Poll- Public support for Medicare bill wavers

WASHINGTON -- The American public initially supports Medicare legislation providing help with prescription drugs, but that support fades when presented with criticism of the bill signed into law this year, a poll released Saturday suggests. Asked whether they support "a Medicare bill which among other things provides prescription drug coverage and allows private companies to provide some services," almost two-thirds, 63 percent, said yes, according to the poll by the National Annenberg Election Survey. After hearing arguments suggesting the bill won't help seniors much, only one in five of the total sample -- 21 percent --supported it. The poll of 1,615 adults was taken from Dec. 8-23.

Feds see fewer green card lottery entries

NEW YORK -- There have been less than half the usual number of entries for the green card lottery this year, and immigrants' advocates blame a new rule requiring hopefuls to apply by computer. As the Dec. 30 deadline nears, the government has received 5 million applications, compared with as many as 13 million in previous years, The New York Times reported Saturday. Government officials say the new computer-only policy has prevented fraud and duplicate applications, resulting in the lower number of entries. But advocates argue that potential applicants do not have access to the computers, scanners and Internet connections needed to enter.

Probe: Weather Service installed faulty radar

WASHINGTON -- The National Weather Service bought and installed defective equipment designed to keep power flowing to storm-detecting radar, then quietly replaced the problem system by paying the same contractor for replacements, government documents show. An internal investigation has concluded Weather Service officials "seriously mishandled" the contract by paying for the failed units, rather than forcing the contractor to cover the costs as a government lawyer had repeatedly urged.

Bush, Democrats give holiday messages

President Bush saluted two groups of people Saturday for embodying the Christmas spirit: military personnel and volunteers. "By serving a cause greater than themselves, Americans spread hope in our country, and they make our nation better, one life at a time," he said. The Democrats' weekly radio address offered a similar tribute to troops serving overseas. "To these members of our American family, we pray for your safe return and extend our gratitude for your service," said Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack.

Mall walkers slowed by homeland security

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The latest homeland security alert has tripped up mall walkers at two Quad-City area malls. Officials at NorthPark Mall, in Davenport, and SouthPark Mall, in Moline, Ill., have restricted the hours that mall walkers can get their daily exercise, circling the inside of the shopping centers. Starting Monday, the malls won't open their doors to the early bird walkers until 9 a.m. It used to let them in at 7 a.m., and the change has some mall walkers fuming. "Most of the walkers are seniors; we're early risers. I don't know how some of us can adjust to beginning our mall walks at 9 o'clock," said Joan McHenry of Davenport.

-- From wire reports