VA fined over radiation doses; another Paterson aide quits in New York

Mark Segovia, left, and Michael Vandevoort move sandbags near Oak Grove Lutheran School in Fargo, N.D., as the Red River rises. The city faces the threat of a severe flood when the river crests. (Jay Pickthorn/associated Press)

SENATE

Bill passed to change cocaine disparity

The Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would significantly reduce the disparity in sentences handed out to those convicted of crack and powder cocaine.

Currently, a person convicted of crack cocaine possession gets the same mandatory jail time as someone with 100 times the same quantity of powder cocaine. Under the measure, approved by a voice vote, the ratio would be reduced to 18 to 1.

A companion bill is pending in the House.

-- Associated Press

NEW YORK

Another aide to governor quits

The press secretary to New York Gov. David A. Paterson (D) resigned Wednesday, just hours after her boss publicly proclaimed for the first time that he did nothing wrong when he talked to a woman who had accused one of his top aides of abuse.

Press secretary Marissa Shorenstein said she could no longer do her job because of the abuse scandal. Four top Paterson staffers have quit recently.

-- Associated Press