National news capsules

Pulitzer rules for online work change

NEW YORK (AP) — The Pulitzer Prize board announced Wednesday that it will open its doors wider to journalism entries from online-only news publications.

The Pulitzer board changed its entry requirements a year ago to allow entries from Internet-only publications in all 14 journalism categories if the Web site was "primarily dedicated" to original news reporting.

The board said Wednesday it will drop that requirement. The board will also allow entries from Web sites that primarily publish commentary and links to other sites.

"The revised rule will provide more flexibility as we focus on the merit of an entry rather than the mission of the Web site where it appeared," said Sig Gissler, administrator of the prizes.

Man charged with helping killer flee

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A man accused of driving Maurice Clemmons away from the Seattle area coffee shop where he killed four police officers made his first court appearance Wednesday.

Darcus Allen is a convicted murderer who did time with Clemmons in an Arkansas prison. He was charged in Tacoma, Wash., with rendering criminal assistance, pleaded not guilty and was held without bail.

Two women alleged to have given Clemmons first aid and rides after the shooting at a Parkland coffee shop early Sunday also appeared in Pierce County Superior Court. Each was ordered held for 72 hours on $500,000 bail.

Elaborate border tunnel is discovered

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says Mexican authorities discovered an incomplete tunnel that extends into San Diego and is equipped with a lift system, ventilation and lighting.

The DEA said Wednesday that the tunnel runs nearly 1,000 feet from its entry in Tijuana, Mexico, including 860 feet into the United States. There is no exit on the U.S. side.

The DEA says Mexican authorities arrested more than a dozen people inside the tunnel Wednesday. No arrests have been made in the United States.

The tunnel reaches a depth of 90 to 100 feet and authorities think it has been under construction for about two years.

Ex-politician's trial postponed till March

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The trial for former U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi of Arizona on money laundering, insurance fraud, racketeering and other charges has been postponed until March 16.