Stepping down
Rep. Vito Fossella, citing “personal mistakes” after a drunken driving arrest and disclosure he fathered a child in an extramarital affair, on Tuesday became the 27th Republican congressman to retire rather than face re-election this year.
Explosion cause
Leaking natural gas caused an explosion that injured 14 construction workers and damaged four floors of an unfinished 30-story Hilton hotel, authorities in San Diego said Tuesday.
Iran attack?
The White House on Tuesday denied a published report in Israel that said President Bush intends to attack Iran before the end of his term in January. A story in the Jerusalem Post quoted a “senior official” there as saying that Bush plans to attack Iran.
Berlin fire
A fire broke out Tuesday at the Berlin Philharmonic’s home, sending smoke pouring from the building as firefighters and musicians rushed to save instruments.
Seizing control
Thousands of Iraqi troops moved unchallenged into Baghdad’s Sadr City on Tuesday to seize the Shiite militia stronghold, in the largest attempt yet by the government to impose control, an Iraqi military spokesman said.
Liquor kills 90
Locally brewed liquor apparently tainted with lethal chemicals has killed another 20 people in southern India, bringing the death toll from the past four days to 90, police said Tuesday.
BY THE NUMBERS
Inside the quake
A look at the powerful numbers associated with the China quake:
5 million
Number of people who lost their homes
980,000 Number of tents headed to the area for temporary shelter
40,075
Confirmed death toll
195
Hours a woman was trapped before being rescued Tuesday
