Family pleads for teen to surrender

January 25, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

OAKLAND, CALIF.

Police sought a 14-year-old California boy Friday in the fatal shooting of his 17-year-old sister as the family of the teenager pleaded for him to surrender.

Oakland police said they believe suspect Mario Toliver Jr. of Oakland still may be carrying the weapon involved in Thursday’s shooting.

Police have not released a motive in the shooting. But relatives have said the shooting occurred after the two siblings got into an argument over laundry at the family’s apartment in Oakland’s Chinatown.

Relatives have identified the victim as the boy’s sister, Justice Toliver, and said she has a 2-year-old daughter.

Hagel: Nuke missile corps will get fixed

WASHINGTON

Vowing to look hard at problems inside the Air Force’s nuclear missile corps, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Friday it’s clear “something is wrong” and he is determined to restore public confidence in the nuclear force.

Hagel told reporters that he is sure the problems will get fixed and that the nation’s arsenal of nuclear weapons will remain safe and secure. He said he will convene a high-level meeting soon to probe the problems.

At a Pentagon news conference, Hagel said the issues are complex and derive from a post-Cold War mindset that has reduced the focus on the nuclear weapons mission and led people to “just take for granted” that it will function correctly.

Ukraine riots resume

KIEV, UKRAINE

As riots spread from Ukraine’s embattled capital to nearly half of the country, President Viktor Yanukovych promised Friday to reshuffle his government and make other concessions — but a top opposition leader said nothing short of his resignation would do.

Hours after the president’s comments, huge fireballs lit up the night sky in central Kiev and plumes of thick black smoke rose from burning tires at giant barricades erected by protesters.

Clashes resumed at the barricades. Angry demonstrators hurled firebombs, rocks and fireworks at officers. Riot police responded with tear gas and several dozen protesters were rushed to a makeshift medical triage area to be treated.

Ex-governor, wife plead not guilty

RICHMOND, VA.

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges that they traded their influence for tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and loans, and both will be allowed to remain free until their trial.

“It’s not guilty, your honor,” McDonnell said when asked his plea.

U.S. District Court Judge James R. Spencer set a July 28 start for a jury trial. The proceedings are expected to last five to six weeks.

NYC 9/11 museum will open in May

NEW YORK

After years of delays due to funding disputes, engineering challenges and a nearly disastrous flood, a museum dedicated to victims of the 9/11 terror attacks will open to the public in mid-May in a giant cavern beneath the World Trade Center site — with a world-class admissions price of $24.

National 9/11 Memorial and Museum President Joe Daniels said Friday that tickets would go on sale for the museum in March for the spring opening.

The fee drew protests from critics, including some relatives of 9/11 victims, who said the high price would keep average Americans out.

Associated Press