Hedglin clipped a wing on the terminal building and crashed into cars in a parking lot, Mortenson said. The plane never left the ground, Mortenson added.
- AP
Blagojevich trial figure avoids jail
CHICAGO - A federal judge sentenced a former Illinois official to four years' probation in a "pay-to-play" scheme in which he donated $50,000 to then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for a state job.
Ali Ata, 60, showed little emotion as he spoke briefly in court. "I'm truly sorry for my actions," said Ata, the former director of the Illinois Finance Authority. "I accept responsibility."
Judge James Zagel cited Ata's cooperation with authorities for his decision to forgo a prison sentence. - AP
Ga. changes execution rules
ATLANTA - Georgia announced that it is switching immediately to single-drug executions from a three-drug combination, following the lead of several other states.
The Georgia Department of Corrections said it will begin using a single dose of the sedative pentobarbital to carry out death sentences.
It had been using pentobarbital to sedate inmates before injecting pancuronium bromide to paralyze them and then potassium chloride to stop their hearts. - AP
Judge stays on in Bulger trial
BOSTON - A federal judge refused to recuse himself from the trial of mobster James "Whitey" Bulger, flatly rejecting a challenge to his impartiality by Bulger's lawyers.
Bulger's lawyers asked Judge Richard Stearns to step down from the case because he was a top federal prosecutor in the 1980s, when Bulger allegedly was committing crimes with impunity while acting as an informant.In a written order, Stearns said he had no doubt about his ability to remain impartial. - AP
FDA approves weight-loss pill
WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration approved a new weight-loss drug from Vivus Inc. that many doctors consider the most effective therapy in a new generation of antiobesity pills designed to help patients safely shed pounds.
The agency cleared the pill Qsymia for adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. - AP
