Urban News

(HOUSTON) -- Officials with the Houston Police Department say the recent arrest of a narcotics investigator with the Texas Department of Public Safety could cast a cloud over the status of several past and pending legal cases. The officer in question was a key witness in many of the court actions.

The District Attorney of Harris County, Chuck Rosenthal, tells the Houston Chronicle that his office is looking into every case in which Sgt. Johnnie Davis participated in any official capacity in recent years.

Davis is charged with engaging in organized crime and is being held in lieu of bail of half a million dollars. He was arrested for allegedly trying to rob a drug courier during a police sting operation.

(MEMPHIS) -- Members of the Memphis City Council may soon vote on a resolution that would authorize the issuance of bonds to build a new downtown arena. The council met Tuesday night in an executive session and plans to meet in full session on April 16 to further discuss the controversial matter.

The Commercial Appeal says that at least one member of the council feels that waiting another week or two will not throw the planned construction schedule for the arena into jeopardy.

Even if the measure gets the OK from the council it must then be passed by both the Memphis and the Shelby County sports authorities.

(BOSTON) -- Final preparations are being made for the annual running of the Boston Marathon. This year's event is slated for April 15 -- under extremely tight security.

The defending men's and women's champions are returning and, according to the Boston Globe, are "headlining a field of 32 elite international athletes."

Lee Bong-ju of Korea won the men's division last year; Catherine Ndereba of Kenya placed first in the women's division.

When Lee won the race last year his victory ended a 10-year reign of dominance by Kenyan runners. Lee covered the 26-mile, 385-yard course in 2:09.43.

This year's race will be the 106th marathon in Boston.

(SEATTLE) -- The influx of Asians into the population of many West Coast cities, including Seattle, has caused not only a strain on social services but put a strain on many Asian-Americans. The Post-Intelligencer, in a major article, says that too many elderly Asians feel isolated; many do not speak English and can't cope with American foods.

The newspaper examines the case of one woman from Indonesia who was "miserable" in a conventional nursing home ... not speaking English and having problems digesting hot dogs. Then her son placed her in a new facility called Legacy House, a senior care facility catering to Asians.

An official of an Asian-American organization tells the newspaper that Asians are the least served of minorities. One reason is that many people incorrectly assume that most Asians are better connected than is the case with myriad local clubs and help groups.