San Francisco Weighs Decriminalizing Prostitution: AP writer Evelyn Nieves reports that SF would become the first major U.S. city to decriminalize prostitution if voters next month approve Proposition K - a measure that forbids local authorities from investigating, arresting or prosecuting anyone for selling sex. The ballot question technically would not legalize prostitution since state law still prohibits it, but the measure would eliminate the power of local law enforcement officials to go after prostitutes. Proposition K has been endorsed by the local Democratic Party. But the mayor, district attorney, police department and much of the business community oppose the idea.

Mom Takes Stand In Death Penalty Case: A story by the Times Tribune staff writer Erin L. Nissley reports that the mother of an infant killed in June 2007 took the stand at her ex-boyfriend's murder trial to tell jurors about the events surrounding the baby's death. Michael Blakey is facing first-and third-degree murder charges in the infant's death. The infant suffered massive skull fractures and spinal hemorrhaging. Medical experts believe the baby was slammed repeatedly into a floor or wall. If convicted of first-degree murder, Blakey faces the death penalty.

Firing Squad Not Torture, Says Court: According to a story by Australia's Age writer Tom Allard, Indonesia's highest court has ruled that death by firing squad does not amount to torture. The judge observed that there was "no method of execution without pain". However, the majority of judges in 2007 urged that the death penalty be amended so it is used only in special cases.

Robber Escapes With Cash, Leaves Thumb: An AP story reports that a man suspected in an armed robbery at an alleged brothel in Washington's Columbia Heights neighborhood left some evidence at the scene - his thumb. Police said 22-year-old Bryan Perez and an accomplice made off with hundreds of dollars in cash in the Oct. 11 raid. According to charging documents, one of the victims took control of Perez's silver machete and hacked off his right thumb. About two hours after the robbery, Perez went to an emergency room. Police caught up with him and brought the severed thumb to the hospital.