TOPEKA, Kan. – The state House on Thursday overrode Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ veto of a concealed weapons bill, allowing it to become law this summer. The new law, taking effect July 1, will permit Kansans who are U.S. citizens to apply for concealed-gun permits at their local sheriffs’ offices. Applicants must be 21 and take firearms training, and hidden weapons still will be banned in some places, including schools, churches, libraries and courthouses. Applicants also must pay a fee up to $150 and undergo background checks. Sen. Phil Journey, a sponsor of the bill, said it was “about making Kansans safer.”
California: Bribes go up for auction
Piece by piece, the furniture, rugs and other high-end home furnishings that former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham accepted as bribes were auctioned off by the government in Rancho Dominguez Thursday, bringing in $94,625. Cunningham, a Republican, was sentenced earlier this month to more than eight years in federal prison for tax evasion and conspiracy, the longest term meted out to a congressman in decades. Prosecutors said he collected $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors in exchange for steering government contracts and other favors their way.
Texas: Missing boy found dead
A missing 5-year-old boy authorities feared had been abducted apparently drowned accidentally in a pond on his own property, officials said Thursday. An Amber Alert was issued Wednesday for Anthony Turner, who lived in rural Johnson County south of Fort Worth. He was last seen riding his bicycle south of Burleson that afternoon. Fears for his safety were heightened by reports of someone cruising the area trying to pick up children.
Florida: Cruise ship blaze kills one
Fire broke out on a cruise ship in the Caribbean early Thursday, killing one person and injuring 11 others before the crew extinguished the flames, company officials said. The Star Princess was en route from Grand Cayman to Jamaica when the blaze started in a cabin, according to a statement from Princess Cruises, which is owned by Miami-based Carnival Corp. According to the statement, the cause of the fire is under investigation. Star Princess sailed from Fort Lauderdale on March 19. The ship is carrying 2,690 passengers and 1,123 crew members.
D.C.: Some Lebanese assets frozen
The Bush administration moved Thursday to freeze the assets of several Lebanese media outlets, alleging that they helped raised money and recruits for Hezbollah’s terrorist network. The Treasury Department’s action is against al Manar, a satellite TV operator, al Nour Radio and their parent company, the Lebanese Media Group. Any assets found in the United States belonging to these three outlets will be frozen and Americans are forbidden from doing business with them.
Ohio: Lawn rage blamed in attack
A retiree was charged Wednesday with fatally shooting a neighbor boy who walked on the man’s well-kept lawn. A grand jury in Batavia indicted Charles Martin, 66, on one count of aggravated murder in the death of Larry Mugrage, 15. Martin faces life in prison if convicted. Police said Mugrage was killed Sunday afternoon after he crossed onto Martin’s yard. The youth was hit in the chest with a blast from a shotgun. Martin told authorities he had had several disputes with neighbors about walking on his grass.
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