Charleston Daily Mail

Lawmakers May Take Up Issue of Politicking by Military Chief

Some state lawmakers plan to propose a new law prohibiting the state's adjutant general from campaigning for a political candidate. Most vocal on the issue have been Republican legislators upset that Maj. Gen. Allen Tackett, head of the West Virginia National Guard, has been publicly stumping for Sen. Robert Byrd's re- election campaign.

Suspect Spent 149 Days in Solitary Confinement

A Marine Corps major charged with kidnapping a 19-year-old Milton woman earlier this week had just returned from Japan in August after serving time for charges of molestation, including 149 days of solitary confinement in a Japanese jail. Maj. Michael J. Brown has been charged with kidnapping Lu Jin, a Marshall University student, and driving her to eastern Kanawha County before she was able to escape. Police believe Brown planned to sexually assault Jin.

Up for Sale

Thanks to their lifelong friendship with pro football star Randy Moss, brothers Dante and Eric Ford have enjoyed trips to luxurious places at his expense. They attended the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. They stayed in his mansion in Minnesota. They watched the Miami Heat NBA team in Florida. They traveled on his jet from West Virginia to California.

City Official has Big Ideas for Old Plaza

City officials want to turn the aging Plaza East shopping center into a prime, sparking retail gem for Charleston. Councilman Marc Weintraub, who represents the East End, has a vision that includes the development of a bookstore, supermarket, restaurants and condominium housing overlooking Appalachian Power Park.

South Charleston Seeks Help for Two Displaced Families

South Charleston City Council appealed for the public's assistance with helping two families relocate after losing their homes to Hurricane Katrina. Gary Brown moved with his wife and three children, who range from 4 to 14. They moved to South Charleston with the assistance of Sanitary Board Manager Carlton Lee, who was commended by Councilman Joe Mayes.

Dunbar Police to Conduct Dui Checkpoint Tonight

Weather: ; , Almanac

Almanac Yesterday's high 83

Weather,: ; Forecasts

Tonight Periods of rain and possibly a thunderstorm. Low around 55.

National Weather

Hi Lo Otlk Akron 56 44 Cldy

Weather, Temps

Hi Lo Otlk Anchorage 48 40 Cldy

Judge Summoned to Jury Duty - in His Own Court

WEST BEND, Wis. - Pat Faragher has a sure-fire way to get out of jury duty - he'll just excuse himself. Faragher, a Washington County Circuit judge, was summoned for jury duty recently in his own court. He has his excuse already prepared: "I think I'll just say it may not be a good idea to be summoned to my own court."

New York Tightens Security

City's transit system teeming with police on guard after bomb threat NEW YORK - Police flooded the city's subways Thursday night amid disputed intelligence reports that terrorists with links to Iraq had planned to bomb the system with baby strollers fitted with explosives - what the mayor called the most specific threat yet against the nation's largest mass transit network.

Nuclear Agency, Chief Get Award

U.N. atomic regulatory agency, ElBaradei share Nobel Peace Prize OSLO, Norway - The International Atomic Energy Agency and its Egyptian chief Mohamed ElBaradei, have won the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize today for their work to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Nation & World

Cabbie who forced out pregnant woman sought SHANGHAI, China - Police in Shanghai were looking for a taxi driver who ordered a pregnant woman going into early labor out of his cab, local newspapers reported today.

Remains Identified As Missing Student

Police were led to crime scene after examining photos found on Web site of person of interest RICHMOND, Va. - Remains found in woods in rural Virginia were positively identified Thursday as those of a missing Virginia Commonwealth University student, investigators said.

Kanawha Commission Considers Biodiesel Fuel for Public Bus Fleet

Switch pitched in effort to lower costs, save environment in future Biodiesel powers the concert tour bus of music legend Bonnie Raitt and many school bus systems around the state, but soon the fuel could have an impact for commuters in Kanawha County.

Obituaries

Magnolia Alexander Magnolia "Maggie" Alexander, 83, of South Charleston went to be with the Lord on Oct. 3, 2005. She passed away quietly in her sleep at her South Charleston residence.

George Washington High Fields 14 National Merit Scholars

George Washington High School has the most National Merit Scholar semifinalists in West Virginia this year. Teachers and students at the high school were more than a little excited when GW principal Jim Vickers made the announcement over the school's PA system.

Rolling Stones Concert Interrupted for Bomb Search

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The Rolling Stones' concert at the University of Virginia was interrupted while several police officers and three bomb-sniffing dogs searched the stage. The Thursday night show resumed after about a half-hour intermission. University, state and city police did not immediately return phone calls about the incident, and no announcement was made to the audience about the reason for the break.

Pasadena Resolves Riddler: Wayne Manor Still Stands

PASADENA, Calif. - Holy Mixup, Batman! Stately Wayne Manor is still standing, despite an erroneous report by Pasadena city officials and neighbors that the sprawling mansion used in the Batman TV series had burned to the ground Wednesday night.