Judge calls for review in case of freed man (AP)

AP - Investigators at the U.S. Justice Department are being asked to look into the case of a man freed from prison this week after 28 years because DNA tests showed he was innocent.

Mass. woman charged with murder in womb-cut case (AP)

AP - A Massachusetts woman who allegedly faked her own pregnancy has been charged with killing her pregnant friend, cutting her baby girl from her womb and kidnapping the infant.

Madoff claims to be redone if court balks at method (Reuters)

 
Reuters - The trustee winding down Bernard Madoff's company vowed on Thursday to redo every claim by thousands of customers defrauded in the multibillion dollar swindle if a judge decides that the method he is using to determine reimbursements is wrong.

Pope calls for action on climate change (AP)

AP - Pope Benedict XVI called for urgent action to protect the environment, saying Tuesday that climate change and natural catastrophes threaten the rights to life, food, health — and ultimately peace.

Mass. 2nd-grader sent home for crucifix drawing (AP)

AP - An 8-year-old boy was sent home from school and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation after he was asked to make a Christmas drawing and came up with what appeared to be a stick figure of Jesus on a cross, the child's father said Tuesday.

Swiss Muslims protest minaret ban (AP)

AP - Around 700 Swiss Muslims peacefully protested against their country's minaret ban on Saturday, with speakers denouncing what they called a hate campaign against Islam.

Flynt wins partial victory in fight over his name (AP)

 
AP - The porn family feud that played out in federal court this week ended in a draw Friday when a jury ruled that Larry Flynt's estranged nephews infringed on their famous uncle's trademark when they launched their own smut business, but did not invade his privacy and were not liable for the substantial attorney fees both sides rang up.