U.S. files charges in California wildfire
LOS ANGELES – Three men were charged in federal court Tuesday with causing a wildfire in the Southern California mountains that destroyed five homes and injured six people.
Clifford Henry Jr., 22, of Glendora, and two homeless men Steven Aguirre, 21, and Jonathan Jarrell, 24 were charged with unlawfully setting a campfire, and each could face up to five years in prison if convicted, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office.
The three men were arrested Thursday.
It was not immediately clear whether they had obtained attorneys. They were expected to appear in federal court on Wednesday.
Family of dead trainer defends marine parks
ORLANDO, Fla. – The family of a SeaWorld trainer who died in 2010 when a killer whale pulled her into the water is commenting about a documentary critical of animal captivity at the marine parks.
Trainer Dawn Brancheau’s family members said Tuesday on the website for The Dawn Brancheau Foundation that they’ve been repeatedly asked about how they feel about the documentary Blackfish since its release last year.
Family members say Brancheau wouldn’t have worked at SeaWorld for 15 years if she didn’t think the whales were well-cared for.
They say they continue to support her former co-workers who still train with the marine animals.
Former governor, wife face corruption charges
RICHMOND, Va. – Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, once viewed as a rising star in the GOP, and his wife were indicted Tuesday on federal corruption charges accusing the couple of accepting tens of thousands of dollars in loans, shopping sprees, money for their daughter’s wedding – and even a joyride in a Ferrari – from the owner of a company that makes health supplements.
The 14-count indictment portrays the former governor as deeply entrenched in credit card debt even before he took office and willing to accept lavish gifts from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams, who hoped the first couple’s endorsement for his products would yield big profits for his company.
Associated Press
