New Orleans: Former governor’s conviction is upheld

A federal appeals court upheld former Gov. Edwin Edwards’ racketeering and fraud convictions on Friday.

Edwards, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison, has been allowed to remain free while he continues appeals. He was convicted in May 2000 in what prosecutors said was a scheme to benefit from awarding lucrative riverboat casino licenses. The scheme began during his fourth and final term and continued after he left office in 1996.

Pennsylvania: High court allows same-sex adoptions

The Keystone State’s Supreme Court ruled that a child may be adopted by a parent’s same-sex partner.

In a 6-0 decision with one justice abstaining, the court found that one partner in a gay or lesbian relationship can adopt a child without forcing the other partner to give up parental rights. Previously, the parent would have had to give up rights to the child in order for the adoption to proceed.

The decision means children in gay and lesbian families could now qualify for health insurance, inheritances and other benefits from the adoptive parent.

Pennsylvania law allowed only for a legally married person to become the adoptive parent of the other spouse’s children. The state does not recognize same-sex marriages.

California: Plastic knuckles illegal under new legislation

In the name of national security, California has outlawed plastic knuckles.

Gov. Gray Davis took the unusual step a few days ago after state lawmakers sent him a bill warning that the devices are being sold and marketed on the Internet as a weapon that can elude metal detectors with ease.

California legislators, citing the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, in which some hijackers wielding box cutters took over jetliners, said they feared plastic knuckle sets presented another valid threat.