Another Bush runs for office in Texas

Another Bush runs for office

George Prescott Bush, son of former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, filed the official paperwork Tuesday to run for Texas land commissioner next year, hoping to use a little-known but powerful post to continue his family's political dynasty in one of the country's most conservative states. A Spanish-speaking lawyer and a consultant based in Fort Worth, the 36-year-old Bush is the grandson of former President George H.W. Bush and the nephew of former President George W. Bush.

Colo. approves gay civil unions

Colorado lawmakers passed legislation Tuesday to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples, following several years of bitter debate over the issue. Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper is expected to sign the bill into law. Currently 19 other states and the District of Columbia recognize civil unions, marriages and domestic partnerships, or other benefits for same-sex couples, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

L.A. church pays $10M in sex suits

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay nearly $10 million to four men who allege they were molested by a pedophile priest, a lawyer for the men, Vince Finaldi, said Tuesday. The agreement settled four lawsuits against the church concerning Michael Baker, who authorities believe molested 23 boys during three decades as a parish priest and hospital chaplain. Baker was defrocked in 2000. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, he was released in 2011 and lives in Costa Mesa, Calif.

Times wires