In brief: Loughner must get mental exam

PHOENIX – An Arizona judge has ordered the suspect in Tucson’s shooting rampage to undergo a mental evaluation at a specialized facility in Springfield, Mo., as soon as possible.

In a ruling late Monday, U.S. District Judge Larry Burns said the evaluation will be videotaped and provided to prosecutors and defense attorneys. He also ordered that it be conducted “as soon as possible” and no later than April 29.

Prosecutors had argued that Jared Lee Loughner’s exam should be conducted at a so-called medical referral center that provides forensic services and has increased resources, and recommended a facility in Springfield, Mo.

Defense attorneys argue that the exam should be done by an outside expert at a Tucson prison.

Pawlenty forming exploratory panel

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty pressed toward a White House campaign Monday by formally announcing an exploratory committee with a call for backers to help him “take back our govern- ment.”

“At a young age, I saw up close the face of challenge, the face of hardship and the face of job loss,” the Republican said in a two-minute video message designed to appeal to tea party activists and GOP rank and file facing economic insecurity.

“Over the last year I’ve traveled to nearly every state in the country and I know many Americans are feeling that way today. I know that feeling. I lived it. But there is a brighter future for America.

“We, the people of the United States, will take back our government. This is our country. Our Founding Fathers created it,” Pawlenty said in the Hollywood-style video that featured a soaring soundtrack. It was posted on his Facebook page Monday afternoon.

Tour bus rollover injures at least 17

LITTLETON, N.H. – A tour bus of Korean citizens headed from Canada to New Jersey rolled over on a snowy New Hampshire interstate Monday night, injuring at least 17 of the 25 people aboard, authorities said.

None of the injuries was life-threatening, firefighters said. The tour bus accident is the third in the Northeast this month, including a crash in New York City in which 15 people were killed.

In New Hampshire, a light early spring snow had fallen, bringing with it intermittent fog to the area where the driver lost control on Interstate 93 in Littleton, near the Vermont border.

Mild earthquake rattles Carolinas

CHESTERFIELD, S.C. – A small earthquake rattled homes and prompted more than 100 people to call 911 after it hit in South Carolina near the state line with North Carolina.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the 2.9-magnitude quake struck just after 6 p.m. Monday in an area between Chesterfield and Wadesboro, N.C.

Chesterfield County Emergency Management Director Harold Hainey said no damage or injuries were reported.