LOS ANGELES – The involuntary manslaughter case against Michael Jackson's cardiologist has been assigned to a new judge in a brief proceeding in Los Angeles.

Dr. Conrad Murray, his attorneys and prosecutors assembled Monday before Supervising Superior Court Judge Peter Espinoza, who quickly assigned the case to Judge Michael Pastor and sent them to his courtroom.

Issues awaiting the new judge include setting a date for a preliminary hearing and Murray's fight to keep his California… Continue

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An eastern Missouri lawmaker is facing an election challenge from her own husband, whom she accuses him of physical violence. He denies the allegations.

Democratic Rep. Linda Fischer obtained a protection order against John Fischer last week. Three days later, he filed as a Republican candidate for his wife's state House seat, becoming her only challenger in the November election a day before the filing deadline passed.

Linda Fischer said Wednesday that she was… Continue

PHILADELPHIA – Who knew a school cafeteria could be so much fun?

A space where hundreds of Philadelphia charter school students have been eating their lunches during mundane weekdays has been doubling in its off-hours as nightclub, offering dancing and drinking despite an expired liquor license.

City and school officials are not happy about the arrangement between Club Damani and the Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School, which serves about 450 children in… Continue