Nation briefs 3/12/06

President shocked by arrest of former adviser

WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Saturday said he was shocked and saddened to learn that former domestic policy adviser Claude Allen was charged with theft for allegedly receiving phony refunds at department stores. "When I heard the story last night, I was shocked, and my first reaction was one of disappointment, deep disappointment -- if it's true -- that we were not fully informed," Bush said. Allen, 45, was arrested Thursday by police in Montgomery County, Md., for allegedly claiming refunds for more than $5,000 worth of merchandise he did not buy, according to county and federal authorities.

Ag Department checking possible case of mad cow

WASHINGTON -- The Agriculture Department is investigating a possible case of mad cow disease, the agency's chief veterinarian said Saturday. A routine test indicated the possible presence of mad cow disease, said John Clifford, the USDA official. They agency would not say where the animal was from. The department is conducting more detailed tests at its laboratory in Ames, Iowa, and should have results in four to seven days.

Tenn. house fire kills nine family members

EVENSVILLE, Tenn. -- A house fire killed nine members of a family, including six children, in eastern Tennessee early Saturday, officials said. The fire occurred about 6:15 a.m. and may have started on the second floor, where the victims were sleeping, said Rhea County Sheriff Mike Neal. The victims were members of an extended family, Garrison said.

Bush confident progress is being made in Iraq

WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Saturday he is confident a unified Iraqi government will settle sectarian feuds that Iraqi leaders fear could lead to civil war. "I'm optimistic that the leadership recognizes that sectarian violence will undermine the capacity for them to self-govern," Bush said after a defense briefing at the White House. "I believe we'll have a unity government in place that will help move the process forward."

-- From wire reports

Funeral director Randy Garrison identified the dead as Reba Ann Alexander, 42; Krystal Alexander, 25; Misty Marie Alexander, 23; John David Smith II, 17; Jennifer Marie Edwards, 10; Lexie Weaks, 5; Angel Dawn Weaks, 2; Jaden Rhea Sullivan, 1; and Clarissa Sanchise, 1.