Another major storm headed to snowy Mid-Atlantic
WASHINGTON (AP) — Snow blew across the Midwest Tuesday on track for the hard-hit Mid-Atlantic region, where federal government offices were closed for a second straight day and utility workers struggled to restore power knocked out by a weekend blizzard. The storm hit the Midwest early, closing schools and greeting commuters with slick, slushy roads from Minneapolis and Chicago to Louisville, Ky. Hundreds of flights were canceled at Chicago's airports as the storm moved across Illinois, where up to a foot of snow was forecast.
Evacuations under way for LA-area foothills
LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif. (AP) — Homeowners in mud-ravaged foothill towns packed their cars and fled Tuesday as evacuation orders took hold and a new winter storm approached. Officials issued evacuation orders for 541 homes on the hillsides of La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Acton and two canyons north of Los Angeles. Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies went door to door, urging people to leave. Those that refused signed waivers stating that they were aware of the risk.
Autopsy: Fight a factor in Kerrigan father's death
BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts medical examiner has found that figure skater Nancy Kerrigan's father died of a heart rhythm problem after suffering a neck injury so severe it damaged his voice box. His death has been ruled a homicide. The findings revealed Tuesday could lead to new charges against Kerrigan's brother, Mark.
ATF blames Texas church fires on serial arsonist
TYLER, Texas (AP) — Recent fires that destroyed or damaged several churches in eastern Texas were likely set by one person or group of people, federal authorities said Tuesday. Fires that broke out at two churches near Tyler on Monday have not yet been ruled arson, but authorities are investigating them as such. They were reported within an hour of one another and there were signs that at least one of the churches had been broken into.
Jackson doctor out on bail, back for April hearing
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Michael Jackson's doctor returns to court in April to find out the date for the next major step in the case — a proceeding that will reveal for the first time the evidence the prosecution believes will show his "gross negligence" was the direct cause of the pop star's death. Dr. Conrad Murray pleaded not guilty Monday to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and a judge released him on $75,000 bail.
LAPD: Anti-gang worker killed by graffiti suspect
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Police say a well-known former gangster who has counseled against violence was killed when he confronted a graffiti-writer in Los Angeles. Police say Ronald "Looney" Barron left a bar and noticed a tagger defacing a wall Sunday night. Police say when confronted, the tagger pulled out a gun and shot the 40-year-old Barron multiple times. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. No arrests have been made.
Pa. Dem Murtha remembered as military advocate
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Rep. John Murtha, who said the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq was based on "flawed policy wrapped in illusion" and called for a withdrawal of U.S. troops there, is being remembered as an advocate on Capitol Hill for those serving in military uniform. The Pennsylvania Democrat died Monday at a hospital after suffering complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 77.
Astronauts inspect shuttle on way to space station
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Endeavour's astronauts inspected their ship early Tuesday for any launch damage as they raced toward a 200-mile-high rendezvous with the International Space Station. Barely a day after blasting into orbit, the space shuttle crew used a 100-foot, laser-tipped boom to check the thermal shielding on the wings and nose. A few pieces of foam insulation broke off the external fuel tank during Monday morning's launch, including a narrow 1-foot strip. But there was no indication anything hit the shuttle.
Fellow NY Democrats offer Paterson little support
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Gov. David Paterson is getting little support from Albany's other top Democrats as he fights what he calls attacks on his character. Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is refusing to comment Tuesday on reports in blogs and news accounts of womanizing and drug use by the governor. Cuomo's office also won't comment on whether he supports Paterson.
Parade to give another jolt of Saints euphoria
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Another jolt of Saints euphoria is on tap for New Orleans Tuesday when the Super Bowl champs board floats borrowed from Mardi Gras krewes for a victory parade through the grateful city. The Carnival-flavored parade honoring the team's 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts is scheduled to start in the afternoon at their home turf, the Louisiana Superdome. It will include 12 marching bands and one float each from 10 krewes. Float builder Barry Kern said he believes it's the first time the groups — which celebrate Carnival season with separate parades — will combine floats in one procession.
