Nation briefs 12/1/03

McCain: Congress spends like a 'drunken sailor'

WASHINGTON -- Congress is throwing away astonishing amounts, "spending money like a drunken sailor," and President Bush shares the blame because he is not using his veto power, Republican Sen. John McCain said Sunday. McCain, an avid critic of spending for lawmakers' pet projects in their districts and states, said the president's reluctance to veto legislation makes it harder for congressional negotiators to kill such spending. Opposition from McCain, R-Ariz., and others kept the Senate from passing a $390 billion bill last week that would have paid for operations of 10 of 14 government departments and scores of lesser agencies.

Atlantic hurricane season saw 14 storms, 62 deaths

MIAMI -- The 2003 Atlantic hurricane season was busier than usual, with 14 named storms blamed for 62 deaths by the season's end Sunday. Hurricane Fabian was the strongest of the storms to hit land, raking Bermuda with 120 mph wind that tore up roofs and roads in early September. Two weeks later, Hurricane Isabel plowed into North Carolina's Outer Banks with 100 mph wind and became the season's deadliest and most damaging storm. The six-month hurricane season produced seven hurricanes, three of them major hurricanes with sustained wind speeds of at least 111 mph, putting them at Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

Sniper mastermind called to testify in Malvo trial

CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Lee Boyd Malvo's attorneys have subpoenaed convicted sniper mastermind John Allen Muhammad and plan to call him to the stand this week. Muhammad's attorneys could try to quash the subpoena and prevent Muhammad from even showing up in court. He also could appear in court but invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Hidden mics found by Santa Barbara County sheriff

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- Sheriff's officials said several wireless microphones discovered outside their headquarters could be the latest of several attempts by journalists to surreptitiously get information on the Michael Jackson molestation case. The devices were found in a brushy area where Sheriff's Department employees frequently take breaks and where reporters are not normally allowed. Officials did not say when they discovered the microphones. The entertainer, who is free on $3 million bail, has maintained his innocence. Authorities say he probably won't be charged until after Dec. 15.

-- From wire reports