In brief: Maine debates bear baiting measure
PORTLAND, Maine – A ballot question that could ban the use of dogs, bait and traps for bear hunting in Maine has outside groups pouring money into the state on both sides of the issue.
The fundraising is taking place as both sides are intensifying campaigns for and against the Nov. 4 ballot measure. Television ads are airing and signs dot hundreds of street corners in the state.
Opponents have said passing the referendum would allow the state’s bear population – estimated at about 30,000 – to grow, increasing the chances of dangerous encounters with humans. They have also said banning baiting and hounding would hurt tourism and put guides and outfitters out of business.
Ban proponents, meanwhile, say the hunting practices are cruel and unsporting.
Thirty-two states currently allow bear hunting but referendum supporters say none of them allow all three techniques targeted by the proposed restrictions.
Student may get diversion for threat
BOSTON – A Harvard University student accused of making a bomb threat to get out of a final exam may avoid federal prosecution.
The U.S. attorney’s office asked a judge to defer Eldo Kim’s prosecution to allow him to undergo a pretrial diversion program. The arrangement requires the 21-year-old to serve four months of home confinement, pay restitution to agencies that responded to the alleged threat, complete 750 hours of community service and publicly apologize.
Federal prosecutors announced Friday they charged Kim in what’s called a criminal information with emailing several bomb threats to offices associated with the university nearly 10 months ago.
Casino closed after armed showdown
COARSEGOLD, Calif. – A federal judge closed a Central California casino after an armed showdown between tribal factions caused many gamblers to flee with chips left on the tables.
U.S. District Judge Lawrence O’Neill, acting on an emergency request by the state attorney general, set no date for the possible reopening of the Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino in Coarsegold, about 40 miles north of Fresno. He scheduled a hearing for Wednesday.
The National Indian Gaming Commission also ordered the casino closed, declaring a threat to public safety that could result in serious injury or death.
A faction that was forced out of the casino to a nearby tribal business center in August returned Thursday night. According to the gaming commission, each faction controlled different parts of the casino and was unwilling to leave as Friday wore on.
Madera County Sheriff John Anderson said about 500 people fled the casino Thursday night. He said he worried for weeks about escalating tensions and had asked state and federal officials for help.
The sheriff’s department negotiated with about 20 armed members after the casino cleared, Anderson said. There were no arrests, and no one was injured seriously enough to be hospitalized.