American Scene

ALABAMA

Accused professor attempts suicide

MONTGOMERY | A person with knowledge of the case told the Associated Press that the biology professor charged with killing three Alabama university colleagues has attempted suicide in jail.

The person said Amy Bishop tried to kill herself Friday morning, but survived and has been returned to a cell at the Huntsville jail after treatment at a hospital.

Mrs. Bishop’s husband, Jim Anderson, told the AP he has been kept in the dark and that authorities have not returned his calls. The Madison County Sheriff's Office cited the gag order in refusing comment when contacted by AP.

ARIZONA

Second forest fire forces evacuations

FLAGSTAFF | Fire officials say a second wildfire is forcing evacuations in neighborhoods north of Flagstaff, Ariz.

Coconino County authorities say the Timberline Estates, Wupatki Trails and the Fernwood neighborhood are being evacuated. Fire information officials could not immediately say how many people were being asked to leave their homes.

Coconino National Forest spokeswoman Karen Malis-Clark says the blaze was spotted Sunday afternoon on the north end of Shultz Pass, between the San Francisco Peaks and Mount Elden. She says the fire is torching treetops and sending up an impressive column of smoke. “Hot-shot” crews, helicopters and air tankers are fighting the flames.

CALIFORNIA

Protesters picket Israeli ship

OAKLAND | Hundreds of protesters condemning Israel’s recent raid on an international flotilla bound for Gaza are picketing at the Port of Oakland, where an Israeli ship is due to arrive.

The demonstrators gathered Sunday to prevent the incoming ship from being unloaded. The dock’s day shift of longshoremen agreed not to cross the picket line.

Meanwhile Sunday, Israel said it will immediately allow all goods into Gaza except weapons and items deemed to have a military use under its decision to ease its three-year-old blockade of the Palestinian territory. Israeli officials had decided last week to ease the blockade under intense international pressure after the raid that killed nine people.

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