Washington, D.C.: U.N. proposal revised

The Bush administration will submit a revised resolution to the U.N. Security Council today that makes clear that Iraq must disarm or face the threat of U.S. military action.

While the proposed draft contains some changes to reflect the views of other nations, it does not handcuff President Bush in dealing with Iraq’s defiance, a senior U.S. official said.

The revised language could meet concerns by France and Russia that Council approval might automatically trigger an attack on Iraq.

Washington, D.C.: Bush sends Ramadan wishes

President Bush sent his “best wishes for a blessed time” on Tuesday to Muslims preparing to celebrate Ramadan, their faith’s holy month of daytime fasting.

Calling Islam “a peace-loving faith,” Bush celebrated the diversity that the millions of American Muslims bring to the United States and praised Muslim nations that support the U.S. war against terror.

“Muslims observe this month by renewing their dedication to caring for those in need, doing good deeds, and strengthening family and community ties,” Bush said in a statement. “These actions reflect many of the values that Muslims share with people of other faiths across our nation and around the world, including courage, compassion and service.”

Alabama: Storms kill at least two

Violent storms rolled Tuesday through southern Alabama, killing at least two people and injuring 25, authorities said.

The National Weather Service said a tornado touched down in Abbeville, doing serious damage to a high school and several homes.

Probate Court Judge Lamar Turner said the tornado temporarily knocked out power in the courthouse and damaged a National Guard armory where voters had come to cast ballots.

Turner, who is responsible for elections, said police immediately closed roads in the area and commissioners had to go out and pick up the ballots at polling places. A few ballots had to be counted by hand because of the power outage, he said.