Verizon will allow Skype calls on wireless network

In a deal announced at the Mobile World Congress trade show, Verizon Wireless will allow its customers who have a voice and data plan to make free phone calls, said a story in the New York Times.  By downloading the free application for the Internet phone service Skype, Verizon users will be able to make calls and send instant-messages to other Verizon users that also download the Skype application.

Verizon customers will also be able to make phone calls out of the U.S. for a fee that will be paid to Skype since these calls will not go over Verizon's network.  These calls will not deduct any of the minutes from the user's cell phone plan.  However, if a customer were to make a call within the U.S., minutes will be taken from the plan.

This mobile application will be available for only nine Verizon phones when it first comes out.  These models include several BlackBerry phones as well as Motorola Inc.'s Droid.

Michael Jordan looking to become majority owner of Charlotte Bobcats

According to Charlotte Bobcat's head coach Larry Brown, Michael Jordan is very interested in buying majority control from the Bobcat's current owner, Bob Johnson.  Reports from Sports Illustrated are that Johnson wants to sell the unprofitable team, and a deal to sell the team is expected to be completed within the next two months.

"He said he's doing his best to put himself in a position to get the team," Brown said. "He wants it badly."

Despite being part-owner for the Bobcats, Jordan could face competition for the team.  Former Houston Rockets executive, George Postolos, has also said he would be interested in purchasing the team.

Onondaga County catches one of most wanted criminals

According to Onondaga County sheriff deputies, fugitive number five on the Onondaga County sheriff's office Top Ten Fugitive List was taken into custody.  Kurt VanDoren, who is currently facing a felony charge of driving while intoxicated, has been arrested for serveral other drunken-driving offenses. 

VanDoren was found on Friday hiding in a closet in a home in Salina.  Several calls were placed to the United States Marshall Service with information about VanDoren, said the sheriff's office. 

Also captured was Arthur Novell, who was number eight on the list.  He was captured hours after the top ten list was released.  There are now eight more fugitives still at large.