AP Features, June 20th, 2007
EAST
CLINTON, Conn. (AP) _ A 16-year-old was charged with hacking into his high school's computer system and downloading child pornography. Police said the illegal activity at Morgan School was spotted and the student was caught by technology administrators. Police said the boy admitted using a security-bypass program he found on the Internet.
AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ A bill to lengthen term limits for state legislators from four to six terms, or eight to 12 years, won preliminary approval in the House and Senate. If the proposal wins final passage, it would be sent to voters for their decision.
SOUTH
HERNANDO, Miss. (AP) _ Students here who use their cell phones for calls and text messages during school hours will be fined under a new policy by the DeSoto County school board. The policy sets escalating $25, $50 and $100 fines. On the fourth offense, the school will retain the phone for the rest of the school year and a parent would be required to pick it up.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) _ Organizers of a campaign to get an Elvis Presley specialty license plate plan to launch radio ads to try to attract the final 250 of 1,000 purchasers they need by June 30 for the state to begin production. Proceeds from sales of the plates would benefit the Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center at the Regional Medical Center in Memphis. Specialty plates cost about $35 extra.
MIDWEST
DETROIT (AP) _ Smelly, swarming fish flies have invaded the shorelines of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit and St. Clair rivers, coating cars, buildings and sidewalks. Sometimes called May flies, the bugs emerged from the water in early June and are expected to stay about six weeks, three weeks longer than normal, according to scientists.
KANSAS CITY (AP) _ Mayor Mark Funkhouser decided not to accept the free use of a car after controversy erupted over the deal last week, his office said. A Honda dealership offered the mayor use of a Civic hybrid car while in office, but ethics experts said the gift created a public perception problem and raised concerns that others would want to offer free goods and services.
WEST
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. (AP) _ For a second year, the run of wild spring chinook on the Rogue River is lower than average and anglers will be required to release the wild fish they catch. State biologists are worried that rising water temperatures in the lower river will lead to additional fish losses from disease.
ENOCH, Utah (AP) _ Authorities are offering $3,500 for information that leads to the person responsible for shooting two baby golden eagles. The eaglets were found dead in their nest in southern Utah last week. A third eaglet that jumped from the nest is being treated for leg injuries. The maximum penalty for killing the young birds is a year in jail and a $100,000 fine.
