Nation briefs 7/14/05

Ride reopened after teen's heart attack

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Disney World on Wednesday reopened a thrill ride that was closed when a 16-year-old British girl almost died of cardiac arrest after riding it. Leanne Deacon, of Kibworth, England, remained in critical condition Wednesday after suffering cardiac arrest Tuesday minutes after exiting the Tower of Terror.

10-year-old dies while playing 'pass-out game'

BOISE, Idaho -- A 10-year-old boy was found dead, hanging from a tree, apparently killed while trying to get high by playing the "pass-out game," authorities said. Dalton Eby may be the second Idaho child killed in recent months while playing a choking game, trying to cut off the oxygen supply to the brain to achieve a type of "high." There was nothing at the scene suggesting that anyone else was involved.

Budget estimates show improving deficit

WASHINGTON -- Surging revenues and a steady economy have led the White House to project that this year's federal budget deficit will drop to $333 billion, nearly $100 billion below earlier estimates. Bush said the improving deficit picture vindicated his stewardship of the economy and budget.

Intelligence committee OKs Patriot Act changes

WASHINGTON -- The House Intelligence Committee approved two provisions Wednesday placing new controls over how the FBI monitors suspected terrorists under the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act was approved 45 days after the Sept. 11 attacks, and now Congress must decide whether to renew 16 parts of it set to expire at year's end. Republicans and Democrats repeatedly invoked 9/11 and last week's bombings in London as a reason to clarify what authority agencies have.

-- From wire reports