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In the Nation

Safety fix ordered by FAA for 767s

WASHINGTON - The Federal Aviation Administration yesterday ordered operators to make safety adjustments to the fuel tanks of 414 Boeing 767s registered in the U.S. to prevent a midflight explosion.

The directive gives operators three years to install an automatic fuel-pump shutoff system for the center fuel tanks on 767s. The concern is that if fuel in the tanks becomes too low while the pump is still operating, under certain conditions it could ignite fuel and air vapors. In the meantime, flight crews are supposed to shut off the pumps themselves when fuel gets low.

The fleetwide cost of complying with the order is $4.6 million. Boeing spokeswoman Liz Verdier said the company sent operators of 767s a service bulletin two years ago recommending the changes in yesterday's order. - AP

6 terror suspects to stay in custody

RALEIGH, N.C. - A federal judge yesterday ordered six North Carolina men accused of plotting holy war to remain in custody, but he raised scathing questions about the strength of the case federal prosecutors are pushing.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Webb determined that the defendants were dangerous and might flee if released, noting they had overseas contacts, some past criminal activity, and the threat of a life sentence if convicted on terrorism charges they face.

But Webb expressed concern about the veracity of the government's case. In presenting evidence, authorities relied heavily on secret audio recordings and statements of an unnamed witness.

Alleged ringleader Daniel Boyd, 39, and six other suspects, including two of Boyd's sons, were charged last week. A detention hearing for one suspect was delayed, and another is still at large. - AP

DA: Engineer let man drive train

MINEOLA, N.Y. - A Long Island Rail Road engineer and the passenger he allegedly let drive a train carrying almost 400 riders during rush hour at speeds of up to 80 m.p.h. are facing reckless-endangerment charges. The engineer has also been charged with official misconduct.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced the charges yesterday against engineer Ronald Cabrera, 40, of Centereach, and passenger William Kutsch, 47, of East Setauket. Their actions July 2 on the 500-ton double-decker train created "a substantial risk" of serious injury to riders and people in communities it passed through, she said.

Rice said the train had no autopilot function and required someone to be at the controls. Kutsch, a court reporter, does not have an engineer's license. - AP

Elsewhere:

The 150,000-member American Psychological Association declared yesterday that mental-health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments.

Rand Paul, son of 2008 presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (R., Texas), said yesterday that he would run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated in 2010 by fellow Kentucky Republican Jim Bunning. Paul is a Bowling Green ophthalmologist.