In the Nation

LOS ANGELES

Plane returns safely after cockpit smoke

A United Airlines flight arrived safely back at Los Angeles International Airport after smoke was reported in the cockpit and cabin during a flight to Hawaii.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said United flight 1296 landed without incident at 11:38 a.m. Saturday, about three hours after it took off.

United spokesman Charles Hobart said no one was hurt.

The Boeing 757 was headed for Kona International Airport with about 150 people on board when the smoke was reported by crew members.

Fire Department engines and ambulances sent to the airport as a precaution were released after the safe landing.

Hobart said that passengers were to be transferred to other flights and that the aircraft would undergo a thorough inspection by maintenance crews.

- AP
COLORADO

Train spills oil

The Union Pacific Railroad said 6,500 gallons of oil spilled when a train derailed in northern Colorado on Friday. A railroad spokeswoman said cleanup operations were still underway Saturday. State officials said the spill was contained to a ditch and did not reach the nearby South Platte River. The railroad said the contaminated soil would be removed and replaced with clean soil. Six of the 100 cars in the crude oil train derailed west of LaSalle, about 45 miles north of Denver. One car leaked.

- AP
TEXAS

Officer fired

Officials in a small central Texas town have decided to fire a police officer who shot and killed an armed 93-year-old woman during a confrontation at her home. The Hearne City Council unanimously voted Saturday to fire Officer Stephen Stem, who shot and killed Pearlie Golden on Tuesday. The Texas Rangers are investigating the shooting.

- AP