Digest

Cockfight broadcast ban challenged

By TIMES WIRES
Published July 11, 2007

MIAMI - A Florida-based Web site operator sued U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Tuesday for the right to broadcast live cockfighting from Puerto Rico on the Internet.

Advanced Consulting and Marketing Inc. claims that a federal law criminalizing the creation and sale of depictions of animal cruelty "abridges" and "chills" free speech. The lawsuit claims the cockfights should be allowed to be shown because they were staged legally.

The cockfights are shown on a Web site that offers several membership options.

Slot machines return to Miami-Dade ballot

MIAMI - Miami-Dade County voters will get another chance to approve or reject the addition of slot machines at three parimutuels. Commissioners decided Tuesday to put the measure adding slots to the county's horse and dog racing tracks and jai-alai fronton on the January ballot.

Voters defeated the measure in March 2005.

Teenager held in theft from ex-Gov. Kirk

WEST PALM BEACH - A 19-year-old man accused of breaking in and robbing the home of former Florida Gov. Claude Kirk was being held without bail Tuesday, authorities said.

Sofiane Merah of West Palm Beach was charged with burglary of a dwelling and grand theft.

[Last modified July 10, 2007, 22:21:24]