Monday, September 29

Today is Monday, September 29, the 273rd day of 2008. There are 93 days left in the year.

Highlights in history on this date:

1567 - Second War of Religion begins in France between Huguenots and King Charles IX.

1650 - France's Parliament imposes peace on Bordeaux, which virtually ends second Fronde revolt.

1789 - The U.S. War Department establishes a regular army with a strength of several hundred men.

1829 - London's reorganized police force, which becomes known as Scotland Yard, goes on duty.

1875 - Rebellion in Cuba leads to deterioration of U.S.-Spanish relations.

1911 - Italy declares war on …

State briefs

CEO of credit union admits embezzling

WHEELING - The chief executive officer of a failed northern WestVirginia credit union has pleaded guilty to embezzling almost $9million from the institution.

Bernie D. Metz pleaded guilty Monday to a federal informationcharging her with embezzling from a credit union and moneylaundering.

Acting U.S. Attorney Betsy C. Jividen says Metz embezzled fromthe Center Valley Federal Credit Union in Wheeling and used themoney to finance construction of the Roadworthy Tavern and Resort inWest Liberty. Metz also bought vehicles and paid off family creditcards.

The credit union was liquidated in February 2009 after an auditby …

Immigration Rally Turnout Lower Than '06

LOS ANGELES - Immigration rallies held across the country Tuesday produced only a fraction of the million-plus protesters who turned out last year, as fear about raids and frustration that the marches haven't pushed Congress to pass reform kept many at home.

In Los Angeles, where several hundred thousand turned out last year, about 25,000 attended the first of two scheduled rallies, said police Capt. Andrew Smith, an incident commander. In Chicago, where more than 400,000 swarmed the streets a year earlier, police officials put initial estimates at about 150,000.

Organizers said those who did march felt a sense of urgency to keep immigration reform from getting pushed to …

Palmeiras, Sport Recife draw 1-1

A 10-man Sport Recife rallied and held on to a 1-1 draw against Palmeiras to consolidate its hold on second place in Group 1 of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday.

Palmeiras striker Keirrison converted a penalty kick in the 14th minute and Wilson equalized in the 45th, only to be immediately red-carded for lifting his jersey to commemorate.

Palmeiras was frequently on attack, while Sport played a more defensive game, strongly …

Biker who called 911 died hours before he was found

Staff Reporter

A motorcyclist who made two frantic 911 calls on his cell phoneafter crashing in rural McHenry County died several hours before hewas found by rescuers, officials said Wednesday.

Kurt Regnier, 47, suffered severe head, neck and chest injurieswhen his motorcycle swerved off the road early July 9 and crashedinto a cornfield, officials said during an inquest into his death.

'WE DID ALL WE COULD'

Regnier made two 911 calls pleading for help, but was unable totell rescuers where he was. Authorities also weren't able to trackthe cell phone calls because McHenry County lacks upgraded 911technology and …

Memoria del amor que no quiso nacer

Y NACIO UN POEMA

Con la ternura dolorosa que deja el sue�o roto de una maternidad frustrada, el poeta uruguayo Roberto Ib��ez retorna el camino humanistico. Lo hace con maestr�a, con un retorno a la lira garcilasiana, para que su expresi�n moderna se afiance en un modelo cl�sico que nunca morir�.

Por Roberto Ib��ez

Amor, amor no llores

tu soledad de ruise�or con fr�o.

Prisionero entre flores

tu p�lido nav�o

herir no quiere el delicado r�o.

Amor, amor, el viento

-cuyo fresco rel�mpago de aroma

fino como el …

France's Sarkozy says he is ready to personally try to secure release of hostage in Colombia

France's president says he is ready if necessary to go personally to Colombia to try to secure the release of ailing hostage Ingrid Betancourt, who is being held by rebels there.

Nicolas Sarkozy urged the Colombian rebels to free Betancourt without delay. He said it was a matter of life or death. He was speaking Thursday, on a visit to …