Final defendant in Haditha, Iraq killings seeks dismissal of charges

Last Haditha defendant seeks to dismiss charges

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Eight Marines were charged in the biggest criminal case against U.S. troops to arise from the Iraq war. Six have had charges dismissed, and one was acquitted.
Whether the only remaining and perhaps highest-profile defendant stands trial may hinge on what happens this week in a …. Read the original article  : Final defendant in Haditha, Iraq killings seeks dismissal of charges.

Terri Schiavo Kill Bill Signed by Gov. Paterson

New York (GaeaTimes.com) Gov. David Paterson does talk about domestic violence prevention but in action he actually takes the opposite route. What am I talking about? Let me tell you a real story first of all.

Terry Schindler Schiavo. This is the story of the Florida woman who decided to divorce her husband. One day, …. Source article  : Terri Schiavo Kill Bill Signed by Gov. Paterson.

Tanzania, Zambia want UN ivory ban weakened to sell off tusk stocks

Tanzania, Zambia demand one-off sales of ivory

DOHA, Qatar – Tanzania and Zambia on Monday requested a U.N. conservation meeting to weaken the ban on African ivory so they can sell off their own stocks, despite criticism that they are failing to crack down on rising incidents of poaching.
A counter proposal at the 175-nation Convention on …. Original article  : Tanzania, Zambia want UN ivory ban weakened to sell off tusk stocks.

Tanzania, Zambia want UN ivory ban weakened to sell off tusk stocks

Tanzania, Zambia demand one-off sales of ivory

DOHA, Qatar – Tanzania and Zambia on Monday requested a U.N. conservation meeting to weaken the ban on African ivory so they can sell off their own stocks, despite criticism that they are failing to crack down on rising incidents of poaching.
A counter proposal at the 175-nation Convention on … Read more : Tanzania, Zambia want UN ivory ban weakened to sell off tusk stocks.

American doctor charged in Australian patient deaths faces 1st day of trial, pleads not guilty

US doctor faces first day of manslaughter trial

BRISBANE, Australia – An American doctor accused of repeatedly botching operations and performing surgeries he was not capable of handling pleaded not guilty in an Australian court Monday to three manslaughter charges and one of grievous bodily harm.
Prosecutors say Indian-born surgeon Jayant Patel repeatedly performed surgeries he’d been …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : American doctor charged in Australian patient deaths faces 1st day of trial, pleads not guilty.

Important dates in the case of US doctor being tried in Australia for manslaughter

Important dates in surgeon’s manslaughter case

A timeline of the case involving Dr. Jayant Patel, who is facing trial on manslaughter charges in the deaths of three patients in Australia from 2003 to early 2005:
April 10, 1950: Jayant Mukundray Patel born in Jamnagar, Gujarat, India.
1976: Patel graduates from the state-run M.P. Shah Medical College at Saurashtra … Read more »».

Official: Bystanders not gunmen killed in clash in Mexico between soldiers and gunmen

Official: Bystanders killed in Mexico clash

MONTERREY, Mexico – Two men killed in a shootout between soldiers and gunmen near a prestigious university in this northern Mexican city were graduate students, not suspected drug traffickers, officials said.
The victims were studying engineering at Monterrey Tech University, according to Nuevo Leon state Attorney General Alejandro Garza y Garza.
Army … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Official: Bystanders not gunmen killed in clash in Mexico between soldiers and gunmen.

Trial of 4 Rio Tinto employees on commercial secrets, bribery charges begins in China

China begins trial of 4 Rio Tinto employees

SHANGHAI – An Australian executive and three other employees of Rio Tinto went on trial Monday on charges of stealing secrets and offering bribes, as the head of the mining giant said his company was trying to resolve its troubles with China.
China’s handling of the Rio Tinto case … Read : Trial of 4 Rio Tinto employees on commercial secrets, bribery charges begins in China.

American doctor charged in Australian patient deaths pleads not guilty to all charges

US doctor charged in deaths pleads not guilty

BRISBANE, Australia – An American doctor was accused Monday of scheduling unnecessary and dangerous operations that prosecutors said resulted in the deaths of three patients and the serious harm of another.
Indian-born surgeon Jayant Patel pleaded not guilty to three charges of manslaughter and one count of grievous bodily …. Source article  : American doctor charged in Australian patient deaths pleads not guilty to all charges.

Police say 164 people will be charged for their alleged roles in central Nigeria massacres

164 people face charges over massacres in Nigeria

LAGOS, Nigeria – A Nigerian police spokesman says 164 people will be charged with a variety of offenses, including terrorism, for their suspected roles in the slaughter of more than 200 people in central Nigeria this month.
Spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu says 41 suspects will be charged with terrorism for …. Read the original article  : Police say 164 people will be charged for their alleged roles in central Nigeria massacres.

Ex-CSK Auto president’s death means criminal indictment, SEC complaint will be dismissed

Ex-CSK Auto president dies while facing indictment

PHOENIX – The death of a former top executive at CSK Auto Corp. means federal prosecutors won’t be able to prove criminal charges that he manipulated earnings reports at the auto parts supplier.
Prosecutors filed federal court documents earlier this month that notified the court of the death of former …. Original source  : Ex-CSK Auto president’s death means criminal indictment, SEC complaint will be dismissed.

Suspected US drone strikes kill eight in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least eight people were killed and four injured in two suspected US drone strikes in Pakistan’s northwestern tribal district of North Waziristan Sunday, security officials said.

An unmanned drone aircraft fired three Hellfire guided missiles into a compound in the Alora Mandi area of North Waziristan, a known safe haven of Taliban and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Suspected US drone strikes kill eight in Pakistan.

Anti-counterfeiting program at Michigan State University targets range of crimes worldwide

New MSU program targets worldwide counterfeiting

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The fight against fake products has found a home at Michigan State University with the launch of the Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection Program.
“The FBI has called (it) ‘the crime of the 21st century,’” university spokesman Andy Henion wrote on the school’s Web site. “The counterfeiting of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Anti-counterfeiting program at Michigan State University targets range of crimes worldwide.

Conservationists at UN wildlife meeting say Internet fueling trade in endangered species

Demise of coral, salamander show impact of Web

DOHA, Qatar – The Internet has emerged as one of the greatest threats to rare species, fueling the illegal wildlife trade and making it easier to buy everything from live baby lions to wine made from tiger bones, conservationists and law enforcement officers said Sunday.
The Web’s impact was …. Read the original article  : Conservationists at UN wildlife meeting say Internet fueling trade in endangered species.

ETA suspect faces preliminary charges in policeman’s death

ETA suspect formally accused in policeman’s death

PARIS – A judge has filed preliminary homicide charges against a suspected member of Basque separatist group ETA who was arrested after a shootout that killed a French police officer, the Paris prosecutor’s office said Sunday.
The charges against Joseba Fernandez Aspurz, 27, include “aggravated homicide,” ”criminal association with a … Read more >>.

UN meeting agrees on voluntary plan to boost tiger conservation

UN approves tiger action plan
DOHA, Qatar – A U.N. conservation meeting has agreed to a voluntary conservation plan for endangered tigers that calls for tougher legislation in countries home to the big cats to tackle widespread smuggling and boost money spent on law enforcement.

The British plan also calls for countries to better control tiger farms …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UN meeting agrees on voluntary plan to boost tiger conservation.

Pope urges faithful to beg forgiveness for their sins; German bishop admits church cover-ups

Pope does not mention rebuke to Irish bishops

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday urged Catholics to refrain from judging sinners a day after he rebuked Irish bishops for their handling of a half-century of sexual abuse of minors by clergy.
While the pope made no mention of the Vatican’s widely criticized policy of cloaking …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pope urges faithful to beg forgiveness for their sins; German bishop admits church cover-ups.

Suspect arrested in Cypriot Archbishops’ tomb vandalism; follows body snatching of ex-leader

Suspect nabbed in Cyprus Archbishops’ tomb attack

NICOSIA, Cyprus – Cyprus police on Sunday arrested a Romanian man suspected of vandalizing the tombs of three Cyprus archbishops who led the island’s Greek Orthodox church in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a police spokesman said.
The 34-year-old suspect admitted to interrogators that he had removed the …. Original article  : Suspect arrested in Cypriot Archbishops’ tomb vandalism; follows body snatching of ex-leader.

Maoists trigger blasts, fire on security forces

KOLKATA – Maoists triggered landmine blasts and exchanged fire with the joint security forces in two separate incidents in West Bengal’s Bankura and West Midnapore districts Sunday, police said.

Maoists, hidden in the jungles, fired on a security forces’ team conducting a raid in Lakshmanpur village under Lalgarh police station of West Midnapore. The raid followed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists trigger blasts, fire on security forces.

Head of German Bishops Conference admits that sexual abuse was covered up for years

German archbishop says abuse covered up for years

BERLIN – A news magazine reports that the head of the German Bishops Conference admits the Roman Catholic church consciously covered up cases of sexual abuse by priests.
Weekly magazine Focus reported Sunday that Archbishop Robert Zollitsch of Freiburg, who also heads the Bishops Conference, said that “sexual abuse … Read more >>.

China court hears secrets charges against Rio Tinto executive, 3 others; bribes case wraps up

Rio Tinto exec facing commercial secrets charges

SHANGHAI – Four Rio Tinto employees were standing trial Tuesday in a closed Shanghai court session on politically sensitive charges of stealing commercial secrets after earlier pleading guilty to taking bribes.
Australian executive Stern Hu and three Chinese coworkers have been detained since last July in a case many thought … Read more >>>.

AP Top News at 4:42 a.m. EDT

AP Top News at 4:42 a.m. EDT
Obama to sign health bill, celebrate with allies
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s yearlong health care overhaul drama featured dozens of speeches, contentious debate and a televised summit with lawmakers before a divided Congress passed the bill. An elaborate White House signing ceremony kicks off the next act: … Read more : AP Top News at 4:42 a.m. EDT.

Spain raises terrorism alert level after killing blamed on Basque separatist group ETA

Spain raises terrorism alert level
MADRID – Spain has raised its terrorism alert level after Basque separatists were blamed for killing a policeman in France last week.

The Interior Ministry says the level is being raised from a “low intensity” alert to “high intensity” within stage 2 of the four-stage alert scale.
It cited “recent events and available …. Original article  : Spain raises terrorism alert level after killing blamed on Basque separatist group ETA.

AP Top News at 4:00 a.m. EDT

AP Top News at 4:00 a.m. EDT
Obama to sign health bill, celebrate with allies
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s yearlong health care overhaul drama featured dozens of speeches, contentious debate and a televised summit with lawmakers before a divided Congress passed the bill. An elaborate White House signing ceremony kicks off the next act: …. Original source  : AP Top News at 4:00 a.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 3:53 a.m. EDT

AP Top News at 3:53 a.m. EDT
Obama to sign health bill, celebrate with allies
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s yearlong health care overhaul drama featured dozens of speeches, contentious debate and a televised summit with lawmakers before a divided Congress passed the bill. An elaborate White House signing ceremony kicks off the next act: … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 3:53 a.m. EDT.

AP Top News at 3:52 a.m. EDT

AP Top News at 3:52 a.m. EDT
Obama to sign health bill, celebrate with allies
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s yearlong health care overhaul drama featured dozens of speeches, contentious debate and a televised summit with lawmakers before a divided Congress passed the bill. An elaborate White House signing ceremony kicks off the next act: …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP Top News at 3:35 a.m. EDT

AP Top News at 3:35 a.m. EDT
Obama to sign health bill, celebrate with allies
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s yearlong health care overhaul drama featured dozens of speeches, contentious debate and a televised summit with lawmakers before a divided Congress passed the bill. An elaborate White House signing ceremony kicks off the next act: … Read this article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 3:35 a.m. EDT.

Documents: Michael Jackson employee describes scene in bedroom as singer lay dying

Witness: Michael Jackson doctor interrupted CPR

LOS ANGELES – The man who called 911 as Michael Jackson lay dying in his rented mansion told police he was stunned by what he saw in the singer’s bedroom.
Alberto Alvarez, who worked as Jackson’s logistics director, told investigators that after receiving a distress call from another worker June 25, …. Read the original article  : Documents: Michael Jackson employee describes scene in bedroom as singer lay dying.

AP Exclusive: Sources say charges eyed for Blackwater’s ex-president, others in NC gun case

AP Exclusive: Charges eyed for ex-Blackwater chief

WASHINGTON – Federal prosecutors are considering filing weapons charges against former top officials of the Blackwater Worldwide private security company over allegations they illegally stockpiled automatic rifles at the company’s North Carolina headquarters, The Associated Press has learned.
Senior Justice Department officials are reviewing a draft indictment against former president … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Exclusive: Sources say charges eyed for Blackwater’s ex-president, others in NC gun case.

AP Exclusive: Sources: Charges eyed for Blackwater’s ex-president, others in NC gun case

AP Exclusive: Sources: Charges eyed for Blackwater

WASHINGTON – Federal prosecutors are considering filing weapons charges against former top officials of the Blackwater Worldwide private security company over allegations they illegally stockpiled automatic rifles at the company’s North Carolina headquarters, The Associated Press has learned.
Senior Justice Department officials are reviewing a draft indictment against former president …. Original source  : AP Exclusive: Sources: Charges eyed for Blackwater’s ex-president, others in NC gun case.

Clinton, Gates, other top US officials head to Mexico with drug war on the agenda

Clinton, officials to Mexico for talks on drug war
MEXICO CITY – Almost a year after President Barack Obama promised to be a “full partner” with Mexico in its battle against drug cartels, a team of U.S. Cabinet secretaries and other top advisers will look for ways to help Mexico strengthen its [..] Read the original article: here.

2 men charged with murder, arson in case of 5 New Jersey teenage boys missing since 1978

2 charged with murder of 5 teens missing since ‘78

NEWARK, N.J. – Two men have been charged with the murders of five teenage boys who were last seen together on a busy street more than 30 years ago.
The men, whose names haven’t been released, were also charged with arson, the Essex County prosecutor’s office said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 men charged with murder, arson in case of 5 New Jersey teenage boys missing since 1978.

Man who shot and wounded 3 at Phoenix college in 2008 pleads guilty to aggravated assault

Man pleads guilty in 2008 Phoenix college shooting

PHOENIX – A former student who shot and wounded three people at a Phoenix community college in 2008 has pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault.
Maricopa County prosecutors say 24-year-old Rodney Eugene Smith Jr. entered into a plea deal Monday. He faces a sentence ranging from probation [..] Read the original article: here.

Knife-wielding man stabs and kills 8 students at a school in eastern China; 5 others hurt

Man stabs and kills 8 students in eastern China

BEIJING – A former doctor armed with a large knife killed eight children and injured five others Tuesday at an elementary school in eastern China, a local official said.
The assailant was arrested after the 7:20 a.m. attack, Xinhua News Agency said. He is a former community clinic …. Source article  : Knife-wielding man stabs and kills 8 students at a school in eastern China; 5 others hurt.

ACLU wants Los Angeles police to examine policies following shooting of unarmed autistic man

ACLU ‘disturbed’ by Los Angeles police shooting

LOS ANGELES – A fatal weekend police shooting of an unarmed man who family members say was autistic prompted the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California on Monday to urge the Los Angeles Police Department to re-examine its policies.
Steven Eugene Washington was shot by gang enforcement officers Allan … Read more »».

Chavez opponent arrested for on-air remarks calling Venezuela a drug haven

Chavez foe arrested over drug haven comment

CARACAS, Venezuela – An outspoken opponent of President Hugo Chavez said Monday that police have taken him into custody while he awaits trial on conspiracy charges for saying Venezuela has become a haven for drug trafficking.
Former Zulia state Gov. Oswaldo Alvarez Paz, who has also been accused of spreading …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Suu Kyi’s party to sue Myanmar junta over election laws banning democracy leader from vote

Opposition to sue Myanmar junta over election laws

YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar’s highest court Tuesday refused to accept a lawsuit by Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party seeking to revoke laws that bar the detained leader and other opposition members from taking part in the country’s first election in two decades.
Lawyer Kyi Win said the Supreme …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Suu Kyi’s party to sue Myanmar junta over election laws banning democracy leader from vote.

Federal appeals court upholds conviction of Pennsylvania man on terrorism charges

Pa. man’s terror conviction is upheld on appeal

SCRANTON, Pa. – An appeals court has upheld the conviction of a northeastern Pennsylvania man found guilty of trying to help al-Qaida terrorists blow up fuel pipelines and refineries in the United States.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals says in an opinion filed Thursday that the issues [..] Read the original article: here.

Prosecutor: American doctor charged in Australian deaths wrongly removed patient’s bowel

US doctor on trial in Australian patient deaths

BRISBANE, Australia – An American doctor charged in the deaths of three patients wrongly removed a man’s bowel, dooming him to a life of pain and dependence on a colostomy bag, an Australian prosecutor said Tuesday.
Jayant Patel, 59, is being tried on three manslaughter charges and one count … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Prosecutor: American doctor charged in Australian deaths wrongly removed patient’s bowel.

Los Angeles-area medical marijuana clinic owner gets 6 years in prison in pot-profit scheme

Calif. pot clinic owner sentenced in profit scheme

LOS ANGELES – The former owner of six Los Angeles-area medical marijuana dispensaries, including one store linked to an accident that killed a motorist and paralyzed an officer, was sentenced Monday to six years in federal prison for selling pot for profit.
U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson said …. Original source  : Los Angeles-area medical marijuana clinic owner gets 6 years in prison in pot-profit scheme.

14 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 14 militants were killed and 17 injured in a clash with security forces in northwest Pakistan’s tribal area Wednesday.

Security forces backed by helicopters launched a ground-and-air assault in Orakzai tribal agency, Xinhua news agency reported. A security personnel was injured.
Security forces are searching the country’s restive northwest, believed to be [..] Read the original article: here.

California makes parole easier for some in hopes of reducing prison population, saving money

Amid budget crisis, California makes parole easier

LOS ANGELES – California’s budget crisis and overcrowded prisons have led to a new reality for thousands of convicted felons: parole is getting a lot easier – no more random drug tests, travel rules or requirements to check in with an officer.
Restrictions have been relaxed for nonviolent criminals like … Read more : California makes parole easier for some in hopes of reducing prison population, saving money.

Headley questioning: US ground rules to apply, say lawyer

CHICAGO – Predetermined ground rules will govern any questioning of Mumbai terror plotter David Coleman Headley by Indian investigators, his lawyer has said.

“The way an actual interrogation or interview will take place the government will have to determine. But we will insist on being present during it,” Headley’s attorney John Theis told IANS.
While pointing …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Headley questioning: US ground rules to apply, say lawyer.

Maoists kill three cops in Orissa, injure 10

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas attacked a police patrol party and shot dead three policemen and injured 10 in Orissa’s Gajapati district early Wednesday, police said.

The Maoists opened fire when about 30 policemen were on their way to raid a rebel camp in a forested area at Ambajhari in Gumma block near Parlakhemundi town, about …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Lawyer: Shanghai court finishes trial of 4 Rio Tinto staff on bribery, secrets theft charges

Shanghai trial of Rio Tinto staff ends, no verdict

SHANGHAI – The trial in Shanghai of four employees of mining giant Rio Tinto on charges of taking bribes and stealing commercial secrets ended Wednesday as expected, though no verdict was announced.
Defense lawyer Tao Wuping said the Shanghai No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court finished hearing the case …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Drug suspect arrested in northern Mexico found dead the next day; widow identifies body

Mexico: Widow IDs slain husband as arrested man

MEXICO CITY – A drug suspect arrested in northern Mexico over the weekend turned up dead hours later with signs of torture on his corpse, prompting denials from the navy that it had anything to do with the man’s death.
The navy said in a statement late Tuesday that … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Drug suspect arrested in northern Mexico found dead the next day; widow identifies body.

Two killed as Maoists attack toll plaza in Bihar

PATNA – Suspected Maoist guerrillas killed two people, including a security guard, and injured several when they attacked a toll plaza on a highway in Bihar’s Gaya district, police said Wednesday.

The incident occurred late Tuesday when armed guerrillas attacked the toll plaza on Grand Trunk road at Mahapur village in Gaya, about 100 km …. Read the original article  : Two killed as Maoists attack toll plaza in Bihar.

Two militants killed in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – Two separatist guerrillas were killed Wednesday when the army foiled an infiltration bid in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, an official said.

Alert army troops spotted a group of intruders in Keran sector near the Line of Control (LoC), 140 km from here. The infiltrators were challenged to surrender when they started firing, … Read : Two militants killed in Kashmir gunfight.

Maoists kill three policemen in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas launched an attack on a police patrol party and killed three policemen in Orissa’s Gajapati district early Wednesday, an official said.

The Maoists opened fired on them when about 30 policemen had gone to raid a rebel camp in a forested area near Parlakhemundi town, about 350 km from here, on the … Read : Maoists kill three policemen in Orissa.

Oregon man abused as adolescent tells jury how he initially admired Scout leader

Oregon man abused by Scout leader testifies

PORTLAND, Ore. – An Oregon man who is suing the Boy Scouts of America for $14 million told a jury Tuesday that he initially worshipped the Scout leader who eventually molested him in the early 1980s.
To the then-adolescent boy, Timur Dykes was a superhero who knew everything about the …. Original article  : Oregon man abused as adolescent tells jury how he initially admired Scout leader.

Judge: Burden is on government to disprove unlawful command influence in Marine’s Haditha case

Judge says burden is on government in Haditha case

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – A military judge indicated Tuesday that the burden is on the government to show there was no unlawful command influence in a case involving the deaths of 24 Iraqi men, women and children, a defense attorney said.
The judge, Lt. Col. David Jones, said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Judge: Burden is on government to disprove unlawful command influence in Marine’s Haditha case.

Former Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, convicted for tax evasion, returns to post

Former Samsung chairman Lee returns to post

SEOUL, South Korea – Lee Kun-hee, the former chairman of Samsung Electronics who was convicted of tax evasion and later pardoned by South Korea’s president, has returned to lead the company after a nearly two-year absence, Samsung announced Wednesday.
The 68-year-old Lee is a South Korean corporate icon and credited … Original article on : Former Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, convicted for tax evasion, returns to post.

Jose Canseco tweets he’s been subpoenaed by grand jury investigating Roger Clemens

Canseco tweets about subpoena in Clemens case

NEW YORK – Jose Canseco announced Tuesday on Twitter that he had been subpoenaed by a grand jury investigating whether Roger Clemens lied to Congress when he denied using performance-enhancing drugs.
Canseco posted on the social networking site that the FBI was about to visit his house, then said he … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jose Canseco tweets he’s been subpoenaed by grand jury investigating Roger Clemens.

Former Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, convicted for tax evasion, to return to post

Former Samsung chairman Lee to return to post

SEOUL, South Korea – Lee Kun-hee, the former chairman of Samsung Electronics who was convicted of tax evasion and later pardoned by South Korea’s president, is returning to lead the company after a nearly two-year absence, Samsung said Wednesday.
The 68-year-old Lee is a South Korean corporate icon and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Former Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, convicted for tax evasion, to return to post.

At raucous meeting, NC school board rolls back busing policy that diversifies Raleigh schools

3 arrested as NC school board reverses busing plan

RALEIGH, N.C. – The school board in North Carolina’s capital city narrowly agreed Tuesday to roll back a policy that buses students to achieve diversity, following a tense meeting at which three people were arrested, others were forcibly removed and heated arguments echoed passions from an era … Read more »».

Georgia investigators withdraw request for Roethlisberger DNA in sexual assault accusation

Request for Roethlisberger DNA withdrawn in Ga.

ATLANTA – Georgia investigators have withdrawn their request for a DNA sample from Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who is accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old college student at a nightclub, an attorney for the player said Tuesday.
Ed Garland told The Associated Press that officials withdrew the request a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Georgia investigators withdraw request for Roethlisberger DNA in sexual assault accusation.

Judge: Miss. school doesn’t have to hold prom but lesbian’s rights violated by cancellation

Judge: No school prom but lesbian’s right violated

JACKSON, Miss. – The prom’s still off at a Mississippi high school that canceled it instead of letting a lesbian student bring her girlfriend, but a federal judge ruled Tuesday that the district’s actions did violate the teen’s constitutional rights.
U.S. District Judge Glen H. Davidson refused the American …. Source article  : Judge: Miss. school doesn’t have to hold prom but lesbian’s rights violated by cancellation.

Calif correctional officer, wife face fraud charges for alleged lie about sex club shooting

CA officer charged with fraud in sex club shooting

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A California correctional officer faces fraud charges after authorities allege he filed a workers’ compensation claim falsely stating he was shot by a parolee while leaving a restaurant, when he actually was shot in a dispute at a sex club.
John Smiley, 44, filed a … Read : Calif correctional officer, wife face fraud charges for alleged lie about sex club shooting.

450 Mexican federal police arrive in Ciudad Juarez to counter drug-cartel crime surge

More police sent to crime-plagued Ciudad Juarez

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Jet planes loaded with 450 federal police officers arrived in this city, known as Mexico’s murder capital, on Tuesday to bolster a federal force struggling to control violent drug traffickers.
The law-enforcement surge boosts the number of federal agents in Ciudad Juarez to 3,500 and comes … Read more >>>.

Chavez opponent’s arrest for TV remarks a setback for free speech in Venezuela, critics say

Arrest in Venezuela raises free speech concerns

CARACAS, Venezuela – The arrest of an outspoken government opponent for his critical remarks on a TV talk show drew condemnation on Tuesday from opposition parties and human rights activists who said the case shows freedoms are being eroded in Venezuela.
Opposition politician Oswaldo Alvarez Paz was detained by police …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Montana fugitive on the run for 38 years awaits extradition hearing in Ariz.

Hearing set for Montana fugitive found in Ariz.

rHELENA, Mont. – Frank Dryman first escaped hanging, then he just escaped. He wasn’t found for four decades until he was discovered running a wedding chapel some 1,300 miles south of the Montana town where he killed a man who had offered him a ride in a blizzard.
Dryman, …. Source article  : Montana fugitive on the run for 38 years awaits extradition hearing in Ariz..

Operation Green Hunt kills 90 Maoists in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – More than 90 Maoist militants were killed and 12 terror camps dismantled during the government’s anti-Maoist Operation Green Hunt, Chhattisgarh Home Minister Nankiram Kanwar said Thursday.

“As many as 90 Maoists were killed and 12 of their terror camps were destroyed till Feb 27 this year in state’s Bastar region under Operation Green … Read more »»».

Philly leaders increase enforcement, penalties in attempt to end destructive teen flash mobs

Philly to teen ‘flash mobs’: The behavior ends now

PHILADELPHIA – The term “flash mob” used to mean online-organized groups having street-corner pillow fights or sidewalk dance-offs, but in Philadelphia they’ve turned violent, and the reasons are as tough to pin down as where the next one will be.
At least five such mobs have gathered in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Philly leaders increase enforcement, penalties in attempt to end destructive teen flash mobs.

100 Australian police investigated after racist e-mails circulated; 1 accused kills himself

Police in Australia investigated for racist e-mail

ADELAIDE, Australia – About 100 Australian police are being investigated for circulating racist and pornographic e-mails via an internal system, a scandal blamed for one officer’s suicide, a top official said Thursday.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland said the officers had let down the community by forwarding the offensive …. Original article  : 100 Australian police investigated after racist e-mails circulated; 1 accused kills himself.

AP sources: CIA officers had birthday cake waiting for spy who turned out to be suicide bomber

AP sources: Birthday cake awaited suicide bomber

WASHINGTON – CIA officers in Afghanistan were so eager to meet the spy they believed would help them crack al-Qaida’s leadership they planned a birthday celebration for his visit in December, current and former U.S. officials said.
A birthday cake was waiting.
But before they could even begin to question their …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Railways probe Rajdhani derailment

PATNA – The Indian Railways Thursday began an inquiry into the derailment of the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Bihar after Maoist guerrillas blew up the tracks.

Ten coaches derailed in the incident that took place late Monday in Gaya district. The inquiry is being conducted by R.P. Yadav, the commissioner of railway safety, a railway …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man says he was detained in Tijuana after officials mistake soup for drugs

Soup mistaken for drugs, man detained in Mexico

LOS ANGELES – A Nigerian-born U.S. citizen says he spent two days in a Tijuana jail after Mexican authorities mistook the soup ingredients he was bringing to a relative in Mexico for illegal drugs.
San Diego social worker Okoronkwo Umeham, 73, said he was detained while crossing the border … Read : Man says he was detained in Tijuana after officials mistake soup for drugs.

Heathrow `naked’ image row: woman plans legal action

LONDON – A 29-year-old airport security worker plans to take legal action after a colleague passed a lewd remark on her `nude’ image when she mistakenly walked into an X-ray machine, a media report said Thursday.

Jo Margetson plans to sue the authorities concerned and spent Wednesday in talks with Heathrow owner BAA, The Sun reported. … Read : Heathrow `naked’ image row: woman plans legal action.

‘Taliban arrests by Pakistan merely a tactic’

WASHINGTON – Recent arrests of high-profile Afghan Taliban leadership by Pakistan do not indicate a strategic change in Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy but merely a tactic, says a leading South Asia expert.

In reality, Pakistan wants to assume a leading role in negotiating and reconciling with the Afghan Taliban to ensure a friendlier neighbour after the United … Read : ‘Taliban arrests by Pakistan merely a tactic’.

Times report: Documents show Vatican was told about Wis. priest who may have molested 200 boys

Times: Vatican was warned about priest in Wis.

NEW YORK – Milwaukee’s Roman Catholic archbishop warned a top Vatican office led by future Pope Benedict XVI about a priest who may have molested as many as 200 deaf boys, according to documents obtained by The New York Times, but the priest never was defrocked.
The documents were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Times report: Documents show Vatican was told about Wis. priest who may have molested 200 boys.

Maoists blow up police station in Bihar

PATNA – Suspected Maoists blew up a newly-constructed police station in Bihar’s Saran district, police said Thursday.

Armed Maoist guerrillas attacked the newly-built Bheldi police station in Amnaur block late Wednesday night and started firing indiscriminately.
They later blew up the building using dynamite. No casualties were reported.
Bihar police chief Neelmani said that the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Malaysia’s High Court schedules sodomy trial of opposition leader Anwar to resume in May

Sodomy trial of Malaysia’s Anwar to resume in May

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The sodomy trial of Anwar Ibrahim will resume in May following a three-month interruption after the Malaysian opposition leader tried to force the judge to step down, the High Court said Thursday.
The politically charged trial has been disrupted since mid-February, when Anwar claimed …. Original source  : Malaysia’s High Court schedules sodomy trial of opposition leader Anwar to resume in May.

KC and the Sunshine Band co-founder Finch accused in Ohio of having sex with teenage boys

KC and Sunshine Band founder held on Ohio sex rap

NEWARK, Ohio – A music producer and co-founder of KC and the Sunshine Band responsible for such hits as “Shake Your Booty” and “Keep It Comin’ Love” has acknowledged having sex with teenage boys, police said Wednesday.
Richard R. Finch, 56, was arrested Tuesday after a boy …. Original article  : KC and the Sunshine Band co-founder Finch accused in Ohio of having sex with teenage boys.

Riverside County parents convicted of second-degree murder in diabetic daughter’s death

Parents convicted in diabetic daughter’s death

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The parents of a 17-year-old girl who slipped into a diabetic coma and died were convicted of second-degree murder on Wednesday.
Gregory and Yvonne Latham also were each found guilty of felony willful child endangerment, the Riverside County district attorney’s office said.
Nanette Latham was found unresponsive in the … Read more >>>.

Justin Bieber defends manager, who pleads not guilty in connection to last year’s fan frenzy

Bieber: I’m ‘100 percent’ behind accused manager

NEW YORK – Justin Bieber is standing by his manager, who surrendered to police Wednesday in connection with a mall fan frenzy that sent five people to a hospital with minor injuries last year.
Scott “Scooter” Braun pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless endangerment, criminal nuisance and endangering the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Justin Bieber defends manager, who pleads not guilty in connection to last year’s fan frenzy.

100 Australian police under investigation for forwarding racist e-mails; accused kills himself

Aussie police face discipline over racist e-mails

MELBOURNE, Australia – As many as 100 Australian police were being investigated Thursday over racist e-mails circulated in an internal police e-mail system, a scandal that cost the life of one officer.
The police ethical standards department found multiple e-mails that were too shocking to be released publicly, Chief Commissioner … Original article on : 100 Australian police under investigation for forwarding racist e-mails; accused kills himself.

Feds: Loaded guns, $700,000 cash found stashed in basement wall of reputed mobster’s Ill. home

Feds: Guns, cash stashed in reputed mobster’s home

CHICAGO – Federal agents searching a convicted mobster’s home near Chicago found loaded guns, nearly $730,000 in cash and tape recordings that may contain “criminal conversations” hidden behind a basement wall, according to court documents filed Wednesday.
FBI agents and U.S. Marshals executed a search warrant Tuesday at Frank … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Feds: Loaded guns, $700,000 cash found stashed in basement wall of reputed mobster’s Ill. home.

Child sex abuse expert tells Ore. jury that Boy Scouts put boys at risk

Trial: abuse expert says Scouts put boys at risk

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Boy Scouts of America showed reckless indifference to protecting young Scouts when it kept confidential two decades worth of files on suspected molesters among its troop leaders, a psychologist testified Wednesday as part of a $14 million lawsuit against the organization.
Despite creating a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Child sex abuse expert tells Ore. jury that Boy Scouts put boys at risk.

California couple convicted of second-degree murder in diabetic daughter’s death

Calif. parents convicted in diabetic girl’s death

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The parents of a Southern California girl who slipped into a diabetic coma and died have been convicted of second-degree murder.
Gregory and Yvonne Latham also were each found guilty Wednesday of felony willful child endangerment.
Seventeen-year-old Nanette Latham was found unresponsive in the family’s squalid mobile home … Read more »».

Texas jury finds mayor not guilty in deposit of $26,000 city check to personal account

Texas jury acquits mayor in lost check case

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A jury has acquitted Brownsville’s mayor of theft and other charges surrounding the deposit of a city check into his personal account.
Jurors found Pat Ahumada Jr. not guilty Wednesday of felony theft, abuse of official capacity and misapplication of fiduciary property.
The $26,139 check issued in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Texas jury finds mayor not guilty in deposit of $26,000 city check to personal account.

NCAA: Kentucky freshmen in foul trouble as Cornell makes run; Kansas State, Xavier trade lead

NCAA: Kentucky freshmen in foul trouble
Kentucky’s freshmen are getting into foul trouble, and Cornell isn’t going away.

John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins have picked up their third fouls in the last couple minutes, and the Big Red are back within 38-28 because of a 7-0 run.
Ryan Wittman, a 42.3 percent shooter from beyond the arc, continues …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NCAA: Kentucky freshmen in foul trouble as Cornell makes run; Kansas State, Xavier trade lead.

NCAA: CBS ditches Cornell-Kentucky game in most regions for the Xavier-Kansas State game

NCAA: CBS ditches Cornell-Kentucky
Well, bad news for Kentucky fans. CBS has bagged its coverage for now in most regions in favor of the much closer Xavier-Kansas State game.

That might be good news for Cornell fans.
Denis Clemente just hit a 3-pointer and has 15 for the game, giving Kansas State a 49-44 lead with under 12 … Read more »».

New charge of second-degree murder filed against Everett, Wash., officer in man’s death

New charge of murder against Washington officer

EVERETT, Wash. – Prosecutors have filed a more serious charge against a Washington state police officer accused of fatally shooting an intoxicated man in a restaurant parking lot.
Everett police officer Troy Meade previously was charged with first-degree manslaughter in the June 10 death of Niles Meservey. Snohomish County prosecutors …. Original source  : New charge of second-degree murder filed against Everett, Wash., officer in man’s death.

Not just hippies versus cops: Calif. pot vote brings out well-organized groups on both sides

Calif. pot vote isn’t just hippies versus cops

SAN FRANCISCO – Now that a proposal to legalize pot is on the ballot in California, well-organized groups are lining up on both sides of the debate. And it’s not just tie-dyed hippies versus anti-drug crusaders.
So far, the most outspoken groups on the issue are those affiliated with … Read more »»».

NCAA: Xavier backcourt has 23 points; Kansas State duo scores 25 points as teams trade lead

NCAA: Nobody’s guarding the guards
Nobody’s guarding the guards in Salt Lake City!

The Xavier backcourt duo of Terrell Holloway and Jordan Crawford have combined for 23 points, the only two Musketeers in double-figures. Ditto for the backcourt mates of Jacob Pullen and Denis Clemente for Kansas State, who have combined for 25 points.
Neither pair is shooting …. Original source  : NCAA: Xavier backcourt has 23 points; Kansas State duo scores 25 points as teams trade lead.

NCAA: Kentucky closes first half on 30-6 run, building 32-16 lead against No. 12 seed Cornell

NCAA: Kentucky leads Cornell 32-16 at half

Well, at least the Cornell fans will have a short drive home, even if it ends up being an unhappy one. The Big Red’s campus in Ithaca is only a 55-mile drive from the Carrier Dome.
Kentucky extended its defense well onto the perimeter, creating 11 turnovers and turning them … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NCAA: Kentucky closes first half on 30-6 run, building 32-16 lead against No. 12 seed Cornell.

NCAA: Ashley Judd leads cheers for Kentucky as team asserts itself vs. No. 12 seed Cornell

NCAA: Ashley Judd leading the cheers for Kentucky

Ashley Judd was on hand to see Kentucky run roughshod through New Orleans, and she’s in the crowd cheering on her alma mater in Syracuse, N.Y.
She has a lot to love.
This time it was Patrick Patterson pulling down a rebound and throwing it ahead to John Wall, who …. Read the original article  : here.

Federal jury finds Pfizer committed fraud in promoting drug, orders firm to pay $142 million

Pfizer faces $142M in damages for drug fraud

BOSTON – A federal jury has found that Pfizer Inc. violated anti-racketeering laws in promoting its epilepsy drug Neurontin for unapproved uses and must pay at least $142 million in damages.
The jury sided with California-based Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, the first to try … Original source on Gaea Times at : Federal jury finds Pfizer committed fraud in promoting drug, orders firm to pay $142 million.

Chinese student gets suspended death sentence for murdering roommate in dispute over snoring

Chinese man gets death for killing snoring student

BEIJING – A Chinese university student who stabbed his sleeping roommate to death because he snored too much was given a suspended death sentence, state media reported Friday.
The court in Changchun, capital of northeast Jilin province, handed down the sentence to 24-year-old Guo Liwei who confessed to stabbing …. Original article  : Chinese student gets suspended death sentence for murdering roommate in dispute over snoring.

NCAA: Kentucky asserting itself vs. No. 12 seed Cornell; Xavier leads Kansas State 32-31

NCAA: Kentucky beginning to assert itself
John Wall gathered in a rebound moments ago, raced up the middle of the court and tossed a nifty pass ahead to Patrick Patterson, who put down an easy dunk for a 20-14 lead.

Wall and Patterson are wearing Kentucky jerseys tonight, but it’s easy to envision those two guys wearing … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NCAA: Kentucky asserting itself vs. No. 12 seed Cornell; Xavier leads Kansas State 32-31.

Civilian wounded in Kashmir grenade explosion

SRINAGAR – One civilian was injured when separatist guerrillas hurled a grenade at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bunker in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore town Friday.

Police said guerrillas targeted the bunker of the paramilitary force outside the State Bank of India branch in Sopore town, about 50 km from here, but the grenade exploded …. Original article  : Civilian wounded in Kashmir grenade explosion.

NCAA: Kentucky has one basket more than 4 minutes into second half as Cornell makes itna game

NCAA: Kentucky struggles to start 2nd half

Kentucky has only one basket more than 4 minutes into the second half, and a layup and a follow by Cornell’s Louis Dale has the Carrier Dome crowd chanting “Go Big Red!”
Kentucky still leads 34-20 with 15:41 left, but Cornell is doing its best to try to trim the …. Source article  : NCAA: Kentucky has one basket more than 4 minutes into second half as Cornell makes itna game.

Growing clerical sex abuse scandal in US, Italy tarnishes papacy

Sex abuse scandal in US, Italy taints papacy

VATICAN CITY – Revelations that the Vatican halted the investigation of a Wisconsin priest accused of molesting some 200 deaf boys have eerie echoes in Italy, where 67 deaf men and women accused two dozen priests of raping and molesting children for years.
Only now – a year after … Read more >>.

Five soldiers, 21 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Five soldiers and 21 Islamist militants were killed Friday in clashes in Pakistan’s restive tribal region near the Afghan border, a security official said.

Major Fazalur Rehman, a spokesman for the paramilitary Frontier Corps, said the fighting started when dozens of militants attacked a security checkpoint in Ferozkhel area of Orakzai district. The soldiers …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Five soldiers, 21 militants killed in Pakistan.

Threats, obscene calls spreading against lawmakers in unsettling aftermath of health care vote

Threats against lawmakers spread after health vote

WASHINGTON – A fax bearing the image of a noose. Profane voice mails. Bricks thrown, a gas line cut. White powder sent to an office.
Democrats and a few Republicans revealed mounting numbers and unsettling details of threats against them Thursday in the emotional aftermath of the passage of the …. Read the original article  : Threats, obscene calls spreading against lawmakers in unsettling aftermath of health care vote.

FIU football player stabbed to death in on-campus incident

FIU football player stabbed to death
FIU running back Kendall Berry was stabbed to death in an on-campus incident late Thursday night, immediately sending shock and grief across the university community and putting police on a search for multiple suspects.

Berry, 22, was stabbed around 9 p.m., said Miami-Dade police Det. Javier Baez. Police were interviewing “several … Read : FIU football player stabbed to death in on-campus incident.

NYPD: White powder sent in threatening letter to Congressman ruled non-hazardous

NYPD: Powder sent to Congressman non-hazardous

NEW YORK – New York Police Department field tests have ruled a white powder sent with a threatening letter to the Queens office of Congressman Anthony Weiner is not hazardous.
The letter with suspicious white powder was discovered Thursday afternoon at his office in Kew Gardens.
Police say the letter was handwritten …. Source  : NYPD: White powder sent in threatening letter to Congressman ruled non-hazardous.

NCAA: K-State clings to lead vs. Xavier thanks to second-chance points; Kentucky leads Cornell

NCAA: Kansas State clinging to lead vs. Xavier

Kansas State has scored 16 second-chance points, one of the only reasons the Wildcats are clinging to a 44-38 lead. Xavier is getting to the foul line more and has forced five steals with about 15 minutes left in the game.
Just about everyone wearing K-State white has picked … Read : NCAA: K-State clings to lead vs. Xavier thanks to second-chance points; Kentucky leads Cornell.

US-based anti-corruption group says police officers demand nearly half of bribes in Mexico

Bribery study in Mexico says police the problem

MEXICO CITY – Police are the biggest culprits when it comes to demanding bribes in Mexico, a study on corruption says.
The questionnaire and analysis, conducted by the U.S.-based BRIBEline, found that 85 percent of bribe demands came from people associated with Mexico’s government. Forty-five percent of total demands …. Original source  : US-based anti-corruption group says police officers demand nearly half of bribes in Mexico.

AZ authorities: 50 illegal immigrants rescued from 2 drop houses, 10 human smugglers arrested

50 illegal immigrants, 10 smugglers arrested in AZ

PHOENIX – Arizona authorities say they arrested 10 human smugglers and rescued 50 illegal immigrants held in drop houses in Phoenix in two separate incidents this week.
Detectives from the Illegal Immigration Prevention and Apprehension Co-op Team made the first arrests Tuesday after a three-month investigation into a human … Read more »»».

Two LeT militants killed in Rajouri gun battle

JAMMU – Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were Saturday killed in a gun battle with security forces in a mountainous forest area in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Security forces, comprising the army and police, cordoned off the forest near Dharamsal area of Rajouri district, about 120 km from Jammu, following a tip-off about the presence …. Source article  : Two LeT militants killed in Rajouri gun battle.

Pakistan recognises terrorism as shared threat with India: US

WASHINGTON – The United States says it’s encouraged by Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts as it believes that Islamabad now recognises terrorism as a “shared threat” with India and other countries.

Security and counter-terrorism efforts were part of the discussion at the first Pakistan-US strategic dialogue here this week “and we will continue our cooperation”, State Department spokesman … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan recognises terrorism as shared threat with India: US.

Tongan police charge 3, shipping company over ferry sinking that killed 74

3 charged over Tonga ferry sinking that killed 74

NUKU’ULOFA, Tonga – Tongan police have charged three people with manslaughter in the death of one of 74 passengers who died last year in a ferry sinking that was one of the tiny South Pacific country’s worst disasters.
Police Commander Chris Kelley said Friday that a charge of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tongan police charge 3, shipping company over ferry sinking that killed 74.

Pakistani cab driver charged in Chicago with Al Qaeda links

CHICAGO – A Pakistani American taxi driver with alleged ties to Ilyas Kashmiri, a terrorist leader in Pakistan linked with Mumbai terror suspects David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Hussain Rana, has been charged with supporting Al Qaeda.

Raja Lahrasib Khan, 56, who became a naturalised US citizen in 1988, was arrested here Friday morning in his … Read more >>.

NCAA: Michigan State scores on first six possessions of second half to take lead

NCAA: Michigan State starts strong
Michigan State has scored on its first six possessions of the second half to edge ahead of Northern Iowa. Neither team has gone on a big run, and the team that does might well be the team that finds itself ahead at the end.

One of the things that the Spartans are …. Source  : NCAA: Michigan State scores on first six possessions of second half to take lead.

Mich. 911 dispatcher asks ‘Are you intoxicated?’, driver who called replies: ‘Absolutely’

Mich. police: Drunken driver called 911 on herself

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Police in Michigan have released a copy of a 911 call where a suspected drunken driver chats with an emergency dispatcher for about 20 minutes before she is pulled over and arrested.
In the first moments of the March 13 call, the dispatcher asks: “Are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mich. 911 dispatcher asks ‘Are you intoxicated?’, driver who called replies: ‘Absolutely’.

Maoists blow up police station, block office in Bihar

PATNA – Suspected Maoists blew up a newly-constructed police station and a block office in Bihar’s Rohtas district. They also torched 15 trucks, including eight of a private construction company engaged in road construction, police said Saturday.

More than 100 armed Maoist guerrillas attacked the newly-built police station and a block office at Tilouthu late Friday …. Source  : Maoists blow up police station, block office in Bihar.

NCAA: Duke leads Purdue 24-23 at halftime; teams combine to go 15 of 55 from the field

NCAA: Duke leads Purdue 24-23 at half
Halftime has mercifully come in Houston, where top-seeded Duke leads Purdue 24-23 in a game with about as much finesse as a lumberjack driving a dump truck.

The two teams have combined to go 15 of 55 from the field, including a dreadful 3 for 15 from beyond the arc …. Original source  : NCAA: Duke leads Purdue 24-23 at halftime; teams combine to go 15 of 55 from the field.

NCAA: Purdue takes lead vs. Duke; Blue Devils go more than 8 minutes without field goal

NCAA: Purdue takes lead with 9-2 run
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski might want to remind his club that a loss ends its season.

The Blue Devils have gone more than 8 minutes without a field goal, and the Boilermakers have used a 9-2 run to take a 19-17 lead late in the first half.
It’s not like everything … Read more : NCAA: Purdue takes lead vs. Duke; Blue Devils go more than 8 minutes without field goal.

Police: Suspect in killing of FIU football player turns self in, while school tries to move on

Arrest made in FIU player slaying
The day began with FIU president Mark B. Rosenberg saying his school “will not rest” until the person responsible for the stabbing death of running back Kendall Berry was found.

Ending a frantic search that put an entire university on edge, Miami-Dade police said Friday night that Quentin Rashad Wyche, 22, …. Source article  : Police: Suspect in killing of FIU football player turns self in, while school tries to move on.

NCAA: Northern Iowa leads Michigan State 29-22 at halftime; Farokhmanesh has only 1 field goal

NCAA: Northern Iowa leads 29-22 at halftime

Kwadzo Ahelegbe knocked down an outside jumper just before the halftime buzzer, giving Northern Iowa 29-22 lead over Michigan State at the break.
All the more impressive considering star guard Ali Farokhmanesh has one field goal.
The Panthers are doing it with defense, holding Michigan State to one field goal over … Read more >>.

NCAA: Spartans’ point guard Kalin Lucas on bench in warmups; Purdue’s Bade picks up third foul

NCAA: Spartans’ Lucas watching from bench
Michigan State point guard Kalin Lucas is on the bench in warmups, his left leg in a walking boot. Last year’s Big Ten player of the year ruptured his Achilles’ tendon in the second round against Maryland, a blow made even worse because Northern Iowa has good guards.

Besides sharpshooter Ali … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NCAA: Spartans’ point guard Kalin Lucas on bench in warmups; Purdue’s Bade picks up third foul.

NCAA: Purdue and Duke have combined to go 5 of 24 from the field in South Regional semifinal

NCAA: Purdue, Duke having trouble scoring
Perhaps the Boilermakers and Blue Devils got together before the game and outlined their own set of rules, a bit like a school yard game. You know, first one to 20 points wins?

Purdue went 6 minutes without making a field goal, Duke has been just as terrible on offense, and …. Read the original article  : here.

NCAA: Purdue has more airballs (3) than field goals (2) in first 5 minutes vs. top-seeded Duke

NCAA: Purdue _ more airballs than field goals

Matt Painter better get back to fundamentals during the first media timeout – as in, shots that don’t hit the iron don’t have much of a chance of going in.
His Boilermakers have more airballs (3) than field goals (2) in the first 5 minutes against top-seeded Duke, and … Read more : NCAA: Purdue has more airballs (3) than field goals (2) in first 5 minutes vs. top-seeded Duke.

NCAA: Northern Iowa’s Adam Koch gets 9 points early as Panthers jump out to quick lead

NCAA: Northern Iowa’s Koch gets 9 early
Ali Farokhmanesh was the guy who hit the key 3-pointer, made the big-time free throws, earned the cover of Sports Illustrated this week.

His running mate Adam Koch must have been a little bit jealous.
The Northern Iowa guard started 4 for 4 from the field and has nine early points, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NCAA: Northern Iowa’s Adam Koch gets 9 points early as Panthers jump out to quick lead.

NCAA: Duke looks to beat Purdue, return to round of eight for first time since 2004

NCAA: Duke looks to break slump
Here’s what qualifies as a slump for a program like Duke: It hasn’t been to the round of eight in the NCAA tournament since 2004.

Talk about great expectations.
The school with the best all-time winning percentage in the NCAA tournament will try to break its slide against fourth-seeded Purdue, a team …. Original source  : NCAA: Duke looks to beat Purdue, return to round of eight for first time since 2004.

NCAA: Michigan State goes the first 3-plus minutes without scoring as UNI takes early lead

NCAA: Michigan State starts slow
Northern Iowa’s linebacker of a sixth man Lucas O’Rear has a black brace on his left wrist that looks like the tape underneath a boxing glove.

The way he plays, don’t be surprised if it isn’t.
The physical Panthers defense is already causing problems for Michigan State, which went the first 3-plus minutes … Read : NCAA: Michigan State goes the first 3-plus minutes without scoring as UNI takes early lead.

NCAA: Michigan State plays Missouri Valley team 31 years after beating Indiana State for title

NCAA: It’s fate _ Northern Iowa-Michigan State

How about this for a cosmic joke: Thirty-one years to the day after Magic Johnson and Michigan State beat Larry Bird and Indiana State for the national championship, the Spartans are playing another Missouri Valley team in a regional semifinal.
Oh, and Johnson is on hand to see the game.
Rather …. Read the original article  : here.

Venezuela’s Chavez defends arrests of government opponents, criticizes Hillary Clinton

Chavez criticizes US as arrests stir concern

QUITO, Ecuador – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Friday defended the arrest of a major TV channel owner, calling him a criminal and denying the government is carrying out an assault on press freedom.
The back-to-back arrests this week of two government opponents – including the owner of Venezuela’s only … Original source on Gaea Times at : Venezuela’s Chavez defends arrests of government opponents, criticizes Hillary Clinton.

NCAA: Baylor routs Saint Mary’s 72-49, earns shot vs. Duke or Purdue in South Regional final

NCAA: Baylor routs Saint Mary’s 72-49
Baylor’s road to redemption is rolling right through Houston, and the Bears will now have the chance to see whether it ends in Indianapolis.

The school that just seven years ago was embroiled in controversy has knocked off 10th-seeded Saint Mary’s 72-49, earning a shot against top-seeded Duke or Purdue in … Original source on Gaea Times at : NCAA: Baylor routs Saint Mary’s 72-49, earns shot vs. Duke or Purdue in South Regional final.

Pakistani infiltrator killed on border

JAMMU – A suspected Pakistani infiltrator was killed by Indian border guards in Ramgarh sector along the international border Sunday.

A Border Security Force (BSF) patrol party noticed an unusual movement along the barbed wire fence in Ramgarh sector, 45 km south-west of Jammu and challenged the suspected intruders. The infiltrators tried to escape to the …. Read the original article  : here.

Pope opens solemn Holy Week amid one of worst church crises in decades

Pope opens solemn Holy Week amid sex abuse crisis

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI has opened the church’s solemn Holy Week amid increasing questions about his own handling of cases of sexual abuse of children by priests.
Benedict’s procession entered St. Peter’s Square on Sunday at the start of Palm Sunday Mass. The pontiff, in crimson …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Paige Birgfeld Body Found Rumors

COLORADO (GaeaTimes.com)- Recent reports state that the remains of the body of Paige Birgfeld, the single mother of three who splashed the front pages of tabloids after she went missing, has been found. However, it seems to be only a rumor, as there has been no confirmation of the reports so far, and [..] Read the original article: here.

Terror redux: Fear returns to the Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR/NEW DELHI MA – As the sun sets in this scenic capital of Jammu and Kashmir, spreading a burning crimson on the horizon, Haajra Sofi, a 59-year-old mother, is worried and frantically waiting for her only son to return home after a day’s work.

“He has not come. God knows if everything is okay outside,” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Terror redux: Fear returns to the Kashmir Valley.

Naveen Patnaik gets threat e-mail from ‘Maoists’

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has received a threat e-mail from ‘Maoists’, warning him to stop Operation Green Hunt in the state, an official said Sunday.

“We received the mail Saturday. It was received at his official e-mail address,” the chief minister’s public relations officer Sukanta Panda told IANS.
The e-mail was sent from …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Naveen Patnaik gets threat e-mail from ‘Maoists’.

1 arrested, 1 injured as paparazzi jostle turns into fisticuffs at Los Angeles airport

Paparazzo arrested after scuffle for spot at LAX

LOS ANGELES – A battle by a pair of paparazzi at Los Angeles International Airport ended with one of them in the hospital and the other in jail.
Airport police spokeswoman Sgt. Belinda Nettles said Saturday that 42-year-old Stefan Saad was arrested on suspicion of felony battery after the … Original source on Gaea Times at : 1 arrested, 1 injured as paparazzi jostle turns into fisticuffs at Los Angeles airport.

Calif. family celebrates release of Iraqi-American contractor believed kidnapped in Baghdad

Iraqi-American contractor
SAN DIEGO – Issa Salomi’s first call home was to his 27-year-old son Roger. He said memories of the birth of the oldest of his four boys and his son’s childhood sustained him after he was kidnapped in Baghdad in January.

A few hours later, the Iraqi-American contractor called his wife of 30 years, Muna, …. Source article  : Calif. family celebrates release of Iraqi-American contractor believed kidnapped in Baghdad.

Teen remembered as avid reader who loved animals; father urges crackdown on child predators

Tribute to SoCal teen recalls her love of animals

ESCONDIDO, Calif. – More than 1,000 people paid tribute Saturday to a 14-year-old girl whose remains were found more than a year after she disappeared walking to school. Her father urged anyone who cried for her to demand a crackdown on child predators.
Amber Dubois was a voracious … Read more »»».

NCAA: Butler beats Kansas State 63-56 in West Regional final, advances to Final Four

NCAA: Butler beats Kansas State 63-56
Da’Sean Butler’s shooting hand looks just fine in Syracuse, where West Virginia and Kentucky soon will be trying to join Butler in the Final Four.

The West Virginia star clutched his right hand in pain after a hard fall in the Mountaineers’ 69-56 win over Washington on Thursday night, and he …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NCAA: Butler beats Kansas State 63-56 in West Regional final, advances to Final Four.

Lawyers for Chicago police seek notes of Wash. journalism professor who questioned boy’s guilt

Chicago police seek notes of Washington professor

SEATTLE – Lawyers for Chicago police officers being sued by an exonerated murder convict have subpoenaed the notes of a Western Washington University journalism professor who 16 years ago wrote stories questioning his guilt.
Assistant professor Carolyn Nielsen was a graduate student at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lawyers for Chicago police seek notes of Wash. journalism professor who questioned boy’s guilt.

19 militants killed in military strikes in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 19 militants were killed Saturday in separate operations carried out by Pakistan military in the restive northwest tribal region.

The security forces pounded militants’ hideouts with the help of jet planes in Sultanzai, Mamuzai, Dabori, Bagram, Baizot, Shadal and Anjani areas of Orakzai Agency, killing 13 militants and injuring scores others, Geo …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 19 militants killed in military strikes in Pakistan.

Tribute to slain SoCal teen focuses on her love of animals

Hundreds attend tribute for slain SoCal teen

ESCONDIDO, Calif. – A 14-year-old San Diego-area girl whose bones were found more than a year after she vanished walking to school is being remembered as a voracious reader with a fertile imagination and a profound love of animals.
More than 1,000 people gathered Saturday on a sun-drenched track field …. Read the original article  : here.

2 police officers, 2 other men found shot to death at service station in western Mexico

2 cops, 2 others shot to death in western Mexico

MORELIA, Mexico – Two police officers and two other men have been found shot to death at a gas station in western Mexico.
Prosecutors in the state of Michoacan say the two officers reportedly had gone to the gas station to buy beer early Saturday. Neither officer …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2 police officers, 2 other men found shot to death at service station in western Mexico.

NFL player Joey Porter arrested in Bakersfield on suspicion of drunk driving, resisting arrest

NFL’s Joey Porter arrested in California
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Authorities say NFL linebacker Joey Porter has been arrested in Bakersfield on suspicion of drunken driving and accused of assaulting an officer and resisting arrest.

The California Highway Patrol says the 33-year-old player was confronted by officers early Saturday in a fast-food parking lot.
Porter refused to provide his … Original source on Gaea Times at : NFL player Joey Porter arrested in Bakersfield on suspicion of drunk driving, resisting arrest.

US says missing Iraqi-American contractor believed kidnapped in Baghdad is back in US hands

US says missing contractor in Iraq returns

WASHINGTON – The U.S. says an Iraqi-American contractor believed to have been kidnapped in Baghdad in January is back in American hands.
A Shiite extremist group claimed responsibility for the Jan. 23 kidnapping of Issa Salomi, 60, of El Cajon, Calif. A Pentagon statement on Saturday gave no details about … Read : US says missing Iraqi-American contractor believed kidnapped in Baghdad is back in US hands.

A slap on the wrist for Gilbert Arenas, whose escape from gun rap shows he’s a lucky man

Arenas a lucky man to beat gun rap
Gilbert Arenas is a lucky man.

Lucky he’s spending a few days in a halfway house instead of a few years in a prison. Lucky he plays in a league that guarantees contracts.
Lucky he didn’t put bullets in the guns he brought to work to show a teammate he [..] Read the original article: here.

NJ judge denies attempt by fired police officer, wife to block MTV’s ‘Jersey Shore’ episodes

NJ judge refuses to block ‘Jersey Shore’ episodes

TOMS RIVER, N.J. – A New Jersey judge has again denied a request to block the release of episodes of the MTV reality series “Jersey Shore.”
State Superior Court Judge Joseph Foster rejected the request of three people who say their reputations will be damaged because they’re shown fighting … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NJ judge denies attempt by fired police officer, wife to block MTV’s ‘Jersey Shore’ episodes.

Lawsuits by ex-members of Scientology’s elite Sea Org allege labor violations

Ex-Scientology lawsuits reveal elite Sea Org group

SAN JACINTO, Calif. – At the edge of arid foothills far outside Los Angeles, hundreds of Scientology followers live on a gated, 500-acre campus and work long hours for almost no pay reproducing the works of founder L. Ron Hubbard and creating the church’s teaching and promotional materials.
The church …. Original source  : Lawsuits by ex-members of Scientology’s elite Sea Org allege labor violations.

NY immigrants credit police for easing tensions in months after fatal stabbing in bias attack

NY immigrants say tensions fade after bias attack

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. – Before an Ecuadorean immigrant was fatally stabbed in what prosecutors say was a hate crime by a swastika-tattooed teen, the illegal Latin American immigrants in this suburban middle-class village feared telling police about the young men on bikes who hurled stones and spit slurs at …. Original source  : NY immigrants credit police for easing tensions in months after fatal stabbing in bias attack.

Europe church sex abuse revelations have US victims re-examining 2008 secret meeting with pope

Church abuse victims dissect ‘08 pope meeting anew

BOSTON – Two years ago, Bernie McDaid stepped out of a police escort and into a Washington, D.C., chapel for a secret meeting with Pope Benedict XVI and a handful of clergy sex-abuse victims like him.
McDaid left afterward believing Benedict was beginning to understand the scope of his [..] Read the original article: here.