Gay marriage foes begin petition drive

TRENTON -- Gay marriage opponents launched a petition drive yesterday in hopes of persuading lawmakers to amend the state constitution to include a definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The drive comes one week before New Jersey begins allowing gay couples to legally unite in civil unions. Legislative leaders have refused to allow lawmakers to vote on a proposal to amend the state constitution to include the traditional definition of marriage. (AP)

Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH -- A former nursing home administrator was sentenced yesterday to nearly four years in prison in the death of an Alzheimer's patient who wandered outside in 40-degree weather. Martha Bell, 60, and the home's parent company, the Alzheimer's Disease Alliance of Western Pennsylvania, were convicted Thursday of involuntary manslaughter and other offenses in the death of Mabel Taylor, 88, in October 2001. The company was fined $25,000 yesterday. (AP)

PITTSBURGH -- A woman pleaded guilty yesterday to attempted homicide, assault, and kidnapping for trying to cut a fetus from her neighbor's womb. Peggy Jo Conner, 39, was accused of plotting to steal Valerie Oskin's baby and pass the baby off as her own. Both Oskin and the baby survived after a boy spotted the two women in a clearing. The plea came as Conner's trial was to begin. (AP)

Tennessee

NASHVILLE -- Mayor Bill Purcell vetoed a measure yesterday that would have made English the official language of Nashville, saying it was unconstitutional and mean-spirited. The measure passed 23-14 last week by the Metro Council required all government documents to be in English, except when multilingual communications are required by federal rules or are needed "to protect or promote public health, safety, or welfare." (AP)

pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA -- A gunman fatally shot three men at a business meeting last night before exchanging gunfire with police and committing suicide, police said. The gunman appeared to get upset at a board meeting for a company, police said, adding they were unsure of the name of the company. The shooting took place at the Philadelphia Naval Business Center, part of the old Philadelphia Navy Yard. (AP)