American Scene

ALBANY | An aide to New York Gov. David Paterson who was accused of domestic violence in an incident that embroiled Mr. Paterson in scandal, has been terminated.

The state comptroller’s office records show that David Johnson has been off the state payroll since Nov. 19. He had been on unpaid leave since Feb. 25.

Mr. Johnson has pleaded not guilty to assault, menacing, harassment and criminal mischief in the Halloween 2009 incident. His girlfriend claimed Mr. Johnson was angry over how she was dressed, choked her, threw her against a dresser and ripped her costume.

The case led to claims of evidence-tampering at the top levels of the governor’s office. None was proved.

Mr. Paterson ended his campaign for a full term amid the scandal, saying he couldn’t clear his name and run for office at the same time.

OHIO

Sick kids ‘visit’ North Pole

CLEVELAND | What was billed as a flight to the North Pole never left the ground, but that didn’t matter to about 50 children and their families in Cleveland.

Most of the children who took part in the weekend adventure at Cleveland Hopkins Airport were ailing patients from two hospitals. Many had never been on an airplane.

The Plain Dealer newspaper reports they were guided onto a Continental Airlines jet Saturday by elves wearing candy-cane-striped tights and green curly-toed shoes.

Crew members lowered the shades inside the cabin so the inside lights wouldn’t hurt the eyes of reindeer. Then the engines roared for the fantasy journey.

The children deplaned to find Santa, Christmas trees and gifts. It was all part of a tradition that began several years ago.

• From wire dispatches and staff reports