American Scene

ALABAMA

Wind topples tents, kills child at air show

HUNTSVILLE — A county coroner in Alabama said a 5-year-old was killed when strong winds blew over a row of tents at an air show in Huntsville.

Witnesses told the Huntsville Times that a generator fell on the child Sunday. The Madison County coroner's office confirmed the death.

Huntsville Hospital spokeswoman Pam Sparks said 12 others were treated for injuries, but only one — a different child - was admitted to the hospital. That child was in serious condition.

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service said winds reached 48 mph during the storm, which canceled the air show.

CALIFORNIA

Marriage focus of gay pride parade

SAN FRANCISCO — Revelers at San Francisco’s gay pride parade are celebrating their newfound freedom to marry as the city’s 38th annual march got under way with a matrimonial touch.

Members of the lesbian motorcycle group Dykes on Bikes wore bridal veils and wedding gowns and tossed bouquets as they led Sunday’s parade. Some of the motorcycles were adorned with signs reading “Just Married.”

Same-sex marriage has been legal in California since a California Supreme Court decision made it so June 16.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom received ovations along the parade route for his role in working to overturn the state’s gay marriage ban. A ballot measure would restore the ban if approved by voters in November.

FLORIDA

Anti-Obama messages found on vehicles

ORLANDO — Police on Sunday were investigating a case in which vandals spray-painted dozens of city vehicles here, some with disparaging messages about the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama.

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