McDougal Goes to Prison

James McDougal, President Clinton's former business partner in the failed Whitewater real estate deal, today began serving a three-year prison sentence for fraud and conspiracy. McDougal reported to the Federal Medical Center Institution in Lexington, Ky. McDougal, convicted along with his former wife, Susan, and former Arkansas Gov. Jim Guy Tucker, could have received more than 80 years in prison. But he cooperated with investigators looking into the affairs of the president and first lady and subsequently received a reduced sentence. Susan McDougal has been in jail since September for refusing to answer questions from a Whitewater grand jury.

More Trouble for McVeigh

Timothy McVeigh's legal troubles may not end in Denver. Oklahoma City District Attorney Robert Macy said today his state plans to press forward with plans to try McVeigh there for the deaths of 160 of the 168 people killed in the April 19, 1995 federal building bombing. In his federal trial, McVeigh was convicted of murdering the eight federal agents who were working in the building. Macy today expressed concern that the federal conviction could be overturned on appeal. Macy also noted that he wants to honor a promise he made to the people of Oklahoma City to bring the alleged bombers to trial in Oklahoma.

Negotiators Pursue Tobacco Deal

Sources close to the talks say state attorneys general are optimistic they can close a settlement agreement with the tobacco industry this week. The sources, who asked not to be identified, said some negotiators hope to have a proposal to the White House as soon as tomorrow or Wednesday. The settlement talks resumed today in Washington. The attorneys general represent states that have filed lawsuits seeking billions of dollars in reimbursement from cigarette makers for the cost of treating smoking-related illnesses. The sources say some problem areas such as punitive damages in lawsuits against the industry are not resolved.

Limited Abortion Ban Upheld

A ruling today by a divided Supreme Court upholds a Montana statute that prohibits licensed physician assistants from performing abortions. The 6-3 ruling sets aside a federal appeals court ruling against the prohibition. The decision could have a broad impact as 40 states other than Montana have laws restricting abortions to doctors. In a separate case, the high court reaffirmed a woman's right to chose by rejecting an attempt by the state of Utah to ban abortions by women more than 20 weeks pregnant.

N. Ireland Jolted Again

Violence has flared again in Northern Ireland. Irish Republican Army guerrillas shot and killed two policemen in an ambush in a town southwest of Belfast. Officials say the officers were on routine foot patrol when the IRA gunmen shot them at close range. Britain and Ireland condemned the attack and British Prime Minister Tony Blair London imposed another ban on contact with the IRA's Sinn Fein political arm. The White House said the United States was outraged by what it called an outrageous act of cowardice and terrorism.

US Pursuing Gulf Illness Matter

Defense Secretary William Cohen says he will pursue all possible links between biological weapons and the health problems of thousands of American veterans of the Gulf War. Cohen made his comment one day after The New York Times said a congressional report concluded that Iraqi chemical weapons may be to blame for what's come to be known as Gulf War syndrome. The report by the General Accounting Office was harshly critical of a White House panel and the Pentagon for discounting any connection between the health problems and biological agents. Cohen is in the Middle East today.

Mideast Toll Rises

The casualty count from the latest Middle East violence is rising. Witnesses and hospital officials in the West Bank town of Hebron now say at least 38 Palestinians were wounded by Israeli soldiers today. It's the third straight day of fighting between Palestinians who threw rocks and firebombs and soldiers who fired back with rubber bullets. The violence flared up during the weekend in response to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives urging President Clinton to recognize Arab East Jerusalem as part of Israel's undivided capital.

Flood Damage in Idaho

Melting snowpack from record winter storms slowed today, but rushing waters off the mountains continued to push the Snake River and other waterways over their banks in eastern and central Idaho. Officials report water-logged crops and flooded homes and businesses as Gov. Phil Batt visited damaged towns and toured affected cropland by helicopter. In Jefferson County alone, more than 13,000 acres are under water. More than 300 people have been evacuated and crop losses are in the millions of dollars.

US Murder Fugitive Nabbed

The FBI says Ira Einhorn, a 1960's counterculture figure and fugitive from murder charges in Philadelphia, has been arrested in France. Einhorn, 57, jumped bail and fled the United States in 1981 before he was scheduled to stand trial for the 1977 murder of his girlfriend. Her mummified body had been found in 1979 in a trunk in Einhorn's home. He pleaded not guilty, saying he'd been framed. The FBI says Einhorn was arrested at a converted windmill in Bordeaux, where he was living under an assumed name. He was convicted in absentia and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Chicago Honors NBA Bulls

Chicago cheered loudly one more time this season for the Bulls as an estimated 225,000 people turned out today for a rally to mark the team's fifth National Basketball Association title in seven years. Despite a rainy morning, Grant Park was packed with appreciative fans whose loyalty was rewarded with clearing skies before Michael Jordan and his teammates arrived at the bandshell holding the team's five gleaming NBA title trophies. Chicago beat Utah in six games. No team in major professional sports has won more championships in this decade.

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