Florida

Last-ditch effort denied in feeding tube case

Two state courts denied last-ditch efforts Friday by the parents of a disabled woman to reinsert a feeding tube that had been keeping her alive.

The woman’s husband successfully fought to have the feeding tube removed this week, but her family vowed to fight to have it reinserted. Doctors say Terri Schiavo will die within two weeks.

The last-minute legal tactic would have directed Gov. Jeb Bush to intervene in the case, supporters of Schiavo’s parents said.

A Tallahassee judge rejected the request, saying it should have been filed in Pinellas County where the case originated. The 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee then denied the request.

Boston

Day-care abuse convict granted parole

A man convicted of raping eight children in one of the nation’s most lurid — and bitterly disputed — child abuse cases has been granted parole and could go free next spring after nearly two decades in prison.

Gerald “Tooky” Amirault was convicted in 1986 of abusing children at a family-run suburban day-care center and sentenced to 30 to 40 years in prison. His mother and sister were convicted separately.

“Although Mr. Amirault stands convicted of serious offenses, it appears that justice has been served by his 17 years of incarceration,” the board said. Its decision, dated Thursday, was announced Friday. The earliest Amirault could be released is April 30, said Edward Principe, spokesman for the state Public Safety Department.

Los Angeles

Six flight attendants allege discrimination

Six former flight attendants have sued Korean Air, claiming they were discriminated against because they are Korean-Americans.

The women, all U.S. citizens, were part of a group of flight attendants hired for their ability to speak both Korean and English, said Kaylynn Kim, a lawyer for the women.

In a complaint filed Wednesday, the women contended the airline laid off everyone in their group, citing economic hardship, then hired Korean nationals to replace them.

The suit alleges the company violated state and federal employment provisions, by using a two-tier employee ranking that denied Korean-Americans benefits and promotional opportunities given to other employees, Kim said.

The company denied wrongdoing.