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Senate Candidate Kirk has Links to Terrorism By MARC LEVIN An Austin Review investigation has revealed that U.S. Senate candidate Ron Kirk is employing an anti-Israel activist who has defended terrorist groups and is friends with American Taliban John Walker Lindh. The Review has also learned that Kirk has received numerous campaign donations from individuals linked with terrorism and anti-Semitism, one of whom also violated U.S. export laws by shipping sensitive technology to Libya and Syria. Kirk's recently filed campaign report shows payments to a Steven L. Hyland, Jr. of: $1133.22 for "payroll expense" and three separate payments totaling $638.30...

CYNTHIA McKINNEYPOSITION: Democrat Congresswoman from GeorgiaDONOR: Abdurahman Alamoudi AMMOUNT: $2000 on September 11, 2001 DETAILS: Alamoudi, President of the American Muslim Foundation, is a well known radical mohammedan activist known for publicly praising terrorist organizations. He worked closely as an informal advisor and affiliate of several Clinton administration officials (source). At an October 2000 rally in Washington, D.C. Alamoudi spoke to a radical islamic crowd announcing ""I have been labeled by the media in New York as being a supporter of Hamas. Any supporters of Hamas here? (cheers) Hear that, Bill Clinton? We are all supporters of Hamas ... I...

One California school feels so strongly that religion doesn't belong in the classroom that it has banned all gifts that contain the word 'God,' including Godiva brand chocolates; books, videos, or DVDs of the Godfather; along with images of Godzilla.

Now everybody knows what was on (Kobe)Bryant's mind, what provoked him initially to insult Malone publicly. Now everyone knows Malone stands accused by Vanessa (Bryant) of hitting on her at halftime of the Nov. 23 Bucks-Lakers game. (Kobe) threatened to take out Malone in three separate phone conversations, according to sources. "Who are you hunting?" asked Vanessa, a beautiful Latino. She then repeated it. Who could resist a smart aleck answer to such a leading question? "Little Mexican girls," Malone said, smiling devilishly.

New Kobe furor: Says Malone made a pass at his wife By KEN PETERS, AP Sports Writer December 13, 2004 LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Another Kobe conflict for the Lakers. Bryant has accused Karl Malone of making a pass at his wife at a game last month. Talking before Los Angeles' 105-98 win over Orlando on Sunday night, Bryant said he felt betrayed by a man he considered a friend. ADVERTISEMENT ``He was like a mentor, like a brother to me, so when something like that happens, you're upset, you're hurt,'' Bryant said. He said he called Malone and told...

Was there a rape? Was there a murder? We might be sick of the Bryant and Peterson trials and hoopla. A future Kaitlyn Mae will enjoy Grandmother's insight to it all as it currently occurs. 09/26/2004 Kobe Bryant and Scott Peterson================== Grandmother has decided to take a moment and document the currently ongoing sagas of the trials of Kobe Bryant, rapist and basketball star of the L.A. Lakers, and Scott Peterson, fertilizer salesman and wife murderer. Not that Grandmother has any preconceived notions or anything, sweet Granddaughter. Here’s what Grandmother knows thus far on this day of our Lord. Kobe...

Geneva Says, ‘I Quit’ Poynter Online is a website for news people that says it’s “everything you need to be a better journalist.” Well, our old friend Geneva Overholser, who always wants to be a better journalist, has a big-time issue with Poynter Online. In the event you’ve forgotten who Overholser is, let me refresh your memory. She made some news herself when she was editor at the local paper a few years ago. While Overholser was editor, the managing editor was Dave Westphal, Westphal had been one of the sports editors with whom I worked in my earlier writing...

<p>The still-sealed statement by Kobe Bryant to detectives investigating the rape case against him has been obtained by Sports Illustrated and includes an acknowledgment that he held his alleged victim "around her neck from behind." But in a report appearing Tuesday on SI.com, reporter Jeff Benedict - author of the recent book, Out of Bounds: Inside the NBA's Culture of Rape, Violence & Crime - reveals few details of Bryant's statement.</p>

Prosecution will file motion to dismiss case.

After months of sparring, media spinning and nearly unanimous predictions that the trial would never happen, jury selection began last Friday in the Kobe Bryant sexual-assault case in Eagle, Colo. SI has seen previously undisclosed documents, which, in conjunction with court transcripts and interviews, are the basis for this report of how the trial may unfold.

In another setback to the prosecution in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, the Colorado Supreme Court refused Monday to hear an appeal of a key ruling that allows the NBA star's attorneys to tell jurors about the accuser's sex life.District Judge Terry Ruckriegle last month ruled that the defense can use information about the woman's sexual activities in the three days before her hospital exam, which occurred 15 hours after her encounter with Bryant. In their one-page order, justices did not explain why they decided against considering the appeal. The order was released as Bryant's final pretrial hearing got...

DENVER - Prosecutors have asked the judge in Kobe Bryant’s sexual assault case to put the trial on hold indefinitely, saying courthouse gaffes have crippled the chances of seating an unbiased jury and suggesting the accuser is not ready to testify against the NBA star. Legal experts say the request could be the first step toward dropping the case altogether now that the accuser has sued Bryant in civil court for monetary damages. They said the civil case will hurt prosecutors because the defense can argue that the 20-year-old woman is simply after Bryant’s money. “If prosecutors are looking for...

Court TV reporting that the accuser has today filed a lawsuit against Kobe Bryant in FEDERAL court.

Judge Ruckreigle recluctantly releases the transcripts of the closed hearing. He did make specific redactions including: 1. The alleged victim's name 2. The instances of sexual conduct that the judge ruled not relevant. 3. arguement relating to the alleged victim's prescribed drug use and suicide attempts. 4. Arguemnt concerning the Crime Victims Compensation fund. 5. Arguement and evidence relating to the alleged victims alcohol and drug use. The transcripts are available from the court transcrip for her usual fee.

Kobe Bryant Ruling a Step Towards Equity in Rape Trials By Glenn Sacks A Colorado judge issued a highly controversial decision late last month on a matter that should not be controversial. Judge Terry Ruckriegle ruled that Kobe Bryant, who is facing four years to life in prison for an alleged rape he claims was consensual sex, can introduce evidence that his accuser had other sexual encounters in the 72 hours before her medical examination for the alleged assault...

EAGLE, Colo. - With the parents of the alleged victim in the courtroom, the judge in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case apologized Friday for court mistakes that led to the release of sealed information. During the brief public hearing, District Judge Terry Ruckriegle told the parents he would treat the mistakes as a learning experience. "For all of those who come through these doors, victims and defendants alike, whose names are never known and never sought, I can only assure you I have learned lessons from these mistakes, and that we will give our best human effort not to...

DENVER - In a huge victory for Kobe Bryant's defense, the judge in the NBA star's sexual assault case ruled Friday that his accuser's sex life during the week of their encounter can be used against her at trial. District Judge Terry Ruckriegle said details of the woman's sexual activities in the three days before her July 1, 2003, hospital examination are relevant to help determine the cause of her injuries and the source of DNA evidence. He also said the credibility of the accuser was a factor. One legal expert called the decision a stunning defeat for prosecutors that...

Bryant Case: Prosecutors Give Up On DNA Retesting Pretrial Hearing In Case Set For Monday UPDATED: 10:46 am PDT June 18, 2004 LOS ANGELES -- Prosecutors in Kobe Bryant's sexual assault case have given up on efforts to retest certain DNA evidence. They're accusing defense attorneys of wasting so much time that testing would unnecessarily delay the trial. The retesting has been the subject of sharp exchanges between prosecutors and defense attorneys. District Attorney Mark Hurlbert has said that the evidence was tested by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and then by an independent laboratory hired by the defense --...

Kobe Bryant's Defense Team Wins Access to Text-Message Records The Associated Press Published: Jun 17, 2004 EAGLE, Colo. (AP) - A judge has granted Kobe Bryant's attorneys access to cell phone text messages sent among three people - including the woman accusing the NBA star of rape - in the hours after the alleged attack. "The materials contain information that is relevant for discovery," state District Judge Terry Ruckriegle said in a decision released Thursday. He ordered Bryant's defense team and Eagle County prosecutors to keep the messages and an accompanying letter from AT&T Wireless Communications sealed for now. Legal...

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- Utterly expressionless, Larry Brown walked down the sideline until he met a smiling Phil Jackson at midcourt. One hearty handshake and a pat on the back later, Brown allowed himself a grin. After 21 years as an NBA coach, the championship that had eluded him had been earned -- decisively. Without a superstar and without being given much of a chance, the Detroit Pistons humiliated the mighty Los Angeles Lakers 100-87 Tuesday night in Game 5 of the NBA Finals for their first title in 14 years. Motown can now be called Titletown, the descendants...

Bryant's lawyers want jurors told police botched investigation   JON SARCHE Canadian Press Wednesday, June 09, 2004 DENVER (AP) - Kobe Bryant's defence team said Wednesday it wants the judge to tell the NBA star's jury that investigators did not collect certain evidence that could have suggested he is innocent of rape. In a court filing, Bryant's lawyers asked the judge to instruct jurors at the upcoming trial that the lost evidence, including bathroom towels and the contents of trash cans, could have cleared their client had it been collected. Defence lawyer Hal Haddon also criticized prosecutors for an...

Judge in Bryant Case Warns of Possible Sanctions for ProsecutionBy P. Solomon Banda Associated Press Writer Published: Jun 4, 2004 DENVER (AP) - The judge in the Kobe Bryant sex assault case warned prosecutors Friday they may face sanctions for not following a court order to include a defense witness at any testing of DNA evidence. In a court filing, Judge Terry Ruckriegle gave prosecutors until Tuesday to explain why they did not comply with an order issued after months of legal wrangling. Prosecution spokeswoman Krista Flannigan declined comment. Earlier in the week she had blamed lab policies for barring...

News media bias is at least as often evident in the stories that are not reported, or are underreported, than in actual manipulation of the facts in stories that are reported. Right now, there are a number of truly important news stories that are receiving vastly less coverage than they deserve, including the United Nations Oil For Food Program scandal, the vitriolic opposition to John Kerry by a majority of the officers who served in his boat squadron in Vietnam and Al Gore's hate-filled speech at MoveOn.org – which has been treated as a one-day story (on interior pages in...

The teenager who accused Kobe Bryant of rape faced him in a courtroom yesterday for the first time since the alleged attack - and had to reveal details of her sex life in a closed-door hearing. The 19-year-old accuser, still tan from a recent stay in a Florida drug rehabilitation center, appeared composed after she testified for four hours about the most intimate details of her life in a courtroom packed with strangers. Judge Terry Ruckriegle, who will decide whether a jury should hear about the woman's sex life when the case goes to trial, barred reporters from the hearing....

Houston Rockets All-Star Yao Ming is the new global spokesman for McDonald's, which let Kobe Bryant's contract expire after he was accused of rape. Yao's multiyear sponsorship deal was announced today at a McDonald's outlet inside the Los Angeles Convention Center. Yao is in town to play in Sunday's NBA All-Star game. Bryant's three-year deal with the fast-food company expired Dec. 31. The Los Angeles Lakers guard has lost other sponsors since being charged with sexual assault. "We had a long, mutually beneficial partnership with Kobe," said Larry Light, McDonald's global chief marketing officer. "His contract expired and we mutually...

Kobe Bryant's defense team stepped up its attack Tuesday on a state law that makes it difficult to bring up the sexual history of alleged rape victims at trial. Defense attorney Hal Haddon argued in a court filing that people accused of sex crimes in Colorado are deprived of their right to equal protection because two state laws set a "blatant and fundamentally unfair double standard." One law says a defendant's sexual history is typically considered to be valuable information and should be presented to a jury. The other, the state's 30-year-old "rape shield" law, says the defense has to...

Three undercover members of the High Country Drug Task Force will testify next week in connection with the Kobe Bryant case. Sources close to the investigation said drugs are not involved in the rape case against Bryant and that the three undercover agents were called in to help with the investigation on June 30, the night Bryant allegedly raped a 19-year-old Eagle woman at the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera. Because of the small number of law enforcement officers in Eagle County, other agencies are sometimes tapped. District Judge Terry Ruckriegle on Thursday ordered that the agents testify in open...

<p>During the Clinton impeachment year, one got used to viewing television with a trigger finger on the remote, lest the children overhear with too much precision what all the fuss was about. My children are older now, but I still find myself in great sympathy with those home-schooling religious types who simply abjure television and radio altogether; walling off their homes and their lives from the putrescence that swirls outside. As it is, we man the cultural battlements with an ever-increasing sense of futility. When the reporter following every hiccup of the Scott Peterson trial appears on screen, we may not get to the remote fast enough to prevent the children from hearing a handsome, normal-seeming man may have murdered and hacked up his wife and baby son. A millionaire who admitted he killed and chopped up his neighbor was recently acquitted. "What does 'dismembered' mean, Mom?" I don't want them to know. Change the channel, quick. A few minutes later, they are likely to learn basketball superstar Kobe Bryant stands accused of rape and that, at best, he was catting around. Is Mr. Bryant an exception among professional athletes? Hardly. The list of criminal convictions is long. The list of tasteless and boorish behavior is even longer. A recent test revealed something like 7 percent of professional baseball players tested positive for steroids. "Say it ain't so, Joe," sounds so quaint now. Where shall we search for men and women who do not disgrace themselves? To the clergy? The Catholic Church scandal is so broad and deep it defies belief. So many children, for so many years. And the hierarchy dodged and covered up and lied. Change the channel, quick. Careful, careful. Do we want the young to know so many American businessmen cheated, lied and despoiled their companies? Do we want them to see the lavish, Roman-orgyish party Dennis Kozlowski threw for his wife on a Mediterranean island to the tune of $2 million? It would have been disgusting even if it had been honestly paid for. As it is, it appears Mr. Kozlowski stole as much as $600 million from Tyco. How about politics? Some political scandals are entirely spurious -- merely partisan attempts to gain advantage. But then ... . What shall we say to the kids about Arnold Schwarzenegger? Plenty of comely skeletons in that closet. Though at least he had the decency to apologize. And what of Al Sharpton? The scandal there is that there is no scandal. Here is a man who rose to fame on the strength of a racially motivated smear of a group of perfectly innocent police officers. The good Reverend has never acknowledged wrongdoing nor apologized. As if that were not enough, he was the provocateur who incited a race riot in Harlem that led to the torching of a clothing store and the deaths of seven people. Again, no apology. And yet he is a respected member of the Democratic Party who has the audacity to run for president. Not only is he not denounced by his fellow candidates, they take turns buttering him up and suggesting coyly he would make a heck of a running mate. Change the channel. Don't let the kids look too closely at journalism. On the air, they'll find a debased search for the lowest common denominator. In print, they'll find plagiarism. Some plagiarists get lucrative book contracts (Jayson Blair). Others, like Stephen Glass, get generous book contracts and movies made about themselves. Popular music? Whom do you prefer: Eminem or Britney Spears? And now Michael Jackson does a moonwalk perp walk. There are rumors he used alcohol and drugs to numb at least one victim. But we don't understand, Mr. Jackson insists. There's nothing wrong with having little boys sleep in your bed. It's just an expression of his extraordinarily loving nature. Change the channel. But we can't change the channel, because this isn't just a television invention. This is our culture. This free-for-all, libertine, conscienceless Maypole dance is what we've created from once-strong roots of Puritan rectitude. A nation once lampooned for its innocence now wallows in smut of every kind. Were it not for the new counterculture -- the millions of families attempting to raise moral and idealistic kids despite the deluge of decadence -- I would be in doubt about our future.</p>

Join host Bryant Gumbel as SCI FI exposes one of the most notorious UFO incidents of the 20th century, a series of events that occurred near a U.S. military base in Rendlesham Forest, England, in 1980. Now that the British government has admitted it classified documents to cover up the incident, witnesses (both civilians and former military personnel) have come forward to provide new evidence for SCI FI's investigation. Premieres Friday, December 12, at 9/8C On December 9, 1965, an object landed near Kecksburg, Pa. It was observed as a fireball in the sky across several U.S. states and Canada....

DENVER – Kobe Bryant heads back to Colorado this week for a court appearance that will look and sound very much like the first one three months ago – a legal formality. Dozens of reporters and television crews will be on hand in the small mountain town of Eagle to document the proceeding, which could be as short as Bryant's initial proceeding on Aug. 6, which was seven minutes. Eagle County District Judge Terry Ruckriegle will advise Bryant on Thursday of the charge against him and the possible penalty. Conditions of his bond also could be discussed. Ruckriegle also could...

I've always thought that Kobe Bryant tried too hard to emulate Michael Jordan. His jumper, his arrogant backpedal up the court, his strut -- they're all blatant rip-offs of Jordan. But Bryant was onto something. He's become such a Jordan clone that Jordan's special mystique has attached itself to Bryant. And now, just like Michael, nothing seems to stick to Kobe Bryant. At the Lakers' home opener, Bryant got a wild ovation when he finally joined his teammates on the bench in the third quarter-- even though he has already said he probably will opt out of his contract after...

In a court filing, District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said retired state District Judge William Jones learned of sealed information from defense attorney Hal Haddon and gave it to a reporter for the New York Daily News, which ran a story quoting Jones on Oct. 11. The details - that another man's semen was found in underwear worn by Bryant's accuser - had not yet been brought up in Bryant's preliminary hearing, which ended Oct. 15. Hurlbert also cited the defense's repeated use of the accuser's name during the hearing and its questioning of the woman's sexual history, which is normally...

DENVER - Prosecutors and defenders in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case should expect fair rulings issued with a heavy hand, according to lawyers who know the new judge in the case. Fifth Judicial District Chief Judge Terry Ruckriegle on Thursday appointed himself to preside over the Bryant case instead of following the usual order of rotation among judges. ""He's a very careful and deliberate judge who demands a lot of the lawyers who appear in front of him in terms of preparation and professionalism,'' said Scott Robinson, a Denver defense attorney who has appeared in front of Ruckriegle several...

In March 2002, the Colorado Supreme Court issued its opinion on the appeal of David E. Harris, an African-American who had been convicted at a jury trial of first- and second-degree sexual assault. The defendant's defense was that the sexual encounter with the victim was consensual. The 26-year-old Caucasian victim was approached by Harris in a park. When she rebuffed him after he attempted to initiate conversation with him, Harris dragged her through the park, donned a condom and raped her. Following the rape, Harris tossed the condom on the ground behind them. Once Harris permitted her to leave, the...

<p>DENVER - An Iowa man charged with leaving a profanity-laced death threat on the answering machine of Kobe Bryant's accuser has agreed to plead guilty.</p> <p>John Roche, 22, is accused of threatening to assault the 19-year-old woman with a coat hanger and repeatedly vowing to kill her in the July 27 message.</p>

DENVER (AP) -- Kobe Bryant may find out this week whether he will stand trial for rape, a case that could send the NBA superstar to prison for life if he is convicted. Judge Frederick Gannett was expected to release his ruling as early as Monday, and many legal experts believed he would order a trial. "If the (woman's) story indicates that she was sexually assaulted, that is enough to bring the case forward absent some conclusive proof that she is lying," said Christopher Mueller, a University of Colorado law school professor. During a two-day preliminary hearing that wrapped up...

October 16, 2003 True justice calls for dismissal Don Rogers Upon further review ... Wow. If Kobe Bryant's attorney Pamela Mackey didn't blow up the rape case against her client entirely, she raised enough reasonable doubts Wednesday that Judge Fred Gannett ought to consider stopping the show right now. The rules of judicial engagement practically dictate he send the case to trial, since a preliminary hearing requires a low, low standard of proof. True justice for all, however, suggests strongly that the charge against Bryant should be dismissed. The dearth of physical evidence (which can be reasonably explained in ways...

District Attorney Mark Hurlbert said the prosecution did not lay out its entire case during Kobe Bryant's preliminary hearing and had no intention to do so. The preliminary hearing is to determine only whether probable cause exists and that Bryant's case should be sent along to trial. "Probable cause is a low standard and no prosecutor puts on an entire case in a preliminary hearing," Hurlbert said to reporters after the preliminary hearing ended Wednesday afternoon. "What you saw was a sanitized version of the evidence." With a nod to the court of public opinion and the media, Hurlbert said...

Bryant Defense Says It Has 'compelling Evidence' of InnocenceBy Jon Sarche Associated Press WriterPublished: Oct 15, 2003 EAGLE, Colo. (AP) - Kobe Bryant's attorneys dropped another bombshell Wednesday, saying they have "compelling evidence" that the NBA superstar is innocent of rape and accused prosecutors of ignoring it. The defense said tests of underpants worn by the 19-year-old resort employee Bryant is charged with assaulting found "other substances" from a "source" other than the Los Angeles Lakers guard. The details were released in a court filing as Eagle County Judge Frederick Gannett met with attorneys in the case to decide whether...

<p>EAGLE, Colo. — The 19-year-old woman who has accused basketball star Kobe Bryant (search) of sexual assault told investigators he grabbed her neck and raped her from behind, repeatedly asking, "You're not going to tell anyone, right?," a detective testified Thursday.</p>

Kobe nixes ticket to paradise Bryant skips Hawaii flight; Lakers say he's 'not feeling well' By Howard Beck Staff Writer HONOLULU -- Concerns about Kobe Bryant's physical and mental well-being as he faces a sexual assault charge multiplied Thursday when he skipped a team flight to Hawaii because of an unspecified ailment. Bryant had been expected to join eight Lakers teammates on a private charter from Los Angeles to Oahu. His agent notified team officials Thursday morning he would not make the flight and would not participate in the Lakers' first full-squad workout this morning. Team officials expressed hope, but...

Vail Trail Issue Friday, September 12, 2003 Kobe Bryant mug shot courtesy of Eagle County Sheriff's Department. Sources: evidence of bruising, vaginal trauma in Kobe Bryant case Photos, police testimony to detail injuries at Oct. 9 preliminary hearing - 9/17/03 David O. Williams EAGLE, Colo. – District Attorney Mark Hurlbert Oct. 9 will present evidence of vaginal trauma and bruising around the neck of the alleged victim in the Kobe Bryant sexual assault case, sources have told The Vail Trail. Hurlbert filed a motion last week aimed at blocking a defense bid to compel Byrant’s accuser to testify at the...

DENVER - The name of Kobe Bryant's accuser was mistakenly posted on a state court Web site on Tuesday as part of a legal filing in the case. The subpoena showing the 19-year-old Eagle woman's name and address was left up for about an hour. Court staffers then removed the filing from the site and reposted it with the personal information blacked out. State courts spokeswoman Karen Salaz said it was unclear how the error was made, but said court staffers are responsible for blacking out such information in public filings. The alleged victim's identity has been previously disclosed on...

<p>DENVER, Colorado (AP) -- When prosecutors go before a judge next month in the Kobe Bryant rape case, they will be armed with a wealth of evidence that leaves little doubt the NBA superstar will be ordered to stand trial, legal experts say.</p>

<p>While Kobe Bryant and his wife jaunted around Hollywood in a brand-new Bentley, the woman accusing the NBA superstar of rape was fighting his lawyers' efforts to dig up dirt on her.</p> <p>Bryant and wife Vanessa Laine, dressed in white and flashing expensive jewelry, pulled up to actor Ashton Kutcher's restaurant, Dolce, on Wednesday night in their 2003 Bentley Azure.</p>

Bryant's future uncertain Short of acquittal, NBA star may be at end of his career By Charlie Brennan, Rocky Mountain News September 4, 2003 Kobe Bryant's career in the National Basketball Association may be over if he is convicted of sexual assault. Sex-offender treatment experts, lawyers and other observers of the Bryant case cite a number of factors that could douse the career of one of the league's brightest stars in relative infancy. A frequently cited reason is the strict requirements of the mandatory intensive supervision that would accompany a sentence to probation or come with parole after any time...

KOBE UPDATE: New info alleges that victim said no before, not during, a sexual encounter. Kobe Bryant (Aug. 27, 2003) *“Celebrity Justice” reported new details about what Kobe Bryant’s accuser says happened that night in a Colorado hotel room. In the report by the show’s Executive Producer, attorney Harvey Levin, sources say that the alleged victim said Bryant asked her up to his room. “Celebrity Justice” reports that when the young woman said she was ready to leave Bryant blocked the doorway to the room and asked her to stay, saying he needed her help operating the tub. At that...

Man charged with threatening to kill Bryant accuser 01:17 PM CDT on Friday, August 22, 2003 Associated Press IOWA CITY, Iowa - A University of Iowa student was charged with threatening to kill the woman accusing NBA star Kobe Bryant of sexual assault. John William Roche, 22, was arrested Thursday afternoon for allegedly leaving a profanity-laced message on the accuser's answering machine July 27, according to a federal grand jury indictment. Roche is charged with making a threatening telephone call across state lines. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The caller threatened...

<p>ACCRA, Ghana &#8212; Liberia's rebels and government chose a gentle-mannered businessman yesterday to lead a transition administration that aims to guide the country out of 14 years of civil war.</p> <p>The announcement came at the close of 78 days of peace talks with international mediators.</p>