Australia says Chinese ruling on Australian Rio Tinto executive is a ‘very tough sentence’

Australia: China’s Rio Tinto sentence ‘very tough’

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia’s foreign minister says the 10-year prison term handed to an Australian employee of mining giant Rio Tinto by a Chinese court is “very tough sentence.”
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith was responding Monday to the conviction and sentencing in a Chinese court of Australian national Stern Hu …. Source article  : Australia says Chinese ruling on Australian Rio Tinto executive is a ‘very tough sentence’.

Moscow residents suffer nervous breakdowns after blasts

Moscow, March 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Dozens of Moscow residents and visitors turned to doctors with nervous breakdowns and heart attacks after two early morning bomb blasts in the capital’s subway, a hospital source said.

The blasts in Moscow’s Lubyanka and Park Kultury subway stations occurred during rush hour, killing at least 35 people and injuring over …. Source article  : Moscow residents suffer nervous breakdowns after blasts.

Wife says she’s relieved dissident Chinese lawyer is alive, appeals for his release to the US

Dissident’s wife pleas for China to let him leave

BEIJING – The wife of a dissident Chinese lawyer missing for more than a year said she was relieved to learn he is alive and appealed Monday to the government to allow him to leave China and join his family in the United States.
Attorney Gao Zhisheng resurfaced …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Wife says she’s relieved dissident Chinese lawyer is alive, appeals for his release to the US.

Don’t remove Frontier Constabulary from Islamabad: Police chief

ISLAMABAD – Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IGP) Syed Kaleem Imam has requested the interior ministry not to remove the Frontier Constabulary (FC) deployed for security of the Diplomatic Enclave here, a media report said Monday.

The government has decided to pull out the force after intelligence agencies revealed the involvement of some FC personnel in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Don’t remove Frontier Constabulary from Islamabad: Police chief.

Moscow metro bombings kill 35 (Third Lead)

Moscow, March 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 35 people were killed when two powerful bombs ripped through two Moscow metro stations during rush hour Monday, officials said.

The first blast took place at 7.52 a.m. at the Lubyanka station close to the Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters, killing at least 23 people and injuring 18. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Moscow metro bombings kill 35 (Third Lead).

Hutaree Targeted By FBI

MICHIGAN (GaeaTimes.com)- Hutaree, a Christian militia group was raided by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). According to reports, FBI agents on Sunday, Mar 28 raided places in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, of which one was this Christian militia group. Michael Lackomar, the spokesperson of another militia group named Southeast Michigan …. Original article  : Hutaree Targeted By FBI.

Opposition party led by Suu Kyi meets to decide whether to take part in Myanmar election

Opposition deciding whether to run in Myanmar poll

YANGON, Myanmar – The party of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi was meeting Monday to decide whether to participate in the first election in military-ruled Myanmar in two decades, the party spokesman said.
A senior party member called it “a life-or-death” decision.
More than 100 senior members of …. Original article  : Opposition party led by Suu Kyi meets to decide whether to take part in Myanmar election.

Chinese court sentences Rio Tinto employees to 7-14 years in jail on bribery, secrets charges

Rio Tinto employees get up to 14 years in jail

SHANGHAI – A Chinese court Monday sentenced four employees of mining giant Rio Tinto to jail terms of seven to 14 years on bribery and commercial secrets charges, in a case seen as a barometer of China’s treatment of foreign business as trade frictions increase.
The court …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Chinese court sentences Rio Tinto employees to 7-14 years in jail on bribery, secrets charges.

32 killed in Moscow metro bombings (Second Lead)

Moscow, March 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 32 people were killed Monday when blasts rocked two Moscow metro stations, an official said.

The first blast occurred around 8 a.m. at the central Moscow Lubyanka station, killing 20 people and injuring 11. The second blast occurred some 45 minutes later at the nearby Park Kultury station. The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Venezuela Supreme Court bars Chavez foe from discussing criminal case with news media

Chavez foe barred from talking to media about case

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s highest court on Sunday barred an outspoken opponent of President Hugo Chavez from talking to news media about criminal charges alleging he struck a police official.
The Supreme Court’s order prohibits lawmaker Wilmer Azuaje from “talking in relation to the present issue through any …. Source article  : Venezuela Supreme Court bars Chavez foe from discussing criminal case with news media.

Miracle for John Paul II’s sainthood case under renewed scrutiny, as is record on sex abuse

Miracle under scrutiny in John Paul beatification

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican this week marks the fifth anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death amid some doubts that the miracle needed for his saint-making cause will stand up to scrutiny and questions about his record combatting pedophile priests.
The inexplicable cure of a young French nun from … Read more »».

One dead, two injured in Athens blast

ATHENS – One person was killed and two injured by a bomb that exploded outside a Greek government building late Sunday in Athens, according to local media.

Police believe that the dead man was holding the explosive device when it detonated in the Greek capital’s densely populated Patissia district. In a radio report, a witness said …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Verdict due Monday after China court trial of 4 Rio Tinto workers in bribery, secrets case

Verdict due after China trial of Rio Tinto workers

SHANGHAI – A Shanghai court is due to rule Monday on bribery and commercial secrets charges against four employees of mining giant Rio Tinto – a case seen as a barometer of China’s treatment of foreign business in a time of rising trade friction.
The verdict comes as … Read : Verdict due Monday after China court trial of 4 Rio Tinto workers in bribery, secrets case.

Arizona woman gets prison time for recruiting teens to commit robberies

Arizona woman sentenced for role in robbery spree

PHOENIX – An unemployed Phoenix mother who police say led her teenage sons and their friends to commit at least 20 armed robberies and assaults has been sentenced to 2?? years in prison.
Cynthia Roberson pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery and one count of aggravated robbery. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Arizona woman gets prison time for recruiting teens to commit robberies.

FBI raids in Mich., Ohio, Ind. end with gun charge arrests; target may be Christian militia

Official: Gun charges after FBI raids in Midwest

ADRIAN, Mich. – The FBI said Sunday that agents conducted weekend raids in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio and arrested at least three people, and a militia leader in Michigan said the target of at least one of the raids was a Christian militia group.
Federal warrants were sealed, but …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : FBI raids in Mich., Ohio, Ind. end with gun charge arrests; target may be Christian militia.

San Francisco prosecutors say additional 1,400 cases may be dropped this week over lab scandal

More SF cases may be dropped in crime lab scandal

SAN FRANCISCO – Prosecutors are considering dropping an additional 1,400 cases this week because of a scandal at the police crime lab, a spokesman for the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office said.
Though no final decision has been made, the additional cases would be come on top … Read more >>.

Police: 2 arrested on suspicion of murder after California woman dragged alongside car, shot

Woman dies after being dragged, shot; 2 arrested

WESTMINSTER, Calif. – Authorities say two suspects have been arrested after a 38-year-old woman was dragged alongside a vehicle for several blocks and then shot during an apparent robbery attempt at a Southern California park.
Westminster police spokesman Van Woodson says Tuyet Thi Huynh of Garden Grove was at … Read more »».

22 militants killed in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 22 militants killed Sunday when Pakistan military retaliated an attack on its base in the northwest tribal region.

The security forces backed by gunship helicopters killed 22 militants in the restive Arakzai Agency, Geo TV reported quoting official sources.
The troops killed 10 militants who attacked an army base with rockets and …. Read the original article  : here.

FBI agents arrest some people on gun charges during weekend raids in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana

FBI makes arrests in Midwest raids
WASHINGTON – A U.S. official says some of the people arrested by the FBI in Midwest raids this weekend face gun charges.

FBI raids in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio have resulted in three arrests, and officials are pursuing other suspects.
The law enforcement official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : FBI agents arrest some people on gun charges during weekend raids in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana.

Minn. attorney who found documents implicating pope in abuse scandal has long pursued Vatican

Lawyer who found documents has long pursued church

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Jeff Anderson has filed thousands of lawsuits alleging sex abuse by priests and won tens of millions of dollars for his clients, but he has had a bigger goal in mind for nearly two decades. He wants to bring his career-long legal crusade against …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Minn. attorney who found documents implicating pope in abuse scandal has long pursued Vatican.

Hutaree Militia Website: Nine Members Arrested

ADRIAN, MICHIGAN (GaeaTimes.com)- Nine members of the Michigan based militia group, Hutaree have been taken into custody by federal agents on Monday, with charges such as plotting to murder police officers as well as waging a battle against the United States government being levied against them.
In a website that is supposedly run by the …. Read the original article  : Hutaree Militia Website: Nine Members Arrested.

Diplomat: Somali pirates holding several dhows with about 100 Indian crew members

Somali pirates holding dhows with Indian crew

NAIROBI, Kenya – A Nairobi-based diplomat says Somali pirates are holding several dhows carrying an estimated 100 Indian sailors they have seized over the past five days.
The diplomat says the dhows were seized between Friday and Sunday but their exact number is unknown. The vessels are believed to have [..] Read the original article: here.

12-year-old boy to stand trial as adult in shotgun death of dad’s pregnant fiancee, her fetus

Boy faces adult trial in death of Pa. woman, fetus

PITTSBURGH – A judge’s ruling that a 12-year-old boy will be tried as an adult on charges of fatally shooting his father’s pregnant fiancee is an unprecedented move, an advocate for defense attorneys says.
Jordan Brown is charged with criminal homicide in the death of 26-year-old Kenzie …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 12-year-old boy to stand trial as adult in shotgun death of dad’s pregnant fiancee, her fetus.

State TV: Iranian agents free diplomat kidnapped 2 years earlier in Pakistan

Iranian agents free diplomat kidnapped in Pakistan

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s intelligence agents mounted a “complicated” operation and freed an Iranian diplomat kidnapped in 2008 by gunmen in northwestern Pakistan, state television reported Tuesday.
The agents rescued Heshmatollah Attarzadeh of Iran’s Peshawar consulate “in a complicated intelligence operation” the report said, without providing any further details.
Iran’s consul … Original article on : State TV: Iranian agents free diplomat kidnapped 2 years earlier in Pakistan.

Serial killer Rodney Alcala to be sentenced for 5 deaths; Calif. jury has recommended death

Calif. serial killer to be sentenced for 5 deaths

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Serial killer Rodney Alcala will be formally sentenced Tuesday, three weeks after a jury recommended the death penalty for the 1970s strangling and beating deaths of four women and a 12-year-old girl.
The same jury convicted Alcala, 66, last month of five counts of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Serial killer Rodney Alcala to be sentenced for 5 deaths; Calif. jury has recommended death.

22 suspected Al Qaeda militants arrested in Turkey

Ankara, March 30 (IANS/AKI) Twenty-two suspected Al Qaeda militants including the outfit’s head in Turkey, Serdar Elbasa alias Abu Zer, have been arrested in police raids in three provinces in the country.

The operation carried out by police in Aksaray, Ankara and Manisa provinces, led to the finding of documents belonging to the terrorist group and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 22 suspected Al Qaeda militants arrested in Turkey.

Nuns face guns, impunity in battle to protect poor farmers, stop land grabs in Brazil’s Amazon

Nuns face guns, impunity in trying to save Amazon

CARLINDA, Brazil – The gunmen arrived in the Amazon dusk, circling the house where Sister Leonora was hiding, rifles and pistols poking out the windows of three muddy pickup trucks.
A violent death was meant for the diminutive 64-year-old Roman Catholic nun, who has spent decades defending poor, … Read more »».

‘Black widows’ suspected in Moscow twin blasts

Moscow, March 30 (IANS/AKI) Russia has said a gang of so-called ‘black widow’ extremists could be behind Monday’s twin attacks by women suicide bombers on Moscow’s metro stations which killed at least 38 people and injured over 60.

At an emergency meeting held at the Kremlin Monday, Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Federal Security Service (FSB) … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Black widows’ suspected in Moscow twin blasts.

Russia hints at Pak-Afghan militants’ hand in blasts (Lead, Changing dateline)

TORONTO/MOSCOW – Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, who is in Canada to attend a foreign ministers’ summit, said terrorists from the Pakistan-Afghan border region may have a hand in Monday’s suicide attacks in Moscow that left 38 people dead.

Lavrov said Islamic militants from the troubled region could have helped organise the attacks.
Two female suicide …. Original source  : Russia hints at Pak-Afghan militants’ hand in blasts (Lead, Changing dateline).

Guatemalan man convicted in killing of lawyer whose pre-slaying video set off uproar

Man convicted in killing of Guatemalan lawyer

GUATEMALA CITY – A Guatemalan judge sentenced a man to two years in prison Monday for his role in the killing of a prominent lawyer who accused the country’s president of his murder in a video made before his death.
Carlos Arago Cardona was convicted of illicit association, the first … Original source on Gaea Times at : Guatemalan man convicted in killing of lawyer whose pre-slaying video set off uproar.

Jesse Jackson criticizes Portland, Ore., police in latest fatal shooting

Jesse Jackson again critical of Portland police

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Rev. Jesse Jackson is back in Portland, Ore., and he’s critical of another fatal shooting involving police.
The longtime civil rights leader visited the city in February, shortly after an officer shot and killed an unarmed man, Aaron Campbell, on Jan. 29 in what began as … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jesse Jackson criticizes Portland, Ore., police in latest fatal shooting.

First alert on Canadian subway networks

TORONTO – For the first time in recent years, Canada put its subway networks on “extra alert” Monday after twin terrorist attacks in Moscow that killed 38 people.

In the country’s biggest city here, policemen could be seen patrolling subway stations of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
“We haven’t officially heightened the security level in the …. Original article  : First alert on Canadian subway networks.

Headley accomplice Rana sticks to ‘not guilty’ plea

CHICAGO – Pakistani-Canadian terror suspect Tahawwur Hussain Rana, charged with playing a role in the November 2008 deadly Mumbai terror attacks, will not change his ‘not guilty’ plea to avoid a trial in court, according to his lawyer.

Pakistan-born Rana, 49, dressed in an orange jump suit, appeared before Judge Harry Leinenweber in the US District … Original article on : Headley accomplice Rana sticks to ‘not guilty’ plea.

G8 stands with Russia in fight against terrorism

TORONTO – Expressing support for Russia in its fight against terrorism, G8 nations Monday condemned the twin suicide attacks in Moscow that claimed 38 lives in packed subway stations.

Speaking as its chairman of G8 foreign ministers, Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said: “G8 foreign ministers today strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attacks on the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : G8 stands with Russia in fight against terrorism.

Australian PM: Secrecy in Rio Tinto trial leaves room for doubt

Australia worries about Rio Tinto verdict
SYDNEY – Australia’s leader said Tuesday that secrecy surrounding China’s trial of four Rio Tinto workers for commercial espionage leaves room for doubt about the convictions.

Canberra says the jail sentence handed to Australian citizen Stern Hu on bribery charges was harsh, and has criticized the decision to keep media and …. Original article  : Australian PM: Secrecy in Rio Tinto trial leaves room for doubt.

US doctor convicted of sex abuse of boys in Guatemala, sentenced to 6 years in prison

US doctor convicted of sex abuse in Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY – An American doctor living in Guatemala was convicted of sexually abusing four 10-year-old boys and sentenced to six years in prison Monday.
Prosecutor Alex Colop said the prosecution had wanted a longer sentence for Dr. Joshua T. Kotouc, but sexual abuse of boys is not eligible … Original article on : US doctor convicted of sex abuse of boys in Guatemala, sentenced to 6 years in prison.

‘Moscow bombers could be linked to Af-Pak terror network’

Moscow, March 30 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Plotters of the twin suicide blast at Moscow subway stations that killed 38 people could have links with the terror network based in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, Russia said Tuesday.

The deadly blasts in the subway could have been organised with support from abroad, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
“I …. Source article  : ‘Moscow bombers could be linked to Af-Pak terror network’.

Okla. police find 2 bodies near car sought after kidnapping of young girl and her mom’s death

2 bodies found near car sought in Okla. kidnapping

NORMAN, Okla. – Police in Oklahoma said Monday that two bodies found near a car belonging to a man accused of killing his estranged wife and kidnapping her 7-year-old daughter more than two months ago are likely those of the girl and the man.
Police said officers discovered … Read : Okla. police find 2 bodies near car sought after kidnapping of young girl and her mom’s death.

LA doctor and minister pleads not guilty to tax evasion charge stemming from herbal cure-all

LA doctor pleads not guilty to tax evasion, fraud

LOS ANGELES – A doctor and ordained minister pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of failing to report more than $1 million in income from an herbal product she allegedly promoted as a cure for cancer.
Christine Daniel, who operated Sonrise Medical Clinic in the San Fernando Valley, … Original source on Gaea Times at : LA doctor and minister pleads not guilty to tax evasion charge stemming from herbal cure-all.

Criticism of Vatican in Wisconsin over handling of abuse scandal after recent revelations

Criticism of Vatican in Wis. over abuse scandal

MILWAUKEE – A man who says he was among some 200 deaf boys allegedly molested by a priest in Wisconsin said Monday the Vatican’s defensive responses to revelations about the case make him feel like he did when he was 12, when no one would listen to him [..] Read the original article: here.

Bond hearings scheduled for suspected Christian militia members accused of plot to kill cops

Hearings scheduled for suspected militia members

DETROIT – Several people suspected to be members a Christian militia that prosecutors claim plotted to kill police officers are expected in court.
Bond hearings are scheduled Wednesday for the alleged ringleader, David Brian Stone, and other members of the Hutaree militia.
Nine members were arrested after a series of raids in …. Source  : Bond hearings scheduled for suspected Christian militia members accused of plot to kill cops.

LTTE supporters freed by Australian Supreme Court

SYDNEY – Three Australia-based Sri Lankan Tamil Tiger supporters were freed by the Supreme Court here Wednesday on bonds of good conduct after they pleaded guilty to helping the rebels.

The Supreme Court was told that a charity organisation in Australia was used as a cover to collect and send money to the Tamil Tigers. One … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : LTTE supporters freed by Australian Supreme Court.

90 Maoists, nine policemen killed in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh’s anti-Maoist drive has left at least 90 guerrillas and nine policemen dead since July last year, Director General of Police Vishwa Ranjan said Wednesday.

“The operation (Green Hunt) has been very successful, the Maoists are running from one forest to another to survive attacks by the forces. Till date we have killed at …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Four terrorists, two soldiers killed in Jammu-Kashmir

JAMMU – Four terrorists and two soldiers were killed in a gun battle in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district Wednesday, an army official said.

“Four militants and two soldiers were killed. The gunfight took long to finish as there was darkness and deep forest at the encounter site,” Brigadier General Staff of 16 corps Brig. Gurdeep …. Source article  : Four terrorists, two soldiers killed in Jammu-Kashmir.

Rajdhani restricted in Bihar due to Maoist shutdown

PATNA – Restrictions were imposed on the passage of Rajdhani Express in Bihar while two trains were cancelled due to fear of Maoist violence in wake of a shutdown Wednesday, a railway official said.

“The East Central Railway (ECR) cancelled four trains, changed the routes of two trains and imposed a speed restriction for Rajdhani Express …. Original article  : Rajdhani restricted in Bihar due to Maoist shutdown.

Indonesia seeks 15-year term for Australian found with 1.7 gram of marijuana in his suitcase

Australian faces 15-year term in Bali drug case

BALI, Indonesia – Indonesian prosecutors have charged an Australian man with drug smuggling and are seeking a 15-year prison sentence after a small amount of marijuana was found in his luggage as he arrived on the resort island of Bali.
Customs officials say 48-year-old Robert Paul McJannett of Perth … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indonesia seeks 15-year term for Australian found with 1.7 gram of marijuana in his suitcase.

Maoists kill Congress leader in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoist guerrillas shot dead a Congress leader in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district to protest the Green Hunt operation in the state, police said Wednesday.

Gobardhan Mahali was killed late Tuesday, a fortnight after the operation was launched. The Green Hunt operation is a central-government aided campaign to flush out the rebels from the Maoist-affected … Read more »»».

Six Pakistani soldiers killed in suicide attack

ISLAMABAD – At least six Pakistani soldiers were killed in a suicide blast Wednesday in the country’s northwest tribal region bordering Afghanistan, state television reported.

The attack by a suicide bomber at Jansi Fort near Bara town in Khyber agency also injured 20 other security personnel, Xinhua news agency reported quoting PTV.
No group has so …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Officials: 9 people shot, 3 killed in Washington DC drive-by shooting; 3 arrests made

3 killed in Washington DC drive-by shooting

WASHINGTON – A hospital spokeswoman says three people are dead from a drive-by shooting that wounded six others in the nation’s capital.
Carolyn Hammond from Washington Hospital Center says one victim died at the scene, one was dead on arrival at the hospital, and the third died in the operating … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Officials: 9 people shot, 3 killed in Washington DC drive-by shooting; 3 arrests made.

Officials: 9 people shot, 3 killed in southeastern DC drive-by; 3 arrests but no motive yet

DC officials: 9 shot, 3 dead; arrests, no motive

WASHINGTON – A drive-by shooting killed three people and wounded six others in the nation’s capital Tuesday night, and three people were in custody, officials said.
A gunman sprayed bullets “into a crowd,” said Police Chief Cathy Lanier. The shootings of six men and three women happened about … Original article on : Officials: 9 people shot, 3 killed in southeastern DC drive-by; 3 arrests but no motive yet.

Pakistani cab driver with terror links to remain behind bars

CHICAGO – A Pakistani American taxi driver charged with trying to send money to a Pakistani terrorist leader with links to Al Qaeda will remain behind bars until a formal hearing on April 7.

Raja Lahrasib Khan, 56, arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Friday, has claimed he had ties to Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami chief …. Read the original article  : Pakistani cab driver with terror links to remain behind bars.

Mexican suspect: Juarez killings targeted vehicle of Texas jail guard

Mexican suspect: Killing targeted US guard’s car

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – A suspect in the killing of three people linked to the U.S. consulate says his gang was hunting for the vehicle of a Texas jail guard who was slain in one of the two white SUVs attacked, Mexican authorities said Tuesday.
The purported confession appears to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican suspect: Juarez killings targeted vehicle of Texas jail guard.

Oregon judge increases possible damages in sex abuse lawsuit against Boy Scouts of America

Ore. judge raises potential damages in Scouts case

PORTLAND, Ore. – An Oregon judge on Tuesday more than doubled the punitive damages the Boy Scouts of America could face if the organization loses a lawsuit filed by a man who was molested by a Scout leader in the early 1980s.
Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge John Wittmayer … Read more »».

Liberian teenager pleads guilty to sexual assault in gang-rape of 8-year-old girl in Phoenix

Liberian teenager pleads guilty in rape case

PHOENIX – A teenage Liberian refugee charged in the gang-rape of an 8-year-old girl in Phoenix last summer pleaded guilty in the case Tuesday, authorities said.
Maricopa County prosecutors said the 15-year-old boy, who was transferred from adult court to juvenile court last week, pleaded guilty to sexual assault, kidnapping, …. Source  : Liberian teenager pleads guilty to sexual assault in gang-rape of 8-year-old girl in Phoenix.

Officials: 9 people shot in southern DC, 3 arrested; police do not yet have motive

9 shot in DC, 3 arrested; police don’t have motive

WASHINGTON – Officials say nine people have been wounded in a drive-by shooting in the southern part of Washington, D.C., and that three arrests have been made.
Police Department spokesman Officer Hugh Carew says the shootings of six men and three women happened about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. … Read more >>.

Calif. prosecutors deny concealing evidence in Polanski case, demand film director’s return

Prosecutors renew demands for Polanski’s return

LOS ANGELES – The contentious battle between the prosecution and defense in Roman Polanski’s 33-year-old sex case escalated Tuesday with prosecutors accusing the Polanski side of using “half-truths, omissions and speculation” to paint a false picture of the conflict.
Two prosecutors who handle appellate matters for the Los Angeles County district … Read more : Calif. prosecutors deny concealing evidence in Polanski case, demand film director’s return.

Priest involved in sex-abuse investigation of Wisconsin colleague defends Vatican’s response

Priest defends Vatican’s handling of Wis. scandal

MILWAUKEE – A priest who investigated allegations that another priest sexually abused some 200 deaf Wisconsin children over a 24-year span defended the Vatican’s handling of the case Tuesday, saying it’s unfair to assume the current pope knew about the investigation at the time.
The Rev. Thomas Brundage, who in …. Read the original article  : Priest involved in sex-abuse investigation of Wisconsin colleague defends Vatican’s response.

Condemned Houston man executed Tuesday evening for murder during robbery; appeals exhausted

Houston man executed for robbery-slaying
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Condemned prisoner Franklin Dewayne Alix was executed Tuesday evening for fatally shooting a Houston man during a robbery.

Alix, 34, received lethal injection for the slaying of 23-year-old Eric Bridgeford, who interrupted Alix as he robbed the apartment of Bridgeford’s sister. The sister also had been abducted and raped …. Read the original article  : Condemned Houston man executed Tuesday evening for murder during robbery; appeals exhausted.

California officers on leave after rush-hour shooting of suspect after highway pursuit

Authorities investigate rush-hour police shooting

LOS ANGELES – Two Burbank police officers were placed on temporary leave Tuesday as authorities investigated their actions in the shooting of a suspect after a high-speed, rush-hour chase.
The shooting occurred Monday evening, when the stolen Chevrolet Blazer being pursued got stuck in traffic near Universal Studios.
Officers got out of their … Original article on : California officers on leave after rush-hour shooting of suspect after highway pursuit.

Philanthropist charged with molesting Russian dance student, 12, bringing boy back to Philly

Man charged in Pa. with molesting Russian preteen

PHILADELPHIA – Federal authorities say a philanthropist traveled to Russia to have sex with a 12-year-old dancer and brought the boy back to the United States.
Kenneth Schneider, founder of the New York-based Apogee Foundation, was arrested March 27 in Larnaca, Cyprus. He has been charged with traveling for …. Read the original article  : here.

LA film producers expected to be sentenced in Thai bribery case

LA film producers to be sentenced in bribe case

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles filmmaking couple is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday after being convicted of bribing Thai officials so they could run the Bangkok International Film Festival.
Gerald and Patricia Green each could face more than 20 years in prison. The pair were convicted in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

DC police look to prevent retaliation among crews; shootings kill 5, wound 6 within a week

DC police look to stop shooting paybacks; 5 dead

WASHINGTON – A possible feud among neighborhood crews, three shootings and five fatalities have authorities in the nation’s capital trying to stop more paybacks in an area known for drugs and violence just 7 miles from the White House.
Tuesday night, a crowd sprayed with bullets in a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Attorney says militia suspect denies involvement in any plot to overthrow US government

Militia suspect denies he was involved in any plot

DETROIT – A Michigan man authorities accuse of being a “heavy gunner” for a Midwest Christian militia denies involvement in any plot to overthrow the government, his attorney says, and she plans to present evidence to prove he’s different from his fellow defendants.
Michael David Meeks, 40, of … Read more : Attorney says militia suspect denies involvement in any plot to overthrow US government.

Man convicted of killing Kan. abortion provider faces life sentence, may testify at hearing

Kan. abortion doctor’s killer faces life sentence

WICHITA, Kan. – The activist who gunned down a Kansas doctor who was one of the few in the U.S. to perform late-term abortions has never shown remorse, insisting the killing was justified to save the lives of unborn children.
Scott Roeder now faces a mandatory life sentence for the …. Original article  : Man convicted of killing Kan. abortion provider faces life sentence, may testify at hearing.

For loved ones, rampage in upstate New York a year ago leaves behind anger, haunting grief

Lives altered by mass shooting a year ago in NY

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – Layla Khalil survived breast cancer, a bus hijacking and a suicide bombing in Iraq. Yet even in the chaos of war, the mother of three never tired of reciting her magic recipe for a fulfilling life: “Just focus on your studies!”
Khalil and her …. Original source  : For loved ones, rampage in upstate New York a year ago leaves behind anger, haunting grief.

Two killed in car blast in Russia

MOSCOW – Two people were killed and one person was injured in a car blast in Dagestan region of Russia Thursday, media reports said.

A car exploded on the outskirts of Toturbiikala in Khasavyurt region of Dagestan overnight Thursday. Two men were killed, and one was hospitalised with a grave wound after the car blast, the …. Source article  : Two killed in car blast in Russia.

SUPREME COURT NOTEBOOK: Breyer says debate over foreign law is irrelevant

SUPREME COURT NOTEBOOK: Looking abroad for tips

WASHINGTON – The debate over whether the Supreme Court should look to foreign law when interpreting the Constitution is ultimately irrelevant because justices can read whatever they want when they are formulating their opinions, Justice Stephen Breyer said Wednesday.
Breyer said there are those who complain about the high court … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : SUPREME COURT NOTEBOOK: Breyer says debate over foreign law is irrelevant.

AP Exclusive: US spending millions to beef up militaries of coalition partners in Afghanistan

AP Exclusive: US aid going to Afghanistan partners

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is pouring millions of dollars into equipment and training for its smaller partner nations in the Afghanistan war, a new effort that could encourage some countries not to abandon the increasingly unpopular conflict.
The money comes from a $350 million Pentagon program designed to improve … Read more >>>.

Cartel gunmen stage coordinated assaults on Mexican army bases; troops kill 18 attackers

18 gunmen killed in attacks on Mexican army bases

VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico – Dozens of gunmen mounted rare and apparently coordinated attacks targeting two army garrisons in northern Mexico, touching off firefights that killed 18 attackers.
The attempts to blockade soldiers inside their bases – part of seven near-simultaneous attacks across two northern states – appeared to mark …. Original source  : Cartel gunmen stage coordinated assaults on Mexican army bases; troops kill 18 attackers.

Attorney sees signs that Fort Hood massacre suspect was being moved from hospital to jail

Ft. Hood suspect apparently being moved to jail

SAN ANTONIO – The Army officer accused in the Fort Hood shooting rampage is apparently being moved from a hospital to jail.
An attorney for Maj. Nidal Hasan (nih-DAHL’ hah-SAHN’) says doctors at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio gave Hasan a “discharge physical” Wednesday evening.
Attorney John Galligan … Read more >>>.

Police search for alleged war criminal after Australia’s High Court orders his extradition

Aust. police hunt alleged Balkans war criminal

CANBERRA, Australia – Police searched Thursday for a fugitive Australian citizen who disappeared this week when the country’s highest court ordered his extradition to Croatia to face war crimes charges stemming from the 1990s Balkan wars, the government said.
Dragan Vasiljkovic, now known as Daniel Snedden, is accused of slaying …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police search for alleged war criminal after Australia’s High Court orders his extradition.

Vatican defends pope, handling of Wisconsin priest accused of abusing deaf boys

Vatican defends handling of Wisconsin priest

VATICAN CITY – A top Vatican official strongly defended the church’s decision not to defrock a Wisconsin priest accused of molesting deaf boys, saying the lengthy trial process would have been “useless” because the priest was dying.
In an article posted on the Vatican’s Web site Wednesday, Cardinal William Levada strongly …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Chechen rebels claim responsibility for Moscow attacks

LONDON – A Chechen militant group has claimed responsibility for the bombings at two Moscow metro stations that killed 39 people, media reports said.

In a video message posted on a Chechen rebel website, militant leader Doku Umarov said his group was behind Monday’s double suicide bombings on the Moscow Metro, BBC reported Wednesday.
The …. Original source  : Chechen rebels claim responsibility for Moscow attacks.

Kan. man gets life sentence for killing college student who led secret life as Web porn model

Kan. man gets life in student porn model’s death

EL DORADO, Kan. – A Kansas man has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for raping and killing a college student who led a secret life as an Internet porn model.
Israel Mireles was sentenced Wednesday. The 26-year-old had claimed he left a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kan. man gets life sentence for killing college student who led secret life as Web porn model.

2 mentally disabled immigrants held for years in Calif. detention centers are freed

2 mentally disabled detainees freed in Calif

SAN DIEGO – Two immigrants were freed Wednesday from federal detention centers, years after judges put their cases on hold due to serious questions about their mental competence.
Attorneys who filed petitions for the release of Guillermo Gomez Sanchez, 48, and Jose Antonio Franco Gonzalez, 29, said the cases exposed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 mentally disabled immigrants held for years in Calif. detention centers are freed.

Missing girl found in own home was asphyxiated, mother now a suspect, Mexican prosecutor says

Mexican missing girl asphyxiated, mother suspected

TOLUCA, Mexico – A disabled 4-year-old girl whose disappearance became the talk of the capital region was found dead in her own bedroom more than a week later. Prosecutors said Wednesday the girl had been asphyxiated and her mother is a suspect.
The shocking discovery of the lifeless Paulette Gebara Farah … Original source on Gaea Times at : Missing girl found in own home was asphyxiated, mother now a suspect, Mexican prosecutor says.

Crowd targeted in DC drive-by just returned from slain man’s funeral; suspect linked to both

DC crowd sprayed with bullets had been to funeral

WASHINGTON – A crowd sprayed with bullets in a drive-by that killed four and wounded five had just returned from the funeral of man slain nearby and a 20-year-old is suspected in both shootings, according to authorities trying to prevent retaliation on Wednesday.
Two men and a 14-year-old …. Read the original article  : here.

Kidnapped Army linguist ‘delighted’ to be back in US, says he never feared abandonment in Iraq

Abducted Army linguist glad to be back in US

SAN ANTONIO – A civilian Army employee kidnapped while working as a linguist in Iraq released a statement Wednesday saying he is delighted to be back in the United States and is focused being able to reintegrate back into his normal life.
Issa Salomi, a 60-year-old Iraqi-American kidnapped … Read : Kidnapped Army linguist ‘delighted’ to be back in US, says he never feared abandonment in Iraq.

Judge grants prosecution’s request for gag order in Arizona sweat lodge manslaughter case

Judge grants gag order in Ariz. sweat lodge case

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. – An Arizona judge has granted the prosecution’s request for a gag order in the case of a motivational speaker charged with manslaughter.
State prosecutors made the request Feb. 12, claiming it’s needed to limit pretrial publicity that could taint the jury pool. Yavapai County … Read more »»».

Fla. Everglades restoration plan to buy land from sugar farmers jeopardized by judge’s ruling

Everglades deal in jeopardy after judge’s ruling

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Gov. Charlie Crist’s grand plan to revive the dying Florida Everglades by buying back the land is in jeopardy after a federal judge Wednesday ordered the state to resume construction on a multimillion-dollar restoration project.
Work on the 25-square-mile reservoir – the largest of its … Read more »».

China steelmakers meet, vow to control iron ore trading as miners shift pricing system

China steelmakers meet, mull iron ore price shift

SHANGHAI – A state-affiliated industry group vowed Friday to tighten control over iron ore trading as Chinese steelmakers discussed strategy for contentious price talks with global miners – the backdrop to last month’s commercial spying and bribery convictions of four Rio Tinto employees.
The China Iron & Steel Association … Read more »».

US military says 6 suspected Iraq al-Qaida leaders killed or arrested in joint missions

US: 6 Iraq al-Qaida leaders killed or arrested

BAGHDAD – The U.S. military in Iraq says a joint mission by American and Iraqi troops has killed or arrested six suspected al-Qaida leaders accused of running an extortion and assassination ring in the north of the country.
A U.S. military statement late Thursday said the operation was carried …. Original article  : US military says 6 suspected Iraq al-Qaida leaders killed or arrested in joint missions.

Japan charges New Zealand whaling activist with assault, trespassing

Japan indicts activist who boarded whaling ship

TOKYO – Prosecutors Friday indicted an anti-whaling activist from New Zealand for illegally boarding a Japanese harpoon boat as part of a protest against the ship’s whale hunting expedition in Antarctic seas in February.
Peter Bethune had jumped aboard the Shonan Maru 2 during the annual face-off between whalers and …. Source article  : Japan charges New Zealand whaling activist with assault, trespassing.

Militants attack Kashmir rail (Second Lead)

SRINAGAR – Separatist guerrillas disrupted railway traffic for the first time Friday after they carried out an improvised explosive device (IED) blast and destroyed eight feet of a rail track in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Rail traffic was later restored.

Around eight feet of rail track was blown up in the IED blast carried out by …. Original source  : Militants attack Kashmir rail (Second Lead).

Security personnel injured in mine blast by Maoists

BHUBANESWAR – A security personnel was injured when a claymore mine suspected to have been laid by Maoists near a culvert in Orissa’s Koraput district exploded Friday, police said.

The claymore mine went off when two state security personnel came to bathe in the culvert in a forested area near Maoist-infested Narayanpatna town, around 500 km …. Source  : Security personnel injured in mine blast by Maoists.

US to revamp security rule for foreign travellers

WASHINGTON – The US will announce Friday a new security system for international airports which will help in identification of passengers suspected to have terror links using intelligence database, a media report said.

The new approach, which will be implemented from this month, will replace a broader layer of extra scrutiny, including full-body scan, that had … Read more >>>.

Autopsies show most women found in Ohio sex offender’s home were strangled with common objects

Autopsies: Women found in Ohio home were strangled

CLEVELAND – The women who vanished into Cleveland’s house of death were strangled by commonplace objects that were never intended for killing.
A green belt with a metal buckle. The strap of a shoulder bag. An electrical charger for a cell phone or camera. A knotted piece of cloth.
Yet …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Autopsies show most women found in Ohio sex offender’s home were strangled with common objects.

Judge expected to decide whether 8 militia suspects will stay in jail until trial

Judge to rule on release of 8 militia suspects

DETROIT – A federal judge is expected to decide whether eight suspected members of a Christian militia accused of conspiring to overthrow the government will stay in jail until trial.
U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald A. Scheer in Detroit said Thursday he needed more time to decide …. Source article  : Judge expected to decide whether 8 militia suspects will stay in jail until trial.

Kan. abortion doctor’s killer uses sentencing to espouse views, gets life in prison

Abortion doctor’s killer uses sentencing as forum

WICHITA, Kan. – A man who murdered one of the few U.S. doctors who performed late-term abortions used his sentencing hearing as a forum to espouse his views in an effort to justify his crime, arguing that he had chosen to obey “God’s law” to save babies.
Scott Roeder was … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kan. abortion doctor’s killer uses sentencing to espouse views, gets life in prison.

Two more terrorists die, week’s tally is 14

JAMMU – Security forces Friday gunned down two separatists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Resai district, taking the number of militants killed in the state in a week to 14, authorities said.

Soldiers and police trapped the militants in the Behma forest, about 150 km north of Jammu, as they pursued terrorists who had sneaked into the … Read : Two more terrorists die, week’s tally is 14.

Serbia issues international arrest warrant for Nazi war crimes suspect living in US

Serbia issues arrest warrant for suspected Nazi

BELGRADE, Serbia – Serbia has issued an international warrant for the arrest of an alleged Nazi war crimes suspect who lives in the United States.
A Serbian court said Friday that 88-year-old Peter Egner is suspected of war crimes against Jews in Belgrade during the German occupation of Serbia in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sheen wants to bow out of ‘Two and a Half Men’ at season’s end, says person close to him

Source: Charlie Sheen wants to bow out of sitcom

LOS ANGELES – Charlie Sheen is looking at a future without “Two and a Half Men.”
According to a person close to the actor, Sheen has told friends that wants to leave the hit CBS comedy in which he’s starred for seven years.
The person spoke Thursday on condition … Original article on : Sheen wants to bow out of ‘Two and a Half Men’ at season’s end, says person close to him.

3 are charged with murder in fatal stabbings of 2 men during brawl on NYC subway

3 charged with murder in fatal NY subway stabbings

NEW YORK – Three men have been charged with murder in the fatal stabbings of two men on a New York City subway over the weekend, police said early Friday.
The men were charged with second-degree murder late Thursday. One suspect, 19-year-old Brenddy Garcia of Brooklyn, was also … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 3 are charged with murder in fatal stabbings of 2 men during brawl on NYC subway.

Cleveland Browns tackle Shaun Rogers arrested at airport after loaded gun found in luggage

Browns’ Rogers arrested after gun found in luggage

CLEVELAND – Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers was arrested Thursday at Hopkins International Airport after a loaded gun was found in his carry-on luggage.
Rogers, who had been at the team’s suburban training facility in recent days taking part in a voluntary offseason program, was stopped at a … Read : Cleveland Browns tackle Shaun Rogers arrested at airport after loaded gun found in luggage.

US asks Pakistan to curb anti-India terror groups

WASHINGTON – Reminding Islamabad that Punjab-based militants “are targeting Pakistan as well,” the United States has asked Pakistan to curb anti-India terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) blamed for the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

Robert Blake, the assistant secretary of state for South Asia who visited India and Pakistan last month, said Thursday he had told …. Source  : US asks Pakistan to curb anti-India terror groups.

Two militants killed in Kashmir gun battle

JAMMU – Security forces killed two militants in a gunfight with a group of militants in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir Friday, police said.

The gun battle started when the Indian Army and the state police cordoned off the Behma forest, about 150 km north of Jammu, where suspected terrorists were hiding, a police spokesman …. Read the original article  : Two militants killed in Kashmir gun battle.

Mexico City prosecutors seek man for questioning in case of disappeared girl found dead

Man sought for questions in death of Mexican girl

MEXICO CITY – Prosecutors said Thursday they were searching for a man believed linked to the shocking death of a disabled 4-year-old girl whose body was found in her bedroom in a Mexico City suburb more than a week after her parents reported her missing.
Mexico State Attorney … Read more >>.

Admin. official says screening for US-bound travelers will no longer target specific countries

Official says new checks set for travelers to US

WASHINGTON – Travelers from 14 countries that have been home to terrorists will no longer automatically face extra screening before they fly to the U.S.
Beginning this month, anyone traveling to the U.S. will instead be screened based on specific information about potential terrorist threats, a senior Obama …. Read the original article  : Admin. official says screening for US-bound travelers will no longer target specific countries.

Pakistani cabbie indicted on terror-related charges in US

CHICAGO – A Pakistani-American taxi driver in Chicago has been indicted on two counts of providing material support to Al Qaeda by attempting to send funds to a terrorist leader in Pakistan linked with Pakistani-American terror suspect David Headley.

Raja Lahrasib Khan, a naturalized US citizen from Pakistan, was arrested last week on charges of attempting … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistani cabbie indicted on terror-related charges in US.

SEC’s bounty program for whistleblowers has paid only $159,537 over 20 years: watchdog

Few SEC bounties for whistleblowers
WASHINGTON – The Securities and Exchange Commission has had a bounty program for two decades to reward outside whistleblowers. But it has made few payments and must be improved, the agency’s watchdog says.

A report released Thursday by SEC inspector general David Kotz examines the bounty program in the wake of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Shahi Imam meets PM on Batla House shootout

NEW DELHI – A top Muslim cleric Saturday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the alleged fake shootout at the Batla House in which two suspected terrorists were killed following the 2008 serial bomb blasts in Delhi.

Shahi Imam Ahmed Bukhari, who leads the prayers in Delhi’s Jama Masjid, said he held a 35-minute meeting with …. Original article  : Shahi Imam meets PM on Batla House shootout.

Gunmen kill 25 in Iraqi village

BAGHDAD – At least 25 people were killed in Iraq when gunmen stormed houses in a village near the capital, an interior ministry source said Saturday.

The attack occurred late Friday in Sufiya in Rasheed district when gunmen wearing Iraqi army uniforms raided three houses, Xinhua reported quoting an interior ministry source.
The victims apparently were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gunmen kill 25 in Iraqi village.

Death threats received by ESPN reporter, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant Erin Andrews

Death threats prompt tighter security for Andrews

LOS ANGELES – First she was secretly videotaped in the nude. Now she’s receiving death threats. At least a dozen e-mails had been sent to a media outlet threatening ESPN reporter and “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Erin Andrews since September, her attorney Marshall Grossman said.
The messages discuss the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Death threats received by ESPN reporter, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant Erin Andrews.

Abducted Army linguist set to return home to San Diego

Kidnapped Army linguist returning to San Diego

SAN DIEGO – After more than two months in captivity in Baghdad, a U.S. Army linguist is set to return home to San Diego, authorities said.
Issa Salomi, 60, was expected to arrive sometime before Sunday, said Maj. Kimberly Holman, a spokeswoman for the California National Guard.
Salomi arrived in San … Read more »».

Gunmen in Iraqi army uniforms kill 25 people execution-style in Sunni village south of Baghdad

Men in Iraqi army uniforms kill 25 in Sunni area

BAGHDAD – Gunmen wearing Iraqi military uniforms raided homes in a Sunni village south of Baghdad, killing 25 people, including five women, execution-style, officials said Saturday.
In the hours after Friday night’s shootings, Iraqi officials cordoned off the area to search for suspects and helicopters swarmed overhead.
Most …. Source article  : Gunmen in Iraqi army uniforms kill 25 people execution-style in Sunni village south of Baghdad.

Blast in Lalgarh on eve of Chidambaram visit

KOLKATA – Suspected Maoist guerrillas triggered a landmine blast in rebel-hit Lalgarh in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Saturday, a day ahead of union Home Minister P. Chidambaram’s visit to the area, police said.

The blast in Bamal village, a few km from Lalgarh town, created a four-feet crater on the road.
“Raids are on in … Original article on : Blast in Lalgarh on eve of Chidambaram visit.

Deposition: Levada in 2006 defended not telling faithful of sex allegations against priest

Deposition: Levada defends decision on Ore. priest

PORTLAND, Ore. – In a newly released court deposition, a top Vatican official who is a former Portland archbishop defends not telling Oregon parishioners about the sex abuse allegations against a priest he restored to duty.
The deposition also shows that the official, Cardinal William Levada, insisted he had given … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Deposition: Levada in 2006 defended not telling faithful of sex allegations against priest.

German soldiers kill five Afghan troops

BERLIN – German soldiers killed five Afghan troops who were riding in two civilian cars that did not stop at a check post, the German military said Saturday.

The incident occurred late Friday near Kunduz, the capital of the northern Afghan province also called Kunduz, said the German army’s Operations Command in Potsdam, outside Berlin.
The …. Read the original article  : German soldiers kill five Afghan troops.

Sorry kids, we destroyed your schools: Maoists

PATNA – Maoist guerrillas have apologised to students in Bihar for damaging their school buildings and affecting their education.

“Hundreds of copies of the apology have been distributed among schoolchildren. We told them that we were sorry for targeting their schools. We also told them what forced us to target their schools,” a Maoist leader told …. Read the original article  : Sorry kids, we destroyed your schools: Maoists.

Former boxing champion Johnny Tapia back in NM jail after urine tests positive for cocaine use

Ex-boxing champ back in New Mexico jail
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Former five-time world champion boxer Johnny Tapia is jailed in New Mexico again, this time for reportedly failing a drug test.

A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Detention Center says Tapia’s urine tested positive for cocaine and he was returned to jail Thursday. Tapia was undergoing the test … Read more : Former boxing champion Johnny Tapia back in NM jail after urine tests positive for cocaine use.

31-year-old man arrested in attempted sex assault that led woman to jump off Malibu cliff

Man, 31, arrested in attempted Malibu sex assault

MALIBU, Calif. – There has been an arrest in the attempted sexual assault of a Malibu jogger who escaped by jumping off a cliff and sliding about 100 feet down a steep hillside.
Sheriff’s Lt. Richard Erickson says 31-year-old Christian Marcus Verdin was arrested in San Bernardino Friday after …. Source  : 31-year-old man arrested in attempted sex assault that led woman to jump off Malibu cliff.

Indian couple beheaded in ‘honour killing’

A young couple was beheaded and their heads smashed beyond recognition before being thrown along a railway track for entering into inter-caste marraige in eastern India, police said today.

Police said Om Prakash Singh, a resident of Raghunathpur village in Bihar’s Buxur district, had fallen in love with a girl from the same village and wanted … Read : Indian couple beheaded in ‘honour killing’.

Attorney: Death threats sent to ESPN reporter, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant Andrews

Lawyer: ESPN’s Erin Andrews getting death threats

LOS ANGELES – Erin Andrews has been getting death threats in a stream of e-mails to a media outlet, an attorney for the ESPN reporter and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant said Friday.
Attorney Marshall Grossman said that a man had sent at least a dozen e-mails since September threatening …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Attorney: Death threats sent to ESPN reporter, ‘Dancing With the Stars’ contestant Andrews.

Kidnapped Army linguist prepares for return to San Diego, reunion with family

Abducted Army linguist returning to San Diego

SAN DIEGO – An Iraqi-American who was kidnapped in Baghdad while working for American troops was overjoyed and fatigued as he prepared to return home to San Diego from an Army base in San Antonio, his family said Friday.
Issa Salomi, 60, was expected to arrive sometime before Sunday, said …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

What, them worry? Huggy Bear, Coach K make long-awaited returns to Final Four

Huggins, Krzyzewski back at Final Four
INDIANAPOLIS – On one bench, there’s Bob Huggins, a coach who has dealt with an NCAA investigation, suffered a heart attack, been arrested for DUI, endured the stain of a zero-percent graduation rate and the tumult of two contentious job changes.

On the other, there’s Mike Krzyzewski, a coach making his … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : What, them worry? Huggy Bear, Coach K make long-awaited returns to Final Four.

Ex-LA assistant fire chief is called ‘puppy killer’ after he gets 90 days for beating dog

Ex-LA fire official gets 90 days for dog beating

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Animal rights activists yelled “puppy killer” and obscenities at a retired Los Angeles County assistant fire chief Friday after he was sentenced to 90 days in jail for beating a dog so severely with a rock it had to be euthanized.
In a Riverside courtroom …. Read the original article  : here.

Atty: NYC subway stab suspect was defending himself after being attacked with bottle, headlock

Lawyer: NYC subway stab suspect was defending self

NEW YORK – A lawyer for a man charged with fatally stabbing two New York City subway riders says he was defending himself after a group of passengers broke a bottle over his head and grabbed him in a headlock.
Prosecutors charged Brenddy Garcia with second-degree murder Friday. They … Read more >>.

Pregnant American woman linked to ‘Jihad Jane’ charged in Pa. with terror plot

2nd American woman charged in ‘Jihad Jane’ case

WASHINGTON – Federal prosecutors filed terrorism charges Friday against a pregnant American woman in the so-called Jihad Jane case. The two American women are accused of plotting online to attend a terror training camp.
Jamie Paulin-Ramirez flew from Ireland Friday to Philadelphia, where she was arrested by agents with …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pregnant American woman linked to ‘Jihad Jane’ charged in Pa. with terror plot.

AP: Ratzinger intervened in Arizona priest’s abuse case, then waited for years to defrock him

AP: Vatican waited years to defrock Arizona priest

The future Pope Benedict XVI took over the abuse case of an Arizona priest, then let it languish at the Vatican for years despite repeated pleas from the bishop for the man to be removed from the priesthood, according to church correspondence.
Documents reviewed by The Associated Press show … Original article on : AP: Ratzinger intervened in Arizona priest’s abuse case, then waited for years to defrock him.

San Fran crime lab scandal exposes deep problems, could lead to hundreds of cases tossed

SF crime lab scandal strains justice system

SAN FRANCISCO – The first hint of scandal at the San Francisco crime lab came in December when officials received a tip that a technician might be stealing cocaine used as evidence.
An investigation soon revealed that small amounts of cocaine were missing, and the scandal has just snowballed from …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : San Fran crime lab scandal exposes deep problems, could lead to hundreds of cases tossed.

Blast derails train in Russia’s Dagestan

Moscow, April 4 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A bomb blast derailed a freight train in Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Dagestan Sunday, a police official said.

The incident took place at around 3.40 a.m. near the Inchkhe station in Dagestan’s Karabudakhkentsky district.
Eight cars were reportedly derailed as a result, four of them overturned.
No casualties were …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

10 killed as Maoists blow up police bus

BHUBANESWAR – At least 10 security personnel were Sunday killed and three injured when Maoist guerrillas Sunday blew up a police bus in Orissa’s Koraput district, an official said.

The rebels detonated a landmine about 14 km from Baipariguda town when a large number of the state’s Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel were going in three …. Source  : 10 killed as Maoists blow up police bus.

Pope, hit by scandal, called ‘unfailing’ leader of church at Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square

Pope hailed as ‘unfailing’ leader at Easter Mass

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI, buffeted by sex abuse scandals, is being hailed as the “unfailing” leader of the church at the start of Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
The dean of the College of Cardinals, Angelo Sodano, told the pope on Sunday that the faithful are …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pope, hit by scandal, called ‘unfailing’ leader of church at Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square.

Thai protesters defy arrest threats, refuse to end occupation of Bangkok’s commercial center

Thai protesters defiant in face of arrest threat

BANGKOK – Thousands of anti-government protesters refused to leave the commercial heart of Thailand’s capital that they occupied for a second day Sunday, defying threats of arrest and vowing to hang on until new elections are called.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva appealed on national television for the demonstrators to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thai protesters defy arrest threats, refuse to end occupation of Bangkok’s commercial center.

Maoists are cowards, war will be long drawn: Chidambaram (Second Lead)

LALGARH – Maoist guerrillas are cowards as they hide in the forests and the campaign against them will be long drawn, Home Minister P. Chidamabaram said in this rebel bastion Sunday.

The minister also urged people in the area not to support the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), which the government says is posing the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dubai court upholds 1-month jail sentence for British couple for kissing in restaurant

Dubai jail sentence upheld for UK kissing couple

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A Dubai appeals court on Sunday upheld a one-month prison sentence for a British couple convicted of kissing in a restaurant.
The pair landed in court after an Emirati woman complained about the public kiss, which the couple insisted was just a peck on …. Original article  : Dubai court upholds 1-month jail sentence for British couple for kissing in restaurant.

Anti-government protesters occupy commercial heart of Thai capital, defying arrest threats

Protesters paralyze Bangkok’s commercial center

BANGKOK – Thousands of anti-government protesters refused to leave the commercial heart of Thailand’s capital they occupied for a second day Sunday, defying threats of arrest and vowing to hang on until new elections are called.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva appealed on national television for the protesters to return to the area …. Source article  : Anti-government protesters occupy commercial heart of Thai capital, defying arrest threats.

Army kills two terrorists in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Indian troops Sunday gunned down two terrorists who sneaked into Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan, the military said.

The two men were killed in Kupwara district on the Line of Control (LoC), which divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan, army spokesman Lt Col J.S. Brar told IANS here.
“The terrorists were killed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Army kills two terrorists in Kashmir.

Maoists bomb forest guest house in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoists guerrillas bombed a forest guest house in Jharkhand’s Latehar district early Sunday, police said.

Around 20 to 25 Maoists rebels raided the guest house, which was vacant at the time, at Matlong village, about 140 km from Ranchi, and later triggered the blast.
The guest house was badly damaged in the blast, the … Original article on : Maoists bomb forest guest house in Jharkhand.

Maoists kill three security personnel in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas Sunday detonated a landmine and killed three Special Operation Group (SOG) personnel in a remote rural part of Orissa, police said.

The SOG members came under attack in Govindpali area of Koraput dostrict when they were going to the neighbouring district of Malkangiri.
“Three people were killed in the landmine blast,” Anup [..] Read the original article: here.

Don’t support Maoists, Chidambaram appeals

LALGARH – Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram Sunday visited the Maoist hub in West Bengal and urged its residents not to support the guerrillas.

After a three-hour visit to an area the Communist Party of India-Maoist has made its bastion, the minister asked people of this rural belt in West Midnapore district not to give material …. Original source  : Don’t support Maoists, Chidambaram appeals.

Lalgarh anti-Maoist operation results mixed: Chidambaram

LALGARH – Appealing to villagers of the Maoist-infested belt not to extend material or moral support to the left wing ultras, union Home Minister P. Chidambarm Sunday said he had mixed perceptions about the security operation in this West Midnapore district belt.

I go back with a mixed perception. There are good points and weak points. … Read : Lalgarh anti-Maoist operation results mixed: Chidambaram.

Two intruders killed as army foils infiltration bid in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – The Indian Army Sunday killed two intruders on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district and foiled yet another infiltration bid of the guerrillas.

“Two terrorists were killed by the alert troopers of the army in Keran sector of the LOC today (Sunday) thus foiling yet another infiltration bid by …. Original article  : Two intruders killed as army foils infiltration bid in Kashmir.

4 killed, 2 wounded in shooting at Los Angeles restaurant

4 killed in LA restaurant shooting
LOS ANGELES – A gunman walked into a San Fernando Valley restaurant Saturday and opened fire, killing four people and wounding two others, police said.

Three men were pronounced dead at the scene of the 4:40 p.m. attack at the Hot Spot Mediterranean Cafe, according to Los Angeles Police officer Rosario … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 4 killed, 2 wounded in shooting at Los Angeles restaurant.

Kidnapped Army linguist returns to San Diego after more than 2 months of captivity in Iraq

Kidnapped Army linguist returns home to San Diego

SAN DIEGO – A U.S. Army linguist returned to his family in Southern California Saturday after more than two months in captivity in Baghdad, according to a National Guard spokeswoman.
Issa Salomi arrived home in San Diego and was “resting and beginning his adjustment back to normal life,” Maj. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kidnapped Army linguist returns to San Diego after more than 2 months of captivity in Iraq.

Government crackdown in Iran drives growing number of dissidents into exile

Dissident Iranians take refuge in Turkey
NIGDE, Turkey – Light snow was falling when the two young men set out on horseback for the border to flee Iran. By the time they were deep in the mountains, it had become a blinding blizzard, the temperature had dropped below freezing, and they were barely alive.

Hesam Misaghi and … Read more >>>.

Chidambaram arrives in Lalgarh amidst shutdown call

LALGARH – Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram arrived in this Maoist-infested belt of West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Sunday to review the situation amidst a shutdown called by a pro-ultra tribal body.

Chidambaram, who flew in a helicopter from Kolkata in the morning, landed near the Lalgarh police station and went inside it to talk to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

4 killed, 1 wounded in shooting at Los Angeles restaurant

4 killed in Los Angeles restaurant shooting

LOS ANGELES – Authorities say four people are dead and one is wounded in a shooting at a restaurant in North Hollywood.
Los Angeles Police officer Rosario Herrera says officers responded to an emergency call Saturday afternoon from the Hot Spot Cafe on Riverside Drive and found three people dead. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 4 killed, 1 wounded in shooting at Los Angeles restaurant.

3 killed, 2 wounded in shooting at North Hollywood restaurant

3 killed in N. Hollywood restaurant shooting

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Authorities say three people have been killed and two others wounded in a shooting at a restaurant in North Hollywood.
Los Angeles Police Officer Rosario Herrera says an emergency call came in Saturday afternoon from the Hot Spot Cafe on Riverside Drive. When officers arrived, three …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 3 killed, 2 wounded in shooting at North Hollywood restaurant.

In previous job, top Vatican official gave accused priest administrative job, with conditions

Levada brought back accused priest with conditions

PORTLAND, Ore. – A top Vatican official who now oversees the office that handles cases of alleged abuse by priests once returned an accused priest to administrative duty in Oregon on the condition that he be barred from direct contact with children or teenagers.
As archbishop in Portland from 1986 … Read more »»».