China rejects criticism of US geologist’s 8-year prison sentence over oil industry database

China rejects criticism of US geologist’s sentence

BEIJING – China on Tuesday rejected U.S. criticism of its treatment of an American geologist who was sentenced to eight years in prison for spying and collecting state secrets.
The U.S. Embassy issued a statement calling for Xue Feng’s immediate release and deportation to the United States after he was …. Original article  : China rejects criticism of US geologist’s 8-year prison sentence over oil industry database.

Trooper killed in firing from Pakistan

JAMMU – A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was killed when Pakistani Rangers opened fire at a forward post of the Indian border guards in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector early Tuesday.

Pakistani Rangers started firing at the Chak Sagwali post in Pargwal area, about 45 km northwest of Jammu, around 6.15 a.m., officials said. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Trooper killed in firing from Pakistan.

Once a quiet, withdrawn teen, Alvin Greene emerges from obscurity to take on powerful senator

Once a withdrawn teen, man now takes on senator

MANNING, S.C. – Alvin Greene earned the nickname “turtle” in high school – a quiet, withdrawn boy who was smart when he applied himself but rarely took a chance and tried to put himself in comfortable situations.
Nearly four weeks ago, the 32-year-old unemployed military veteran turned South …. Source article  : Once a quiet, withdrawn teen, Alvin Greene emerges from obscurity to take on powerful senator.

On front line in war on terrorism, it’s spy vs. spy among supposed friends CIA and Pakistan

CIA and Pakistan locked in aggressive spy battles

WASHINGTON – A Pakistani man approached CIA officers in Islamabad last year, offering to give up secrets of his country’s closely guarded nuclear program. To prove he was a trustworthy source, he claimed to possess spent nuclear fuel rods.
But the CIA had its doubts. Before long, the suspicious …. Original article  : On front line in war on terrorism, it’s spy vs. spy among supposed friends CIA and Pakistan.

Lindsay Lohan due in court for probation hearing that could end with star sent to jail

Lindsay Lohan due in court for probation hearing

LOS ANGELES – The next stage of Lindsay Lohan’s life is in a judge’s hands.
The starlet is scheduled to appear Tuesday in a Beverly Hills, Calif., courtroom for a probation revocation hearing that could end with Lohan either headed for jail or her next movie role.
The hearing is … Read more »».

Maoists blow up Orissa school building

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas blew up a school building in Orissa’s Malkangiri district early Tuesday.

About 30-40 rebels blasted the school building at MV 21 village, about 640 km from here, when no one was inside, a district police official told IANS.
The attack came ahead of a two-day nationwide shutdown called by the rebels …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists blow up Orissa school building.

BSF trooper killed in firing from Pakistan

JAMMU – A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was killed Tuesday morning in firing by Pakistani Rangers from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector, an official said.

There was heavy fire from across the border killing the trooper, the BSF official said.
… Read more : BSF trooper killed in firing from Pakistan.

Hafiz Saeed barred from leaving Pakistan

LAHORE – Jamat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, who India says masterminded the 2008 Mumbai attacks, has been barred from travelling abroad after the Pakistan government banned 23 terror groups operating under new names after being outlawed.

The Punjab government directed the police to keep a strict vigil on 1,690 office-bearers and workers of the banned outfits. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Prosecutor undecided on whether to charge Wash. man accused of using bow on suspected burglar

Charges undecided in Wash. hunting bow case

KELSO, Wash. – A prosecutor in Washington state says she’s still deciding how to proceed with a December case in which authorities say a man shot a prowler in the buttocks with a hunting bow.
Cowlitz County prosecutor Sue Baur says she’s been studying related case law but has yet … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prosecutor undecided on whether to charge Wash. man accused of using bow on suspected burglar.

Imam entangled in terrorism case leaves US; some parting words are ‘God bless America’

Imam entangled in terrorism case leaves US

NEW YORK – The imam entangled in the investigation into a suicide bomb plot against New York City subway stations left the U.S. Monday on court orders after admitting he lied to the FBI. Among his final words on U.S. soil, his lawyer says, were “God bless America.”
Ahmad Wais …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Imam entangled in terrorism case leaves US; some parting words are ‘God bless America’.

Imam entangled in terrorism case deported; some parting words are ‘God bless America’

Imam entangled in terrorism case deported
NEW YORK – An imam who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI during the investigation into a suicide bomb plot against New York City subway stations has been deported.

The lawyer for Ahmad Afzali (AKH’-mahd ahf-ZAH’-lee) says Afzali and his wife left on a Saudi Arabian Airlines flight to Jeddah … Read : Imam entangled in terrorism case deported; some parting words are ‘God bless America’.

Police: Gunman opens fire at July 4 gathering in Los Angeles, killing 14-year-old girl

Girl shot in LA during July 4th gathering
LOS ANGELES – Police are seeking the gunman who opened fire at a July 4th gathering near downtown Los Angeles, shooting and killing a 14-year-old girl.

Police said Monday the suspect was apparently aiming at rival gang members the previous evening when he opened fire on the group, striking …. Read the original article  : Police: Gunman opens fire at July 4 gathering in Los Angeles, killing 14-year-old girl.

Police: Ex-Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell arrested on drug possession charge in Alabama

Ex-Raiders QB Russell arrested on Ala. drug charge

MOBILE, Ala. – Former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell has been charged with possession of a controlled substance – codeine syrup – after being arrested at his home in Alabama on Monday, authorities said.
The 24-year-old former LSU star and the No. 1 draft choice in 2007 was arrested … Read : Police: Ex-Oakland Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell arrested on drug possession charge in Alabama.

Leslie Van Houten, a Charles Manson follower, hopes for parole in 19th try at age 60

Manson follower faces parole board for 19th time

LOS ANGELES – Leslie Van Houten, the one-time Charles Manson follower long seen as the most likely of his ex-acolytes to win freedom someday, faces her 19th parole hearing on Tuesday with a new lawyer and new case law which may give her the best chance yet for …. Original source  : Leslie Van Houten, a Charles Manson follower, hopes for parole in 19th try at age 60.

Resurgence eludes Mexico’s old rulers in state elections that show no party is on top

Vote shows Mexicans have little faith in any party

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico – After a Super Sunday of elections across Mexico that was widely seen as a test for the 2012 presidential race and the nation’s future, the winner turns out to be – well, not really anyone.
President Felipe Calderon’s party is weak, the left is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Resurgence eludes Mexico’s old rulers in state elections that show no party is on top.

British court holds extradition hearing for ex-Bosnian vice president accused of war crimes

Hearing opens in Britain for ex-Bosnian leader

LONDON – A former Bosnian vice president arrested on war crimes charges Monday protested his potential extradition from Britain to Serbia, claiming authorities in Belgrade won’t give him a fair trial.
Ejup Ganic told reporters outside a London court that Serbia’s extradition request was politically motivated and distorted facts. He …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : British court holds extradition hearing for ex-Bosnian vice president accused of war crimes.

Japanese hot dog eating champ leaves NY jail after hot dog fracas, says he’s hungry

Eating champ leaves NY jail after hot dog fracas

NEW YORK – Japanese eating champion Takeru Kobayashi, arrested at a July Fourth hot dog-eating contest, was freed Monday after a night in jail, looking a little weary and saying he was hungry.
Kobayashi, wearing a black T-shirt bearing the message “Free Kobi” in green letters, was freed … Original article on : Japanese hot dog eating champ leaves NY jail after hot dog fracas, says he’s hungry.

Israeli man suspected of involvement in Dubai slaying appears in Polish court

Alleged Mossad spy appears in Polish court

WARSAW, Poland – A Polish court demanded more documents Monday in the extradition case of an Israeli man suspected of being a Mossad agent involved in the slaying of a Hamas leader in Dubai.
Uri Brodsky is suspected of helping forge a German passport that was used by a member …. Original source  : Israeli man suspected of involvement in Dubai slaying appears in Polish court.

Top rights group says Cuba political prisoners down to 167, nearly half of total from ‘06

Cuban political prisoners list dips to 167

HAVANA – The number of political prisoners in Cuba continued a notable decline in the first half of 2010, the island’s top human rights monitor said Monday, meaning their ranks have dropped by nearly half since Raul Castro took power in 2006.
The Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Top rights group says Cuba political prisoners down to 167, nearly half of total from ‘06.

Ousted Ill. Gov. Blagojevich and brother face corruption trial together, but are mostly apart

Tried together, Blagojevich brothers often apart
CHICAGO – Rod Blagojevich’s friends scattered as investigators looking into his doomed Illinois governorship closed in. Some associates had already been indicted, others stopped returning calls.
So when the Democrat needed a campaign fund manager, he turned to someone who had stood with him on the sometimes mean Chicago … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Ousted Ill. Gov. Blagojevich and brother face corruption trial together, but are mostly apart.