NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Justice Dept. Rights Chief Confirmed

The Senate confirmed John R. Dunne, a former New York state senator, as head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division, ending a long and stormy search to fill the vacancy. Dunne, 60, was approved by voice vote without dissent, although he ran into some criticism during his confirmation hearing for belonging to two men-only clubs and owning $20,000 in stocks in firms doing business in South Africa. Dunne was selected by President Bush after the Judiciary Committee rejected William Lucas. That nomination was withdrawn.