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Diocese says it will declare bankruptcy

By TIMES WIRES
Published February 28, 2007

SAN DIEGO

The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego said Tuesday that it planned to file for bankruptcy protection to put off going to trial in more than 140 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by priests. Bishop Robert Brom said on the diocese's Web site that the diocese made its decision because any damages awarded early in a trial could deplete "diocesan and insurance resources," leaving nothing for other victims. Attorney Micheal Webb said the diocese planned to file for bankruptcy protection by midnight, just hours before the first trial was scheduled to go forward today. A Chapter 11 filing automatically halts court proceedings. San Diego would become the fifth U.S. diocese to file for bankruptcy protection.

WASHINGTON

Bush threatens to veto antiterror bill

President Bush and his Senate allies will kill a Sept. 11 antiterror bill if Congress sends it to the White House with a provision to let airport screeners unionize, the White House and 36 Republicans said Tuesday. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said that allowing screeners to unionize would impede quick response to possible threats. Casting the provision as a deal-killer would flex Bush's political muscle with the new, Democratic-led Congress on the old battleground of labor rights. It also could throw an obstacle into talks over how to debate and pass the recommendations of the Sept. 11 Commission. The White House also opposes an amendment that would let states delay adopting standardized drivers' licenses.

ALBANY, N.Y.

Five plead guilty to illegal hires

Five former managers from a major crate and pallet manufacturer pleaded guilty Tuesday to hiring illegal immigrants, part of a larger federal crackdown on employers who break the law to get cheap labor. The pleas came 10 months after federal agents staged sweeping raids at 40 IFCO Systems sites in 26 states. More than 1,100 people were arrested on administrative immigration charges in the April raids. James Rice, 37, of Houston, an executive regional general manager of IFCO, pleaded guilty to conspiring to employ illegal workers. Robert Belvin, 43, of Stuart, a former general manager of the Albany IFCO plant, pleaded guilty to two felony conspiracy charges. Three other plant officials each pleaded guilty Tuesday to one misdemeanor.

CONCORD, N.H.

Burglars break into Democratic offices

Burglars have broken into Democratic Party headquarters. Instead of Washington's Watergate complex, this burglary took place at the New Hampshire Democratic Party's headquarters over the weekend. Neither police nor party officials will comment on what was stolen and whether the break-in was politically motivated. There was no indication that any personal financial information was taken, said party spokeswoman Kathleen Strand.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

Sex scandal rocks juvenile centers

A long-simmering scandal over sexual abuse of juveniles at schools for youthful offenders broke into the open on Tuesday with state Sen. John Whitmire calling for a takeover of the troubled Texas Youth Commission. Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican, called the revelations "absolutely reprehensible" and would not rule out a takeover, said a spokesman, Ted Royer.

[Last modified February 28, 2007, 01:38:42]