Washington, D.C.

Bush downplays risks to U.S. food supply

President Bush played down on Saturday a stark warning from his resigning health chief that the nation’s food supply is largely unprotected from terror attack.

Bush said that the government was doing what it could to safeguard the public from threats, but much work remained.

“We’re a large country, with all kinds of avenues where somebody could inflict harm,” said Bush. “We’ve made a lot of progress in protecting our country, and there’s more work to be done, and this administration is committed to doing it.”

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson said in a speech Friday announcing his departure that he worried “every single night” about a possible terror attack on the food supply.

Pennsylvania

Grandmother acquitted in dog mauling death

A Clarion woman was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter, but convicted of two lesser counts, in the death of her 2-year-old granddaughter, who was mauled by two Rottweilers while visiting her home.

Kathleen Hansen, 62, also was acquitted Friday of reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child. She was convicted of two misdemeanors under the state’s dangerous dog law, the most serious of which carries a five-year maximum prison sentence. Sentencing was set for January.

Lily Krajewski, of Buffalo, N.Y., was attacked after the dogs escaped from their makeshift kennel in March 2003. Hansen testified she tried to fend off the dogs, but was overpowered.

Indiana

Mom auctions ghost on eBay to ease son’s fears

A Hobart woman’s effort to assuage her 6-year-old son’s fears of his grandfather’s ghost by selling it on eBay has drawn more than 34 bids with a top offer of $78.

Mary Anderson said she placed her father’s “ghost” on the online auction site after her son, Collin, said he was afraid the ghost would return someday.

Anderson told Collin’s story on eBay:

“I always thought it was just normal kid fears until a few months ago he told me why he was so scared. He told me ‘Grandpa died here, and he was mean. His ghost is still around here!”‘

Anderson added, “My dad was the sweetest most caring man you’d ever meet.”

Anderson said the proceeds from the auction would go to buy Collin a special present.

New York City

Marital odds not good for $149 million winner

Money — not even $149 million — can’t buy you love.

Juan Rodriguez, who collected the huge windfall in the Mega Millions lottery last month, is now on the outs with his wife, the New York Post reported Saturday. Iris Rodriguez wants a divorce from her husband of 17 years, and she filed the paperwork just 10 days after Juan bought the winning ticket on Nov. 19.

Iris Rodriguez is seeking a portion of her husband’s huge lottery check, the Post said. Rodriguez, 49, opted to take his winnings in a single lump-sum payment of $88.5 million before taxes.