The Week July 10-16

NATION

No Invasion -- Just Yet

U.S. Marines began rehearsing an emergency evacuation of all American citizens from Haiti, but in Washington the invasion scenarios faded -- for now. Sam Nunn, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, cautioned against military action, saying Haiti, though clearly important, was not a "vital" American interest. Meanwhile, 104 human-rights monitors were expelled by Haiti's military regime for allegedly disrupting security on the island, and U.S. embassy officials investigating reports of a massacre found the remains of 12 men in shallow graves just outside Port-au-Prince.

Friendly-Fire Report

A Pentagon investigation of the downing of two U.S. Army helicopters by Air Force fighter jets over northern Iraq determined that the accident was caused by multiple human errors. "It's a tragedy that never should have happened," said Defense Secretary William Perry at a news conference. All 26 people aboard the two helicopters were killed.

The Flood Recedes

Georgia's Flint River crested at 37.15 ft. in Bainbridge, well below the 45- ft. levels that had been predicted. But the statewide death toll rose to 32. Surveying the scene from a helicopter, President Clinton announced a $60 million aid package for the stricken areas of Georgia, Alabama and Florida.

Fingering the Glove?

Initial DNA tests on the bloody leather glove found at O.J. Simpson's estate strongly suggested a match with the blood of victims Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman but failed to show any definitive link to Simpson's blood, according to a source close to the Simpson case. Police confirmed that they had found Simpson's passport and $10,000 in Al Cowlings' Ford Bronco after the famous freeway chase.

Admiral's Promotion Denied

Is the post-Tailhook Navy being overly sensitive to political correctness? Absolutely not, said Naval Operations Chief Jeremy Boorda, as he explained why the Navy had withdrawn its prime candidate for the Pacific command. Boorda argued that a lengthy (and possibly hostile) Senate confirmation hearing for Admiral Stanley Arthur, who has been criticized for his handling of a high- profile sexual-harassment case, would leave a dangerous command vacancy that must be filled as soon as possible.

Makeover for the Greenback

In a move to counter domestic and overseas counterfeiting, the Treasury is giving U.S. paper currency its first new look in 65 years. Larger portraits, color-shifting ink that goes from green to gold depending on the viewing angle, computer-designed interactive patterns that turn wavy when copied, and machine-detectable fibers embedded in the paper are just a few of the high- tech tricks intended to foil counterfeiters. First candidate for the makeover is the $100 bill, now the easiest to copy.

Zapping the Burger

Federal health officials recommended that at least some of the nation's ground beef be irradiated to kill off virulent new strains of bacteria. The Food and Drug Administration has approved irradiation of poultry and some dairy products.

Travels of Tabitha

After 12 days, 32,000 airborne miles and last-minute advice from a psychic, Tabitha, the flying feline, was reunited with her owner. The striped tabby had secreted herself in the ceiling of the plane's cargo hold.