Ex-mayor convicted in real estate fraud

NEWARK - A federal jury convicted the city's former longtime mayor, Sharpe James, of fraud yesterday for conspiring to sell city-owned properties to a former girlfriend, who quickly flipped them and earned hundreds of thousands in profits. James, 72, and Tamika Riley, 39, were convicted on the same charges and face up to eight years in prison when sentenced July 29. Both are free on bail. (New York Times)

The government plans to begin collecting DNA samples from anyone arrested by a federal law enforcement agency - a move that is raising concerns about privacy. Using authority granted by Congress, the government also plans to collect DNA samples from foreigners who are detained, whether they have been charged or not. Currently, DNA collection is limited to convicted felons. (AP)

The US government could do far more to push hospitals to prevent infections that kill up to 99,000 people every year, said a report released yesterday by the Government Accountability Office. It recommended that regulators consider mandating certain standards - including something as simple as hand-washing - and tie reimbursement to whether hospitals comply. (Reuters)

LAS VEGAS - An unemployed graphic designer who authorities believe was nearly killed by ricin was arrested yesterday on federal charges that he possessed the deadly toxin as part of an "exotic idea," never carried out, to poison his enemies. Roger Bergendorff was arrested on release from the hospital where he had been treated since Feb. 14. (AP)

CHICAGO - Exposure to formaldehyde may raise one's risk of getting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, researchers said yesterday. A large study that turned up the link needs to be confirmed, researchers said. (Reuters)