Washington, D.C.

Senate rejects effort on Amtrak funding

The Senate narrowly rejected a measure to restore more than $1 billion in funding for Amtrak on Wednesday, upholding President Bush’s plan to force the struggling rail line into bankruptcy and restructuring.

In the 52-46 vote, most Democrats and four Republicans urged continued federal sponsorship, arguing that urban and rural travelers across the country, and especially in poor areas, rely heavily on the train service.

Bush administration officials have argued that the federal government must stop subsidizing passenger rail service and force Amtrak to shut down little-used routes.

New York City

Firefighters to sit out St. Patrick’s parade

If they can’t march in green, hundreds of firefighters won’t march at all.

In response to a fire department order prohibiting its members from wearing their customary green berets during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a group of firefighters of the 14th Battalion in the Bronx will watch from the sidelines today — clad in their traditional holiday headgear and civilian clothes, several firefighters said Wednesday.

“It was a matter of pride,” Firefighter Jim McCarthy told reporters. “It’s a demonstration of Irish heritage and it’s one of the things we hold dear.”

The fire department issued an order on March 4 declaring that only the blue dress uniform, including the official uniform cap, could be worn during the parade.

Texas

Scientists see possible mercury-autism link

Texas researchers have found a possible link between autism and mercury in the air and water.

Studying individual school districts in Texas, the epidemiologists found that those districts with the highest levels of mercury in the environment also have the highest rates of special education students and autism diagnoses.

The study does not prove that mercury causes autism, cautioned the lead author, Raymond F. Palmer of the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, but it provides “provocative” clues that should be further investigated.

“Mercury is a known neurotoxin,” said Dr. Isaac Pessah of the University of California-Davis’ MIND Institute, who was not involved in the study. “It’s rather intriguing that the correlation is so positive. It makes one worry.”

Arkansas

Fire destroys black museum site

A fire early Wednesday in Little Rock destroyed the former headquarters of a major black social organization, which was to be remodeled into a museum on black life.

The fire began at about 2 a.m., eventually leading to the three-story building’s collapse. The cause of the fire was not immediately determined. Some nearby buildings had minor damage.

“It does not look like it was intentionally set,” Little Rock Fire Capt. J.D. Free said.

Built in 1911, the building was the national headquarters for the Mosaic Templars, which had chapters in 26 states as well as six foreign countries.

The Mosaic Templars Building Preservation Society announced a campaign last summer to raise money for a planned $8.6 million renovation. The state Department of Heritage was to oversee the museum.

No archives or collection items were stored inside, and the project will go forward, said Heather Register, assistant director and curator of the state Department of Heritage.

Iowa

Lawmakers restrict pseudoephedrine sales

Lawmakers in Des Moines on Wednesday approved a measure placing new restrictions on access to pseudoephedrine, an ingredient in common cold medicine that’s also used in the production of the highly addictive drug methamphetamine.

Gov. Tom Vilsack promised to sign the legislation.

Under the measure, retail stores would be able to sell each customer only a single package of liquid gel capsules or liquid medicine containing pseudoephedrine in dosages under 360 milligrams — about the amount contained in children’s cold medicines. Those medicines must be kept under lock until sold.

All other medicines containing the chemical would be allowed to be sold only through a pharmacy.

The bill will take effect 60 days after Vilsack signs it.