Kasab Croons Hindi Song

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Mohammed Ajmal Kasab who would be facing court’s verdict today seems to be in a jovial mood as the authorities of Arthur Road Jail spotted the convict singing Hindi songs in his cell. The attending officers of the Arthur Road prison told the media that Mohammed Ajmal Kasab has been murmuring a … Read more »».

BJP working on formula to tackle Maoism: Parrikar

PANAJI – The Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) is working on a formula to tackle Maoism by empowering tribals, former Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar said Monday.

Parrikar, convener of BJP’s newly formed governance cell, told IANS that police action alone was no answer to Maoist insurgency plaguing the country’s backward regions.
“Tribals should be allowed to …. Original article  : BJP working on formula to tackle Maoism: Parrikar.

Sri Lankan leader frees journalist held on terrorism charges on World Press Freedom Day

Sri Lankan leader frees convicted journalist
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s president ordered the release Monday of a journalist imprisoned on terrorism charges after criticizing the government’s war on Tamil rebels, in a case cited by President Barack Obama as harassment of the press.
Rajapaksa used his executive powers to release Jeyaprakash Tissainayagam, … Read more >>.

Muslim groups demand fresh probe into Mecca Masjid blast

HYDERABAD – Muslim groups in Hyderabad have demanded a fresh probe into the 2007 bomb blast at Mecca Masjid in view of the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) revelation that the 2007 blasts at the historic mosque and the Ajmer shrine were linked.

The CBI and Rajasthan’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) believe that the blast …. Original article  : Muslim groups demand fresh probe into Mecca Masjid blast.

Times square’s lucky escape from another 26/11

New York,APRIL – As America heaved a collective sigh over the lucky escape from what could have been its 26/11, media recalled other breaks including the arrest of Pakistan-American David Coleman Headley linked with Mumbai terror attacks.

The plot to blow up Times Square over the weekend appears less sophisticated than others that authorities have thwarted …. Original source  : Times square’s lucky escape from another 26/11.

Suicide attack kills 1 outside CIA base in southeastern Afghanistan

Afghan suicide attack kills 1 outside CIA base

KABUL – A suicide attack outside a CIA base killed one civilian and wounded two security guards Monday in eastern Afghanistan, an Afghan official said.
The blast happened outside Camp Chapman, the same base that was hit in December in one of the worst attacks in the history of …. Source  : Suicide attack kills 1 outside CIA base in southeastern Afghanistan.

Listen up! At the root of Greek financial crisis lies distaste for commands of the state

Greeks and the state: an uncomfortable couple

ATHENS – A pony-tailed Greek on a motorcycle pulled up onto the sidewalk, hunting for a better parking spot, and an elderly tourist with a crutch shuffled out of the way. The good-natured driver explained his illegal maneuver with a smile.
One word was enough. “Greece,” he told her in … Read more »»».

Kasab Trial Verdict Today

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Ajmal Amir Kasab, the main convicted terrorist taken into custody following the Mumbai terrorist attack of November 2008 will face his ordeal today in his final judgement. Reportedly, the case of Ajmal Amir Kasab will be decided over by a special judge from the session court. Along with Ajmal Amir Kasab, Faheem [..] Read the original article: here.

Afghan suicide attack kills 1 at entrance of military base

Afghan suicide attack kills 1 outside base

KABUL – Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry says a suicide attack has killed one person and wounded two at the entrance to a military base.
The attack happened Monday morning in Khost province in eastern Afghanistan. The ministry says the suicide bomber was in a car packed with explosives.
The attack killed one …. Source  : Afghan suicide attack kills 1 at entrance of military base.

Official: China’s next Internet moves to focus on blocking ‘overseas hostile forces’

China targets ‘foreign forces’ in Web crackdown

BEIJING – China will target online information from “overseas hostile forces” in its next crackdown to tighten Internet controls, a government spokesman said in comments reported Monday.
The announcement gave no details about which groups might be targeted but Beijing sometimes accuses political, human rights, Tibet and other activists abroad … Original source on Gaea Times at : Official: China’s next Internet moves to focus on blocking ‘overseas hostile forces’.

Pakistan Taliban leader threatens US in video message

WASHINGTON – Pakistan Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud, in a first video message after his alleged death in a US strike, threatened strikes against the US, a terrorism internet watchdog said Monday.

Mehsud, in the nine-minute video released Sunday by the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, said the “time was very near” when his fighters would attack main US [..] Read the original article: here.

All set for 26/11 trial verdict

MUMBAI – The fate of Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone Pakistani terrorist captured after the audacious attack on India’s financial and entertainment capital on 26/11, will be decided by Special Judge M.L. Tahaliyani here Monday.

As per indications, Tahaliyani is likely to pronounce his verdict in the Mumbai terror attacks case around noon Monday …. Original source  : All set for 26/11 trial verdict.

18 businesses damaged after immigrants’ rights march turns violent in Santa Cruz, Calif.

Calif. immigrants’ rights march ends in vandalism

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Close to 20 businesses were damaged after what started as a peaceful immigrants’ rights march in downtown Santa Cruz turned violent, requiring police to call other agencies for help, authorities said.
Police spokesman Zach Friend said an estimated 250 people started marching through the city around …. Read the original article  : 18 businesses damaged after immigrants’ rights march turns violent in Santa Cruz, Calif..

18 businesses damaged after May Day protest in Santa Cruz, Calif., turns violent

18 businesses damaged in Calif. May Day protest

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Close to 20 businesses were damaged after a May Day protest in downtown Santa Cruz turned violent, requiring police to call other agencies for help, authorities said.
Police spokesman Zach Friend said an estimated 250 people started marching through the city around 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
It …. Read the original article  : here.

DEA investigation is pending on allegations in drug lawsuit against NFL champion Saints

DEA looking into Saints case
NEW ORLEANS – Federal authorities are looking into allegations made in a civil lawsuit accusing the New Orleans Saints of trying to cover up a senior staff member’s theft of prescription Vicodin pills from the club’s training headquarters.

“The DEA was referred this case and there is a pending investigation,” said Special …. Read the original article  : here.

Utah bars fined for failing to scan customer IDs of those who appear younger than 35

Utah bars fined for failing to scan customer IDs

SALT LAKE CITY – Four bars in Salt Lake City and a club in Ogden have been cited by state liquor agents for failing to scan the ID of anyone who appears younger than 35 before allowing them to enter.
The penalty for failing to electronically verify licenses … Read more »»».

Authorities taking time to look into allegations in drug lawsuit against NFL champion Saints

Local authorities holding off on Saints probe

NEW ORLEANS – Local authorities are holding off on investigating possible criminal accusations in a lawsuit involving the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints.
The civil suit brought by former Saints security director Geoffrey Santini alleges several possible state offenses. The accusations include theft of prescription drugs from the club’s …. Original source  : Authorities taking time to look into allegations in drug lawsuit against NFL champion Saints.

Polanski breaks silence, saying US wants to serve him ‘on a platter to media’

Polanski breaks silence over US extradition case

PARIS – Filmmaker Roman Polanski, breaking a months-long silence, said Sunday that the U.S. is demanding his extradition from Switzerland on a 33-year-old sex case largely to serve him “on a platter to the media.”
Polanski, who is under house arrest in his Alpine Swiss chalet, laid out his case …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Polanski breaks silence, saying US wants to serve him ‘on a platter to media’.

No evidence to back Taliban’s New York bomb claim: Police

NEW YORK – New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly Sunday said there is no evidence to support the claim by a Pakistani Taliban commander that he was behind Saturday’s failed car bomb attempt on Times Square.

“Although a Taliban bomb-maker has claimed on the Internet that the car bomb was placed on Times Square to avenge … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No evidence to back Taliban’s New York bomb claim: Police.

New York car bomb attempt serious situation: White House

WASHINGTON – The bombing attempt in New York’s Times Square was an “extremely serious situation” and the US authorities are investigating all possibilities, the White House said Sunday.

Robert Gibbs, press secretary for the White House, refused to characterise who might be involved or what those motives might be during a press brief onboard Air Force … Read : New York car bomb attempt serious situation: White House.

Sopore tense over separatist commander’s death

SRINAGAR – North Kashmir’s Sopore town remained tense for the third day Tuesday over the mysterious death of a local separatist guerrilla commander. The commander’s family alleged he was killed in a gun battle with the Indian Army while the police refuted the claims.

All markets and educational institutions remained shut and transport was off the … Read more »».

Mumbai News On 26/11 Sentencing

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The nation is waiting for the latest news on the fate of Ajmal Kasab, the sole terrorist who was caught alive at the 26/11 massacre. Today the 26/11 trial court of Mumbai will hear the arguments of both the defence and prosecution and deliver the verdict. The terrorist got convicted …. Read the original article  : Mumbai News On 26/11 Sentencing.

Teammates mourn slain Va. lacrosse player; authorities charge fellow athlete in her slaying

Va. lacrosse player’s killing shocks classmates

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Yeardley Love was upon the best time of her life.
The woman from Cockeysville, Md., who said she always dreamed of playing lacrosse at Virginia, was only weeks from earning a degree, and she and her teammates were anticipating a chance to punctuate their season by winning a …. Source article  : Teammates mourn slain Va. lacrosse player; authorities charge fellow athlete in her slaying.

Another failed terrorist attack plot: Years of schemes leave NY residents wary and weary

Failed terror attack plots leave NY residents wary

NEW YORK – A Times Square car bombing attempt last weekend was just the latest in a long list of terror schemes targeting New York City.
Hardened wariness has taken hold for many New Yorkers. Retired firefighter Lee Ielpi (eye-EL’-pee) lost his firefighter son on Sept. 11 and says … Original source on Gaea Times at : Another failed terrorist attack plot: Years of schemes leave NY residents wary and weary.

Ex-producer faces jail in NYC for trying to shake down David Letterman over his office affairs

Ex-producer faces jail in NYC for Letterman plot

NEW YORK – A former CBS television producer who admitted trying to shake down David Letterman over the late-night comic’s office affairs is bracing for time behind bars.
Robert “Joe” Halderman was set to be sentenced Tuesday to a six-month jail term, as planned when he pleaded guilty in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ex-producer faces jail in NYC for trying to shake down David Letterman over his office affairs.

Shahzad Faisal Arrested In Bombing Case

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- The New York Police Department has arrested a man as being the prime suspect in the case of the Times Square bombing in New York. The bomb was found in a car in Times Square, and was detonated before it could explode. This is the first headway that the police have been …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Shahzad Faisal Arrested In Bombing Case.

Ceasefire with Nagaland militant outfit extended

NEW DELHI – The ceasefire agreement between the government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K) has been extended by another year, it was announced Tuesday.

The decision to extend the agreement with effect from April 28, 2010 was taken Monday evening at a meeting with home ministry officials and NSCN-K representatives, an official statement …. Original article  : Ceasefire with Nagaland militant outfit extended.

Off-duty deputy arrests woman in Southern California Target store after she allegedly stabs 4

Off-duty deputy stops knife attack at Calif Target

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Deputy Clay Grant Jr. was off-duty and picking up a couple of household items from Target when customers started screaming.
He says he quickly saw why: A woman was running down the cosmetic aisle with a knife in each hand.
Layla Trawick, 34, had just stabbed …. Source article  : Off-duty deputy arrests woman in Southern California Target store after she allegedly stabs 4.

Unlikely partners on crime say Congress fails to give fair notice of criminal conduct

Report: Congress makes too many vague laws

WASHINGTON – A conservative think tank and criminal defense lawyers are forming an unusual alliance to try to get Congress to quit writing criminal laws so loosely that they subject innocent people to unjust prosecution and prison.
A new study by the Heritage Foundation and the National Association of Criminal … Original source on Gaea Times at : Unlikely partners on crime say Congress fails to give fair notice of criminal conduct.

Iraq starts construction of security wall around Baghdad

Baghdad, May 4 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Iraqi authorities have started the construction of a security wall around the capital Baghdad, reports the country’s Al-Iraqiya TV citing a Baghdad security spokesperson.

The concrete wall with eight checkpoints is to be completed in mid-2011.
It will be equipped with modern surveillance systems to “block terrorists and prevent them from … Original source on Gaea Times at : Iraq starts construction of security wall around Baghdad.

Why name Saeed, Lakhvi in 26/11 verdict, asks Jamaat-ud-Dawa

LAHORE – India has “unjustifiably” named Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leaders Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in the Mumbai terror attack case, a Jamaat-ud-Dawa spokesperson said after an Indian court held Pakistani national Ajmal Amir Kasab guilty of the 26/11 mayhem.

A special court in Mumbai Monday pronounced Kasab, who was the lone terrorist arrested for …. Original article  : Why name Saeed, Lakhvi in 26/11 verdict, asks Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

Pakistani man detained over Times Square incident

NEW YORK – Police arrested a naturalized US citizen from Pakistan in connection with the apparent botched attempt to set off a crude car bomb in New York’s landmark Times Square, The New York Times reported early Tuesday.

The suspect is a resident of nearby Connecticut and is believed to have anonymously bought the 1993 …. Original source  : Pakistani man detained over Times Square incident.

Pakistani man sought in Times Square bomb scare

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON – American authorities are seeking the arrest of a man from Pakistan who has been identified as the owner of the 1993 Nissan Pathfinder that was used in the failed car bombing in Times Square, according to the New York Times.

Identified as a naturalised US citizen from Pakistan who recently returned from a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistani man sought in Times Square bomb scare.

Calif. prosecutors: Man strangled elderly mother, then went to store to buy tobacco

Prosecutors: Man strangled mother, went to store

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Prosecutors say a 52-year-old man strangled his mother, wrapped her body in a sheet and then used her credit card to buy chewing tobacco before returning to their Southern California condominium and calling 911.
Orange County Deputy District Attorney Ebrahim Baytieh told jurors Monday that Ethan … Read more : Calif. prosecutors: Man strangled elderly mother, then went to store to buy tobacco.

NY governor seeks to help rehabilitated, convicted immigrants avoid deportation

NY governor seeks to counter deportation laws

ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. David Paterson stepped into the immigration debate Monday, saying he would create the nation’s first “pardon panel” to investigate requests of legal immigrants facing deportation because of past convictions.
Paterson, proposing the measure as the nation is embroiled in conflict over an Arizona law that critics [..] Read the original article: here.

Report: No spying in suburban Philly school laptops tracking, but privacy concerns ignored

Report: No spying in Pa. school laptops case

PHILADELPHIA – There’s no evidence a suburban school district used school-issued laptops to spy on students despite its questionable policies and its lack of regard for students’ privacy, according to a report issued Monday by attorneys hired by the district.
Concerns about an online chat captured in a screen …. Source  : Report: No spying in suburban Philly school laptops tracking, but privacy concerns ignored.

Woman stabs 4 in Southern Calif. Target store, off-duty sheriff’s deputy orders her to ground

Woman stabs 4 in Southern Calif. Target store

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – A woman who stabbed and wounded four people in a busy Target store Monday afternoon was arrested when an off-duty sheriff’s deputy pulled his gun and ordered the woman to the ground as screaming shoppers ran from the building, authorities said.
Layla Trawick used a …. Source article  : Woman stabs 4 in Southern Calif. Target store, off-duty sheriff’s deputy orders her to ground.

City attorney says Phoenix mayor can’t file challenge to Arizona’s new immigration law

Official: Mayor can’t challenge AZ immigration law

PHOENIX – A proposed legal challenge to Arizona’s new immigration law took a hit Monday when the Phoenix city attorney said Mayor Phil Gordon doesn’t have the power to target the law without the support of the City Council.
Gordon was hoping to file a lawsuit to stop the law … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : City attorney says Phoenix mayor can’t file challenge to Arizona’s new immigration law.

Court rebuffs conservation groups, upholds timber sales in Tongass National Forest

Court upholds timber sales in Tongass Nat’l Forest

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Two conservation groups have failed to stop four timber sale offerings they say threaten a rare species of wolf that lives in the Tongass National Forest.
Greenpeace and Cascadia Wildlands Project filed a lawsuit two years ago accusing the U.S. Forest Service of violating federal environmental … Original article on : Court rebuffs conservation groups, upholds timber sales in Tongass National Forest.

FBI: Former SC sheriff dealt drugs from police SUV, extorted dealers to keep them out of jail

FBI: Ex-SC sheriff dealt drugs from police SUV

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A South Carolina sheriff dealt drugs from his police SUV and when state and federal agents gave him a list of possible drug dealers in his county, he immediately started calling to tip them off or extort money to get them off the list, according … Read more »».

Pakistan arrests suspects linked to Times Square bomber

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani authorities have arrested several suspects reportedly linked to the failed car bombing in New York.

Faisal Shahzad, a naturalized US citizen of Pakistani origin, was arrested in the US Monday over the failed attack.
Shahzad’s friend Tausef and father-in-law Iftikhar Mian were picked up by intelligence personnel from a house in the southern [..] Read the original article: here.

Afghan militants attack government compound; at least 5 would-be suicide bombers dead

Afghan militants attack government compound

KABUL – Militants attacked the provincial governor’s compound in western Afghanistan on Wednesday, sparking street battles that killed at least five would-be suicide bombers, authorities said.
The Afghan Interior Ministry said police killed the bombers before they were able to carry out their attacks in Zaranj in Nimroz province, in extreme southwestern … Read more : Afghan militants attack government compound; at least 5 would-be suicide bombers dead.

Philippine justice chief, under public pressure, keeps massacre charges vs. 2 clan members

Philippines restores massacre charges for clansmen

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine justice chief on Wednesday reversed his decision to drop murder charges against two suspects in last year’s massacre of 57 people following complaints from victims’ families and his own prosecutors.
Among 198 suspects in the Nov. 23 killings, the Philippines’ worst political violence, are members of …. Original source  : Philippine justice chief, under public pressure, keeps massacre charges vs. 2 clan members.

Afghan police kill would-be suicide bombers in the western province of Nimroz

Afghan police kill would-be suicide bombers

KABUL – Afghan officials say police have killed several would-be suicide bombers in western Afghanistan.
Zemeri Bashary, spokesman for the Afghan Interior Ministry, says police killed five bombers Wednesday before they could carry out an attack in Nimroz province.
The deputy police chief there, Musa Rasooli, said militants were targeting the provincial …. Source  : Afghan police kill would-be suicide bombers in the western province of Nimroz.

Times Square suspect chose wrong explosive, says expert

NEW YORK – Terror suspect Faisal Shahzad, who attempted to bomb Times Square here after receiving training in Pakistan, made a crucial mistake that saved many lives — he chose the wrong explosive material, a security expert said.

Frank Doyle, a former bomb expert who served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, said he didn’t think …. Read the original article  : here.

NY man accused of stealing from Make-A-Wish Foundation, having someone’s handicap parking pass

NY man accused of Make-A-Wish Foundation theft

BOHEMIA, N.Y. – A man from New York’s Long Island has been accused of stealing from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Suffolk County police say the man was wanted on grand larceny charges alleging he used for his personal gain money from the foundation, which grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical … Read more >>.

Hero Honda Hunk Retrieved By Cops

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Mumbai Police held a young man called Nilesh Banjar in custody as he tried to steal a Hero Honda Hunk motorbike. Reportedly, the Hero Honda Hunk belonged to the father of his close friend. The youth told the police that he stole it because of his job which involved heavy traveling. He … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Hero Honda Hunk Retrieved By Cops.

US underplays Pakistan connection to terror

WASHINGTON – As another terror case with Pakistani links emerged, US sought to underplay the connection projecting terrorism as a common threat to “a number of countries around the world, including Pakistan and India and others.”

“We obviously are aware that, you know, we have a threat that we face on an ongoing basis of individuals …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Officer, soldier killed in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – An army officer and a soldier died Wednesday after succumbing to injuries sustained in a gunfight between separatist guerrillas and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district, police said.

“A major and a soldier, both of whom had been injured in Tuesday’s encounter between militants and security forces in Chatibandi area of Bandipora … Original source on Gaea Times at : Officer, soldier killed in Kashmir gunfight.

Times Square bomb suspect travelled often to Pakistan

WASHINGTON – Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistan-born suspect who tried to explode a car bomb in Times Square, had lived legally in the US for 10 years and apparently often travelled to Pakistan.

Shahzad, 30, who has admitted to getting bomb making training in Pakistan, made his last trip to his homeland in February, the New York …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Southern Minn. man accused burglary, animal cruelty for allegedly stabbing 29 pigs

Southern Minn. man accused of stabbing 29 pigs

FAIRMONT, Minn. – Authorities say a southern Minnesota man was drunk when he allegedly went into a barn and stabbed 29 pigs.
Twenty-three-year-old Curtis Lee Adams of Winnegago faces burglary, cruelty to animals and other charges in last week’s incident at the Wiechman Pigs hog barn. All 29 pigs …. Original source  : Southern Minn. man accused burglary, animal cruelty for allegedly stabbing 29 pigs.

Soldier killed, captain wounded in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – An army soldier was killed and an officer Wednesday injured in an ongoing gunfight between separatist guerrillas and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district, police said.

“The encounter started late Tuesday evening. One captain and a soldier of the army were wounded when militants fired at a raiding party of the security … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Soldier killed, captain wounded in Kashmir gunfight.

Fellow passengers: No panic on plane after arrest of Times Square bomb suspect

No panic on plane as Times Square suspect arrested

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Passengers aboard the plane with the Times Square bomb suspect said Wednesday they were asked to identify their carry-on baggage and went through another round of security screening after the flight was brought back to the terminal in New York.
Suspect Faisal Shahzad … Read more »»».

Relatives of 4 killed at Kent State site remembered; hundreds gather 40 years after shootings

Kent State marks 40th years since Guard shootings

KENT, Ohio – The relatives of four students killed by National Guard troops at Kent State University remembered their loved ones along with hundreds of people who gathered at the site 40 years later.
Ninety-year-old Florence Schroeder spoke about her son, William, who was shot in the back on …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Relatives of 4 killed at Kent State site remembered; hundreds gather 40 years after shootings.

Times Square bomb suspect admits he was trained in Pakistan

NEW YORK – A Pakistani American suspect in the failed Times Square car bombing has admitted he attempted to detonate a bomb at the New York landmark and had received bomb-making training in Pakistan, according to court charges filed against him.

Other charges against Faisal Shahzad, 30, who was arrested as his plane was about to … Read more »».

Ex-member of Ku Klux Klan gives account of woman’s death at group leader’s trial

Witness: Slain Klan recruit shouted ‘I want out’

COVINGTON, La. – A Ku Klux Klan recruit agrily cursed a white supremacist leader and yelled “I want out” before he shot her to death the day after she was initiated in 2008, a former group member testified Tuesday.
Frankie Stafford gave a chilling account of Cynthia Lynch’s death, …. Read the original article  : here.

Smoking bag removed from international flight in Houston was damaged by external heat source

No threat from smoking suitcase at Houston airport

HOUSTON – Police say a ruptured, smoking suitcase found on an international flight in Houston posed no threat and that damage to the bag was caused by an external heat source.
Officials say luggage was being taken off a KLM flight that had arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport …. Read the original article  : Smoking bag removed from international flight in Houston was damaged by external heat source.

‘Her head repeatedly hit the wall’: Suspect tells police details of U.Va. lacrosse death

Suspect tells police details of U.Va. lax death

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – On a day when gruesome details emerged about how a women’s lacrosse player at Virginia wound up dead in a pool of her own blood and a player on the men’s team was charged with killing her, the teams decided to play on in tribute.
Virginia … Original article on : ‘Her head repeatedly hit the wall’: Suspect tells police details of U.Va. lacrosse death.

Texas Tech files documents in former coach’s lawsuit over his firing

Texas Tech seeks to have individuals dismissed

LUBBOCK, Texas – Attorneys for Texas Tech University said in documents filed Tuesday that they want four school employees dismissed from former football coach Mike Leach’s lawsuit over his firing and argued again that the school is immune from the suit.
It was the final day court filings could be …. Source article  : Texas Tech files documents in former coach’s lawsuit over his firing.

Fellow passengers: No panic during arrest of Times Square bomb suspect

Passengers: Times Square suspect arrested quietly

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Travelers aboard the plane with the Times Square bomb suspect say the pilot announced that a passenger was being taken off the aircraft, but they only learned of the links to the failed attack after the arrest.
Suspect Faisal Shahzad was arrested Tuesday after the Emirates … Read more >>>.

I am happy, says Nikam

MUMBAI – “I am happy with the judgement,” Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam declared Thursday, after Pakistani national Ajmal Amir Kasab was sentenced to death in the 26/11 case.

“This case was a challenge to us,” Nikam told reporters, adding that capital punishment would help heal the wounds of the victims of the 2008 terror attack … Original article on : I am happy, says Nikam.

Indian court awards death sentence to Pakistani gunman convicted in 2008 Mumbai siege

Court gives death penalty to Mumbai siege gunman

MUMBAI, India – A court in India on Thursday handed a death sentence to the only surviving Pakistani gunman in the bloody 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Judge M.L. Tahaliyani’s sentence came three days after Mohammed Ajmal Kasab was found guilty of murder and waging war against India for his role …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indian court awards death sentence to Pakistani gunman convicted in 2008 Mumbai siege.

Kasab gets death for 26/11 terror strike

MUMBAI – Pakistani national Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone gunman captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, was Thursday sentenced to death by a special court, which ruled that he did not have any right to live. He had been convicted on 86 counts, including waging war on the Indian state.

Kasab was sentenced to … Read more >>.

Kasab sentenced to death in 26/11 case

MUMBAI – Pakistani national Ajmal Amir Kasab, the lone gunman captured alive during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, was Thursday sentenced to death by a special court here. He had been convicted on 86 counts, including waging war on the Indian state.
… Read more >>>.

70 injured as cops clash with Muivah supporters

IMPHAL – At least 70 tribal Nagas, most of them women, were injured Thursday in a border town in Manipur in a clash between security forces and thousands of supporters of Thuingaleng Muivah who had gathered to welcome the separatist leader to the state.

More than 5,000 Naga protestors gathered at Mao, the border town …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 70 injured as cops clash with Muivah supporters.

Peace march begins in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – A peace march led by Gandhian Narayan Desai and others left Raipur Thursday for Chhattisgarh’s Maoist bastion of Bastar to hold talks with the tribal people.

The marchers will also cover Dantewada, the site of the April 6 rebel massacre of 76 security personnel, the worst such killing since the Maoist insurgency began in …. Read the original article  : Peace march begins in Chhattisgarh.

Pakistan factors looms large in New York terror probe

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK – US investigators probing the aborted Times Square bombing attempt have shifted their focus to prime suspect Faisal Shahzad’s links in Pakistan with officials suggesting the Pakistan Taliban had very likely played a key role and even trained him.

“A big part of that ongoing investigation is to evaluate where he was and what … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan factors looms large in New York terror probe.

Jailed Mich. militia members charged with conspiracy could be released after judge lifts stay

Jailed Mich. militia members could be released

DETROIT – Nine jailed militia members accused of conspiring to overthrow the U.S. government have won the latest round in the fight over whether they will be freed while they wait for trial.
In a ruling late Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts said she would not further suspend her … Original source on Gaea Times at : Jailed Mich. militia members charged with conspiracy could be released after judge lifts stay.

States struggle with whether to require juvenile sex offenders to register

States vary on dealing with youth sex offenders

ATLANTA – When Ricky Blackman was 16, he pleaded guilty to having sex with a 13-year-old girl, and an Iowa judge ordered him to register as a sex offender.
But if Blackman had lived in at least a half-dozen other states, his name would never have appeared on a …. Original source  : States struggle with whether to require juvenile sex offenders to register.

Maoists blast railway track in Bihar

PATNA – Maoists blasted a railway track in Bihar Thursday during a 48-hour strike called by them after police foiled a Maoist-backed outfit’s public meeting.

Police sources said the track was blown up near Kurmi railway station in Muzaffarpur district, about 70 km from here, hitting train services.
The police had allegedly prevented members of the … Read more : Maoists blast railway track in Bihar.

Russian special forces storm oil tanker from helicopter, free crew and arrest Somali pirates

Russian special forces storm oil tanker, free ship

ABOARD THE HSwMS CARLSKRONA – Russian special forces rappelled onto a disabled oil tanker taken over by Somali pirates, freeing 23 Russian sailors and arresting the pirates during a dawn raid Thursday, the commander of the EU Naval Force said.
The raid against the Liberian-flagged ship Moscow University came … Read more >>>.

Kasab’s sentencing Thursday afternoon

MUMBAI – Barely hours before sentencing was to be pronounced on Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab, the prosecution early Thursday expressed confidence that the perpetrator of the 26/11 mayhem in Mumbai would get the hangman’s noose.

Kasab was pronounced guilty May 3 in the Nov 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Special Judge M.L. Tahaliyani is expected …. Original source  : Kasab’s sentencing Thursday afternoon.

‘Taliban’s suicide-bomb trainer tutored NYK bombing suspect’

WASHINGTON – Times Square bombing’s Pakistan-born suspect Faisal Shahzad received instruction from the Pakistan Taliban’s suicide-bomb trainer, the Wall Street Journal reported citing a senior Pakistani official

If verified the suspected links between Pakistan Taliban and Shahzad would mark a stark shift in how it and related jihadist groups, which have so far focused on attacks …. Original article  : ‘Taliban’s suicide-bomb trainer tutored NYK bombing suspect’.

Judge lifts stay, allowing release of jailed Mich. militia members charged with conspiracy

Judge lifts stay in Mich. militia case
DETROIT – A judge lifted a stay Wednesday night and cleared the way for nine members of a Michigan militia to be released from jail while awaiting trial on charges of conspiring to overthrow the government and weapons violations.

U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts rejected a request to keep them …. Original article  : Judge lifts stay, allowing release of jailed Mich. militia members charged with conspiracy.

Maoists set afire two buses in Bihar

PATNA – Suspected Maoists Thursday torched two buses in Bihar’s Saran district, police said.

Armed rebels set on fire two buses near a village under Maker police station.
No casualty was reported as the buses were empty at the time of incident, the police said.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Maoists set afire two buses in Bihar.

Strength in numbers: 5 women subdue man accused of stabbing on Maine college campus

5 women stop man accused of Maine campus stabbing

BANGOR, Maine – Five female students, including one who’d recently completed a self-defense class, jumped to the aid of a fellow student, grabbing her knife-wielding attacker and holding him until police officers arrived at Husson University, officials said Wednesday.
Jesse Hladik put her new skills to work when …. Source article  : Strength in numbers: 5 women subdue man accused of stabbing on Maine college campus.

San Francisco police to shut down drug testing lab in wake of scandal

SF police to shut down troubled drug testing lab

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco police said Wednesday they have decided to shut down their troubled drug testing lab and outsource the work.
The unit had been indefinitely shuttered since March 9, shortly after former lab technician Deborah Madden was accused of skimming cocaine evidence.
Prosecutors have dismissed more … Read more : San Francisco police to shut down drug testing lab in wake of scandal.

New Orleans’ new mayor seeks Justice Dept. help to transform police department

New Orleans mayor seeks federal help to fix police

NEW ORLEANS – The new mayor of New Orleans asked the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday to send a team to help overhaul the city’s corruption-plagued police department, which already is the subject of several federal investigations.
Mayor Mitch Landrieu requested a team from the Justice Department’s …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New Orleans’ new mayor seeks Justice Dept. help to transform police department.

Media ask judge to unseal affidavit used to raid blogger who posted iPhone prototype pics

Media wants affidavit in iPhone raid unsealed

SEATTLE – The Associated Press and other news organizations asked a judge Wednesday to unseal the search warrant affidavit used to raid the home of a blogger who posted pictures and details of an iPhone prototype.
The legality of the raid is one of many unanswered questions in a saga … Read : Media ask judge to unseal affidavit used to raid blogger who posted iPhone prototype pics.

Man who took hostages at NH Clinton office is fined, prosecutor could seek more prison time

Man who took hostages at NH Clinton office fined

DOVER, N.H. – Prosecutors are trying to send a New Hampshire man who took hostages at a Hillary Rodham Clinton presidential campaign office in 2007 back to prison for probation violations.
Leeland Eisenberg pleaded guilty Tuesday to two charges of criminal mischief and was fined.
In February, Eisenberg was …. Original source  : Man who took hostages at NH Clinton office is fined, prosecutor could seek more prison time.

Russia says pirates who held oil tanker off the coast of Somalia have been released

Russia says pirates who held tanker are freed

MOSCOW – Russia’s Defense Ministry said Friday the pirates seized by a Russian warship off the coast of Somalia have been released because of “imperfections” in international law.
Authorities initially said the pirates would be brought to Russia to face criminal charges after hijacking a Russian oil tanker. But … Read more »».

Day after Kasab verdict, business as usual at CST

MUMBAI – A day after he was sentenced to death, it was business as usual Friday at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) where Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Amir Kasab and an accomplice slaughtered more than 50 innocents during the Mumbai terror attack.

Moments after a special court Thursday awarded the capital punishment to Kasab, the only one … Read more »»».

Russia says pirates who held oil tanker released

Russia says pirates who held tanker released

MOSCOW – A spokesman for Russia’s Defense Ministry says the pirates seized by a Russian warship off the coast of Somalia have been released because of “imperfections” in international law.
Authorities initially said the pirates would be brought to Russia to face criminal charges after hijacking a Russian oil tanker. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Russia says pirates who held oil tanker released.

Five guerrillas, two soldiers die in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – Five separatist guerrillas and two Indian soldiers were killed in heavy fighting in a forest area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police said Friday.

The deaths took place late Thursday during a joint operation by the army and police in Sheikhpora’s forest, some 80 km from here, Inspector General of Police Farooq Ahmad …. Source  : Five guerrillas, two soldiers die in Kashmir gunfight.

Tension continues in Manipur

IMPHAL – The situation in Manipur continued to be volatile for the second day Friday after three students were killed and about 70 injured in clashes between security forces and supporters of Naga separatist leader Thuingaleng Muivah.

More than 5,000 Nagas had Thursday gathered at Mao, the border town between the two adjoining states of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tension continues in Manipur.

Pakistan taking ‘aggressive action’ against terrorists, says US

WASHINGTON – As Times Square bombing attempt suspect Faisal Shahzad was linked to terror groups in his homeland, the United States came to the aid of its key ally saying of late Islamabad has been taking “aggressive action” against militants.

“Pakistan has for a number of years been taking aggressive action,” State Department spokesman Philip J. …. Source article  : Pakistan taking ‘aggressive action’ against terrorists, says US.

Immigration protesters arrested after locking selves together, blocking LA street for hours

Immigration protesters block Los Angeles street

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles police have arrested more than a dozen protesters who chained themselves together on a downtown street to protest Arizona’s new immigration law.
Protest spokesman Nelson Motto says 14 activists locked themselves in a circle Thursday afternoon and lay down in front of federal immigration detention center, …. Original source  : Immigration protesters arrested after locking selves together, blocking LA street for hours.

Four guerrillas, two soldiers killed in Kashmir gunfight

SRINAGAR – Four separatist guerrillas and two army troopers were killed in a fierce gunfight in a forest area near Rafiabad in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, an official said Friday.

The army and police jointly surrounded the area near Sheikhpora village, 80 km from here Thursday, when they received specific information about the presence of a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Four guerrillas, two soldiers killed in Kashmir gunfight.

Pakistan links of Times Square suspect grows stronger

WASHINGTON – Faisal Shahzad, the Pakistani-American suspect in the Times Square bombing attempt, has been linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and a Yemeni-American militant cleric who has inspired several recent attacks and plots.

The extent of Shahzad’s involvement with TTP has not been determined and could range from communications to training and does not necessarily mean … Read more »»».

Video emerges of Times Square suspect buying fireworks

WASHINGTON – A video has been aired in the US showing the suspect in the attempted bombing of New York’s Times Square purchasing fireworks.

Broadcaster CNN aired the footage Thursday captured by cameras in a Phantom Fireworks store in Matamoras, Pennsylvania, which is said to show Faisal Shahzad purchasing M-88 firecrackers.
M-88s were a component in … Read more : Video emerges of Times Square suspect buying fireworks.

Police chief says NH bomb scare, hours-long standoff with passenger ‘not terrorist event’

Police: NH bus bomb scare not ‘terrorist event’

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – A nine-hour bomb scare aboard a Maine-to-New York Greyhound bus ended peacefully Thursday night when the lone remaining passenger walked off it with his hands over his head. The other 16 passengers and the driver had left the bus safely hours earlier.
Portsmouth Police Chief David …. Source  : Police chief says NH bomb scare, hours-long standoff with passenger ‘not terrorist event’.

Pentagon bans 4 Guantanamo reporters who published name of witness after being told not to

Pentagon bans 4 Gitmo reporters for naming witness

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Pentagon on Thursday barred four journalists from military commissions at Guantanamo Bay because they published the name of a witness after being told not to.
The U.S. military wanted the witness identified only as “Interrogator No. 1″ and forbade reporting his name during …. Source  : Pentagon bans 4 Guantanamo reporters who published name of witness after being told not to.

US adds 3 Mexican states to list of places Americans should avoid, including 2 tourist areas

US adds 3 Mexican states to travel-warning list

MEXICO CITY – The U.S. State Department updated its travel warning for Mexico on Thursday by including three additional states on its list of places it recommends Americans avoid when south of the border.
The new warning adds the northern state of Tamaulipas, parts of the northern Pacific coast [..] Read the original article: here.

‘Person of interest’ in recent KC rapes charged in 1980s assaults, also investigated in Calif.

Charges in old Mo. rapes, investigation in Calif.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A convicted Missouri sex offender considered a person of interest in a recent string of Kansas City rapes was charged Thursday with 15 counts related to assaults in the same neighborhood in the early 1980s.
Investigators also are looking into possible connections between Bernard Jackson, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Person of interest’ in recent KC rapes charged in 1980s assaults, also investigated in Calif..

Cincinnati Bengals agree to deal with cornerback Pacman Jones

Bengals agree to deal with Jones
CINCINNATI – Adam “Pacman” Jones agreed to a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, putting the troubled cornerback on a team with a history of giving players second chances.

Jones, who was released by the Cowboys after the 2008 season and didn’t play last year, worked for the Bengals … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cincinnati Bengals agree to deal with cornerback Pacman Jones.

Siblings, father killed, mother wounded after gunman invades LA-area home

3 family members killed by gunman in LA-area home

HAWAIIAN GARDENS, Calif. – Six family members escaped a gunman rampaging through their house Thursday by climbing through a window and hiding on a roof as a room-to-room attack left a father, son and daughter dead and the mother critically wounded, authorities said.
Joseph Mercado, 26, is suspected … Read more : Siblings, father killed, mother wounded after gunman invades LA-area home.

Blagojevich attorneys barred from mentioning one-time fundraiser’s suicide at corruption trial

Blagojevich lawyers can’t mention suicide at trial
CHICAGO – A federal judge says former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s (blah-GOY’-uh-viches) attorneys cannot talk about a fundraiser’s suicide at his corruption trial.
Judge James Zagel barred mention of Christopher Kelly’s suicide in a one-line order Thursday.
Prosecutors sought the order, saying Kelly’s suicide was unrelated to the case.
Kelly … Original source on Gaea Times at : Blagojevich attorneys barred from mentioning one-time fundraiser’s suicide at corruption trial.

Utah Supreme Court to hear arguments in case of man scheduled to die by firing squad

Utah court to hear appeal in firing squad case

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Supreme Court said Thursday it will hear an expedited appeal from a condemned inmate scheduled to be executed by a firing squad.
Ronnie Lee Gardner, 49, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to die in 1985 for the fatal courthouse shooting …. Original source  : Utah Supreme Court to hear arguments in case of man scheduled to die by firing squad.

NYC judge orders filmmaker to turn over outtakes of documentary on Chevron-Ecuador legal fight

NYC judge to ‘Crude’ filmmaker: Hand over footage

NEW YORK – A federal judge ordered a documentary filmmaker Thursday to turn over about 600 hours of raw footage from a film about a court fight over whether Chevron Corp. owes billions of dollars in damages for oil contamination in Ecuador.
U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan said …. Read the original article  : here.

Siblings killed, parents wounded after gunman with assault-style rifle invades LA-area home

2 killed when gunman invades LA-area home
HAWAIIAN GARDENS, Calif. – Six family members escaped a gunman rampaging through their house Thursday by climbing through a window and hiding on a roof as a room-to-room attack left a sister and brother dead and their parents critically wounded, authorities said.

Joseph Mercado, 27, is suspected of shooting and … Read more »»».

Prosecutors say they would retry Palin hacking defendant on ID theft if man is granted retrial

ID theft retrial in Palin hacking hinges on appeal

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Prosecutors say a Tennessee man convicted of two federal charges in the hacking of Sarah Palin’s e-mail account would be retried on an identity theft charge that left a jury deadlocked only if a defense request for a retrial is granted.
David Kernell, 22, was …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Prosecutors say they would retry Palin hacking defendant on ID theft if man is granted retrial.

Police: Belligerent golf fan Tasered, arrested at Players Championship

Golf fan Tasered, arrested at Players Championship

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – A 36-year-old man attending the second round of The Players Championship was subdued by a Taser on Friday.
Travis Parmelee, of Jacksonville, was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest without violence, said St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Dave Messenger.
Messenger said course marshals notified …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

One killed, seven injured in Dagestan blast

Moscow, May 8 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least one person was killed and seven people were injured in a blast that ripped through a railway station in Derbent town in the Russian North Caucasus republic of Dagestan Friday night, a police source said.

“According to the latest information, the number of wounded increased to seven,” the source … Original article on : One killed, seven injured in Dagestan blast.

Bosnian Serb war criminal hospitalized after assault at British prison

Bosnian Serb war criminal assaulted in UK prison

LONDON – A Bosnian Serb war criminal serving time for his role in the 1995 massacre at Srebrenica was assaulted by fellow inmates Friday at a high-security prison in northern England, officials said.
Radislav Krstic was hospitalized after an attack by three inmates at Wakefield prison, about 190 miles … Read more »».

Pakistan still sees India as major threat, says top US general

WASHINGTON – Pakistan still sees India as its major thereat even as it has stepped up action against militants realising the “very existential threat” posed by the Pakistani Taliban and some of its allies, according to a top US general.

“India is still seen as the major state-based threat,” General David H. Petraeus, the head …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistan still sees India as major threat, says top US general.

Priest urges mourners in Virginia pray for both lacrosse killing victim and suspect

Priest asks for prayers for Va. lacrosse suspect

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Mourners attending a Roman Catholic Mass honoring slain Virginia lacrosse player Yeardley Love were urged Friday to also pray for the player on the men’s team who’s accused of beating her to death.
Father Joseph Scordo told his audience of about 100 at the campus chapel …. Original source  : Priest urges mourners in Virginia pray for both lacrosse killing victim and suspect.

US does not rule out Headley-Shahzad connection

WASHINGTON – The United States has not ruled out a connection between two Pakistani Americans, key Mumbai terror plotter David Coleman Headley and failed Times square bombing suspect Faisal Shahzad, as it probes all angles of the case.

“Well, it could be – there have been multiple plots that have involved the United States and Pakistan, … Original source on Gaea Times at : US does not rule out Headley-Shahzad connection.

Wis. governor signs bill to speed recovery of missing DNA samples

Wis. gov signs bill to speed DNA recovery efforts

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle has a signed a bill allowing judges to order former convicts to surrender DNA samples.
The measure gives prison officials more legal muscle as they try to find more than 10,000 offenders who finished their sentences without giving the samples.
Officials learned … Read more »».

Kansas City man charged in 4 1980s sexual assaults looked at in other attacks in Mo., Calif.

Rape suspect eyed in attacks in Mo., Calif.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Detectives in Missouri and California are diving into cold-case files as they investigate a career convict charged this week in a string of Kansas City rapes in the mid-1980s.
Fifty-two-year-old Bernard Jackson was charged Thursday with sexually assaulting four women in Kansas City between July …. Original source  : Kansas City man charged in 4 1980s sexual assaults looked at in other attacks in Mo., Calif..

Belgian bishops dismiss US sex abuse norms hailed by Vatican but vow firm response

Belgian bishops nix US sex norms but vow action

ROME – Tough U.S. norms about dealing with clerical sex abuse that have been hailed as a model by the Vatican aren’t appropriate for Belgium, even as it deals with dozens of new reports of priests molesting children, a leading archbishop said Friday.
Brussels Archbishop Andre-Mutien Leonard said …. Source  : Belgian bishops dismiss US sex abuse norms hailed by Vatican but vow firm response.

Pakistan warned of ’severe consequences’ of terror attacks from its soil

WASHINGTON – The United States has finally warned Pakistan that if a terror operation like the Times Square bombing attempt were to be successful and traced back to the country, “there would be very severe consequences”.

The blunt warning came from Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton who acknowledged Pakistan’s increased cooperation in the war on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pakistan warned of ’severe consequences’ of terror attacks from its soil.

Slain UVA lacrosse player’s family and friends pay their respects at closed viewing

Viewing held for slain UVA women’s lacrosse player

TOWSON, Md. – Dozens of mourners gathered at a Maryland funeral home for the viewing of Yeardley Love, the University of Virginia lacrosse player who was found beaten to death earlier this week.
The visitation, the first of two on Friday at a Towson funeral home, was restricted to …. Read the original article  : Slain UVA lacrosse player’s family and friends pay their respects at closed viewing.

Police response to NH bus bomb scare _ with NYC in mind _ left passenger too scared to leave

Police: No criminal intent in NH bus bomb scare

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. – The words “bomb on the bus” heard from a cell phone set it all off: Downtown Portsmouth shut down, businesses and homes evacuated, sharpshooters and an armored vehicle rolling in.
The parked, New York City-bound Greyhound was surrounded for nine hours Thursday, until the man … Original article on : Police response to NH bus bomb scare _ with NYC in mind _ left passenger too scared to leave.

Phoenix police kill homicide suspect in shootout on Interstate 10

Phoenix police fatally shoot homicide suspect

PHOENIX – Phoenix police have fatally shot a homicide suspect after he opened fire on officers on Interstate 10.
Police were called to a shooting scene Friday afternoon and found the body of an unidentified man. They say the suspect fled in a car and police later spotted the vehicle on … Original article on : Phoenix police kill homicide suspect in shootout on Interstate 10.

Family of TV producer’s slain wife blasts investigation in Mexico for taking too long

Family of woman slain in Mexico criticize inquiry

LOS ANGELES – The family of a former “Survivor” producer’s wife who was found slain in Mexico blasted investigators on Friday, saying it was taking too long to make an arrest.
The criticism came nearly a month after the body of Monica Beresford-Redman was discovered in a sewer in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Family of TV producer’s slain wife blasts investigation in Mexico for taking too long.

Head of Chicago area’s rail system kills self by stepping in front of train, officials say

Ill. rail chief dies in apparent suicide by train

CHICAGO – The executive director of the Chicago area’s Metra commuter train service died of an apparent suicide Friday after he stepped into the path of one of his agency’s trains, authorities said.
Phil Pagano, 60, was on paid administrative leave at the time of his death after … Read more »»».

Sex trafficking charge brought against man accused of arranging sex for Lawrence Taylor

Man accused of arranging Taylor tryst with teen

NEW YORK – A prosecutor says the government is investigating leads that a man who authorities say set up football star Lawrence Taylor with a 16-year-old runaway had forced other young women into prostitution.
Federal prosecutor Amanda Kramer made the revelation Friday at a hearing for Rasheed Davis, who … Read more : Sex trafficking charge brought against man accused of arranging sex for Lawrence Taylor.

Polasnki attorneys: Swiss should not trust extradition paperwork filed by LA prosecutors

Don’t trust extradition filing, Polanski argues

LOS ANGELES – Roman Polanski’s attorneys argue in new court filings that the Swiss government should not automatically assume an extradition request by Los Angeles prosecutors is accurate.
The statement is in response to a comment by a Swiss justice official, who told The Associated Press last month that officials there … Original source on Gaea Times at : Polasnki attorneys: Swiss should not trust extradition paperwork filed by LA prosecutors.

Major NY cigarette dealer gets 10 years in prison in case involving Indian reservation shop

Big NY cigarette dealer gets 10 years in prison

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. – One of New York’s biggest cigarette dealers was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison in a case involving the flow of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of untaxed tobacco from the state’s Indian reservations.
Rodney Morrison, 43, was originally accused in 2004 … Read more : Major NY cigarette dealer gets 10 years in prison in case involving Indian reservation shop.

Judge allows criminal history detail in trial of former transit officer charged with murder

Criminal history allowed in transit shooting case

LOS ANGELES – A judge has ruled that jurors in the upcoming trial of a former transit officer charged with murdering an unarmed man can hear about a 2006 incident in which the man resisted arrest.
The judge granted a defense motion Friday in Los Angeles to allow some details …. Read the original article  : Judge allows criminal history detail in trial of former transit officer charged with murder.

To be or not to be a Pakistani in the US

WASHINGTON – Pakistanis in the US are facing an identity crisis, particularly since a Pakistani-born American Faisal Shahzad was nabbed from a plane as he was fleeing to his homeland after driving a car bomb into New York’s famous Times Square.

Shahzad’s bomb fizzled in Times Square, but for the Pakistani community it’s a ticking time …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : To be or not to be a Pakistani in the US.

I’ll pull a Faisal on you, New Yorker tells boss

NEW YORK – A New Yorker has been detained after he threatened to “pull a Faisal” on his superior, in an apparent reference to Faisal Shahzad who attempted to bomb Times Square.

“He told his boss, ‘If I get fired, I’m going to pull a Faisal on you’,” New York Post quoted a law-enforcement source as …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : I’ll pull a Faisal on you, New Yorker tells boss.

Man stabs his mother, wife, daughter and 5 other people in China’s latest bloody rampage

Man stabs 8 to death in latest China rampage

BEIJING – A Chinese man on a stabbing rampage killed eight people in the country’s southeast, including his mother, wife and daughter, police and new reports said Sunday.
The motive in Saturday night’s stabbing was not immediately clear. The official Xinhua News Agency said the man also killed … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man stabs his mother, wife, daughter and 5 other people in China’s latest bloody rampage.

We will kidnap you, Al Qaeda threatens Prince Harry

LONDON – Al Qaeda has threatened to abduct Prince Harry if he dares to fly an Apache helicopter in Afghanistan.

People who support the Osama bin Laden-led terror group have posted the warnings on a known Al Qaeda Arabic website, Daily Express reported Sunday.
Harry, 25, was presented with his pilot’s “wings” by his father Prince … Read more : We will kidnap you, Al Qaeda threatens Prince Harry.

Maoists have massively mined Chhattisgarh forests: Police

RAIPUR – A day after eight paramilitary troopers were killed in a landmine blast by Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, a top police official said the guerrillas have massively mined the state’s forested areas and it was difficult to de-mine the vast stretches without the technology required.

“The big problem is we have no technology and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maoists have massively mined Chhattisgarh forests: Police.

Mexico extradites former state governor to face drug charges in US

Mexico extradites ex-gov. to US on drug charges

MEXICO CITY – Mexico has extradited a former state governor to the United States to face charges of helping a cartel smuggling cocaine through the resort of Cancun en route to the U.S. market.
Mario Villanueva, who was governor of the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo from 1993 to [..] Read the original article: here.

Bihar jail ready to supply rope for hanging Kasab

PATNA – Bihar’s Buxar Central Jail is ready to supply its famed Manila rope for hanging Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab who has been sentenced to death for his role in the 26/11 Mumbai carnage, authorities said Sunday.

The jail authorities in Buxar district, about 125 km from here, said it has been providing the … Read more : Bihar jail ready to supply rope for hanging Kasab.

Outdated, unwanted, possibly insecure, US nukes hang on in Europe as NATO debate builds

Outdated, unwanted, US nukes hang on in Europe
KLEINE BROGEL AIR BASE, Belgium – Unseen beyond the grazing Holsteins and rolling pastures of eastern Belgium, the 12-foot-long tapered metal cylinders sit in their underground vaults, waiting for the doomsday call that never came. Each packs the power of many Hiroshimas.
America’s oldest nuclear weapons, unwanted, … Read : Outdated, unwanted, possibly insecure, US nukes hang on in Europe as NATO debate builds.

Calif. DA’s report says bystander’s shooting by police during pizzeria gunfight was justified

Calif. DA: Police killing of bystander justified

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – A district attorney’s report says an officer who fatally shot a bystander at a California pizzeria robbery was legally justified.
Chino police Cpl. Claudia Lisner shot 23-year-old Daniel Balandran outside the restaurant on Feb. 1, 2009.
Balandran was leaving a McDonald’s and walked into a gunbattle between …. Original article  : Calif. DA’s report says bystander’s shooting by police during pizzeria gunfight was justified.

Arizona sheriff at heart of immigration debate greeted by about 200 protesters in Las Vegas

Arizona sheriff greeted by protesters in Vegas

LAS VEGAS – About 200 protesters squared off with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio over Arizona’s tough new immigration law before he spoke to a conservative group in Las Vegas.
For about 20 minutes Friday, the sheriff stood just feet from protesters outside Stoney’s Rockin’ Country bar and dance hall …. Source  : Arizona sheriff at heart of immigration debate greeted by about 200 protesters in Las Vegas.

3 headless, tortured bodies found outside Acapulco; 5 shot to death north of Mexican resort

3 bodies found headless near Acapulco; 5 more shot

ACAPULCO, Mexico – Three headless bodies showing signs of torture were found just outside Acapulco and the bodies of five other men with multiple gunshot wounds were discovered in a car north of the Pacific resort, police said Saturday.
Police in the southwestern state of Guerrero, where Acapulco … Read more >>.

Saints coach Payton says civil process complicates ability to discuss Vicodin accusations

Saints coach Payton deflects lawsuit questions

METAIRIE, La. – Sean Payton calmly took questions Saturday about a lawsuit against the New Orleans Saints, saying he “appreciated” the interest in a case that alleges an attempt to cover up prescription drug thefts at club headquarters.
The Super Bowl champion coach stopped short of responding directly to the allegations, … Original article on : Saints coach Payton says civil process complicates ability to discuss Vicodin accusations.

Sanitation worker discovers body of newborn baby inside trash truck in central NJ

Newborn’s body found inside NJ sanitation truck

MIDDLETOWN, N.J. – The body of a newborn baby has been found inside a sanitation truck in central New Jersey.
A worker found the body around 8 a.m. Saturday while collecting trash on a residential street in Middletown. Police said it was not clear where the body came from, since …. Source article  : Sanitation worker discovers body of newborn baby inside trash truck in central NJ.

Experts: Recording reveals troops were given order to prepare to fire on Kent State students

Experts re-examine audio from Kent State shootings

CLEVELAND – A new analysis of a 40-year-old audio recording reveals that someone ordered National Guard troops to prepare to fire on students during a deadly Vietnam War protest at Kent State University in 1970, two forensics experts said.
The recording was enhanced and evaluated by New Jersey-based audio experts … Read more >>.

Gunman fires into crowded NJ carnival, wounding 1 before being shot, wounded by police

NJ carnival shooting leaves gunman, victim injured

BLOOMFIELD, N.J. – A gunman opened fire at a crowded carnival in northern New Jersey and wounded a man before being shot and wounded by a police officer.
It wasn’t clear why the gunman fired several rounds into the crowd of about 1,500 people in Bloomfield on Friday night, and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gunman fires into crowded NJ carnival, wounding 1 before being shot, wounded by police.

Obama seeks closer relationship with Russia in fighting world terrorism

Obama: US, Russia must fight terrorism together
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says he wants greater cooperation between Russia and the United States on economic, security and anti-terrorism matters.
Obama told a Russian television station that no single country can defeat terrorists who have attacked targets throughout the world. He said he looks forward to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama seeks closer relationship with Russia in fighting world terrorism.

Mexico: Decapitated victims found near Pacific resort city of Acapulco, police investigating

Mexico: 3 beheaded bodies found outside Acapulco

ACAPULCO, Mexico – Mexican police are investigating the murders of three men whose bodies were found tortured and headless near the beachside resorts of Acapulco.
A Saturday statement from police in Guerrero state says the victims were in their 20s and 30s. Neither their identities nor a motive has been …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mexico: Decapitated victims found near Pacific resort city of Acapulco, police investigating.

Eight troopers killed as Maoists blast CRPF vehicle (Fifth Lead)

RAIPUR – Eight Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troopers were killed Saturday when Maoist guerrillas blew up their vehicle in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, a month after the rebels massacred 76 security personnel in the same region.

“The Maoists blew up a bullet-proof vehicle in the Koretal forested stretch with a landmine. At least eight CRPF men … Read more >>.

Fear of Maoists hits tiger census in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – The tiger census in Orissa, which started Saturday, was hit by the refusal of dozens of forest field staff in various parts of the state to enter forests due to the Maoist threat, a senior state official said.

About 40-45 forest field staffs refused to enter the Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary area in the … Original article on : Fear of Maoists hits tiger census in Orissa.

45-year-old civil rights slaying still awaiting a trial in Alabama 3 years after indictment

45-year-old civil rights slaying still unresolved
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – It took more than four decades for a former Alabama state trooper to be indicted on charges that he gunned down a black demonstrator – a killing that helped galvanize the civil rights movement. Now a three-year delay for the trial has both sides fearing … Read more >>.