A case of animal cruelty

Sarah McClendon, the Temple Daily Telegram

The United Way of Central Texas has raised $833,559.70 or 83.5 percent, of its 2002 campaign goal of $1 million, Executive Director Ann Thompson said Wednesday. Top donors over the Christmas and New Year holidays included Johnson Bros. Ford, $11, 981; Pactiv, $29,940; Materials Transportation Co., $10,719; Olin E. Teague Veterans

WASHINGTON(AP) President Bush signed hastily passed legislation Wednesday extending unemployment benefits for 2.5 million victims of a weak economy, the first accomplishment of a new, Republican-controlled Congress. Democrats in both the House and Senate complained that the measure fell short of what was needed, but Bush said its enactment

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)A commuter plane taking off in clear weather Wednesday veered sharply back toward the airport and crashed into the side of a hangar, bursting into flames and killing all 21 people aboard. The cause of the nation

Building a winning athletic program. That will be the topic of what

Coach Kirby Johnson had said he expected Wednesday night

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Yao Ming had 23 points and 11 rebounds as the Houston Rockets broke an 11-year losing streak in Orlando by beating the Magic 91-81 Wednesday night. Steve Francis scored 12 of his 16 points in the third quarter and Cuttino Mobley had 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Eddie Griffin added 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots. The Rockets made 25 of 26 free throws and held a 52-34 advantage in rebounds, but turned the ball over 22 times. The Magic, who had won 14 of 15 from Houston, shot 35.6 percent, including 4-for-15 on 3-pointers. They also had nine shots blocked, eight in the first half. Tracy McGrady scored 27 points but shot 10-for-26. Mike Miller was 3-for-17

TAMPA (AP) - Tampa Bay linebacker Derrick Brooks is the crown jewel of the NFL

Mario

The Central Texas Blackhawks on Wednesday acquired center Matt Tyree from America West Hockey League rival Great Falls (Mont.) in exchange for winger Brandon Roberts. Tyree, 19, played six games for Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League this season, then joined the Americans and had one goal, three assists, and 39 penalty minutes in 25 games. In 51 games with Great Falls last season, Tyree, a 6-1, 180-pounder who shoots left-handed, posted 19 goals, 24 assists, and 142 penalty minutes. Roberts (5-11, 175), 20, had four goals and three assists in 18 games for the first-season Blackhawks. He attended and played for Colorado College last season. The Blackhawks, on an 18-game win streak, will play Bismarck (N.D.) at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Bell County Expo Center in Belton.what they wanted to in comfortable wins over Lackland Air Force Base (102-87) Saturday and Fort Sam Houston (139-67) Monday in San Antonio. They worked toward getting their wind and legs back, got point production from just about everyone, and posted a pair of victories.