Bush, Clinton to visit rubble-filled Haitian capital on mission to raise aid and investment

Bush, Clinton to visit rubble-filled Haitian city
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton are traveling to Haiti’s rubble-filled capital Monday as part of their effort to raise aid and investment for a country still reeling from a devastating Jan. 12 earthquake.
It is the first joint visit to the impoverished … Read : Bush, Clinton to visit rubble-filled Haitian capital on mission to raise aid and investment.

One killed as Assam tea planter opens fire at irate mob

GUWAHATI – A schoolboy was killed and four injured Monday when a tea planter, accused of physically abusing a tribal woman, opened fired on an irate group of garden workers in Assam, police said.

A police spokesperson said the incident took place at the Rani tea estate on the outskirts of Guwahati when hundreds of …. Source  : One killed as Assam tea planter opens fire at irate mob.

170 Indian workers duped in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – About 170 Indians have been duped by their employment agents upon arrival in Malaysia, a Tamil newspaper said Monday.

The workers told Malaysia Namban that agents, who had arranged the trip, washed their hands off them after taking their cash and travel documents. The workers hailed from India’s Bihar and Maharashtra states. … Original article on : 170 Indian workers duped in Malaysia.

‘Goa policeman called Israeli drug dealers 400 times’

PANAJI – A policeman accused of links with the narcotics mafia contacted two Israeli drug dealers over 400 times in the past six months, a public prosecutor told a local court here Monday.

In her arguments before the Panaji Sessions Court, public prosecutor Shiral Monteiro said that Sandeep Parab, a police constable, who was formerly … Read more >>>.

Tamil films blamed for crime by Indians in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian Indian official has blamed Tamil cinema for young people from the community taking to crime.

N.V. Subbarow, education officer of the Consumer Association of Penang (CAP), was quoted by Malaysia Namban newspaper as saying that the “incidence of crime among Indian youths was related to violence depicted in Tamil films”.
Malaysia’s … Read more : Tamil films blamed for crime by Indians in Malaysia.

Floods recede in Fargo, but environmental hazards from livestock carcasses, dirty sand linger

Floods recede in Fargo, but other hazards linger

FARGO, N.D. – As the Red River slowly started to recede Monday and fears of major flooding diminished, Fargo residents were left to deal with another problem: environmental hazards that linger long after the waters decline.
Floodwaters can be noxious brews of pesticides, sewage, garbage and animal carcasses that …. Read the original article  : Floods recede in Fargo, but environmental hazards from livestock carcasses, dirty sand linger.

Three killed in gang rivalry in Assam

GUWAHATI – Three people were killed Monday in a fight between two rival car lifting gangs in Assam’s main city of Guwahati, officials said.

A police spokesperson said the bullet-riddled bodies were found near Panikheti on the outskirts of Guwahati around 6 a.m.
“Preliminary investigations indicate the killings were a result of some internal … Read more »»».

One dead as water tank bursts in Mathura temple

MATHURA – One person was killed and five injured Monday when an overhead 40-ft water tank on a temple roof burst here, police said.

The water tank burst inside the premises of Khushali Baba temple in Jalalapur village of Chata tehsil in Mathura. The roof on which the tank was kept was being repaired.
“The water … Read more »»».

Maoists trigger blast on rail tracks

KOLKATA – Train movement in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district was disrupted when Maoists triggered a blast Monday, the first day of their 48-hour shutdown in six states.

The shutdown has been called in Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and in three districts of Maharashtra – Bhandara, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli – in protest [..] Read the original article: here.

Spring sandstorms whip across China, prompting authorities to issue health warnings

Sandstorms across China prompt health warnings

BEIJING – Sandstorms whipped across a wide swath of China on Monday, forcing residents to don masks and scarves to protect themselves from the unhealthy grit.
It was the latest sign of the effects of desertification – overgrazing, deforestation, urban sprawl and drought have expanded deserts in the country’s north and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mob attacks police after Indian teen’s rape in Nepal

KATHMANDU – A police post was attacked by enraged crowds in southern Nepal for two consecutive days after an Indian teenager, belonging to a minority community, was allegedly raped by a sub-inspector.

The 18-year-old girl from India’s Bihar state had eloped with an Indian youth to Nepal after their families objected to their relationship since he …. Source article  : Mob attacks police after Indian teen’s rape in Nepal.

Auto rickshaw driver electrocuted

NEW DELHI – A 45-year-old auto rickshaw driver was electrocuted when a high tension wire fell on his vehicle here, police said Monday.

The incident took place around 11.30 p.m. Sunday in Pandav Nagar area of east Delhi when four electric poles came down crashing and a high tension wire fell on the vehicle, a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Auto rickshaw driver electrocuted.

Would you like to eat boyfriend’s body, texts Australian woman

MELBOURNE – Shortly after fatally stabbing her boyfriend, an Australian woman sent a text message to another man asking him whether he would like to join in to eat the “delicate meat” because “I think he tastes good”, a court was told.

Thirty-year-old David Vaughan suffered 16 stab wounds to his neck, six to his chest …. Source  : Would you like to eat boyfriend’s body, texts Australian woman.

Chilean government says errors made in quake toll tally

Santiago, March 22 (IANS/EFE) The Chilean government has acknowledged that errors were made in compiling the official list of the people who died in last month’s earthquake. It has now offered a new corrected figure of 342 deaths.

“The existence of duplications and some cases that cannot be … deaths directly caused by the earthquake,” several …. Read the original article  : Chilean government says errors made in quake toll tally.

Haiti needs $11.4 bn for reconstruction

Mexico City, March 22 (IANS/EFE) The reconstruction needs of earthquake devastated Haiti will exceed $11.4 billion, said an expert from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, or ECLAC.

“Just returning to a state similar to what there was (before the quake), which was already deteriorated, would cost more than $7.8 billion,” said Ricardo … Read more »»».

Taiwan burglar escapes after leaping from sixth floor

TAIPEI – A burglar remained at large Monday after fleeing from a Taipei apartment after jumping from the sixth-floor balcony and landing on a parked car.

“We are still searching for this burglar,” a police officer from the Jui-An police station said by phone.
According to the Liberty Times, the burglary took place about 6 p.m. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Taiwan burglar escapes after leaping from sixth floor.

After nearly 3 years, Jim Furyk is a winner again on PGA Tour

Furyk ends long drought by winning Transitions

PALM HARBOR, Fla. – Jim Furyk showed the nerves of a player trying to win for the first time on the PGA Tour. Considering how long it had been since his last victory, it felt that way.
Furyk closed with a 2-under 69 on Sunday for a one-shot victory over …. Read the original article  : here.

UN: 3 killed when small earthquake collapses building in northern Haiti

UN: 3 killed in quake collapse in northern Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A small earthquake struck northern Haiti early Sunday, collapsing an apartment building and killing at least three people, a U.N. spokesman said.
Residents said the tremor struck Haiti’s second-largest city of Cap-Haitien shortly after midnight, collapsing the four-story building. Some nearby structures were damaged by …. Read the original article  : UN: 3 killed when small earthquake collapses building in northern Haiti.

Flood fears dwindle in Fargo as Red River hits crest, starts to recede without major damage

Flood fears recede in Fargo as river hits crest

FARGO, N.D. – The good news was all about things that didn’t happen: No floodwaters pushing aside hastily built sandbag walls, no neighborhoods evacuated, no panicked residents wondering if they’d ever see their homes again.
The Red River crested in Fargo on Sunday without doing major damage, and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Flood fears dwindle in Fargo as Red River hits crest, starts to recede without major damage.

Press group says Latin American leaders silencing critics, worst abuses in Venezuela and Cuba

IAPA: Latam leaders threatening critical media

CARACAS, Venezuela – Press freedoms in countries throughout the Western Hemisphere are facing serious threats from authoritarian governments, especially in Venezuela and communist-led Cuba, a group representing news media from across the Americas warned Sunday.
Alejandro Aguirre, president of the Inter American Press Association, singled out Cuba as the region’s the …. Read the original article  : Press group says Latin American leaders silencing critics, worst abuses in Venezuela and Cuba.

From worm-like plastic dams to sandbag warehouse, some businesses thrive when floodwaters hit

Some companies thrive as Red, other rivers flood

FARGO, N.D. – Last year, when the Red River burst over its banks and flooded hundreds of homes in Fargo, Richard Thomas’ stayed dry thanks to a giant worm-looking plastic dam invented by a California man experimenting with water balloons in his bathtub.
This year, Thomas wasn’t the only …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : From worm-like plastic dams to sandbag warehouse, some businesses thrive when floodwaters hit.

6-year-old boy killed when school bus in Pine River, Minn., hits him after he had gotten off

Boy killed when school bus in Minn. hits him

PINE RIVER, Minn. – Authorities say a 6-year-old boy has died after being hit by a school bus in the central Minnesota town of Pine River.
Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher told The Brainerd Dispatch that the boy was struck after being let off the bus Monday afternoon. …. Original source  : 6-year-old boy killed when school bus in Pine River, Minn., hits him after he had gotten off.

Presidents Bush, Clinton tour devastated Haitian capital on mission to raise aid, investment

Presidents Bush, Clinton visit devastated Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton clasped hands with residents of one of Haiti’s massive tent cities Monday on a tour of its quake-devastated capital – a visit intended to remind donors of the immense needs facing the recovery effort.
The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Presidents Bush, Clinton tour devastated Haitian capital on mission to raise aid, investment.

Jayson Williams’ attorneys ask court to throw out NYC drunken-driving case against him

Jayson Williams seeks to toss NYC car wreck case

NEW YORK – Lawyers for former NBA star Jayson Williams say he’d done nothing illegal and was just sitting in his wrecked car when New York City police arrested him on drunken-driving charges earlier this year.
His lawyers filed papers Monday asking a judge to throw out the … Read more : Jayson Williams’ attorneys ask court to throw out NYC drunken-driving case against him.

Major storm dumps hail, collapses roofs and cuts power to 150,000 in western Australia

Power cut, roofs collapse in major Australia storm

PERTH, Australia – A major storm has caused widespread flooding, collapsed roofs and power cuts to 150,000 customers in the western Australian city of Perth.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the Monday storm carried wind gusts of more than 75 miles per hour (120 kph) as heavy rain and …. Read the original article  : Major storm dumps hail, collapses roofs and cuts power to 150,000 in western Australia.

Senate passes bill to modernize air traffic system, replacing radar with GPS technology

Senate passes bill updating air traffic system

WASHINGTON – The Senate has passed a bill that would speed the modernization of the nation’s antiquated air traffic control system by replacing radar with GPS technology.
The bill was passed 93-0
The $34.5 billion bill requires key elements of the Federal Aviation Administration’s NextGen program be in place as soon … Read more »».

Inter-American Development Bank forgives Haitian debt, plans to increase own capital by $70B

Development bank forgives $479 million Haiti debt
CANCUN, Mexico – The Inter-American Development Bank said Monday it has agreed to forgive $479 million in debts owed by quake-ravaged Haiti.
Bank President Luis Alberto Moreno said the bank’s board of governors voted to forgive the debt and will offer $2 billion in financing to the Caribbean … Read more : Inter-American Development Bank forgives Haitian debt, plans to increase own capital by $70B.

Solution for perennial Fargo’s Red River flooding in sight, but costly _ and decade away

Fargo’s long-term flood solution: 10 years, $1.3B

FARGO, N.D. – The Red River Valley’s battle with major flooding for the second straight year has intensified the push for a solution that doesn’t rely on thousands of volunteers and millions of sandbags.
Local governments say the best option is a massive 36-mile-long channel but the project’s $1.3 billion [..] Read the original article: here.

Ex-California police chief is charged with misdemeanor drunken driving after crashing city car

Ex-Calif. police chief charged with DUI
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – A former police chief in California has been charged with drunken driving after leaving a club and crashing his city-owned car.

The Riverside County district attorney’s office charged Russell Leach on Monday with misdemeanor driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He could face up to six …. Source  : Ex-California police chief is charged with misdemeanor drunken driving after crashing city car.

Police in New York agree with US regulators, say driver error caused Prius crash

NY police agree driver error caused Prius crash

HARRISON, N.Y. – A housekeeper who reported that her boss’ Toyota Prius accelerated on its own and wouldn’t brake as she hurtled toward a stone wall apparently had her foot on the gas pedal the entire time, according to a police investigation that concluded the driver, not the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Police in New York agree with US regulators, say driver error caused Prius crash.

Scientists fear larger volcanic eruption in Iceland could bring global consequences

Iceland’s eruptions could have global consequences

REYKJAVIK, Iceland – Blasts of lava and ash shot out of a volcano in southern Iceland on Monday and small tremors rocked the ground, a surge in activity that raised fears of a larger explosion at the nearby Katla volcano.
Scientists say history has proven that when the Eyjafjallajokull volcano erupts, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Scientists fear larger volcanic eruption in Iceland could bring global consequences.

Jesse Masterpool Death Shocks Fans

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) – Jesse Masterpool, extremely talented teen racer died this Sunday, March 21, 2010 after succumbing to serious injuries off a severe car crash. The 14 year old received severe head injuries when his Makita Suzuki Rockstar crashed on 13th march while he participated in Lake Whitney Amateur National Motocross race. Though …. Source  : Jesse Masterpool Death Shocks Fans.

Bush, Clinton tour devastated Haitian capital on mission to raise aid and investment

Bush, Clinton visit devastated Haitian capital
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton toured Haiti’s rubble-filled capital Monday to raise aid and investment for a country still reeling from a devastating Jan. 12 earthquake.
It is the first joint visit to the impoverished Caribbean nation for the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Bush, Clinton tour devastated Haitian capital on mission to raise aid and investment.

Blowing in the wind: Sandstorms spread dust, grit and misery across much of China

China’s sandstorms blast Beijing with dust, sand

BEIJING – The dust works its way through keyholes and window frames, and smells like a filthy brew of dirt, smoke and metallic particles. The sky turns magenta and whole buildings disappear. Eyes tear up and throats get sore from coughing.
Northern China’s spring sandstorms blew in with particular ferocity … Read : Blowing in the wind: Sandstorms spread dust, grit and misery across much of China.

Delhi trader shot at outside Gurgaon mall

GURGAON – A Delhi based trader was shot at and injured by three unidentified youths outside a mall here Thursday following an argument with some men at a bar, police said Monday.

“Hardeep Kumar was shot at outside MGF Metropolitan mall on M.G. Road,” a senior police officer said.
Police said Kumar was coming … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi trader shot at outside Gurgaon mall.

Woman claims molestation by Gurgaon bar owner

GURGAON – A 35-year-old woman was allegedly molested and manhandled by a bar owner in a shopping mall here Saturday night, police said Monday.

“We have received a complaint from the woman who had gone to the Addiction bar. On the basis of the complaint, we have registered a case and investigation is on,” Assistant …. Read the original article  : Woman claims molestation by Gurgaon bar owner.

Court issues warrants against Delhi cops in gang rape

NEW DELHI – A city court Monday issued bailable warrants against the investigating officer and an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) for failing to file charge sheet in the alleged gang rape of a private firm employee by three Delhi Jal Board (DJB) officials.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Ajay Kumar Pandey issued the warrant …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pakistan police say they foiled Taliban terrorist attack against diplomats, top hotels

Pakistan police: Plot foiled on hotels, diplomats

ISLAMABAD – Two highly experienced Taliban militants were arrested while planning to attack top hotels and kidnap diplomats in Pakistan, and one of the men claimed to have helped plan previous strikes.
The two men, both deserters from a government paramilitary force, were arrested recently in a hotel in Rawalpindi, … Read more : Pakistan police say they foiled Taliban terrorist attack against diplomats, top hotels.

Maximum internet child porns made in US, Russia: Official

Moscow, March 22 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia is the second largest producer of internet child pornography in the world after the US, a children rights official said here Monday.

“We need to combat the wave of crime that is polluting our cyberspace on the internet today. We need to use advanced technology and international cooperation,” said Pavel …. Original source  : Maximum internet child porns made in US, Russia: Official.

Spring sandstorms choke much of China, dust and grit affect places as far away as Taiwan

Massive sandstorms choke cities across China

BEIJING – Sandstorms whipping across China shrouded cities in an unhealthy cloud of sand and grit Monday, with winds carrying the pollution outside the mainland as far as Hong Kong and Taiwan.
It was the latest sign of the effects of desertification: Overgrazing, deforestation, urban sprawl and drought have expanded deserts … Original source on Gaea Times at : Spring sandstorms choke much of China, dust and grit affect places as far away as Taiwan.

Kindergarten teacher jailed for pricking students with needle

BEIJING – A teacher in a kindergarten school in China was sentenced to three years in prison Wednesday for pricking more than 60 children with a hypodermic needle.

A county court in Yunnan province announced its verdict after Sun Qiqi, a teacher at Xihu Kindergarten in Jianshui county, pleaded guilty to pricking 63 children, aged from …. Source article  : Kindergarten teacher jailed for pricking students with needle.

Somali pirates hijack Bermuda-flagged ship

NAIROBI – Somali pirates have hijacked a Bermuda-flagged ship in the Gulf of Aden with 25 crew members including 23 Sri Lankans on board, an official said Wednesday.

The Virgin Islands-owned cargo ship MV Talca also has a Filipino and a Syrian on board, Andrew Mwangura, the East Africa coordinator of Seafarers Assistance Programme, told Xinhua … Original article on : Somali pirates hijack Bermuda-flagged ship.

Buddhadeb visits Stephen Court

KOLKATA – West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Wednesday briefly visited the Stephen Court building, which was devastated by a fire that left 24 people dead.

Bhattacharjee entered the gutted building and spoke to city Police Commissioner Goutam Mohan Chakraborty and fire department officials. He did not speak to the media.
Twenty people have been injured … Read more >>.

Bullet hits Punjabi singer during performance

CHANDIGARH – Punjabi singer Surjit Khan and his associate had a narrow escape when bullets hit them while they were performing in a Punjab village, police said Wednesday.

The bullets were fired by a drunken man Tuesday evening while the musical troupe was performing at a pre-marriage function in Jameetgarh Bhalla village in Nawanshahar district, 180 … Read more : Bullet hits Punjabi singer during performance.

GM, China partner launch EN-V concept car, rethinking the automobile for greener future

GM’s EN-V concept car: auto redo for green future

SHANGHAI – It’s not quite as foldable as the space vehicle that cartoon figure George Jetson pops into his briefcase as he bops into the office.
But the EN-V concept car, GM’s “automobile solution” for the future, just might fit into an apartment foyer.
General Motors and its Chinese … Read : GM, China partner launch EN-V concept car, rethinking the automobile for greener future.

Teen commits suicide after losing battle over remote

AGRA – The war of the remote, played out in households all over the country, took a fatal turn when a 16-year-old here committed suicide allegedly because she couldn’t get the TV from her brother who was watching the IPL match, police said Wednesday.

Geeta was found hanging from the ceiling of her room late Tuesday, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Teen commits suicide after losing battle over remote.

Kerala house adjourned after tribute to accident victims

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Kerala assembly was adjourned Wednesday after legislators paid tribute to the 11 people killed in a bus accident near Kottayam the day before.

Speaker K. Radhakrishnan moved a resolution, which was immediately accepted by the treasury and ruling benches and the house adjourned without going into any other business.
Chief Minister V.S. …. Original source  : Kerala house adjourned after tribute to accident victims.

School in China reopens after stabbing incident

BEIJING – Classes resumed at the primary school in China’s Fujian province Wednesday, a day after a mentally unstable man stabbed eight children to death.

Schoolchildren returned to the Nanping Experimental Primary School accompanied by their parents, where they were welcomed by their teachers and psychological therapists.
“We’ll always protect you,” the teachers assured the …. Read the original article  : School in China reopens after stabbing incident.

India-born doctor ‘failed to investigate’ cancer concerns

BRISBANE – India-born doctor Jayant Patel “failed to adequately investigate” cancer concerns in a patient before he removed his colon, an Australian court was told Wednesday.

A local doctor, Marthinus Nel, referred one of his patients, Mervyn John Morris, 75, to the Bundaberg Base Hospital, where 59-year-old Patel was director of surgery, for further tests after … Read : India-born doctor ‘failed to investigate’ cancer concerns.

Park Street fire throws up heroes

KOLKATA – Amid the devastation and the loss of lives, the fire at the Stephen Court building here has also thrown up heroes who staked their lives to save fellow beings, whom they did not even know personally.

The milk of human kindness prompted Pervez Akhtar, a car driver, to enter the towering inferno on Park … Original article on : Park Street fire throws up heroes.

Cold case thaws: 2 men charged with murder, arson in case of 5 NJ teenagers last seen in 1978

Murder charges filed in case of 5 missing NJ teens

NEWARK, N.J. – One night in 1978, five teenage boys disappeared without a trace in what would become one of the longest and most baffling missing-persons cases New Jersey has ever seen.
Thirty-two years later, prosecutors announced the arrests of two men and disclosed the victims’ gruesome …. Original source  : Cold case thaws: 2 men charged with murder, arson in case of 5 NJ teenagers last seen in 1978.

NYC’s former chief crane inspector admits taking payoffs to fake inspection results

Ex-NYC top crane inspector admits taking bribes

NEW YORK – The city’s former chief crane inspector admitted taking more than $10,000 in payoffs to fake inspection and crane operator licensing exam results, selling out a 26-year career bit by bit over nearly a decade.
James Delayo showed no emotion Tuesday as he pleaded guilty to receiving bribes … Read more >>>.

Former New York City chief crane inspector admits taking payoffs to fake inspection results

Ex-NYC crane inspector pleads guilty to bribery

NEW YORK – New York City’s former chief crane inspector has admitted taking more than $10,000 in payoffs to fake inspection and crane operator licensing exam results.
James Delayo pleaded guilty Tuesday to receiving bribes. He showed no emotion as he read a short statement in court acknowledging his crime.
Delayo … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Former New York City chief crane inspector admits taking payoffs to fake inspection results.

Stephen Court death count soars to 16

KOLKATA – The death count shot up to 16 in the devastating fire that swept through two floors of the sprawling Stephen Court Building in Kolkata’s glamorous address Park Street Tuesday.

While four bodies were found late Tuesday night, six other charred bodies were discovered early Wednesday from the sixth floor of the highrise, an officer … Read : Stephen Court death count soars to 16.

8 hurt, 1 seriously, when tour bus rear-ends another near Epcot at Walt Disney World

Tour bus rear-ends another near Epcot; 8 hurt

ORLANDO, Fla. – Officials say a Walt Disney World bus rear-ended a charter bus near the entrance to the Epcot theme park, seriously injuring the Disney bus driver.
Deputy Fire Chief Bo Jones of the Reedy Creek Fire Department says seven passengers were taken to nearby hospitals with minor …. Original source  : 8 hurt, 1 seriously, when tour bus rear-ends another near Epcot at Walt Disney World.

Cold case thaws: Murder, arson charges announced in 1978 report of missing NJ teenagers

Tip from witness helps thaw 1978 cold case in NJ

NEWARK, N.J. – One night in 1978, five teenage boys disappeared without a trace in what would become one of the longest and most baffling missing-persons cases New Jersey has ever seen.
Thirty-two years later, prosecutors announced the arrests of two men and disclosed the victims’ gruesome … Read more >>>.

Philadelphia music execs mull museum to replace torched offices; man ordered to stand trial

Philly music-makers mull museum at torched offices

PHILADELPHIA – Longtime record producers Leon Huff and Kenneth Gamble say they are considering whether to rebuild their fire-damaged Philadelphia offices into a music museum.
The duo’s comments came Tuesday after a court hearing for the man accused of setting the fire at Philadelphia International Records.
A judge ordered 29-year-old Christopher … Original source on Gaea Times at : Philadelphia music execs mull museum to replace torched offices; man ordered to stand trial.

8 hurt, 1 seriously, when 2 tour buses crash near Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida

2 tour buses crash near Epcot at Disney; 8 hurt

ORLANDO, Fla. – Officials say two buses have crashed near Epcot at Walt Disney World, critically injuring a bus driver and sending seven passengers to the hospital with minor injuries.
Deputy Fire Chief Bo Jones of the Reedy Creek Fire Department says the seven were taken to … Original article on : 8 hurt, 1 seriously, when 2 tour buses crash near Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Emergency worker being fired, 3 suspended in death of Pa. man who waited 30 hours for help

4 EMS workers being punished in Pa. storm death

PITTSBURGH – An emergency worker is facing termination and three others suspensions in connection with the death of a Pittsburgh man who waited 30 hours for an ambulance during a snowstorm last month.
Public safety director Michael Huss says radio transmissions indicate emergency personnel showed a lack of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Emergency worker being fired, 3 suspended in death of Pa. man who waited 30 hours for help.

Britain to expel Israeli diplomat over Hamas killing

LONDON – Britain is to expel an Israeli diplomat over the use of fake British passports by the killers of a Hammas official in Dubai, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said Tuesday.

Miliband told parliament there were “compelling reasons” to believe Israel was behind the passports used in the killing of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh Jan 19.
The foreign [..] Read the original article: here.

6.0-magnitude earthquake hits west of Manila; no immediate reports of damage

6.0-magnitude earthquake hits west of Manila

MANILA, Philippines – A 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck west of Manila on Thursday, the seismology institute reported, causing buildings in the Philippine capital to shake and sending frightened workers out of their offices.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, and no tsunami alert was issued. Buildings in Manila shook … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 6.0-magnitude earthquake hits west of Manila; no immediate reports of damage.

Abducted student’s body found in Aligarh

NOIDA – The body of an Amity University student, abducted from this satellite town March 20, was found in Aligarh Thursday, police said.

Rohit was in second year doing a B.Tech course. He belonged to Aligarh.
“The body of Rohit, who was abducted from Noida for a ransom of Rs.1 crore, has been found,” Senior …. Original article  : Abducted student’s body found in Aligarh.

Australian police officers face sack over racist emails

MELBOURNE – A veteran police officer who killed himself this week is among many officers identified during a crackdown over racist and pornographic emails, an Australian police officer said Thursday.

Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Simon Overland stated that the racist, homophobic and pornographic emails shared by the officers were too shocking ever to be released, [..] Read the original article: here.

Four more arrested for smuggling ore

BHUBANESWAR – Four more people have been arrested in Orissa’s Keonjhar district for smuggling ore to other states, taking this month’s arrests for the crime to 25, an official said Thursday.

“We have arrested four more people from Barbil and Joda areas. They were involved in smuggling iron and manganese ore, district Superintendent of Police … Original article on : Four more arrested for smuggling ore.

Italy orders DNA tests to identify WWII victims

Rome, March 25 (IANS/AKI) Italy has ordered DNA tests on 12 unidentified victims killed by Nazi troops in one of the deadliest massacres during World War II.

The tests were ordered Wednesday by Defence Minister Ignazio La Russa to identify the 12 among 335 Italians killed in the infamous Ardeatine Caves massacre of March 24, 1944. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Italy orders DNA tests to identify WWII victims.

First wave of floods hit Assam

GUWAHATI – Heavy rains have triggered flash floods in Assam Thursday, breaching a mud embankment and affecting at least 10 villages in the eastern district of Lakhimpur, officials said.

A government spokesman said floodwaters of Singora, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, entered Naoboicha area.
“There has been a breach of about 20 metres in an … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : First wave of floods hit Assam.

6.2 earthquake hits Manila

MANILA – An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale hit the Philippine capital Thursday but there were no reports of casualties or damages.

The quake’s epicentre was in northern Philippines, Xinhua news agency reported. The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake at 6.1.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 6.2 earthquake hits Manila.

Ness Wadia fined for smoking at public place

CHANDIGARH – Ness Wadia, industrialist and co-owner of Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab, has been fined by police for smoking at a public place, an official said Thursday.

A photograph of Wadia, showing him puffing at a hotel, was published in a daily newspaper Wednesday. “Taking cognizance of the photograph, we have challaned [..] Read the original article: here.

6.2-magnitude earthquake hits west of Manila; no immediate reports of damage

6.2-magnitude earthquake hits west of Manila

MANILA, Philippines – A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck west of Manila on Thursday, the seismology institute reported, causing buildings in the Philippine capital to shake and sending frightened workers out of their offices.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, and no tsunami alert was issued. Buildings in Manila shook … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 6.2-magnitude earthquake hits west of Manila; no immediate reports of damage.

Abducted Amity student’s body found in Aligarh

NOIDA – The body of an Amity University student, who was abducted from this satellite town on March 20, was found in Aligarh Thursday. Rohit was in second year doing a B.Tech course and belonged to Aligarh, police said.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Abducted Amity student’s body found in Aligarh.

Nine killed in Mexico shootout

Oaxaca (Mexico), March 25 (IANS/EFE) Nine people, including two soldiers, were killed in a shootout between security personnel and gunmen in Mexico’s Tuxtepec city, police said.

The incident occurred Tuesday near the border between Oaxaca and Veracruz states, where suspected rival groups shot at one another and then opened fire on arriving army troops, police … Read : Nine killed in Mexico shootout.

Salt bin collapses at mine upstate New York, killing 1 man and injuring another

Salt bin collapses at upstate NY mine, killing 1

LANSING, N.Y. – Authorities say a bin that loads salt collapsed onto two men near a salt mine in upstate New York, killing one and injuring the other.
The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office says the bin collapsed about 6:30 Wednesday at the Cargill Salt Mine in Lansing.
The identities [..] Read the original article: here.

Swamis in scandals: What keeps the faith?

NEW DELHI – Twenty-seven-year-old Priya, a devotee of Paramahamsa Nityananda Swami, can’t believe a video footage where the Karnataka-based spiritual guru is allegedly shown in a compromising position with a Tamil actress.

“I still doubt whether it is swamiji or it is a graphic gimmick,” a shocked Priya told IANS.
Nityananda Swami’s is not the first …. Original source  : Swamis in scandals: What keeps the faith?.

Car bomb kills 6, wounds 32 in volatile Colombian port on Pacific, key cocaine smuggling hub

Car bomb kills 6 in Colombia’s main Pacific port

BOGOTA – A car bomb ripped open cars and storefronts in the administrative center of Colombia’s Pacific port of Buenaventura on Wednesday, killing six people and wounding more than 30, authorities said.
The blast occured about 9:30 a.m. near offices of the mayor and prosecutors, with six employees … Original source on Gaea Times at : Car bomb kills 6, wounds 32 in volatile Colombian port on Pacific, key cocaine smuggling hub.

Obama asks Congress for $2.8 billion in emergency funds for earthquake-damaged Haiti

Obama seeks $2.8 billion for Haiti
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is asking Congress for $2.8 billion in emergency funding for the reconstruction effort in Haiti following January’s devastating earthquake.
The president’s request comes one week before a U.N. donors conference March 31 in New York. Haitian officials plan to ask for $11.5 billion in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama asks Congress for $2.8 billion in emergency funds for earthquake-damaged Haiti.

Wet Colo. snowstorm heads out of state

Colorado snow heads out of state
DENVER – A sloppy spring snowstorm caused mushy headaches Wednesday for travelers, students and businesses across Colorado.

The storm dumped about 9 inches on Denver from Tuesday night to Wednesday. About 23 inches of wet, heavy snow were reported in the city’s western suburbs, and the southeast part of the state [..] Read the original article: here.

Michigan attorney general subpoenas Toyota records; wants information on fatal Flint accident

Michigan attorney general subpoenas Toyota records

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox sent a subpoena to Toyota on Wednesday asking for records regarding sudden unintended acceleration and a fatal accident in Flint.
Cox, a Republican who is running for governor, has been working with attorneys general in other states to see if civil lawsuits or …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Runaway train cars crash into building at Oslo port; 3 dead, 3 injured

Runaway train cars crash in Norway, 3 dead

OSLO – Sixteen runaway train cars careened downhill for three miles (five kilometers) and crashed into a port building Wednesday, killing three workers, before two of the cars plunged into the water.
The empty train cars broke loose from a cargo train and slammed into the port terminal on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Runaway train cars crash into building at Oslo port; 3 dead, 3 injured.

Haiti’s homeless government move into mansions, buildings seized from drug lords

Ex-drug lords’ property used by Haiti government

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Election workers scurry across the airy courtyard of their lavish new headquarters, a three-story building that hardly suffered a crack in Haiti’s earthquake.
With its stately iron gates, the building looks like a government office. But until recently, it was an upscale shopping center, the $1.8 million … Read more >>>.

After 32 years, NJ victims’ families vent anger, sadness as suspects appear in court

3 decades’ worth of tears, anger flow in NJ court

NEWARK, N.J. – When relatives of five teens missing for more than 30 years came face to face Wednesday in court with a man accused of burning the boys alive, they didn’t see just a glowering stranger or a fugitive captured after years on the run. …. Original article  : After 32 years, NJ victims’ families vent anger, sadness as suspects appear in court.

Britney Spears’ Twitter hacker arrested

LONDON – Frenchman Francois Cousteix has been arrested on charges of stalking US pop star Britney Spears’ twitter account.

“I am not a hacker. I am a kind pirate. I did not act with a destructive aim… I wanted to warn them, to show up the faults in the system,” said Cousteix.
The accused also …. Read the original article  : Britney Spears’ Twitter hacker arrested.

Two more bodies found in Stephen Court, toll 26

KOLKATA – Two more charred bodies were recovered from the rubbles of the ill-fated Stephen Court building Friday taking the toll in Tuesday’s inferno to 26, police said.

The bodies – shrunk and unrecognisable – were discovered while clearing the rubble from the fifth floor of the landmark structure on the city’s happening Park …. Original article  : Two more bodies found in Stephen Court, toll 26.

Kerala town tense after a controversial question paper

THODUPUZHA – Mobs clashed with shopkeepers who refused to down their shutters in this Kerala town during a shutdown called by Muslim groups to protest alleged inflammatory questions in an exam of a private college here, police said Friday.

The question paper of second year B.Com degree Malayalam course at the Newman College here allegedly had … Read more »»».

Villagers supported thieving postmaster

LONDON – A popular sub-postmaster who stole more than 28,000 pounds (about $41,000) from Royal Mail to help keep his branch open has been spared jail after a judge heard how villagers rallied round to help him repay his employers, a media report said Friday.

For 21 years Graham Warnes was a familiar face behind the …. Original source  : Villagers supported thieving postmaster.

Pope was told pedophile priest would get transfer

MUNICH – The future Pope Benedict XVI was kept more closely apprised of a sexual abuse case in Germany than previous church statements have suggested, raising fresh questions about his handling of a scandal unfolding under his direct supervision before he rose to the top of the church’s hierarchy, a media report said.

Cardinal Joseph …. Source article  : Pope was told pedophile priest would get transfer.

6.2 earthquake shakes Indonesia

JAKARTA – A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the eastern Indonesian islands in Maluku province Friday, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, meteorologists said.

The quake took place at a depth of 112 kilometres and was located about 205 kilometres north-west of the remote Saumlaki district. It occurred … Original article on : 6.2 earthquake shakes Indonesia.

Kidnapped man’s thumb dropped from above by a bird

LONDON – The thumb of a kidnap victim feared dead was found in a car park – after being dropped from above by a bird, a media report said Friday.

A bored security guard played football with the digit believing it was a discarded chicken drumstick – until he saw the nail, The Sun reported … Read more »».

Cheated by boyfriend, Beijing woman steals 36,000 yuan

BEIJING – A 50-year-old woman allegedly stole 36,000 yuan ($5,270) from her 73-year-old boyfriend here when she found out that he had cheated on her and refused to marry her.

The woman named Zhang stole her boyfriend’s identity card and time deposit certificate from his house in Beijing’s Tongzhou district on September 3, 2008, and then …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chinese man planned to kill 30 students

BEIJING – The 42-year-old former community doctor in China’s Nanping city, who stabbed 13 primary school students Tuesday morning, killing eight of them, has said he planned to kill 30 children on that day, police said.

Police in Nanping in Fujian province Thursday ruled out the possibility of Zheng Minsheng’s mental insanity after he confessed his … Read more »».

Fugitive killer was running wedding chapel

WASHINGTON – A convicted murderer, who has been on the run for 38 years, is back behind bars in the US after being discovered running a wedding chapel, a media report said Friday.

Frank Dryman, 78, was arrested thanks to painstaking detective work by the grandson of the man he killed in 1951, Sky News reported …. Read the original article  : here.

China executes housing department official for corruption

BEIJING – China has executed a housing department official for embezzling public fund amounting to 120 million yuan ($18 million), a report said Friday.

The official, 46-year-old Li Shubiao, was executed Thursday in China’s Hunan province, China Daily reported.
Li was the former director of the department of government subsidy for housing in Chenzhou city. He …. Read the original article  : China executes housing department official for corruption.

Investigators say human remains could be in wreckage of World War II-era Navy aircraft in Ore.

Navy World War II plane found near Oregon coast

PORTLAND, Ore. – Loggers working near the Oregon coast discovered the wreckage of a World War II-era warplane in woods not far from a naval air station decommissioned in 1948, military and police officials said Thursday.
Investigators said human remains may be in the aircraft.
The origins of the … Original article on : Investigators say human remains could be in wreckage of World War II-era Navy aircraft in Ore..

‘Heroes’ actress Panettiere, boxer boyfriend Klitschko visit Japan dolphin hunt town

‘Heroes’ actress visits Japan dolphin hunt town

TAIJI, Japan – “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere and her boyfriend, world champion boxer Wladimir Klitschko, received a chilly reception Friday in the Japanese fishing village of Taiji, where they called for an end to its annual dolphin hunt.
Panettiere said she would “love to be a spokesperson” for the town … Read : ‘Heroes’ actress Panettiere, boxer boyfriend Klitschko visit Japan dolphin hunt town.

Three workers die after falling from high rise tower

PATNA – At least three workers died and half a dozen were seriously injured after they fell from an electricity supply tower in Patna’s Barh district, police said Friday.

Police sources said three workers died and half a dozen were seriously injured when an electricity tower, near the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), collapsed. All the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Three workers die after falling from high rise tower.

Two NDFB militants lynched in Assam

GUWAHATI – Two tribal separatists of the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) were lynched Friday by a mob when they came to a village in Assam to apparently extort money, police said.

A group of people in Pabhoi village in Sonitpur district, about 210 km from here, nabbed the two militants and attacked them …. Read the original article  : Two NDFB militants lynched in Assam.

Stephen Court residents allowed in to take out essentials

KOLKATA – Residents of Stephen Court were allowed to visit their flats for half hour to take out essential belongings Friday, three days after a raging fire engulfed the heritage building on happening Park Street.

However, Kolkata Police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) did not allow residents to go into the flats alone. They were …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Stephen Court residents allowed in to take out essentials.

Teacher cleared of having sex with special needs pupil

LONDON – A British teacher has been cleared of having secret sex sessions with a 16-year-old special needs student, a media report said.

Daily Mail reported that thirtynine-year-old Teresa McKenzie was sacked and her two young children put under the scrutiny of social services after she was accused of seducing the teenager.
She was also accused … Read more >>>.

Two boys killed to ‘appease’ goddess

RANCHI – Eight people have been arrested while a woman is on the run in Jharkhand after they killed two minor boys in a gory display of ritualistic ’sacrifice’, police said.

Police said three-year-old Sanatan’s throat was slit by a woman, Tulsi, in Ulihatu village in Jagannathpur district Tuesday in the presence of many villagers. The …. Read the original article  : here.

Body found in Stephen Court, toll rises to 25

KOLKATA – A body was found Friday on the fourth floor of Stephen Court, taking the toll from the fire three days ago to 25.

“The body has been sent to the S.S.K.M hospital. The body is in such a bad state that it cannot be ascertained immediately whether it is a male or female,” …. Original source  : Body found in Stephen Court, toll rises to 25.

We will wait, watch: Jamaat on war crimes trial

DHAKA – The Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), whose top leaders are expected to be tried for alleged war crimes during Bangladesh’s independence movement, has adopted a wait and watch policy as judges were named for the trial.

“We’ll give our reaction once we learn about the government’s aims and objectives behind the trial,” The Daily Star quoted JeI …. Read the original article  : We will wait, watch: Jamaat on war crimes trial.

Australian family votes 159 times

ADELAIDE – An Australian family says its members voted 159 times in state elections in South Australia to make a point about poor identity checks, a media report said Saturday.

The family, which called itself “The Election Team”, claimed it was easy to steal the identities of other voters, an anonymous letter published in the Adelaide … Read more >>.

MiG hulls sold for $5 each in Russia

Moscow, March 27 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Four hulls of MiG-31 jet were each sold by a former Russian official for just 153 rubles or $5 while its real price was $3.9 million, investigators said.

The sale came to light after a check was carried out to see whether regulations were followed during the sale of items from … Read more : MiG hulls sold for $5 each in Russia.

Death toll rises to 57 in twin bombings near restaurant north of Baghdad

Death toll in twin bombings in Iraq rises to 57

BAGHDAD – Iraqi police say the casualty toll in twin bombings near a restaurant north of Baghdad has risen to 57 killed and 73 wounded.
Friday evening’s attack took place in a busy area in the town of Khalis, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of Baghdad. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Death toll rises to 57 in twin bombings near restaurant north of Baghdad.

North Korea Sinks Ship: 46 Missing

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (GaeaTimes.com)- Following the reports that a navy ship of South Korea has sunk in the disputed border of the two countries, the general consensus about the matter has been that the incident had been caused by the Pyongyang, and that, in fact, North Korea had sunk the ship. The ship, a …. Read the original article  : here.

Tensions high as South Korean warship sinks

SEOUL – Fortysix crew were missing after a South Korean Navy ship sank near the maritime border with North Korea in the Yellow Sea, media reports said Saturday.

Officials were reluctant to connect North Korea to the event, a day after Pyongyang threatened nuclear strikes against South Korea and the US.
“Finding the truth is important, …. Original source  : Tensions high as South Korean warship sinks.

Eight detained for child trafficking in China

BEIJING – Eight people, including two women, have been detained after being caught selling infants in China’s Fujian province, police said Saturday.

Frontier defence police in Fuzhou city, capital of Fujian, captured three suspects from a car during a routine road check on Dec 24, 2009, when the two women and a man were on their … Read more >>>.

Management student held for friend’s murder

BHUBANESWAR – A 22-year-old management student has been arrested for murdering his woman friend after she rejected his proposal of love, police said Saturday.

“We have arrested Rajesh Sethi, an MBA student of the same college Rosalin was studying. He murdered Rosalin after she turned down his love offer. He was held Friday,” Bhubaneswar police commissioner …. Source article  : Management student held for friend’s murder.

Son of Bihar official missing

PATNA – The 14-year-old son of a staffer in Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s residence has been missing since Tuesday, police said Saturday.

Vivek Kumar, a Class 6 student of a private school, is the son of Sambhunath Jha, an official working in Nitish Kumar’s office. He left his home in Patliputra for some work …. Original article  : Son of Bihar official missing.

Six gunmen killed in clash in Mexico

Mexico City, March 27 (IANS/EFE) Six gunmen were killed in a battle with Mexican marines in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, a major smuggling corridor for drugs headed to the US, the navy secretary office has said.

The incident took place around midday Thursday in Cerralvo town, 82 km from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon’s capital, when …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Six gunmen killed in clash in Mexico.

Court to pronounce sentence in Satyendra Dubey murder case

PATNA – A special court will pronounce Saturday the quantum of punishment on three men convicted of murdering whistle blower Satyendra Dubey who had exposed corruption in the Golden Quadrilateral highways project in 2003.

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court last Monday convicted Mantu Kumar, Udai Kumar and Pinku Ravidas for the crime.
Dubey, … Read more »».

Louisiana man among 4 motorcyclists killed when dump truck hit 8 stopped bikes

3 Arizonans, 1 Louisianan killed in Phoenix crash

PHOENIX – A fourth person has died from injuries after a dump truck slammed into a group of motorcycles stopped at a red light in north Phoenix.
Authorities say 47-year-old Dayle Veronica Downs-Totonchi died in a Phoenix hospital Friday. Two other Arizonans and a Louisiana man were killed at … Read more »».

War crimes trial will be transparent, Dhaka assures opposition

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government has assured the political opposition that the war crimes trial that is to begin shortly would be “hundred percent transparent”.

Also, the government sought cooperation from the opposition parties.
Stating that nobody would oppose “a real trial” of the war criminals, main opposition Bangladesh nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Khandaker Delwar …. Original source  : War crimes trial will be transparent, Dhaka assures opposition.

SKorea steps up rescue operation after naval ship sinks in waters near NKorea; 46 missing

SKorean naval ship sinks near NKorea; 46 missing

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean authorities were stepping up the search for sailors still missing hours after a naval ship sank near the disputed sea border with North Korea.
Navy and coast guard vessels as well as air force planes were searching the waters near South Korea’s Baeknyeong … Original article on : SKorea steps up rescue operation after naval ship sinks in waters near NKorea; 46 missing.

12-year-old boy killed while carrying package bomb toward police station in Colombia

Package bomb kills 12-year-old boy in Colombia

BOGOTA – A package bomb killed a 12-year-old boy who may have been given it to take to a police station after school in Colombia’s turbulent, coca-growing southwest, authorities said Friday.
The boy, still in his school uniform, died about 4 p.m. Thursday in the blast, which also injured two …. Original source  : 12-year-old boy killed while carrying package bomb toward police station in Colombia.

UAE President’s brother missing after plane crash

ABU DHABI – UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed’ younger brother Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was missing after his plane crashed in Morocco.

A sailplane carrying Sheikh Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, has crashed into a lake in Morocco Friday night, WAM news agency reported.
The pilot …. Read the original article  : UAE President’s brother missing after plane crash.

Parent company of business that built ruined Cowboys’ facility seeks creditor protection

Cowboys’ canopy collapse firm seeks protection

DALLAS – The parent company of the business that built the Dallas Cowboys practice facility that collapsed in a wind storm last May, injuring a dozen people, has filed for protection from its creditors.
Cover-All Building Systems Inc. of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, said Thursday it will seek to restructure its finances under …. Source article  : Parent company of business that built ruined Cowboys’ facility seeks creditor protection.

University of Hawaii study predicts slow economic recovery for state

UH study predicts slow economic recovery for state

HONOLULU – A University of Hawaii study released Friday found signs of economic recovery for the state but also determined that the pace will be slow.
In its latest quarterly report on Hawaii’s economic condition, the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization indicated that employment is stabilizing, tourist arrivals …. Source article  : University of Hawaii study predicts slow economic recovery for state.

Magnitude-6.2 earthquake hits Chile

Santiago, Mar 27 (IANS/EFE) A magnitude-6.2 earthquake hit northern Chile’s Atacama region, but no casualties or damage was reported.

The temblor struck at 11:52 A.M. (2022 IST) Friday and its epicentre was near Copiapo, a town 804 km north of Santiago, the US Geological Service said.
Seismologists at the University of Chile measured the earthquake at … Read more : Magnitude-6.2 earthquake hits Chile.

Wrecked WWII plane found near Ore. coast still a mystery, but investigators getting clues

Clues emerge about WWII plane crashed in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. – A sheriff involved in investigating the wreckage of a World War II dive bomber found in the Oregon woods said Friday at least three U.S. Navy planes of that type apparently went down in the area from 1945 to 1948.
No human remains have yet been … Read more >>.

11 killed when tractor-trailer crashes into van carrying Mennonite family in Kentucky

11 killed when tractor-trailer, van crash in Ky.

MARROWBONE, Ky. – Scared but curious after surviving a horrific interstate crash in south-central Kentucky that killed 11 people, including eight from the Mennonite family that adopted him, Josiah Esh wanted to know where his parents were.
When the 5-year-old from Guatemala was told they had gone to heaven, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 11 killed when tractor-trailer crashes into van carrying Mennonite family in Kentucky.

Now a Casabianca in Stephen Court

KOLKATA – Just as the son in the poem “Casabianca” followed his father’s words by not moving from a burning ship, Khusiram Tewary followed his master’s orders to a tee by spending two days in the city’s charred and empty Stephen Court building after an inferno claimed 33 lives.

Khusiram Tewary, in his 50s, went up … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Now a Casabianca in Stephen Court.

Teenagers take on dacoit, ‘Sholay’ style

BHOPAL – In an incident straight from the famous Bollywood blockbuster “Sholay”, two teenagers took on a dreaded dacoit, enabling villagers to beat him to death in Chhattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.

According to the police, Radhey Patel, whose gang was involved in extortion and abduction, Wednesday held a farmer in Bakswah village captive in front …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Teenagers take on dacoit, ‘Sholay’ style.

Crane poised precariously after striking 25-story building near Wall Street; no injuries cited

Crane sways unsteadily after hitting NYC high-rise

NEW YORK – Mechanics and engineers hoped to right a crane that was poised precariously Sunday after it tilted and hit a 25-story building near Wall Street the day before, showering debris to the ground, rerouting traffic and causing evacuations.
There were no injuries reported Saturday after the crane hit … Read : Crane poised precariously after striking 25-story building near Wall Street; no injuries cited.

Metro to rope in more volunteers to manage crowds

NEW DELHI – Two days after a man and a woman lost their legs after falling on the tracks at a crowded metro station, Delhi Metro officials said they will rope in more volunteers to tackle ill-mannered commuters.

Given that we estimate the commuter footfall to reach 2 million by October when the Metro operations will …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Tripura constitutes police accountability commission

AGARTALA – The Tripura government has constituted a police accountability commission to ensure “impartial and efficient” policing, an official said here Sunday.

“The four-member commission, constituted Saturday, would formulate guidelines for efficient, effective, responsive and accountable policing and identify performance indicators,” the police official told IANS.
Former Tripura advocate general D.P. Kundu was appointed as its … Read more : Tripura constitutes police accountability commission.

Stephen Court effect: the traumatised may need counselling

KOLKATA – The Stephen Court inferno, the sight of people jumping to their death to escape the blaze, the burnt corpses – all this has left scars on the minds of the victims’ families and the countless others who watched the horrific scenes on television. Many of them, especially the children, could need psychiatric help …. Original source  : Stephen Court effect: the traumatised may need counselling.

Kingfisher crude bomb case solved, accused in custody: Police

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Kerala police have taken into custody an employee of a private cargo firm here for his alleged involvement in placing an explosive device on a Kingfisher flight to Thiruvananthapuram March 21. The arrest is likely to be recorded later in the day.

“Right now, I will not be able to divulge the details …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kingfisher crude bomb case solved, accused in custody: Police.

Families visit site of sunken SKorean ship as rescuers search for 46 missing navy sailors

SKorea resumes searching for 46 missing navy crew
BAENGNYEONG ISLAND, South Korea – Weeping, angry relatives of 46 crew members missing after a mysterious explosion sank a South Korean navy ship sailed around the site Sunday as rescue teams took to the air and sea still hoping to find survivors.
None has been … Read more »»».

Tension in old city of Hyderabad after religious clashes

HYDERABAD – Parts of the old city of this Andhra Pradesh capital Sunday remained tense after religious clashes between two groups, which left 13 people injured Saturday night.

Paramilitary Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel and state police forces were deployed in Moosa Bowli, Hussaini Alam, Purana Pul, Begum Bazar and surrounding areas to prevent any untoward … Read more : Tension in old city of Hyderabad after religious clashes.

Hopes dim of finding more survivors of sunken Korean ship

SEOUL – Hopes of finding more survivors waned Sunday as South Korean military officials prepared to salvage the wreckage of a warship that exploded and sank Friday night, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The process of salvaging the 1,200-tonne Navy corvette is expected to take at least 20 days, officials said. Examining the wreckage would help determine … Read : Hopes dim of finding more survivors of sunken Korean ship.

45 percent bribe-seekers in Mexico police officials

New York, March 28 (IANS/EFE) A vast majority – up to 45 percent – of the demand for bribes in Mexico come from police officials, says a report.

“An overwhelming 85 percent of all bribe demands in Mexico were made by persons deemed to be government officials under the (US) Foreign Corrupt Practices Act,” says the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 45 percent bribe-seekers in Mexico police officials.

Chilean priest under scanner for sexual abuse of minors

Valparaiso (Chile), March 28 (IANS/EFE) An elderly Chilean priest is being investigated for suspected sexual abuse of minors and for aiding prostitution.

Judicial sources said that Fr. Juan Henriquez Zapata, 64, a parish priest in the city of Limache, located at some 100 km northwest of Santiago, is suspected of having paid in 2008 the sum …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hopes fade for 46 sailors after South Korean naval ship explodes, sinks near North Korea

SKorean ship explosion cause unclear; 46 missing
BAENGNYEONG ISLAND, South Korea – Military divers have searched in vain for 46 marines missing since a South Korean ship exploded and sank near the tense maritime border with North Korea.
The exact cause of the explosion was unclear, but North Korea did not appear to be to …. Original article  : Hopes fade for 46 sailors after South Korean naval ship explodes, sinks near North Korea.

Listing crane strikes side of 25-story building near Wall Street, but no injuries reported

Crane strikes 25-story NYC building; no injuries

NEW YORK – A listing crane struck the side of a 25-story building near Wall Street on Saturday, sending debris cascading to the ground, disrupting traffic and leading to evacuations at five buildings.
There were no injuries reported after the crane hit a ledge near the top of the mixed-use …. Original source  : Listing crane strikes side of 25-story building near Wall Street, but no injuries reported.

Ugandan rebels killed 321 in Congo massacre: Rights group

DPA
KAMPALA/WASHINGTON – The one-time Ugandan rebel group Lord\’s Resistance Army killed at least 321 civilians in a four-day rampage in northeastern Congo late in 2009, Human Rights Watch said early Sunday in Kampala.

The killings took place between December 14 to 17 in the remote Makombo area of Haute Uele district, but had not been reported …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Heavy rains set off mudslide that kills at least 5 in remote Peruvian mining community

At least 5 dead in Peru mudslide from heavy rain

LIMA, Peru – Peruvian police say five people have been killed by a mudslide set off by heavy rains in a remote community of wildcat miners in the southeastern Andes.
Gen. Javier Sanguinetti, police chief of the Puno region, says authorities have no further information because communications … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Heavy rains set off mudslide that kills at least 5 in remote Peruvian mining community.

Detectives investigating 1978 NY arson that killed 8 travel to Wash. to question survivor

Detectives probing 1978 NY arson that killed 8

NEW YORK – A woman who lost seven children and her husband in a 1978 arson at their home near Albany was questioned again this week as investigators put renewed effort into solving the case.
No one was ever charged for setting the fire 32 years ago in Cohoes.
Detectives …. Source  : Detectives investigating 1978 NY arson that killed 8 travel to Wash. to question survivor.

Laboring through grief, Ky. Mennonites work to bury family killed in horrific interstate wreck

Ky. Mennonites labor through grief to bury family

MARROWBONE, Ky. – As members of a close-knit Mennonite community prepared to bury their own, they sliced through wooden planks with electric saws Saturday and wrestled with the loss of a family of nine killed in a central Kentucky crash.
The work on the casket boxes was determined and … Read more >>>.

Mennonites hard at work to make burial plans for church family killed in Ky. interstate crash

Mennonites prepare to bury family killed in Ky.

MARROWBONE, Ky. – Members of a closeknit Kentucky Mennonite community are working on burial preparations for eight members of a church family who were killed in a fiery highway crash.
Nathaniel Yoder was one of those cutting wood Saturday for wooden boxes that would hold the family members’ caskets. … Read more »».

Aid workers help Haitians return home as shelter plan emerges ahead of donor meeting

Shelter plan emerging ahead of Haiti donor meeting
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Aid officials say they have finally figured out where to put hundreds of thousands of Haitians who lost their homes in a cataclysmic earthquake: right back where they came from.
Dreams of vast relocation camps have largely evaporated due to a lack of available …. Read the original article  : Aid workers help Haitians return home as shelter plan emerges ahead of donor meeting.