Military to take lead in disaster response

The lessons from Hurricane Katrina require that the military assume a greater role during major disasters, said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Security Paul McHale. But McHale stressed that active-duty troops would be used only for "catastrophic" events and would not be pulled into responding to the more than 50 storms, floods and hurricanes that require federal disaster assistance each year.

Last month, President Bush said during a nationally televised address from New Orleans that he would seek a larger role for the active-duty military in responding to domestic disasters.

Attorney, union dispute beating

A police union official and a lawyer for officers accused in the beating of a retired teacher yesterday sharply disputed the man's contention he was brutalized during his arrest, which was captured on video.

Attorney Frank DeSalvo said the video shows a truncated version of Saturday night's arrest and he disputed details that the video shot by Associated Press Television News appears to have captured, including whether the 64-year-old suspect was punched in the face. "I see an incident of a man trying to be brought under control who doesn't want to be brought under control," DeSalvo said.

The man who was beaten, Robert Davis, pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of public intoxication, resisting arrest, battery on a police officer and public intimidation. Davis has described himself as a recovering substance abuser who has not had a drink in 25 years. His lawyer asked prosecutors to dismiss charges, but his trial was set for Jan. 18.

Washington

CIA to keep top role on overseas spying

The CIA will retain its role as chief coordinator of overseas spying by U.S. intelligence agencies under a plan approved by the White House that sources said was scheduled to be announced today.

The plan envisions creation of a National Clandestine Service within the CIA under Director Porter Goss, sources said. The chief of the new service will supervise the CIA's human intelligence operations and coordinate — but not direct — similar activities undertaken abroad by other parts of the intelligence community, including the FBI and Defense Department agencies.

Alleged joy rider on charter jet held

A man was arrested on charges of stealing a charter jet and taking it on a 350-mile joy ride from Florida to Georgia, police said yesterday.

Daniel Andrew Wolcott, 22, of Buford was charged with felony theft and misdemeanor reckless conduct, police said, adding that additional federal charges were expected.

Investigators said they made the arrest after interviewing five people who said they were on the 10-passenger, $7 million Cessna Citation 7 when Wolcott flew it.

Compiled from The Associated Press, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.