Tornadoes leave hundreds injured in parts of Virginia

Tornadoes leave hundreds injured in parts of Virginia

SUFFOLK, Va. — The National Weather Service says three tornadoes touched down in Virginia.

Meteorologist Bryan Jackson says the twisters hit Suffolk, Colonial Heights and Brunswick County on Monday afternoon. Authorities say at least 200 people were injured. Property damage was widespread.

Jackson says the Brunswick County tornado was estimated at 86 mph to 110 mph, and cut a 300-yard path of destruction. Assessments of the other twisters were planned for today, but Jackson described Suffolk’s as a “major tornado.”

Advocates: Voter ID ruling may disenfranchise voters

The Supreme Court’s refusal to strike down an Indiana law requiring government-issued photo identification at the ballot box could disenfranchise minority and elderly voters at next week’s primary and prompt other states to pass similar laws, voting advocates said Monday.

The court, in a splintered 6-3 ruling Monday, said Indiana’s law, which took effect in 2006 and requires voters to present a state or federal photo ID card at the ballot box, does not violate the First or 14th amendments. The court said the law served as a justifiable protection to the electoral process.

Sales of Forever stamps rise as rate increase nears

WASHINGTON — With a postal rate increase just two weeks away, Americans are buying 30 million Forever stamps a day.

The cost of sending a first-class letter will rise a penny to 42 cents on May 12, but the Forever stamps — currently selling for 41 cents — will remain valid for full postage after the increase.

Forever stamps were introduced last year and since then more than six billion have been sold, with interest growing as the rate increase nears.

“We knew the Forever stamp would be a big hit with our customers and we continue to replenish our stock to meet demand,” said Postal Service Consumer Advocate Delores Killette. “We introduced these stamps as a customer convenience to ease the transition during price changes.”

Afghan troops take to streets after attack

KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghan soldiers took up positions Monday in districts of the capital where government officials and foreigners live, while security officers hunted for suspects in the attempted assassination of President Hamid Karzai.

About 100 people were rounded up for questioning about the attack that killed three people and wounded eight during a government celebration Sunday, an Afghan intelligence official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to journalists.

4 U.S. soldiers killed

BAGHDAD — Bombardments by suspected militants killed four U.S. soldiers Monday as troops tried to push Shiite fighters farther from the U.S.-protected Green Zone and out of range of their rockets and mortars.

At least 44 American soldiers have been killed in Iraq in April, making it the deadliest month for U.S. forces since September.

The U.S. military said three soldiers were killed in eastern Baghdad by indirect fire, a reference to mortars or rockets. The statement did not give an exact location for the attack, but the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City has been the scene of intense fighting recently with Shiite militiamen.

Wildfire near Los Angeles proves to be stubborn

SIERRA MADRE, Calif. — Crews overcame a threatening flare-up during the night and worked Monday to halt a wildfire northeast of Los Angeles that has sent 1,000 people fleeing their homes.

Water-dropping aircraft were back in the air Monday to complement ground crews as more than 580 firefighters attacked the blaze above homes in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. Calmer wind and rising humidity were expected to help, said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Ed Gililland.

Truckers rally in D.C. to protest fuel prices

WASHINGTON — Horns blaring in a deafening fanfare, a convoy of truck drivers traveled to Washington on Monday to protest record fuel prices.

Members of Truckers and Citizens United circled the National Mall before parking their rigs at RFK Stadium. From there, about 100 protesters marched and took shuttles to the Capitol, where an afternoon rally was held.

“The high price for oil is hurting our economy,” organizer Mark Kirsch said. “It’s hurting middle class people.”

Associated Press