Congress to submit report on Maoist violence to PM

RANCHI – The Jharkhand Congress will submit a detailed report of party workers falling prey to Maoist violence in the state to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress has set up a five-member panel to prepare a detailed report of Maoist violence and its impact on Congress workers. The panel was …. Original article  : Congress to submit report on Maoist violence to PM.

Multiple blasts rock Peshawar

PESHAWAR – At least three blasts apparently targeting the US consulate rocked this northwestern Pakistan city Monday. Heavy casualties are feared, eyewitnesses said.
…. Original source  : Multiple blasts rock Peshawar.

25 killed in Pakistan blast

ISLAMABAD – At least 25 people were killed in a powerful blast that tore through a political rally in Pakistan’s restive northwest Monday, a media report said.

The blast took place in Timer Girah sub-district of Lower Dir in the North West Frontier Province, during a political rally taken out by the Awami National Party (ANP), … Original article on : 25 killed in Pakistan blast.

3 explosions rock largest city in NW Pakistan

3 loud blasts heard in NW Pakistani city
PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Three explosions have rocked the largest city in northwestern Pakistan hours after a suspected suicide bomber attacked a political rally elsewhere in the troubled region.

Witnesses say smoke is rising from the central part of Peshawar following the blasts on Monday.
Earlier in the northwest, a suspected … Read more »»».

Suspected suicide attack at political rally in NW Pakistan kills 19

Police: Blast in NW Pakistan rally kills 19

ISLAMABAD – A suspected suicide bomber attacked a political rally in northwest Pakistan on Monday, killing at least 19 people and wounding more than 100, officials said.
Pakistan is battling al-Qaida and Taliban militants blamed for a string of attacks over the last 18 months, most of them in …. Source article  : Suspected suicide attack at political rally in NW Pakistan kills 19.

20 percent weapons shortage in Maoist-hit Chhattisgarh: CAG

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh, one of the worst Maoist-militancy hit states in the country, is short of 20 percent of the required weapons, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) said.

“The police headquarters had assessed a total requirement of 47,265 units (of weapons) under various categories, against which the availability was 37,911 units only. … Read more : 20 percent weapons shortage in Maoist-hit Chhattisgarh: CAG.

Suspected suicide attack at political rally in NW Pakistan kills at least 10, say police

Police: Blast in NW Pakistan kills 10
ISLAMABAD – Police say a suspected suicide attack at a political rally in northwestern Pakistan has killed at least 10 people.

Regional police chief Qazi Mohammad Jamil told Geo television that Monday’s attack in Lower Dir district also wounded some 30 people.
A spokesman for the Awami National Party, Zahid Khan, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Blast in Pakistan’s northwest

ISLAMABAD – A powerful explosion tore through a political rally in Pakistan’s restive northwest Monday, a media report said.

The blast took place in Timer Girah sub-district of Lower Dir in the North West Frontier Province.
Sources told Geo News that the blast occurred during a public gathering of the Awami National Party.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Afghan female provincial lawmaker badly wounded in assassination attempt

Afghan woman lawmaker badly wounded in shooting

KABUL – Gunmen seriously wounded an Afghan provincial councilwoman in a drive-by shooting early Monday in the country’s increasingly violent north.
Nida Khyani was struck by two bullets, including one that left a potentially life-threatening abdominal wound, said Salim Rasouli, head of the provincial health department.
Khyani’s bodyguard was also slightly …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Afghan female provincial lawmaker badly wounded in assassination attempt.

Mexico’s sympathy turns to anger when missing 4-year-old found dead at home; mom arrested

Mexico stunned: Missing child found dead at home

MEXICO CITY – From the billboards lining Mexico City’s choked highways, the wisp of a girl is larger than life. One hand holds her face in a shy pose; the other lightly brushes over a pink-and-blue princess dress. Beneath, black block letters make a desperate plea: “Help us … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mexico’s sympathy turns to anger when missing 4-year-old found dead at home; mom arrested.

Two policemen killed in suicide blasts in Russia

Moscow, April 5 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least two police officers were killed and two injured in twin blasts in Russia’s Ingushetia province Monday, police said.

At least one of the explosions was caused by a suicide bomber, they said.
The suicide bomber set off an explosive device when he was stopped by security guards at … Read more »».

Militants blow up school, set ablaze tankers in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Militants blew up a girls primary school while unidentified people set fire to seven oil tankers Monday in Pakistan’s tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

A government girls primary school was blown up in Baizai while unidentified people set fire to seven empty oil tankers parked in Landi Kotal in in Mohmand district, Xinhua reported.
The … Read more >>.

Thai protesters fan out in Bangkok, defy order to leave commercial district

Defiant Thai protesters fan out in nervous capital

BANGKOK – Thousands of defiant anti-government demonstrators fanned out to other parts of Thailand’s capital and threatened businesses with ties to the government Monday after ignoring police orders to leave Bangkok’s paralyzed commercial district.
About 100 protesters pushed their way into their newest target – the Election Commission, angry … Original source on Gaea Times at : Thai protesters fan out in Bangkok, defy order to leave commercial district.

Pentagon for pressure on India to ease tension with Pakistan: WSJ

WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is actively lobbying for more pressure on New Delhi to ease tensions between India and Pakistan, the Wall Street Journal has reported. It has also revealed that US President Barack Obama had issued a secret directive to intensify diplomacy towards that aim and to win Islamabad’s cooperation in Afghanistan.

Asserting that …. Source  : Pentagon for pressure on India to ease tension with Pakistan: WSJ.

Official: SKorea warship pursuing oil tanker believed hijacked by pirates off Somalia

SKorean navy pursuing hijacked tanker off Somalia

SEOUL, South Korea – A South Korean navy destroyer is pursuing an oil supertanker believed to have been hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean off Somalia, officials said, in the latest case of suspected piracy that has plagued international shipping.
The warship had been in the Gulf of Aden …. Source article  : Official: SKorea warship pursuing oil tanker believed hijacked by pirates off Somalia.

Thai protesters plan to expand in Bangkok, defy order to leave commercial district

Defiant protesters to fan out in unnerved Bangkok

BANGKOK – Thousands of defiant anti-government demonstrators vowed Monday to expand their protests to other parts of Thailand’s unnerved capital after ignoring police orders to end their occupation of Bangkok’s paralyzed commercial district.
The protesters, mostly farmers from impoverished provincial areas, have sworn not to let up their pressure …. Read the original article  : Thai protesters plan to expand in Bangkok, defy order to leave commercial district.

Mexican druglord says he constantly fears jail in rare interview with magazine

Magazine interview: Mexican druglord fears jail

MEXICO CITY – One of Mexico’s most famous drug lords said in a rare interview published Sunday that he lives in fear of getting caught and believes the military has closed in on him four times.
“I’m terrified of being incarcerated,” Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada told the Mexican news magazine, Proceso, … Read more »».

Exclusive: Indonesian militant network taps into al-Qaida in Pakistan, Web chats reveal

Web chats point to al-Qaida’s Indonesian links

JAKARTA, Indonesia – It plays out like any ordinary chat between friends on Yahoo Messenger, but the subject matter is chilling: “thekiller” is looking to mesh his Indonesian militant network more deeply with al-Qaida in its Pakistani heartland.
“Come to Pak,” he is told by “SAIF-a”, the Pakistani at the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Exclusive: Indonesian militant network taps into al-Qaida in Pakistan, Web chats reveal.

Two killed in Iraq car bombing

MOSUL – Two people were killed and 35 injured in a car bomb explosion near a police patrol in Iraq’s northern city of Mosul, police said.

A booby-trapped car parked near a marketplace in the Wadi Hajar neighborhood in southern Mosul exploded Sunday evening near a passing police patrol, Xinhua reported quoting the police.
The …. Original article  : Two killed in Iraq car bombing.

Police: 4 men killed in Los Angeles restaurant shooting were targeted

Police: LA restaurant shooting victims targeted

LOS ANGELES – Authorities on Sunday continued searching for a suspect in a deadly weekend shooting at a San Fernando Valley restaurant as more details emerged, including the identities of the four victims and the fact that police believe the men were targeted.
“We don’t have a crazed gunman running around …. Source article  : Police: 4 men killed in Los Angeles restaurant shooting were targeted.

73 killed as 700 Maoists entrap CRPF team in Chhattisgarh (Fourth Lead)

RAIPUR – Seventy-three security personnel were killed Tuesday when over 700 Maoist guerrillas in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region ambushed a 120-member contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) by first bombing and then opening fire.

In what is one of the biggest Maoist attacks in the country, the guerrillas triggered multiple blasts and then fired … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 73 killed as 700 Maoists entrap CRPF team in Chhattisgarh (Fourth Lead).

30 killed as Maoists ambush CRPF team (Third Lead)

RAIPUR – More than 30 troopers were killed and 15 injured Tuesday when Maoist guerrillas ambushed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle in a thickly forested area of Chhattisgarh’s violence-hit Bastar region, police said.

The attack, in which the guerrillas first bombed the vehicle and then opened fire, took place at Chintalnar hamlet of Dantewada … Read more >>.

CRPF walked into Maoist trap, says Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Tuesday that the scores of Central Reserve Police Force (CPRF) personnel massacred in Chhattisgarh earlier in the day seemed to have walked into a Maoist trap.

“Something has gone very wrong,” a sombre Chidambaram told reporters outside his office here. “They seem to have walked into a trap …. Original article  : CRPF walked into Maoist trap, says Chidambaram.

Trial starts in Ala. for evangelist accused of killing wife, keeping her body in a freezer

Evangelist on trial in Ala. in wife’s death

MOBILE, Ala. – People who heard traveling evangelist Anthony Hopkins deliver sermons in the rural Southern towns where he preached sometimes called him a psychic or even a prophet.
But prosecutors say the former soldier kept dark secrets while spreading God’s word. They accuse him of killing his wife, …. Original article  : Trial starts in Ala. for evangelist accused of killing wife, keeping her body in a freezer.

Hit with a record fine, Toyota considers whether to pay or contest penalty over recalls

Toyota faces legal dilemma as well as record fine

WASHINGTON – Already flooded with hundreds of private lawsuits, Toyota now faces a dilemma stemming from safety problems on several popular models: whether to accept a record $16.4 million fine that could be cast as an admission of wrongdoing, or fight the government at the cost of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Karzai threatens to join Taliban

KABUL – Afghan President Hamid Karzai has reportedly threatened to join the Taliban if he continues to come under “outside pressure” to reform, a media report said Tuesday.

Karzai made the unusual comments at a closed-door meeting Saturday with select lawmakers, just days after kicking up a diplomatic row with remarks alleging foreigners were behind …. Read the original article  : here.

Catholic priest charged with assaulting 14-year-old girl says he is ready to face US courts

Priest accused of US abuse won’t fight extradition

NEW DELHI – A Roman Catholic priest charged with sexually assaulting a teenage parishioner in Minnesota said Tuesday he would willingly leave his native India and try to clear his name in the courts if the United States tried to extradite him.
Meanwhile, the bishop who oversees the Rev. … Read more : Catholic priest charged with assaulting 14-year-old girl says he is ready to face US courts.

20 killed as Maoists ambush CRPF team (Second Lead)

RAIPUR – As many as 20 troopers were killed and 15 injured Tuesday when Maoist guerrillas ambushed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) vehicle in a thickly forested area of Chhattisgarh’s violence-hit Bastar region, police said.

The attack, in which the guerrillas first bombed the vehicle and then opened fire, took place at Chintalnar hamlet of …. Original source  : 20 killed as Maoists ambush CRPF team (Second Lead).

Three killed as Maoists ambush CRPF team

RAIPUR – At least three troopers were killed and five injured Tuesday when Maoist guerrillas ambushed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) bunker in a thickly forested area of Chhattisgarh’s violence-hit Bastar region, police said.

The attack, in which the guerrillas first bombed the bunker and then opened fire, took place at Chintalnar hamlet of Dantewada … Original source on Gaea Times at : Three killed as Maoists ambush CRPF team.

Malaysia bans export of weapon parts after cases linked to Iran, Libya nuclear trafficking

Malaysia passes law to curb nuclear trafficking

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia has passed a law to curb the trafficking of nuclear weapon components after being linked to the illegal supply of sensitive technology to countries including Iran and Libya.
The Strategic Trade Bill was approved by Parliament late Monday, a week before Prime Minister Najib Razak …. Original source  : Malaysia bans export of weapon parts after cases linked to Iran, Libya nuclear trafficking.

China says it has executed first Japanese citizen in almost 40 years

China executes Japanese for drug smuggling
BEIJING – China executed a Japanese man for drug smuggling, the country’s top court announced Tuesday, the first execution of a Japanese citizen since the countries established relations in 1972.
The Supreme People’s Court said Mitsunobu Akano was executed in Liaoning province after being convicted of trying to smuggle … Read more »».

‘I thought I could be dead’ _ Seattle officer describes killing man who fatally shot 4 cops

Officer testifies about death of cop killer

SEATTLE – A Seattle policeman testified Monday that in scant seconds and at barely more than arm’s length, he recognized the man who had killed four police officers and sworn to do the same to anyone who tried to arrest him.
In a calm, even voice, Officer Benjamin L. Kelly …. Source  : ‘I thought I could be dead’ _ Seattle officer describes killing man who fatally shot 4 cops.

Pakistani cab driver pleads ‘not guilty’ to terror charges

CHICAGO – A Pakistan-born Chicago cab driver has pleaded not guilty to charges that he attempted to aid Al Qaeda by sending money to Ilyas Kashmiri, a terrorist leader believed to be in Pakistan.

Raja Lahrasib Khan, 56, a naturalised American citizen, appeared briefly before US District Judge James B. Zagel here Monday to enter his … Original article on : Pakistani cab driver pleads ‘not guilty’ to terror charges.

SKorean warship catches up with hijacked oil tanker in Indian Ocean

SKorean warship catches up with hijacked tanker

SEOUL, South Korea – A South Korean navy destroyer caught up with a hijacked supertanker carrying about $160 million of crude oil and was maneuvering nearby in the Indian Ocean, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
The supertanker, on its way from Iraq to the United States, is believed to …. Read the original article  : SKorean warship catches up with hijacked oil tanker in Indian Ocean.

Texas man faces federal charges after threatening deadly force to stop abortion at clinic

Texas man threatened deadly force to stop abortion

DALLAS – A Texas man faces charges after he filed documents in federal court threatening to use deadly force to stop an abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court didn’t immediately act to outlaw the practice, federal officials said Monday.
Erlyndon Joseph “Joey” Lo, 27, of Plano, filed documents there … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Texas man faces federal charges after threatening deadly force to stop abortion at clinic.

Judge says he’ll rule within 3 weeks on plea deal with $296M penalty for heart device maker

Judge mulls $296M plea deal for heart device maker

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Boston Scientific Corp.’s Guidant LLC division pleaded guilty Monday to two federal misdemeanor counts alleging it failed to properly disclose changes made to some implantable heart devices.
The deal calls for Guidant to pay more than $296 million, which federal prosecutors called the largest … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Judge says he’ll rule within 3 weeks on plea deal with $296M penalty for heart device maker.

Texas ELF member gets 5 years prison for trying to firebomb Pasadena condos

ELF member gets 5 years for attempted firebombing

LOS ANGELES – A Texas man who tried to firebomb a condominium development under construction in Pasadena has been sentenced to five years in federal prison.
Prosecutors say 44-year-old Stephen Murphy apologized to the court and to his fiancee Monday before he was sentenced in federal court in Los …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Texas ELF member gets 5 years prison for trying to firebomb Pasadena condos.

NYC judge orders disclosure of those who deleted or destroyed records in ‘HOPE’ artist case

Evidence ordered released in ‘HOPE’ artist case
NEW YORK – Lawyers for artist Shepard Fairey must disclose the identities of anyone who deleted or destroyed records related to a copyright dispute over the Barack Obama “HOPE” image, a judge said Monday.
U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein ruled in favor of The Associated Press in … Original source on Gaea Times at : NYC judge orders disclosure of those who deleted or destroyed records in ‘HOPE’ artist case.

Sanitation workers in NJ find dismembered bodies of man, woman in garbage bags

Sanitation workers find body parts in NJ trash

LINDEN, N.J. – Police are trying to learn the identities of a man and woman whose dismembered body parts were found Monday stuffed in bags and dumped on a quiet residential street in northern New Jersey.
Union County Prosecutor Theodore Romankow says the body pieces were distributed among four … Read more »».

4 shot, 33 arrested and dozens cited in mayhem near Times Square; NYPD blames auto show crowd

4 shot, 33 arrested and dozens cited in NYC mayhem

NEW YORK – Hundreds of young people spilled into midtown Manhattan near Times Square early Monday, brawling and shooting guns after the New York International Auto Show in an annual night of mayhem the mayor called “wilding.”
Four people were shot and 33 were arrested, mostly on … Read more »»».

Stop blaming states, CPI-M tells Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Wednesday flayed Home Minister P. Chidambaram for criticising state governments over Maoist violence and said the central government was to blame for the displacement of tribal people due to rampart mining.

Condemning the massacre of 76 security personnel in Chhattisgarh Tuesday, the CPI-M said the attack “is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Stop blaming states, CPI-M tells Chidambaram.

Armed forces not trained to combat Maoists: air chief

GANDHINAGAR – Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal P.V. Naik Wednesday said he did not favour using armed forces in operations against Maoist insurgents.

All the armed forces – air force, army and the navy – are trained for lethal operations. We are not trained for limited lethality. Use of the air force in such … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Armed forces not trained to combat Maoists: air chief.

Two-three years for war against Maoists to succeed: Chidambaram

JAGDALPUR – Appealing for calm, union Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Wednesday that it would take two-three years for the war against Maoist guerrillas to succeed and clarified that there was no plan to use the army to crush the rebellion.

“We must remain calm and hold (our) nerve; it will take two-three years to get [..] Read the original article: here.

There is no ‘Operation Green Hunt’: Chidambaram

RAIPUR – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday insisted that there was no Operation Green Hunt against Maoists — as has been widely reported.

There is no Operation Green Hunt, Chidambaram told reporters here.
Chhattisgarh police officials say they had coined the term for one successful drive against the Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) in the state. … Read more >>.

Sister: Man charged with threatening to kill Sen. Murray didn’t have history of intimidation

Sister: Man in Murray threat wasn’t an intimidator

SEATTLE – The sister of the Washington state man charged with threatening to kill Democratic Sen. Patty Murray over her support for health care reform said her brother has no history of intimidation.
Helen Evans was at the federal court in Yakima, Wash., Tuesday when 63-year-old Charles Alan Wilson …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sister: Man charged with threatening to kill Sen. Murray didn’t have history of intimidation.

Has ULFA lost its relevance?

GUWAHATI – The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was formed in Assam in 1979 to fight for an independent homeland. More than three decades down the line, the outlawed outfit is still waging a war, but with a seemingly dwindling support base.

On its foundation day (April 7) Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi … Read more : Has ULFA lost its relevance?.

Sonja Larson Crime Scene Photos Release Case Remembered

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- The case about the release of the crime scene photos of Sonja Larson has come into the forefront again as her mother, Ada Larson, has decided to voice her protests in a similar case. In regards to some recent cases that have been creating an uproar, concerning the release of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sonja Larson Crime Scene Photos Release Case Remembered.

Alaska bear lover who was featured on Animal Planet pleads guilty to illegally feeding game

Alaska man who fed wild bears pleads guilty

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska authorities say a man featured in a television series about his life among wild bears at his Alaska cabin has pleaded guilty to illegally feeding the bears dog food and cookies.
Assistant state Attorney General Andrew Peterson says 71-year-old Charlie Vandergaw pleaded guilty to eight …. Source article  : Alaska bear lover who was featured on Animal Planet pleads guilty to illegally feeding game.

Not all terrorism: Obama sets new approach toward Muslim world, nixing ‘Islamic radicalism’

Not all terrorism: Obama tries to change subject
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s advisers plan to remove terms such as “Islamic radicalism” from a document outlining national security strategy and will use the new version to emphasize that the U.S. does not view Muslim nations through the lens of terrorism, counterterrorism officials …. Original source  : Not all terrorism: Obama sets new approach toward Muslim world, nixing ‘Islamic radicalism’.

Jharkhand government should quit, says Congress

RANCHI – The Congress Wednesday asked the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government to resign after a minister sensationally said that no one was safe in the state.

In response to Agriculture Minister Mathura Mahto’s statement, state Congress general secretary Shailesh Sinha told IANS: “Congress leaders are being targeted by Maoists and the government has adopted a …. Read the original article  : Jharkhand government should quit, says Congress.

We won’t allow Maoists to succeed, says Chidambaram

JAGDALPUR – Home Minister P. Chidambaram pledged Wednesday that the government would never allow Maoist guerrillas to succeed.

We cannot and shall not allow them to succeed, Chidambaram said here after paying homage to 75 paramilitary troopers massacred by the rebels in Chhattisgarh Tuesday. A police head constable was also killed.
Calling the attacks brutal act … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : We won’t allow Maoists to succeed, says Chidambaram.

Russia creates special force to combat terrorism

Moscow, April 7 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia has created a special task force to combat crime and terrorism in the north Caucasus region, the Kremlin said Wednesday.

President Dmitry Medvedev ordered the creation of the unit, which would be operational from April 19.
The president also ordered officials to prepare a new programme to combat crime and … Read more >>.

Santa Barbara authorities plan to sink annual beach party near university

Authorities plan to sink Santa Barbara’s Floatopia

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Authorities say they plan to close access points to popular beaches near the University of California, Santa Barbara in an effort to shut down a massive beach party known as Floatopia.
As many as 12,000 revelers gathered last year in what the Santa Barbara County parks … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Santa Barbara authorities plan to sink annual beach party near university.

Grief, resolve as cops, Chidambaram pay homage to CRPF martyrs

JAGDALPUR – There were tears and grim resolve Wednesday as policemen joined Home Minister P. Chidambaram in a ‘martyrs ceremony’ to pay homage to the 76 security personnel massacred by guerrillas in the worst attack since the Maoist rebellion began 43 years ago.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and Governor Shekhar Dutt were also present at …. Original source  : Grief, resolve as cops, Chidambaram pay homage to CRPF martyrs.

High alert along Orissa-Chhattisgarh border

BHUBANESWAR – Security forces intensified combing operations along the Orissa-Chhattisgarh border Wednesday, a day after the massacre of 76 paramilitary troopers by Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, an official said.

“The area where Maoists launched their attack in Chhattisgarh Tuesday is located about 30-40 km from the border of Orissa’s Malkangiri district,” Deputy Inspector General … Read more : High alert along Orissa-Chhattisgarh border.

Maoist violence ’social terrorism’, says legendary Naxalite

KOLKATA – Ashim Chatterjee, one of the leading figures of the bloody Naxalite revolt of the late 1960s, says the mass massacre Tuesday of security personnel in Chhattisgarh is “social terrorism” and blamed Maoists for causing “meaningless” bloodshed.

Chatterjee, who was one of the confidants of Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist (CPI-ML) founder Charu Majumdar, said …. Source article  : Maoist violence ’social terrorism’, says legendary Naxalite.

Chidambaram in Chhattisgarh to mourn troopers, review security

JAGDALPUR – Home Minister P. Chidambaram reached this Chhattisgarh town Wednesday to attend a ‘martyrs’ ceremony’ for the 76 security personnel massacred by guerrillas in the worst attack since the Maoist rebellion began 43 years ago.

State Governor Shekhar Dutta and Chief Minister Raman Singh were also at Jagdalpur, the district headquarters of Bastar district, …. Source  : Chidambaram in Chhattisgarh to mourn troopers, review security.

Al Qaeda behind Peshawar blasts: Pakistan senator

Islamabad, April 7 (IANS/AKI) The Al Qaeda was behind the attack on the US Consulate in Peshawar and was seeking to provoke a serious political crisis, a Pakistani senator has said.

“If you remember, similar attacks were carried out when president Asif Zardari delivered his first presidential speech,” senator Haji Adeel, senior vice president of the …. Read the original article  : Al Qaeda behind Peshawar blasts: Pakistan senator.

Financial crisis panel may have surprises up its sleeve for Greenspan, Citi execs

Citi execs may be in for surprises at crisis probe

WASHINGTON – Former executives of Citigroup Inc. could be in for some surprises when they appear before a panel investigating the roots of the financial crisis.
Commissioners and staffers for the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission are readying pointed questions for eight former and current Citigroup executives due …. Source  : Financial crisis panel may have surprises up its sleeve for Greenspan, Citi execs.

Reports: US authorizes killing of radical US-born cleric believed acting in terror plots

Reports: US OKs radical US-born cleric for death

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration has authorized the killing of a radical Muslim cleric, Anwar al-Awlaki, an American citizen believed to be hiding in Yemen and thought to have shifted from encouraging attacks on the U.S. to participating in them, according to published reports.
Al-Awlaki has emerged as a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Reports: US authorizes killing of radical US-born cleric believed acting in terror plots.

Census Bureau concerned about head count problems, from identity theft to non-participation

Census Bureau concerned about head count problems

WASHINGTON – As the U.S. census nears its final stages, the government is preparing for possible debacles that could derail its $15 billion head count, from mass identity theft and lawsuits to homeowners who refuse to answer their doors.
Census Bureau documents, obtained by The Associated Press, underscore the highly …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Census Bureau concerned about head count problems, from identity theft to non-participation.

East Texans relieved over news of arrest in mailbox bomb case weeks after church threat ended

East Texans feel relief after mailbox bomb arrest

DALLAS – Carolyn Smith was so frightened after explosive devices started turning up in mailboxes in east Texas that she stopped dropping her mail in the nearby collection box where one pipe bomb was found and started taking it to the post office.
Like other residents of east Texas, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : East Texans relieved over news of arrest in mailbox bomb case weeks after church threat ended.

Prosecutors seek 335 years for Minnesota businessman Tom Petters in $3.65B fraud case

Prosecutors seek 335 years for Minn.’s Petters

MINNEAPOLIS – When Minnesota businessman Tom Petters’ corporate empire collapsed, the losers in what prosecutors say was a $335 million Ponzi scheme included not just hedge funds, but at least 10 pastors, three missionaries, dozens of retirees and a half-dozen nursing home residents, according to federal court filings.
Prosecutors have … Read more >>>.

Afghan police: 5 suicide bombers arrested as they entered Afghan capital

Afghan police: 5 suicide bombers arrested in Kabul

KABUL – Afghan police arrested five would-be suicide bombers Thursday in Kabul – the largest suicide bomb team ever apprehended in the capital, officials said.
“If this team had made it through it would have been a disaster as we’ve seen in past instances,” said Abdul Ghafar, deputy commander …. Read the original article  : Afghan police: 5 suicide bombers arrested as they entered Afghan capital.

Obama in Prague as US, Russia to sign biggest arms deal in 2 decades, launch new relations

Obama in Prague to sign arms deal
PRAGUE – Pushing his vision of a nuclear weapons-free world, President Barack Obama returned to Prague on Thursday to sign a pivotal treaty aimed at sharply paring U.S. and Russian arsenals – and repairing soured relations between the nations.
On a sunny morning, an upbeat …. Original article  : Obama in Prague as US, Russia to sign biggest arms deal in 2 decades, launch new relations.

Vulnerable Democratic lawmakers are tiptoeing back home over voting for health care overhaul

Vulnerable Democrats are tiptoeing on health care
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – First-term Rep. Betsy Markey is convinced that once people learn what’s in President Barack Obama’s new health care overhaul law, they’ll support it.
But it’s not a message she was eager to carry in person to her constituents in Republican-leaning eastern Colorado. During Congress’ …. Original article  : Vulnerable Democratic lawmakers are tiptoeing back home over voting for health care overhaul.

Attorney general trying to win back Europe’s cooperation in tracking terror money

US trying to woo EU back to terror finance program

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Eric Holder is in Spain trying to revive a Bush-era counterterrorism program that the U.S. views as a key tool in tracking terrorist money transfers but European Union lawmakers reject because of civil liberties concerns.
The Obama administration argues that the Terrorist Finance … Read more >>.

US, Russia to sign biggest arms deal in two decades, begin to repair soured relations

Obama heads to Prague to sign arms deal
PRAGUE – President Barack Obama’s vision of a world without nuclear arms moves closer to reality on Thursday when he and President Dmitry Medvedev sign a pivotal treaty aimed at sharply paring U.S. and Russian arsenals while working to repair soured relations.
Obama has not …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Somali pirates warn SKorean destroyer pursuing hijacked supertanker to keep distance

Somali pirates warn SKorean destroyer to stay away

SEOUL, South Korea – Somali pirates warned a South Korean destroyer chasing a hijacked supertanker with 24 sailors on board not to get any closer or else risk endangering the crew, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday.
All crew members of the South Korean-operated, Marshall Island-flagged Samho Dream are safe, …. Original source  : Somali pirates warn SKorean destroyer pursuing hijacked supertanker to keep distance.

Chinese man gets death sentence for stabbing murders of 8 schoolchildren

Chinese man gets death sentence in child murders

BEIJING – A Chinese court sentenced a former medical worker to death Thursday for the stabbing murders of eight children as they waited with their parents to enter their elementary school a little more than two weeks ago.
The Intermediate People’s Court in Nanping city in southern Fujian province …. Read the original article  : here.

Man robs Portland, Ore., bank, steals Jaguar containing 2 Chihuahuas

Man robs Ore. bank, steals car containing 2 dogs

PORTLAND, Ore. – Police say a man robbed a north Portland Bank of America branch on Wednesday, then stole a Jaguar with two Chihuahuas inside.
He crashed the car a short time later in a fast-food restaurant lot and fled on foot.
The car and dogs belonged to Melanie …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man robs Portland, Ore., bank, steals Jaguar containing 2 Chihuahuas.

Fight with Detroit bus driver results in assault and battery charges against 2 women

Women charged after fight with Detroit bus driver

DETROIT – Two women have been charged after a fight with a Detroit city bus driver that another passenger caught on video.
City transportation director Lovevett Williams says the women became enraged Tuesday after the driver picked one of them up at a stop on the Eight Mile Road …. Source article  : Fight with Detroit bus driver results in assault and battery charges against 2 women.

Residents criticize security at crime-ridden NJ building where 7-year-old girl was attacked

Security criticized at NJ tower where girl raped

TRENTON, N.J. – Residents of a crime-ridden New Jersey apartment building where several men and boys are accused of gang-raping a 7-year-old girl say they remain unsatisfied about security after a meeting with representatives from the company that owns it.
Some Rowan Towers residents who attended Wednesday’s meeting say [..] Read the original article: here.

New Zealand Catholic church investigating 5 more historic sex abuse complaints

NZ Catholic church investigates 5 abuse complaints

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand’s Roman Catholic Church said Thursday it is investigating five new complaints of sexual abuse of children from at least 20 years ago.
The revelation of fresh inquiries comes as the church worldwide is rocked by allegations of child sex crimes committed by clergy – [..] Read the original article: here.

Roman Polanski attorneys say prolonged case is assault on US justice system

Roman Polanski attorneys plead to end case

LOS ANGELES – Roman Polanski’s lawyers have filed a last legal volley in a California appeals court, saying that the 33-year-old sex case and its lengthy delays have been an assault on the state’s judicial system.
The attorneys said in papers filed Tuesday that the court should order an investigation … Original article on : Roman Polanski attorneys say prolonged case is assault on US justice system.

Official: Guantanamo lawyers don’t expect to be ready for Sudanese detainee’s trial until 2011

Attorneys ready for Gitmo detainee’s trial in 2011

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A military judge at Guantanamo Bay on Wednesday said lawyers in the case of a Sudanese detainee don’t expect to be ready for trial until early 2011, according to a military commissions spokesman.
Joseph DellaVedova, spokesman for the Pentagon’s Office of Military Commissions, said …. Original source  : Official: Guantanamo lawyers don’t expect to be ready for Sudanese detainee’s trial until 2011.

Judge in case of Ohio man accused of killing 11 sues newspaper for $50M, says privacy violated

Judge in Ohio murder case sues newspaper for $50M

CLEVELAND – A judge presiding over the Ohio trial of a man charged with killing 11 women and hiding their bodies around his home is suing a newspaper covering the case for $50 million in damages.
An attorney for Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH’-guh) County Common Pleas Judge Shirley Strickland Saffold … Read : Judge in case of Ohio man accused of killing 11 sues newspaper for $50M, says privacy violated.

Veteran paramilitary boss, fugitive for more than decade, captured in central Colombia

Paramilitary leader, 71, captured in Colombia

BOGOTA – A veteran paramilitary leader and reputed founder of a bloody right-wing militia faction was arrested in central Colombia after more than a decade on the lam, police said Wednesday.
Hector Jose Buitrago, 71, was captured Tuesday in a rural area 60 kilometers (40 miles) north of Bogota, where he … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Veteran paramilitary boss, fugitive for more than decade, captured in central Colombia.

3rd New Orleans police officer pleads guilty, gives eyewitness account of Katrina shootings

3rd ex-officer pleads guilty in Katrina probe

NEW ORLEANS – A former New Orleans police officer told federal authorities he saw a fellow officer shoot and kick unarmed, wounded civilians in a deadly incident on a bridge in Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath, marking the first time an officer has provided federal authorities with an eyewitness account of …. Source article  : 3rd New Orleans police officer pleads guilty, gives eyewitness account of Katrina shootings.

Los Angeles authorities seek injunction to bar gang members from selling drugs on Skid Row

Injunction would bar gang members from LA Skid Row

LOS ANGELES – Authorities unveiled a tough new legal tactic Wednesday aimed at reclaiming the streets of Skid Row from drug-dealing gang members who commute from afar to sell crack cocaine to some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
Under a lawsuit proposed by the city attorney’s office, … Read more »».

Security tight as mourners gather for funeral for prominent South African white supremacist

South African white supremacist to be laid to rest

VENTERSDORP, South Africa – Men in camouflage with pistols at their waists and little girls in their Sunday best gathered in northwestern South Africa Friday for the funeral of a white supremacist killed in what has been described as a wage dispute with two young black farmworkers.
Security … Read : Security tight as mourners gather for funeral for prominent South African white supremacist.

Qatari diplomat in bomb scare will leave country without charges as US plans to close case

US to close book on diplomat’s airline bomb scare

WASHINGTON – The U.S. plans to close the book on the bomb scare aboard a Denver-bound airliner after receiving assurances from Qatar that the diplomat who touched off the panic will be sent home, officials said.
The diplomat, Mohammed Al-Madadi, was flying from Washington to meet imprisoned al-Qaida …. Read the original article  : here.

Skater Nancy Kerrigan’s brother to be arraigned in Massachusetts court in father’s death

Kerrigan’s brother to be arraigned in Mass. court

BOSTON – An argument that prosecutors say climaxed with a violent clash has the brother of figure skater Nancy Kerrigan facing a manslaughter charge in the death of their 70-year-old father and the close-knit family vowing to help fight the charge.
A day after being indicted by a grand …. Source  : Skater Nancy Kerrigan’s brother to be arraigned in Massachusetts court in father’s death.

Lebanese psychic on death row in Saudi Arabia is man of religion, says his family

Family defends Lebanese psychic jailed in Saudi

AL-AIN, Lebanon – Lebanese psychic Ali Sibat had just woken from an afternoon nap in a Saudi hotel when the telephone rang. A Saudi man asked if he could make magical talisman for his sister who had marital problems. Sibat, in the kingdom on a pilgrimage, said he’d be … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lebanese psychic on death row in Saudi Arabia is man of religion, says his family.

Prison inmate in Indonesia spends 3 extra years behind bars because of clerical typo

Typo costs prisoner 3 extra years in Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia – A Thai man has been released from an Indonesian prison after spending three extra years behind bars because of a typo in his paperwork, a report said Friday.
Kamjai Khong Thavorn, 53, should have been released in 2007 after serving a 20-year sentence for heroin possession … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prison inmate in Indonesia spends 3 extra years behind bars because of clerical typo.

Newspaper: Threats against members of Congress nearly triple, linked to health care overhaul

Growing number of threats target federal lawmakers
WASHINGTON – Ranging from vulgar language to talk of murder, threats against senators and representatives nearly tripled in recent months as the health care overhaul sparked public anger, The Washington Post reported.
House and Senate lawmakers reported 42 threats from January to March, compared with 15 … Read more >>.

Maoists attack Bihar village, two dead

Two farmers were killed in a late night raid by the Maoist guerrillas at a remote village in Bihar, police said today.

Police said hundreds of Maoists raided Kenar-Khurd village in Bihar’s Rohtas district around midnight on Thursday and shot dead two farmers, identified as father and son.
Maoists also blasted two houses by using dynamites before … Read : Maoists attack Bihar village, two dead.

Thousands of police take over street patrols from army in violent Mexico border city

Police take over from army in Mexico border city

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Mexican army troops were pulled off Ciudad Juarez’s streets Thursday and replaced by thousands of federal police officers who will take over the fight against drug-related violence that claimed over 2,600 lives last year in this border city.
With lights flashing and helicopters churning [..] Read the original article: here.

Oregon jury to start deliberating case that seeks $29 million from Boy Scouts for sex abuse

Oregon jury gets Boy Scouts sex abuse case

PORTLAND, Ore. – A $29 million sex abuse lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America is in the hands of a jury after a lawyer for the victim closed the case by arguing the Scouts failed to act when they knew they had a serious problem.
In closing arguments, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Oregon jury to start deliberating case that seeks $29 million from Boy Scouts for sex abuse.

Lawyer: Mental patient’s statements in NYC therapist attack case show thinking not ‘normal’

Remarks OK’d as evidence in NYC therapist killing

NEW YORK – A defense lawyer says a schizophrenic’s videotaped statements to police about the meat-cleaver killing of a New York City therapist could help the mental patient, though they’re intended as evidence against him.
Attorney Bryan Konoski says he won’t contest a judge’s decision Thursday that David Tarloff’s … Read : Lawyer: Mental patient’s statements in NYC therapist attack case show thinking not ‘normal’.

Officials: Israeli PM Netanyahu calls off trip to conference on nuclear weapons in Washington

Israeli PM calls off trip to nuclear conference

JERUSALEM – Israel’s prime minister abruptly called off a trip to Washington just days before he was slated to attend a conference there on the spread of nuclear weapons, officials in his office said Friday, fearing Israel would be singled out over its own nuclear program.
Benjamin Netanyahu had …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Officials: Israeli PM Netanyahu calls off trip to conference on nuclear weapons in Washington.

Federal prosecutors say Pelosi feared her family was in danger after threatening calls

Prosecutors: Pelosi feared for family after calls

SAN FRANCISCO – The man charged with threatening House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was so livid over the health care overhaul that he made at least 48 calls to her offices and homes, leading the Democrat to fear that her family might be in danger, federal prosecutors said Thursday.
Gregory Lee … Original source on Gaea Times at : Federal prosecutors say Pelosi feared her family was in danger after threatening calls.

Ex-nursing home worker guilty of punching, body-slamming residents at pricey Calif. facility

Ex-worker guilty of torturing elderly in Calif.

LOS ANGELES – A former nursing home worker accused of body-slamming one 78-year-old woman and encouraging wheelchair-confined residents of a pricey assisted-living facility to fight was found guilty Thursday of torture and elder abuse.
Jurors deliberated for less than a day before convicting Cesar Ulloa.
“He attacked the most vulnerable people, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ex-nursing home worker guilty of punching, body-slamming residents at pricey Calif. facility.

Minn. prosecutor: Extraditing priest from India to face sexual assault charges may take years

Minn. attorney: Extraditing priest may take years

MINNEAPOLIS – Extraditing a Roman Catholic priest from his native India to face charges of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Minnesota could take several years, the prosecutor in the case said Thursday.
Roseau County Attorney Lisa Hanson said federal officials told her the extradition of Rev. Joseph Palanivel Jeyapaul …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Minn. prosecutor: Extraditing priest from India to face sexual assault charges may take years.

Santonio Holmes’ lawyer says unnamed evidence will exonerate Steeler receiver

Lawyer: Evidence will exonerate Santonio Holmes

ORLANDO, Fla. – An attorney for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes says he has mailed Orlando Police investigators evidence that will exonerate his client against allegations that he threw a glass at a woman in a nightclub.
Attorney Adam Swickle refused to say Thursday what the evidence was since it is …. Original source  : Santonio Holmes’ lawyer says unnamed evidence will exonerate Steeler receiver.

‘Family Ties’ actor Brian Bonsall gets probation after pleading guilty in fight with friend

‘Family Ties’ actor Bonsall sentenced to probation

BOULDER, Colo. – Former “Family Ties” actor Brian Bonsall has been sentenced to two years probation after pleading guilty to charges connected to a fight with a friend last year in Colorado.
The 28-year-old actor entered his plea Thursday in Boulder to felony menacing and third-degree assault.
Bonsall also pleaded guilty … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Family Ties’ actor Brian Bonsall gets probation after pleading guilty in fight with friend.

Diplomat involved in bomb scare was en route to meet jailed terrorist in Colorado

Diplomat was headed to meet jailed terrorist

WASHINGTON – A Qatari diplomat was on his way to an official visit with an imprisoned al-Qaida sleeper agent when he touched off a bomb scare by slipping into an airline bathroom for a smoke, officials said Thursday as the diplomat prepared to leave the U.S.
The diplomat, Mohammed Al-Madadi, … Read more »».

Stepdad of 7-year-old NJ girl defends 3 men who are among 5 accused gang-raping her at party

Stepdad of NJ girl defends 3 accused of raping her

TRENTON, N.J. – A horrifying case – a gang rape of a 7-year-old allegedly sold by her teenage stepsister to armed men – grew more bizarre when the girl’s stepfather showed up outside the Trenton courthouse Thursday to say that three of the five accused men … Original source on Gaea Times at : Stepdad of 7-year-old NJ girl defends 3 men who are among 5 accused gang-raping her at party.

Trial of 1st suspect in NJ schoolyard murders revisits tragedy that changed a city

Triple-death trial revisits Newark’s turning point

NEWARK, N.J. – The bodies of the three friends were found slumped near a playground wall, each killed by a shot to the head. Nearby, a fourth lay clinging to life after being shot and stabbed.
The barbarity of the August 2007 killings – a machete was believed used in the … Original article on : Trial of 1st suspect in NJ schoolyard murders revisits tragedy that changed a city.

Mayor of NYC suburb, already charged with domestic violence, accused of witness tampering

Mayor of NYC suburb accused of witness tampering

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – A suburban New York City mayor facing charges of roughing up his wife has been accused of trying to persuade her not to testify against him.
Court papers filed Thursday allege White Plains Mayor Adam Bradley told his wife she should recant her claims against … Original article on : Mayor of NYC suburb, already charged with domestic violence, accused of witness tampering.

Soldiers, police in riot gear massing near anti-government protest sites in Thai capital

Thai security forces mass near protest sites

BANGKOK – Large groups of soldiers and police in riot gear are massing near to two encampments of anti-government protesters in the Thai capital.
The moves Saturday seemed to indicate that authorities are close to cracking down on the so-called Red Shirt protesters, who have been carrying out disruptive protests … Original article on : Soldiers, police in riot gear massing near anti-government protest sites in Thai capital.

Thai protesters to increase pressure as prime minister’s credibility appears weakened

Emboldened Thai protesters vow to raise pressure

BANGKOK – Emboldened Thai protesters vowed Saturday to ratchet up pressure on the government after their first violent skirmish with soldiers eroded the prime minister’s credibility and exposed concerns about the army’s loyalty.
Police made a failed effort to serve arrest warrants on three protest leaders in the morning, and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Thai protesters to increase pressure as prime minister’s credibility appears weakened.

AP: Letter shows future Pope Benedict XVI resisted defrocking molester priest in California

AP: Future pope stalled Calif. pedophile case

LOS ANGELES – Four years after a California priest and convicted child molester asked to be defrocked, his bishop pleaded with the future Pope Benedict XVI to remove the man from the priesthood. Then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger replied, urging caution.
“Consider the good of the Universal Church,” Ratzinger wrote in a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Parents protesting school furloughs at Hawaii governor’s office warned they face arrest

Parents issued citations at Hawaii furlough sit-in

HONOLULU – Parents staging a sit-in at Gov. Linda Lingle’s office to protest school furloughs were issued trespassing citations Friday evening and warned they face arrest if they try to resume their protest during the night next week.
The size of the sit-in has ebbed and flowed since Wednesday, spurred …. Original source  : Parents protesting school furloughs at Hawaii governor’s office warned they face arrest.

Police identify 21 women among photos released after Calif. serial killer’s trial

Police ID 21 women in serial killer’s photos

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Huntington Beach police have identified 21 women who appear in photos found in a convicted serial killer’s storage locker.
But detectives are still seeking the identity of more than 100 other females – and at least two young men – who posed for Rodney Alcala …. Source article  : Police identify 21 women among photos released after Calif. serial killer’s trial.

Bihar traders to down shutters by 9 pm

This is self-explanatory.
In a major blow to the ruling NDA government’s credibility, the trading community members in Bihar have now decided to down their shutters by 9 pm, angry at the rising crime graph and the frequent murders of the businessmen.

“We have decided to down our shutters by 9 pm sharp and have formally communicated …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bihar traders to down shutters by 9 pm.

Jury finds Ala. evangelist guilty of murdering wife, storing body in freezer

Preacher convicted of killing wife, freezing body

MOBILE, Ala. – An Alabama evangelist who terrorized his family while impressing audiences at revivals was convicted Friday of murdering his wife and storing her body in a freezer for years.
People who heard Anthony Hopkins’ sermons in rural towns around the South sometimes called him a psychic or even … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jury finds Ala. evangelist guilty of murdering wife, storing body in freezer.

Former ‘Survivor’ producer freed from detention in wife’s death, but can’t leave Mexico

Ex-’Survivor’ producer barred from leaving Mexico
CANCUN, Mexico – The producer of “Pimp My Ride” and formerly of “Survivor” is barred from leaving Mexico while authorities investigate the death of his wife whose body was found in the sewer of a Cancun resort, a state official said Friday.
Bruce Beresford-Redman was released from custody early … Read : Former ‘Survivor’ producer freed from detention in wife’s death, but can’t leave Mexico.

Country singer-songwriter Billy Joe Shaver acquitted in shooting outside Texas bar

Country singer Shaver acquitted in Texas shooting

WACO, Texas – Texas country singer-songwriter Billy Joe Shaver has been acquitted of aggravated assault in the 2007 shooting of a man in a bar parking lot.
Jurors took two hours Friday to decide. Shaver had testified that he acted in self-defense when he shot Billy Coker outside Waco on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Country singer-songwriter Billy Joe Shaver acquitted in shooting outside Texas bar.

LA court grants temporary custody of children to parents of producer suspected of killing wife

Producer’s parents get temp custody of children
LOS ANGELES – A court has granted temporary custody of the children of a reality show producer and his deceased wife to the children’s grandparents.
Los Angeles Superior Court spokesman Allan Parachini says a judge granted temporary custody to the grandparents during a hearing Friday. He did not … Original article on : LA court grants temporary custody of children to parents of producer suspected of killing wife.

Los Angeles police identify suspect in restaurant shooting that left 4 dead

LA police ID suspect in cafe killings
LOS ANGELES – A man who opened fire in a North Hollywood restaurant and killed four people following a dispute during a party last week remained at large Friday, Los Angeles police said.

The suspect was identified at an afternoon news conference as Nerses Arthur Galstyan, a 28-year-old Armenian national. … Read : Los Angeles police identify suspect in restaurant shooting that left 4 dead.

Tucson man who robbed 9 businesses in 9-day crime spree is sentenced to 12 life prison terms

Ariz man gets 12 life prison terms for 9 robberies

TUCSON, Ariz. – An Arizona man with 16 prior felony convictions has been sentenced to 12 life sentences for robbing nine businesses over a nine-day span in 2007.
A Pima County Superior Court judge on Friday ran each of Vincent A. Powell’s sentences concurrently to each other, …. Read the original article  : Tucson man who robbed 9 businesses in 9-day crime spree is sentenced to 12 life prison terms.

Vatican: Ratzinger told Calif. bishop to ensure priest didn’t abuse while defrocking studied

Vatican offers version of Calif. priest defrocking

LOS ANGELES – The Vatican’s lawyer says then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger told a California bishop to make sure a priest with a history of sexually molesting children didn’t abuse while the church worked to defrock him.
Attorney Jeffrey Lena was responding to a 1985 letter obtained by The Associated Press on … Read more : Vatican: Ratzinger told Calif. bishop to ensure priest didn’t abuse while defrocking studied.

Defense lawyers take aim on plea deal received by witness in KB Home stock backdating case

Defense blasts witness plea deal in KB Home case

LOS ANGELES – Defense lawyers took aim Friday on the credibility of a witness who pleaded guilty to conspiracy in a deal with prosecutors then testified during the stock backdating trial of former KB Home chief Bruce Karatz.
In closing arguments, attorneys for Karatz sought to portray former …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Official: Los Angeles police identify suspect in restaurant shooting that left 4 dead

Official: LA police ID suspect in cafe killings

LOS ANGELES – Police have identified a suspect in a shooting at a North Hollywood restaurant that left four dead, a law enforcement official said Friday.
The suspect, Nerses Galstyan, remains at large and is also wanted on a federal indictment for weapons charges, said the official, who was …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Official: Los Angeles police identify suspect in restaurant shooting that left 4 dead.

Case of Dolphins DE Randy Starks resolved, charges reduced to misdemeanor traffic violation

Case against Dolphins DE Starks resolved
MIAMI – The case against Miami Dolphins defensive end Randy Starks has been resolved with the charges being reduced to a misdemeanor traffic violation.

Court papers show Starks will pay a $219 fine and take eight hours of mandatory traffic classes. He originally faced a felony charge of aggravated battery against … Original source on Gaea Times at : Case of Dolphins DE Randy Starks resolved, charges reduced to misdemeanor traffic violation.

Ex-NBA star Isaiah Rider arrested in Phoenix suburb in alleged assault of fiance

Ex-NBA player Isaiah Rider arrested in Arizona

PHOENIX – Police say former NBA player Isaiah Rider has been arrested near Phoenix on suspicion of assaulting his fiance and reneging on a $150 cab fare.
Police say the 39-year-old Rider was taken into custody Thursday after an officer spotted him driving erratically in a vehicle with three small …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fla. prosecutor to determine whether to charge Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes in Orlando

Fla. prosecutors reviewing case against Holmes

ORLANDO, Fla. – Prosecutors are reviewing the case against Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, who is accused of throwing a glass at a woman.
Orlando Police spokeswoman Sgt. Barbara Jones says findings of its investigation were submitted Friday to the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office for a review and decision on whether … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fla. prosecutor to determine whether to charge Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes in Orlando.

Ex-priest charged with raping kids in Bolivia eludes justice after returning home to Uruguay

Uruguayan ex-priest avoids justice on rape charges

LA PAZ, Bolivia – A Catholic priest who fled home to Uruguay and was defrocked after a nun accused him of raping three children in Bolivia has been living with his family for more than a year – with the full knowledge of Uruguayan church officials – despite an …. Source article  : Ex-priest charged with raping kids in Bolivia eludes justice after returning home to Uruguay.

Defendant pleads guilty in deal with prosecutors in Javon Walker robbery case in Las Vegas

Defendant pleads guilty in Javon Walker robbery

LAS VEGAS – One of two defendants pleaded guilty Friday as part of a deal with prosecutors in the robbery of former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker after a night of Las Vegas club-hopping almost two years ago.
Arfat Abdo Fadel pleaded guilty to robbery, second-degree kidnapping and conspiracy …. Original source  : Defendant pleads guilty in deal with prosecutors in Javon Walker robbery case in Las Vegas.

USS Ashland Captures Pirates

DJIBOUTI, REPUBLIC OF DJIBOUTI (GaeaTimes.com)- It has been reported that a warship belonging to the Unites States navy, the USS Ashland, had captured possible pirates on Saturday The incident occurred some 300 nautical miles off the capital city of Djibouti in the Horn of Africa. According to reports provided by the United States 5th [..] Read the original article: here.

Former Israeli PM Olmert rejects ‘innuendo’ linking him to new corruption scandal

Reports: Israel’s Olmert says he never took bribes

JERUSALEM – Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Sunday that he rejects the “innuendo” linking him to a new corruption case and told Israeli newspapers that he never took bribes.
Last week, a longtime Olmert confidant and five others were arrested in a multimillion-dollar bribery scandal. The money … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Former Israeli PM Olmert rejects ‘innuendo’ linking him to new corruption scandal.

North Korea informs South it will start quitting joint tour program this week

NKorea to start quitting joint tour this week

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea informed South Korea that it will begin quitting a joint tourism project in the communist country this week, officials said Sunday, in another setback to relations between the countries.
North Korea said Thursday that it would freeze some South Korean assets at scenic … Read this article on Gaea Times at : North Korea informs South it will start quitting joint tour program this week.

Maoists bomb govt buildings in Bihar

Maoist rebels bombed as many as three government buildings in Bihar late night on Saturday to vent their ire at Operation Green Hunt, police said today.

Police said the hundreds of Maoist insurgents raided Adhaura block in South Bihar’s Kaimur district and blasted three govenrment buildings using high-powered detonators.
The blasted buildings include a primary health … Original article on : Maoists bomb govt buildings in Bihar.

Judge approves $110M settlement over E-Ferol, vitamin supplement linked to 40 infant deaths

Judge approves $110M settlement in E-Ferol case

DALLAS – A federal judge has approved a $110 million class-action settlement against the manufacturer and distributor of an intravenous vitamin E supplement that federal officials have linked to the deaths of dozens of premature infants in the mid-1980s.
U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater approved the settlement Friday in … Read more : Judge approves $110M settlement over E-Ferol, vitamin supplement linked to 40 infant deaths.

Police: 1 dead, several injured after shooting inside crowded Oklahoma mall

1 killed, several hurt in shooting at Okla. mall

MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Gunfire broke out inside a crowded Oklahoma shopping mall Saturday, leaving a teenager dead and several injured in what witnesses described as a gunfight, police said.
Five people were taken to a hospital as authorities cordoned off the Arrowhead Mall in downtown Muskogee, an area …. Source article  : Police: 1 dead, several injured after shooting inside crowded Oklahoma mall.

Anti-violence rally, march held in New Jersey following alleged gang rape of 7-year-old girl

Men called to action in NJ after alleged gang rape

TRENTON, N.J. – Dozens of men joined Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer and hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons in an impromptu march on Saturday through the neighborhood where police say a 7-year-old girl was gang-raped.
The march followed an afternoon rally organized to spur discussion about violence committed against … Read more : Anti-violence rally, march held in New Jersey following alleged gang rape of 7-year-old girl.

Woman accused of trying to extort Louisville coach Rick Pitino wants June trial moved

Accused woman wants Pitino extortion trial moved

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The woman accused of attempting to extort money from University of Louisville men’s basketball coach Rick Pitino is asking a judge to move her trial out of Louisville.
Federal court records show the attorney for Karen Cunigan Sypher filed a motion in U.S. District Court on Friday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Teenager arraigned in shooting of classmate at NY police station near baseball’s Hall of Fame

Teenager arraigned in NY police station shooting

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – A teenager accused of shooting a high school classmate in the foyer of a New York police station near baseball’s Hall of Fame has been arraigned on attempted murder charges.
Anthony Pacherille was arraigned in his hospital bed Friday as he recovered from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities … Read more »»».

Colleagues were concerned early on by Calif. priest’s immaturity, interest in youth ministry

Worries about Calif. priest came early in career

OAKLAND, Calif. – Even in his seminary days in the early 1970s, there were questions about California priest Stephen Kiesle: Colleagues said he had trouble relating to adults, lacked spirituality and didn’t seem committed to anything but youth ministry.
Those colleagues, who helped make the case to the Vatican … Read more >>>.

NC prosecutor says he plans to pursue case against 6 members of Willie Nelson’s band

NC prosecutor: Nelson band member charges pending

KENANSVILLE, N.C. – A North Carolina prosecutor says he still plans to prosecute six members of guitarist and singer Willie Nelson’s band on drug and alcohol charges.
Duplin County District Attorney Dewey Hudson said at a press conference Friday that substances seized from the band’s bus in January are being …. Original article  : NC prosecutor says he plans to pursue case against 6 members of Willie Nelson’s band.

NYPD counterterror official who oversaw security camera initiative set to leave end of April

NYPD counterterror boss who oversaw cameras quits

NEW YORK – The New York Police Department is losing its top counterterrorism official.
An NYPD spokesman confirmed Saturday that Richard Falkenrath plans to leave the nation’s biggest police department at the end of the month.
The 41-year-old Falkenrath had been deputy commissioner of counterterrorism since 2006. He was an architect … Read this article on Gaea Times at : NYPD counterterror official who oversaw security camera initiative set to leave end of April.

Yemen says it’s not going after radical US-born cleric reportedly added to CIA target list

Yemen not going after radical US-born cleric

SAN’A, Yemen – Yemeni forces are not going after a radical U.S.-born cleric who has reportedly been added to the CIA’s list of targets to be killed or captured, the foreign minister said Saturday.
The United States has not handed over evidence to support allegations that Anwar al-Awlaki is recruiting … Read : Yemen says it’s not going after radical US-born cleric reportedly added to CIA target list.

3 Italian medical workers among 9 people held in alleged Afghan hospital murder plot

3 Italians among 9 held in alleged Afghan plot

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Three Italian medical workers are among nine people who were detained in an alleged plot to kill an Afghan provincial governor, officials said Saturday.
They were detained after suicide bomb vests, hand grenades, pistols and explosives were discovered in a hospital storeroom in Lashkar Gah, …. Read the original article  : 3 Italian medical workers among 9 people held in alleged Afghan hospital murder plot.

Cable ties Kissinger to cancellation of assassination warning to Chile before Letelier murder

Cable ties Kissinger to Chile controversy
WASHINGTON – As secretary of state, Henry Kissinger canceled a U.S. warning against carrying out international political assassinations that was to have gone to Chile and two neighboring nations just days before a former ambassador was killed by Chilean agents on Washington’s Embassy Row in 1976, a newly released State … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cable ties Kissinger to cancellation of assassination warning to Chile before Letelier murder.

US Navy captures 6 suspected pirates after sea battle

US Navy holds 6 suspected pirates after battle

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – A U.S. warship captured six suspected pirates Saturday after a battle off the Horn of Africa – the Navy’s third direct encounter with seafaring bandits in less than two weeks.
The Navy has taken at least 21 suspected pirates since March 31 in the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US Navy captures 6 suspected pirates after sea battle.

Somali pirates abandon hijacked Turkish ship off Kenyan coast

Somali pirates abandon hijacked Turkish vessel

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The U.S. Navy is holding six suspected pirates after a sea battle off the Horn of Africa.
It’s the third U.S. Navy encounter with pirates in the past 10 days in the violence-plagued waters off Somalia and nearby regions. At least 21 suspected pirates have been …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Somali pirates abandon hijacked Turkish ship off Kenyan coast.

Attackers blow whole in western Iranian prison letting two convicted murderers escape

Attackers blast open Iran prison, two escape

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s official news agency reports assailants blasted open a prison wall with rocket propelled grenades in western Iran, allowing two convicted murderers to escape.
IRNA on Saturday quoted Governor Noorollah Arjmoandi saying that the attackers drove up in cars and fired RPGs at the main prison in …. Source article  : Attackers blow whole in western Iranian prison letting two convicted murderers escape.

Mother of 13-year-old bride who bled to death says daughter was tied up and raped by husband

Dead Yemeni child bride tied up, raped, says mom

SHUEBA, Yemen – A 13-year-old Yemeni child bride who bled to death shortly after marriage was tied down and forced to have sex by her husband, according to interviews with the child’s mother, police and medical reports.
The girl’s mother, Nijma Ahmed, 50, told the Associated Press that … Original article on : Mother of 13-year-old bride who bled to death says daughter was tied up and raped by husband.

South African woman accused of drug smuggling in China faces death sentence

South African woman faces death sentence in China

PRETORIA, South Africa – South Africa says China has sentenced a South African woman to death for drug smuggling.
South Africa’s foreign affairs department said in a statement Friday the sentence was confirmed by a court in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou.
South Africa says its ambassador in China …. Original article  : South African woman accused of drug smuggling in China faces death sentence.