Secret Court to Govern Wiretapping Plan  —  The Justice Department announced today that the National Security Agency's controversial warrantless surveillance program has been placed under the authority of a secret surveillance court, marking an abrupt change in approach by the Bush administration after more than a year of heated debate.

Libby Jury Selection Seen as Challenge  —  To see just how small a town Washington really is, drop in on jury selection at the trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, where nearly every candidate so far seems to have some connection to the players or events surrounding the leak of an undercover CIA officer's identity.

Did Specter Give WH Power to Replace Prosecutors?  —  In order to replace several U.S. Attorneys with handpicked successors, the Bush Administration has relied on a tiny, obscure provision tucked into last year's USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act.  —  How did it get there?

An Apology to Detainees' Attorneys  —  During a radio interview last week, I brought up the topic of pro bono work and habeas corpus representation of detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  Regrettably, my comments left the impression that I question the integrity of those engaged in the zealous defense of detainees in Guantanamo.

Dodd Introduces Bill to Cap U.S. Troops in Iraq  —  Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) announced legislation today capping the number of troops in Iraq at roughly 130,000, saying that lawmakers should take an up-or-down vote on President Bush's plan to send additional troops to the country …

Iowa Dems favor Edwards, GOP Favors Giuliani, McCain  —  Zogby's Road To New Hampshire telephone polling series kicks off with Hillary in a second-tier dogfight and Republicans split between conservative Gingrich and moderate candidates  —  Zogby's Newest Polling Packages Available Now for Purchase …

Oil Lease Chief Knew of Error, Report Asserts  —  A top Interior Department official was told nearly three years ago about a legal blunder that allowed drilling companies to avoid billions of dollars in payments for oil and gas pumped from publicly owned waters, a report by the department's chief independent investigator has found.

'Extraordinary heroism' of helicopter rescue bid  —  Four Royal Marines flew into a battle zone clinging to the outside of helicopter gunships in a bid to rescue a fallen comrade, the Ministry of Defence has revealed.  —  Unwilling to leave behind one of their number following a retreat …

Shakeup: Kerry spokesman plays down staff changes, but admits they may be factor in 2008  —  Kerry hires two more at DC office, promotes communications chief  —  The Democrats' 2004 presidential nominee has added two new members to his Washington Senate staff and promoted his Communications Director …

What's Wrong With Vocational School?  —  Too many Americans are going to college.  —  The topic yesterday was education and children in the lower half of the intelligence distribution.  Today I turn to the upper half, people with IQs of 100 or higher.  Today's simple truth is that far …

In poll, Jindal bests Blanco in new battle for governor  —  Voters' perceptions of pair appear set  —  BATON ROUGE — U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal would handily defeat Gov. Kathleen Blanco if a rematch of their 2003 governor's race were held today, according to an independent survey that also suggests …