COX Newspapers Washington Bureau

New Orleans Roars Back This Holiday Season as Bowl Central
Still suffering the economic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, an eager Big Easy is prepared for three college bowl games in 17 days, highlighting the city's return as a top tourist destination, New Orleans residents say.

Floridian's Collection at the Heart of High-Tech Library of Congress Exhibit
The Library of Congress begins a "new experience for visitors" Thursday, using cutting-edge technology to create a Version 2.0 of the historic book repository.

Kucinich Not Content to Just Drive Some Ideas in Presidential Race
Elizabeth Harper, a strikingly beautiful, 27-year-old, 6-feet-tall Englishwoman with flowing red hair, had been in America for only a few weeks when she visited Capitol Hill in 2005 for an eight-minute meeting on monetary policy with Dennis Kucinich, then 58, a wonkish, 5-foot-7, twice-divorced Democratic congressman from Ohio.

About 30 Percent of Immigrants in Florida Are Illegal, Study Finds
About 30 percent of the nearly 3.5 million immigrants living in Florida are in the country illegally, the Center for Immigration Studies says in a report released Thursday.

Half of Immigrants in Texas Are Illegal, Report Finds
Half of the nearly 3.5 million immigrants living in Texas are in the country illegally, the Center for Immigration Studies says in a report released Thursday.

Most of Georgia's New Wave of Immigrants in State Illegally, Study Finds
Most of the 953,000 immigrants living in Georgia are in the country illegally, the Center for Immigration Studies says in a report released Thursday.

Most Candidates Will Head Home for the Holiday
Democratic presidential candidate Chris Dodd and his family have forsaken their traditional turkey dinner in Connecticut for "a true Hawkeye Thanksgiving" in a barn in Monticello, Iowa.

Delta Chief Calls for 'Czar' to Tackle New York Delays
The Federal Aviation Administration should appoint a "New York airspace czar" to find solutions for the delays that threaten to curtail operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the CEO of Delta Air Lines told a congressional panel Thursday.

Delta Taking Steps to Prevent 'Bumped' Holiday Passengers
Delta Air Lines is cutting back on overbookings and inserting extra flights in an effort to prevent passengers from being "bumped" from their scheduled holiday travel, the Atlanta-based carrier's CEO told a congressional subcommittee Thursday.

Airlines Say They're Working to Prevent 'Bumped' Holiday Passengers
The nation's airlines are cutting back on overbookings in an effort to prevent passengers from being "bumped" from their scheduled holiday travel, industry executives told a congressional subcommittee Thursday.

Tax the Rich, Says One of the World's Richest Men
Warren Buffett, one of the world's richest persons, urged Congress on Wednesday to ease up on taxing the poor and middle class and "take a little more out of the hides of people like me."

Lyle Lovett Pushes for Performance Pay when Radio Stations Air Songs
Lyle Lovett, the Texas singer-songwriter and Hollywood actor, told a Senate committee Tuesday that performers should be paid like songwriters when their recordings are aired on the radio.

Huckabee: A Likable Candidate Facing 'Presidential' Hurdle
Mike Huckabee marveled at being in the same sound studio at XM Satellite Radio headquarters where Paul McCartney and B.B. King had performed in the nation's capital.

House Passes Revised Children's Health Insurance Program
The House of Representatives passed a revised bill aimed at providing health care insurance to 10 million children Thursday but the changes failed to win enough Republican support to override a promised veto from President Bush.

Poker Players Push for a New Deal on Internet Gambling
You've got to know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em — and that means poker is a game of skill and not luck, a panel of lobbyists, academics and gamblers argued Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

Airlines: We'll Fight Federal Flight Caps at New York's JFK
The nation's major airlines threatened Tuesday to go to court or Congress to fight a federal proposal to cut flights at New York's delay-plagued John F. Kennedy International Airport by up to 20 percent.

Airlines Objecting to Federal Proposal to Cut Flights at New York's JFK
Delta Air Lines and other major carriers will lodge their objections Tuesday to what they call a federal proposal for "slashing operations" at delay-plagued John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

Democrats Fail to Override Bush Veto of S-CHIP Program
The Democratic majority in the House of Representatives failed Thursday to override President Bush's veto of legislation to expand a state-run, federally financed children's health insurance system and Republicans promptly called for bipartisan negotiations to continue the popular program.

Freshman Senator Tries to Ban Paid 'Line Standing' for Lobbyists outside Hearings
The bad news spilled like an overturned Thermos of stale coffee Wednesday morning, spreading down the line of professional placeholders sprawled against the wall beside a winding marble staircase on Capitol Hill.

'Smart Television Alliance' to Promote Positives on TV for Children
Don't fuss at your children for watching racy shows like "Cane" or "Entourage." Instead, join them in watching "Naked Science" or "Hannah Montana" and talk about what you saw, advocates of "good TV" urged Tuesday.

Hutchison Considering Running for Texas Governor in 2010
Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison said Tuesday that she is considering running for governor of Texas in 2010 and definitely will not seek re-election to the Senate when her term expires in 2012.

College Professors Say They Have Little Influence on Athletics
At universities with big-time football and basketball programs, professors know better than to step in front of the freight train of commercialized sports, a law school dean told the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics on Monday.

Professors Dissatisfied with Oversight Roles and Coaches' Salaries at Big Sports Schools
Three out of four professors at big-time sports universities believe the head football and basketball coaches at their schools are paid too much but nearly half of these faculty members think scholarship players aren't rewarded enough, a survey by the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics found.

Candidate Who Sees Triumph in His Father's Nuremberg Efforts Hopes for Equal Measure in Iowa
On a sunny April day in 2006, Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd asked his wife to take a walk beside the Connecticut River near their home in East Haddam.

Most Georgia Lawmakers Against Bill to Toughen Oversight of Contractors
A bill passed by the House to put private contractors working in combat zones for the State Department and other federal agencies under the jurisdiction of U.S. courts "was a knee-jerk reaction to recent events involving the Blackwater security firm" and not "well-thought out legislation," Rep. John Linder, R-Ga., said Friday.

Mitt's Campaign: Family Ties and Outside-the-Beltway Accomplishments
What kind of a name is "Mitt" anyway?

Democrats Block Vote on Georgian for FEC
Democratic Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin blocked a confirmation vote Thursday on former Fulton County Republican Party Chairman Hans von Spakovsky for the Federal Elections Commission.

Texas Authors Highlighted at National Book Festival
Erica McKewen, who lives in Austin, stamped thousands of little ink blue bonnets or armadillos Saturday on the Texas spot on the United States map that children brought to the state's table at the National Book Festival.

Ohio Authors Highlighted at National Book Festival
Merce Robinson, who works for the Cleveland public library, stuck thousands of gold stars Saturday on the Ohio spot on the United States map that children brought to the state's table at the National Book Festival.

Florida Authors Highlighted at National Book Festival
Eileen McNally, who lives in Fort Lauderdale, stamped thousands of little pink flamingoes Saturday on the Florida spot on the United States map that children brought to the state's table at the National Book Festival.

Georgia Authors Highlighted at National Book Festival
Maggie Ivory, who lives in Stone Mountain, stamped thousands of little ink peaches Saturday on Georgia's spot on the United States map that children brought to the state's table at the National Book Festival.

Newt Faces Steep Hurdle in Raising $30 Million Bar He's Set
It would take 6,522 supporters giving the maximum legal campaign donation of $4,600 for Newt Gingrich to raise the $30 million that the former House speaker from Georgia says could convince him to run for president.

Georgia Senators Urge Temporary Extension of Insurance Program for Kids
Georgia's senators called Wednesday for an 18-month extension of the federal health insurance system for low-income children to make sure there is no loss of coverage if President Bush follows through on his threat to veto legislation to expand the program.

Morehouse President Joins Cosby to Fight Cradle-to-Prison Pipeline
Morehouse College President Robert Michael Franklin Jr. joined comedian Bill Cosby on Tuesday in urging parents to keep their sons out of the "cradle-to-prison pipeline" where African-American boys now have a one-in-three chance of spending time behind bars.

Gingrich Handicaps Race, Says He May Still Join It
Announcing as a presidential candidate on Jay Leno's late night TV show — as Republican and former actor Fred Thompson did recently — "is just goofy," Newt Gingrich said Thursday.

Texas Lawmaker Vows Republicans Will Sustain Bush Veto on SCHIP
Texas Rep. Joe Barton guaranteed that House Republicans would sustain a veto of Democrat-sponsored legislation to expand federal funding for children's health insurance Wednesday and urged other lawmakers to temporarily continue the popular program due to expire at the end of this month.

Former NFL Players Call for More Benefits for Retired and Injured Players
Conrad Dobler, a retired St. Louis Cardinals offensive guard once known as the dirtiest player in the National Football League, leaned heavily on a cane Tuesday as he limped to a seat in the crowded Senate committee room.

Protesters, War Supporters Descend on Washington
Charlie Jackson, a 48-year-old anti-war activist from Austin, waved the Texas state flag in front of the White House Saturday to rally opposition to the Iraq policy of the Texan who lives inside.

Money for a Newt Campaign Coming into Group That Newt Insists Is Not Part of His Campaign
An organization called "Draft Newt" is urging supporters who want Newt Gingrich to run for president to contribute to the former House speaker's policy group, which is outside of federal campaign finance control and Gingrich insists is not a campaign group.

Mattel CEO Defends Toy Manufacturing Operations in China
Questioned by Senators Wednesday about recent recalls of unsafe toys, the head of Mattel Inc. defended his company's decision to make 65 percent of its products for children in China.

World War II Airmen Buried at Arlington
Six decades after their plane crashed on a World War II mission, the remains of ten airmen were laid to rest Friday as bugle notes drifted over this garden of stone.

History Buffs and Bargain Hunters Flock to Watergate Sale
Dub this one "Logo-gate."

Report Finds Growing Proportion of Minority Students in Colorado Public Schools
As minorities continue to increase their share of America's population, white students are less likely to attend nearly all-white public schools, while African-American and Hispanic students are more likely to attend nearly all-minority schools, the Pew Hispanic Center reported Thursday.

Report Finds Growing Proportion of Minority Students in North Carolina Public Schools
As minorities continue to increase their share of America's population, white students are less likely to attend nearly all-white public schools, while African-American and Hispanic students are more likely to attend nearly all-minority schools, the Pew Hispanic Center reported Thursday.

Report Finds Growing Proportion of Minority Students in Florida Public Schools
As minorities continue to increase their share of America's population, white students are less likely to attend nearly all-white public schools, while African-American and Hispanic students are more likely to attend nearly all-minority schools, the Pew Hispanic Center reported Thursday.

Report Finds Growing Proportion of Minority Students in Texas Public Schools
As minorities continue to increase their share of America's population, white students are less likely to attend nearly all-white public schools, while African-American and Hispanic students are more likely to attend nearly all-minority schools, the Pew Hispanic Center reported Thursday.

Report Finds Growing Proportion of Minority Students in Ohio Public Schools
As minorities continue to increase their share of America's population, white students are less likely to attend nearly all-white public schools, while African-American and Hispanic students are more likely to attend nearly all-minority schools, the Pew Hispanic Center reported Thursday.

Report Finds Growing Proportion of Minority Students in Georgia Public Schools
As minorities continue to increase their share of America's population, white students are less likely to attend nearly all-white public schools, while African-American and Hispanic students are more likely to attend nearly all-minority schools, the Pew Hispanic Center reported Thursday.

Groups Sue, Saying Mexican Trucks about to Gain Access to U.S. Highways
The Teamsters Union, environmentalists and traffic safety advocates went to federal court Wednesday seeking to stop the Bush administration from opening U.S. highways to Mexican trucks as early as this weekend.

Ohio Ranks 15th in U.S. Adult Obesity
On a state-by-state fat scale, Ohio ranks 15th in the adult rate of obesity and 22nd for youths ages 10 through 17, a health report released Tuesday found.

North Carolina Ranks 17th in Most Obese U.S. Adults
Hold the biscuits and sawmill gravy, y'all! America's fattest state populations are in Dixie — including North Carolina, which ranks 17th in the adult rate of obesity and 5th for youths ages 10 through 17, a health report released Tuesday found.

Texas Ranks 12th in U.S. Adult Obesity
Hold the chicken-fried steak and cream gravy, y'all! Ten of America's 15 fattest state populations are in Dixie — including Texas, which ranks 12th in the adult rate of obesity and 6th for youths aged 10 through 17, a health report released Tuesday found.

Georgia Ranks 14th in U.S. Adult Obesity
Hold the grits and gravy, y'all! Ten of America's 15 fattest state populations are in Dixie — including Georgia, which ranks 14th in the adult rate of obesity and 12th for youths ages 10 through 17, a health report released Tuesday found.

Floridians a Bit Leaner Than Their Southern Counterparts, Study Finds
Although most of America's fattest state populations are in Dixie, Florida is comparably fit, ranking 34th in the adult rate of obesity and 21st for youths ages 10 through 17, a health report released Tuesday found.

Poverty Rate Declines for First Time in a Decade, Study Finds
The nation's official poverty rate declined last year for the first time this decade, the Census Bureau reported Tuesday.

Gingrich Policy Group Returns Colo. Foundation Donation
Newt Gingrich's policy organization has returned $50,000 to an educational and charity group that could not legally make a political contribution, a spokesman for the former House Speaker said Monday.

Gingrich Pooling Big Money outside Campaign Restrictions
While not a declared presidential candidate, Newt Gingrich's policy organization is raising and spending money in campaignlike proportions but outside of federal political funding restrictions.

Census Finds 6 'Majority-Minority' Counties in Florida
Following a national trend, the populations of six Florida counties — including Miami-Dade and Broward — are "majority-minority," with non-Hispanic white residents outnumbered by African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and other members of racial and ethnic minorities, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

2006 Census Shows Georgia Has 17 'Majority-Minority' Counties
Following a national trend, the populations of 17 Georgia counties are "majority minority" with non-Hispanic white residents outnumbered by African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and other members of racial and ethnic minorities, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

North Carolina Has 14 'Majority-Minority' Counties, Census Says
Following a national trend, the populations of 14 North Carolina counties — including Greene County — are "majority-minority," with non-Hispanic white residents outnumbered by African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and other members of racial and ethnic minorities, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

Texas Has More 'Majority-Minority' Counties Than Other States
Leading a national trend, the populations of 43 Texas counties — the most of any state — are "majority minority," with non-Hispanic white residents outnumbered by African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and other members of racial and ethnic minorities, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

Gay Support Hurts Candidates with Voters in Key States, Poll Finds
Support for a presidential candidate by gay rights groups turns off more voters than it turns on in three "swing states" — but so does support by business groups, guns rights advocates and abortion rights activists, pollsters reported Wednesday.

At Least 1,120 Displaced Katrina Households Still in Austin
Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, there are still more than 1,120 displaced households from Louisiana living in Austin, Texas, the Louisiana State Recovery Corps reported Tuesday.

At Least 1,288 Displaced Katrina Households Still in Atlanta
Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, there are still more than 1,288 displaced households from Louisiana living in Atlanta, the Louisiana State Recovery Corps reported Tuesday.

House Passes Expansion of State-Run Health Program Aimed at Poor Children
The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to extend and expand federal funding for a state-run program that already provides health insurance for more than 300,000 poor children in Texas.

Texan in Congress Decries Birthright Citizenship
Congress, as a way to thwart illegal immigration, needs to stop bestowing citizenship upon all children born on American soil, Texas Rep. Lamar Smith said Monday.

Gonzales Faces Deep Skepticism During His Testimony Tuesday
"Liar! Liar!" screamed onlookers as Attorney General Alberto Gonzales testified Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

FEMA to Issue Warning That Its Trailers May Have Dangerous Toxin Levels
Pressed by an angry House committee, FEMA Administrator David Paulison promised Thursday to warn tens of thousands of displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina that they are living in agency trailers that may be contaminated with dangerously high levels of formaldehyde gas.

Lady Bird's Legacy Still Blooms in Washington
Sitting in the midday sunshine Thursday on a bench in Lady Bird Johnson Park, the lobbyist bit into a fully loaded hamburger and gazed across the Potomac River at the Washington Monument standing starkly white against an azure sky.

While Taylor Mostly Stays Mute, Miers Told Not to Testify on Attorneys at All
Former White House political director Sara M. Taylor testified Wednesday that she has no information that President Bush was involved in the firing of nine U.S. attorneys, which Democrats allege was politically motivated.

Red Tape Hurting Rebuilding Efforts, Gulf Coast Officials Say
After promising for nearly two years that the Gulf Coast would be rebuilt "better and stronger" after Hurricane Katrina, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said Tuesday that she has discovered "that might be against the law."

Retired Football Greats Press for More Disability Benefits
Retired and disabled National Football League players are too often "being treated like dogs in a callous and uncaring manner" by the league they helped create and by their own union, Mike Ditka told sympathetic lawmakers Tuesday.

Raichlen Invited to National Book Festival
The Library of Congress announced Friday that South Florida's Steven Raichlen — author of the "Barbecue Bible!" — is among the 70 writers selected to participate in the seventh annual National Book Festival.

Austin Author to Appear at National Book Festival
The Library of Congress announced Friday that Austin author Cynthia Leitich Smith is among the 70 writers selected to participate in the seventh annual National Book Festival.

Three Atlanta-Area Authors to Appear at Book Festival
The Library of Congress announced Friday that Atlanta authors Carmen Agra Deedy, Shelia P. Moses and Sanjay Gupta are among the 70 writers selected to participate in the seventh annual National Book Festival.

Political Texans among Best 'Mall Ball' Players
Bill Christian, who has been considerably more successful as coach of The RBIs of Texas than he was as a 2003 Republican congressional candidate from Midland, was revealing his strategies for fielding a championship softball team on Capitol Hill.

Blackberries and Political Banter Define 'Mall Ball'
At least Bobby Cox doesn't have to worry about his Atlanta Braves communicating with their real bosses via Blackberry between innings.

Politics and Puns in 'Mall Ball' League
In mall ball, the team's name is a big part of the game.

House Democrats Unveil Capitol 'Greening' Plan
Capitol Hill carpooling. Hybrids replacing limos. Locally grown and organic food for congressional cafeterias. Ethanol gas pumps. Low-flow showers in the lawmakers' gyms. Energy-efficient light bulbs for legislative all-nighters. Bike racks available for lobbyists. Laws written only on recycled paper.

Senate Zeroes In on New Orleans Crime Wave
Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, the city's failing justice system is attracting violent criminals the way the French Quarter once pulled in tourists, witnesses told the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

Texas State Bird's Population in Decline
The Texas population of mockingbirds — the official state bird — has declined by 18 percent over the past four decades, according to the National Audubon Society.

Ohio's Cardinals Thriving, against Decline Elsewhere
The Ohio population of cardinals — the official state bird — has grown slightly over the past four decades, according to the National Audubon Society.

North Carolina's Cardinals in Decline, Moving North
The North Carolina population of cardinals — the official state bird — has declined by 20 percent over the past four decades, according to the National Audubon Society.

Florida's Mockingbirds Decline by Nearly Half, Audubon Says
Florida's population of mockingbirds — the official state bird — has declined by 47 percent over the past four decades, according to the National Audubon Society.

Florida's Famed Hialeah Race Track Listed as 'Endangered'
Threatened by the sprawl of condos and commerce, picturesque Hialeah Park Race Course – famous for its pink flamingos and storied thoroughbreds – will be designated Thursday as one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Quirky Americana along Route 66 Listed as 'Endangered'
Preservationists are warning Thursday that coming generations of Americans won't be able to get their kicks on Route 66 unless steps are taken to save the aging neon-lit lodging beside the storied highway.

Few Austin Residents Use Public Transportation, Census Survey Shows
Like most American workers, commuters in Austin largely drive to work and almost all of them make the trip alone, the Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

Few Atlantans Use Public Transportation, Census Shows
It's no wonder Atlanta's roads are jammed during rush hours, Census Bureau data showed Wednesday.

Few West Palm Residents Use Public Transportation, Census Shows
Like most American workers, commuters in West Palm Beach largely drive to work and almost all of them make the trip alone, the Census Bureau reported Wednesday.

Center Reports Low State Use of Subsidized Summer Meals for Needy Kids
As vacation begins, only about one in ten of the low-income students who receive free school lunches in Ohio are participating in the Summer Nutrition Program, an anti-hunger advocacy group reported Monday.

Most Georgia Kids Eligible for Subsidized Summer Meals Not in Program
As vacation begins, fewer than one in seven of the low-income students who receive free school lunches in Georgia are participating in the Summer Nutrition Program, an anti-hunger advocacy group reported Monday.

TB Traveler Reveals Security Problems, Critics Charge
Atlanta attorney Andrew Speaker's ability to travel freely into and out of the United States despite orders to detain him because he is infected with incurable tuberculosis has exposed flaws in homeland security that could be exploited by terrorists, critics warned Friday.

Sweet Auburn Still Deemed Endangered by Historic Trust
Fifteen years after being named one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, Atlanta's "Sweet Auburn Avenue" is still described as endangered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

NTSB Faults Airline and FAA for 2005 Miami Beach Crash
The National Transportation Safety Board blamed faulty maintenance by Chalk's Ocean Airways and lax oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday for the crash of a 58-year-old seaplane that killed 20 people off Miami Beach in 2005.

Global Warming Could Threaten Southern Recreation
Golfers heading north to escape bug-infested, parched courses. Southern rivers reduced to muddy puddles too shallow for tubing. Beaches from Jekyll Island, Ga., to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., engulfed by a rising Atlantic Ocean.

House Passes Anti-Gas Price Gouging Bill
Defying White House opposition, the House of Representatives passed legislation Wednesday that would make gas price gouging a federal crime in times of an energy emergency.

House to Vote on Gas Price Gouging Bill
With prices at the pump and oil company profits both at record highs, the House of Representatives moved Tuesday to vote before the long Memorial Day weekend on a bill to make gas price gouging a federal crime.

Small Steps Can Make Big Dent in Gas Prices
Just changing their vehicle's dirty air filter could effectively knock 28 cents off the price of a gallon of gas for one in four American drivers, the Consumer Federation of America reported Monday.

Devout 'Class Cut-Up' Springs from Deep Well of Politics and Sport
What kind of a name is "Mitt" anyway?

 

Bob Dart
National correspondent
bobdart@coxnews.com

Bob Dart

Bob Dart began his journalism career covering combat engineer operations in Vietnam for military publications.

He spent two years as a reporter and editor for Today, the Gannett paper in Brevard County, Fla., and joined The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in November 1975.

During the next seven years he worked at various times as a copy editor, make-up editor, wire editor, roving national reporter and assistant city editor.

Dart was sent to the Washington bureau as the Atlanta regional correspondent in early 1983. He joined the national staff four years later.


Cox Newspapers
Washington Bureau

400 North Capitol St., N.W., Suite 750
Washington, D.C. 20001-1536
Phone: 202-331-0900
Reporter: Bob Dart