Menendez: I have behaved properly
Menendez: I have behaved properly
WASHINGTON
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, under federal investigation for his relationship with a Florida doctor and political donor, defiantly said Friday he has always been honest in office even as a person familiar with the matter said he’s expected to face criminal charges soon.
“Let me be very clear, I have always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law,” Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, said at a press conference in his home state.
The person who discussed the expected filing of charges against Menendez in the coming weeks did so on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is pending. Attorney General Eric Holder declined to say whether he has authorized criminal charges against the senator.
Airport workers charged in scheme to smuggle meth
SAN FRANCISCO
Authorities say two security screeners at San Francisco International Airport have been charged with allowing methamphetamine to be smuggled through carry-on luggage at an airport checkpoint in exchange for money.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports a federal complaint unsealed Friday names 30-year-old Claudio Rene Sunux of San Francisco and 27-year-old Amanda Lopez of South San Francisco, who were security screeners contracted with the Transportation Security Administration. It also names 28-year-old Anibal Giovanni Ramirez of San Francisco, suspected of drug smuggling.
UN condemns toxic chemicals in Syria
UNITED NATIONS
The U.N. Security Council on Friday approved a United States-drafted resolution that condemns the use of toxic chemicals such as chlorine in Syria, while threatening militarily enforced action in the case of further violations.
All members of the 15-seat council approved the resolution except for Venezuela, which abstained.
Cops: Teens thought ashes were cocaine
ST. PETERS, Mo.
Three teenage burglars thought they were stealing cocaine, but it turned out to be the cremated remains of the homeowner’s dad, police said.
The thieves realized their mistake after one of them tasted the ashes. Then they threw the remains out of a car window, police said.
Devin M. Gesell, 17, of St. Charles, is charged with burglary and two counts of theft in the case. His accomplices, age 15 and 16, were referred to juvenile authorities for charges.
LGBT anti-bias bill passes Utah Senate
SALT LAKE CITY
Members of Utah’s state Senate told personal stories of discrimination and even invoked the state’s polygamist history during a Friday afternoon debate on a landmark bill that protects gay and transgender people from discrimination while also protecting religious rights.
The Republican- controlled Senate voted 23-5 to pass the Mormon church-backed anti- discrimination bill first unveiled Wednesday. That speedy approval sends the measure to the GOP- controlled House, where the bill would need approval before lawmakers adjourn at midnight Thursday.
Republican Gov. Gary Herbert has said he’ll sign it if it reaches his desk.
Combined dispatches