NATION IN BRIEF

Border plan includes aid by military

If Mexican drug violence spills across the U.S. border, Homeland Security officials say they have a contingency plan to help border areas that includes bringing in the military. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he ordered plans drawn up last summer as violence in Mexico mounted. The plan includes federal Homeland Security agents helping local authorities and maybe even military aid from the Defense Department, possibly including aircraft, armored vehicles and special teams sent to areas overwhelmed by violence, authorities said. DHS spokeswoman Amy Kudwa would not give specifics on the so-called “surge” plan but said the plan does not create any new authorities. In the past year, more than 5,000 people have been killed; police and military officials are common targets of drug cartels.

Things don’t go smoothly for mayor

The misfortunes of indicted Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon continued Saturday as a boxing ring collapsed when she and a dozen other people were jumping on it during a workout to publicize physical fitness. No one was hurt. Everyone climbed out and continued the workout on the gym floor. A day earlier, Dixon was indicted on theft and perjury charges and accused of accepting illegal gifts, including travel, fur coats and gift cards intended for the poor. Dixon, a 55-year-old Democrat, said she is innocent of the charges.

Toxic substance in some sick pelicans

A toxic chemical produced by algae has been detected in some sick California brown pelicans being found in record numbers along the West Coast, but researchers don’t think it’s the main cause of their illness, wildlife experts said. Three of six blood samples taken from sick pelicans tested positive for domoic acid, according to preliminary lab results from the University of Southern California. Most of the hundreds of ailing pelicans being found from Baja California, Mexico, to Washington state are thin, but birds poisoned by domoic are typically of good body weight. That leads researchers to think domoic acid is likely a secondary factor.

City clamps down on meter feeders

Drivers in Houston, Texas, are being warned that “feeding the meter” is now officially illegal. The city soon will begin more strictly enforcing the time limits posted at meters after a little-discussed update to a parking ordinance sailed through the City Council on Wednesday. So if the meter says two hours, you really can stay only two hours. Drivers who stay beyond the posted limit will get a ticket, even if they have paid for more time or have bought the “Downtown Hopper,” a $6 pass that lets people park in various areas without having to pay every time.