Kansas City, Mo.

Democrat Dean visits K.C.

Howard Dean attacked President Bush for his handling of the economy and the war in Iraq and took a few shots at his fellow Democratic presidential hopefuls during a fund-raising stop Wednesday night.

“This campaign is about taking America back for ordinary Americans,” he told about 250 people in a 20-minute speech at the Uptown Theater.

Dean said the biggest issue in the 2004 presidential campaign would be jobs.

“No Republican has balanced the budget in this country in 34 years,” he said. “Borrow and spend … that’s the motto of this president.”

In fund-raising reports released Wednesday, the former Vermont governor led the Democratic field with nearly $15 million raised and about $12 million on hand for the quarter that ended Sept 30.

Washington, D.C.

Two indicted on charges of selling gunboats to Iraq

A father and son of Iraqi descent were indicted in federal court on charges of illegally attempting to bypass an arms embargo and brokering an $11 million deal to sell six gunboats to Saddam Hussein’s military in Iraq, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Federal Homeland Security agents, who have been inspecting military weapons and munitions in Baghdad since the war in Iraq began in March, said they expected the arms violation charges filed against Sabri Yakou, 69, and his son, Regard Yakou, 43, to be the first of many against Americans who helped Iraq obtain illegal weapons.

Washington, D.C.

Panel advises lifting ban on silicone-gel breast implants

Eleven years after most silicone-gel breast implants were prohibited, government advisers recommended on Wednesday that the ban be lifted despite lingering questions about safety and durability.

But the Food and Drug Administration’s advisers urged that Inamed Corp.’s sales be allowed only under certain conditions, including ensuring that all users get detailed brochures explaining the devices’ known risks — such as a need for frequent operations for pain or breakage.

The vote was 9-6. The FDA must still make a final decision, but it usually follows the panel’s recommendation.