Iraqi officials: Bombs kill 8, wound dozens in explosions south of Baghdad

Double-bombing kills 8, injures dozens
BAGHDAD – Iraqi security officials say a double bombing has killed at least eight Iraqi civilians and wounded at least 28 others.

The Monday explosions – one in a parked car and the other planted along a road – happened in Suwayrah, 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Baghdad.
An Iraqi Interior Ministry …. Source  : Iraqi officials: Bombs kill 8, wound dozens in explosions south of Baghdad.

Golf balls, tires may halt US oil spill

WASHINGTON – Golf balls and shredded tires may be the latest solution to stop the leak from the oil well in the Gulf of Mexico, a media report said Monday.

“The next tactic is going to be something they call a junk shot,” The Miami Herald quoted US Coast Guard Commandant Thad Allen as saying.
“They’re …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Golf balls, tires may halt US oil spill.

7 highway robbers held in Punjab

PATIALA – Punjab Police Monday claimed to have busted a gang of highway robbers with the arrest of seven men here.

Pistols, sharp edged weapons and various parts of trucks like tyres and alloyed wheels worth Rs.38 lakh were also recovered from their possession Sunday night. The gang particularly targeted trucks and heavy vehicles …. Original article  : 7 highway robbers held in Punjab.

Man dressed as ‘Snoopy’ arrested while breaking into prison

LONDON – A man was arrested in Britain as he tried to break into a prison to free an inmate while dressed as Snoopy, a character from comic strip Peanuts.

Thesun.co.uk reported Monday that jail workers were stunned when confronted by the Peanuts character waving a gun. When the man dressed as Snoopy and an … Original article on : Man dressed as ‘Snoopy’ arrested while breaking into prison.

Blast at Malayalam film shoot sparks fresh row

IDUKKI – An explosion occurred early Monday at a film shoot near here damaging two vehicles, police said, triggering a war of words within the faction-ridden Malayalam film industry.

The blast took place at a hotel at Kuttikanam. The damaged vehicles belonged to the crew of the film “Atmakatha”, which stars popular actor Sreenivasan and … Original article on : Blast at Malayalam film shoot sparks fresh row.

Iraqi officials: 10 killed in attacks across Baghdad appearing to target police, military

Officials: 10 killed in attacks across Baghdad

BAGHDAD – At least 10 people were killed on Monday in what appears to be a coordinated attack across the Iraqi capital targeting police and army personnel, Iraqi officials said.
While there was no immediate claim of responsibility, the attacks seemed to be a deliberate attempt by insurgents to prove …. Original source  : Iraqi officials: 10 killed in attacks across Baghdad appearing to target police, military.

Traffic police to clear beggar hazards from Delhi roads

NEW DELHI – The Delhi traffic police have been given a new responsibility–to clear the capital’s roads of beggars and vagabonds who often pose a traffic hazard.

The Delhi government’s social welfare department will also be involved in this initiative, Joint Commissioner of Police Satyendra Garg said.
“Initially we will only concentrate on select …. Read the original article  : Traffic police to clear beggar hazards from Delhi roads.

Woman admits to using 12-year-old daughter as sex worker

MELBOURNE – An Australian woman Monday pleaded guilty to using her 12-year-old daughter as a sex worker.

The 41-year-old woman, who was herself sexually abused when she was a child, has admitted to being the commercial operator of a sexual services business, ABC News reported.
She broke down as the charges were read in Hobart’s Supreme … Original source on Gaea Times at : Woman admits to using 12-year-old daughter as sex worker.

South Korean defense chief confirms explosive chemical found in sunken ship’s wreckage

South Korea confirms RDX found in ship wreckage

SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s defense minister confirmed Monday that traces of an explosive chemical substance used to make torpedoes were found in the wreckage of a naval ship that sank near the border with North Korea.
The 1,200-ton Cheonan went down in the Yellow Sea on March [..] Read the original article: here.

Scientists fear Gulf oil spill could deal lethal blow to already weakened coastal wetlands

Oil spill threatens already weakened wetlands

SHELL BEACH, La. – Battered by hurricanes, weakened by erosion and flood-control projects, the sprawling wetlands that nurture Gulf of Mexico marine life and buffer coastal cites from storm surges now face another stern test as a monster oil slick creeps ever closer.
About 40 percent of the nation’s coastal wetlands … Read more >>>.

Sandbagging to begin to block oil blobs along La. beaches; plan to stop Gulf gusher elusive

Sandbags to try to block oil blobs in Louisiana

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – Icy slush foiled plans to use a giant box to contain the uncontrolled oil gusher in the Gulf, leaving BP pondering an alternate solution at sea, while on land, helicopters were expected to drop sandbags in Louisiana to guard against thick … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sandbagging to begin to block oil blobs along La. beaches; plan to stop Gulf gusher elusive.

Modi gets till May 15 to file chargesheet reply

NEW DELHI – Lalit Modi, the suspended chairman and commissioner of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has got more time to submit his reply to the chargesheet against him after Indian cricket board president Shashank Manohar acceded to his request.

The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) Monday agreed to give Modi time to …. Source  : Modi gets till May 15 to file chargesheet reply.

At least 30 killed in Russia mine blasts

Moscow, May 10 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 30 people have been killed in blasts at a coal mine in West Siberia, Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday.

“As of present, 30 people have died and 60 people, whose fate is unknown, remain in the mine. We are continuing the search,” the minister told journalists. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : At least 30 killed in Russia mine blasts.

Death toll in Russian coal mine blasts rises to 30, with 60 still trapped underground

Death toll in Russian mine blasts hits 30
MEZHDURECHENSK, Russia – The death toll from two explosions in Russia’s largest underground coal mine rose to 30 on Monday, with about 60 people still trapped, the government official heading the rescue operation said.

Emergency Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the news at a briefing after rescue workers were able …. Original article  : Death toll in Russian coal mine blasts rises to 30, with 60 still trapped underground.

Bihar MP’s aide, wife shot dead

PATNA – An aide of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Umashankar Singh and his wife were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Bihar’s Chapra town, police said Monday.

Janarddhan Singh and his wife were killed Sunday night while they were at home, an official said.
Police have lodged a case and investigations are on, he added. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bihar MP’s aide, wife shot dead.

Mexico extradites former governor to US

Mexico City, May 10 (IANS/EFE) A former governor of a Mexican state has been extradited to the US on drug and money laundering charges.

Former Quintana Roo state governor Mario Villanueva Madrid, who was arrested in 2001 on a money laundering conviction, was handed over to US authorities Saturday night.
The former top official had allowed … Read more »»».

7-year-old shot dead in Mexico

Mexico City, May 10 (IANS/EFE) A seven-year-old boy was shot in the head while 14 other people were killed in drug-related violence in Mexico, officials said.

The boy was among nine people murdered Saturday in Ciudad Juarez, the Chihuahua Attorney General’s Office said Sunday.
Police also found the bullet-riddled bodies of five men inside a car …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two killed in US plane crash

SAN FRANCISCO – A single-engine plane crashed Sunday in northern California in the US, killing both of the people on board, Xinhua reported.

The Piper Cherokee went down in rough terrain at about 10: 50 a.m. at a site about 8 km near the Livermore Municipal Airport.
Ian Gregor, a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) spokesman, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NTSB says no engine alarms sounded before NY ferry slammed into pier, hurting dozens of people

NTSB: No engine alarms before NY ferry dock crash

NEW YORK – Federal investigators say no engine alarms sounded on a New York City ferry before it crashed into a pier, injuring dozens of people.
National Transportation Safety Board member Robert Sumwalt says investigators have interviewed the Staten Island ferry’s chief engineer and some of the crew …. Read the original article  : NTSB says no engine alarms sounded before NY ferry slammed into pier, hurting dozens of people.

NTSB: 2 engines lost but no alarms before NY ferry slammed into pier, hurting dozens of people

NTSB: 2 engines lost before NY ferry dock crash

NEW YORK – Federal investigators say two engines on a Staten Island ferry had stopped working before it slammed into a pier but no engine alarms sounded.
A National Transportation Safety Board team says it determined the ferry’s two forward engines facing the Staten Island dock had stopped … Read this article on Gaea Times at : NTSB: 2 engines lost but no alarms before NY ferry slammed into pier, hurting dozens of people.

US missile barrage targets militant stronghold in NW Pakistan, 14 alleged insurgents killed

Missile barrage kills 14 in Pakistan tribal area

PARACHINAR, Pakistan – Up to 18 American missiles slammed into a Taliban sanctuary in Pakistan close to the Afghan border Tuesday, killing 14 alleged insurgents in the third such strike since a failed car bombing in New York drew fresh attention to the region, officials said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign …. Source  : US missile barrage targets militant stronghold in NW Pakistan, 14 alleged insurgents killed.

Rapid social change led to kid-stabbing spree in China

BEIJING – Stress brought about by rapid social changes created tension and caused mental illness which led attackers in China stab over 60 schoolchildren in a string of knife attacks in less than two months, experts have said.

There has been five attacks against kindergarten and primary schoolchildren in China since late March, one of which … Read : Rapid social change led to kid-stabbing spree in China.

Families of 17,921 missing face painful milestone 2 years after China’s devastating earthquake

17,921 still ‘missing’ 2 years after China quake

BEIJING – Wednesday marks the second anniversary of China’s worst disaster in a generation, the Sichuan earthquake – and a painful milestone for the families of the 17,921 people still recorded as missing.
Chinese law says relatives can apply two years after a disaster to have their loved ones … Read : Families of 17,921 missing face painful milestone 2 years after China’s devastating earthquake.

Teacher accused of rape used sex toys on victims

MELBOURNE – A music schoolteacher who raped and sexually abused nine children in Australia had spy cameras installed in his house and used sex toys on his victims, a court was told Tuesday.

Colin Harold Doo, 51, pleaded guilty at the Supreme Court here to 36 charges including 12 counts of committing indecent acts in the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

5 dead, dozens injured as tornadoes, hail hit Southern Plains, flattening homes, toppling cars

5 dead, dozens injured as tornadoes hit Plains

NORMAN, Okla. – Violent storms that tore through the southern Plains killed five people and injured dozens more, leaving behind flattened homes, toppled semitrailers and downed power lines.
Several tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma and Kansas on Monday as the storms moved through the area, dumping hail as big … Read : 5 dead, dozens injured as tornadoes, hail hit Southern Plains, flattening homes, toppling cars.

Goods train derails, hits another train

LUCKNOW – Rail traffic was hit on the busy Jhansi-Delhi route as several wagons and the engine of a goods train derailed and hit another freight train in Uttar Pradesh’s Jhansi district Tuesday, officials said.

“There are no reports of any casualty or injury,” Jhansi Divisional Railway Manager Ashok Gupta told reporters. The accident took place … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Goods train derails, hits another train.

Indian killed while visiting relatives in Nepal

KATHMANDU – An Indian man was shot dead by unidentified attackers in western Nepal while visiting his relatives, police said.

Israeli Ansari had come from India’s Uttar Pradesh state to visit relatives in Nepal’s Nawalparasi district.
The 40-year-old, who was staying in a guesthouse, died Tuesday morning after being shot by two men who fled on … Read more : Indian killed while visiting relatives in Nepal.

Companies pointing fingers at each other as Senate begins hearings on the Gulf oil spill

Senate hearings prompting spill blame game
WASHINGTON – The blame game is in full throttle as Congress begins hearings on the massive oil spill threatening sensitive marshes and marine life along the Gulf Coast.
Executives of the three companies involved in the drilling activities that unleashed the environmental crisis are trying to shift responsibility to …. Source  : Companies pointing fingers at each other as Senate begins hearings on the Gulf oil spill.

Oil spill causes anxiety for Gulf Coast beach trips while SE beaches look for new business

SE beaches look to woo tourists in oil spill limbo

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Daydreams of beach sunsets have been replaced by anxious Internet checks for many vacationers headed to the Gulf Coast, while hotel clerks there are busy answering calls about a massive oil spill and whether – just maybe – there’s a shot at a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oil spill causes anxiety for Gulf Coast beach trips while SE beaches look for new business.

Oklahoma Tornado 2010 Update: Death Toll Rises

OKLAHOMA (GaeaTimes.com) — At least twenty-two tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma city snatching 5 lives and leaving thousands injured. According to sources, two people were killed in Oklahoma City and three were killed in Cleveland County. The death toll is apprehended to climb.
It was the most powerful and furious tornado of the decades that left …. Read the original article  : here.

Bombing toll rises in southern Iraq city of Basra, bringing total dead across nation to 114

Toll for devastating Iraq attacks rises to 114

BAGHDAD – The toll for a triple bombing in Iraq’s southern city of Basra has risen to 30, a morgue official said Tuesday, bringing to 114 the number of people killed across the country the day before, the deadliest in Iraq so far this year.
The medical official at … Read more >>>.

Man who killed two in China stabbing spree arrested

BEIJING – A Chinese man who killed two women and injured seven children with a knife and an axe in Shaanxi province has been arrested, officials said Tuesday.

The attacker, identified as 35-year-old Song Lirong, a native of Songjiapo village in Shaanxi, had quarrelled with his wife, prompting her to leave for her parents’ home, Xue … Read more »»».

‘Humanitarian convoys smuggled weapons in Bosnia war’

The Hague, May 11 (IANS/AKI) Humanitarian convoys were used to smuggle weapons to Muslims during the Bosnia war from 1992-95, Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic, accused of genocide and war crimes, has told the UN Yugoslav war crimes tribunal.

“Everything was smuggled through these convoys – weapons, military equipment, cameras, food,” Karadzic said Monday, while cross-examining … Original article on : ‘Humanitarian convoys smuggled weapons in Bosnia war’.

Two students electrocuted in Bihar school

PATNA – Two students of a government high school were electrocuted and three seriously injured in Bihar Tuesday when they were asked to repair a handpump by the principal, police said.

The incident took place at the school in Saran district, about 100 km from here, when about six students were repairing a handpump following the … Read more »»».

Russia, UAE offer help in tackling oil spill

Washington, May 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have offered their assistance in tackling the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the US Department of State has said.

“Regarding the Deep Water Horizon oil spill… we received two additional offers of assistance which we are grateful for from the United Arab … Original article on : Russia, UAE offer help in tackling oil spill.

Official says torrential rains, flooding kill 70 in southern China

Floods kill 70 in southern China
BEIJING – Torrential rains caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon have swept across parts of southern China, toppling homes, destroying crops and killing at least 70 people, state media reported Tuesday. More flooding was expected.

Flooding caused by the heavy rains – which started a month earlier than normal – …. Original article  : Official says torrential rains, flooding kill 70 in southern China.

Mexican drug cartel got access to secret US reports

Mexico City, May 11 (IANS/EFE) A drug cartel in Mexico got access to key information about anti-drug operations conducted by Mexican police and the US Drug Enforcement Administration, a media report has said.

The Sinaloa cartel led by Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman knew, at least until May 2009, “details about investigations being conducted by the navy … Read more >>>.

2 tractor-trailer drivers hauling ice cream, refrigerators die in 5-vehicle Pa. crash

2 truck drivers die in 5-vehicle Pa. highway crash

ALUM BANK, Pa. – A five-vehicle crash involving tractor-trailers hauling ice cream and refrigerators in western Pennsylvania has left two people dead.
State police in Bedford County say the crash happened Monday morning on a highway in West St. Clair Township. They say both truck drivers died.
Investigators say …. Original source  : 2 tractor-trailer drivers hauling ice cream, refrigerators die in 5-vehicle Pa. crash.

36 students injured in school bus accident

LUCKNOW – At least 36 students were injured, six of them critically, when their school bus skidded off a road and fell into a deep gorge in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkar Nagar district, police said Tuesday.

The accident took place Tuesday morning when the bus carrying students of Radiant Central Children’s Academy fell into the gorge in … Read more »»».

Drug consumption highest among Colombian students

BOGOTA – Colombian university students make the largest community among drug consumers in the Andean region of South America, a new study has found.

With regard to marijuana, 26.7 percent of Colombians said they tried it at least once, compared with 11.5 percent of Ecuadoreans, nine percent of Peruvian and 7.6 percent of Bolivian.
In cocaine …. Read the original article  : Drug consumption highest among Colombian students.

Officials say time is running out for 30 still missing in Russian mine blast the killed 60

Time running out for 30 missing in Russian mine

MEZHDURECHENSK, Russia – Rescuers struggling through the blast-shattered corridors of a Siberian coal mine have nearly reached the last area where any of 30 missing miners could still be found alive, Russia’s Emergencies Minister said Wednesday.
But little time remains for the potential rescue of anyone still alive … Read more »».

Plane with 104 on board crashes in Libya, European Parliament says about 100 dead

Libyan plane with 104 on board crashes in Tripoli

CAIRO – A Libyan Afriqiyah Airways plane with 104 people on board crashed on landing Wednesday at the airport in the capital Tripoli and the head of European Parliament said about 100 people died while an 8-year-old child survived.
Libyan state television showed a large field scattered with …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Plane with 104 on board crashes in Libya, European Parliament says about 100 dead.

Indian kills father in Nepal after Mumbai dreams turn sour

KATHMANDU – A young man from Uttar Pradesh pursued his father to Nepal and killed him in broad daylight after his Mumbai dreams turned sour.

Babloo Ansari, the son of a tailor in India’s Maharajgunj district close to the Nepal border, was arrested by Nepal police in Nawalparasi district across the border Tuesday when he tried …. Read the original article  : Indian kills father in Nepal after Mumbai dreams turn sour.

Illegal mobile phone towers get sealed

NEW DELHI – Authorities Wednesday sealed illegally erected mobile phone towers in the Indian capital.

Officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) first sealed two towers in Chittaranjan Park and followed it up with two more in nearby Govindpuri area in south Delhi.
“In Delhi’s central zone alone, we plan to seal about 20 unauthorized … Read more »».

Libyan Plane Crash: 100 People Feared Died

TRIPOLI (GaeaTimes.com) — Atleast 100 people are believed to be dead in an air crash in Tripoli airport Wednesday. Afriqiyah Airways has confirmed that flight 8U771 crashed on landing in the Libyan capital of Tripoli at around 04:00 UTC (0600AM local time). The Libyan Airways plane had 104 people on board.
While 100 people are …. Original source  : Libyan Plane Crash: 100 People Feared Died.

Surender Koli gets death for Nithari killing

GHAZIABAD – Surender Koli, convicted for the rape and murder of seven-year-old Arti from Noida’s Nithari village, was Wednesday sentenced to death by a special court here.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special judge A.K. Singh said Koli was to be hanged till death.
On May 4, the court had convicted Koli of the rape and …. Original article  : Surender Koli gets death for Nithari killing.

In the rush to driller ever deeper, oil companies face monumental risks to reap benefits

Rush to drill deeper carries added risks
NEW ORLEANS – The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig illustrates the energy industry’s push to drill ever deeper in search of huge oil deposits, despite the mammoth risks and unique challenges associated with exploration in such a hostile environment.

The lure of the deep is driven by technological …. Source article  : In the rush to driller ever deeper, oil companies face monumental risks to reap benefits.

Chhattisgarh coalmine toll rises to 11

RAIPUR – The toll in a blast-hit coalmine in Chhattisgarh rose to 11 Wednesday with the recovery of the bodies of two trapped miners, a senior official said.

“Rescuers recovered bodies of two miners at the coalmine, taking the toll to 11,” Alok Awasthi, district collector of Koriya district, told IANS on phone.
There was … Read more »».

Plane crashes in Tripoli with 104 on board (Second Lead)

TRIPOLI/CAIRO – An Afriqiyah Airways passenger plane carrying 104 people crashed Wednesday at the Libyan capital Tripoli, the state-owned airline said.

The Airbus 330 plane was on a regular flight from Johannesburg, South Africa when it crashed while landing.
After initial reports had given the number on board as 105, the airline later put the figure …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Plane crashes in Tripoli with 104 on board (Second Lead).

Over 100 die in Libya plane crash (Third Lead)

TRIPOLI/DUBAI – More than 100 people were killed when an Afriqiyah Airways plane with 104 passengers and crew crashed Wednesday in the Libyan capital Tripoli, media reports said.

The plane went down in the Tripoli airport, BBC quoted Libyan officials as saying. The airline said on its website that Flight 8U771 had an accident while landing …. Read the original article  : here.

Dutch girl survives Tripoli crash

TRIPOLI/CAIRO – A nine-year-old Dutch girl survived Wednesday’s crash of an Afriqiyah Airways plane, a Tripoli airport spokesman said.

The Airbus A330 plane with 105 people on board had started at Johannesburg and crashed while landing. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Dutch girl survives Tripoli crash.

Federal safety agency gets judge’s permission to test gas meter from Conn. power plant blast

Fed agency can test gas meter from Conn. explosion

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – A Connecticut judge has ordered police to let a federal safety board examine a gas-detection meter salvaged from the site of a fatal power plant explosion.
Middletown Superior Court Judge Robert Holzberg’s order Tuesday also requires the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board to … Read more : Federal safety agency gets judge’s permission to test gas meter from Conn. power plant blast.

Gulf oil spill could hurt aquatic species in Mexico, even though slick expected to stay away

Gulf spill threatens Mexico turtles, other species

MEXICO CITY – Mexico is weighing legal action against BP PLC over the massive Gulf oil spill that threatens to harm turtles and other wildlife migrating between the waters of the U.S. and Mexico.
The black stain has not reached Mexico’s coast and is not expected to do so, Environmental … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gulf oil spill could hurt aquatic species in Mexico, even though slick expected to stay away.

Libyan Airlines plane crashes with 105 on board

TRIPOLI/CAIRO – A Libyan Airlines passenger plane carrying 105 people crashed Wednesday at the Libyan capital Tripoli, Arab television network Al-Arabiya reported.

The plane crashed on the runway while making its landing approach. All passengers and crew are believed to be dead.
A Tripoli airport spokesman said the plane was arriving on a flight from South … Read more »».

With attacks, al-Qaida in Iraq defies claims it was dealt severe blow by leaders’ deaths

Attacks show al-Qaida in Iraq still powerful

BAGHDAD – A flurry of attacks blamed on al-Qaida defied claims by the U.S. and Iraq that they dealt the militants a severe blow by killing their two leaders last month.
Analysts say the violence – most of it against Shiite targets – is likely an attempt to re-ignite sectarian … Read more »».

Plane crashes in Libya

TRIPOLI – An aircraft carrying 105 people, including 94 passengers and 11 crew members, crashed Wednesday at Tripoli airport, Al-Jazeera television reported.

The Libyan plane was flying in from South Africa when the accident took place.
…. Original source  : Plane crashes in Libya.

Corps of Engineers says releasing water from Tenn. dam prevented more damage to Nashville

Corps defends actions during Tenn. flooding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The release of water from a dam upstream of Nashville during historic floods has prompted a Senate inquiry into whether the public was adequately warned about rising waters downstream.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the controlled release of water from Old Hickory Dam the weekend of … Read more >>.

Federal, local officials argue over possession of gas meter from deadly Conn. blast

Gas meter at issue at Conn. explosion hearing

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – Federal and local authorities are in court arguing over custody of a key piece of evidence that could shed light on the cause of a Connecticut power plant explosion that killed six workers.
Officials with the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board are asking a …. Original article  : Federal, local officials argue over possession of gas meter from deadly Conn. blast.

Seven die in China kindergarten attack

BEIJING – At least six children and a teacher were hacked to death and 20 injured Wednesday morning at a kindergarten in northwest China’s Shaanxi province, authorities said.

The incident happened at about 8 a.m. at a kindergarten in Nanzheng county of Hanzhong city, said Liu Xiaoming, a publicity official in Hanzhong.
Liu had earlier said …. Source article  : Seven die in China kindergarten attack.

Senate panel readies war funding bill, flood aid for difficult legislative journey

Senate panel readies war funding bill, flood aid
WASHINGTON – A top Senate Democrat is fashioning a nearly $60 billion measure mixing war funding with U.S. disaster funds and aid for Haiti in hopes of jump-starting the long-delayed measure and clearing it through a nasty legislative thicket by Memorial Day.
The emerging measure, by Senate …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld donating proceeds from Friday show in Nashville to flood relief

Jerry Seinfeld donating to Nashville flood relief

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jerry Seinfeld didn’t find the floods in Nashville funny.
The comedian says he is donating all the proceeds from Friday’s show at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center to a pair of charities to aid flood relief. The center is just a few blocks from flood damage in …. Original source  : Comedian Jerry Seinfeld donating proceeds from Friday show in Nashville to flood relief.

Student commits suicide due to exam pressure

AGRA – A 19-year-old college student committed suicide in her hostel room here as she was under “tremendous mental stress due to examinations”, police said Thursday.

Ritu Saraswat, a fourth semester B.Sc. (Home Science) student of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Agra, bolted the door of her room Wednesday after her sister Preeti went out for …. Read the original article  : Student commits suicide due to exam pressure.

Workers find World War II-era mine; explosion rocks Brazilian beach resort

World War II-era mine causes big blast in Brazil

SAO PAULO – Workers repairing the streets of Brazilian coastal town came across an old sea mine with more punch than anyone expected.
A bulldozer driver carted away the big round mine that is believed to date from World War II. It was then taken to a beach …. Source article  : Workers find World War II-era mine; explosion rocks Brazilian beach resort.

Companies can get Small Business Administration loans after oil spill, tornadoes, floods

Companies get SBA loans after oil spill, storms

NEW YORK – Thousands of small business owners across the South are turning to the federal government for financial help following the oil spill in the Gulf and last month’s devastating tornadoes and floods.
The Small Business Administration’s disaster loans are aimed at helping companies recover from uninsured losses … Read more »».

Kerry says stakes are ’sky high’ as Senate climate bill unveiled

Climate bill has new drilling protections
WASHINGTON – Coastal states could veto offshore drilling plans under long-awaited legislation to curb global warming unveiled Wednesday.
The bill, sponsored by Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Joe Lieberman, I-Conn., would allow states to opt out of federal drilling up to 75 miles from their shores, a concession to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kerry says stakes are ’sky high’ as Senate climate bill unveiled.

Video released by BP shows oil flowing into Gulf of Mexico like steam from a geyser

Video shows oil flowing like steam from a geyser

ROBERT, La. – Video released by BP shows oil spewing from a yellowish, broken pipe 5,000 feet below the surface. The oil looks like steam rushing from a geyser.
The video released Wednesday gives a not-yet-seen glimpse of the leaking well a mile underwater. The stream occasionally can …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Invesitagors say search in new area for Air France plane that crashed in Atlantic a failure

French searchers say crashed plane still unfound

PARIS – The French accident investigation agency says a search in a new area of the Atlantic for the Air France plane that crashed en route from Rio de Janeiro to Paris has turned up nothing.
The zone was located by analyzing signals from the plane’s black boxes, which are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Invesitagors say search in new area for Air France plane that crashed in Atlantic a failure.

Massey says new W.Va. coal prep plant should be finished by August

Massey says prep plant nearing completion
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Massey Energy says it’s almost finished building the replacement for a West Virginia coal processing plant that burned last August.

Virginia-based Massey says the new plant should be fully operational by September. The Logan County operation will be renamed Zigmond Processing after retired director Richard Zigmond.
Massey says the …. Original article  : Massey says new W.Va. coal prep plant should be finished by August.

BP tweaks plan to siphon away oil from Gulf leak; may insert 2nd pipe into original riser

BP tweaks plan to siphon away oil from Gulf leak

ROBERT, La. – BP plans two wrinkles on the technique it plans to try next to stem the flow of oil spewing from a sunken rig.
BP chief operating officer Doug Suttles said Wednesday that engineers hope to link a second pipe to the end of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Children, crew stand out among sole survivors when a plane crashes

Children, crew stand out among crash survivors

Recent commercial airline crashes with a sole survivor:
May 12, 2010 – An Afriqiyah Airways Airbus crashed on approach to Tripoli, Libya, with 104 people on board. A 10-year-old boy was the only survivor.
June 30, 2009 – A Yemenia Airlines flight crashed into the Indian Ocean off the Comoros Islands, …. Source  : Children, crew stand out among sole survivors when a plane crashes.

May storm dumps snow on Wyoming and Colorado, closing highways and canceling ballgame

Wyoming, Colorado get dumping of spring snow

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – A spring storm has dropped nearly 3 feet of snow in the mountains of central Wyoming, closing some highways and schools and causing scattered power outages from broken and sagging tree limbs.
In Colorado, more than a foot of snow was reported on the east side of … Read more »».

A summary of May 12 events related to the vast oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon

Some oil spill events from Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Events May 12, Day 23 of a Gulf of Mexico oil spill that began with an explosion and fire on April 20 on the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, owned by Transocean Ltd. and leased by BP PLC, which is in charge of cleanup and containment. …. Source article  : A summary of May 12 events related to the vast oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon.

Process of filing damage claims from Texas tanker collision causing confusion among residents

Texas tanker collision causing legal confusion

HOUSTON – To many southeast Texas residents, the paperwork from the lawyer made it clear: If they filed a court claim over illnesses suffered in the state’s worst oil spill in 15 years, they’d get $1,000.
The problem is, the legal packet they got in the mail didn’t come from lawyers … Read : Process of filing damage claims from Texas tanker collision causing confusion among residents.

Sixth Goa policeman arrested for drugs mafia links

PANAJI – A policeman was arrested late Wednesday for links to the narcotics mafia, officials said here.

Subinspector Punaji Gawas was arrested for selling seized drugs stored for safekeeping in the police stiorehouse back to the drugs mafia, an official said.
“Gawas was arrested Wednesday evening for his links to the drugs mafia,” Deputy … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sixth Goa policeman arrested for drugs mafia links.

Seven injured in explosion at Lebanon UN base

BEIRUT – An explosion Wednesday inside an arms depot at UN Interim Force (UNIFIL) base in southern Lebanon injured at least seven.

Initial reports said the base is manned by French troops.
UNIFIL spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Naresh Bhatt said that a ammunition depot exploded during a routine military exercise in the southern town of Al-Ttyri.
“Several … Original article on : Seven injured in explosion at Lebanon UN base.

Probe ordered into deaths of 11 blackbucks in Gujarat

GANDHINAGAR – The Gujarat government Wednesday ordered an inquiry into the mysterious deaths of 11 blackbucks in the Gir forest sanctuary in Saurashtra region of the state.

The bodies of 11 blackbucks were found by forest officials in the limits of Nana Hadmatiya and Kana Vadla villages in Junagadh district falling within the notified national … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Probe ordered into deaths of 11 blackbucks in Gujarat.

EU air safety agency proposes adopting US volcanic ash rules for a much smaller no-fly zone

EU proposes new rules on avoiding volcanic ash

BRUSSELS – The European air safety proposed new procedures Wednesday that would drastically shrink the no-fly zone around volcanic ash particles – a move that should decrease future airspace closures and travel delays.
Daniel Hoeltgen, spokesman for the European aviation safety agency, said the new solution adopts the U.S. … Original article on : EU air safety agency proposes adopting US volcanic ash rules for a much smaller no-fly zone.

Cop donates blood to save injured Maoist

RAIPUR – A Chhattisgarh policeman donated blood and saved the life of a Maoist guerilla who suffered bullet injuries in a gun battle with the security forces, sources said Wednesday.

Chandrika Yadav, who was shot on his waist in gunfight with the police in a forested stretch of Surguja district May 7, got a fresh … Read more »»».

Two killed in Haryana distillery fire

CHANDIGARH – Two workers of a private distillery in Haryana were burnt to death in a fire that broke out in the plant Wednesday, police said.

Fire-fighters were till late Wednesday night trying to control the fire that engulfed the tanks, loaded with spirit, in the NV distillery plant at Bhadoli village, 30 km from … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two killed in Haryana distillery fire.

Dutch boy sole known survivor in crash of Libyan jet carrying 104 in Tripoli

Dutch boy sole known survivor in Libyan jet crash

TRIPOLI, Libya – A Libyan plane carrying 104 people crashed Wednesday on approach to Tripoli’s airport, leaving a field scattered with smoldering debris that included a large chunk of the tail painted with the airline’s brightly colored logo. A 10-year-old Dutch boy was the only known survivor.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Dutch boy sole known survivor in crash of Libyan jet carrying 104 in Tripoli.

Authorities hopeful sole survivor of Libyan crash can return home to Netherlands this weekend

Dutch crash survivor could go home this weekend

TRIPOLI, Libya – Authorities are hopeful the Dutch boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash in Libya will be able to return home to the Netherlands this weekend, as investigators begin work to determine the cause of the crash.
Nine-year-old Ruben Van Assouw lost the rest … Original source on Gaea Times at : Authorities hopeful sole survivor of Libyan crash can return home to Netherlands this weekend.

Search for 24 missing Russian miners can’t resume for at least a week

Search for 24 Russian miners can’t resume for week

MOSCOW – Russian officials say the search for 24 workers missing after a coal mine explosion won’t resume for a week, apparently eliminating hopes of finding them alive.
Rescue operations at the Raspadskaya mine in western Siberia were suspended Thursday because of heavy concentrations of explosive methane and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Search for 24 missing Russian miners can’t resume for at least a week.

Scolded over studies, boy kills father, grandmother

LUCKNOW – Frustrated at being frequently scolded for not being serious towards his studies, a 17-year-old boy shot dead his father and grandmother here Friday, police said.

Utkarsh Sahu, 17, allegedly shot dead the two with the service revolver of his father Rama Shankar (47), a head constable. He then injured himself in order to …. Original source  : Scolded over studies, boy kills father, grandmother.

Tube being threaded into pipe pouring oil into Gulf; hope is to siphon leaking crude to tanker

BP hopes tube will siphon oil to tanker
Undersea robots were trying to thread a small tube into the jagged pipe that is pouring oil into the Gulf of Mexico in BP’s latest attempt to cut down on the spill from a blown-out well that has pumped out more than 4 million gallons of crude.

The company … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tube being threaded into pipe pouring oil into Gulf; hope is to siphon leaking crude to tanker.

25 die of electrocution in Madhya Pradesh bus accident

BHOPAL – At least 25 people were electrocuted and 15 injured when the bus in which they were travelling collided with a high-voltage electric pole Friday in Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh, police said.

A high-tension overhead wire fell on the bus when it collided with the pole and high voltage current electrocuted the passengers who … Original source on Gaea Times at : 25 die of electrocution in Madhya Pradesh bus accident.

China says police will fire on future school attackers, ‘and without mercy’

China says police will fire on school attackers

LINCHANG, China – China said Friday that its police will open fire on any future school attackers “without mercy” after the deadliest in a string of recent assaults killed seven preschoolers and two adults this week.
“If criminals dare to do this kind of thing again, we will act …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China says police will fire on future school attackers, ‘and without mercy’.

Robber battered by judo expert

LONDON – A robber wanted to make an easy exit after robbing a British bookmaker’s store but he threatened the wrong man – a judo expert. The judoka crashed a chair on the robber’s head and then pinned him to the ground till police arrived.

Fortyeight-year-old Martin Richardson, who weighs over 110 kg and is powerfully … Read more >>.

2 GOP governors, 1 disaster: Barbour, Jindal show diverging responses to Gulf oil spill

Miss., La. govs contrast in responses to oil spill

JACKSON, Miss. – The ambitious Republican governors of Mississippi and Louisiana are a study in contrasts as an oil spill threatens coastal economies still reeling from Hurricane Katrina.
Mississippi’s Haley Barbour, a well-connected former Washington lobbyist, has calmly said the oil slick looming offshore is just a sheen …. Original article  : 2 GOP governors, 1 disaster: Barbour, Jindal show diverging responses to Gulf oil spill.

Husband stitches wife’s private parts with wire

RANCHI – In a hair-raising incident, a husband stitched the private parts of his wife with wire in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad city after her request to visit her parents enraged him, police said Friday.

The woman, Sabitri, is in critical condition after being operated at a Dhanbad hospital, doctors said. The man, Sannimar Munda, is on the [..] Read the original article: here.

Chile police find more traces of explosive in terrorism probe of Pakistani, seek others

Chile police seek associates of embassy detainee

SANTIAGO, Chile – Police found more traces of an explosives material at the home of a detained Pakistani who is under investigation after the same substance was detected on his documents and cell phone while visiting the U.S. Embassy.
Chile’s state television said Thursday night that the traces were found … Read more : Chile police find more traces of explosive in terrorism probe of Pakistani, seek others.

Protesters allege NATO killed Afghan civilians; alliance says it targeted insurgents

Protesters say NATO attack killed Afghan civilians

KABUL – Hundreds of protesters burned tires and blocked roads Friday in eastern Afghanistan as they accused NATO forces of killing civilians in an overnight raid, but the alliance said eight insurgents were killed in the attack.
More than 500 people poured into the streets in the Surkh Rod district …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Four cops held for supplying arms to Maoists

LUCKNOW – Four policemen have been arrested from different districts of Uttar Pradesh on suspicion of being involved in a racket to smuggle arms and ammunition for Maoists, officials said Friday.

Carrying out a joint operation with the police, the Special Task Force (STF) Thursday arrested the four men from the Provincial Armed Constabulary from Gonda, … Read : Four cops held for supplying arms to Maoists.

Orissa Congress legislator arrested in Andhra

BHUBANESWAR – An Congress legislator from Orissa’s Ganjam district, who had been on the run after his alleged involvement in the murder of a criminal in his constituency early this year, was arrested from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, police said Friday.

Ramesh Chandra Jena, who represents Sanakhemundi constituency, was arrested from Visakhapatnam Thursday evening, Ganjam district’s superintendent …. Original article  : Orissa Congress legislator arrested in Andhra.

White House requests $10 million from Congress for possible litigation from oil spill

US seeks $10 million for oil spill legal costs

WASHINGTON – The White House is asking Congress to approve $10 million for potential litigation costs arising from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s part of a larger legislative package the administration sent to Capitol Hill this week including help for fishermen and a proposal …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : White House requests $10 million from Congress for possible litigation from oil spill.

Indo-Canadian MP faces criminal probe in mortgage fraud

TORONTO – Canadian police Thursday launched criminal investigations against Indian Canadian MP Devinder Shory and dozens of others named in the country\’s biggest mortgage fraud.

In its lawsuit filed last week, the Bank of Montreal – which is one of the top five Canadian banks – had named Shory along with over 100 people in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indo-Canadian MP faces criminal probe in mortgage fraud.

State media says death toll in coal mine blast in southwest China rises to 21

China says death toll in mine blast rises to 21

BEIJING – State media says the death toll in a coal mine blast in southwest China’s Guizhou province has risen to 21.
The official Xinhua News Agency said Friday that 31 workers were in the mine when the blast happened Thursday night, and that 10 managed to …. Read the original article  : State media says death toll in coal mine blast in southwest China rises to 21.

86 killed, thousands relocated in China rainstorms

Indo-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE
BEIJING – At least 86 people were killed and 16 missing due to flood and landslides caused by rainstorms that lashed central and south China in the past few days.

Rainstorms in south China since early May have left at least 86 people dead and 16 missing, causing direct economic losses of almost 5.9 … Original article on : 86 killed, thousands relocated in China rainstorms.

24 workers trapped in China coal mine blast

Indo-ASIAN NEWS SERVICE
BEIJING – At least 24 workers were trapped underground after a gas explosion in a coal mine in southwest China Thursday, Xinhua reported.

A total of 31 miners were working in a shaft of Yuanyang Colliery in Guizhou province, rescuers said, adding that seven of them managed to escape.
Investigations are on to ascertain …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 24 workers trapped in China coal mine blast.

Obama hails police officers who responded to Times Square during car bomb attempt

Obama meets, praises Times Square bomb responders
NEW YORK – President Barack Obama met Thursday with police officers who responded to the attempted car-bombing of Times Square, greeting them at the New York Police Department’s high-tech Real Time Crime Center.
“Look, I know folks are busy, but I just wanted to come by and say … Read more »»».

White men charged with burning Mass. church in response to Obama’s election face more charges

Suspects in Mass. church fire face more charges
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A federal grand jury has filed more charges against two white men accused of torching a predominantly black Massachusetts church in response to President Barack Obama’s election.
Federal prosecutors said Thursday that 22-year-old Thomas Gleason Jr. and 25-year-old Michael Jacques now face additional charges … Read : White men charged with burning Mass. church in response to Obama’s election face more charges.

Slain scribe’s mother denied bail

RANCHI – A court in Jharkhand’s Koderma district Saturday rejected the bail petition of slain scribe Nirupama Pathak’s mother Sudha, arrested on charges of killing her daughter.

Chief Judicial Magistrate N.K. Agrawal rejected the bail petition while police in Koderma continued to interrogate Sudha in jail in connection with her daughter’s death.
Police had filed a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Slain scribe’s mother denied bail.

BP trying to guide mile-lone tube to help plug Gulf of Mexico oil leak; Obama assails drillers

BP works on another attempt to plug oil leak
HAMMOND, La. – At first, BP tried to stop the oil rushing into the Gulf of Mexico by flipping a blowout preventer switch. A week ago, they attempted to capture the leak with a 100-ton box. The latest experiment? Trying to guide what amounts to …. Read the original article  : BP trying to guide mile-lone tube to help plug Gulf of Mexico oil leak; Obama assails drillers.

Maharashtra officer ‘kidnapped’ in Arunachal untraced

MUMBAI – There has been no trace of high-ranking Maharashtra forest officer Vijay S. Bardekar who was allegedly kidnapped by suspected Bodo militants in Arunachal Pradesh, where he was on a vacation, a minister said here Saturday.

“Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is in regular touch with his counterparts in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. So far we … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maharashtra officer ‘kidnapped’ in Arunachal untraced.

Chinese climber dies after summiting Mt. Dhaulagiri

KATHMANDU – A Chinese mountaineer, from the country’s first group of civilian climbers to summit the world’s seventh-highest peak Mt. Dhaulagiri, has died and four people sustained serious injuries after encountering bad weather.

The mountaineering group summited Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 metres) Wednesday. On descending from the summit later in the day, the eight climbers encountered fog … Read more : Chinese climber dies after summiting Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Special police units for juveniles in Bihar

PATNA – Special police units were Saturday constituted in all 37 districts of Bihar to exclusively deal and work with juveniles, an official said.

“The state government has constituted special juvenile police units in the state – a new beginning for a child-friendly police,” Bihar police chief Neelmani told reporters here at the first state-level sensitisation … Original article on : Special police units for juveniles in Bihar.

Three dead, four hurt in Bosnia knife attack

SARAJEVO – A knife-wielding Bosnian man ran amok, killing three people and badly wounding four others, including three children, Bosnian TV stations reported Saturday.

The attacker, reportedly a psychiatric patient, went on a stabbing spree in Visoko, a town 20 km northwest of Sarajevo, Friday night.
The children, with abdominal stab wounds, were in critical condition … Original article on : Three dead, four hurt in Bosnia knife attack.

Chinese man sentenced to death for attacking 29 kids

BEIJING – A 46-year-old unemployed man who had stabbed 29 children at a kindergarten in China’s Jiangsu province, as part of his “revenge on society”, was sentenced to death by a local court Saturday.

Xu Yuyuan had also stabbed two teachers and a security guard at the Zhongxin Kindergarten in Jiangsu’s Taixing city April 29. The …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Chinese man sentenced to death for attacking 29 kids.

US spends $40 mn for ’secret’ Mexican anti-drug unit

Mexico City, May 15 (IANS/EFE) The US has spent around $40 million for training a “secret” dedicated unit of around 200 Mexican police and army personnel in an effort to hunt down drug kingpins, a media report said.

The group was trained by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and has captured at least four … Read more >>>.

CBI to probe abetment-to-suicide case against Himachal cop

SHIMLA – Taking cognizance of allegations of evidence tampering by a police officer in an unmarried woman’s suicide, the Himachal Pradesh High Court Saturday referred the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a “fair and impartial” probe.

Pronouncing the order in the open court, a division bench, comprising Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and …. Read the original article  : CBI to probe abetment-to-suicide case against Himachal cop.

Dutch boy who is sole survivor of Libyan plane crash to return home Saturday

Dutch crash survivor to return from Libya Saturday

TRIPOLI, Libya – The Dutch boy who is the sole survivor of a plane crash in Libya was cleared by doctors to return home to the Netherlands Saturday, just hours after being told that his parents and older brother perished in the disaster.
Nine-year-old Ruben van Assouw’s survival of … Original article on : Dutch boy who is sole survivor of Libyan plane crash to return home Saturday.

Madhuri Gupta’s judicial custody extended

NEW DELHI – A city court Saturday extended by 14 days the judicial custody of Madhuri Gupta, a junior Indian diplomat arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Kaveri Baweja asked jail authorities to produce Gupta, 53, in court May 29.
Gupta, a second secretary at the Indian High …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Madhuri Gupta’s judicial custody extended.

New clashes in central Bangkok as troops, anti-government protesters face off

Clashes, blasts for 3rd day in besieged Bangkok

BANGKOK – Thai troops clashed with protesters for a third day in Bangkok on Saturday, as streets in the center of the Asian metropolis became battlegrounds and authorities struggled to contain Red Shirt demonstrators demanding the prime minister’s resignation.
Explosions and street fighting have killed 16 people and wounded … Original article on : New clashes in central Bangkok as troops, anti-government protesters face off.

Anti-stalker helpline for women starts in Delhi

NEW DELHI – If you are harassed by a stalker in the capital, call the anti-stalking cell of the Delhi Police as it has started a helpline for women Saturday.

“There is a lot of insecurity among women. We hope this new helpline will go a long way in helping them,” Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Anti-stalker helpline for women starts in Delhi.

Fire leaves thousands homeless in Philippine capital

MANILA – Thousands of people were left homeless Saturday in a pre-dawn blaze that struck a slum area in the Philippine capital. No one was injured, a fire official said.

The fire razed some 800 houses in Muntinlupa City, leaving at least 4,000 people homeless, according to metropolitan Manila fire chief Senior Superintendent Pablito Cordeta.
Cordeta …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Two poachers held with spotted deer skins

LUCKNOW – Two poachers have been arrested with skins of spotted deer near the Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, police said Saturday.

Of the two poachers, in their late 30s, one hails from Nepal and the other is a resident of Bahraich. The men were arrested late Friday evening following a joint operation by … Read more »».

Kannada actor Anand held for dowry harassment

BANGALORE – Kannada actor Anand has been arrested for allegedly demanding dowry from his wife Bharani and harassing her, police said.

Thyagaraya Nagar Women Police in Bangalore Friday night acted on Bharani’s complaint that Anand harassed her physically and mentally for money even after selling gold ornaments given by her parents during their …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Kannada actor Anand held for dowry harassment.

Small earthquake shakes Southern California’s Ventura County

Small earthquake shakes Southern Calif.
PORT HUENEME, Calif. – A small earthquake in Southern California has rocked an area of Ventura County near Port Hueneme (weye-NEE’-mee), about 66 miles west of Los Angeles.

A preliminary report from the U.S. Geological Survey says the 3.9-magnitude quake hit at 8:19 p.m. Friday nine miles east-southeast of Port Hueneme.
A KCAL-TV …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Violence spikes in central Bangkok, with police firing on rioting anti-government protesters

Bangkok battles: 16 dead in clashes, explosions

BANGKOK – Soldiers opened fire on anti-government protesters who battled them with firebombs and homemade rockets Friday in a second straight day of escalating violence as troops tried to clear the rioters from the streets of downtown Bangkok.
The clashes have killed 16 people and wounded 157, including two soldiers, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Violence spikes in central Bangkok, with police firing on rioting anti-government protesters.

BP working on new approach as Obama loses patience

WASHINGTON – BP hoped to start siphoning crude oil out of a ruptured well by Saturday, pending its success in inserting a smaller pipe into a larger one to contain oil now gushing out of a damaged pipe into the Gulf of Mexico.

Doug Suttles, BP chief operating officer, told reporters Friday that he hoped “to …. Read the original article  : BP working on new approach as Obama loses patience.

Explosion at New Hampshire gun, ammunition plant kills 2, injures 1 near Canadian border

Explosion at NH gun factory kills 2, injures 1

COLEBROOK, N.H. – Multiple explosions at a gun and ammunition manufacturing plant in far northern New Hampshire on Friday killed two people, shook buildings blocks away, filled the sky with black smoke and forced the evacuation of dozens of homes.
State Fire Marshal Bill Degnan confirmed the deaths …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Explosion at New Hampshire gun, ammunition plant kills 2, injures 1 near Canadian border.

Ajmer bombing: Rajasthan cops pick up Madhya Pradesh industrialist

BHOPAL – An industrialist from Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district has been picked up by the anti-terrorist squad (ATS) of Rajasthan Police in connection with the 2007 bombing at the Ajmer Dargah Sharif that killed three people, police said Sunday.

“The Rajasthan ATS probing the Ajmer bombing reached Dhar Saturday and after informing the …. Source  : Ajmer bombing: Rajasthan cops pick up Madhya Pradesh industrialist.

Drifting cloud of volcanic ash invades British airspace, closing Northern Irish airports

Volcanic ash cloud closes British airports

LONDON – Civil aviation officials on Sunday said a drifting, dense cloud of volcanic ash is “rapidly encroaching” on British airspace, forcing the closure of airports in Northern Ireland.
The National Air Traffic Service said a no-fly zone has been imposed over parts of Northern Ireland, and no flights are going … Original article on : Drifting cloud of volcanic ash invades British airspace, closing Northern Irish airports.

BP still believes tube will suck up most gushing oil; Scientists report underwater oil plumes

BP confident it can contain gushing oil with pipe
ROBERT, La. – BP hit a snag Saturday in its effort to reduce the amount of oil blasting from the remains of a broken rig into the Gulf of Mexico, while some scientists made the worrisome announcement that they had found huge plumes of oil …. Source article  : BP still believes tube will suck up most gushing oil; Scientists report underwater oil plumes.

Malaysian Indian lawmaker receives death threat

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian Indian lawmaker Sunday received a death threat and red paint was thrown at his cars to warn him to stay out of a mining deal he has exposed.

S. Manikavasagam woke up to find his and his wife’s cars splashed with red paint in his home.
He said that three … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Malaysian Indian lawmaker receives death threat.

Thai authorities to send Red Cross workers to protest zone to evacuate women, children

Red Cross to evacuate Red Shirt women, children

BANGKOK – Thai authorities say they will send the Red Cross and other neutral agencies into Bangkok’s deadly protest zone to evacuate women, children and the elderly.
Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd has also announced on national television that authorities would discuss later Sunday whether to impose a curfew … Read more : Thai authorities to send Red Cross workers to protest zone to evacuate women, children.

USGS reports 5.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Puerto Rico

Moderate earthquake strikes Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 struck the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico early Sunday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

The quake hit at 1:16 a.m. (0516 GMT) four miles (six kilometers) from the small community of Espino on the western side of the island … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : USGS reports 5.7-magnitude earthquake strikes Puerto Rico.

Three killed in Hyderabad chemical factory fire

HYDERABAD – At least three people were killed and five injured Sunday in a massive fire at a chemical factory on the outskirts of Hyderabad, officials said.

The fire broke out in Durga Enterprises, a factory in Jedimetla industrial area, following a blast in one of the chemical reactors. Police and witnesses said 16 workers were … Read more >>>.

Mexican ex-presidential candidate kidnapped

Mexico, May 16 (IANS/EFE) A former presidential candidate for Mexico’s ruling National Action Party (PAN) was kidnapped from the central Mexican state of Queretaro, the federal Attorney General’s Office (PGR) said.

The AG office said that Friday “it learned that Diego Fernandez de Cevallos has gone missing” and his vehicle was found near his La Cabana …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NKorean navy boats cross tense sea border with SKorea in first violation since ship sinking

NKorean navy boats violate sea border amid tension

SEOUL, South Korea – Two North Korean naval boats briefly crossed the tense western sea border with South Korea in the first violation since a South Korean warship sank in the area following a mysterious explosion in March, the South’s military said Sunday.
A North Korean patrol boat sailed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NKorean navy boats cross tense sea border with SKorea in first violation since ship sinking.

Six killed in Uttar Pradesh road accident

AGRA – Six people were killed and four critically injured when two vehicles collided head-on over the Bajna bridge in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, police said Sunday.

According to the police, the incident occurred late Saturday night when a speeding Maruti van, on its way from Haryana to Agra, collided with a matador coming from the …. Source  : Six killed in Uttar Pradesh road accident.

Plane crashes in Suriname, eight missing

RIO DE JANEIRO – A small plane with eight people on board crashed in northeast Suriname, Xinhua reported.

The two-engine Antonov of Blue Wings airlines crashed Saturday in a dense forest, 300 km southeast of Paramaribo, the Suriname capital.
According to aviation officials, the plane crashed due to bad weather, which also halted the search operation. …. Source article  : Plane crashes in Suriname, eight missing.

Official: Investigation points to machine in New Hampshire plant explosions that killed 2

Official: Machine was origin of NH explosions

COLEBROOK, N.H. – The investigation into a series of explosions at a gun and ammunition manufacturing plant in far northern New Hampshire that killed two people has led to one machine, the state’s fire marshal said Saturday.
Bill Degnan said that the investigation into Friday’s explosions at the MDM Muzzleloader … Read more >>>.

Official: Investigation points to one machine in New Hampshire plant explosions that killed 2

Official: One machine to blame for NH explosions

COLEBROOK, N.H. – New Hampshire’s Fire Marshal says an investigation into a series of explosions at a gun and ammunition manufacturing plant in Colebrook that killed two people has led to one machine in the building.
Bill Degnan said Saturday that the investigation into the explosions a day earlier …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Official: Investigation points to one machine in New Hampshire plant explosions that killed 2.

Police find body of Haitian kidnapped during post-quake reconstruction effort

Haitian relief worker found dead after abduction

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A Haitian man kidnapped while working with a U.S.-based development foundation was found dead on Saturday, the group said.
The driver for the Pan-American Development Foundation was kidnapped Monday along with a British contractor. The contractor was released after four days and is now assisting authorities with …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Public hearings on proposed oil pipeline from Canada begin in Montana

Public hearings on oil pipeline begin in Montana

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Public hearings in Montana are being held this week to discuss a plan to build a pipeline through eastern Montana to move crude extracted from Canada’s oil sands to refineries in the United States.
Calgary-based TransCanada Corp. aims to start construction this year on the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Public hearings on proposed oil pipeline from Canada begin in Montana.

Small plane crashes in Suriname, all 8 aboard feared dead

8 feared dead in plane crash in Suriname
PARAMARIBO, Suriname – A small plane crashed in rough weather Saturday in the South American country of Suriname and all eight people aboard are feared dead, officials said.

The crash occurred in a thick forest about 200 miles (300 kilometers) southeast of the capital of Paramaribo, said Air Traffic … Read more >>.

Kyle Busch wins Nationwide Series race at Dover International Speedway

Busch wins Nationwide race at Dover
DOVER, Del. – Clint Bowyer saw his target and hurried off pit road. Angry after a hard lick only moments earlier, Bowyer sped toward Denny Hamlin and sent him straight into the wall.

Bowyer’s retaliatory hit got him instantly parked by NASCAR. His race was over and Hamlin’s was spoiled.
Kyle Busch …. Original source  : Kyle Busch wins Nationwide Series race at Dover International Speedway.

BP believes mile-long straw can work and will suck up most of the oil, despite setback

BP confident latest try to capture oil will work
ROBERT, La. – BP was confident Saturday its latest experiment using a mile-long pipe would capture much of the oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico, even as the company disclosed yet another setback in the environmental disaster.
Engineers … Original article on : BP believes mile-long straw can work and will suck up most of the oil, despite setback.

BP expects Gulf oil siphon to work by Saturday night, despite setback with insertion tube

BP expects Gulf oil siphon to work after setback
ROBERT, La. – BP expected a mile-long tube to start siphoning oil from its blown-out well in the Gulf of Mexico by Saturday night after a setback. If successful, the deepsea experiment would reduce but not end a spill that’s spewed millions of gallons … Original article on : BP expects Gulf oil siphon to work by Saturday night, despite setback with insertion tube.

Absconding Delhi prisoner held in Goa

NEW DELHI – A prisoner who escaped from the Tihar Jail here in February was apprehended in Goa, police said Saturday.

Sandeep Parmar had escaped from the jail using the bail papers of another accused in the same case. Parmar was undergoing trial for kidnapping a 28-year-old businessman in 2007. He was apprehended in Goa … Read more »».