Texas gov gives killer reprieve from execution

HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- Gov. Rick Perry blocked the execution of awoman two hours before she was to go to her death Wednesday so herlawyers can conduct new tests on evidence in the 17-year-old murdercase.

Frances Newton, 39, was convicted of killing her husband and twoyoung children. She would have been the first black woman and thefourth woman put to death in Texas since the Civil War. She deniedany involvement in the slayings.

The governor granted her a four-month reprieve a day after theTexas parole board, in a rare step, recommended it.

"I see no evidence of …

Ald. Thomas lays out five-year economic plan for ward

Ald. Thomas lays out five-year economic plan for ward

Easily sliding into the shoes of her political mentor, former Ald. Terry Peterson (17th), Ald. Latasha R. Thomas (17th) has vowed to carry that mantle to even greater heights, until her ward gets its fair share of economic development.

An attorney, Thomas, 35, graduated from the DePaul School of Law in 1990 and opened her own Loop law office in 1994 where she practiced commercial litigation in real estate, that is, until she met Peterson who immersed her into Chicago politics.

Thomas, who like Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) is running in the Feb. 27 special aldermanic election, has racked up quite a record since she was …

Jellies maker Smucker closes Folgers coffee deal

Jelly and jams maker J.M. Smucker Co. has completed its $3 billion deal to buy Folgers coffee from Procter & Gamble Co.

The previously announced deal closed on Thursday and nearly doubles the size of Smucker. Smucker expects to add 150 to 200 jobs in the next year to its headquarters staff of 1,300 in Orrville in northeast …

Moving in, with money

For the millions of Americans who move themselves, and their money,to new homes every year, the saying "you can't take it with you" cantake on a whole new meaning. Delays in transferring bank accountscan mean problems cashing checks and a shortage of cash.

Newly-arrived immigrants may get caught in the "float" period -the time between the date their new account is opened and the datemoney can be withdrawn.

Bank float, whether necessary or not, is avoidable, according toCitibank U.S.A., a division of the New York-based Citicorp bank. Itoffers …

It's the curse

Floods in Ohio, floods in Minnesota, forest fires on the WestCoast, Illinois gets hit with one of the worst storms in years.Water, water, …

Libyan rebels close on key Gadhafi stronghold

RAS LANOUF, Libya (AP) — Libya's rebel forces closed in Monday on Moammar Gadhafi's hometown of Sirte, the gateway to the western half of the country after it was targeted for the first time by international air strikes.

Witnesses in Sirte said that bombing was heard Sunday night and then again 6:30 a.m. local time, but there was no fighting in the streets or signs of rebel forces. The night before dozens of fighters loyal to Gadhafi could be seen roaming the streets.

The Libyan state news agency also reported that there had been air strikes against the southern town of Sabha, which remains strongly loyal to Gadhafi and is a major transit point for ethnic Tuareg fighters from …

MacDonald to equal US test caps record in Tokyo

TOKYO (AP) — Loosehead prop Mike MacDonald will equal the United States test caps record when the Eagles play Japan in Tokyo in their last match before the Rugby World Cup on Sunday.

Britain-based MacDonald's 62nd appearance will tie the record of former teammate Luke Gross, who retired after the 2003 World Cup.

James Paterson, the Otago Highlanders winger, will make his U.S. senior debut. The New Zealand-born Paterson played for the U.S. at under-19 level. Uncapped Utah loose …