equipment failed Tuesday at a regional air-traffic control center, shutting down all airline traffic within 250 miles of Memphis and causing a ripple effect across the country that grounded dozens of passenger and cargo flights. The problem started when a major telephone line to the Memphis center went out at 12:35 p.m. Memphis -- a hub for Northwest Airlines, a major carrier in Detroit -- is the world's busiest airport for cargo.
Ex-Alaska lawmaker guilty of bribery
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A former state legislator was convicted Tuesday of trading his legislative influence for bribes from a company that was seeking to profit from a proposed natural gas pipeline. Former Rep. Pete Kott, a Republican who was House speaker for part of his 14-year tenure, was found guilty of conspiracy to solicit financial benefits, extortion and bribery.
American Indians get Nike shoe
BEAVERTON, Ore . -- Nike on Tuesday unveiled what it said is the first shoe designed specifically for American Indians, an effort aiming at promoting physical fitness in a population with high obesity rates. The Beaverton-based company says the Air Native N7 is designed with a larger fit for the distinct foot shape of American Indians.
4 crewmen missing from empty boat
MIAMI -- Two men who had been plucked from a life raft near Cuba were charged Tuesday after the boat they had rented was found adrift in the Bahamas, its four crew members missing. Kirby Logan Archer, 35, of Strawberry, Ark., who is wanted in a robbery case in Arkansas, was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Guillermo Zarabozo, 19, of Hialeah was charged with making a false statement to a federal agent.
In other headlines
Giuliani backer hosts fundraiser with '$9.11' theme : The International Association of Fire Fighters accused Republican Rudy Giuliani of exploiting the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks because a supporter is holding a $9.11-per-person fundraiser for the presidential candidate. A Giuliani spokeswoman said the idea was selected without the campaign's knowledge.
Nooses left for black Coast Guard officer: Nooses were left in a black Coast Guard cadet's bag and in the office of a white officer who conducted race relations training after the incident, leading a congressman to call for a thorough military investigation.
Tainted tofu recalled : California state health officials are warning people not to eat tofu products from a San Francisco company because the food may be tainted with a dangerous bacteria. Quong Hop and Co. products were distributed to supermarkets and natural-food stores on the West Coast and throughout the Midwest.
Journalists honor slain ex-Detroit News staffer : The slain editor of a Bay Area newspaper that serves the black community was named Journalist of the Year by the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. The group decided to honor Chauncey Bailey, editor of the weekly Oakland Post and a former Detroit News staffer, for his commitment to his work. He was murdered Aug. 2.
Conyers seeks release of Jena 6 teenager: U.S. Rep. John Conyers of Detroit, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said Tuesday he will press the government for the release of a black teenager held in the "Jena 6" case that spurred one of the biggest civil-rights demonstrations in years.
Group pays higher price for Times ad : MoveOn.org said Tuesday that it paid the New York Times $77,508 after the newspaper revealed that its advertising department had undercharged it for an ad about Gen. David W. Petraeus that ran two weeks ago and proved controversial.
Myanmar military imposes curfew
YANGON, Myanmar -- Myanmar's military leaders imposed a nighttime curfew and banned gatherings of more than five people Tuesday after 35,000 Buddhist monks and their supporters defied the junta's warnings and staged another day of anti-government protests.
In other headlines
Hezbollah blocks Lebanon election: Hezbollah and its opposition allies blocked the election of Lebanon's next president Tuesday.UNITED NATIONS (AP) Iran's president says Tehran will ignore U.N. Security Council demands for it to halt uranium enrichment. He says the requirement is imposed by "arrogant powers." Speaking before world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (ah-muh-DEE'-neh-zhahd) says Iran's nuclear efforts will be monitored through legal paths.
ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) A polygamist leader in Utah, who once appeared on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list, has been convicted on sex-related charges. Warren Jeffs was found guilty of being an accomplice to rape for arranging the marriage of a 19-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl. Jeffs could get life in prison.
Washington (AP) Michigan Congressman John Conyers says he'll press the government for the release of a black teenager held in the "Jena 6" case in Louisiana. Conyers met with Bell's parents on Capitol Hill today. Mychal Bell, now 17, was one of six teens arrested after a December attack on a white student.
WASHINGTON (AP) National test results show math and reading scores are up for elementary and middle schoolers. The results were a boost to President Bush's signature No Child Left Behind education law. And it provides ammunition for those who want to see it extended with minimal changes.
BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) It's a first for American Indians. Nike has come out with a shoe designed specifically for them. Nike says the Air Native N7 shoe aims to promote physical fitness in a population with high obesity rates. All profits will be reinvested into community projects.
BEAVERTON, Ore., Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nike today unveiled the Nike Air Native N7, a unique athletic performance shoe designed specifically for Native Americans. The Nike Air Native N7 is the result of nearly two years of collaborative research, development and fit testing in partnership with the Native American community. This first-of-a-kind performance shoe is built on a new and unique last created to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot. The result is a true Native fitting, performance product.
