Around the Nation

Kerry’s ex-wife dies at 61

BOSTON — Julia Thorne, the former wife of Sen. John Kerry who turned her experience with depression into a best-selling book, has died of cancer. She was 61.

Mrs. Thorne died Thursday at a friend’s home in Concord, Mass., the senator’s office said.

In 1993, Mrs. Thorne wrote “You Are Not Alone: Words of Experience and Hope for the Journey through Depression,” with Larry Rothstein.

Mr. Kerry, Massachusetts Democrat, called Mrs. Thorne “a great friend to a lot of people.”

A memorial is planned for the fall.

Abu Ghraib official faces charges

The Army yesterday charged the former head of the interrogation center at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq with cruelty and maltreatment, dereliction of duty and other criminal offenses for his purported involvement in the abuse of detainees at the prison in 2003.

Lt. Col. Steven L. Jordan was charged with 12 counts under the Uniform Code of Military Justice covering seven separate offenses.

He is the highest-ranking officer at Abu Ghraib to face criminal charges.

A preliminary hearing, often referred to as the military equivalent of a grand jury investigation, will be held when Col. Jordan’s defense counsel is ready, but no date has been set, according to an announcement by the Military District of Washington.

City can sue foreign countries

NEW YORK — A federal appeals court ruled the city can sue foreign countries in U.S. courts for refusing to pay property taxes.

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