Texas

Ex-Texas A&M student executed for shooting

A former Texas A&M University student was executed by injection Wednesday in Huntsville for killing a fellow student during a burglary at her home eight years ago.

Ron Shamburger, 30, apologized and asked for forgiveness from Lori Baker’s family before his execution.

In his fifth year at the university in College Station, Shamburger made numerous home break-ins in which he stole credit cards and cash.

On the night of Sept. 30, 1994, he broke into Baker’s home as she slept, bound her with duct tape then fatally shot her in the head.

Washington, D.C.

Chavez stamp unveiled

A new stamp honoring farm labor leader Cesar E. Chavez was released Wednesday by the Postal Service.

The 37-cent stamp will be issued next April.

“It is a proud moment for the Postal Service to pay tribute to this great man who stands as a true American hero,” said Benjamin Ocasio, postal vice president.

Chavez is best known as the founder of the United Farm Workers of America.

The post office also announced that its traditional Christmas stamp this year will feature artist Jan Gossaert’s “Madonna and Child.” The 37-cent stamp will be issued Oct. 10.

Iowa

ATF agent accused of threatening teens

The head of the Indianola office of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was charged with public intoxication and was being investigated on allegations that he threatened some teenagers with a loaded gun.

Jon Carl Petersen, 41, was arrested and taken to the Warren County jail. He was released Tuesday on his promise to appear in court.

Indianola Police Chief Steve Bonnett said the incident began when nine teenagers drove past Petersen’s house, throwing toilet paper onto area trees and homes.

Police said Petersen chased them in his Jeep, and reports showed police received calls about a man threatening teenagers with a gun.

Boston

Priest abuse victims accept $10 million

Alleged sexual abuse victims of defrocked priest John Geoghan have tentatively agreed to a $10 million settlement from the Boston Archdiocese to drop their lawsuits, their attorney said Wednesday.

The money will be divided among 86 plaintiffs, with the bulk of the settlement $9.3 million going to those who say they were molested by Geoghan.

Another 20 people who say Geoghan exposed himself to them will split $540,000. Sixteen parents of children who say they were abused by Geoghan will divide $160,000.

Washington

School district settles racial bias lawsuits

The Puyallup School District agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle lawsuits accusing it of tolerating a climate of racial hostility that included threats against black students.

The settlement, announced Tuesday, resolved cases brought by three dozen black and mixed-race students and 23 parents in U.S. District Court and Pierce County Superior Court since January 2000.

The lawsuits also claimed that school officials discriminated against black teachers and staff, that the curriculum was racially offensive and that black students were discouraged from participating in some activities.

In fall 1999, one student was allowed to take his class picture with black paint on his face.

Two weeks later, two students were arrested after a brawl between black and white students. The following weekend, hundreds of residents awoke to find their lawns littered with racist pamphlets.