Bellevue Iowa Parade Tragedy

BELLEVUE (GaeaTimes.com)- The Bellevue Police on Sunday evening mentioned to media sources that a 60-year-old Iowa woman who was admitted to the University of Iowa Hospital at Iowa City on Sunday morning in critical condition had not been able to recuperate from her injury and died. Police however have not disclosed the identity of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

China jails US geologist on ’state secret’ charges

BEIJING – A Chinese court sentenced a Chinese-born US geologist to eight years in prison Monday after convicting him of illegally obtaining an oil database that was deemed a state secret.

The Beijing No.1 Intermediate People’s Court found geologist Xue Feng guilty of attempting to “obtain and traffic state secrets” by buying the database on China’s …. Original source  : China jails US geologist on ’state secret’ charges.

BP says oil spill costs rise above $3 billion, $147 million paid to settle individual claims

BP oil spill costs rise above $3 billion
LONDON – BP says that it has now spent more than $3 billion in attempts to stop an oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico and to settle damage claims.

The oil company said Monday that is has spent $3.12 billion so far in responding to the spill, attempting …. Source  : BP says oil spill costs rise above $3 billion, $147 million paid to settle individual claims.

Australian pleads not guilty to arson, ordered to stand trial over deadly wildfire last year

Australian to be tried over 10 deaths in wildfire

MELBOURNE, Australia – A man pleaded not guilty Monday to charges that he deliberately started one of the deadly wildfires that swept through southern Australia last year.
The fires in Victoria state in February 2009 were Australia’s deadliest, killing 173 people and destroying more than 2,000 homes. Brendan …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man dies watching vampire romance movie

WELLINGTON – A 23-year-old man’s body was found Sunday night at a cinema hall that was screening the vampire movie “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”.

The body of the man was found in the movie theatre at the Reading complex on Courtenay Place shortly before 8.30 p.m., the police said.
New Zealand Herald quoted Detective Senior …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man dies watching vampire romance movie.

24 killed in China bus fire

BEIJING – Twenty-four people were killed and 19 injured after a fire engulfed a company’s shuttle bus in east China’s Jiangsu Province, Xinhua reported Monday.

The bus was carrying 45 employees of a steel company in Wuxi city Sunday night when the fire broke out, DPA said, citing a report of state broadcaster China … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 24 killed in China bus fire.

Suicide car bomber attacks paramilitary base in NW Pakistan, kills 1 soldier

Suicide car bomber kills soldier in NW Pakistan

MINGORA, Pakistan – A suicide car bomber shot at guards and detonated his explosives at the gate of a paramilitary base in northwestern Pakistan before dawn Monday, killing one soldier and wounding at least seven other people, said security officials.
The bomber first tried to force his way onto …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Suicide car bomber attacks paramilitary base in NW Pakistan, kills 1 soldier.

Bomb scare at Kennedy Airport in New York

NEW YORK – About 300 passengers were evacuated at John F. Kennedy Airport here Sunday after a bomb scare, authorities said.

Terminal One of the international airport reopened Sunday evening, the New York Post reported.
A woman called the authorities that there was a bomb inside the building, a Port Authority spokesman said. An unidentified …. Source  : Bomb scare at Kennedy Airport in New York.

Brawls, crimes ruining Chandigarh night life

CHANDIGARH – Planning to party into the wee hours or go for a late night stroll in Chandigarh? Beware of brawls, road rage, drunken driving and molestation incidents that have seen a spurt in this city and are spoling plans to promote night tourism.

“Chandigarh roads have become very unsafe at night as you will certainly … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Brawls, crimes ruining Chandigarh night life.

50 missing as boat capsizes in Bangladesh

DHAKA – At least 50 people, including women and children, were missing after a boat with about 100 passengers on board capsized Sunday night in a river in Bangladesh.

The boat left the Tanbazar ghat for Bandar area at around 10 p.m. As it reached the middle of the river Shitalakkhya, a sand-laden cargo boat … Original source on Gaea Times at : 50 missing as boat capsizes in Bangladesh.

Nine die from gas poisoning in China mine

BEIJING – At least nine miners died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a colliery in China’s Henan province Sunday night, officials said Monday.

Rescuers had found bodies of three miners under the mine shaft, and later brought out six others and took them to hospital, where they succumbed, Liu Xianghua, deputy director of the Coal Mining …. Source  : Nine die from gas poisoning in China mine.

JFK Airport terminal in NYC reopens after bomb scare that turns out to be false alarm

NYC airport terminal reopens after false alarm

NEW YORK – A bomb scare that turned out to be a false alarm forced the evacuation of a terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport for two hours Sunday.
John Kelly, a spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which manages the three main New … Read more : JFK Airport terminal in NYC reopens after bomb scare that turns out to be false alarm.

Horses run out of control at US independence day parade

WASHINGTON – Two horses ran out of control and rammed into spectators during the American Independence Day parade in Iowa, and injured 24 people including children, police said.

The horses ran out of control after they rubbed their heads against each other, causing one’s bridle to come off. They then took off, taking the wagon they … Read more »».

Shuttle bus carrying steel workers catches fire in central China, killing 24 people

State media: Bus fire in central China kills 24

BEIJING – A fire on a shuttle bus carrying steel factory workers in central China killed 24 people and injured 19, state media reported Monday.
The official Xinhua News Agency said the fire happened Sunday night in Wuxi, a city close to Shanghai. The bus served night shift … Read more »».

18 killed in Zimbabwe accident

HARARE – At least 18 people were killed and 31 injured when the bus in which they were travelling rammed into the back of a stationary truck in Zimbabwe, police said.

The accident occurred around 4.30 a.m. Sunday near Selous, about 80 km southwest of Harare, when a bus travelling from Gokwe rammed into the rear … Read more : 18 killed in Zimbabwe accident.

Cocaine-made FIFA World Cup replica seized

BOGOTA – A replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, made of 11 kg cocaine, was seized at the international airport here in the Colombian capital, Colombia Airports anti-drug officials said.

Airport authorities found the 36-cm-tall statue during a routine security check at a mail warehouse at the airport, Xinhua quoted airports anti-drug chief Jose Piedrahita …. Original article  : Cocaine-made FIFA World Cup replica seized.

Huge cache of drugs seized in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU – A huge consignment of hashish – 105 kg – hidden in sacks of potatoes and meant to be sent to China was seized here in the Nepal capital by the Narcotic Drugs Control Law Enforcement Unit.

The hashish was found wrapped in packaging tape and hidden inside five sacks of potatoes kept on the … Read : Huge cache of drugs seized in Kathmandu.

Quake with magnitude of 6.3 rattles northern Japan, no danger of tsunami

Quake with magnitude of 6.3 rattles northern Japan

TOKYO – A quake with a magnitude of 6.3 jolted northern Japan early Monday, but there was no danger of a tsunami, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
The quake occurred off the coast of Iwate, some 310 miles (500 kilometers) north of Tokyo at 7:08 am (2208 GMT) Monday. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Quake with magnitude of 6.3 rattles northern Japan, no danger of tsunami.

Air ambulance crashes just after takeoff from remote West Texas airport, killing all 5 aboard

5 killed in West Texas air ambulance crash

ALPINE, Texas – An air ambulance crashed shortly after takeoff from a West Texas airport Sunday, killing all five people on board.
The crash happened about 12:15 a.m. about a mile east of Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport, about 200 miles southeast of El Paso. The twin-engine Cessna 421 had just …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Some oil spill events from Sunday, July 4, 2010

Some oil spill events from Sunday, July 4, 2010

A summary of events Sunday, July 4, Day 75 of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill that began with the April 20 explosion and fire on the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, owned by Transocean Ltd. and leased by BP PLC, which is in charge of cleanup and … Read : Some oil spill events from Sunday, July 4, 2010.

4,000 protestors arrested in Delhi during shutdown

NEW DELHI – Over 4,000 protestors were arrested and a similar number detained in the Indian capital during the countrywide shutdown called by opposition parties against rising fuel prices, a police officer said Tuesday.

“We arrested 4,142 protestors from various areas. We had made elaborate security arrangements with 70,000 police personnel deployed and additional forces were … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 4,000 protestors arrested in Delhi during shutdown.

Death toll of military plane crash in Romania rises to 12

Romania: deaths in military plane crash rise to 12

BUCHAREST, Romania – Officials say the death toll in the crash of a Romanian military plane has risen to 12.
The Defense Ministry says the Antonov AN-2 had 14 people on board. It said Tuesday that two survivors were being treated in a Bucharest hospital.
The plane took off … Read more >>>.

Nepal police kill three kidnappers

KATHMANDU – Three people, alleged to be kidnappers who opened fire on a police patrol, were killed in a forested area in southern Nepal Tuesday.

Police said a posse searching for five people who were kidnapped while carting cement in a tractor in Banke in Nepal’s Terai plains were tipped off that the men were being … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nepal police kill three kidnappers.

March of thousands for captive soldier Gilad Schalit divides Israel on sensitive issue

Mass march for captive soldier divides Israel

TEL AVIV, Israel – In Tel Aviv, thousands marched to press Israel’s government to do whatever it takes to win freedom for a soldier captured four years ago by Gaza militants. Near Israel’s border with Gaza, thousands more gathered for a concert led by a world-famous conductor to press …. Read the original article  : March of thousands for captive soldier Gilad Schalit divides Israel on sensitive issue.

Tar balls hit Texas beach; oil from blown-out ocean well washes up along all 5 Gulf states

Oil hits all Gulf states; Texas tar balls found

TEXAS CITY, Texas – More than two months after oil gushing from a blown-out well on the ocean floor first reached Louisiana, the relentless spread of crude has now washed up on every Gulf state after a bucket’s worth of tar balls hit a Texas beach.
The crude …. Original source  : Tar balls hit Texas beach; oil from blown-out ocean well washes up along all 5 Gulf states.

Post-holiday temps soaring in the East; utilities bracing for possible record usage

Soaring temps might press utilities in eastern US

NEW YORK – With a scorching holiday weekend in the rearview mirror, a real summer sizzle is about to wash over parts of the United States.
After an extended Fourth of July weekend when temperatures inched into at least the 90s from Maine to Texas and into the Southwest … Read more >>>.

In post-Taliban era, Afghan rock bands capture angst of youth growing up in war-torn country

Afghan indie band rocks Kabul in post-Taliban era

KABUL, Afghanistan – Guitars strapped to their backs, three trim Afghan youths flash rock star smiles at armed guards who wave them through the steel doors of a private club.
High walls and barbed wire protect the neatly trimmed garden inside from Kabul’s troubled streets. It’s here that the …. Read the original article  : here.

Bomb blast in front of Nepal parliament

KATHMANDU – A bomb exploded in front of Nepal’s interim parliament in Kathmandu Tuesday, creating panic and triggering intense police search.

However, there were no casualties, police said.
Security forces found pamphlets scattered in the New Baneshwor area, claiming the blast was the handiwork of a new organisation, Dynamic Youth Force.
Though the new budget session … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bomb blast in front of Nepal parliament.

Man attacks shopkeeper as condom was too small

LONDON – A man attacked a shopkeeper in Britain after the condom he had purchased split during sex as it was too small.

Jude Ukachukwu went to the store owner and sought a refund, saying his contraceptive had split during sex, The Sun reported Tuesday.
An altercation took place when shopkeeper Sasisedaran Sellathurai refused …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man attacks shopkeeper as condom was too small.

Three sentenced to death in China

BEIJING – Three inmates, who broke out of prison last October, were sentenced to death in China Tuesday.

The prisoners were serving life sentence when they killed a guard and escaped the prison in northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinhua reported.
… Read more >>.

Bangladesh Islamists to counter 1971 `war crimes’ charge

DHAKA – Top leaders of Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), who have been detained, have said they will counter the charge of being engaged in targeting unarmed civilians during the 1971 freedom movement.

They have reportedly confessed to allocating Taka 6.6 million ($94,754) for a three-month campaign to counter the charge as government prepares to hold what it …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Artefacts stolen from Dhaka museum, replaced with fakes

DHAKA – Nine gold medals and 17 antique silver coins, some belonging to the erstwhile Tripura state, were stolen from the National Museum here and replaced with bronze and steel replicas, a media report said Tuesday.

The authorities are not sure about how many objects were stolen from their store over the years as they have …. Original article  : Artefacts stolen from Dhaka museum, replaced with fakes.

Father kills three minor daughters in Uttar Pardesh

LUCKNOW – Unable to deal with his poverty, a father slit the throats of his three minor daughters in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district early Tuesday, police said.

Ahmad, 40, killed his three daughters, aged between 6-14 years, in his house at Kamauli village, about 300 km from here.
Ahmad has confessed to his crime. [..] Read the original article: here.

Fire at Indian restaurant in Australia

SYDNEY – Four people had a miraculous escape after an explosion in an Indian restaurant severely damaged the property.

Police are hunting for two men seen running from the scene after the blaze at the restaurant in Cleveland Street, Surry Hills, broke out Monday night, the Australian news agency AAP reported.
Four people in a residential … Read : Fire at Indian restaurant in Australia.

Small plane crash near NJ airport kills doctor, 2 relatives after apparent aborted landing

Plane crash near NJ airport kills doctor, 2 others

FAIRFIELD, N.J. – A small airplane aborted a landing at an airport before crashing at a nearby commercial strip and bursting into flames, killing a doctor and two relatives, authorities said.
It appeared the plane was descending for a landing at the Essex County Airport in Fairfield when …. Original article  : Small plane crash near NJ airport kills doctor, 2 relatives after apparent aborted landing.

Most wanted Nazi fugitive hiding in Germany

LONDON – A member of German dictator Adolf Hitler’s Nazi party who escaped from a Holland prison after being convicted of mass murder in 1947 has been hiding in Germany, a report said.

Evil Klaas Faber, 88, looked like an ordinary old age pensioner. But his white hair and glasses hide a shocking past as a … Read more »».

Mexican state of Coahuila hit by flooding, evacuates hundreds, closes bridge on Texas border

Mexican state hit by flooding along Texas border

CIUDAD ACUNA, Mexico – Hundreds of people were evacuated and a border bridge closed in northern Mexico on Monday after days of rain caused flooding and water to swell behind a dam.
Authorities in Coahuila state temporarily closed the border bridge in Ciudad Acuna as a precautionary measure after … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mexican state of Coahuila hit by flooding, evacuates hundreds, closes bridge on Texas border.

Small plane crash near NJ airport kills pilot, both passengers after apparent aborted landing

Small plane crash near northern NJ airport kills 3

FAIRFIELD, N.J. – Authorities say a small airplane has crashed near an airport in northern New Jersey just after the pilot apparently aborted a landing, killing three people.
Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura says it appears the plane was descending for a landing at the Essex County Airport …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Florida man who participated in Hoka Hey motorcycle race dies in Alaska crash

Hoka Hey race participant dies in Alaska crash

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A second participant in a cross-country Harley-Davidson race has died – this time in a crash on an Alaska highway.
Alaska State Troopers say 63-year-old Kenneth J. Greene of Ocala, Fla., died after wrecking his motorcycle Sunday afternoon on the Glenn Highway near the Matanuska Glacier.
Troopers … Original source on Gaea Times at : Florida man who participated in Hoka Hey motorcycle race dies in Alaska crash.

Firefighters contain one Nevada wildfire, report progress on another northeast of Las Vegas

Crews contain one NV fire, make progress on other

LAS VEGAS – Firefighters in Nevada have contained one fire in the mountains northwest of Las Vegas and report good progress on another that burned more than a dozen buildings in a small ranching town.
The Bureau of Land Management says the fire that burned 600 acres and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Firefighters contain one Nevada wildfire, report progress on another northeast of Las Vegas.

Officials: NATO airstrike accidentally kills 5 Afghan troops on patrol in eastern province

NATO airstrike accidentally kills 5 Afghan troops

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO mistakenly killed five of its Afghan army allies in an airstrike Wednesday while the Afghans were attacking insurgents in the country’s east, officials said.
An Afghan defense official condemned the latest “friendly fire” deaths, which came at a time when international troops are trying to improve … Original source on Gaea Times at : Officials: NATO airstrike accidentally kills 5 Afghan troops on patrol in eastern province.

NATO airstrike accidentally kills five Afghan soldiers

KABUL – A NATO airstrike Wednesday mistakenly hit an Afghan army unit in southern Afghanistan, killing five soldiers, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.

The soldiers were conducting an anti-insurgent operation in Andar district of Ghazni province early Wednesday, General Zahir Azimi told a press conference.
A plane of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) targeted … Read this article on Gaea Times at : NATO airstrike accidentally kills five Afghan soldiers.

Hunt on for mastermind of fake visa racket

NEW DELHI – Security agencies are looking for the man who arranged fake visas for 27 people who were arrested at the airport here Tuesday, officials said Wednesday.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) arrested the 27 men from the Indira Gandhi International Airport for trying to leave for Dubai.
The call centres of two domestic …. Original source  : Hunt on for mastermind of fake visa racket.

Cash-paid deckhands, other laborers hurt by oil spill may lack documentation for BP claims

Many deckhands lack documentation for spill claim
HOPEDALE, La. – In a way, they are the invisible victims of the BP oil disaster: deck hands and other day laborers who get paid in cash, don’t receive W2 forms, may not file tax returns and have little or no way of proving they are losing … Read more >>>.

States hope roadside signs raise awareness about drunken driving, replace homemade memorials

States honor drunken driving victims with signs

FLORISSANT, Mo. – Gail Rehme knows she’ll never shake the memory of that June night in 1984 – the late-night knock on the door, the hushed talk in the living room. Odd, the 10-year-old girl thought, that the pastor would come over so late.
The next morning, Gail’s father called … Original article on : States hope roadside signs raise awareness about drunken driving, replace homemade memorials.

Oil seeping into New Orleans’ Lake Pontchartrain latest environmental worry for waterway

This time it’s oil trouble for Lake Pontchartrain

NEW ORLEANS – Oil from the ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico is seeping into Lake Pontchartrain north of New Orleans, threatening another environmental disaster for the huge body of water that was rescued from pollution in 1990s.
The lake rebounded to once again become a bountiful fishing … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Oil seeping into New Orleans’ Lake Pontchartrain latest environmental worry for waterway.

Sheep ranchers in West aim to ease public’s worries after guard dog attacks mountain biker

Attack creates worries in West about sheep dogs

Two sheep dogs’ attack on a Colorado mountain biker has prompted ranchers in the West to seek better ways to manage the large dogs that protect their herds against predators.
The American Sheep Industry Association has been working with state groups and federal agencies to address the problem as …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sheep ranchers in West aim to ease public’s worries after guard dog attacks mountain biker.

Ambala Floods Disrupt Normal Life

AMBALA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Heavy rains in the districts of Ambala and Kurukshetra in Haryana has led to flood-like conditions in the region. The rivers and canals in the region are overflowing and it is because of this that the rescue workers and government authorities have taken the decision to bar people from using the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Ambala Floods Disrupt Normal Life.

‘It’s just too hot’: Unrelenting sun scorches East Coast, with no respite from heat forecast

‘It’s just too hot’: East Coast scorched by heat

NEW YORK – It’s just no fun in the sun.
That was the conclusion in the streets of the Bronx as 14-year-old Miguel Pena and 13-year-old Vincent Quiles walked their bicycles up a hill on one of the hottest days in the past decade in the Northeast.
“Man, this …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘It’s just too hot’: Unrelenting sun scorches East Coast, with no respite from heat forecast.

Unrelenting sun scorches East Coast, with no respite from heat forecast, humidity rising

East Coast scorched by heat, humidity rising

NEW YORK – There’s no relief anytime soon for the heat that’s been baking the Northeast.
The temperature broke records Tuesday in New York, where it hit 103 degrees, and in Philadelphia, at 102.
The National Weather Service says Wednesday is forecast to be almost as hot and more humid. Meteorologist …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Unrelenting sun scorches East Coast, with no respite from heat forecast, humidity rising.

‘Like a war zone’: Some NYC residents living behind barricades, checkpoints 9 years after 9/11

NYers still living behind post-9/11 checkpoints

NEW YORK – The street below Danny Chen’s window in lower Manhattan has changed over the last decade from a bustling four-lane thoroughfare to an empty road lined with police barricades.
To get home each day, Chen has to present his ID at a police checkpoint. When the officer lowers the …. Original source  : ‘Like a war zone’: Some NYC residents living behind barricades, checkpoints 9 years after 9/11.

Chinese official executed for corruption, rape

BEIJING – A senior officer of the Chinese justice department was executed Wednesday after being sentenced to death for corruption and rape.

The death sentence awarded to Wen Qiang, 55, former director of Chongqing Municipal Judicial Bureau, by a lower court April 14 was approved by the Chinese Supreme Court.
The Municipal Higher People’s Court May … Read more : Chinese official executed for corruption, rape.

For Canadian immigration, woman marries father, son

CHANDIGARH – This is one idea that may not have struck even story writers in Bollywood. In her desperate bid to get Canadian immigration, a woman from Punjab conned a millionaire father as well as his son into marrying her.

But her plans seem to have gone awry with not only the NRI father-son duo but … Original source on Gaea Times at : For Canadian immigration, woman marries father, son.

Acid attack on cop in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Unidentified men threw acid on a 25-year-old constable at a police station in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district Wednesday, an official said.

The incident took place inside the Adampur police station when some men assaulted Dinesh Sonkar and later threw acid on him before leaving the place.
“Sonkar’s condition is stated to be critical. We … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Acid attack on cop in Uttar Pradesh.

NATO says 3 American troops killed by roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan

3 US troops killed by roadside bomb in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – The international force in Afghanistan says three American troops have been killed by a roadside bomb in the violence-wracked south.
A NATO statement says two troops died immediately after the blast Tuesday. A third died later that day. NATO said all three were Americans but … Original article on : NATO says 3 American troops killed by roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan.

Dhaka presses graft charges against Khaleda Zia’s son

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has pressed money-laundering charges against opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s son Tarique Rahman and his business partner Giasuddin Al Mamun.

Rahman and Mamun siphoned Taka 204 million ($2.9 million) between 2003 and 2007, the ACC said in a chargesheet submitted Tuesday to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court here.
Living in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dhaka presses graft charges against Khaleda Zia’s son.

Haryana battles floods, warns against using NH 1

CHANDIGARH – Rescue operations were on at a war footing Wednesday in Haryana’s Ambala and Kurukshetra districts where major breaches in rivers and canals led to the flooding of vast areas, prompting authorities to warn against travelling on the busy National Highway 1 to New Delhi.

The army had to be requisitioned Tuesday evening after … Read : Haryana battles floods, warns against using NH 1.

Four students hurt in Himachal varsity clash

SHIMLA – Four students were injured early Wednesday when activists of two political outfits clashed in the Himachal Pradesh University here, police said.

“The clash between the Students Federation of India (SFI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists took place around 2.30 a.m. over the illegal stay of four students in a university hostel,” … Read : Four students hurt in Himachal varsity clash.

AP IMPACT: Some 27,000 aging, abandoned wells in the Gulf possibly leaking but never inspected

AP IMPACT: Gulf awash in 27,000 abandoned wells

More than 27,000 abandoned oil and gas wells lurk in the hard rock beneath the Gulf of Mexico, an environmental minefield that has been ignored for decades. No one – not industry, not government – is checking to see if they are leaking, an Associated Press investigation shows.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : AP IMPACT: Some 27,000 aging, abandoned wells in the Gulf possibly leaking but never inspected.

Teen swept away in creek amid Oklahoma City area flooding; storms also collapse concert tent

Teen swept away in creek amid Okla. City flooding

OKLAHOMA CITY – Emergency crews rescued stranded motorists and several children in a house trailer from flooded Oklahoma City streets but were searching for a teenage boy swept away by a creek.
Oklahoma City Police say two teens were swept away by high water Tuesday when they either …. Source  : Teen swept away in creek amid Oklahoma City area flooding; storms also collapse concert tent.

Southern California earthquake related to April’s Baja quake, no damage or injuries

Magnitude-5.4 quake strikes SoCal desert
LOS ANGELES – The earthquake that rattled through Southern California with only minor damage and no injuries came as no surprise to seismologists.

The 5.4-magnitude earthquake centered 28 miles south of Palm Springs was related to the powerful Easter Day temblor near the U.S-Mexico border, but was not an aftershock, researchers said.
California …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Southern California earthquake related to April’s Baja quake, no damage or injuries.

Sabotage suspected on passenger train in Kerala

MALAPPURAM – The brake pipes of a passenger train in Kerala were found snapped Thursday, said officials who suspect sabotage.

“We have reports that it (brake pipes) was cut, and it can only be done by exerting force and using an axe saw blade,” said a railway official on the condition of anonymity.
“Every … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sabotage suspected on passenger train in Kerala.

Two held for passport racket

NEW DELHI – Two people have been arrested for allegedly cheating people by giving them fake passports and visas, police said Thursday.

Harshad and Upendra Singh Sidhoo have been arrested under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, police said.
“They would provide people fake passports. They collected Rs.2,000-Rs.5,000 from each person,” a police official … Read more >>.

12 killed by bombs in Baghdad on final day of Shiite religious holiday

12 killed in Baghdad on last day of Shiite holiday

BAGHDAD – At least 12 people were killed Thursday by bombs targeting pilgrims taking part in the final day of a Shiite religious holiday that draws hundreds of thousands of people to Baghdad, Iraqi officials said.
The deaths came one day after nearly 60 people were killed … Read more »».

Duck Boat Struck By Barge

PHILADELPHIA (GaeaTimes.com)- A Philadelphia tourist duck boat was struck by a barge in the Delaware River on Wednesday hurling all the 37 persons present on board into the water with the whereabouts of two of them still unknown. According to Coast Guard officials, ten of the persons who have been rescued were immediately shifted … Read more : Duck Boat Struck By Barge.

Four pilgrims die in road accident

LUCKNOW – At least four pilgrims, including two women, were killed and eight critically injured when their jeep was hit by a truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district Thursday, police said.

The accident took place along the Varanasi-Allahabad highway some 200 km from Lucknow. The pilgrims were going to the Kade Manikpur Sheetla Devi dham in … Read more »»».

Cop killed as Maoists blast railway station, tracks (Second Lead)

RANCHI – One policeman was killed as Maoists blew up a railway station and rail tracks in Jharkhand Thursday, the second day of a two-day strike against the killing of one of their top leaders.

“In two separate incidents, Maoists blasted the building of Hehegara railway station and rail tracks near Nichitpur,” Amrendra Das, the public … Read more : Cop killed as Maoists blast railway station, tracks (Second Lead).

10-year-old gets gun licence in Britain

LONDON – A 10-year-old in Britain cannot legally buy cigarettes or alcohol but it now turns out that a child has been issued a licence for a shotgun, the most used crime weapon in the country.

In Bedfordshire county, the police issued 49 shotgun and other firearms licences to under-18s, including a child aged 10, in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 10-year-old gets gun licence in Britain.

British rape victim to get protection

NEW DELHI – The Supreme court Thursday directed the Rajasthan government to provide security to a British rape victim when she visits the state in connection with her case.

However, the court dismissed her plea for the transfer of the case from the Jodhpur High Court to Delhi High Court.
The apex court bench of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : British rape victim to get protection.

Protesters block highway in flood-hit Haryana

CHANDIGARH – Scores of people blocked the National Highway-1 Thursday morning to protest the unavailability of water and electricity in flood-affected Shahbad town of Haryana’s Kurukshetra district.

Hundreds of vehicles on the busy highway that links Delhi were caught in a jam even as authorities and the police tried to persuade the protesters to lift the … Read more »»».

7 killed by bombs in Baghdad on final day of Shiite holiday

7 killed in Baghdad on final day of Shiite holiday

BAGHDAD – At least seven people were killed Thursday by bombs targeting pilgrims taking part in the final day of a Shiite religious holiday that draws hundreds of thousands of people to Baghdad, Iraqi officials said.
The deaths came one day after more than 50 people were … Read : 7 killed by bombs in Baghdad on final day of Shiite holiday.

German who killed two over World Cup surrenders

Madrid, July 8 (IANS/AKI) A German man accused of killing two Italians after an alleged row over the World Cup in a bar in Germany has surrendered to Spanish authorities, police said.

The 42-year-old, known as Holger B., was expected to be extradited to Germany.
“We have no doubt the suspect will quickly be extradited … Read more »»».

Solution to oil under the Gulf sand: Some say do nothing and let nature clean it eventually

Beach cleaners only skimming oil off surface sand

GULF SHORES, Ala. – A problem lurks under the sand on the Gulf Coast, but some argue the best thing to do is – nothing.
Walk to a seemingly pristine patch of sand, plop down in a chair and start digging with your bare feet and chances are you’ll … Original source on Gaea Times at : Solution to oil under the Gulf sand: Some say do nothing and let nature clean it eventually.

Coast Guard Helicopter Crash Reason Unknown

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Three people were killed and one injured on Wednesday when a US Coast Guard helicopter crashed into the waters of the James Island in Washington. Reasons for the crash which took place on Wednesday morning are still unknown and the US Coast Guard authorities have said that they will launch an investigation … Read : Coast Guard Helicopter Crash Reason Unknown.

Three electrocuted in flood-hit Ambala

CHANDIGARH – Three people were electrocuted in Haryana’s flood-hit Ambala district, an official said Thursday. Unofficial sources put the toll at five.

The state government has announced Rs.200,000 to the families of the three officially reported dead. The district Red Cross has announced an added Rs.100,000, Ambala Deputy Commissioner S.P. Srow told IANS.
“The situation has [..] Read the original article: here.

Earthquake July 7, 2010: No Major Damages

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- A moderate 5.4 magnitude earthquake on July 7 2010 hit the southern part of California as people were returning home from work. The epicenter of the earthquake that was located 13 miles northwest of Borrego Springs and 58 miles northwest of San Diego. The Earthquake was at a depth of … Read more >>.

2 passengers missing from capsized duck boat in Pa. barge collision, 35 other people rescued

2 missing after barge capsizes duck boat in Philly

PHILADELPHIA – Searchers plied the murky waters of the Delaware River early Thursday for two passengers missing from an amphibious sightseeing boat that was struck by a barge, flipped over and sank.
The 37 people aboard the six-wheeled duck boat were tossed overboard when the tugboat-pushed barge hit …. Read the original article  : here.

Eastern Seaboard to get some relief from heat, though humidity will keep the weather swampy

East Coast to get relief from heat, not humidity

NEW YORK – After four days of a steamy heat wave swamped much of the Eastern Seaboard, the likelihood of just 80- or 90-degree weather was sounding downright delectable.
The National Weather Service was forecasting less brutal heat throughout the region on Thursday, though it still was likely …. Original article  : Eastern Seaboard to get some relief from heat, though humidity will keep the weather swampy.

5 killed by bombs in Baghdad on final day of Shiite holiday

5 killed in Baghdad on final day of Shiite holiday

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say at least five people have been killed by bombs targeting pilgrims taking part in the final day of a Shiite religious holiday.
Police and hospital officials say the five were believed to be pilgrims on their way home from visiting a mosque …. Source article  : 5 killed by bombs in Baghdad on final day of Shiite holiday.

Fire erupts at historic NYC Baptist church, extent of damage unknown; 4 firefighters injured

Fire erupts at historic NYC church; 4 injured

NEW YORK – A fire has erupted at a historic New York City church.
Firefighters say the blaze was reported Wednesday night at the Baptist Temple church in Brooklyn. The church was built in the 1890s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 for …. Source article  : Fire erupts at historic NYC Baptist church, extent of damage unknown; 4 firefighters injured.

Marwari don becomes Nepal’s most wanted

KATHMANDU – A 30-year-old from the Marwari community, the clan with the Midas touch in both India and Nepal, is now among Nepal’s most wanted, after a series of murders and kidnaps by his gang that includes both Indians and Nepali henchmen.

Nepal police are searching for Rohit Paliwal Agarwal, a Nepali of Indian origin whose … Original source on Gaea Times at : Marwari don becomes Nepal’s most wanted.

Six killed as trailer rams autorickshaw in Bengal

KOLKATA – Six people were killed and two others injured when an autorickshaw collided head-on with a speeding trailer near Raiganj in West Bengal’s North Dinajpur district Friday, police said.

Superintendent of Police Milan Kanti Das told IANS that five people, including a woman, died on the spot in the early hours of the day. … Read more »»».

Pa. duck boat company says it followed NTSB recommendations after 1999 sinking, added buoyancy

Philly duck boat company says it made NTSB fixes

PHILADELPHIA – Tina Rosebrook was sitting at the stern of a stalled amphibious sightseeing boat when the screams began. A barge towering three stories above was speeding toward her.
“It felt like we were all just waiting for the boat to turn or stop,” Rosebrook told The Associated …. Source article  : Pa. duck boat company says it followed NTSB recommendations after 1999 sinking, added buoyancy.

Shutdown in Jharkhand against theft of idol

RANCHI – Several parts of Jharkhand, including this state capital, shut down Friday in response to religious groups calling for a dawn to dusk strike to protest the theft of a three-century-old idol of a Hindu goddess from a temple in Ramgarh district.

The strike has been called by the Mahaveer Madal Samiti, supported by … Read more »».

US-Mexico border communities prepare for floodwaters moving down Rio Grande

Rio Grande communities brace for floodwaters

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – As a strong storm dumped rain on the already high Rio Grande, those living downstream braced for a torrent of water that already had closed two international bridges and led to evacuations on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border further up the river.
Residents of some …. Original source  : US-Mexico border communities prepare for floodwaters moving down Rio Grande.

Suicide bomber strikes Iraqi army check point in Baghdad, killing 6 people, officials say

Iraq: Suicide bomber kills 6 in Baghdad
BAGHDAD – A suicide bomber drove an explosives-laden car into an Iraqi army check point in western Baghdad, killing six people and injuring 20 on Friday morning, officials said.

Although violence in Iraq has subsided significantly in the past years, members of the security forces are still frequently targeted by …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Suicide bomber strikes Iraqi army check point in Baghdad, killing 6 people, officials say.

Backup plan to halt Gulf gusher: Transfer oil from blown-out well to others miles away

Transferring oil from broken well an option for BP

THEODORE, Ala. – The first of two relief wells being drilled to stop the Gulf oil gusher could be done by the end of the month, BP officials say, but if that doesn’t succeed, one backup being considered is transferring the crude to non-producing underwater wells that …. Source article  : Backup plan to halt Gulf gusher: Transfer oil from blown-out well to others miles away.

At least 14 killed, nearly 100 wounded in blast in Pakistani tribal area

Large blast kills at least 14 in Pakistan
KHAR, Pakistan – A suicide bomber struck outside a government office in a tribal region where Pakistan’s army has fought the Taliban, killing at least 14 people and wounding nearly 100 others Friday.

The attack indicated that militants remain a potent force in Pakistan’s tribal belt bordering Afghanistan, despite … Read more >>>.

Six dead in China rains

BEIJING – At least six people were killed and 56,000 relocated as torrential rain hit central China’s Hunan province, authorities said Friday.

Two people were missing and 760,000 affected due to the rain since Thursday night, Xinhua reported.
The rain inflicted direct economic losses of $147 million, as rain-triggered landslides and debris flows breached dams, …. Original source  : Six dead in China rains.

Official says at least 5 killed, nearly 100 wounded in blast in Pakistani tribal area

Official: Large blast kills at least 5 in Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A suicide bomber on a motorcycle struck outside a government office in a tribal region where Pakistan’s army has fought the Taliban, killing at least five people and wounding nearly 100 others Friday.
The attack indicated that militants remain a potent force in Pakistan’s tribal … Read more >>.

Seven shot dead on Colombian highway

Bogota, July 9 (IANS/EFE) Seven members of a family, including two minors, were killed when gunmen attacked their vehicle in the northwestern Colombia, authorities said.

The assailants struck Wednesday afternoon in the province of Antioquia, firing on a group of 17 people returning from a funeral, a government official said Thursday.
The Antioquia provincial government attributed … Original article on : Seven shot dead on Colombian highway.

Twelve members of marriage party killed in West Bengal

KOLKATA – Twelve members of a marriage party were killed and one person was seriously injured when their car collided head-on with a speeding lorry at Barjora in West Bengal’s Bankura district.

Bankura police superintendent Vishal Garg told IANS that 10 people died on the spot when the accident occurred around 11.30 p.m. Thursday. Two people …. Original article  : Twelve members of marriage party killed in West Bengal.

Former transit officer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in train station killing

Officer convicted in Calif. train station killing

LOS ANGELES – A white former transit officer was convicted of involuntary manslaughter Thursday in the videotaped shooting death of an unarmed black man on an Oakland train platform in an encounter that set off days of rioting in the city.
After the verdict, a mostly calm protest in Oakland [..] Read the original article: here.

Woman kills self, two children

LUCKNOW – A woman allegedly set herself on fire along with her two minor children in Uttar Pradesh’s Allahabad district following a heated argument with her husband, police said Friday. All three were killed.

Kanti, 35, a resident of the Isrikipura village in Allahabad, some 200 km from Lucknow, set herself ablaze late Thursday along …. Source  : Woman kills self, two children.

Mother, son found murdered at their Delhi home

NEW DELHI – A 40-year-old woman and her five-year-old son were found brutally murdered at their home in west Delhi’s Patel Nagar area early Friday.

Property dealer Pawan Nagia returned home at about 3 a.m. to find the bodies of his wife Anuradha and son Cherish.
“The entry into the house seems to be … Read more : Mother, son found murdered at their Delhi home.

Official says large explosion hits Pakistan tribal area bordering Afghanistan, several killed

Official: Deadly blast hits Pakistan tribal area

ISLAMABAD – A large explosion ripped through a village in a tribal area bordering Afghanistan where the Pakistani army has fought the Taliban, killing several people Friday, an official said.
Dozens more were wounded in the blast, whose exact cause was unclear, said Noor Mohammad, an official in the Mohmand …. Read the original article  : here.

Catholic monk arrested on murder charges in China

BEIJING – Police have arrested a Catholic monk in connection with the murders of a priest and a nun in a church in north China.

Zhang Wenping, 43, was arrested Thursday in Hohhot city. He had confessed to the crime, Xinhua reported Friday.
Priest Zhang Shulai and nun Wei Yanhui were found dead July 6 in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Catholic monk arrested on murder charges in China.

Flood extensively damages crops in Haryana, Punjab

CHANDIGARH – Freshly sown paddy crop in thousands of acres of fertile agricultural land has been destroyed in nearly four days of flood fury in some districts of Haryana and Punjab – the states that are the biggest food grain contributors to the national kitty.

Eleven deaths have been reported so far — six in Punjab …. Original source  : Flood extensively damages crops in Haryana, Punjab.

Teenager dies in floodwaters as more heavy rains pounds Oklahoma; third child killed in 1 week

Teenager drowns in Oklahoma floodwaters
OKLAHOMA CITY – Officials say a teenager was swept to her death in Oklahoma when heavy rain fueled by persistent tropical moisture pounded parts of the state.

Cherokee Ballard, a spokeswoman for the state Medical Examiner’s office, says the girl was playing with friends around a drainage ditch Thursday near Durant in … Original article on : Teenager dies in floodwaters as more heavy rains pounds Oklahoma; third child killed in 1 week.

US, Russia complete massive spy swap (Second lead)

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON/MOSCOW – The US and Russia have completed arrangements for one of the largest spy swaps in history as 10 Russian spy suspects and four prisoners in Russian custody pleaded guilty to charges against them.

In New York, the 10 Russian spies, who included a Peruvian-born US citizen, pleaded guilty in federal court to lesser …. Read the original article  : here.

Explosion hits NATO convoy in eastern Afghanistan, no casualties

Explosion hits NATO convoy in eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – An explosion tore through a NATO convoy traveling in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, the latest attack targeting international forces. No troops were killed.
Local government spokesman Mubarez Zadran said a suicide car bomber struck the convoy as it rolled through Khost province’s Mando Zayi district. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Moderate earthquake hits in Guam and Northern Marianas area, no reports of injury or damage

Moderate earthquake hits in Guam region
SAIPAN, Northern Marianas – A moderate earthquake has hit near U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Marianas islands, but there were no reports of injury or damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude 5.5 temblor struck at 3:39 p.m. Saturday local time. It was centered 40 miles northeast of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Moderate earthquake hits in Guam and Northern Marianas area, no reports of injury or damage.

Relief work stepped up in flood-hit Haryana, Punjab

CHANDIGARH – With no rains in flood-affected areas of Haryana and Punjab in the last two days, authorities have stepped up efforts to provide relief to the marooned people in both states.

District authorities and voluntary organisations are reaching out to people after mounting criticism from residents of flood-affected villages and towns over the slow response …. Original article  : Relief work stepped up in flood-hit Haryana, Punjab.

Explosion hits NATO convoy in eastern Afghanistan, no word on casualties

Explosion hits NATO convoy in eastern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – An explosion tore through a NATO convoy traveling on a road in eastern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said, the latest attack targeting international forces. There was no immediate word on casualties.
Local government spokesman Mubarez Zadran said a suicide car bomber struck the convoy as it rolled …. Original article  : Explosion hits NATO convoy in eastern Afghanistan, no word on casualties.

Brain Fever Paralyzes Nagpur

NAGPUR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The death toll from brain fever is on the rise and according to the latest unofficial figures obtained from the eastern part of Vidarbha in Nagpur as many as 14 children have died after being affected by the disease. However, when the issue should have been dealt with the utmost importance, …. Original source  : Brain Fever Paralyzes Nagpur.

Death toll from twin suicide bombings in Pakistan jumps to 102 with 115 wounded

Pakistan suicide bombing death toll jumps to 102

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – The death toll from twin suicide bombings in Pakistan jumped to 102 with 115 people wounded on Saturday, making it the deadliest attack this year in the country.
Authorities continued to remove debris from the site of the attack in the village of Yakaghund in a … Read more »»».

Death toll from twin suicide bombing in Pakistan jumps to 102 with 115 wounded

Pakistan bombing death toll jumps to 102
PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A government official says the death toll from twin suicide bombing in Pakistan has jumped to 102 with 115 people wounded.

Meraj Din says authorities are still removing debris in the village of Yakaghund in a northwest tribal region a day after two bombers struck seconds apart … Original source on Gaea Times at : Death toll from twin suicide bombing in Pakistan jumps to 102 with 115 wounded.

ALL BUSINESS: BP goes from ideal to despised corporate citizen in wake of oil spill

ALL BUSINESS: Once lauded, BP no corporate citizen

NEW YORK – Milton Friedman once said companies can’t be socially responsible because they only exist to make as much money as possible.
The late Nobel laureate economist would appreciate what’s going on now: A historic environmental disaster caused by a company that went out of its way to …. Source article  : ALL BUSINESS: BP goes from ideal to despised corporate citizen in wake of oil spill.

Romance costs another Canadian commander his job

TORONTO – Just a month after it sacked its top commander in Afghanistan for having a romantic affair with a female trooper, Canada has kicked out its top military man in Haiti for his involvement in ‘inappropriate’ sexual relations.

Colonel Bernard Ouellette, who is the chief of staff to the United Nations mission in the earthquake-hit …. Read the original article  : Romance costs another Canadian commander his job.

Online consultant groomed teenagers for sex

LONDON – An online consultant whose job was to advise young people on their sexual development groomed teenagers for sex and was caught red-handed while arranging to meet a “trained” girl.

Simon Beard, 56, a consultant at the National Youth Agency, was caught red-handed in an undercover investigation by Sky News reporters who were looking into …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Online consultant groomed teenagers for sex.

Fugitive ‘Barefoot Bandit’ may have fled 1 island in Bahamas for another, police say

Police: ‘Barefoot Bandit’ may have fled Bahamas

MARSH HARBOUR, Bahamas – A fugitive U.S. teenager who has successfully eluded teams of local police and FBI agents may have slipped off the island where he allegedly crash-landed a stolen plane nearly a week ago, police said Friday.
Authorities are investigating a report that Colton Harris-Moore, dubbed the “Barefoot … Read : Fugitive ‘Barefoot Bandit’ may have fled 1 island in Bahamas for another, police say.

Australian soldier killed by bomb blast in Afghanistan; 6th Aussie killed in 1 month

Australian soldier killed by blast in Afghanistan

DARWIN, Australia – An Australian soldier has been killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, the head of the Australian Defense Force, announced Saturday the 23-year-old soldier was killed just before midnight Friday.
Houston says authorities will not release his name, but his family has … Read more »».

At least 1,079 US military deaths in Afghan region since 2001

US military deaths in Afghan region at 1,079

As of Friday, July 9, 2010, at least 1,079 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan as a result of the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to an Associated Press count.
The AP count is eight more than the Defense Department’s … Read : At least 1,079 US military deaths in Afghan region since 2001.

Engineer: Crane in NYC collapse wasn’t anchored as usual, but design was ’sound and safe’

Engineer: Crane in NYC collapse had unusual base

NEW YORK – A construction crane that collapsed and killed seven people didn’t have a customary anchor to the ground, the engineer who designed it told a court Friday.
But “the design was sound and safe,” Peter Stroh testified at crane rigger William Rapetti’s manslaughter trial.
Rapetti wasn’t involved in …. Original article  : Engineer: Crane in NYC collapse wasn’t anchored as usual, but design was ’sound and safe’.

FAA tells airlines to fix window heaters responsible for dozens of fire, smoke incidents

FAA tells airlines to fix cockpit window heaters

WASHINGTON – Airlines will have to inspect the cockpit window heaters on 1,212 Boeing airliners and perhaps replace the windows under a safety order the Federal Aviation Administration said Friday it plans to issue next week.
The window heaters have been tied to dozens of incidents involving in-flight fires, …. Read the original article  : FAA tells airlines to fix window heaters responsible for dozens of fire, smoke incidents.

NAACP alleges in letter to BP that minorities helping with oil spill cleanup get tougher jobs

NAACP: Minorities assigned tougher oil spill jobs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The NAACP has sent a letter to BP expressing concerns that minorities helping to clean up after the massive oil spill tend to be assigned tougher, lower paying jobs than whites.
NAACP president, Ben Jealous, says in the letter dated Friday that he wants to meet …. Original article  : NAACP alleges in letter to BP that minorities helping with oil spill cleanup get tougher jobs.

IRS phone number set up for taxpayers affected by Gulf oil spill

IRS phone number set up for Gulf oil spill victims

WASHINGTON – Taxpayers affected by the oil spill can call a special IRS phone number for questions about BP payments or if they have problems filing taxes.
The Internal Revenue Service announced Friday that Gulf oil spill victims can call 866-562-5227 on weekdays between 7 a.m. and … Read more >>.

Federal official says Gulf oil leak could be contained Monday using new, tighter-fitting cap

Feds say new cap could contain Gulf leak by Monday

NEW ORLEANS – Undersea robots manipulated by engineers a mile above will begin work Saturday removing the containment cap over the gushing well head in the Gulf of Mexico, the first part of a plan that could lead to the containment of all the oil as … Original article on : Federal official says Gulf oil leak could be contained Monday using new, tighter-fitting cap.

Plane crash in Colorado park leaves Wisconsin man, daughter with minor injuries

2 injured when small plane crashes in Colo. park

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. – A Wisconsin man and his daughter survived a single-engine plane crash in a remote part of Rocky Mountain National park, using trees and debris from the aircraft to build a shelter while they waited to be rescued, park officials said Friday.
Jim … Read more : Plane crash in Colorado park leaves Wisconsin man, daughter with minor injuries.

NATO accepts blame for accidentally killing 6 Afghan civilians in eastern Afghanistan

NATO accepts blame for killing 6 Afghan civilians
KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO took the blame on Friday for accidentally killing six civilians and wounding several others in eastern Afghanistan – just a day after five Afghan soldiers died in a botched coalition airstrike.
The back-to-back incidents come as international troops are trying … Original article on : NATO accepts blame for accidentally killing 6 Afghan civilians in eastern Afghanistan.

Lightning kills 20 in Bihar

PATNA – At least 20 people, including women and children, have been killed by lightning across Bihar since Saturday, an official said.

“In the last 24 hours, at least 20 people, including three children and two women, have been killed by bolts of lightning across Bihar,” an official of the state Disaster Management Department said.
Over … Read more : Lightning kills 20 in Bihar.

Inter-state gang of vehicle lifters busted, two held

MOHALI – A gang of vehicle lifters active in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh was busted with the arrest of two people from Kharar town in Punjab’s Mohali district, police said Sunday.

Police also recovered seven stolen cars — one Bolero jeep, one Innova car, three Indigo cars and two Zen cars — worth … Original article on : Inter-state gang of vehicle lifters busted, two held.

G-20 protests in Canada against police excesses

TORONTO – Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in major Canadian cities to demand an inquiry into police excesses during the G-20 summit here June 26-27. In the largest mass arrest in Canadian history, more than 1,000 people were arrested in the city under secret emergency powers given to security forces.

Hundreds of protesters …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Train robbers strike again in Andhra Pradesh

HYDERABAD – Train robberies are continuing unabated in Andhra Pradesh with robbers targeting passengers of another train late Saturday night and snatching gold ornaments, with the railway police failing to act quickly.

Police said robbers looted about 80 grams of gold ornaments from passengers on the Chennai-Kakinada Circar Express near Ulavapadu in Prakasam district around midnight. … Read : Train robbers strike again in Andhra Pradesh.

6 months after Haiti quake, land disputes grind recovery to a near-standstill

Haiti recovery bogged down 6 months after quake
CORAIL-CESSELESSE, Haiti – The sun was beating down on the rocky cactus plain when men with machetes came for Menmen Villase, nine months pregnant, shoved her onto her bulging stomach and sliced up the plastic tarp that sheltered her and her four children.
The family was one … Read more >>.

Argentine female prisons in inhuman condition

Buenos Aires, July 11 (IANS/EFE) Prisons for female convicts in Argentina are in an “inhuman” condition and inmates are being subjected to ill-treatment and torture, a report by over a dozen human rights organisations said.

According to the document, these conditions constitute a “scenario of systematic violations of human rights” and are totally against the UN …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Argentine female prisons in inhuman condition.

Mexican air force helicopter goes down in western state, 3 dead; 2nd military crash in a month

Mexican air force helicopter crashes; 3 dead

MEXICO CITY – Mexican officials say an air force helicopter has crashed in the western state of Jalisco, killing three military personnel on board.
The Defense Department reports that the Bell 206 aircraft originated in Michoacan state and went down about 60 miles (100 kilometers) southeast of the Guadalajara airport.
It …. Source  : Mexican air force helicopter goes down in western state, 3 dead; 2nd military crash in a month.

Refugees die in boat accident off Spanish coast

GRANADA – Five African refugees including two babies died in a boat accident about 80 km south of Motril on the southern Spanish coast, officials said Saturday evening.

The boat, which foundered at sea, was carrying 40 passengers and was thought to have come from Morocco.
The boat started rocking as the coast guard came near … Read : Refugees die in boat accident off Spanish coast.

Red tape, negotiations mean aid money to shore up Haiti hospital just now arriving

Haiti hospital woes show challenges of recovery
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – It was a simple problem with a novel solution.
Doctors, nurses and technicians at Haiti’s most important hospital had not been paid since before the earthquake – causing strikes and staffing shortages, and turning the facility into a dangerously inefficient, rat-infested mess. So …. Original article  : Red tape, negotiations mean aid money to shore up Haiti hospital just now arriving.

AP Interview: Bill Clinton frustrated by slow donors, but hopeful for Haiti’s recovery

Clinton anxious, but hopeful over Haiti recovery
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Former U.S. President Bill Clinton expressed frustration Saturday over the slow pace of Haiti’s earthquake recovery, but said the country will escape its difficulties if it can become self-sufficient.
In a phone interview with The Associated Press ahead of the six-month anniversary of the Jan. … Read more : AP Interview: Bill Clinton frustrated by slow donors, but hopeful for Haiti’s recovery.

Gushing Gulf well’s cap is removed in short-term trade-off to start capturing all the oil

Oil unleashed temporarily in attempt to contain it

NEW ORLEANS – Hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil are being allowed to spew into the fouled waters of the Gulf of Mexico while BP engineers prepare to install a new containment system they hope will catch it all in the coming days.
There’s no guarantee for such …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

2 UGA football players charged with alcohol offenses after DUI arrest brings down AD

UGA football players arrested for alcohol offenses

ATLANTA – Two football players for the University of Georgia were jailed early Saturday morning on alcohol-related charges less than a week after an embarrassing drunken driving arrest prompted the university’s athletic director to resign.
Dontavius Jackson, listed as a sophomore tailback, and sophomore split end Tavarres King were in … Read : 2 UGA football players charged with alcohol offenses after DUI arrest brings down AD.

‘Barefoot Bandit’ leaves few tracks in Bahamas; police say it’s been days since last sighting

Bahamas trail grows cold for ‘Barefoot Bandit’

GOVERNOR’S HARBOUR, Bahamas – The trail of a teenage U.S. fugitive suspected of stealing cars, boats and airplanes in his flight from the law grew cold Saturday as police acknowledged that it’s been days since they’ve had any credible sightings of the elusive “Barefoot Bandit.”
Authorities searching for Colton Harris-Moore …. Source article  : ‘Barefoot Bandit’ leaves few tracks in Bahamas; police say it’s been days since last sighting.

6 US troops, 12 Afghans die in attacks as operations in Taliban strongholds meet resistance

Surge of attacks kills 6 US troops, 12 Afghans

KABUL, Afghanistan – A wave of attacks killed six U.S. troops and at least a dozen civilians in Afghanistan’s volatile south and east, as American reinforcements moving into Taliban-dominated areas face up to the fierce resistance they expected.
Increased U.S.-led military operations in the southern province of Kandahar …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Friends, officials gather to remember 2 young Hungarians who died in Philly duck boat crash

2 Hungarian boat crash victims remembered in Pa.

PHILADELPHIA – Friends silently and solemnly dropped white roses into the Delaware River on Saturday in memory of the two Hungarian students who died when the amphibious tourist boat they were riding was struck by a barge and sank.
City officials, religious leaders and Hungarian diplomats joined the group [..] Read the original article: here.

BP: Gulf well cap removed, oil gushes freely as robots begin work to place tighter dome

BP: Cap on gushing well removed, oil flows freely

NEW ORLEANS – Robotic submarines removed the cap from the gushing well in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday, beginning a period of at least two days when oil will flow freely into the sea.
It’s the first step in placing a tighter dome that is supposed to …. Source article  : BP: Gulf well cap removed, oil gushes freely as robots begin work to place tighter dome.

Russian spy calls family from Britain after swap

MOSCOW/WASHINGTON – Russian nuclear expert Igor Sutyagin contacted his family by telephone Saturday from Britain, a day after participating in a spectacular spy swap between Russia and the US, the Interfax news agency reported.

The 45-year-old is staying in a small town near London, shielded from the public, his brother Dmitry was quoted as saying.
Sutyagin …. Source  : Russian spy calls family from Britain after swap.

Toll in China floods reaches 50

BEIJING – At least 50 people have died while 15 are missing following floods, landslides and mud flows triggered by days of torrential rains in central and southern China, the ministry of civil affairs said Saturday.

Over 17.2 million people in nine provinces have been affected by the floods while over 597,000 people have been …. Source  : Toll in China floods reaches 50.

Four Maoists held in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Four Maoists were arrested Saturday in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district, where the guerrillas had slaughtered 27 security personnel June 29, police said.

The arrests were made from the Edka forested hamlet, some 360 km south of capital Raipur, Superintendent of Police Rahul Bhagat told reporters at Narayanpur town, the headquarters of the district. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Four Maoists held in Chhattisgarh.

As death toll from tribal region bombings’ hits 102, Pakistanis search for relatives in rubble

Pakistan bomb death toll hits 102, worst this year

YAKAGHUND, Pakistan – As Adnan Khan sifted through the rubble in this northwest Pakistani village Saturday, his grief mingled with a sense of disbelief. Of the 102 people killed by a pair of suicide bombers here the day before, 10 were his relatives. Aunts, uncles, cousins – … Read more »»».