Cops: Nurse caused nursing-home fire

November 19, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

SYDNEY

Police alleged today that a nurse at a Sydney home for the elderly caused two fires that ripped through the facility, killing five patients and critically injuring 13 others.

Roger Dean was charged with four counts of murder, and was expected to be charged with a fifth. Four of the victims died Friday, the day the fires ravaged the nursing home in Sydney’s suburban Quakers Hill neighborhood, and the fifth died in a hospital Saturday.

The 35-year-old, who appeared before a magistrate by video link from prison, did not enter a plea or apply for bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.

Islamists in Egypt confront military

CAIRO

Tens of thousands of Islamists and young activists massed Friday in Tahrir Square, confronting Egypt’s ruling military council with the largest crowd in months to protest the generals’ attempt to give themselves special powers over a future elected government. While united against the army, however, conservatives and liberals were jockeying among themselves for votes in crucial parliamentary elections only 10 days away.

Ron Paul gains traction in Iowa

ANAMOSA, Iowa

Texas Rep. Ron Paul is emerging as a significant factor in the Republican presidential race, especially in Iowa. He’s been long dismissed by the GOP establishment, but the libertarian-leaning candidate is now turning heads beyond his hard-core followers — and rising in some polls — just weeks before the state holds the leadoff presidential caucuses and four years since his failed 2008 bid.

Crystal Cathedral sees risky future

SANTA ANA, Calif.

The sale of the Crystal Cathedral to the Catholic church could mark an end to the storied televangelist ministry broadcast around the world that came crashing down in hard times. While the church’s spiritual leaders vow to carry on in a new location, the cathedral’s own financial expert says it is impossible to see the future once the congregation loses its famed, glass-spired home.

Obama letter read at Heavy D funeral

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y.

Heavy D was remembered with laughter and tears Friday during a star-studded funeral that included Jay-Z and Will Smith, humorous anecdotes from longtime friend Diddy, and words of encouragement for the late rapper’s family, delivered in a letter from President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. “We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers,” read the note from the Obamas, according to the Rev. Al Sharpton, who quoted from it during the service.

30 teams attempt historic crossing

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina

Reaching the end of the Earth has become almost routine these days: One hundred years after Norway’s Roald Amundsen beat Britain’s R.F. Scott to the South Pole, more than 30 teams are trying for it this year. Some will kite-sail over the vast Antarctic ice and snow. Others will drive in from the coast. A wealthy handful will be dropped off one degree north of the South Pole, for relatively leisurely guided treks of about 70 miles to the pole.

ASSOCIATED PRESS