In brief: Top military mum on gay service

Washington – In a sign of possible differences among top military officials, Army and Air Force chiefs voiced concern Tuesday about ending a ban on gays serving openly in the armed forces while the country is in the midst of two wars.

Army Gen. George Casey and Air Force Gen. Norton Schwartz both told Congress that they support the Pentagon’s plan to spend a year studying a change in the policy that allows gays to serve only as long as they keep their sexual orientation hidden.

However, both generals were mum about their own views on gays in the military and neither followed the lead of Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who earlier this month said gays should be allowed to serve openly.

Man’s train run-ins two weeks apart

Irvine, Calif. – A man who lost his hand after being dragged by a commuter train two weeks ago in Southern California has been hit by a train again.

Police say the man claimed he fell from the platform onto the tracks at the Irvine station and was hit by a northbound train Tuesday morning.

Sgt. Mike Meyers says the man gave the same explanation when he was hit by a Metrolink train at about the same time two weeks ago and dragged 87 feet. His left hand was severed at the wrist.

Police say the man was taken to a hospital Tuesday with non-life-threatening injuries and will receive a mental health evaluation.