USA
Barring a last-minute pardon by California Gov. Arnold Schwarz-enegger (R), former gang leader Stanley "Tookie" Williams faces execution Tuesday at San Quentin State Prison for the murders of four people in 1979. Williams's lawyer appealed to the state Supreme Court Sunday to stay the execution of the reformed Crips founder, who has written several books encouraging young people not to follow his path.
Federal investigators blamed a faulty brake system for a fatal accident at Chicago's Midway Airport late Thursday. Reverse thrusters should have stopped a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 before it slid off the runway and into street traffic, hitting two cars. A 6-year-old boy was killed; 10 others were hurt.
Southern California tailback Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy as the best player in college football Saturday night at ceremonies in New York. Bush, also is widely considered the probable No. 1 pick in next April's NFL draft. University of Texas quarterback Vince Young finished second in the balloting.
Hunters in New Jersey were met by more than 100 animal rights protesters as they emerged from the woods Saturday at the close of the state's six-day bear season. But despite their efforts, 280 bears were reported killed. Black bears rebounded from near-extinction and now are considered a menacing presence in some parts of the state.
About 1,000 Delphi Corp. employees protested Saturday in central Indiana against proposed wage cuts. United Auto Workers representatives said a strike is increasingly likely. The company, which is the largest supplier of parts to US automakers, filed for bankruptcy protection in early October.
Comedian Richard Pryor, who died Saturday in Los Angeles, amused and often shocked audiences on screen and stage for almost four decades. The winner of the first Mark Twain prize for humor, Pryor innovated a caustic stand-up routine based on racial commentary. His style continues to influence many of today's comedians.
Former US Sen. Eugene McCarthy (D) of Minnesota, who died Saturday in Washington, helped to galvanize antiwar sentiment during his unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1968. A staunch liberal, he devoted much of his career to civil rights, welfare programs, and the environment. But he was being remembered most for rallying legions of activists and helping to discourage fellow Democrat Lyndon Johnson from seeking the party's nomination for the White House again.
