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This is a partial transcript from “The Journal Editorial Report,” January 28, 2006, that was edited for clarity. PAUL GIGOT, HOST: The Bush administration mounted a vigorous defense this week of its warrant-less wiretapping program, hoping to bolster public support for a policy that many on the left are hoping …

NEW YORK – The Dow Jones industrial average closed above the 11,000-point mark Tuesday, clinging to a milestone it reached Monday for the first time in 4 1/2 years, despite disappointing results from Alcoa Inc. (AA) and a profit warning from Phelps Dodge Corp. (PD). The technology-laced Nasdaq Composite index …

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A judge will hold a hearing Wednesday on whether to release grand jury testimony given in The Station nightclub fire case. The attorney general’s office has filed a petition seeking the release of the testimony, which is considered secret under the law. A state grand jury was …

KABUL, Afghanistan – A bomber targeted a NATO convoy in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, injuring two NATO soldiers and two civilians, officials said. The blast struck the convoy in Kandahar city, injuring the soldiers and damaging two of their vehicles, said Capt. Andre Salloum, an alliance spokesman. Two civilians were …

HAMBURG, Germany – German authorities said Sunday they have found traces of the rare radioactive substance polonium-210 at an apartment visited by a contact of poisoned ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko before they met in London. Prosecutors said they were investigating Dmitry Kovtun on initial suspicion of improper handling of radioactive material, …

PHILADELPHIA – Everyone knows smoking is a bad idea, but those who can’t give it up may get a little protection from exercise, a study suggests. In a study of older women, researchers found that a physically active smoker had a 35 percent lower risk of lung cancer than a …

One of Britney Spears‘ most popular fan Web sites is shutting down, suggesting the disgraced pop queen may be losing her subjects’ support, reported TMZ.com. WorldofBritney.com — which has followed Spears and everything associated with her since 2000 — will die, according to celebrity gossip site TMZ. Click here for …

GOLDEN, Colo – An explosion at an electrical transformer rattled the foothills west of Denver early Tuesday near an old uranium mine, authorities said. Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies confirmed the explosion was in a transformer on a private road near the inactive mine, spokesman Jim Shires said. There were no …

SAN FRANCISCO – Federal agents continue to eavesdrop on Americans’ electronic communications abroad without warrants a year after President Bush confirmed the practice, and experts say a new Congress’ efforts to limit the program could trigger a constitutional showdown. High-ranking Democrats set to take control of both chambers are mulling …

SAN DIEGO – A Marine captain has been told he will be criminally charged in connection with the killing of 24 civilians in the Iraqi town of Haditha, his attorney said Monday. Capt. Lucas McConnell, 31, was told by his commanding officer that he will be charged with dereliction of …