Free Republic

REDLANDS Federal investigators probing Rep. Jerry Lewis' ties to lobbyists are looking into a land deal that put nearly 41 pristine acres in the congressman's neighborhood off-limits to developers, The Associated Press has learned. The land was given to the city of Redlands by Jack and Laura Dangermond, who have donated generously to Lewis. The Dangermonds founded and run a company Environmental Systems Research Institute Inc. of Redlands that has gotten tens of millions of dollars' worth of contracts through the powerful House Appropriations Committee that Lewis, a Republican, now chairs. One government contract came months after the land donation....

No charges in fatal fight involving Daley's nephew May 26, 2004 BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter No charges will be filed in connection with a fight outside a Division Street bar that led to the death of a Mount Prospect man -- not because Mayor Daley's nephew was involved, but because there is insufficient evidence, Chicago Police Superintendent Phil Cline said Tuesday. David Koschman, 21, died May 6 from head injuries suffered 11 days earlier, when he allegedly fell backward and hit his head on the pavement after being punched or pushed to the ground during a sidewalk scrap...

NEW YORK (AP) - Former President Clinton said a coalition of American-backed international troops will be necessary in achieving peace in the Middle East. Clinton told about 2,000 Hunter College students that the world's greatest challenge is working toward an agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians. He said that will require a coalition of American, Russian and European troops. "I do believe it will have to be, if not imposed, at least strongly pushed," he said. "I believe it will require international forces ... and I think we ought to show up and do it." Clinton received a celebrity reception...