Around the Nation

Texas Custody Hearing for Sect's Children Ends Quickly

SAN ANGELO, Tex. -- A court hearing to decide the fate of hundreds of children seized from a polygamist retreat was off to a chaotic start Thursday, as hundreds of lawyers in two locations demanded to study the first piece of evidence before it could be introduced.

State District Judge Barbara Walther called a recess 40 minutes after the hearing began in what could be the nation's largest child-custody case. She wanted to allow the 350 lawyers spread out in two buildings to read the evidence and decide whether to object en masse or make individual objections. The hearing resumed about an hour later.

The lawyers are representing the 416 children and dozens of parents from the Yearning for Zion Ranch. The ranch is owned by the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a breakaway Mormon sect accused of forcing underage girls into polygamous marriages.

"I'm not in a position to advocate for anything," complained Susan Hays, the appointed attorney for a 2-year-old sect member.

The mothers in the primary courtroom were sworn in as witnesses, standing and mumbling their 'I do's' in timid voices. As they sat silently, the flock of lawyers buzzed with murmurs and popped up to make motions or object as Walther tried to maintain order.

But when prosecutors tried to enter into evidence the medical records of three girls -- two 17 years old and one 18 -- the lawyers filled the aisles as they tried to see the papers. Walther then called the recess.

Guilty Plea in Mass. Mob Killing

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- A low-level Mafia member admitted that he shot and killed Springfield's regional mob boss in 2003 in exchange for $10,000 from the leader's rivals. Frankie Roche, 35, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of murder in aid of racketeering in U.S. District Court in Springfield for the Nov. 23, 2003, shooting death of Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno, 57. In exchange, prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty against Roche.

U.S. to Consider Polar Bear Protection

The Interior Department will decide by June 30 whether polar bears deserve protection under the Endangered Species Act, according to documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Environmental groups sued the agency this year because it is several months late in deciding whether shrinking sea ice is pushing the bear toward extinction. In its court filing, Interior's lawyers say the agency completed a draft decision on Feb. 22, but senior officials are still reviewing the matter.

Judge Blocks Philadelphia's Gun Bans

PHILADELPHIA -- A judge temporarily blocked the city from enforcing five gun-control ordinances pending a challenge from the National Rifle Association. The NRA argues that state law prevents Pennsylvania municipalities from regulating guns, a view that the city's district attorney shares. City lawyers contend that Philadelphia can pass gun-control ordinances if the laws are outside the scope of state measures.

-- From Staff Reports and News Services