Avoid wells in Maoist areas, security forces told

RANCHI – Security forces who have expanded their drive against Maoists in Jharkhand have been told not to drink water from wells because they may have been poisoned, official sources said Monday.

The advisory came as authorities widened the scale of a massive anti-Maoist offensive in the state, from the initial three districts to several parts …. Read the original article  : Avoid wells in Maoist areas, security forces told.

Egyptian officials say an Israeli arrested along border

Egypt arrests Israeli along border
RAFAH, Egypt – Egyptian security and medical officials say an Israeli citizen was arrested along the fence between Egypt and Israel as he attempted to sneak across the barbed wire with African migrants.

A medical official in Rafah said Monday the 30-year old Israeli was wounded in his hand from the wire. … Original article on : Egyptian officials say an Israeli arrested along border.

Man who stalked, shot nude video of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews to get sentence in Los Angeles

ESPN’s Erin Andrews’ stalker to get sentence in LA

LOS ANGELES – The man convicted of stalking ESPN reporter Erin Andrews and shooting nude videos of her through a hotel room peephole facing sentencing in a Los Angeles courtroom.
Michael Barrett, a 48-year-old Chicago-area insurance executive, has pleaded guilty to interstate stalking and agreed to a 27-month …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man who stalked, shot nude video of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews to get sentence in Los Angeles.

Seven killed in Iraq car bombing

BAGHDAD – At least seven people were killed and 13 wounded Monday in a car bomb explosion in Iraq’s western Anbar province, police said.

The blast took place when a booby-trapped car parked at a main road blew up in Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad, a police source told Xinhua.
The attack occurred at … Read more >>.

China gov’t official who allegedly kept lurid diary arrested on suspicion of taking bribes

China arrests man who allegedly kept graft diary

BEIJING – A Chinese government official has been arrested on suspicion of taking bribes a month after a series of steamy diary entries he allegedly wrote appeared online describing casual sex, drinking parties and under-the-table payments.
Han Feng, 53, was arrested for allegedly taking 482,000 yuan ($71,000) in bribes … Read more »»».

Drug gang blamed for killings of 3 with ties to US consulate in violent Mexican border city

Narcos blamed for killings of 3 with US consul tie
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Suspected drug gang hit men separately ambushed two cars carrying families with ties to the U.S. consulate in this violent border city, killing an American couple and a Mexican man. Three young children survived, although two suffered wounds.
The slayings came …. Source  : Drug gang blamed for killings of 3 with ties to US consulate in violent Mexican border city.

Thai government rejects ultimatum by protesters to dissolve Parliament

Deadline for Thai Parliament dissolution passes

BANGKOK – Thailand’s prime minister, backed by a formidable military force, rejected an ultimatum to dissolve Parliament on Monday as tens of thousands of red-shirted protesters vowed to continue their push to oust the government.
In the first reported violence of the protests, two soldiers were wounded when four grenades exploded … Read : Thai government rejects ultimatum by protesters to dissolve Parliament.

US diplomat accused of swindling SKorean widow flees country for Philippines amid probe

US diplomat flees South Korea amid fraud probe

SEOUL, South Korea – An American diplomat based in South Korea fled to the Philippines after facing charges that he swindled a local woman out of nearly $200,000, police in the southern city of Busan said Monday.
The suspect, a 50-year-old official with the Department of Homeland Security, is …. Source  : US diplomat accused of swindling SKorean widow flees country for Philippines amid probe.

Woman, 92, charged with killing 98-year-old husband in Australia

Woman, 92, charged in death of 98-year-old husband

SYDNEY – Police in Australia have charged a 92-year-old woman with killing her 98-year-old husband.
Clare Tang is due to appear in court Tuesday on a murder charge after her husband was found dead in their apartment in downtown Sydney on Friday night.
New South Wales state police said in …. Source  : Woman, 92, charged with killing 98-year-old husband in Australia.

Backlash from Taliban attacks pushes Pakistan to act, says US

WASHINGTON – The backlash from Taliban attacks on places from Kashmir to Karachi has led to greater Pakistani cooperation with the US in the Afghanistan war, says the US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“We feel clearly that we’re working more closely together with them. And I think that’s a very big step forward,” Richard …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Thai protesters march on army headquarters ahead of ultimatum to dissolve Parliament

Thai protesters march on army headquarters

BANGKOK – Army reinforcements were rushed into Thailand’s capital as tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators marshaled around a key military headquarters demanding that the government dissolve Parliament by midday Monday.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the key target of the massive demonstration, said he could not give in to the protesters’ …. Read the original article  : Thai protesters march on army headquarters ahead of ultimatum to dissolve Parliament.

Thai protesters prepare march on army headquarters ahead of ultimatum to dissolve Parliament

Thai protesters to march on army headquarters

BANGKOK – Army reinforcements were rushed into Thailand’s capital as tens of thousands of anti-government demonstrators prepared to march Monday on a key military headquarters demanding that the government dissolve Parliament.
Some 100,000 Red Shirt protesters who have been camped out along a boulevard in the old part of Bangkok … Read more »».

3 with ties to US consulate slain, 2 children wounded in Mexican city plagued by drug violence

3 with ties to US consulate killed in Mexican city
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Gunmen killed a U.S. consulate employee and her husband as they drove in this violent border city with their baby in the back seat, minutes after the husband of another consular … Original source on Gaea Times at : 3 with ties to US consulate slain, 2 children wounded in Mexican city plagued by drug violence.

Two Al Qaeda men killed in Yemen airstrike

SANA’A – At least two senior members of Al Qaeda were killed in an airstrike by the Yemeni Air Force in a remote village in the south of the Arab country late Sunday, the Defence Ministry said.

The air raid targeted a gathering of Al Qaeda members in the Moudiya district of Abyan province, according to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Two Al Qaeda men killed in Yemen airstrike.

Yemen says it launched airstrike on al-Qaida members thought to be preparing ‘imminent attack’

Yemen launches airstrike on al-Qaida hideout

WASHINGTON – Yemen’s embassy in Washington says its nation’s air force launched an airstrike on an al-Qaida hideout ahead of a likely terror attack.
The airstrike was carried out Sunday in Yemen’s Abyan province. Yemen’s ministry of defense, in a statement released by the embassy, said the al-Qaida group was planning …. Source  : Yemen says it launched airstrike on al-Qaida members thought to be preparing ‘imminent attack’.

3 with ties to US consulate killed in Mexican border city, including couple with baby in car

3 with ties US consulate killed in Mexican city
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Three people with ties to the American consulate were killed in a drug-plagued Mexican city, including a U.S. couple shot to death within sight of the border with their baby in their back seat, officials said Sunday.
President Barack …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 3 with ties to US consulate killed in Mexican border city, including couple with baby in car.

Family identifies slain US consular employee in Mexico; Obama says outraged at death

Family names slain US consular employee in Mexico

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – A relative has identified a U.S. consulate employee and her husband who were killed in a drug-plagued Mexican border city.
Robert Cason says consular employee Lesley A. Enriquez and her husband Arthur H. Redelf of El Paso, Texas, were killed in Ciudad Juarez. Cason is [..] Read the original article: here.

High school soccer player stabbed to death at birthday party for 200 teens in Mass. restaurant

School soccer player killed at Mass. birthday bash

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A high school soccer player has been stabbed to death outside a Massachusetts restaurant where more than 250 teenagers had gathered for a birthday party.
Police say 17-year-old Conor Reynolds died after being stabbed in the neck late Saturday. Reynolds was a senior at Cathedral High …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US mom worries for grandson after daughter’s arrest, release over alleged assassination plot

No word from woman freed in alleged plot, mom says

LEADVILLE, Colo. – A Colorado woman who says she is the mother of an American held and later released in Ireland over an alleged plot to kill a Swedish cartoonist said Sunday she does not know where her daughter or grandson may be.
Christine Mott, of Leadville, … Read : US mom worries for grandson after daughter’s arrest, release over alleged assassination plot.

16 Taliban militants killed in Pakistani airstrikes

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani fighter jets pounded several Taliban hideouts Sunday, killing 16 militants and injuring several more in north-western tribal region near Afghan border, security officials said.

An intelligence official said the airstrikes destroyed eight positions of the Islamist insurgents and one ammunition depot in various areas of Orakzai tribal district.
“According to the information we …. Read the original article  : 16 Taliban militants killed in Pakistani airstrikes.

Sri Lanka’s military says former army head appears before court-martial for alleged sedition

Sri Lanka’s ex-army head faces court-martial

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – The general who led the army to victory in Sri Lanka’s civil war and then was roundly defeated in his bid for the presidency appeared before a court-martial Tuesday on allegations of sedition, the military said.
Military spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe said Sarath Fonseka and his …. Original article  : Sri Lanka’s military says former army head appears before court-martial for alleged sedition.

British boy kidnapped in Pakistan 2 weeks ago found unharmed, officials say

Officials: British boy kidnapped in Pakistan found

ISLAMABAD – Kidnappers released a 5-year-old British boy unharmed Tuesday almost two weeks after abducting him from his grandparents’ house in central Pakistan, British and Pakistani officials said.
Sahil Saeed, who is of Pakistani origin, was found in a small village in Punjab province, some 20 miles (30 kilometers) southeast … Original source on Gaea Times at : British boy kidnapped in Pakistan 2 weeks ago found unharmed, officials say.

ESPN reporter Erin Andrews says 30 month sentence not enough for stalker who filmed her naked

ESPN reporter’s stalker gets 30 months in prison

LOS ANGELES – ESPN reporter Erin Andrews says her ordeal at the hands of a video stalker still haunts her every time she steps into a hotel room, wondering if someone is in the next room waiting to invade her privacy with a hidden camera.
Andrews spoke Monday just … Original article on : ESPN reporter Erin Andrews says 30 month sentence not enough for stalker who filmed her naked.

Facebook feds go undercover: Report shows FBI, other agents dipping quietly into social media

Break the law and your new ‘friend’ may be the FBI

WASHINGTON – The Feds are on Facebook. And MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter, too.
U.S. law enforcement agents are following the rest of the Internet world into popular social-networking services, going undercover with false online profiles to communicate with suspects and gather private information, according to an … Read more : Facebook feds go undercover: Report shows FBI, other agents dipping quietly into social media.

Chinese foreign minister says missing lawyer Gao Zhisheng sentenced on subversion charges

China says missing lawyer sentenced for subversion

BEIJING – Missing Chinese lawyer Gao Zhisheng has been sentenced to prison on subversion charges, the country’s foreign minister said Tuesday.
Yang Jiechi gave no details of the charges against Gao or the length of his sentence. He denied Gao had been tortured as has been widely alleged. It was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chinese foreign minister says missing lawyer Gao Zhisheng sentenced on subversion charges.

Surprisingly strong ballot showing for new Colombian party linked to far-right criminal bands

New Colombian party linked to right-wing gangs

BOGOTA – A new party accused of ties to far-right criminal bands has emerged as a surprising force in Colombian politics, adding to worries that President Alvaro Uribe has failed to weaken drug-funded paramilitaries in the provinces.
Voters made the Party of National Integration, or PIN, Colombia’s fourth-strongest party in …. Source  : Surprisingly strong ballot showing for new Colombian party linked to far-right criminal bands.

Hornets beat cold-shooting Clippers 108-100 to snap 7-game road skid and sweep season series

Hornets beat cold-shooting Clippers 108-100

LOS ANGELES – David West scored 24 points and the New Orleans Hornets snapped a seven-game road losing streak with a 108-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, completing a four-game season sweep.
New Orleans beat the Clippers for the 13th straight time since a 100-90 loss on Jan. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hornets beat cold-shooting Clippers 108-100 to snap 7-game road skid and sweep season series.

Federal prosecutors want Nacchio to appear in court when given a new sentence

Prosecutors want Nacchio in court for new sentence

DENVER – Federal prosecutors are objecting to former Qwest CEO Joe Nacchio’s request to not be present in court when he is given a new sentence.
The U.S. attorney’s office said in a court filing Monday that Nacchio should be required to appear at the sentencing hearing to promote … Read more >>.

LA doctor described as country’s 2nd most prolific prescriber convicted of 13 felony counts

Los Angeles physician convicted of 13 felonies

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles physician who investigators call the second “most prolific provider” of prescription drugs in the country has been convicted of 13 felony counts.
A Superior Court jury deliberated for two days before convicting 68-year-old Carlos Estiandan of unlawfully prescribing controlled substances Monday.
The Drug Enforcement Administration …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : LA doctor described as country’s 2nd most prolific prescriber convicted of 13 felony counts.

California man sentenced for leading ring that bilked $7 million from casinos across US

Calif. man sentenced for bilking $7M from casinos

SAN DIEGO – A San Diego man who led a card-cheating ring that bilked dozens of casinos out of $7 million was sentenced Monday to nearly six years in federal prison.
Phuong Quoc Truong has acknowledged leading the ring, known as the “Tran Organization,” that targeted 27 casinos across …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : California man sentenced for leading ring that bilked $7 million from casinos across US.

Chavez defends ETA suspects in Venezuela, says they aren’t involved in Basque terrorism

Chavez defends ETA suspects wanted in Spain

CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez on Monday defended a group of Basque separatists who arrived in Venezuela years ago, saying he is certain they aren’t involved in terrorism.
A Spanish judge is seeking the arrest of six members of the Basque separatist group ETA and six Colombian rebels for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chavez defends ETA suspects in Venezuela, says they aren’t involved in Basque terrorism.

Even after 20 years, biggest art heist in history rattles Boston investigators

Boston art heist rattles investigators 20 years on

BOSTON – It remains the most tantalizing art heist mystery in the world.
In the early hours of March 18, 1990, two thieves walked into Boston’s elegant Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum disguised as police officers and bound and gagged two guards using handcuffs and duct tape. For the next … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Even after 20 years, biggest art heist in history rattles Boston investigators.

Ex-jailer in Nevada gets community service, no prison time in ‘Girls Gone Wild’ bribery case

No jail for NV ex-jailer in ‘Girls Gone Wild’ case

RENO, Nev. – A judge ordered no prison time Monday for the final defendant in a bribery scheme that allowed “Girls Gone Wild” founder Joe Francis to dine on sushi and watch “The Office” and “Family Guy” DVDs while jailed in Nevada on tax charges.
U.S. District …. Read the original article  : Ex-jailer in Nevada gets community service, no prison time in ‘Girls Gone Wild’ bribery case.

Opponents ask court to overturn state decision to approve permit for U.P. nickel, copper mine

Opponents ask court to overturn U.P. mining permit

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Four groups have filed a lawsuit hoping to overturn a state permit for a nickel and copper mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, saying the project does not meet legal requirements for protecting the environment.
The opponents said Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co.’s application didn’t prove the … Read : Opponents ask court to overturn state decision to approve permit for U.P. nickel, copper mine.

Some Toyota drivers sue in US, want to return vehicles for a full refund after safety recall

Some Toyota drivers suing in US for a full refund

MIAMI – A group of Toyota owners sued the Japanese automaker Monday, demanding a full refund for their recalled cars and seeking a payout that could exceed several billion dollars.
Dozens of Toyota owners in Arizona and Washington claim the vehicles recalled over incidents of sudden acceleration …. Source article  : Some Toyota drivers sue in US, want to return vehicles for a full refund after safety recall.

Toyota says tests don’t back up story of man who claimed Prius sped out of control

Toyota dismisses account of runaway Prius
SAN DIEGO – Toyota Motor Corp. dismissed the story of a man who claimed his Prius sped out of control on the California freeway, saying Monday that its own tests found the car’s gas pedal and backup safety system were working just fine.

The automaker stopped short of saying James Sikes …. Original article  : Toyota says tests don’t back up story of man who claimed Prius sped out of control.

Irish investigating threats to Swedish artist charge Algerian, Libyan with minor offenses

Algerian, Libyan charged in plot to kill artist

DUBLIN – Irish police have charged two men from Algeria and Libya with minor offenses following a weeklong investigation into Muslim extremists allegedly involved in efforts to kill a Swedish artist.
Ali Charafe Damache, a 49-year-old Algerian, was charged Monday with sending a threatening text message. A Libyan who …. Original source  : Irish investigating threats to Swedish artist charge Algerian, Libyan with minor offenses.

Authorities seek motive in 3 slayings after US consulate party in Mexico; drug gangs suspected

Investigators seek motive in 3 slayings in Mexico

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – The two families climbed into white SUVs and almost simultaneously left the children’s birthday party put on by the U.S. consulate. One headed deeper into one of the world’s most dangerous cities, the other toward a bridge to El Paso, one of America’s safest.
Neither …. Source  : Authorities seek motive in 3 slayings after US consulate party in Mexico; drug gangs suspected.

Man who shot nude video of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews gets 2??-year prison sentence

ESPN reporter’s stalker gets 2?? years in prison

LOS ANGELES – An Illinois insurance executive who secretly shot nude videos of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was sentenced Monday to 2?? years in prison after giving a tearful apology that was harshly rebuked by his victim.
Michael David Barrett pleaded guilty in December to interstate stalking after prosecutors …. Read the original article  : Man who shot nude video of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews gets 2??-year prison sentence.

NC soldier acquitted in 3 killings now faces military trial some 25 years after slayings

Soldier acquitted in 3 deaths faces military trial

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A soldier acquitted of killing a mother and two of her young daughters in North Carolina about 25 years ago is now going on trial in military court after prosecutors say new DNA tests link him to the crimes.
Master Sgt. Timothy Hennis, 51, is charged …. Read the original article  : NC soldier acquitted in 3 killings now faces military trial some 25 years after slayings.

Americans suspected of terror-related activities

Americans suspected of terror-related activities

Americans who have been charged or suspected of terror-related activities over the past year include:
-Young Somali men from Minneapolis who left the U.S. in waves from December 2007 through November 2008 to join a Somalia-based terror group with links to al-Qaida. Family members say the men were good kids and only … Original source on Gaea Times at : Americans suspected of terror-related activities.

American terror suspects living in average US communities show challenge of homegrown problem

Recent cases show challenge of US terrorists

WASHINGTON – One was a drywall contractor and father, another a petite woman who cared for the elderly, another a U.S. military officer. The most alarming thing about a string of recently arrested terror suspects is that they are all Americans.
Over the past week, a Pennsylvania woman, accused in … Read more »».

Trade in endangered animals flourishing in Middle East, fueled by corruption, weak legislation

UN animal conference tackles Mideast animal trade

BEIRUT – A 2-year-old lion, emaciated and barely breathing, is found in a tiny cage off a Beirut highway. Monkeys are hauled through the dark tunnels of Gaza, bound for private zoos. Rare prize falcons are kept in desert encampments by wealthy Arab sheiks.
The trade in endangered animals is … Original article on : Trade in endangered animals flourishing in Middle East, fueled by corruption, weak legislation.

Woman says man charged with San Diego teen’s murder previously attacked her in same park

Woman tells of attack similar to San Diego teen’s

LOS ANGELES – A 23-year-old woman allegedly attacked by a registered sex offender at the same park where he is accused of killing a San Diego teenager two months later said Tuesday that she believed he was going to rape her.
Appearing on CNN’s “Larry King Live,” Candice … Original source on Gaea Times at : Woman says man charged with San Diego teen’s murder previously attacked her in same park.

Peru’s justice minister removed amid scandal over pardoning of convicted media executive

Peru president fires justice minister amid scandal

LIMA, Peru – President Alan Garcia fired Peru’s justice minister Tuesday amid questions over the pardoning of a former media executive convicted of taking payoffs to provide favorable coverage for a previous government.
Officials gave reporters a decree signed by Garcia that removed Aurelio Pastor from the post.
Some media outlets … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Peru’s justice minister removed amid scandal over pardoning of convicted media executive.

2 off-duty police officers shot to death by gunmen on motorcycle in slum of Haiti’s capital

2 police killed by motorcycle gunmen in Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitian police say two off-duty officers have been shot to death near an open-air market in the capital.
Officials say the policemen were out of uniform and sitting in a car near the La Saline slum when gunmen pulled up on a motorcycle and opened fire …. Original source  : 2 off-duty police officers shot to death by gunmen on motorcycle in slum of Haiti’s capital.

Suspected Mexican drug lord accused of smuggling drugs into US held in Colo. without bail

No bail for man accused of smuggling drugs into US

DENVER – A federal judge in Denver ruled that a suspected Mexican drug lord accused of helping smuggle millions of dollars worth of cocaine into the United States should be held without bail until his case is resolved.
Oscar Arriola Marquez has pleaded not guilty to charges …. Read the original article  : Suspected Mexican drug lord accused of smuggling drugs into US held in Colo. without bail.

Calif. judge allows genetically engineered beet harvest; amounts to half nation’s sugar supply

Judge allows genetically engineered beet harvest

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge on Tuesday said farmers can harvest their genetically engineered sugar beets this year, ruling the economic impact too great and that environmental groups waited too long to request that the crop be yanked from the ground and otherwise barred from the market.
Nearly all sugar …. Source article  : Calif. judge allows genetically engineered beet harvest; amounts to half nation’s sugar supply.

Amnesty calls for freedom of expression, release of political prisoners in Cuba

Amnesty calls for more freedom in Cuba
HAVANA – The human rights group Amnesty international appealed to Cuban President Raul Castro to release political prisoners and scrap laws that restrict fundamental freedoms, using the seventh anniversary of a major crackdown on dissent to call for change.

Amnesty was especially critical of Cuban laws that make vague offenses …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Amnesty calls for freedom of expression, release of political prisoners in Cuba.

Judge orders rapper DMX to spend 6 months in Phoenix jail, undergo mental health evaluation

Rapper DMX ordered to 6 months in Phoenix jail

PHOENIX – A judge has ordered rapper DMX to spend six months in a Phoenix jail for violating probation and to undergo a mental health evaluation.
DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, admitted in court Tuesday to a single violation of probation for failing a drug test … Original source on Gaea Times at : Judge orders rapper DMX to spend 6 months in Phoenix jail, undergo mental health evaluation.

Calif. teacher arrested for investigation of allowing fights at juvenile probation camp

Calif teacher arrested for allowing student fights

LOS ANGELES – A former substitute teacher at a juvenile probation camp was arrested Tuesday for investigation of supervising a series of fights between students in rival gangs, authorities said.
The five fights were overseen by Stephen Wesley, 43, who set rules and told students not to punch each other …. Source article  : Calif. teacher arrested for investigation of allowing fights at juvenile probation camp.

French policeman slain in shootout; Spanish media report ETA link

French policeman slain in shootout
PARIS – A French police officer was killed Tuesday in an exchange of fire with assailants east of Paris, and one suspect was taken into custody, a police official said.

The official said she had no information suggesting the assailants were members of the Basque separatist group ETA, as was reported by … Original article on : French policeman slain in shootout; Spanish media report ETA link.

Police: Images of 4 missing women may be among pictures found in Calif. serial killer’s locker

Police: Man may have had images of missing women

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Relatives and friends of four women who have been missing since the 1970s told investigators they recognized their loved ones in photos found in the locker of a convicted serial killer, police said Tuesday.
Huntington Beach police received the calls after releasing more than [..] Read the original article: here.

Autopsy reports point to heat stroke, organ failure in Arizona sweat lodge deaths

Autopsy reports released in AZ sweat lodge deaths

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. – Autopsy reports released Tuesday point to heat stroke as the cause of death for two people following an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony last year, and to multi-system organ failure for a third person.
A Yavapai county judge ordered the first and last pages of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Autopsy reports point to heat stroke, organ failure in Arizona sweat lodge deaths.

Judge in Arizona issues bench warrant after jailed rapper Lil Wayne fails to appear in court

Warrant issued for Lil Wayne in Arizona case

YUMA, Ariz. – An Arizona judge issued a bench warrant Tuesday for Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne after he failed to appear for a hearing on drug and weapons charges because he is serving jail time in New York.
A Yuma County Superior Court judge issued the warrant after … Read more : Judge in Arizona issues bench warrant after jailed rapper Lil Wayne fails to appear in court.

Better management of gang members urged in report on 2009 prison riot in California

State issues report on 2009 Calif prison riot

LOS ANGELES – A state report issued Tuesday on a gang and racially motivated riot at a California prison last year recommends changes in managing inmate gang members as well as improvements in communication and use of technology to identify inmates during disturbances.
The report by the Department of … Read more >>.

Sex scandal hits Brazilian Catholic church after TV broadcasts priest, altar boy having sex

Sex scandal embroils Catholic Church in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brazilian authorities are investigating three priests accused of sexually abusing altar boys after a video allegedly showing one case of abuse was broadcast on television, police and church officials said Tuesday.
The case came to light after the SBT network aired a video purportedly showing an … Read more : Sex scandal hits Brazilian Catholic church after TV broadcasts priest, altar boy having sex.

Madoff’s brother, sons seek dismissal of complaints in NY court alleging they were in on fraud

Madoff family challenges NY trustee claims

NEW YORK – Members of Bernard Madoff’s family want civil complaints alleging they were in on the disgraced financier’s massive securities fraud thrown out.
The accusation by a trustee liquidating Madoff’s assets “is a sensationalistic attempt to lump together members of the Madoff family and create liability by association,” attorneys for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Madoff’s brother, sons seek dismissal of complaints in NY court alleging they were in on fraud.

Effort to keep campaign memos from backers of Calif. gay marriage ban could delay verdict

Evidence skirmish could delay end of Prop 8 trial

SAN FRANCISCO – An attempt by civil rights groups to keep sponsors of California’s same-sex marriage ban from obtaining internal campaign documents could delay a verdict in the federal trial on the constitutionality of Proposition 8, lawyers on both sides said Tuesday.
Attorneys warned of the possible bottleneck …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Effort to keep campaign memos from backers of Calif. gay marriage ban could delay verdict.

Dublin archbishop says Catholic leaders must admit ‘entire truth’ of Ireland’s abuse cover-ups

Dublin archbishop: Catholic Church must tell truth

DUBLIN – Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin declared Tuesday that his Catholic colleagues in Ireland must tell “the entire truth” about their decades of covering up child abuse in the priesthood – or else the Irish government may have to broaden its own investigations.
Martin, the second-highest-ranking Catholic in Ireland, has …. Read the original article  : here.

Highway patrol sheds no new light on Calif. driver’s report of runaway Prius

Report fails to shed light on SoCal runaway Prius

EL CAJON, Calif. – A California Highway Patrol officer responding to a report of a runway Toyota Prius last week arrived to find a Border Patrol agent near the driver with emergency lights on.
The Border Patrol presence raises the prospect that there were other witnesses. It is … Read more >>>.

Va. Tech president urges calm as police investigate new threat in e-mails, YouTube postings

Online postings warn of another Va. Tech attack

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech is urging calm as e-mails and Internet postings originating in Italy threaten another attack on campus.
Though police do not believe the threats are credible, President Charles Steger said in an e-mail to faculty and students Wednesday that classes will be held Thursday with [..] Read the original article: here.

Homegrown terror suspect ‘Jihad Jane’ due in US court in Philly, 6 months after hushed arrest

‘Jihad Jane’ due in federal court in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – The Pennsylvania woman who called herself “Jihad Jane” in alleged efforts to help Islamic terrorists is due in court in Philadelphia.
Colleen LaRose has been in prison since her arrest last fall. A recent indictment accuses her of conspiring with several others to kill a Swedish artist …. Source  : Homegrown terror suspect ‘Jihad Jane’ due in US court in Philly, 6 months after hushed arrest.

Chicago man accused of scouting Mumbai, India, before terror attack expected to plead guilty

Chicago terror suspected expected to plead guilty

CHICAGO – A Chicago man accused of helping scout out the Indian city of Mumbai before the 2008 terrorist attack that left 166 people dead is expected to plead guilty Thursday to federal charges.
David Coleman Headley, 49, also is accused of plotting to attack Danish newspaper Jyllands Posten, which … Read more »».

Providence police officer accused of raping woman while he was on patrol heads to trial

RI police officer to stand trial on rape charge

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – A Providence police officer accused of raping a woman in a deserted police substation and then showing up to take a report after she called 911 heads to trial this week at an already difficult time for the department.
Marcus Huffman faces charges of first-degree …. Source article  : Providence police officer accused of raping woman while he was on patrol heads to trial.

Concern in Australia that Rio Tinto employees may not get a fair trial in China

Australia concerned about Rio Tinto trial
SYDNEY – Australia expressed disappointment Thursday that charges of stealing business secrets against one of its citizens would be tried in a closed court in China, and some lawmakers doubted the mining executive involved would get a fair hearing.

Australian national Stern Hu is one of four employees of mining giant …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Concern in Australia that Rio Tinto employees may not get a fair trial in China.

Guatemalan court approves ex-president’s extradition to US to face money laundering charges

Court OKs ex-Guatemalan leader’s extradition to US

GUATEMALA CITY – A Guatemalan court has approved former President Alfonso Portillo’s extradition to the U.S. to face money laundering charges.
Portillo does not face imminent extradition, however. Under Guatemalan law, he must first be tried at home in a separate corruption case before facing charges abroad.
Portillo vows to appeal …. Source article  : Guatemalan court approves ex-president’s extradition to US to face money laundering charges.

Records show San Diego murder suspect lived 16 months near school before he was forced to move

Calif. rape suspect lived by school for 16 months

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A convicted sex offender charged with murdering a California teenager lived near a preschool for at least 16 months before parole agents forced him to move, according to state corrections records released Wednesday.
A regional administrator let John Albert Gardner III continue living within 126 …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Records show San Diego murder suspect lived 16 months near school before he was forced to move.

Police say man who went to Seattle-area church for counseling session fatally shoots wife

Police say man fatally shoots wife at Wash. church

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – Police in Washington state say a man who accompanied his wife to a church for a counseling session shot the woman several times at the church, killing her.
Federal Way police spokesman Raymond Bunk says the 42-year-old suspect called 911 to report the shooting …. Source  : Police say man who went to Seattle-area church for counseling session fatally shoots wife.

Attorney General: Jurors convict member of Texas polygamist group of child sexual assault

Texas polygamist guilty of child sexual assault

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Prosecutors say a member of a polygamist group whose sprawling West Texas ranch was raided in 2008 has been found guilty of sexual assault of a child.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott says a jury convicted 35-year-old Merril Leroy Jessop on Wednesday in San Angelo. Jurors … Read more »».

Authorities: Officer responding to report of runaway Prius in US saw Border Patrol vehicle

Authorities: Prius seen near Border Patrol vehicle

EL CAJON, Calif. – A California Highway Patrol report released Wednesday says an officer responding to a report of a runaway Toyota Prius arrived to find a Border Patrol agent near the driver with lights flashing.
The Border Patrol presence raises the prospect that there were other witnesses, but the …. Read the original article  : Authorities: Officer responding to report of runaway Prius in US saw Border Patrol vehicle.

Life sentence upheld for former Chinese supreme court judge convicted of corruption

Life sentence upheld for China supreme court judge

BEIJING – A court in northern China has upheld a life sentence for a former supreme court judge convicted of embezzlement and bribery, a state-run newspaper reported.
Huang Songyou, former vice president of the Supreme People’s Court, is the highest judge to be tried and convicted on such charges, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Life sentence upheld for former Chinese supreme court judge convicted of corruption.

Authorities: Booby traps targeting police prompt arrests of biker gang members in West

Traps for police prompt raid on bikers in West

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Three booby-trap attacks on an anti-gang task force in Southern California prompted the arrests of about 30 members of California’s largest motorcycle gang, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Members of the Vagos were arrested as part of the crackdown in Riverside and Shasta counties in California, Arizona, …. Read the original article  : here.

Suspect arrested in Calif. cinema thermometer stabbing attack

Suspect arrested in cinema thermometer stabbing

LANCASTER, Calif. – Detectives in Los Angeles County have arrested a man on suspicion of stabbing a moviegoer in the neck with a meat thermometer during a screening of the film “Shutter Island” last month.
Sheriff’s spokesman Steve Whitmore said 39-year-old Landry Boullard was arrested Wednesday after detectives received an anonymous … Read more : Suspect arrested in Calif. cinema thermometer stabbing attack.

Senate votes to reduce penalty disparity between crack and powder cocaine

Senate votes to change cocaine sentencing rules

WASHINGTON – Legislation approved by the Senate on Wednesday would significantly reduce the disparity in sentences handed out to those convicted of crack and powder cocaine charges.
Currently, a person convicted of crack cocaine possession gets the same mandatory jail time as someone with 100 times the same quantity of …. Source  : Senate votes to reduce penalty disparity between crack and powder cocaine.

Colorado company charged with exporting technology used by US military to South Korea, Russia

Colo. company accused of exporting military tech

DENVER – A Colorado company is accused of illegally exporting defense technology used by the U.S. military to South Korea, China, Russia and Turkey, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.
Rocky Mountain Instrument Co., based in Lafayette, said it is working toward a plea agreement with prosecutors and that it has been …. Source article  : Colorado company charged with exporting technology used by US military to South Korea, Russia.

Idaho Supreme Court says no new trials needed for 6 death row inmates sentenced by judge

Idaho high court: No new trials for 6 on death row

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Supreme Court has denied requests from six death row inmates who said they were entitled to new trials because a U.S. Supreme Court ruling made after their convictions called on juries, not judges, to impose the death penalty.
All the men … Read : Idaho Supreme Court says no new trials needed for 6 death row inmates sentenced by judge.

Death of Ala. snack food heir a mystery intensified by bag of chips, angry note found in car

Was Ala. snack food heir’s death tied to business?

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An angry letter and a bag of Golden Flake chips were taped inside Major Bashinsky’s abandoned car when it was found near downtown Birmingham.
Days later the snack food heir’s body was fished out of a public golf course pond a few miles away, and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Death of Ala. snack food heir a mystery intensified by bag of chips, angry note found in car.

Viacom, YouTube to dish dirt with unsealing of court documents in lengthy legal battle

Viacom-YouTube secrets to be exposed in lawsuit

SAN FRANCISCO – A legal tussle pitting media conglomerate Viacom Inc. against online video leader YouTube is about to get dirtier as a federal judge prepares to release documents that will expose their secrets and other confidential information.
The information expected to be unsealed Thursday will include some of the [..] Read the original article: here.

2 suspects, including 1 dressed as leprechaun, shot dead after bank robbery and chase in Tenn.

Leprechaun-garbed holdup suspect among 2 shot dead

GALLATIN, Tenn. – Two bank robbery suspects, including one dressed in a green leprechaun costume, were shot dead after a St. Patrick’s Day chase and shootout with police in Tennessee, authorities said.
First State Bank in the Nashville suburb of Gallatin was held up by a man who wore a …. Source  : 2 suspects, including 1 dressed as leprechaun, shot dead after bank robbery and chase in Tenn..

Headley confession not a setback: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Friday said Pakistani American terror suspect David Coleman Headley’s confession that he planned the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and his deal with US prosecutors was not a setback to India.

New Delhi, he said, would wait and see and continue its case to extradite or get access to him. …. Source  : Headley confession not a setback: Chidambaram.

Sheriff’s office: Body found on Wash. island beach is missing boy; mother still missing

Sheriff’s office: Body on WA beach is missing boy

SEATTLE – The body of an 8-year-old boy who vanished with his mother has washed ashore on an island beach in Puget Sound about 12 miles from where their abandoned minivan was found. The boy’s mother is still missing.
Positive identification of Azriel Carver was based on clothing, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sheriff’s office: Body found on Wash. island beach is missing boy; mother still missing.

Nerves frayed at Calif police department targeted by series of booby trap attacks

Calif police department on alert for deadly traps

HEMET, Calif. – Police in this picturesque city in rural Riverside County have been on edge in recent weeks. Someone is trying to kill them.
First, a natural gas pipe was shoved through a hole drilled into the roof of the gang enforcement unit’s headquarters. The building filled with … Read more >>.

Oregon lawsuit claims Boy Scouts failed to prevent sex abuse by local leaders, coverup

Ore. lawsuit claims Boy Scouts sex abuse coverup

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Boy Scouts of America has long kept an extensive archive of secret documents that chronicle the sexual abuse of young boys by Scout leaders over the years.
The “perversion files,” a nickname the Boy Scouts are said to have used for the documents, have rarely [..] Read the original article: here.

Plea of Pa. woman dubbed ‘Jihad Jane’ makes her rare US woman facing possible terror trial

Pa. suspect is rare US woman facing terror trial

PHILADELPHIA – If the woman dubbed “Jihad Jane” goes on trial, she would become just the second American woman tried on U.S. soil on terrorism charges – and the first accused of directly working toward a Muslim holy war.
Colleen LaRose of suburban Philadelphia denied at her arraignment …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Plea of Pa. woman dubbed ‘Jihad Jane’ makes her rare US woman facing possible terror trial.

Attorneys say American who admitted scouting for Mumbai attack is telling terrorists’ secrets

Attorneys: Chicago man providing info on terrorism

CHICAGO – An American who admitted slipping quietly into the Indian city of Mumbai on scouting missions that led to the November 2008 attack that killed 166 people has already started spilling terrorists’ secrets to U.S. authorities, according to his attorney and federal prosecutors.
David Coleman Headley pleaded guilty Thursday … Read more »»».

Central forces in Orissa for anti-Maoist drive

BHUBANESWAR – About 500 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have reached Orissa to hunt down Maoist guerrillas, an official said Friday.

The BSF men reached Koraput district Thursday. The BSF will team up with the police for a joint operation likely to start next month.
“We are awaiting the arrival of more forces,” Inspector General of … Read more : Central forces in Orissa for anti-Maoist drive.

India not ‘unsatisfied’ if Headley gets life: Pillai

NEW DELHI – Home Secretary G.K. Pillai Friday said India will not be unsatisfied if David Headley, a key conspirator of the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, is sentenced to life imprisonment.

All that we know (is) that Headley has pleaded guilty to 12 charges. In one sense it is good, Pillai said on the sidelines of [..] Read the original article: here.

Headley’s confession may help nail Pakistan: BJP

NEW DELHI – Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Headley’s confession about his involvement in the Mumbai terror attack would add weight to New Delhi’s claims of Pakistan’s involvement in terrorist acts against India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said Friday.

“It will be very clear to the world community that Pakistan is involved in the terror attacks against … Read more »».

Myanmar says it freed jailed American because of friendship with United States

Myanmar credits US ties for freeing American

YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar’s ruling military junta decided to release a naturalized American citizen from prison because of its friendship with the U.S. government, state media said Friday.
Nyi Nyi Aung, a pro-democracy activist originally from Myanmar, was freed Thursday, a month after a court sentenced him to three years …. Source  : Myanmar says it freed jailed American because of friendship with United States.

Sheriff’s office: Body found on Washington island beach is missing boy; mother still missing

Authorities: Body on Wash. beach is missing boy

SEATTLE – A child’s body found Thursday on an island beach in Puget Sound is that of an 8-year-old boy who vanished last weekend with his mother, a Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman said.
Positive identification was based on Azriel Carver’s clothing, mohawk haircut and “looking at pictures of him,” … Read more >>>.

Headley confession proves Kasab speaking truth: prosecution

MUMBAI – The admission to guilt by Pakistani American terror suspect

David Headley to terror charges against him is “a major victory for Indian investigators” and proves that Pakistani terror accused Mohammed Ajmal Amir alias Kasab was “speaking the truth”, the prosecutor heading the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks trial said.
“Headley’s confession and his admission … Original article on : Headley confession proves Kasab speaking truth: prosecution.

Former UN envoy to Afghanistan says arrests of Taliban leaders stymie talks with insurgents

Pakistan arrests halt UN contacts with Taliban

KABUL – Pakistan’s recent arrests of top Taliban leaders have halted the United Nation’s secret talks with the insurgency, the U.N.’s former envoy to Afghanistan said.
Kai Eide, a Norwegian diplomat who just stepped down from the U.N. post in the Afghan capital of Kabul, told the BBC that discussions …. Source  : Former UN envoy to Afghanistan says arrests of Taliban leaders stymie talks with insurgents.

Guatemalan rights groups criticize order to free retired colonel convicted in bishop’s killing

Anger over freeing man convicted in bishop murder

GUATEMALA CITY – Guatemalan human rights groups expressed outrage Thursday over a judge’s decision to release a former army colonel convicted of killing a prominent Roman Catholic bishop more than a decade ago.
The judge ordered retired Col. Byron Lima freed for good behavior after serving half his 20-year … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Guatemalan rights groups criticize order to free retired colonel convicted in bishop’s killing.

7-Eleven clerk in Kansas City, Mo., slain while working final shift before moving to new job

Gunman kills KC 7-Eleven clerk working final shift

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Gurpreet Singh was working his final shift as a 7-Eleven clerk, before moving on next week to full-time job at a hospital, when he was gunned down during a robbery.
Police say they can’t explain why Singh, 35, was shot in the abdomen early Wednesday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Headley may still be available to Indian investigators ((News Analysis)

CHICAGO – Mumbai terror plotter David Coleman Headley’s guilty plea on the condition that he be spared the death penalty as well as extradition to India is not as big a setback as it might appear from New Delhi. There is enough sting in his plea agreement to ensure that Headley is available to Indian … Original source on Gaea Times at : Headley may still be available to Indian investigators ((News Analysis).

Tight security during Headley guilty plea hearing

CHICAGO – About a dozen US marshals took position inside the court of US District Judge Harry Leinenweber minutes before Mumbai terror suspect David Coleman Headley was escorted in.

Attorneys and court reporters were for the first time put through a metal detector during this particular case. It was an unusually strong security ring whose purpose …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Headley case points to threats from home-grown terrorists

WASHINGTON – Pointing to the David Headley case as illustrative of the “real threats from home-grown and international terrorists,” the US says it will continue working to disrupt, dismantle and defeat terrorism at home and abroad.

Commending various US agencies in getting a guilty plea from Pakistani American terror suspect David Headley for his role in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Headley case points to threats from home-grown terrorists.

Headley attended five terror training camps in Pakistan

CHICAGO – In changing his plea from ‘not guilty’ to ‘guilty’, Pakistani American terror suspect David Headley has given graphic details of his preparations for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, including training at Lashkar-e-Taeba (LeT) operated camps in Pakistan.

Peading guilty before a Chicago court Thursday to all 12 charges against him, Headley, 49, admitted he …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Headley attended five terror training camps in Pakistan.

Police ‘99 percent sure’ that body washed up on Wash. island, is boy who vanished with mom

Police: ‘99 percent sure’ body is missing WA boy

SEATTLE – A child’s body found Thursday on an island beach in Puget Sound matches the clothing and haircut of an 8-year-old boy who vanished with his mother, leading a Pierce County sheriff’s spokesman to say they were “99 percent sure it’s him.”
The body found on Fox …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police ‘99 percent sure’ that body washed up on Wash. island, is boy who vanished with mom.

New threat to blow up a police car puts Hemet officers on heightened alert

New threat puts Hemet officers on heightened alert

HEMET, Calif. – The tense atmosphere surrounding a California police department plagued by booby trap attacks has been stepped up a notch following the latest threat against officers.
Someone called 911 at about 5:45 p.m. Friday saying a police car would be blown up in the Hemet-San Jacinto area … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New threat to blow up a police car puts Hemet officers on heightened alert.

Boy Scouts files on sex abuse for 20 years now evidence in Oregon lawsuit

Boy Scouts sex files now evidence in Ore. lawsuit

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Boy Scouts of America call them “perversion files,” internal documents used to track Scout leaders suspected of sexually abuse young boys. On Friday they became part of the public record in an Oregon lawsuit.
A judge who had ordered the Scouts to release them …. Read the original article  : here.

Hundreds sign up for tribute run in San Diego park where Chelsea King vanished

Hundreds vow to finish Chelsea King’s SoCal run

SAN DIEGO – More than 250 people are expected at a San Diego park where 17-year-old murder victim Chelsea King was attacked in a tribute that’s being called “Finish Chelsea’s Run.”
The three-mile run is set to begin at 9 a.m. at Rancho Bernardo Community Park. Organizers have posted …. Read the original article  : Hundreds sign up for tribute run in San Diego park where Chelsea King vanished.

Man wanted for double slaying in Detroit arrested by US Marshals near Los Angeles

Man wanted for Detroit slayings nabbed near LA

DETROIT – U.S. Marshals using information from Detroit police have arrested in California a man wanted in a double slaying reported by the 8-year-old daughter of one of the victims.
Detroit Police Chief Warren Evans says 42-year-old man Derrick Smith was arrested about Friday afternoon on a street in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Judge: $575M settlement rejected for sickened ground zero workers; renegotiation ordered

Judge: $575M settlement rejected for 9/11 ‘heroes’

NEW YORK – A federal judge rejected a multimillion dollar settlement for people sickened by ash and dust from the World Trade Center, saying the deal to compensate 10,000 police officers, firefighters and other laborers didn’t contain enough money.
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein on Friday rejected a legal settlement …. Source  : Judge: $575M settlement rejected for sickened ground zero workers; renegotiation ordered.

US assures India of early access to Headley

NEW DELHI – Indian will have early access to David Headley to interrogate him, possibly in a pre-trial stage, for his role in the Mumbai terror attacks, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Saturday disclosing that a top official of the US’ justice department had assured him of this.

Attorney General and head of the US Justice … Read : US assures India of early access to Headley.

Natalee Holloway Body Pictures Found?

LANCASTER, Pa. (GaeaTimes.com)- A photograph taken by an elderly Pennsylvania couple is likely to provide vital leads into the mystery of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, who went missing in the year 2005 while she was attending a high school graduation trip. The picture was taken by the couple during their vacation in … Read more >>.

Pakistan must rein in LeT: US official

NEW DELHI – Asserting that the US was aware of Indian concerns about the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, an official of the Obama administration Saturday said it was “very important” for Islamabad to rein in the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a terrorist group that has “global ambitions” and has been targeting Americans as well.

“It is very important …. Source  : Pakistan must rein in LeT: US official.

Police: Arrest made in ‘bias incident’ at southern New Jersey Walmart

Police: Arrest in NJ Walmart racial comment case

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. – Police say they have made an arrest in the case of a racial comment being made over the public-address system at a Walmart store in southern New Jersey.
The Washington Township Police Department said on its Web site early Saturday that an arrest has been …. Read the original article  : Police: Arrest made in ‘bias incident’ at southern New Jersey Walmart.

Hemet, Calif., police on heightened alert following threat to blow up a police car

New threat rankles Hemet, Calif., police
HEMET, Calif. – A Southern California police department plagued by booby trap attacks against its officers went on heightened alert Friday following yet another threat.

An unidentified person called a 911 operator at about 5:45 p.m. and said a police car would be blown up in the Hemet-San Jacinto area in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hemet, Calif., police on heightened alert following threat to blow up a police car.

Hemet police on heightened alert following threat to blow up a police car

Hemet police on heightened alert after new threat

HEMET, Calif. – A Southern California police department plagued by booby trap attacks against its officers went on heightened alert Friday following yet another threat.
An unidentified person called a 911 operator at about 5:45 p.m. and said a police car would be blown up in the Hemet-San Jacinto …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hemet police on heightened alert following threat to blow up a police car.

More central forces in Orissa for anti-Maoist drive

BHUBANESWAR – About 1,000 more Border Security Force (BSF) troopers have reached Orissa’s Koraput district to hunt down Maoist guerrillas, police said Saturday.

About 500 troopers had reached earlier this week.
“One battalion of BSF had already landed in the district. Two more battalions reached in the district yesterday (Friday). They will now familiarise themselves … Read : More central forces in Orissa for anti-Maoist drive.

Ind. man gets 25 years to life for 1985 murder of Calif. mother whose toddler was in next room

Ind. man sentenced for 1985 killing of Calif. mom

SANTA ANA, Calif. – An Indiana man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in California prison for the 1985 murder of a single mother in Anaheim.
Wendell Patrick Lemond of Indianapolis was found guilty in July of the first-degree murder of 20-year-old Catherine Tameny, and on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ind. man gets 25 years to life for 1985 murder of Calif. mother whose toddler was in next room.

Cartel suspects, military battle in northern Mexico as drug gangs block roads for 2nd day

Army, drug gangs battle in Mexico amid blockades

MONTERREY, Mexico – A shootout in the northern city of Monterrey killed two suspected drug cartel gunmen and wounded a soldier Friday. Suspected gang members also blocked roads in the city for the second day, in a bold attempt to impede security patrols.
Gunmen opened fire on an army …. Source  : Cartel suspects, military battle in northern Mexico as drug gangs block roads for 2nd day.

4th convicted member of Texas polygamist group gets 75-year sentence for child sexual assault

Member of Texas polygamist sect sentenced 75 years

SAN ANGELO, Texas – The latest member of a polygamist group whose sprawling West Texas ranch was raided in 2008 has been sentenced to 75 years in prison for sexual assault of a child.
Thirty-five-year-old Merril Leroy Jessop was sentenced Friday. Jurors earlier this week also found he violated [..] Read the original article: here.

Charges filed against Utah man arrested after girlfriend reports being held for 3 weeks

Charges filed against Utah man in kidnapping case

SALT LAKE CITY – A 31-year-old man who allegedly held his girlfriend against her will in a Utah apartment for three weeks has been charged.
Anthony G. Whyms faces one count of aggravated kidnapping and three counts of aggravated sexual assault. All are first-degree felonies. He also faces a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man pleads not guilty to stabbing California moviegoer in neck with meat thermometer

Man pleads not guilty to Calif. movie stabbing

LANCASTER, Calif. – A Southern California man has pleaded not guilty to stabbing a moviegoer in the neck with a meat thermometer during a screening of the film “Shutter Island.”
Landry Boullard entered the plea Friday in Lancaster Superior Court to one count of attempted murder, two counts of … Read more >>.

Texas governor gives copy of pardon to family of man who died in prison, later cleared by DNA

Texas gov. gives copy of pardon to man’s family

FORT WORTH, Texas – The family of a Texas man who died while imprisoned for a rape he didn’t commit cried and hugged at his graveside Friday with a framed copy of the state’s first posthumous pardon – a document that finally proves his innocence.
Gov. Rick Perry … Read : Texas governor gives copy of pardon to family of man who died in prison, later cleared by DNA.

Ill. sheriff: Evidence linking man to 2006 child rape was found in shuttered police department

Evidence found rotting in closed police department

CHICAGO – A suburban police department left behind a roomful of evidence when it closed two years ago – including a moldy sexual assault kit that authorities said linked a man to the 2006 rape of a 13-year-old girl, nearly 200 guns and hundreds of bags of narcotics, officials … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ill. sheriff: Evidence linking man to 2006 child rape was found in shuttered police department.

NCAA: Miami Heat president Riley checking out Duke’s talent; watch out for Spartans’ Green

NCAA: Riley checking out Duke’s talent
Miami Heat president Pat Riley was on hand for Duke’s first-round game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. It was a good bet the Hall of Fame coach was checking out guard Jon Scheyer, forward Lance Thomas and center Brian Zoubek – all seniors.
Oklahoma State and Georgia Tech have combined to …. Read the original article  : NCAA: Miami Heat president Riley checking out Duke’s talent; watch out for Spartans’ Green.

Taliban kills four ‘US spies’ in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Taliban militants have killed four tribesmen they abducted 10 days ago in Pakistan’s north Waziristan tribal region after accusing them of spying for the US, officials said Sunday.

Their bullet-riddled bodies were found Sunday, DawnNews quoted the officials as saying.
A note near one of the victims said in Pashto: “Spies are spies, and … Read more : Taliban kills four ‘US spies’ in Pakistan.

India has told US about Pakistan’s link to Mumbai: Krishna

NEW DELHI – India has conveyed to friendly countries like the US that it has evidence of Pakistani state actors’ involvement in the Mumbai terror attack, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has said.

“In our own way we conveyed to friendly countries,” Krishna told Karan Thapar in The Devil’s Advocate Programme. He was asked if India …. Read the original article  : India has told US about Pakistan’s link to Mumbai: Krishna.

India not being squeezed out by US in Afghanistan: Krishna

NEW DELHI – Denying reports of India being marginalised in the emerging US strategy in Afghanistan at Pakistan’s behest, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has said the US has never pressed New Delhi “directly or indirectly” to cut its presence in the violence-hit country.

“We have in our interactions with the US administration at various …. Read the original article  : here.

Four killed in suicide attack in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least four people were killed and a dozen injured Sunday when a suicide bomber riding on a bicycle hit a police van in Quetta, capital of Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province.

Five injured policemen were in critical condition, Xinhua reported.
The bomb exploded near the residence of a senior political leader, Mehmood Khan Achakzau, …. Source  : Four killed in suicide attack in Pakistan.

Virtual stonewall around Headley’s former ‘connections’

CHICAGO – Even as the Department of Justice (DoJ) continues to dismiss as “absurd” the freshly mounting claims in India that Mumbai terror plotter David Coleman Headley was a double agent gone rogue, there is now a virtual stonewall around what his covert connections might have been.

If US authorities are worried at the persistence … Read more : Virtual stonewall around Headley’s former ‘connections’.

China to begin trial of 4 Rio Tinto employees on commercial secrets, bribery charges

China to begin trial of 4 Rio Tinto employees

SHANGHAI – An Australian executive and three other employees of mining giant Rio Tinto face charges of stealing secrets and offering bribes in a Shanghai trial beginning Monday that is viewed as a barometer of China’s handling of foreign business.
China has warned against politicizing the case, which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indians in Afghanistan are soft targets: Krishna

NEW DELHI – External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna says that Indian aid workers in Kabul have become soft targets for terrorists who want to derail India-Afghan relations.

I think (the Feb 26 Kabul attack that killed seven Indians) has been the handiwork of those forces who are out to see that the relationship between India …. Source  : Indians in Afghanistan are soft targets: Krishna.

Jews say hate crimes and anti-Israel rage are driving some of them out of their Swedish city

Muslim-Jewish tensions roil a Swedish city

MALMO, Sweden – Marcus Eilenberg is a Swedish Jew whose family roots in Malmo go back to the 19th century. His paternal grandparents were Holocaust survivors who found shelter in this southern Swedish city in 1945. His wife’s parents fled to Sweden from communist Poland in the 1960s.
Now the 32-year-old …. Read the original article  : Jews say hate crimes and anti-Israel rage are driving some of them out of their Swedish city.

Lawmaker won’t press charges after being spat on by Capitol Hill protestor

Lawmaker won’t press charges in spitting incident
WASHINGTON – A congressman who was spat on by a protestor on Capitol Hill says he is declining to press charges, but turns out the Capitol Police say they made no arrests.
Missouri Democrat Emanuel Cleaver was making his way through a group of angry protestors … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lawmaker won’t press charges after being spat on by Capitol Hill protestor.

Pep rally and protesters make for raucous and at times ugly build-up to House health care vote

Raucous, ugly build-up to House health care vote
WASHINGTON – House Democrats heard it all Saturday – words of inspiration from President Barack Obama and raucous chants of protests from demonstrators. And at times it was flat-out ugly, including some racial epithets aimed at black members of Congress.
Most of the day’s important …. Source  : Pep rally and protesters make for raucous and at times ugly build-up to House health care vote.

US Ski Team chief Bill Marolt apologizes after DUI arrest in Utah

US Ski Team chief arrested on DUI charge
PARK CITY, Utah – U.S. Ski Team chief Bill Marolt issued an apology Saturday after being arrested days earlier on suspicion of driving under the influence not far from the team’s headquarters in Park City.

In a brief statement, Marolt apologized for his Wednesday night arrest, which came just … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US Ski Team chief Bill Marolt apologizes after DUI arrest in Utah.

Thousands carry flag-draped coffins, anti-Obama signs in DC protest; want troops back home

Thousands rally to pull troops from 2 war zones
WASHINGTON – Thousands of protesters – many directing their anger squarely at President Barack Obama – marched through the nation’s capital Saturday to urge immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.
At least eight people, including activist Cindy … Read : Thousands carry flag-draped coffins, anti-Obama signs in DC protest; want troops back home.

NCAA: No. 1 seed Kansas struggling against Northern Iowa, who’s shooting 52 percent from field

NCAA: Kansas struggling against Northern Iowa
Bill Self begged for a timeout, as if he were asking for mercy, after Ali Farokhmanesh hit again from about 15 feet to give Northern Iowa a 33-24 lead over the No. 1 overall seed. The Panthers are 6 of 11 from beyond the arc and shooting 52 … Original article on : NCAA: No. 1 seed Kansas struggling against Northern Iowa, who’s shooting 52 percent from field.

NCAA: New Mexico, Washington tip off; check out Northern Iowa’s Eglseder vs. Kansas’ Aldrich

NCAA: New Mexico, Washington tip off
New Mexico and Washington have tipped off from the Shark Tank in San Jose, where Steve Alford’s Lobos are trying to match Murray State with its 31st win.
Keep an eye on New Mexico star Darington Hobson, who has a tender left wrist, because Washington coach Lorenzo Romar is … Read more »».

NCAA: Northern Iowa leads Kansas early; Baylor on early 20-6 run vs. ODU; Tennessee beats Ohio

NCAA: Northern Iowa leads Kansas early
Kansas coach Bill Self said that Northern Iowa is one of the best defensive teams he’s seen in quite a while, and the observation is playing out. The Panthers led 19-12 with under 12 minutes to go in the first half.
Kansas has six early team fouls, while Northern …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NCAA: Northern Iowa leads Kansas early; Baylor on early 20-6 run vs. ODU; Tennessee beats Ohio.

NCAA: Tennessee beats No. 14 seed Ohio 83-68; Old Dominion, Baylor tip off in New Orleans

NCAA: Tennessee beats Ohio 83-68
Ohio finally ran out of energy, time, magic. After stunning third-seeded Georgetown and playing tough for about 30 minutes Saturday, Tennessee finally put the Bobcats away with a late surge in an 83-68 victory.
The Vols advance to play Georgia Tech or Ohio State in St. Louis next week.
Tommy Freeman …. Original article  : NCAA: Tennessee beats No. 14 seed Ohio 83-68; Old Dominion, Baylor tip off in New Orleans.

NCAA: Tennessee cruising against No. 14 seed Ohio; Butler beats Murray State 54-52

NCAA: Tennessee cruising against Ohio
Just in case nobody in Providence realized J.P. Prince had slammed down an alley-oop, his guttural scream running back the other way made every animal in Rhode Island perk up its ears.
Cameron Tatum followed with a dunk, then came another fastbreak layup, and the Vols are cruising with about …. Original source  : NCAA: Tennessee cruising against No. 14 seed Ohio; Butler beats Murray State 54-52.

7 arrested as anti-war rally ends, protesters lay on White House sidewalk by cardboard coffins

7 arrested as DC anti-war rally concludes
WASHINGTON – Seven protesters, including activist Cindy Sheehan, have been arrested at an anti-war rally and march in Washington.
Sheehan began shouting “arrest that war criminal” through a bullhorn and pointing to the White House from an area of sidewalk park police had closed off Saturday afternoon. The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 7 arrested as anti-war rally ends, protesters lay on White House sidewalk by cardboard coffins.

Report: Iran temporarily releases prominent pro-reform politician for new year holiday

Report: Iran releases prominent pro-reform figure

TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian news agencies say authorities have released a prominent pro-reform activist two days after security forces took him into custody.
The Fars semiofficial news agency and other local agencies quote Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi as saying former vice president Hossein Marashi was temporarily released Saturday for Iran’s [..] Read the original article: here.

Colombian narco-terrorist sentenced to 20 years in US prison for role with FARC

Colombian narco-terrorist gets 20 years
NEW YORK – A former leader in the Colombian guerrilla group FARC has been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.

Jorge Enrique Rodriguez Mendieta pleaded guilty in December to an indictment accusing him of importing tons of cocaine into the U.S.
A federal judge in Washington sentenced him on Friday.
Rodriguez Mendieta …. Source  : Colombian narco-terrorist sentenced to 20 years in US prison for role with FARC.