Nation - Friday

New Orleans courts called broken

Judge Arthur Hunter ordered the release of 42 criminal suspects, saying the city's dysfunctional court system could not provide them with defense attorneys. The order was stayed until April 18. Hunter faulted the Louisiana statehouse for failing to fund the program, adding that Hurricane Katrina could no longer be used as a defense.

Aussie convicted of terrorism

A U.S. military tribunal at Guantanamo convicted Australian David Hicks, 31, of providing material support for terrorism. Hicks agreed to plead guilty and accepted a 7-year sentence, in addition to the 5 years he has already served. The U.S. will send Hicks to Australia to serve his sentence. Hicks helped al-Qaida fight U.S. forces in '01.

April Senate stem cell vote set

Under a deal worked out with fans and critics of embryonic stem cell research, the Senate will vote on two stem cell-related bills on April 10. One will lift President Bush's limits on federal funding of embryonic research. The other will direct the government to create guidelines for research on embryonic stem cells that have lost their ability to develop into humans.

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