Afghan protesters denounce US after American church vows to burn Islamic holy book on 9/11

Afghans protest US church’s plans to burn Quran
KABUL, Afghanistan – Hundreds of Afghans railed against the United States and called for President Barack Obama’s death at a rally in the capital Monday to denounce an American church’s plans to burn the Islamic holy book on 9/11.
The crowd in Kabul, numbering as many as …. Source article  : Afghan protesters denounce US after American church vows to burn Islamic holy book on 9/11.

It’s sweets and prayers as freed cops head home

PATNA/RANCHI – They thanked god, smeared each other with colour and burst firecrackers. The festivals of Eid, Holi and Diwali seemed to have descended all at once for the families and village folks of three policemen who made their way home Monday after an agonising week in the captivity of Maoists in Bihar.

Their joy knew …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

2 Greenpeace Japan activists convicted of stealing whale meat from controversial research hunt

2 activists convicted of whale meat theft in Japan

TOKYO – A Japanese court on Monday convicted two members of the environmental group Greenpeace of stealing whale meat they claim was intended for illegal consumption.
The Aomori District Court gave suspended sentences to the activists after finding them guilty of stealing 50 pounds (23 kilograms) of whale … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 2 Greenpeace Japan activists convicted of stealing whale meat from controversial research hunt.

Nine students among 18 more killed in Pakistan bombing (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – At least 18 people, including nine school students, were killed and more than 40 injured Monday in yet another suicide attack in Pakistan, this time targeting a police station in Lakki Marwat, a town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

About 130 people have died in Pakistan in bombings and other terror attacks in several cities … Read more »».

Malaysian court jails notorious wildlife trader 6 months for smuggling 95 live boas in luggage

Malaysian snake smuggler sentenced to 6 months

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Malaysian court sentenced a notorious wildlife trader to six months in prison Monday after he was caught smuggling 95 live boa constrictors in his luggage at the country’s main airport.
Keng Liang “Anson” Wong, 52, was also fined 190,000 ringgit ($50,000) after pleading guilty at … Read more : Malaysian court jails notorious wildlife trader 6 months for smuggling 95 live boas in luggage.

Joint appeal to Maoists helped free cops: Nitish Kumar

PATNA – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Monday said a joint appeal by political parties as well as public pressure helped secure the release of the three policemen who were abducted by Maoists over a week ago.

“I’m grateful to all political parties for making a joint appeal to the Maoists to get the three policemen … Original source on Gaea Times at : Joint appeal to Maoists helped free cops: Nitish Kumar.

No one should take credit for cop’s release: Lalu

PATNA – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Monday said that though he was happy that the Maoists have freed three abducted Bihar policemen, “no one should take credit” for their release.

“We are happy that the three policemen were released, but no one should take credit for it,” Lalu Prasad told reporters here. …. Source  : No one should take credit for cop’s release: Lalu.

Mozambican radio says 6 who call for protests over food prices arrested

Mozambican radio: 6 who call for protests arrested

MAPUTO, Mozambique – Mozambican state radio says six people have been arrested, accused of incitement for sending cell phone messages calling for protests over high food, water and electricity prices.
Monday’s radio report says they were arrested a day earlier in Nampula for trying to spread the protests to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mozambican radio says 6 who call for protests over food prices arrested.

Bihar hostage drama ends; Maoists free three policemen (Second Lead)

PATNA – Maoist guerrillas released the three abducted Bihar policemen in Lakhisarai district Monday, ending the tense seven-day drama. They were “safe and healthy”, state police chief Neelmani said.

“The three policemen have been freed by the Maoists. They are safe and healthy. They will be sent to their homes soon,” he told reporters here. … Read more >>.

Police say suicide attack on police station in NW Pakistan kills 14 officers and civilians

Police say suicide attack in NW Pakistan kills 14

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Police say a suicide car bomb attack on a police station in northwest Pakistan has left 14 people dead and wounded about 40.
Police official Ghulam Mohammad Khan says rescue workers and police officials are digging through the rubble at the station in the town … Original article on : Police say suicide attack on police station in NW Pakistan kills 14 officers and civilians.

Fake bombs, celebrity drivers: the making of an Iraqi TV hit

BAGHDAD – On top of the usual Iraqi worries about being blown up or kidnapped for ransom, local celebrities must now fear getting caught with a fake bomb in their car, planted by the producers of a reality television show.

The programme strives to scare its guests to death. It films them as they try to … Read more »»».

Maoists kill father, son in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoists Monday killed a man and his son over land dispute in Jharkhand’s Gumla district, police said.

About 20 rebels of the People’s Liberation Front of India (PLFI) raided Agra village, around 130 km from Ranchi, and dragged Budhua Oraon and his son Anil Oraon out of their house. The Maoists then killed them, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Maoists kill father, son in Jharkhand.

Suicide blast kills 14 in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 14 people, including five policemen, were killed and more than 50 injured Monday in a suicide blast targeting a police station in Lakki Marwat, a town in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

A suicide bomber reportedly rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the rear wall of the police station Monday morning. There were more …. Original source  : Suicide blast kills 14 in Pakistan.

Abducted Japanese journalist freed in Afghanistan after 5 months

Afghan captors release Japanese reporter
TOKYO – A Japanese journalist who was abducted by militants in Afghanistan five months ago has been freed by his captors and left the country, Japan’s Foreign Ministry said.

Kosuke Tsuneoka, a freelance journalist and veteran of war zones, was kidnapped on April 1. He was released Saturday night to a Japanese … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Abducted Japanese journalist freed in Afghanistan after 5 months.

Maoists free three abducted Bihar policemen

PATNA – Maoist guerrillas released three Bihar policemen Monday, seven days after they were abducted from Lakhisarai district, said state police chief Neelmani who added that they were safe and healthy.

“The three policemen have been freed by the Maoists. They are safe and healthy. They will be sent to their respective homes soon,” he told … Read more »»».

Eight killed in Pakistan blast

ISLAMABAD – At least eight people were killed and over 50 injured Monday in a suicide blast targeting a police station in Lakki Marwat, a town in Pakistan’s northwestern province.

A suicide bomber reportedly rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the rear wall of the police station Monday morning. There were more than 45 police officials present … Read more >>>.

El Salvador president says 3rd migrant survived cartel massacre in Mexico, made it to the US

El Salvador: 3rd migrant survived Mexico massacre

COMALAPA AIR FORCE BASE, El Salvador – A third man survived last month’s massacre of 72 migrants by suspected drug traffickers in Mexico and is now in the United States, Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes said Sunday.
“We know of a Salvadoran who is in the United States and who fortunately … Read more : El Salvador president says 3rd migrant survived cartel massacre in Mexico, made it to the US.

‘Censoring’ of Craigslist’s adult services section only drives online prostitution underground

1 ‘censored’ bar won’t stop online prostitution

NEW YORK – Craiglist’s “adult services” section has been shut down in the U.S., but prostitution on the Internet is alive and well – even, quite possibly, on Craigslist.
Users of the website and its CEO grouse that the Internet is still full of sites where people can find prostitutes. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Censoring’ of Craigslist’s adult services section only drives online prostitution underground.

Attorney says JetBlue flight attendant in NYC airport flap resigned, wasn’t fired by airline

Attorney: JetBlue attendant in NYC flap resigned

NEW YORK – A flight attendant who captured America’s attention when he told off a plane full of passengers and then slid down an emergency chute resigned from his job last week and wasn’t fired, his lawyer said Sunday.
Steven Slater left the job at JetBlue Airways Corp. on Wednesday, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Attorney says JetBlue flight attendant in NYC airport flap resigned, wasn’t fired by airline.

Ecuadorean police arrest man for allegedly smuggling migrant who survived massacre in Mexico

Police nab alleged smuggler of Ecuadorean migrant

QUITO, Ecuador – Authorities have detained an alleged smuggler of an Ecuadorean man who told police he survived a massacre of 72 fellow migrants in Mexico, the justice minister confirmed Sunday.
Police arrested Miguel Angel Dutan Meneses on Saturday at his house in Biblian, a hamlet 140 miles (230 kilometers) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ecuadorean police arrest man for allegedly smuggling migrant who survived massacre in Mexico.

Iran scoffs at European calls for clemency in case of woman sentenced to be stoned to death

Iran scoffs at European concern over case of woman

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran is scoffing at European concern over the case of an Iranian woman sentenced to be stoned to death on an adultery conviction.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast says Tuesday that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani faces charges of murder and infidelity and the case shouldn’t be … Read more : Iran scoffs at European calls for clemency in case of woman sentenced to be stoned to death.

Flight attendant accused of cursing passenger, sliding down emergency chute due in NY court

Flight attendant in passenger tiff due in NY court

NEW YORK – A former JetBlue flight attendant accused of cursing out an airplane passenger and then sliding down an emergency exit chute is due in a New York City courtroom.
Steven Slater is scheduled to appear Tuesday for a routine hearing on criminal-mischief charges.
Slater also was charged …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Protest over fatal shooting by Los Angeles police turns violent as demonstrators throw bottles

Protest over fatal shooting by LAPD turns violent

LOS ANGELES – A protest over the fatal police shooting of a Guatemalan immigrant turned violent when some demonstrators threw bottles at officers, set trash cans on fire and refused to disperse.
Television news footage showed people tossing the bottles and plastic crates at officers in riot gear late … Read more »»».

Maoists blast Orissa government building

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas early Tuesday blasted a newly constructed government building in Orissa’s Malkangiri district, police said.

About 100 armed rebels set off landmines to rip apart the block office building at Padia in the Maoist stronghold of Malkangiri, about 620 km from Bhubaneswar.
“The rebels first asked the workers living in the …. Source article  : Maoists blast Orissa government building.

Ground Zero mosque overshadows 9/11 anniversary

NEW YORK – The mosque project two blocks from the World Trade Center is too close for comfort for some who will attend Saturday’s memorials for those killed in the Sep 11, 2001, Islamist terrorist attacks against the city.

The somber annual rite at Ground Zero for the 2,752 people killed in the destruction of the …. Read the original article  : Ground Zero mosque overshadows 9/11 anniversary.

Police arrest man who scaled skyscraper in San Francisco, unfurled American flag at the top

Police arrest man who scaled San Francisco tower

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco police arrested a man who scaled the exterior of a 58-story downtown skyscraper Monday and unfurled an American flag at the top.
Police told KCBS radio that the man was veteran skyscraper climber Dan Goodwin. The 54-year-old Lake Tahoe resident’s other climbing credits include … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Police arrest man who scaled skyscraper in San Francisco, unfurled American flag at the top.

3 more suspects in Mexico migrant massacre found dead following anonymous tip

3 suspects in Mexico migrant massacre found dead

MEXICO CITY – The bodies of three men suspected of participating in the massacre of 72 migrants last month were found by the side of a road in northern Mexico after an anonymous caller told authorities where to find the cadavers, federal officials said Monday.
Prosecutors’ spokesman Ricardo Najera … Read more : 3 more suspects in Mexico migrant massacre found dead following anonymous tip.

Dozens march on LA street to protest fatal shooting of day laborer by police

Dozens protest fatal shooting by LA police

LOS ANGELES – A protest over the fatal shooting of a Guatemalan immigrant by police escalated in Los Angeles when some of the demonstrators threw bottles at officers and refused to disperse.
Television news footage shows a chaotic scene with people throwing bottles and plastic crates at officers in riot [..] Read the original article: here.

Australia to release all evidence to US authorities investigating honeymoon diving death case

Australia to give US evidence in diving death case

SYDNEY – A state government in Australia has agreed to turn over case documents to prosecutors in the U.S. hoping to charge an Alabama man with the drowning death of his wife during a honeymoon scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef.
Gabe Watson is serving an 18-month … Read : Australia to release all evidence to US authorities investigating honeymoon diving death case.

Police: 2 men, 2 women killed in SW La. trailer park; looking for SUV registered in E Miss.

4 killed in SW La.; cops look for dark SUV

LAKE CHARLES, La. – Southwestern Louisiana authorities are investigating the killings of four people whose bodies were found in a mobile home.
Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says police are looking for a dark blue 2000 Ford Explorer that was often parked near the home where deputies … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police: 2 men, 2 women killed in SW La. trailer park; looking for SUV registered in E Miss..

Quick guilty plea could buy up to 40 percent decrease in prison term for Australian criminals

Guilty plea could buy less jail time in Australia

ADELAIDE, Australia – Criminals who plead guilty within six weeks of their arrest could get a 40 percent reduction in their prison sentence under a proposal aimed at reducing the backlog at courts in one Australian state.
South Australian Attorney-General John Rau said Tuesday that late guilty pleas …. Original article  : Quick guilty plea could buy up to 40 percent decrease in prison term for Australian criminals.

Las Vegas police official defends Paris Hilton’s quick release from jail after arrest

Vegas police defend Hilton’s quick jail release

LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas police are defending Paris Hilton’s quick release from jail after her Aug. 27 arrest on suspicion of cocaine possession, saying they wanted to avoid disruptions in the jail’s operations.
Hilton was out of the jail in about three hours, roughly half the average time it …. Original source  : Las Vegas police official defends Paris Hilton’s quick release from jail after arrest.

Las Vegas jail official defends decision to quickly release Paris Hilton after arrest

Official defends Hilton’s quick release from jail

LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas police are defending the quick release of Paris Hilton from jail after her Aug. 27 arrest on suspicion of cocaine possession, saying they wanted to avoid disruptions in the jail’s operations.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Monday that Hilton was out of the jail in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Las Vegas jail official defends decision to quickly release Paris Hilton after arrest.

Suriname president shrugs off questions about dictatorship, murder trial, drug conviction

Suriname leader: Drug conviction ‘almost a joke’

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Former Surinamese dictator Desi Bouterse shrugged off questions about his past during his first overseas trip as elected president, saying Monday that he will not interfere in his ongoing murder trial and dismissing a 1999 drug conviction as “almost a joke.”
Bouterse traveled to Guyana to discuss …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Suriname president shrugs off questions about dictatorship, murder trial, drug conviction.

Tennessee high school teacher arrested after teens say he held them at gunpoint at cemetery

Tenn teacher accused of holding teens at gunpoint

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Police have accused a high school teacher of holding teenagers at gunpoint after he found them ghost-hunting in a Tennessee graveyard.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office says deputies went to Shipley Cemetery, outside of Chattanooga, on Saturday night after a complaint of shots fired.
Police say they …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tennessee high school teacher arrested after teens say he held them at gunpoint at cemetery.

Protests follow shooting death of man accused by LA police of threatening woman with knife

LA police protested after man’s shooting death

LOS ANGELES – Dozens of people are protesting in a crowded shopping district near downtown Los Angeles where a man who police say had been brandishing a knife was shot and killed by officers.
As many as 40 people were gathered Monday at the area near Sixth and Union streets, …. Original article  : Protests follow shooting death of man accused by LA police of threatening woman with knife.

Mexican soldiers open fire on family’s car at checkpoint, killing 2, including 15-year-old

Soldiers fire on family’s car in Mexico, killing 2
MONTERREY, Mexico – Soldiers opened fire on a family’s car at a military checkpoint in northern Mexico, killing a 15-year-old boy and his father, authorities and relatives said Monday.
It is at least the second time this year that a family has been caught … Original article on : Mexican soldiers open fire on family’s car at checkpoint, killing 2, including 15-year-old.

Tax-leery Argentines risk robbery, death making huge cash transactions for illegal economy

Argentines risking all to carry huge wads of cash

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – The “marker” lurks inside the bank, looking for people pulling large amounts of cash from a safe deposit box or bank account. The gunmen linger outside, usually on motorcyles, waiting to make their move.
For people like Carolina Piparo, eight months pregnant and carrying …. Original source  : Tax-leery Argentines risk robbery, death making huge cash transactions for illegal economy.

St. Lucia soccer team plays tourney game in NYC without slain scorer; his dad there to cheer

St. Lucia soccer team honors slain scorer in NY

NEW YORK – Members of a St. Lucian soccer team played in remembrance of a slain teammate as they took the field for a final match in a New York City tournament.
Isidore Phillip Tisson was shot to death while the team was out celebrating early Aug. 30. …. Source article  : St. Lucia soccer team plays tourney game in NYC without slain scorer; his dad there to cheer.

Pro-Maoist group to agitate against spokesman’s arrest

KOLKATA – The pro-Maoist tribal body, Peoples’ Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) will observe a four-day agitation starting Tuesday in the three ultra-left dominated districts of West Bengal to protest the arrest of its spokesman Manoj Mahato, a group leader said.

PCAPA’s former spokesperson Asit Mahato, also one of the prime accused in the May 28 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pro-Maoist group to agitate against spokesman’s arrest.

US drone strike kills six in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least six people were killed in a US drone attack in Pakistan’s tribal region near Afghan border, a media report said Wednesday.

According to sources, the US surveillance plane attacked with missile in North Waziristan Agency capital Miransah, killing at least six people, Geo News reported.
At least two houses were also … Read more >>>.

Two held for German Bakery blast

MUMBAI – Two people have been arrested, one from Pune and the other from Nashik, in connection with the Feb 13 German Bakery blast in Maharashtra’s Pune town in which 15 people were killed, Home Minister R.R. Patil said Wednesday.

The arrests were made by the anti-terrorist squad, an official added.
… Original article on : Two held for German Bakery blast.

LAPD brass vows to investigate fatal shooting of day laborer; protesters egg police station

LAPD brass plead for calm; protesters egg station

LOS ANGELES – Police Chief Charlie Beck pleaded for calm and vowed his department would conduct an exhaustive investigation into a bicycle officer’s fatal shooting of a drunken day laborer with a knife.
But his words did little to dissuade demonstrators, who spilled into the streets for a second … Read : LAPD brass vows to investigate fatal shooting of day laborer; protesters egg police station.

Malaysian prosecutors seek harsher sentence for ‘Lizard King’ to deter wildlife trafficking

Malaysian officials appeal ‘Lizard King’ sentence

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysian prosecutors filed an appeal Wednesday against a six-month jail sentence of a notorious wildlife trader convicted of smuggling endangered snakes, saying the penalty was insufficient to deter wildlife trafficking.
Anson Wong, known as the “Lizard King,” was fined 190,000 ringgit ($60,000) and sentenced to six months’ …. Source article  : Malaysian prosecutors seek harsher sentence for ‘Lizard King’ to deter wildlife trafficking.

Six women Maoists held for Chhattisgarh ambush

RAIPUR – Seven Maoist guerrillas, including six women, were arrested in Chhattisgarh Wednesday for killing five security personnel in an ambush last month, police said.

The seven, amongst the dozens of Maoists wanted for the Aug 29 killing of five security personnel in Kanker, were arrested from a forest in the district that is part of …. Source article  : Six women Maoists held for Chhattisgarh ambush.

AP Exclusive: Owner of peanut company linked to 9 salmonella deaths is back in business

AP Exclusive: Back to work after salmonella case

WASHINGTON – The peanut industry executive whose filthy processing plants were blamed in a salmonella outbreak two years ago that killed nine people and sickened hundreds more is back in the business.
Stewart Parnell, former president of the now-bankrupt Peanut Corp. of America, is working as a consultant to … Read : AP Exclusive: Owner of peanut company linked to 9 salmonella deaths is back in business.

Tightening divorce ban highlights how Egypt’s Christians cleave closer to their Church

Among Egypt’s Christians, few question Church rule

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt – When Irini Ibrahim, a young Coptic Christian woman, floated the idea of divorce from a husband she said was abusing her, her parents immediately opposed it, reminding her of the Biblical vow, “What God has joined together let no man put asunder.”
So the 25-year-old Ibrahim entered …. Source  : Tightening divorce ban highlights how Egypt’s Christians cleave closer to their Church.

US expands military training in Yemen, reflecting a broader counterterror program

US terror training in Yemen reflects wider program

WASHINGTON – U.S. special operations forces are expanding their training of the Yemeni military as the Obama administration broadens its program to counter terrorism in countries reluctant to harbor a visible American military presence.
That balancing act has become an administration trademark, funneling millions of dollars in aid and … Read more »».

Protesters throw rocks, eggs at LAPD station after fatal shooting; 22 arrests

300 protesters throw rocks, eggs at LAPD station

LOS ANGELES – Protesters on Tuesday night pelted a police station with eggs, rocks and bottles despite Police Chief Charlie Beck’s plea for calm earlier in the day and his promise to thoroughly investigate an officer’s fatal shooting of a Guatemalan immigrant wielding a knife.
Police reported 22 arrests …. Source article  : Protesters throw rocks, eggs at LAPD station after fatal shooting; 22 arrests.

Demjanjuk health issues becoming increasing focus as trial grinds on

Demjanjuk health issues taking over trial
BERLIN – John Demjanjuk attends most sessions of his trial in a hospital bed set up in the courtroom, wearing dark sunglasses and a hat pulled down over his face.

The case of the retired Ohio autoworker accused of serving as a Nazi death camp guard – which resumes next week … Read : Demjanjuk health issues becoming increasing focus as trial grinds on.

Bomb scare grounds Thai plane in US

LOS ANGELES – A Thai Airways plane with about 200 passengers on board was grounded in Los Angeles Wednesday after a bomb threat was made, authorities said.

Written threats saying there was a bomb on board were found in a lavatory of Thai Airways Flight 794, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller was quoted as saying …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Witness says patriarch of Filipino clan ordered last year’s massacre of rivals, journalists

Servant testifies Filipino warlord ordered killing

MANILA, Philippines – A house servant of the politically powerful clan accused in last year’s massacre of 57 people told a Philippine court Wednesday that the family members plotted the killings of rivals and journalists over dinner six days before the ambush.
The witness, Lakmudin Saliao, took the stand on the … Read more »»».

100 protesters throw rocks, eggs, bottles at LAPD station following fatal shooting

100 protesters throw rocks, eggs at LAPD station

LOS ANGELES – Protesters on Tuesday night pelted a police station with eggs, rocks and bottles despite Police Chief Charlie Beck’s plea for calm earlier in the day and his promise to thoroughly investigate an officer’s fatal shooting of a Guatemalan immigrant wielding a knife.
At a late-afternoon news …. Original article  : 100 protesters throw rocks, eggs, bottles at LAPD station following fatal shooting.

2 bodies found in northern Mexico are apparently officials who investigated migrant massacre

Mexico: 2 bodies likely massacre investigators

MEXICO CITY – Two dead bodies found in the northern state of Tamaulipas appear to be those of a state detective and local police chief who investigated the massacre of 72 migrants in August, prosecutors said.
If confirmed, the killings would be one of the most brazen signs of defiance yet … Original source on Gaea Times at : 2 bodies found in northern Mexico are apparently officials who investigated migrant massacre.

7 Mexican women who claimed they were sentenced to decades in prison for miscarriages freed

7 women in ‘miscarriage’ cases freed in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – Seven women in Mexico serving prison terms of up to 29 years for the death of their newborns were freed Tuesday after a legal reform enacted in the state of Guanajuato lowered their sentences.
The women’s cases case drew national attention in Mexico and their release … Original source on Gaea Times at : 7 Mexican women who claimed they were sentenced to decades in prison for miscarriages freed.

LAPD chief promises thorough investigation into officer’s fatal shooting of knife-wielding man

LAPD chief promises thorough probe into shooting

LOS ANGELES – Police Chief Charlie Beck on Tuesday promised a thorough, transparent investigation into an officer’s shooting of a knife-wielding man whose death sparked a protest in a poor immigrant neighborhood.
At a late-afternoon news conference, Beck said only 40 seconds went by between the time officers made contact …. Original article  : LAPD chief promises thorough investigation into officer’s fatal shooting of knife-wielding man.

Gunmen burst into small shoe factory in Honduras, killing 15 employees and wounding 8

Gunmen burst into factory in Honduras, kill 15

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Men armed with assault rifles burst into a shoe factory and opened fire Tuesday, killing at least 15 workers and wounding eight, Honduran authorities said.
National police spokesman Leonel Sauceda called the attack in the northern city of San Pedro Sula “a massacre.” He said the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Gunmen burst into small shoe factory in Honduras, killing 15 employees and wounding 8.

2nd nanny for Anna Nicole Smith says she once counted up to 18 drugs being given to model

Nanny says she kept lists of Anna Nicole’s drugs

LOS ANGELES – A second nanny testifying at the drug conspiracy trial of Anna Nicole Smith’s two doctors and lawyer-boyfriend said Tuesday that she kept a list of drugs given to the model and that it numbered 18 at one point.
Nadine Alexie told the jury that she … Read more »».

Deputy who arrested Mel Gibson sues sheriff’s department, alleges religious discrimination

Deputy who arrested Mel Gibson sues own department

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles sheriff’s deputy who arrested Mel Gibson for drunken driving in 2006 sued his department on Tuesday, claiming he has since been ostracized and passed over for promotions by the agency.
Deputy James Mee’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for loss of income, benefits, medical …. Read the original article  : Deputy who arrested Mel Gibson sues sheriff’s department, alleges religious discrimination.

Trial delayed for former UN weapons inspector charged in Pennsylvania child-sex sting

Trial delayed for ex-UN inspector charged in sting

STROUDSBURG, Pa. – The trial of a former United Nations weapons inspector in an online child-sex sting in Pennsylvania has been delayed.
Authorities allege Scott Ritter of Delmar, N.Y., engaged in a sexually graphic online chat with an undercover police officer posing as a 15-year-old girl. Officials say he … Read more : Trial delayed for former UN weapons inspector charged in Pennsylvania child-sex sting.

AP Exclusive: Soldier’s father says he warned Army of plot by troops to kill Afghan civilians

Soldier’s father: Army was warned of murder plot

SEATTLE – The father of a U.S. soldier serving in Afghanistan tells The Associated Press he tried to warn the Army that troops in his son’s unit had killed civilians.
By the time suspects were arrested in May, two more Afghans were dead.
Christopher Winfield says his son Adam was …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man killed by police in Vancouver, Wash., was Iraq veteran

Man killed by Vancouver police was Iraq veteran

VANCOUVER, Wash. – A 22-year-old man fatally shot by Vancouver police was an Oregon Army National Guard soldier who served 12 months in Iraq, a National Guard spokesman confirms.
Spc. Nikkolas W. Lookabill deployed in May 2009 as a member of the 41st Infantry Brigade after joining the guard …. Source article  : Man killed by police in Vancouver, Wash., was Iraq veteran.

Taliban close to victory, says Mullah Omar

LONDON – The victory of the Taliban over US-led forces in Afghanistan is imminent, the group’s elusive chief Mullah Omar has said in a rare statement.

BBC Thursday quoted the one-eyed guerrilla leader as saying that the Taliban was winning because the Western military campaign aimed at snuffing out the militia had been “a complete failure”. … Read more >>>.

Chinese anti-corruption official sentenced to death for taking $1 million in bribes

China anti-corruption boss sentenced to death

BEIJING – A Chinese court has sentenced a top provincial official responsible for rooting out corruption to death for accepting more than $1 million in bribes.
The official Xinhua News Agency said Thursday that 62-year-old Wang Huayuan was sentenced by a court in eastern Shandong province for abusing his position. Wang …. Source article  : Chinese anti-corruption official sentenced to death for taking $1 million in bribes.

Fla. gov. concerned about safety if minister holds Quran burn on Sept. 11 at his small church

Safety concern for Fla. gov. over 9/11 Quran burn
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida’s governor is concerned about safety at home and around the world, a feeling shared by national and world leaders, over a plan by the head of a small church to burn copies of Islam’s holiest text to mark the 9/11 terrorist … Read more »».

Report: officer who shot knife-wielding man involved in 2 previous on-duty shootings

Report: officer involved in previous shootings

LOS ANGELES – The police officer who shot and killed a knife-wielding man whose death has sparked three days of violent protests in Los Angeles had been involved in two previous shootings while on duty, according to a media report.
The story on the Los Angeles Times website came as hundreds …. Original article  : Report: officer who shot knife-wielding man involved in 2 previous on-duty shootings.

Pakistan landmine blast kills 10

ISLAMABAD – At least 10 people were killed and eight injured Thursday morning as a passenger van struck a landmine in northwest Pakistan’s Kurram tribal area.

All the injured have been shifted to a hospital in the area, Xinhua reported.
No group has claimed responsibility for the blast.
Local TV channels reported that the landmine … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan landmine blast kills 10.

Los Angeles Lakers G Matt Barnes arrested in Sacramento on suspicion of domestic violence

Lakers’ Barnes booked on domestic violence charge

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Los Angeles Lakers forward Matt Barnes has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, Sacramento County authorities said Wednesday.
Deputies arrested Barnes after responding to what was termed an incomplete 911 call from a residence around 4:16 p.m., according to sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Tim Curran.
Deputies found Barnes …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Los Angeles Lakers G Matt Barnes arrested in Sacramento on suspicion of domestic violence.

Blind Chinese activist lawyer released from prison but promptly locked down in rural village

China’s blind activist lawyer released from prison

DONGSHIGU VILLAGE, China – A blind, self-taught activist lawyer who documented forced abortions and other abuses was released from a Chinese prison Thursday and promptly locked down in his rural village with no access to communication, a relative said.
Chen Guangcheng, 39, is a charismatic, inspirational figure for civil liberties …. Original source  : Blind Chinese activist lawyer released from prison but promptly locked down in rural village.

Another Mexican mayor slain; Clinton angers Mexico by comparing it to Colombia decades ago

3rd Mexican mayor in month slain by hit men

MEXICO CITY – The third Mexican mayor in a month was slain by suspected drug gang hitmen on the same day the U.S. secretary of state raised hackles in Mexico by saying the country is “looking more and more like Colombia looked 20 years ago.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

We are close to victory in Afghanistan: Mullah Omar

LONDON – Taliban guerrillas are winning in Afghanistan because the NATO-led campaign has been “a complete failure”, elusive rebel chief Mullah Omar has said in a rare statement.

Mullah Omar, who is thought to be the spiritual head of the Taliban in Afghanistan, categorically told US President Barack Obama to withdraw the troops “unconditionally and as … Original article on : We are close to victory in Afghanistan: Mullah Omar.

Bail set at $1 million for head of Calif. company accused of trafficking Thai workers

$1M bail ordered in human trafficking case

HONOLULU – A federal judge set bail at $1 million Wednesday for the CEO of a labor recruiting company accused of exploiting 400 workers from Thailand and forcing them to work on U.S. farms.
Mordechai Orian, head of Los Angeles-based Global Horizons Manpower Inc., was ordered to be held in …. Read the original article  : Bail set at $1 million for head of Calif. company accused of trafficking Thai workers.

20 Mizoram militants surrender with arms

AGARTALA – Twenty separatist militants of the Bru Liberation Front of Mizoram (BLFM) outfit surrendered to the para-military Assam Rifles, police said here Thursday.

Formed in 2003, the BLFM, a separatist outfit of minority Reang tribals locally called Bru, was active in Mizoram and southern Assam, neighbouring northern Tripura.
“The militants led by their commandant Apit …. Original article  : 20 Mizoram militants surrender with arms.

Contrasting views of Ore. Islamic charity founder offered in closing arguments

Ore. Islamic charity trial goes to jury
EUGENE, Ore. – As the trial of a man accused of using an Oregon Islamic charity to smuggle money to Muslim fighters in Chechnya draws to a close, both sides have told federal court jurors their job is to determine the man’s intent when he failed to disclose about …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Contrasting views of Ore. Islamic charity founder offered in closing arguments.

Maoists set ablaze BJP leader’s house in Bihar

PATNA – Maoists Thursday set on fire the house of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Bihar’s Gaya district, police said.

Over two dozen armed rebels set ablaze BJP leader Dhanraj Sharma’s house near Imamganj in Gaya, about 100 km from here. Sharma was not present in the house when the incident took place.
Police … Original article on : Maoists set ablaze BJP leader’s house in Bihar.

LA police chief booed at community meeting, reads witness statement to angry crowd

LA police chief booed at community meeting

LOS ANGELES – Police Chief Charlie Beck was greeted with boos, whistles and chants of “justicia” by an angry crowd at a community meeting Wednesday intended to quell violence that erupted over the past two nights after police fatally shot a knife-wielding man.
A crowd of more than 300 packed … Read more »».

LA police chief greeted by boos at community meeting, reads witness statement to angry crowd.

LA police chief greeted by boos at meeting

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck has been greeted by boos, whistles and chants of “justicia!” by an angry crowd at a community meeting intended to calm residents after the fatal police shooting of a knife-wielding man.
About 300 people are at the meeting at a [..] Read the original article: here.

Man found guilty of kidnapping, burning California woman to death over pound of pot

Man convicted of torching Calif. woman over drugs

MERCED, Calif. – One of four men accused of kidnapping and burning a California woman to death over a pound of pot has been found guilty of murder.
A Merced County jury found 27-year-old Luis Alberto Valencia guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder with special circumstances for torture, kidnapping and … Read : Man found guilty of kidnapping, burning California woman to death over pound of pot.

Mexican mayor killed, marines arrest 7 suspects in massacre of 72 migrants

Mexican mayor killed, massacre suspects arrested

MEXICO CITY – Hooded gunmen killed the mayor of a small town in the northern Mexico state of San Luis Potosi on Wednesday, and prosecutors announced the arrest of seven suspects in the massacre of 72 migrants in August.
President Felipe Calderon’s office issued a statement saying he “energetically condemned” the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican mayor killed, marines arrest 7 suspects in massacre of 72 migrants.

Case of man accused of using Islamic charity to smuggle cash to fighters goes to Ore. jury

Islamic charity trial goes to Oregon jury
EUGENE, Ore. – A jury will have to determine whether a man’s failure to disclose $150,000 on federal tax forms was an effort to smuggle money to Muslim fighters in Chechnya or just an oversight by an accountant.

Prosecutors told federal court jurors during closing arguments Wednesday that Pete Seda …. Read the original article  : Case of man accused of using Islamic charity to smuggle cash to fighters goes to Ore. jury.

Woman in police custody after 2 people shot dead, 1 critically wounded at Pa. cookie factory

Woman held after 2 shot dead at Pa. cookie plant

PHILADELPHIA – Minutes after a woman was suspended from her job at a Kraft Foods Inc. plant and was escorted out, she returned with a handgun and opened fire, killing two people and critically injuring a third before being taken into custody, police said.
The shootings occurred …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Woman in police custody after 2 people shot dead, 1 critically wounded at Pa. cookie factory.

Calm prevails in Los Angeles neighborhood after violent protests over fatal police shooting

Calm prevails in LA neighborhood after protests

LOS ANGELES – After three nights of violent protests, calm mainly prevailed over a gritty neighborhood where police fatally shot an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who was menacing officers with a knife.
About a hundred residents took to the streets for the fourth night in a row Thursday, but no …. Source article  : Calm prevails in Los Angeles neighborhood after violent protests over fatal police shooting.

Wash. state executes man convicted of woman’s rape, murder in 1991; 1st execution since 2001

Wash. executes man convicted of woman’s murder

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Convicted killer Cal Coburn Brown was executed early Friday by lethal injection for the rape, torture and murder of a Seattle-area woman, in Washington state’s first use of capital punishment in nine years.
Prison officials say Brown, 52, died at 12:56 a.m. PDT, after a four-member … Read : Wash. state executes man convicted of woman’s rape, murder in 1991; 1st execution since 2001.

Guinea election commission president, planning director charged with fraud before vote

2 Guinea election officials charged with fraud

CONAKRY, Guinea – Two senior voting officials have been charged with vote tampering and sentenced to one year in prison a week before Guinea’s crucial presidential vote, in a court proceeding that not even their lawyers were informed of and which is bound to increase tensions before the poll.
El … Read more >>>.

Police: 2 people shot dead by suspended worker at Kraft Foods cookie factory in Pa., 1 injured

2 shot dead at Kraft cookie plant in Pa., 1 hurt

PHILADELPHIA – A woman who had just been suspended from her job and escorted from a Kraft Foods Inc. facility returned with a handgun and opened fire Thursday, killing two people and critically injuring a third before being taken into custody about an hour later, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Police sub-inspector killed in Jharkhand gunfight

RANCHI – A police sub-inspector was killed and a policeman was injured in a gunfight with Maoists in Jharkhand’s Dumka district Friday, authorities said.

“Sadanand Singh, officer in-charge of Jama police station in Dumka district, was killed. Helicopter has been sent to bring the injured policeman for treatment to Ranchi,” Jharkhand police spokesperson R.K. Mallik …. Read the original article  : here.

Residents gather for 4th night to mourn police shooting victim in LA neighborhood; no violence

4th night of police protests in LA; no violence

LOS ANGELES – A city all too familiar with civil unrest was caught by surprise with the level of outrage over the fatal police shooting of an illegal immigrant from Guatemala who was menacing officers with a knife.
The officers were also Hispanic, and witnesses backed up their …. Original source  : Residents gather for 4th night to mourn police shooting victim in LA neighborhood; no violence.

Al-Qaeda linked group claims Mogadishu suicide blasts

Mogadishu, Sep 10 (IANS/AKI) Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for a deadly attack Thursday at Mogadishu airport. At least 13 people were killed and scores were wounded when two explosives-filled vehicles blew up at the gates of Aden International airport, according to reports.

The spokesman for the African Union peacekeeping mission AMISOM could not …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Al-Qaeda linked group claims Mogadishu suicide blasts.

Courts reject appeals from death row inmate as Wash. prepares for 1st execution since 2001

Washington prepares for 1st execution since 2001

WALLA WALLA, Wash. – Prison officials are making final preparations for Washington state’s first execution since 2001.
Convicted murderer Cal Coburn Brown is scheduled to die by lethal injection early Friday. On Thursday night, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to overturn the ruling of a federal judge … Original source on Gaea Times at : Courts reject appeals from death row inmate as Wash. prepares for 1st execution since 2001.

Despite report of planned raid, police who caught Mexican drug capo didn’t know who he was

Mexican police didn’t know they’d caught drug capo

MEXICO CITY – The Mexican police officers who arrested infamous drug suspect Edgar Valdez Villarreal, alias “La Barbie,” did not initially know who they had caught, according to a booking report obtained Thursday.
The Mexican government has depicted the capture of the U.S.-born Valdez as the result of a … Read : Despite report of planned raid, police who caught Mexican drug capo didn’t know who he was.

Report says US has failed to create systems to deal with homegrown terror

Report: US must deal with domestic radical problem

WASHINGTON – The U.S. was slow to take seriously the threat posed by homegrown radicals and the government has failed to put systems in place to deal with the growing phenomenon, according to a new report compiled by the former heads of the Sept. 11 Commission.
The report says … Read : Report says US has failed to create systems to deal with homegrown terror.

Honduras deploys soldiers on anti-crime patrols, identifies 2 suspects in factory shootings

Honduras deploys soldiers on anti-crime patrols

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – The Honduran government has deployed soldiers to perform anti-crime patrols in some of the Central American country’s most violent cities, following the massacre of 18 people in a shoe factory this week.
Security Minister Oscar Alvarez says police have identified two suspects among the five attackers in the … Original article on : Honduras deploys soldiers on anti-crime patrols, identifies 2 suspects in factory shootings.

Police: 2 people shot dead at Kraft Foods facility in Philly, 1 injured; shooter held

Police: 2 shot dead at Kraft plant in Pa., 1 hurt

PHILADELPHIA – A woman who had just been suspended from her job and escorted from a Kraft Foods Inc. facility returned with a handgun and opened fire Thursday, killing two people and critically injuring a third before being taken into custody about an hour later, … Read more >>>.

Fed judge: Military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy violates constitutional rights of gays

Judge: Military’s ban on gays is unconstitutional
LOS ANGELES – A federal judge said she will issue an order to halt the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, after she declared the ban on openly gay service members unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Virginia Phillips ruled Thursday that …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Police: 3 people shot at Kraft Foods facility in Philly, shooter held; no deaths known

Police: 3 shot at Kraft plant in Pa., shooter held

PHILADELPHIA – Three people were shot inside a Kraft Foods Inc. facility in the city’s northeast section on Thursday, and the shooter was taken into custody, police said.
The conditions of the wounded people remained uncertain, and police didn’t immediately say if anyone had been killed.
Officers were …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Police: 3 people shot at Kraft Foods facility in Philly, shooter held; no deaths known.

Philly police: 3 People shot at Kraft Foods facility; no deaths known

Philly police: 3 shot at Kraft Foods facility

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia police say three people have been shot inside a Kraft Foods Inc. facility in the city’s northeast section.
Police Lt. Frank Vanore (vuh-NOR’) tells The Associated Press officers are at the plant of the nation’s largest food manufacturer. He says somebody inside opened fire Thursday night.
Police …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Federal jury convicts Islamic charity co-founder on tax, false return charges

Islamic charity co-founder convicted on tax charge

EUGENE, Ore. – The co-founder of an Islamic charity has been convicted of charges related to helping smuggle $150,000 to Muslim fighters in Chechnya.
Defense attorneys argued that Pete Seda was the leader of a centrist Muslim movement who made friends of local rabbis and ministers but unknowingly ran afoul … Read more : Federal jury convicts Islamic charity co-founder on tax, false return charges.

Mo. man accused of keeping young woman as sex slave; 4 others accused in her torture

Mo. man accused of keeping woman as sex slave

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Five Missouri men are accused of taking part in the sexual torture of a young woman allegedly kept as a sex slave by one of the men and forced to work as a stripper, prosecutors announced Thursday.
Federal prosecutors describe the woman, now 24, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mo. man accused of keeping young woman as sex slave; 4 others accused in her torture.

LA gang member convicted in hate crime murder of 14-year-old girl, potential witness

LA gang member convicted in hate-crime murder

LOS ANGELES – A Latino gang member was convicted Thursday of first-degree murder in the racially motivated shooting death of a 14-year-old black girl and the stabbing death of a potential witness.
Prosecutors said defendant Jonathan Fajardo was a member of an Hispanic gang that targeted blacks.
The jury deliberated for …. Read the original article  : LA gang member convicted in hate crime murder of 14-year-old girl, potential witness.

Authorities find another body inside N. Calif. home where elderly man was found dead in Aug.

Authorities find 2nd body inside N. Calif. home

HERCULES, Calif. – Authorities have found another body inside the Northern California home where a 73-year-old man was found bludgeoned to death last month.
A Hercules police spokesman says investigators are gathering evidence and have not yet determined the identity of the body found Thursday. Ricardo Sales was found … Read more >>.

LA protests over police killing highlight frustration of immigrant area hardhit by recession

LA protests underscore frustration of immigrants

LOS ANGELES – The smell of corn roasting on sidewalk grills, the oompah beat of Latin music blasting from mom-and-pop stores, colorful signs touting tongue-twisting names like Atitlan and Quetzaltenango.
This central Los Angeles neighborhood could almost be plucked right out of Guatemala City.
Long ago a well-heeled area of Los Angeles, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : LA protests over police killing highlight frustration of immigrant area hardhit by recession.

Pentagon tries to block book on 9/11 plotter

LONDON – The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) tried to block a book giving details of a project which identified the 9/11 plotter well before the hijack of the plane used in the attack, a media report said.

According to Fox News, it has obtained a letter in which the DIA says that national security could …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pentagon tries to block book on 9/11 plotter.

US now sees home-grown terrorism as biggest threat

WASHINGTON – Nine years after the Sep 11, 2001 terror attacks, the United States is looking at the terrorism issue differently, with experts saying that the biggest threat to the country comes not from the Afghanistan-Pakistan border regions, or from the Middle East, but from home-grown terrorists.

The 42-page analysis by the non-partisan National Security Preparedness …. Read the original article  : US now sees home-grown terrorism as biggest threat.

Catholics in England: a long journey from outlaws to rejoining the Establishment

Catholics in England suffered long repression

STONOR, England – For nearly three centuries after the Reformation, Catholics in England were outlaws.
But in the turmoil and persecution that followed the break between King Henry VIII and Rome, noble families such as the Stonors clung to their faith, “in spite of dungeon, fire and sword,” as the Victorian … Original article on : Catholics in England: a long journey from outlaws to rejoining the Establishment.

Iran balks at release of American woman held for more than a year, pointing to internal split

Iran balks at release of American woman
TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian authorities abruptly halted plans to release an American woman Saturday after more than a year in jail with two friends, dashing their mothers’ hopes and pointing to the internal rivalries within Iran’s leadership.
The about-face was an embarrassment to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who had …. Source  : Iran balks at release of American woman held for more than a year, pointing to internal split.

Mumbai II may provoke full blown India-Pakistan war: US panel

WASHINGTON – Another Mumbai type terrorist attack on an Indian city may provoke a full blown India-Pakistan war, a panel of top US counter experts has warned on the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

“One of the more predictable foreign policy challenges of the next years is a ‘Mumbai II’, a large-scale attack on … Read : Mumbai II may provoke full blown India-Pakistan war: US panel.

9/11 anniversary: little respite for India from terrorism (Comment)

On the ninth anniversary of 9/11 (Sep 11), which marked the chilling climax of the Age of Terrorism, there is both good and bad news for India.

The good news is that there hasn’t been any major terrorist attack after the Mumbai massacre of Nov 26, 2008. Only the German Bakery blast in Pune last February … Read more »»».

Canada’s ‘Prince of Pot’ sentenced to 5 years for selling millions of marijuana seeds

Canada’s ‘Prince of Pot’ sentenced to 5 years

SEATTLE – Canada’s so-called Prince of Pot, who sold millions of marijuana seeds to U.S. customers before his 2005 arrest, has been sentenced to five years in prison after earlier pleading guilty to a drug charge.
At his sentencing Friday in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Marc Emery told … Read more : Canada’s ‘Prince of Pot’ sentenced to 5 years for selling millions of marijuana seeds.

25 people killed in Mexican border city, 85 escape from border prison

25 slain in Mexican city; 85 escape border prison
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Gunmen killed 25 people in a series of drug-gang attacks in Ciudad Juarez, marking the deadliest day in more than two years for the Mexican border city. Farther east on the border, 85 inmates scaled the walls of a prison and … Original source on Gaea Times at : 25 people killed in Mexican border city, 85 escape from border prison.

Capturing bin Laden important to national security: Obama

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama has said that capturing terror mastermind Osama bin Laden is still extremely important to national security although it won’t “solve all the problems”.

Nine years after masterminding the 9/11 attacks and evading the US forces, the Al Qaeda leader has “gone deep underground”, but the US will continue to hunt … Original article on : Capturing bin Laden important to national security: Obama.

Los Angeles officer involved in deadly shooting subject of civil rights lawsuit

Officer involved in deadly shooting being sued

LOS ANGELES – The police officer who shot and killed a Guatemalan immigrant who authorities said was threatening people with a knife is being sued by a man claiming he was unlawfully shot by the officer in 2008.
Joseph Wolf, who was 19 at the time of the incident, said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Los Angeles officer involved in deadly shooting subject of civil rights lawsuit.

Federal investigations conclude Arizona violates the rights of students learning English

Feds say Ariz. violates rights of English learners

PHOENIX – Two federal investigations have found that Arizona is violating the civil rights of some students who are not native English speakers by denying them access to special programs for English learners.
In one case, the U.S. Education and Justice departments concluded that Arizona is inappropriately classifying students …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Colombian reporter denies links to rebels, says contacts purely for journalistic work

Colombian reporter denies links to leftist rebels

CARACAS, Venezuela – A Colombian reporter accused of conspiring with leftist rebels denied the allegations Friday, saying his contacts with the guerrillas were purely for his journalistic work.
William Parra said in an interview with The Associated Press in Venezuela, where he lives, that police and military in his home …. Original source  : Colombian reporter denies links to rebels, says contacts purely for journalistic work.

N. Calif. police chief accepts blame for not finding second body at house

CA police chief accepts blame for not finding body

OAKLAND, Calif. – A Northern California police chief accepted blame Friday for his officers’ failure to quickly find a second dead body hidden in a home where a 73-year-man was discovered fatally beaten two weeks ago.
Hercules police Chief Fred Deltorchio said he was disappointed that it took … Read this article on Gaea Times at : N. Calif. police chief accepts blame for not finding second body at house.

Alaska woman who took on new identity to escape abuse gets almost 5 years in bizarre scam

Alaska woman with 2 identities gets almost 5 years

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A former Rhodes and Fulbright scholar who pleaded guilty in a bizarre case of deception and double identities has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison and ordered to pay more than $700,000 in restitution.
U.S. District Judge John Sedwick sentenced Rachel Yould to …. Original article  : Alaska woman who took on new identity to escape abuse gets almost 5 years in bizarre scam.

Los Angeles officer involved in deadly shooting is subject of civil rights lawsuit

Police officer in deadly LA shooting is being sued

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles police officer who shot and killed a Guatemalan immigrant authorities said was threatening people with a knife is being sued by a man claiming he was unlawfully shot by the officer in 2008.
Joseph Wolf, who was 19 at the time, said … Read more >>>.

25 people killed in Ciudad Juarez, marking deadliest day in 2 years for Mexican border city

25 slain in Mexican city; deadliest day in 2 years
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Gunmen killed 25 people in a series of drug-gang attacks in Ciudad Juarez, marking the deadliest day in more than two years for the Mexican border city. And farther east on the border, 85 inmates scaled the walls of a … Read more >>.

2 plead guilty in Seattle to scheme that helped wealthy avoid paying $240M in taxes

2 plead guilty in Wash. to massive tax scheme

SEATTLE – Two Seattle-area men pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges stemming from an illegal tax shelter that enabled wealthy clients – including philanthropist Robert Wood Johnson IV and Hollywood mogul Haim Saban – to avoid paying taxes on $1.3 billion in capital gains.
The men ran an …. Source article  : 2 plead guilty in Seattle to scheme that helped wealthy avoid paying $240M in taxes.

Yvonne Hiller Shoots 3 People in a Kraft Store

PHILADELPHIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Shootouts by their very nature is shocking. But what separates the incident at the Kraft Store involving one Yvonne Hiller from the rest is the gender of the killer. We have seen a lot of stand offs recently, but this may just be the most shocking.
The disgruntled employee following a suspension … Read more : Yvonne Hiller Shoots 3 People in a Kraft Store.

Detective: Suspect in Chandra Levy killing shook, seemed ‘nervous’ in Calif. prison interview

Detective: Levy killing suspect shook in interview

WASHINGTON – A detective who investigated the disappearance of Chandra Levy told a judge Friday that the suspect in the killing of the federal intern appeared to be “nervous” and “shaking” when he was interviewed in a California prison.
Detective Todd Williams of Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department appeared in court …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Detective: Suspect in Chandra Levy killing shook, seemed ‘nervous’ in Calif. prison interview.

Maoists shoot at CPI-M leader, blow up party office

KOLKATA – Suspected Maoists shot at a local CPI-M leader and blew up a party office by triggering a landmine blast in two separate incidents in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Sunday.

An abandoned office of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) at Lodhasuli under Jhargram sub-division was blown up when the ultras detonated a landmine …. Original source  : Maoists shoot at CPI-M leader, blow up party office.

Ky. man who killed 5, then self had grown increasingly hostile, was being evicted

Ky. gunman grew hostile, was being evicted

JACKSON, Ky. – For months, Stanley Neace had shown increasing hostility to his neighbors in rural eastern Kentucky, to the point his landlord started eviction proceedings. On Saturday, Neace snapped over how his wife cooked his eggs, and killed her and four others with a shotgun before shooting himself.
Neighbors …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ky. man who killed 5, then self had grown increasingly hostile, was being evicted.

Iranian prosecutor says he’s ready to release jailed American woman on $500,000 bail

Iranian prosecutor ready to release American woman

TEHRAN, Iran – A senior Iranian prosecutor said Sunday that authorities will release a jailed American woman on $500,000 bail because of health problems, another sudden about-face by Iran in a case that has added to tension with the United States.
The news came during a weekend of start-and-stop announcements …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Iranian prosecutor says he’s ready to release jailed American woman on $500,000 bail.

California church wants to resume helping AIDS orphans in Zimbabwe after arrests of 5 members

US church wants to resume Zimbabwe AIDS work

JOHANNESBURG – A California church wants to get back to helping AIDS orphans in Africa, once it resolves questions over licensing that led to the arrests of six of its workers in impoverished Zimbabwe, a minister said Sunday.
The six – five Americans and a Zimbabwean – were arrested [..] Read the original article: here.

Tale of 2 popes: John Paul received hero’s welcome in Britain, Benedict in for rough ride

Different pope, different times for British trip

VATICAN CITY – The Falklands war was in full swing and John Paul II was in London as the first pope ever to set foot on English soil.
Even as he snubbed Margaret Thatcher and prayed for peace in implicit criticism of Britain – whose troops were battling Catholic Argentines … Original article on : Tale of 2 popes: John Paul received hero’s welcome in Britain, Benedict in for rough ride.

Officials: Passenger on Las Vegas flight accused of making threat

Officials: Passenger accused of making threat

LAS VEGAS – A passenger on a Las Vegas to Phoenix flight allegedly made a threat Saturday after it was forced to return to the airport because of a mechanical problem, officials said.
U.S. Airways flight 399 carrying 130 people departed about 4:30 p.m. Saturday for Phoenix, but the Airbus 320 …. Source article  : Officials: Passenger on Las Vegas flight accused of making threat.

Four militants killed in drone attack in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A US missile strike Sunday killed four militants in northwest Pakistan’s Waziristan tribal region, officials said.

The attack early Sunday hit a village in the Datta Khel area near Miranshah, the capital of North Waziristan tribal district, Geo TV reported.
“A US drone fired two missiles. The target was a house said to be …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four militants killed in drone attack in Pakistan.

Suspected California burglar falls through ceiling, into arms of waiting sheriff’s deputies

Suspected burglar found after fall through ceiling

PICO RIVERA, Calif. – A man fell through the ceiling of a Pico Rivera shop on Saturday, landing in the arms of sheriff’s deputies who were searching for the suspected burglar of three businesses.
The Whittier Daily News reports that 23-year-old Jose Parada has been booked on suspicion of burglary …. Source  : Suspected California burglar falls through ceiling, into arms of waiting sheriff’s deputies.

Authorities: Body found in Hercules, Calif., home is that of slain 73-year-old man’s son

Officials: Body found is that of missing Calif man

HERCULES, Calif. – Authorities confirmed Saturday that a body found in a northern California home is that of a 35-year-old man who had been missing since his father was found bludgeoned to death two weeks ago.
The Contra Costa County Coroner’s office positively identified the body of Frederick …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Authorities: Body found in Hercules, Calif., home is that of slain 73-year-old man’s son.

Victims’ relative says shooting rampage that killed 6 began with argument

Relative: Spat began Ky. rampage that killed 6

JACKSON, Ky. – A man facing eviction over his hostile temper became enraged by how his wife cooked his eggs and killed her, his stepdaughter and three neighbors with a shotgun before shooting himself on Saturday.
Trooper Jody Sims of the Kentucky State Police said 47-year-old Stanley Neace killed …. Source article  : Victims’ relative says shooting rampage that killed 6 began with argument.

State police: Gunman kills 5, then himself in rural eastern Kentucky; police ID shooter

Police: 47-year-old gunman behind Ky. shootings

JACKSON, Ky. – Authorities have released the identity of the man who they say killed five people in rural eastern Kentucky before turning the gun on himself.
State police say the gunman was 47-year-old Stanley Neace of the Mount Carmel community outside Jackson.
Neace lived in the trailer park where authorities say …. Source  : State police: Gunman kills 5, then himself in rural eastern Kentucky; police ID shooter.

Daley dynasty: A father, a son, a legacy of skyscrapers, success _ and a cloud of corruption

Daley dynasty: 1 family rule of Chicago nears end

CHICAGO – It seemed almost inevitable, even back in high school when his nickname was “the Mayor.”
He wouldn’t officially get the title for almost 30 years, but Richard M. Daley, son of the last big-city boss who ruled Chicago for more than two decades, followed his father’s [..] Read the original article: here.

State police: Gunman kills 5, then himself in rural Breathitt County in eastern Kentucky

State police: 6 dead in eastern Kentucky shooting

JACKSON, Ky. – A gunman in rural eastern Kentucky shot five people dead with a shotgun before killing himself Saturday, authorities said.
A relative of two of the victims says the shootings happened after an argument between the gunman and his wife over how she cooked his eggs.
Trooper Jody [..] Read the original article: here.

Sheriff: Gunman kills 5, then himself in rural Breathitt County in eastern Kentucky

Sheriff: 6 dead in eastern Kentucky shooting

JACKSON, Ky. – The sheriff of a rural county in Kentucky says an unidentified gunman has killed five people and then himself.
Breathitt County Sheriff Ray Clemons says the shooting happened around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, but he had few other details to release. He could not yet release the names … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sheriff: Gunman kills 5, then himself in rural Breathitt County in eastern Kentucky.

5 Americans working with AIDS orphans arrested in Zimbabwe, accused of lacking licenses

Zimbabwe arrests 5 Americans over licensing

HARARE, Zimbabwe – Five Americans who worked with AIDS orphans and patients in Zimbabwe have been arrested in the southern African country and accused of operating without proper medical licenses, their lawyer said Saturday.
Attorney Jonathan Samukange identified one as Gloria Cox Crowell, who is chairwoman of an AIDS program run … Original article on : 5 Americans working with AIDS orphans arrested in Zimbabwe, accused of lacking licenses.

Police find 3rd oil drum stuffed with millions of dollars, presumably stashed by drug gangs

Salvadoran police find 3rd cash-filled oil drum

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Salvadoran police say they have found a third oil drum stuffed with millions of dollars in cash that they believe to be drug trafficking profits.
National Civil Police director Carlos Ascencio says the plastic barrel was found Friday night buried in an upscale neighborhood west …. Read the original article  : Police find 3rd oil drum stuffed with millions of dollars, presumably stashed by drug gangs.

Of pair dubbed ‘Speed Freak Killers,’ one to leave prison on parole, other is on death row

One of duo convicted in serial murders to be freed

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – They were dubbed the “Speed Freak Killers,” inseparable boyhood friends from the sticks who were finally brought in after a methamphetamine-fueled murder spree lasting 15 years.
Wesley Shermantine is on California’s Death Row.
Loren Herzog is walking free from prison in the coming days, the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Of pair dubbed ‘Speed Freak Killers,’ one to leave prison on parole, other is on death row.

Rapper Petey Pablo arrested at NC airport on charges he had gun in carry-on luggage

Rapper Petey Pablo arrested at NC airport
RALEIGH, N.C. – Officials say rapper Petey Pablo has been arrested at a North Carolina airport on gun charges.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport spokeswoman Mindy Hamlin says 37-year-old Petey Pablo – whose real name is Moses Barrett III – was arrested Saturday morning. He is charged with being a felon with … Read more »».

It was Al Qaeda, not a religion that attacked us: Obama

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama Saturday asked Americans to observe the 9/11 anniversary as a day of “unity and renewal” as “it was not a religion that attacked us that September day, it was Al Qaeda”.

“They may seek to spark conflict between different faiths, but as Americans, we are not – and never will … Original source on Gaea Times at : It was Al Qaeda, not a religion that attacked us: Obama.

Danish police consider hotel blast as possible terror attack; suspect proclaims innocence

Danes say minor hotel blast could be terror attack

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Danish officials said this week’s small explosion at a Copenhagen hotel could be terror related, as the French-speaking suspect proclaimed his innocence in court Saturday while being ordered held in custody.
The blast on Friday – a day before the anniversary of the Sept. 11, …. Original article  : Danish police consider hotel blast as possible terror attack; suspect proclaims innocence.