In the Nation

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - For the second time in less than a year, evangelist Billy Graham has been hospitalized in Asheville, N.C., this time for a suspected case of bronchitis.

The 93-year-old was admitted Saturday night to Mission Hospital. He again is being treated by pulmonologist David Pucci, and was resting comfortably Sunday.

Graham was said to be alert and in good spirits when admitted and is now receiving antibiotics. Spokesman Larry Ross said the hospital expected to treat Graham for several days.

When Graham developed a fever and cough Saturday night, doctors decided on the more aggressive step of hospitalization to try to keep the infection from worsening. Ross said the evangelist seemed "farther along" in his recovery compared with his last two illnesses.

- Charlotte Observer

LOS ANGELES - Environmental groups have petitioned the federal government to list the declining population of great white sharks off the coast of California as an endangered species.

The northeastern Pacific population of great whites is genetically distinct and in danger of extinction, according to the petition. Researchers have estimated there are 340 individuals in the group that are mature or nearly so.

"There could be fewer than 100 breeding females left," said Geoff Shester, the California program director of Oceana, an international group focused on protecting the world's oceans. "Numbers in this range are lower than most species currently listed as endangered."

Environmentalists said they filed their petition late Friday. If granted, the designation could lead to changes in fishing practices and spur research aimed at restoring the population.

- Los Angeles Times

LAS VEGAS - The caretaker of a chimpanzee that got out of its enclosure and ran off into a Las Vegas neighborhood for the second time in about four weeks says she thinks someone let the animal out of its cage this weekend.

Timmi De Rosa says the 13-year-old chimp, CJ, didn't get loose by bending steel bars without help.

De Rosa says the 180-pound animal got out Saturday but was captured quickly and was never a threat to neighbors. The chimp has been turned over to an animal entertainer for safekeeping before going to a sanctuary in Oregon.

On July 12, CJ and her mate, Buddy, broke free and roamed the neighborhood, pounding on vehicles and climbing in an unoccupied car. An officer shot and killed Buddy when the animal frightened bystanders.

- AP

Rep. Mazie Hirono won the Democratic primary in Hawaii on Saturday for an open U.S. Senate seat, setting up a race in November against former Gov. Linda Lingle. Republicans hope Lingle, who defeated Hirono eight years ago for governor, can swing the blue state their way in the party's quest to gain Senate control.