Ann Copland

Ann Copland, took gifts from Mr. Abramoff and other lobbyists, including thousands of dollars in meals and tickets to events. Prosecutors say the gifts were in exchange for her help getting favors for a top Abramoff client, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Ms. Copland left Mr. Cochran’s office last spring. FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) George Mason University's homecoming queen is a guy. Students chose Ryan Allen over two women for the title.

A former aide to Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran has been charged in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. Prosecutors say Ann Copland accepted thousands of dollars worth of tickets and meals in exchange for her help getting favors for a top Abramoff client. The monthly statements showing stock trades Madoff made for them were fakes. So far, $950 million in assets have been recovered, but claims are likely to total in the billions.

Federal water managers say they plan to cut off water to thousands of California farms as a result of a deepening drought. Officials blame low reservoirs and patchy rainfall for the decision to stop water deliveries for at least a two-weeks beginning March 1. The White House is dousing fears that the government will nationalize crippled banks. Press secretary Robert Gibbs says the Obama administration strongly believes "that a privately held banking system is the correct way to go."