NATIONAL BRIEFS

MASSACHUSETTS: Kerrigans reject homicide finding

The family of Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan insisted Tuesday that they do "not blame anyone" for her father's death and criticized a medical examiner's finding that Daniel Kerrigan died of a heart rhythm problem after a fight with his son. The death Jan. 24 was ruled a homicide by a state medical examiner. The findings could prompt new charges against Mark Kerrigan, 45, who has pleaded not guilty to assault and battery and is undergoing a psychiatric evaluation. Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said Tuesday that an autopsy determined the cause of death was "cardiac dysrhythmia" after a physical altercation with neck compression that damaged Kerrigan's windpipe. The findings noted that Kerrigan, 70, had high blood pressure and clogged heart arteries. The family issued a statement calling the findings both "premature and inaccurate."

CALIFORNIA: Families flee mudslide threat

Homeowners in mud-ravaged foothill towns north of Los Angeles packed their cars and left Tuesday as evacuation orders took hold for 541 homes on the hillsides of La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Acton and two canyons as a new winter storm arrived. Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies went door to door, urging people to leave. They also asked residents to move their vehicles off the streets, where heavy rain caused water and rocks to roar through Saturday, smashing cars and concrete barriers. A flash flood warning was issued for steep wildfire-scorched slopes of the Angeles National Forest northeast of Los Angeles.

PENNSYLVANIA: Republicans eye Murtha's seat

Democrats have long dominated the late Rep. John Murtha's district in western Pennsylvania, but Republicans have made inroads that could help them win back the seat. Political analysts said Tuesday that they expect a competitive contest in the race to replace Murtha, whose ability to steer federal dollars to the district made him a powerful figure even beyond Pennsylvania. A Republican win would be hugely symbolic and could create momentum for a national GOP that sees itself as resurgent heading into the 2010 midterms. Murtha died Monday at age 77 after complications from gallbladder surgery.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Clinton office attacker a fugitive

A man who took hostages at a Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign office in 2007 cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet Tuesday and fled and is considered dangerous, authorities said. Leeland Eisenberg cut off his monitor one day after being given a "last chance" at freedom. A judge released him despite many probation violations, officials said.