NATION IN BRIEF: Auto deaths fall in 40 states

Automobile fatalities declined in 40 states, including Georgia, in 2008, according to a survey of state highway safety agencies, an early sign that traffic deaths could dip to their lowest levels in four decades. The Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents state highway safety departments, said Wednesday that vehicle deaths dropped in 40 states and the District of Columbia out of 44 states they surveyed. The average decline was 10.7 percent, the safety group said. Georgia saw decreases of 12 percent, according to the survey. Barbara Harsha, the organization’s executive director, cited high gas prices in the first part of the year and the economy in the second half. But she said the declines could also be attributed to seat belt use reaching a record high of 83 percent in 2008 and increased traffic law enforcement.

Lab workers on leave over buying meds

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has placed 19 employees at a laboratory campus in Ames, Iowa, on paid leave after allegations that some used veterinary credentials to purchase low-cost medications for themselves and relatives. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Iowa’s former governor, called it “a very serious situation that requires immediate and decisive action.” Vilsack said there is no evidence the alleged activity interfered with the laboratories’ work or results. But Vilsack said “we want to send a clear signal” that such actions won’t be tolerated. Testing for diseases such as mad cow and bird flu take place at three USDA labs on the Ames campus. Cindy Smith, USDA’s acting deputy undersecretary of marketing and regulatory programs, said the drugs were sold to other employees for their own and their families’ use. The drugs were primarily antibiotics, blood pressure medications and pain relievers; none were narcotics.

Oil, gas leases on federal land halted

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Wednesday canceled oil and gas leases on 77 parcels of federal land that opponents said would blight Utah’s scenic southeastern corner. Salazar’s decision —- which reverses the Bush administration’s December move to allow drilling on about 130,000 acres near pristine areas such as Nine Mile Canyon, Arches National Park and Dinosaur National Monument —- is one of a series of steps the Obama administration and congressional Democrats are planning to reshape federal regulation of drilling, mining, lumbering and other resource tapping activities, both on and offshore.

Beating victims to split $12.85 million

The Los Angeles City Council approved a $12.85 million payout for demonstrators and bystanders who were beaten by police at a pro-immigration rally. The payout, one of the largest ever for misconduct by the police department, settles claims hundreds of people filed after the May 1, 2007, rally, where police dispersed crowds with batons and beanbag rounds.

Birds in both jet engines, NTSB says

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed there were birds in both engines of the US Airways airliner that ditched into New York’s Hudson River last month.

Landmark church damaged in fire

A fire burned for more than two hours Wednesday at downtown Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral, severely damaging the attic and leaving gaping holes in the roof of the 134-year-old landmark that is the seat of Cardinal Francis George. The iconic church was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire and had been rebuilt. There was no smoke or fire damage in the sanctuary, officials said. The cause is under investigation. The church and its nearby buildings, including a school and a rectory, take up an entire city block. Chicago Archdiocese Chancellor Jimmy Lago said the church will be closed for months.