Nation briefs 9/7/06

Florence could become hurricane by weekend

MIAMI -- Tropical Storm Florence gained strength in the open Atlantic on Wednesday and could become a hurricane by the weekend, but forecasters said it was too soon to tell whether it would reach the United States. Florence had sustained wind near 50 mph Wednesday, over the 39 mph threshold for a tropical storm. National Hurricane Center forecasters said it could strengthen into a hurricane as early as today. At 4 p.m., the storm was centered about 1,900 miles southeast of Miami, and was moving toward the west-northwest about 9 mph. Florence's center was about 1,240 miles southeast of Bermuda on Wednesday.

Polygamist sect leader makes court appearance

ST. GEORGE, Utah -- Looking pale and gaunt in a green-striped jail uniform, polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs made his first appearance in a Utah court via closed-circuit TV Wednesday on charges he arranged a marriage between an underage girl and an older man. Jeffs, 50, is charged with two counts of rape as an accomplice. The charges carry up to life in prison. The hearing was conducted via video, with Jeffs in jail and the judge in the county courthouse in St. George. The judge set a preliminary hearing for Sept. 19, at which time the issue of bail will be addressed. Jeffs said little during the proceeding. He said his Nevada lawyer is helping him find an attorney in Utah.

Senate rejects restraints on cluster bombs

WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Wednesday rejected a move by Democrats to stop the Pentagon from using cluster bombs near civilian targets and to cut off sales unless purchasers abide by the same rules. On a 70-30 vote, the Senate defeated an amendment to a Pentagon budget bill to block use of the deadly munitions near populated areas.

High flu shot production rate may ease waiting

ATLANTA -- About 75 million doses of flu vaccine should be in most doctor's offices and clinics by the end of October -- a near record amount that should prevent flu shot rationing this year, health officials said Wednesday. Overall, more than 100 million doses are expected over the next several months, beating the 95 million manufactured in 2002. "There may still be some lines, but we really think this is promising," said Dr. Anne Schuchat, who heads immunization programs for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The best time for vaccination is in October or November, before the flu season typically begins, CDC officials said. In 2004, production problems at one manufacturer caused severe shortages and hours-long lines for shots. Last September, tight supplies caused doctors to limit shots at first to people at risk of severe complications. "This year, we're not asking people to step aside or hold off. We think people who want to be vaccinated can be vaccinated right away," Schuchat said. The last time early-season supplies were as plentiful was 2003, when more than 80 million doses were distributed by the end of October. Last year, about 60 million doses were distributed by that point.

-- From wire reports