Pulitzer finalist quits USA Today after probe

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Pulitzer finalist quits USA Today after probe

Pulitzer Prize finalist Jack Kelley resigned from USA Today following a company investigation into his stories, the newspaper's editor, Karen Jurgensen, said last night. Jurgensen declined to comment on the length of the investigation or say what led to the scrutiny. Kelley, who resigned Tuesday, was a 2002 Pulitzer Prize finalist in beat reporting for his series on centers of foreign terrorism. Kelley could not be reached for comment.(AP)

OHIO

Woman in lottery case has criminal record

CLEVELAND -- A woman who is suing to block payment of a $162 million lottery prize to the validated winner has a criminal record that includes convictions for misuse of a credit card and criminal trespassing. Asked about past run-ins with the law in Cleveland suburbs, Elecia Battle said she was charged but not convicted, though court and police records show convictions. The Ohio Lottery on Tuesday declared Rebecca Jemison, 34, of South Euclid, the winner of the Dec. 30 drawing. (AP)

CALIFORNIA

Media seek unsealing of Jackson search files

LOS ANGELES -- News organizations asked a judge yesterday to unseal court records related to the search of Michael Jackson's ranch as part of the child molestation case against the pop star. The motion contends the public was not properly notified of a request last month that the documents remain sealed until the singer's Jan. 16 arraignment. (AP)