Nation IN BRIEF : ILLINOIS : Farrakhan Issues Challenge to Critics

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan challenged critics of his controversial trip to Africa and the Middle East to call him before Congress if they question his activities. “I call your bluff. Bring me before Congress. It’s time for the showdown,” Farrakhan told followers during his annual “savior’s day” speech, which drew thousands to a stadium at the University of Illinois’ Chicago campus. Farrakhan returned to the U.S. last week from a 20-nation “world friendship” tour during which he was criticized by the U.S. State Department for “cavorting with dictators” in Iraq, Libya and Iran.