National news briefs

Guard soldiers head for Arizona border

PHOENIX (AP) — Federal officials told Arizona's attorney general and a congresswoman Monday that 524 of the 1,200 National Guard troops headed to the U.S.-Mexico border will be deployed in the state by August or September.

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and Attorney General Terry Goddard, both Democrats, met with Obama administration officials in Tucson along with dozens of law enforcement officials and community leaders. The federal officials included John Brennan, deputy national security adviser for homeland security.

Giffords spokesman C.J. Karamargin said the 524 troops are being trained for deployment in August, and Goddard said two drone aircraft also will be used in Arizona. Goddard called the commitment a first step.

Another 224 troops will head to California, 72 to New Mexico and 250 to Texas. A national liaison office will draw another 130.

Parole rejected for Manson follower

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has rejected a recommendation to parole a member of Charles Manson's cult who was convicted of taking part in killings more than four decades ago.

Bruce Davis is serving life sentences for two 1969 slayings, although he was not involved in the infamous murders by Manson followers of actress Sharon Tate and six others in Los Angeles.

The governor in a letter made public on Monday reversed a January decision by the state parole board, saying the murders were "especially heinous." "I believe his release would pose an unreasonable risk of danger to society at this time," he wrote.

The board determined that Davis, 67, is ready to be released. While incarcerated, he earned a master's degree in religion and a doctorate in philosophy of religion, married and fathered a daughter.

No third term for Navajo president

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — A hearing officer on the Navajo Nation has ruled against tribal president Joe Shirley Jr. in his attempt to seek a third consecutive term in office.

Election officials cited a tribal law that says Navajo presidents are limited to two consecutive terms in disqualifying Shirley from the race.