They recommend alternate solutions such as releasing more prisoners on electronic monitoring devices. Efforts to arrange a meeting between Secretary of State Colin Powell and Yasser Arafat remained on hold. In a boost to President Bush's domestic agenda, the House approved sweeping education legislation Wednesday that for the first time would tie federal aid to improvements in students' test scores. He said he supported the exiled Buddhist leader's efforts to begin talking with Chinese leaders about preserving Tibet's religious and cultural identity. Afghan Hindus expressed dismay and sadness Wednesday at new requirements from the Taliban leadership that they wear a yellow piece of cloth on their shirt pockets to set them apart from Muslims.
Critics say it is an attempt to demean gay relationships.
Speaker Walter Freed had to break a 69-69 tie to advance the proposal to a final vote today. Democratic Gov. Howard Dean has said he would veto a repeal of civil unions. Tipsville . . .