U.S. briefs 5/8

Microsoft judge shows interest in proposal

WASHINGTON -- The federal judge hearing the Microsoft antitrust case gave hope to states suing the company when she agreed Tuesday to let them present more information on a controversial penalty proposal.

The nine states want Microsoft to release a version of its Windows operating system that will permit computer manufacturers to replace Microsoft features with competing products.

Lawyers for the states asked the judge to allow them to call an extra witness to show that the "modular" Windows is feasible, despite Microsoft's objections.

Andersen obstruction trial starts testimony

HOUSTON -- Partners at Arthur Andersen "realized the law was coming" when they decided to shred Enron-related documents, a federal prosecutor said Tuesday as testimony began in the accounting firm's obstruction of justice trial.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Friedrich told jurors that Andersen had paid a $7 million fine a year earlier to settle allegations of wrongdoing in an unrelated case and that was enough motive to destroy documents and computer files related to Enron's web of financing.

27 years later, Skakel on trial for murder

NORWALK, Conn. -- In a case that could open a window onto a world of wealth and influence, Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel went on trial Tuesday in the 1975 murder of a teen-age neighbor, with prosecutors saying he admitted to the crime.

Skakel, 41, is accused of beating Martha Moxley to death with a golf club in the rich community of Greenwich when both were 15.

Prosecutor Jonathan Benedict told the jury several witnesses talked with Skakel about the killing, on Mischief Night, the night before Halloween.

-- From wire reports