Concealed-guns law rejected in Senate

Concealed-guns law rejected in Senate

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday rejected letting people carry hidden guns in 48 states if they have a concealed- weapon permit in any one of them, a rare victory for gun-control advocates in a Democratic-controlled Congress that has been friendly to the gun lobby.

Opponents said it would force states with tough concealed- weapon permit restrictions to let in gun carriers from states that give permits to convicted criminals, minors and people with no firearms training.

A strong majority, in a 58-39 vote, supported the measure, which would require most states to honor the concealed-weapons permits issued by other states. But the tally was two votes short of the 60 votes needed to add the measure as an amendment to a defense bill.

Doctor’s clinic searched

HOUSTON — Authorities searched the Houston clinic of Michael Jackson’s doctor Wednesday, and his attorney said they were seeking evidence of manslaughter.

Dr. Conrad Murray had been interviewed by police as a witness to the pop star’s death but has not been considered a suspect. Police have said little about the probe, neither confirming nor denying the possibility of criminal charges.

Los Angeles police and agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration went through the Armstrong Medical Clinic on Wednesday for about 21‚Ñ2 hours.

The Naked Mayor?

NEW YORK — The Naked Cowboy wants to be the city’s mayor, promising transparency in politics — while running almost buck naked.

“I know how to do more with less,” said entertainer Robert Burck, clad as usual in a pair of white briefs, boots and a cowboy hat, as he announced his bid Wednesday in Times Square.

On most days, the 38-year-old ordained minister collects tourists’ tips while posing for photos with “Naked Cowboy” emblazoned across his underwear, cracking jokes and making up funny songs on the guitar strapped across his bare chest.

He’s running as a write-in candidate against Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a buttoned-down billionaire vying for his third term.

The Naked Cowboy insists he doesn’t need clothes to campaign.

“You’re not going to be seeing me buying a whole new suit because I’m running for mayor — not on the city’s dime,” he said.

Army base shooting death

FORT LEWIS, Wash. — A 59-year-old retired soldier shot a female civilian worker to death Wednesday inside a store at the Fort Lewis Army base, then shot and wounded himself, Army officials said.

The man was hospitalized in critical condition with a gunshot wound to his head, Army Maj. Mike Garcia said.

The Army did not release the identity of the man or woman. Officials said the woman was a civilian working at the store and that the 59-year-old man was a retired soldier from Lakewood, Wash.

The relationship between the two wasn’t known, nor was a motive for the shootings.

Honduras crisis near end?

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — A new proposal to end Honduras’ political crisis would restore ousted President Manuel Zelaya by Friday.

Costa Rican President Oscar Arias says the proposal is the last plan he will submit as mediator in the conflict. He says Zelaya and the coup leaders should turn to the Organization of American States for a new mediator if they refuse to sign the plan.

The 11-point plan also calls on Zelaya to drop efforts to reform the Honduran Constitution — an initiative that provoked his June 28 ouster in a military coup.

Arias presented the plan Wednesday and said he hoped both sides would sign it today. It includes a timetable that would return Zelaya to power Friday.

Taco Bell Chihuahua dies

LOS ANGELES — Handlers say Gidget the Chihuahua, whose Taco Bell commercials made her a star, has died. She was 15.

The owner of Studio Animal Services in Castaic says Gidget suffered a massive stroke late Tuesday at her trainer’s home in Santa Clarita and had to be euthanized.

Gidget was the sassy mascot in Taco Bell commercials from 1997 to 2000. Though other dogs had bit parts, it was her bug-eyed, big-eared face that is seen pronouncing, in a dubbed male voice, “Yo quiero Taco Bell.”

The ads made the Taco Bell mascot wildly popular, although they provoked some criticism from activists who felt they used Mexican stereotypes.

Associated Press