IN BRIEF
FILING DEADLINE
Sex abuse claims grow against Jesuit group
More than 500 people in the Northwest filed claims against the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus in advance of a November deadline, alleging members of the Catholic order sexually abused them as children.
The Spokesman-Review in Spokane reports the claims against the Jesuits span decades and range from Native Alaskan children to students at Spokane's Gonzaga Preparatory School.
The Jesuits have settled 200 additional sex abuse claims.
TWO ILLNESSES
Salmonella concerns prompt beef recalls
A Fresno-based beef company is recalling some of its beef products because of concerns of possible salmonella contamination.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says Beef Packers Inc. is pulling about 22,723 pounds of ground beef that may be linked to salmonellosis.
Officials say the products were produced on Sept. 23 and bear the establishment number "EST. 31913" printed on case code labels.
Because the beef was sent to a distribution center in Arizona, officials say consumers should check with local retailers to determine whether they may have purchased any of the recalled beef.
ELIZABETH SMART ABDUCTION
Psychiatrist is expected to discuss writings
A New York psychiatrist is expected in federal court to discuss the religious writings of the man accused of abducting Elizabeth Smart.
According to Dr. Michael Welner, some of Brian David Mitchell's writings claim Smart went with him willingly and with the permission of her parents.
Mitchell drafted the "Book of Immanuel David Isaiah II" after his arrest and interrogations by police in March 2003.
Welner is testifying as part of a 10-day competency hearing to determine whether Mitchell can stand trial in U.S. District Court. The competency hearing enters its second week today.
Mitchell is charged with kidnapping and unlawful transportation of a minor across state lines.
NORTHERN ARIZONA
Weather service issues rare blizzard warning
The National Weather Service has issued a rare blizzard warning for the mountains of northern Arizona as a huge winter storm barrels in from the West Coast.
The warning is in effect from 8 a.m. today through noon Tuesday.
Meteorologist Robert Bohlin in Flagstaff said forecasters are predicting 1 to 2 feet of snow for elevations above 6,000 feet.
