped such a session would avert a "circus-like atmosphere" if Clinton were forced to testify publicly.

(c) Copyright 2001. The Christian Science Monitor

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