Burqa clad women wielding AK-47s seen in Somalia

LONDON – A group of burqa-clad women wielding AK-47 assault rifles and linked to the Al Qaeda has been seen in Somalia, a media report said Monday.

The female fanatics hid under traditional Muslim dress to be paraded for the first time at an extremist rally in the capital Mogadishu, The Sun reported.
They displayed their … Read more »».

64 dead in Uganda bombings (Second lead)

NAIROBI – Bombings targeting football fans in the Ugandan capital Kampala killed at least 64 people and left 71 others injured, officials said Monday.

Chief of police Kale Kayihura said the radical Islamic al-Shabaab militia in Somalia could be behind the the late Sunday bombings.
“We have been suspecting that these people could be planning something … Read more »»».

Critics argue against US dropping talk of Islamic radicalism, say threat needs to be defined

US should better define, counter Islamic extremism
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration’s recent move to drop references to Islamic radicalism is drawing fire in a new report warning the decision ignores the role religion can play in motivating terrorists.
Several prominent counterterror experts are challenging the administration’s shift in its recently unveiled National … Read more »»».

Blagojevich prosecutors preparing to rest case; what’s been proved about the former governor?

What have prosecutors proved about Blagojevich?
CHICAGO – Federal prosecutors have spent five weeks showing Rod Blagojevich spewed a river of profanity while lavishing money on his wardrobe and ducking his job as governor of Illinois. But will jurors believe he was a racketeer who schemed to sell or trade Barack Obama’s former U.S. … Read : Blagojevich prosecutors preparing to rest case; what’s been proved about the former governor?.

Blagojevich prosecutors preparing to rest case; what’s been proven about the former governor?

What have prosecutors proven about Blagojevich?
CHICAGO – Federal prosecutors have spent five weeks showing Rod Blagojevich spewed a river of profanity while lavishing money on his wardrobe and ducking his job as governor of Illinois. But will jurors believe he was a racketeer who schemed to sell or trade Barack Obama’s former U.S. …. Read the original article  : Blagojevich prosecutors preparing to rest case; what’s been proven about the former governor?.

Maoists abduct 11 in Bihar

PATNA – More than 200 armed Maoists raided a Bihar village and abducted 11 villagers on suspicion of being police informers, police said Monday.

The guerrillas swooped on Kaimur district’s Launda village, about 150 km from here, late Sunday and abducted the villagers at gunpoint for allegedly helping police against them.
“More than 200 armed Maoists … Original source on Gaea Times at : Maoists abduct 11 in Bihar.

Americans among those killed in Uganda attacks: US

WASHINGTON – The US has condemned the terrorist attacks in Uganda during the World Cup final Sunday and noted that Americans may have been among those killed or injured.

At least 50 people died in bombings targeting people watching the World Cup at a restaurant and a rugby club in Ugandan capital Kampala, according to local … Read more »»».

12 Colombian rebels killed

Bogota, July 12 (IANS/EFE) Twelve leftist guerrillas have been killed in fighting with security forces in central Colombia, an official said.

The rebels belonged to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The fighting took place in Tolima province Sunday, said Gen. Freddy Padilla, armed forces chief. The rebels were responsible for the security of … Read more : 12 Colombian rebels killed.

50 dead in bombings in Uganda

NAIROBI – Two bombings in the Ugandan capital of Kampala left at least 50 people dead late Sunday, local media reported.

The Kyadondo Rugby Club was hosting a crowd of football fans who had gathered to watch the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands when the bomb went off there. The Daily Monitor newspaper … Original source on Gaea Times at : 50 dead in bombings in Uganda.

Ex-hostage Betancourt says she won’t sue Colombia’s gov’t for damages over her hostage ordeal

Betancourt says she won’t sue Colombia government

BOGOTA, Colombia – Former hostage Ingrid Betancourt says that despite seeking $6.8 million in damages for her more than six years in jungle captivity, she has no intention of suing Colombia for the money.
However, Betancourt also accuses the government of helping to facilitate her kidnapping, saying it stripped her …. Original source  : Ex-hostage Betancourt says she won’t sue Colombia’s gov’t for damages over her hostage ordeal.

33 killed in twin bombings in Uganda

NAIROBI – Two bombings at a restaurant and a rugby club in the Ugandan capital of Kampala left at least 33 people dead late Sunday, local media reported.

The Kyadondo Rugby Club was hosting a crowd of football fans who had gathered to watch the World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands when the bomb …. Source article  : 33 killed in twin bombings in Uganda.

Off-duty officer arrests Oakland man after toddler thrown in front of a moving car

Oakland man arrested after child thrown in traffic

OAKLAND, Calif. – A 21-year-old man Oakland police say threw a toddler in front of a moving car is in custody after being arrested by an off-duty police officer.
Police say the officer saw the man shake the 18-month girl and throw her into oncoming traffic around 5:39 p.m. …. Source  : Off-duty officer arrests Oakland man after toddler thrown in front of a moving car.

Uncle of man shot on Oakland train station platform rejects former officer’s letter of apology

Uncle of shooting victim rejects letter of apology

OAKLAND, Calif. – The uncle of an unarmed man fatally shot by a former transit police officer has harsh words to describe a letter of apology from the officer.
Speaking outside an Oakland church Saturday night, Oscar Grant’s uncle, Cephus Johnson, rejected the letter released Friday, terming it a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Uncle of man shot on Oakland train station platform rejects former officer’s letter of apology.

Mexican marines capture alleged regional drug gang boss during raid on house in Acapulco

Mexican marines grab alleged drug gang lieutenant

MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s navy says marines raided a house in the Pacific resort of Acapulco and captured a suspected regional chief of a drug gang involved in a bloody turf war in the center and south of Mexico.
A statement Sunday from the navy says troops detained Gamaliel Aguirre … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mexican marines capture alleged regional drug gang boss during raid on house in Acapulco.

‘Godfather of rap’ Gil Scott-Heron plays Montreux Jazz Festival

Gil Scott-Heron plays Montreux Jazz Festival

MONTREUX, Switzerland – Gil Scott-Heron, the hard living ‘godfather of rap,’ had a message for his audience at the Montreux Jazz Festival.
“For those of you who bet I would not be here – you lose.”
The poet-singer from Chicago whose angry lyrics about racism, poverty and addiction struck a chord with … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Godfather of rap’ Gil Scott-Heron plays Montreux Jazz Festival.

Families seek answers, a year after desecration found at historic black cemetery near Chicago

Future of Burr Oak Cemetery uncertain 1 year later

CHICAGO – Louella Johnson has spent the last year hoping for answers.
More than a dozen of the Chicago woman’s relatives, including her daughter, mother and grandparents, were buried at Burr Oak Cemetery, a historic black graveyard where a gruesome desecration scandal was discovered last summer.
Bodies were found …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Maoist attack mastermind linked to top activists: Police (Second Lead, correcting para two)

RAIPUR – Six people were arrested Sunday on charges of being involved in an attack on a Congress leader’s house in Chhattisgarh July 8 that killed two people and the police claimed that the mastermind of the incident had links with top activists like Nandini Sundar, Arundhati Roy, Medha Patkar and Himanshu Kumar.

In a …. Source article  : Maoist attack mastermind linked to top activists: Police (Second Lead, correcting para two).

Maoists attack mastermind linked to top activists: Police

RAIPUR – Six people were arrested Sunday on charges of being involved in an attack on a Congress leader’s house in Chhattisgarh July 8 that killed two people and the police claimed that the mastermind of the incident had links with top activists like Nandini Sundar, Arundhati Roy, Medha Patkar and Himanshu Kumar.

In a … Read : Maoists attack mastermind linked to top activists: Police.

Fighting gangsters: LA police teach Marines tactics to take down Taliban, train Afghan police

LA police teach Marines how to train Afghan police

LOS ANGELES – A tough-talking, muscular Los Angeles police sergeant steadily rattled off tips to a young Marine riding shotgun as they raced in a patrol car to a drug bust: Be aware of your surroundings. Watch people’s body language. Build rapport.
Marine Lt. Andrew Abbott, 23, took [..] Read the original article: here.

Maoist attack mastermind linked to activists: Police

RAIPUR – Six people were arrested Sunday on charges of being involved in an attack on a Congress leader’s house in Chhattisgarh July 8 that killed two people and the police claimed that the mastermind of the incident had links with top activists like Nandini Sundar, Arundhati Roy, Medha Patkar and Himanshu Kumar.

In a …. Source  : Maoist attack mastermind linked to activists: Police.

Unexploded suicide vest found at disco in Uganda, 4 ‘foreigners’ arrested, officials say

Unexploded bomb vest found in Uganda; 4 arrested

KAMPALA, Uganda – Investigators found an unexploded suicide vest with ball bearings in a disco hall in Uganda’s capital, suggesting that militants planned another attack, officials said Tuesday. Four “foreign” suspects were arrested in connection with the find.
The discovery of a suicide vest in a suburb of Kampala … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Unexploded suicide vest found at disco in Uganda, 4 ‘foreigners’ arrested, officials say.

In Maoist-police battle, tribal women bear the brunt

LALGARH – On both sides of the war between Maoists and security forces, it is mostly the men who wield the arms. But it is the tribal women who bear the brunt of the conflict.

With scores of men having been arrested or fleeing their homes to escape capture, tribal women struggle to run families and … Read more >>.

Unexploded suicide vest found at another site in Uganda, official says

Unexploded suicide vest found at Uganda site

KAMPALA, Uganda – Investigators found an unexploded suicide vest in a disco hall in Uganda’s capital, suggesting that al-Shabab militants planned to carry out more attacks, a government official said Tuesday. Officials arrested some suspects, but police would not say how many.
The discovery of a suicide vest in a … Original article on : Unexploded suicide vest found at another site in Uganda, official says.

Court says US should consider giving Guatemalan women asylum because of female murder rate

Guatemalan women could get asylum due to murders

SAN FRANCISCO – Lesly Yajayra Perdomo’s chances of staying in the United States, even though she arrived illegally, increased dramatically because of her novel legal argument.
The Reno, Nev., resident argues that she should be granted political asylum because her native Guatemala is so dangerous to women that she … Original source on Gaea Times at : Court says US should consider giving Guatemalan women asylum because of female murder rate.

News reports says Italian police in blow at Calabrian mob issue hundreds of arrest warrants

Major anti-crime sweep in Italy
ROME – Italian police carried out one of the biggest operations ever against the powerful ‘ndrangheta crime gang, making some 300 arrests and seizing millions of dollars (euros) in property in pre-dawn raids Tuesday, news agencies reported.

The sweep was centered on northern cities where the southern Italy-based gang has been making … Read : News reports says Italian police in blow at Calabrian mob issue hundreds of arrest warrants.

US vows continued pursuit of Roman Polanski, but resolution on misconduct allegations unlikely

US vows continued pursuit of Roman Polanski

LOS ANGELES – The pursuit of Roman Polanski will continue, but only to the extent the director allows it.
Authorities in the United States roundly denounced the decision by the Swiss government to set Polanski free, dealing another twist in a sex case that has spanned three decades and two … Original source on Gaea Times at : US vows continued pursuit of Roman Polanski, but resolution on misconduct allegations unlikely.

Stamos’ attorney denies actor had fling with 17-year-old now accused of conspiring to bilk him

Attorney denies Stamos had fling with 17-year-old

MARQUETTE, Mich. – An attorney for actor John Stamos denies the “Full House” and “ER” star had a romantic fling with a 17-year-old girl who six years later is accused of scheming to bilk him of hundreds of thousands of dollars by threatening to sell compromising photos to the …. Source article  : Stamos’ attorney denies actor had fling with 17-year-old now accused of conspiring to bilk him.

New Mexico gunman shoots girlfriend at manufacturing facility, then kills 2 others and himself

NM gunman shoots girlfriend, kills 2 at plant

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Officers raced past dead and injured bodies in a New Mexico manufacturing plant as they looked for a gunman who had wounded his girlfriend during a confrontation before fatally shooting two of her co-workers then himself.
Three others were wounded during Monday’s rampage at Emcore Corp., …. Original source  : New Mexico gunman shoots girlfriend at manufacturing facility, then kills 2 others and himself.

Blagojevich attorneys to argue for more time to prepare his defense at corruption trial

Blagojevich defense attorneys to argue for delay
CHICAGO – The pace of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial has taken a lot of people by surprise – including, apparently, his own lawyers.
They are expected to argue before the presiding judge as soon as Tuesday for several extra days to prepare their defense.
As … Read more »».

Afghan official assassinated, another wounded in separate ambushes in eastern province

Afghan official assassinated, 2nd wounded in east

KABUL, Afghanistan – Attackers assassinated a district statistics chief as he returned from morning prayers Tuesday in eastern Afghanistan, an official said, the latest of a wave of Taliban attacks on government workers.
A second official was shot and seriously wounded in another ambush Tuesday, said the spokesman for Logar …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Afghan official assassinated, another wounded in separate ambushes in eastern province.

Unexploded suicide belt found at site of bombing in Uganda, gov’t spokesman says

Unexploded suicide belt found at Uganda blast site

KAMPALA, Uganda – A government spokesman in Uganda says an unexploded suicide belt has been found at one of the two blast sites in the country’s capital.
Explosions tore through crowds at two sites late Sunday as crowds watched the World Cup final. The attacks killed at least 74 … Read more : Unexploded suicide belt found at site of bombing in Uganda, gov’t spokesman says.

UN begins negotiations on a global arms trade treaty aimed at preventing illegal gun transfers

UN starts talks on global arms trade treaty

UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations began negotiations on a legally binding treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade to help prevent the illegal transfer of guns that kill and injure thousands of people every day.
The General Assembly first voted in December 2006 to work toward a … Read more : UN begins negotiations on a global arms trade treaty aimed at preventing illegal gun transfers.

Five detained in Allahabad blast case

ALLAHABAD – Five people have been detained in connection with the blast here that killed one man and critically injured five, including Uttar Pradesh minister Nand Gopal Gupta, police said Tuesday, a day after the attack.

The five people are believed to be close to a local Samajwadi Party leader, on whose behest the blast could … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Five detained in Allahabad blast case.

Prosecutors file charges against 9 in Calif. train shooting verdict protests in Oakland

9 charged in protests after Calif. train verdict

OAKLAND, Calif. – Prosecutors have filed charges against nine people who were arrested during protests following the verdict for a white former San Francisco Bay area transit officer charged with killing an unarmed black man.
Prosecutor Bob Hartman said on Monday that seven were charged with felonies and two …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Parole board considers minimum sentence for Honolulu man convicted in toddler’s freeway death

HI board mulls sentence in toddler’s freeway death

HONOLULU – A Honolulu man convicted of second-degree murder in the death of a toddler thrown from a freeway overpass has appeared before the parole board for a hearing that will determine his minimum sentence.
Matthew Higa said he didn’t want to speak at Monday’s hearing. But when parole …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Parole board considers minimum sentence for Honolulu man convicted in toddler’s freeway death.

Mich. women sentenced woman gets 9 to 30 years for sex with son she gave up for adoption

Mich. woman gets prison sentence for sex with son

PONTIAC, Mich. – A Detroit-area woman who pleaded guilty to having sex with the biological son she gave up for adoption and later tracked down on the Internet has been sentenced nine years to 30 years in prison.
Thirty-six-year-old Aimee L. Sword of Waterford Township apologized at her … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mich. women sentenced woman gets 9 to 30 years for sex with son she gave up for adoption.

Mich. women sentenced woman gets up to 9 years for sex with son she gave up for adoption

Michigan woman gets 9 years for sex with birth son

PONTIAC, Mich. – A Detroit-area woman who pleaded guilty to having sex with the biological son she gave up for adoption and later tracked down on the Internet has been sentenced to up to nine years in prison.
Thirty-six-year-old Aimee L. Sword of Waterford Township apologized at … Read more : Mich. women sentenced woman gets up to 9 years for sex with son she gave up for adoption.

Lawyers accuse each other of fraud during closing arguments in Dole banana workers case

Both sides allege fraud in Dole pesticide case

LOS ANGELES – Lawyers for Dole Foods and six Nicaraguan plaintiffs suing the company accused each side of fraud Monday in heated closing arguments as a judge ponders whether to dismiss a $2.3 million award to the purported banana workers.
Judge Victoria Chaney threw out a similar case last … Original article on : Lawyers accuse each other of fraud during closing arguments in Dole banana workers case.

LA police: Woman arrested after fatally stabbing 10-year-old daughter, attempting suicide

Calif woman arrested in stabbing death of daughter

LOS ANGELES – A woman was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of murder after Los Angeles police say she stabbed her 10-year-old daughter to death and then tried to commit suicide.
Detectives said Monday that 49-year-old Bong Sook Chavez remains hospitalized in stable condition. She’ll be moved to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

India-born sentenced in US terrorism case

WASHINGTON – An Ohio court has sentenced two American cousins, one born in India and the other in Chicago, to prison terms for supporting terrorists in a plot to attack American soldiers overseas.

While India-born Khaleel Ahmed, 29, was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison, his cousin Zubair Ahmed, 31, was sentenced to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : India-born sentenced in US terrorism case.

Integrated approach needed to fight Maoists: Raman Singh

NEW DELHI – Maoist-affected states needed an “integrated action plan” to fight left wing rebels, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh said here Wednesday.

“State governments are dealing with the issue in their own way. An integrated action plan should be devised and all of us should be on one common point,” Raman Singh said.
The Chhattisgarh …. Original source  : Integrated approach needed to fight Maoists: Raman Singh.

Deaf inmate seeking exoneration in Texas says print matching sex offender proves his innocence

Deaf inmate says fingerprint proves his innocence

DALLAS – Through a sign-language interpreter at the Dallas County Jail, Stephen Brodie cops to all sorts of crimes save the one that put him behind bars for 10 years: sexual assault of a 5-year-old girl.
He insists he is innocent, and there’s support for his claim.
A fingerprint at the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Deaf inmate seeking exoneration in Texas says print matching sex offender proves his innocence.

Blagojevich prosecutors roll through case in 5 weeks, don’t call some potential key figures

Blagojevich prosecutors done quicker than expected
CHICAGO – Prosecutors at Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial wheeled three carts crammed with documents into court each day, making it easy to believe estimates that it could take more than two months to present their case to jurors.
Instead, it took them just five weeks despite having dozens of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Blagojevich prosecutors roll through case in 5 weeks, don’t call some potential key figures.

4 police officers could face death penalty in deadly post-Katrina New Orleans shootings

Cops could face death in post-Katrina shootings

NEW ORLEANS – Four police officers are accused of gunning down two unarmed people in the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the latest twist for a corruption-plagued police department that already faces several federal investigations.
The four officers could face the death penalty. They were charged along with two …. Source article  : 4 police officers could face death penalty in deadly post-Katrina New Orleans shootings.

Attorneys for couple accused of plotting to extort John Stamos attack actor’s character

Defense attacks actor Stamos at extortion trial

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Attorneys for a couple accused of plotting to extort $680,000 from John Stamos are trying to get them off the hook by attacking the actor’s character and the FBI’s credibility.
Defense lawyers in the trial of Allison Coss and Scott Sippola have portrayed Stamos as a promiscuous … Read more >>.

Ex-officer faces sentencing after video of NYC clash with cycling activist is posted online

Ex-officer faces sentencing in NYC bicycle clash

NEW YORK – A former police officer convicted of lying about a confrontation with a bike-riding demonstrator – a clash later seen by millions of YouTube viewers – was to be sentenced Wednesday.
Patrick Pogan faced up to four years behind bars but could get probation instead.
Jurors acquitted Pogan, 24, … Read more : Ex-officer faces sentencing after video of NYC clash with cycling activist is posted online.

Maoists have been killing over 500 civilians every year: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) has been killing over 500 civilians every year since 2004 after labelling many of them “police informers”, Home Minister P. Chidambaram said Wednesday.

According to Chidambaram, as long as the “principal left wing extremist organisation was not challenged effectively, it expanded its area of activity, recruited more …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists have been killing over 500 civilians every year: Chidambaram.

Set up unified command in four Maoist hit states: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday said that Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal should coordinate their anti-Maoist operations and form a Unified Command with a retired major general of the Indian Army as its member.

“The central government acknowledges the primary role and responsibility of the state governments in enforcing law and order [..] Read the original article: here.

Suicide attack near security checkpoint kills Afghan policeman in Kandahar

Suicide attack kills Afghan policeman in Kandahar

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – An Afghan official says a suicide car bomb has exploded near a police checkpoint in the southern city of Kandahar, killing one policeman.
Provincial spokesman Zulmi Ayubi says the attack was at a compound next to one of several new checkpoints set up around Kandahar to try …. Source article  : Suicide attack near security checkpoint kills Afghan policeman in Kandahar.

Terror suspect arrested in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD – Terror suspect Viqar Ahmed, who is suspected to have links with Pakistan-based terror groups and is allegedly involved in three incidents of firing on policemen, was arrested by Hyderabad Police here Wednesday.

Ahmed was arrested along with another suspect Amjad. The arrests were made in Secunderabad, when the accused were reportedly planning more … Read : Terror suspect arrested in Hyderabad.

Charles Sobhraj Case Verdict Comes Today

KATHMANDU, NEPAL (GaeaTimes.com)- Nepal Supreme Court shall announce it’s verdict on “Bikini Killer” Charles Sobhraj’s case today. Reportedly, Charles Sobhraj is accused of a series of backpacker murders in Asia back in 1970. Charles Sobhraj who is now 65 years old was convicted six years ago for killing a tourist named Connie Joe Bronzich. Charles …. Read the original article  : here.

PM meets chief minister of Maoist affected states

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday met the chief ministers of Maoist affected states to review government policy and discuss strategy to counter one of the greatest internal security threats to India.

Attending the meeting at the prime minister’s 7, Race Course Road residence are the chief ministers of Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PM meets chief minister of Maoist affected states.

Major killed in Jammu and Kashmir, gunfight still on

JAMMU – An Indian Army major was killed and a colonel injured in a fierce gunfight between security forces and a group of terrorists in Mendhar forest area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district. The exchange of fire that started Tuesday night was continuing Wednesday, an official said.

Major Thange, 28, was killed Tuesday night. He …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US general wants Pakistani group labelled terrorists

WASHINGTON – Amid efforts at a political settlement with Afghan Taliban, the new American military commander in Afghanistan is pushing to have top leaders of the Pakistani Haqqani network designated as terrorists, according to the New York Times.

Gen. David H. Petraeus broached the idea of blacklisting the group late last week in discussions with President … Read more >>.

Grandmother held as police investigate ax slaying of Detroit woman, 26, in Highland Park home

Grandmother arrested following ax slaying of woman

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – Police in the small Detroit enclave of Highland Park are investigating what a neighbor described as the bloody ax slaying of a 26-year-old Detroit woman in her boyfriend’s home.
Mila Perry’s body was found Monday inside the two-story wood-frame house not long after police arrested a …. Original article  : Grandmother held as police investigate ax slaying of Detroit woman, 26, in Highland Park home.

Malaysian police raid for stolen cars finds hundreds of birds, other protected wildlife

Malaysia raid for stolen cars nets protected birds

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A police raid for stolen vehicles found 42 of them at a warehouse in Malaysia – and hundreds of birds and other protected wildlife.
Celescoriano Razond, an official with the wildlife department, says police officers found some 700 birds and caged leopard cats, albino pygmy … Read more : Malaysian police raid for stolen cars finds hundreds of birds, other protected wildlife.

Clinton urges US Jewish groups to join campaign to release American aid worker held in Cuba

Clinton asks Jewish support to free worker in Cuba

WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday urged Jewish groups to join the campaign to persuade Cuba to release a U.S. government contractor detained on the communist island for seven months without charge.
Clinton told representatives of the American Jewish community that they should add …. Read the original article  : Clinton urges US Jewish groups to join campaign to release American aid worker held in Cuba.

3 charged with drug possession after railroad tanker car found filled with marijuana in LA

3 charged in LA in connection with rail car pot

LOS ANGELES – Three men whose arrests led to the discovery of hundreds of pounds of marijuana in a railroad tanker car have been charged with drug possession in Los Angeles.
The district attorney’s office says 28-year-old Jesse Lopez, 18-year-old Justin Coffey and 19-year-old Kristopher Maldonado were … Original source on Gaea Times at : 3 charged with drug possession after railroad tanker car found filled with marijuana in LA.

Major killed, Col injured in J&K encounter

JAMMU – A major of the Indian Army was killed and a colonel injured in a fierce gun battle between the security forces and a group of four to six terrorists in Mendhar forest area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday night.

Five other soldiers were injured in the encounter that was continuing till …. Original source  : Major killed, Col injured in J&K encounter.

Albuquerque police outline how victims were shot in rampage through solar plant

Police outline NM shooting spree that left 3 dead

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A gunman storming through his former workplace fired without provocation or warning at his first victim, then moved on in a spree that left three dead and four injured, police said Tuesday.
A day after the shooting that ended with Robert Reza turning the gun … Original source on Gaea Times at : Albuquerque police outline how victims were shot in rampage through solar plant.

5 Afghan health workers kidnapped in Kandahar

5 Afghan health workers kidnapped in Kandahar

KABUL, Afghanistan – The Afghan government says gunmen have kidnapped five health ministry employees in the southern province of Kandahar.
Provincial spokesman Zulmi Ayubi said Thursday that members of the medical team were abducted while returning to Kandahar in a car after visiting a project in Maiwand district. He said … Original article on : 5 Afghan health workers kidnapped in Kandahar.

15 hurt in Pakistan bombing

ISLAMABAD – At least 15 people were injured in a massive bombing that tore through a bus stand in Mingora area of Swat region Thursday, a day when Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers held talks to bridge their trust deficit.

The huge explosion took place at the crowded central bus stand of the city, Geo … Read more : 15 hurt in Pakistan bombing.

Suspected Maoists kill teen in Orissa, torch house

BHUBANESWAR – Suspected Maoists Thursday killed a boy and torched the house of a home guard in Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district, police said.

“A group of about 20-30 suspected rebels dragged 15-year-old Sukanta Murmu from his house at Handibhanga village and later killed him by silting his throat,” a police officer told IANS.
The … Read : Suspected Maoists kill teen in Orissa, torch house.

Blagojevich lawyers seeking permission to play other FBI tapes at corruption trial

Blagojevich lawyers seek permission for more tapes
CHICAGO – Lawyers for ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich are seeking permission from a judge to play more FBI wiretap tapes that jurors haven’t heard.
The attorneys will make their arguments Thursday, following a three-hour hearing a day earlier.
Blagojevich’s lawyers want to play 38 tapes that they say …. Read the original article  : Blagojevich lawyers seeking permission to play other FBI tapes at corruption trial.

Trial of Mich. couple accused of trying to bilk actor John Stamos out of $680,000 winding down

Federal jury expected to get Stamos extortion case

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Federal jurors are preparing to consider whether a small-town Michigan couple tried to swindle actor John Stamos out of $680,000 by falsely claiming to have photos showing the “Full House” and “ER” star using illegal drugs while surrounded by strippers and underage girls.
Attorneys were expected … Original source on Gaea Times at : Trial of Mich. couple accused of trying to bilk actor John Stamos out of $680,000 winding down.

2nd former University of Kansas athletics official expected to admit knowledge of ticket scam

2nd former Kansas athletics official to enter plea

WICHITA, Kan. – A second former University of Kansas athletics official charged in an alleged $1 million ticket-scalping scandal is set to appear in court.
The hearing for Brandon Simmons in federal court in Wichita on Thursday comes a day after a colleague pleaded guilty for his role in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

DEA doesn’t believe Chargers doctor was using meds himself despite numerous prescriptions

DEA: Chargers doctor not suspected of using meds

SAN DIEGO – The Drug Enforcement Administration said Wednesday it doesn’t believe Dr. David Chao of the San Diego Chargers medical staff was using medications himself even though he apparently had written at least 108 drug prescriptions to himself since 2008.
DEA spokeswoman Amy Roderick says the agency is … Read more »».

NY lawyer who helped relay messages from blind Egyptian sheik could get much longer sentence

Government seeks tough sentence against NY lawyer

NEW YORK – A judge was poised to decide whether the government and some fellow judges were right when they said a 70-year-old former civil rights lawyer convicted in a terrorism case received too much leniency when she was sentenced to just over two years in prison.
U.S. District Judge …. Original source  : NY lawyer who helped relay messages from blind Egyptian sheik could get much longer sentence.

Osama bin Laden is alive, says son Omar

LONDON – Omar bin Laden, son of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, says his father is alive but maintains he doesn’t know his whereabouts.

Omar told The Sun Thursday: “My dad is on the Earth but I don’t know where. He’s still alive. If that sort of person dies, you could never make it a …. Source  : Osama bin Laden is alive, says son Omar.

Back in Iran, ‘abducted’ nuclear scientist becomes new propaganda hero for country’s leaders

‘Abducted’ nuclear scientist returns to Iran

TEHRAN, Iran – Flashing a victory sign, an Iranian nuclear scientist who claims he was abducted and abused by U.S. agents a year ago returned Thursday to his homeland and into the heart of the latest crossfire between Washington and Tehran.
The conflicting accounts about Shahram Amiri – captive or defector …. Source article  : Back in Iran, ‘abducted’ nuclear scientist becomes new propaganda hero for country’s leaders.

Pakistan, India seek to improve relationship strained by Mumbai attacks with high-level talks

Pakistan, India seek to rebuild trust with talks

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and India sought to improve their strained relationship Thursday with high-level talks aimed at rebuilding trust that was fractured by the deadly terrorist attacks that killed 166 people in the Indian city of Mumbai nearly two years ago.
But analysts expected little concrete progress from the … Original article on : Pakistan, India seek to improve relationship strained by Mumbai attacks with high-level talks.

Terrorist killed in Jammu and Kashmir, gun battle continues

JAMMU – The body of a terrorist was recovered from a forest in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, where a gun battle that started two days ago claiming an Indian Army major’s life continues, officials said Thursday.

The body of the terrorist was recovered Thursday morning from the Beri Rakh forests in Mendhar area of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Terrorist killed in Jammu and Kashmir, gun battle continues.

Corinne Peters And Jayne Peters Found Dead

COPPELL (GaeaTimes.com)- 19-year-old Corinne Peters and her mother, the Dallas-area city Mayor Jayne Peters were found dead at their suburban Dallas home in Coppell. The bodies of the two were discovered by the police on Tuesday night. The death of Corinne Peters and Jayne Peters was caused by gunshot wounds that they suffered on … Read more : Corinne Peters And Jayne Peters Found Dead.

Blast damages 100-year-old Pakistani mosque

PESHAWAR – A powerful blast damaged a 100-year-old mosque in Pakistan’s Khyber Agency. There were no casualties, a media report said Thursday.

The explosion took place late Wednesday night in tehsil Landi Kotal of Khyber Agency, causing extensive damage to a part of the mosque and some shrines, Geo TV reported quoting police sources.
No casualty … Original article on : Blast damages 100-year-old Pakistani mosque.

In letter, Swiss cite key reason for refusal to extradite Polanski

In letter, Swiss say they sought Polanski data

LOS ANGELES – In a case of seeming miscommunication, the Swiss government had asked the U.S. Justice Department to release sealed transcripts in the Roman Polanski case just days before a Los Angeles judge was told that the Swiss did not request the information, according to a newly … Read more >>>.

Injured Uttar Pradesh minister to undergo plastic surgery

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh minister Nand Gopal alias Nandi, who continues to be on life support system four days after he was critically injured in a bomb blast, will undergo plastic surgery here for his badly burnt hands Thursday.

The surgery would be performed at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, where … Read more >>.

Daya Nayak Gets Breathar From SC

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Sub inspector of police Daya Nayak who had been suspended over charges of maintaining links with the underworld can now breathe easy. According to a ruling announced yesterday by the Supreme Court of India Daya Nayak’s apparent links with the underworld could not be proved in court.
In a complaint made to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Daya Nayak Gets Breathar From SC.

Suspected Maoists kill woman in West Bengal

KOLKATA – Suspected Maoists shot dead a woman in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, police said Thursday.

Locals noticed the bullet-ridden body of the victim lying on the road near Dhanshole village in Gopiballavpur, and informed the police.
“The victim was killed by suspected Maoists. The body has been recovered but it is yet to …. Source article  : Suspected Maoists kill woman in West Bengal.

Pakistan `epicentre’ of terror threat: US

WASHINGTON – Faced with five major insurgencies, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) responsible for the Mumbai terror attack, Pakistan is the “epicentre” of terrorist threat to the US, according to a senior US official.

“The western part of Pakistan, the lawless areas, are the epicentre of the issues that threaten our country,” US special envoy for …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Police: Girl taken from Calif. foster parents by aunts nearly 7 years ago found in Ariz. home

Police: Abducted Calif. girl found in Phoenix home

PHOENIX – A girl abducted by three aunts from her California foster parents nearly seven years ago, when she was an infant, was found Wednesday living in Phoenix, authorities said.
Detectives from the Phoenix Police Department’s missing persons unit, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI located … Read : Police: Girl taken from Calif. foster parents by aunts nearly 7 years ago found in Ariz. home.

Explosion in Pakistani market kills eight

ISLAMABAD – At least eight people were killed and around a dozen injured on Friday when an explosion ripped through a market in Pakistan’s restive tribal region along the Afghan border, a security official said.

The blast took place in Mehbran Kille village in Khyber, one of the seven tribal districts where Pakistani security forces are …. Original source  : Explosion in Pakistani market kills eight.

Suspected Maoist killed in Bengal

JOYBANKI – A suspected Maoist was killed in a gunbattle Friday when security personnel conducted a raid near this village in West Midnapore district in connection with the May 28 Gyaneshwari Express train tragedy, police said.

Security personnel said a few Maoists were either killed or sustained serious bullet injuries in Indraboni forest near Joybanki …. Source  : Suspected Maoist killed in Bengal.

Judge to consider change of venue for DUI trial of man accused of killing Angels pitcher

Change of venue considered in Gallo trial
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A judge is expected to decide whether the trial of a suspected drunken driver accused of killing an Angels pitcher and two others should be moved out of Orange County.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Richard Toohey on Friday will consider the change of venue motion …. Original source  : Judge to consider change of venue for DUI trial of man accused of killing Angels pitcher.

Chhattisgarh opens three counter-insurgency schools

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh, the state worst hit by Maoist violence, Friday announced the opening of three counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism schools to train policemen to take on the left wing rebels.

The three schools have come up at Mana area on outskirts of state capital Raipur, at Rajnandgaon bordering Maharashtra, and Jagdalpur, considered the nerve centre of … Original article on : Chhattisgarh opens three counter-insurgency schools.

Ex-State Department worker, wife face prison for nearly 30 years of stealing secrets for Cuba

Feds: Love of Cuba drove 2 spies who face prison

WASHINGTON – Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers were the kind of spies any intelligence service would want. They did it for love of country, not for money.
According to federal prosecutors, the two stole U.S. secrets and gave them to Cuba for nearly 30 years because of a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ex-State Department worker, wife face prison for nearly 30 years of stealing secrets for Cuba.

Ex-State Department worker, wife face prison sentences Friday for stealing US secrets for Cuba

Ex-State Department worker, wife face sentencing

WASHINGTON – A retired State Department worker faces up to life in prison and his wife a lengthy prison term at their sentencing Friday for spying for Cuba over nearly 30 years.
Walter and Gwendolyn Myers both pleaded guilty in a case in which the couple is said to have stolen … Original article on : Ex-State Department worker, wife face prison sentences Friday for stealing US secrets for Cuba.

Home elevater becomes death trap for elderly Ga. couple stuck inside

Elderly couple dies while trapped in home elevator

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – When the elevator in their home got stuck between floors, Sherwood and Caroline Wadsworth found themselves trapped with no way to call for help as temperatures rose into the 90s in the closet-sized lift until they finally died from heat exhaustion.
Autopsies on the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Home elevater becomes death trap for elderly Ga. couple stuck inside.

Official says explosion at market in Pakistani tribal area kills 3, wounds 7

Official: Blast kills 3 in Pakistan tribal area

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – An explosion at a market in an area along the Afghan border killed three people and wounded seven others Friday, a Pakistani official said.
The blast went off in the Khyber, a tribal region whose security is of paramount importance to the U.S. because it is …. Original source  : Official says explosion at market in Pakistani tribal area kills 3, wounds 7.

20 dead, 100 hurt in twin blasts in Iran

TEHRAN – At least 20 were killed and over 100 injured in two explosions that tore through a mosque in Iran’s southeastern city of Zahedan Thursday, media reports said Friday.

“Two explosions in the front of Zahedan’s Grand Mosque have left more than 20 dead and over 100 injured,” Fariborz Rashedi, the head of Sistan-Baluchestan’s emergency …. Read the original article  : here.

Suspected Maoists kill three in West Bengal

KOLKATA – Suspected Maoists killed three people, including a worker of West Bengal’s ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), in separate incidents across the state, police said Friday.

The incidents took place Thursday night. Nirmol Soren, zonal committee member of the CPI-M, was shot dead at Nemaipur village near Simlipal in Bankura while local businessman Kartik …. Source  : Suspected Maoists kill three in West Bengal.

Maoists blow up police station in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – A group of around 70 Maoists blew up a police station in Orissa’s Nabrangpur district, police said Friday.

The rebels attacked the police station at Kundai village under Raighar block, some 700 km from here, at around 10 p.m. Thursday night when no policemen were inside.
“The rebels blew up the police station …. Read the original article  : Maoists blow up police station in Orissa.

Drug gang rams police vehicles in Mexico, killing 2 officers, rescue worker

3 killed in drug gang attack on police in Mexico

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Members of a northern Mexico drug gang rammed a car that may have been packed with explosives or inflammable material into two police patrol trucks Thursday in the border city of Ciudad Juarez on Thursday, killing two officers and a medical technician, …. Read the original article  : Drug gang rams police vehicles in Mexico, killing 2 officers, rescue worker.

Theft suspect arrested in Wenatchee after running out of gas

Theft suspect arrested after running out of gas

WENATCHEE, Wash. – Don’t call him Lucky.
Wenatchee police say they arrested a 47-year-old Tacoma man for investigation of first-degree theft after he ran out of gas as he was leaving a store where Native American collectibles were stolen.
Alerted to the thefts by the store owner, police found the … Original article on : Theft suspect arrested in Wenatchee after running out of gas.

Two Maoists lynched in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Two Maoists were lynched by angry villagers in Jharkhand’s Latehar district, police said.

According to the police, five Maoist rebels went to Jalim village of Latehar district late Thursday night and demanded money from the villagers.
The rebels also roughed up some people, which angered the villagers. The villagers started pelting stones and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Two Maoists lynched in Jharkhand.

High-profile case resolved with Goldman Sachs paying $550M to settle SEC fraud charges

Goldman paying $550M to settle civil fraud charges

WASHINGTON – Resolving a high-profile government case linked to the mortgage meltdown, Goldman Sachs & Co. has agreed to pay a record $550 million to settle civil fraud charges that it misled buyers of complex investments.
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced the settlement Thursday with the Wall Street … Original article on : High-profile case resolved with Goldman Sachs paying $550M to settle SEC fraud charges.

Major, two soldiers hurt in Jammu and Kashmir gun battle

JAMMU – A major and two soldiers of the Indian Army were injured in a gun battle between security forces and a group of terrorists that entered its fourth day Friday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district.

The major, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was injured Friday morning.
The gun fight started Tuesday …. Source  : Major, two soldiers hurt in Jammu and Kashmir gun battle.

LA police seize guns, handcuffs, other items from home of man accused in serial slayings

LA police seize items from alleged killer’s home

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles police have seized hundreds of items from the home and vehicles of the man charged in the “Grim Sleeper” killings, including guns, ammunition and handcuffs, court records show.
Detectives have booked more than 650 items belonging to Lonnie Franklin Jr. into evidence, the Los … Original article on : LA police seize guns, handcuffs, other items from home of man accused in serial slayings.

8 convicted, sentenced in killing of lawyer whose pre-slaying video set off uproar

8 convicted in killing of Guatemalan lawyer

GUATEMALA CITY – A Guatemalan judge has convicted and sentenced eight men to prison for the 2009 killing of a prominent lawyer who accused the country’s president of his murder in a video made before his death.
Public protests erupted after the death and the release of Rodrigo Rosenberg’s video …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 8 convicted, sentenced in killing of lawyer whose pre-slaying video set off uproar.

Report: Federal prosecution of immigrants soared over 2 months in spring

Federal prosecution of immigrants soared in spring

FRESNO, Calif. – Federal prosecutions of immigrants soared to new levels this spring, as the Obama administration continued an aggressive enforcement strategy championed under President George W. Bush, according to a new study released Thursday.
The 4,145 cases referred to federal prosecutors in March and April was the largest number … Read : Report: Federal prosecution of immigrants soared over 2 months in spring.

Hotelier widow death deemed homicide, reversing previous ruling, in twist to sordid case

Hotelier widow death ruled slaying in sordid case

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Florida medical examiner has reversed his ruling that the death of a prominent hotelier’s widow was an accident.
Broward County medical examiner Dr. Joshua Perper says he ruled Thursday that 87-year-old Bernice Novack death in 2009 was a homicide. The ruling comes a day …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hotelier widow death deemed homicide, reversing previous ruling, in twist to sordid case.

40 arrested for Iran suicide bombings

BERLIN – Police have arrested 40 suspects over two bombings at a mosque in south-east Iran which killed 27 people and injured over 160, Fars news agency reported Saturday.

Two bombings took place late Thursday at the grand mosque in Zahedan, the capital of Sistan-Beluchistan province. The bombs went off within minutes of each other at [..] Read the original article: here.

Jason Andrews, Amanda Logue Indicted

NEW PORT RICHEY (GaeaTimes.com)- The gay porn actor Jason Andrews, known as Addison in a porn site was arrested last Thursday, July 15, 2010 by US marshal service and the Chattanooga Police Department. The accused is now being held in Hamilton County Jail without a bail and awaiting his verdict from the court. Jason Andrews … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jason Andrews, Amanda Logue Indicted.

18 killed in militant attack in Pakistan

PESHAWAR – Eighteen Shiite Muslims were killed and four injured Saturday when Sunni militants opened fire on a vehicle convoy escorted by security forces in Pakistan’s restive tribal region, officials said.

Gunmen attacked the two minibuses with assault rifles and rocket propelled grenades as the convoy was heading towards Peshawar, the capital of the north-western province …. Read the original article  : here.

CPI-M member killed by Maoists in West Bengal

KOLKATA – Maoists killed a Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) member early Saturday in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, police said.

A group of 10-12 heavily armed Maoists raided Neguria village and dragged Sayan Pal out of his house and murdered him, an official said.
Maoist rebels are active in West Bengal’s West Midnapore, Purulia and … Read : CPI-M member killed by Maoists in West Bengal.

Two soldiers hurt in Kashmir gun battle

JAMMU – Two soldiers were injured in a gun battle between security forces and a group of terrorists that entered its fifth day Saturday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, army sources said.

After a night-long lull in the Beri Rakh forests in Mendhar, some 230 km from here, the gunfight erupted again Saturday morning. Two …. Original article  : Two soldiers hurt in Kashmir gun battle.

San Diego coroner says its unclear how migrant died after US agents shot him with stun gun

Coroner: Unclear how migrant died in US custody

SAN DIEGO – An autopsy report released Friday says it is unclear how a heart condition and methamphetamine use caused the death of a Mexican immigrant who was shot with a stun gun by a U.S. agent, shedding little new light on an incident that has sparked outrage … Original article on : San Diego coroner says its unclear how migrant died after US agents shot him with stun gun.

Man who kidnapped 5-year-old girl in Phoenix on Christmas Day gets 30-year prison sentence

Man gets prison term for Phoenix girl abduction

PHOENIX – A man who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and molesting a young girl in Phoenix last Christmas Day has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Maricopa County prosecutors say 46-year-old Larry Jon Ladwig was sentenced Friday to prison without the possibility of parole plus two lifetime probation …. Original source  : Man who kidnapped 5-year-old girl in Phoenix on Christmas Day gets 30-year prison sentence.

Panel: Top Texas criminal judge accused of turning away death row inmate’s appeal can keep job

Top Texas criminal judge warned but keeps job

SAN ANTONIO – The top criminal judge in Texas was spared her job but still punished Friday by a state panel that reprimanded embattled Judge Sharon Keller for turning away a death-row inmate’s late appeal hours before his 2007 execution.
Keller, the presiding judge of the Texas Court of [..] Read the original article: here.

Texas officer appeals excessive force suspension in racially charged case caught on dash cam

Texas officer appeals excessive force suspension

DALLAS – A white east Texas police officer shown on dashboard camera video slamming a black handcuffed suspect face first onto the hood of a squad car has appealed his two-day unpaid suspension, officials said Friday.
The arrest was the latest incident to spark outrage in racially charged Paris, about 90 …. Original article  : Texas officer appeals excessive force suspension in racially charged case caught on dash cam.

Lawyer: Lohan staying at substance abuse facility as she prepared to go to jail

Lawyer: Lohan staying at substance abuse facility

LOS ANGELES – Lindsay Lohan has moved to a substance abuse facility and signed legal papers hiring celebrity lawyer Robert Shapiro to represent her as she prepares to head to jail for violating probation in a 2007 drug case.
Shapiro, a key figure on O.J. Simpson’s legal “dream team” in …. Original article  : Lawyer: Lohan staying at substance abuse facility as she prepared to go to jail.

Authorities focus on couple who raised abducted Calif girl for 7 years

Police focus on couple who raised abducted girl

NORWALK, Calif. – The tears in Amber Nicklas’ eyes as she realized she would be taken from the only family she ever knew was enough to make Detective Jerry Saba’s stomach churn.
The girl, abducted at age 1 from her foster parents in California seven years ago, was found …. Original article  : Authorities focus on couple who raised abducted Calif girl for 7 years.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill suspended for season opener by NFL

Seahawks Hill suspended 1 game by NFL
RENTON, Wash. – Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill will miss the season opener after being suspended by the NFL on Friday for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Hill will miss the Seahawks season opener against San Francisco on Sept. 12. His suspension without pay also includes forfeiting an additional …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill suspended for season opener by NFL.

Authorities in Los Angeles, Phoenix investigate couple who raised abducted child as their own

Ariz. couple probed in abducted Calif. girl case

NORWALK, Calif. – Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are working with police in Phoenix to investigate a man and a woman who were raising a girl abducted from California seven years ago.
Detective Jerry Saba said Friday he hopes charges will be filed in the case …. Read the original article  : here.

Texas mayor believed to have killed self, daughter, had financial trouble, grieved for spouse

Texas mayor who killed self had financial troubles

COPPELL, Texas – A Dallas area mayor who authorities believe killed herself and her daughter left a note saying the two were still grieving over the 2008 death of their husband and father from cancer, police said Friday.
“My sweet, sweet Corinne had grown completely inconsolable. She had learned …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Texas mayor believed to have killed self, daughter, had financial trouble, grieved for spouse.

Celebrity lawyer Robert Shapiro agrees to represent Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan hires celebrity lawyer Shapiro

LOS ANGELES – Celebrity lawyer Robert Shapiro said Friday he had agreed to represent Lindsay Lohan, who is headed to jail next week for violating probation in a 2007 drug case.
Shapiro, a key figure on O.J. Simpson’s legal “dream team” in 1995, told The Associated Press he agreed to represent … Original article on : Celebrity lawyer Robert Shapiro agrees to represent Lindsay Lohan.

Feds launch largest Medicare fraud bust, charging 94 in 5 states for $251 million scams

94 charged in Medicare scams totaling $251M
MIAMI – Elderly Russian immigrants lined up to take kickbacks from the backroom of a Brooklyn clinic. Claims flooded in from Miami for HIV treatments that never occurred. One professional patient was named in nearly 4,000 false Medicare claims.
Authorities said busts carried out this week … Original source on Gaea Times at : Feds launch largest Medicare fraud bust, charging 94 in 5 states for $251 million scams.

Police: Pa. teacher faked inoperable brain tumor for years, forged papers to take sick leave

Police: Pa. teacher faked inoperable brain tumor

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Police in central Pennsylvania say a middle school teacher lied for years about having an inoperable brain tumor.
Fifty-one-year-old Leslie Herneisey (her-NY-zee) of Middletown is accused of faking documents to take sick leave. She faces 12 counts of forgery.
Police say Herneisey missed work at Middletown Middle School …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

30 Al Qaeda suspects arrested in Yemen

SANA’A – At least 30 people, suspected to be members of terror outfit Al Qaeda were arrested during a security operation in Yemen, a senior minister said.

“Security operations against Al Qaeda resulted in detaining more than 19 suspects in Marib province and 11 others in Hadramout province,” state-run Saba news agency quoted Interior Minister Mutahar … Read more >>>.

Judge rejects Schwarzenegger request to force minimum wage on state workers

Judge rejects Schwarzenegger minimum wage request

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A judge on Friday declined to make the state controller comply with an order by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to pay state workers minimum wage while the state remains without a budget.
Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette denied the administration’s request for a temporary restraining order that … Original source on Gaea Times at : Judge rejects Schwarzenegger request to force minimum wage on state workers.

Texas mayor who killed self, apparently daughter, was in financial trouble, grieved for spouse

Texas mayor who killed self had financial trouble

COPPELL, Texas – Authorities say a note left by a Dallas area mayor who killed herself and apparently her daughter explains the two still were grieving over the 2008 death of their husband and father.
Coppell Mayor Jayne Peters also had financial troubles. At a Friday afternoon funeral service … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Texas mayor who killed self, apparently daughter, was in financial trouble, grieved for spouse.

Suicide bomber in Iraq kills at least 43, wounds 31 in Sunni district outside Baghdad

Suicide bomber kills at least 43 people in Iraq

BAGHDAD – A suicide bomber targeting army soldiers and members of a government-backed militia lining up to receive their paychecks killed at least 43 people and wounded 46 on Sunday, Iraqi officials said.
Violence has dropped dramatically in Iraq in the past two years, but members of the …. Original source  : Suicide bomber in Iraq kills at least 43, wounds 31 in Sunni district outside Baghdad.

36 killed in Baghdad suicide bombing

BAGHDAD – At least 36 people were killed and 28 injured in a suicide bombing targeting security personnel in southwestern Baghdad on Sunday, a security source said.

The bomber, who was wearing an explosive belt, targeted members of the Sahwa, who were gathered to collect their salaries in the Sunni-dominated area of al-Radwaniya.
The Sahwa, or …. Original source  : 36 killed in Baghdad suicide bombing.

Maoists set five vehicles on fire in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoists set ablaze five vehicles of a construction company in Jharkhand’s steel city of Jamshedpur after the firm refused to pay levy to them, police said Sunday.

The vehicles, including three dumpers and other equipment, were being used for road construction work in Badhuwa village, about 145 km from here. They were set on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maoists set five vehicles on fire in Jharkhand.

Maoists blow up two Orissa schools, kill man

BHUBANESWAR – Maoists Sunday blew up two school buildings and killed a villager in separate incidents in Orissa’s Malkangiri district, police said.

The rebels blew up a school building in Bejingiwada village and another in Tentuliguda village using landmines, Superintendent of Police Anirudha Kumar Singh told IANS.
In a separate incident, Maoists killed a man at … Read more : Maoists blow up two Orissa schools, kill man.

Suicide bomber in Iraq kills at least 11 people in Sunni suburb near Baghdad

Suicide bomber kills at least 11 people in Iraq

BAGHDAD – A suicide bomber killed at least 11 people and wounded 31 Sunday in a mostly Sunni district southwest of Baghdad, targeting Iraqi soldiers and members of a government-backed militia, Iraqi officials said.
Violence has dropped dramatically in Iraq in the past two years, but members of …. Original source  : Suicide bomber in Iraq kills at least 11 people in Sunni suburb near Baghdad.

‘Arrested ULFA leader was picked up by Bangladesh police earlier’

DHAKA – Top Indian militant Ranjan Chowdhury of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) had assumed a Muslim name, Masud Chowdhury, in Bangladesh and had been picked up by Bangladesh police six weeks ago, said a media report here Sunday a day after his arrest was announced.

Chowdhury had also married a local girl, a … Original article on : ‘Arrested ULFA leader was picked up by Bangladesh police earlier’.

Sheriff dept. say 2 dead, 4 wounded in Wash. state park shooting

Sheriff: 2 dead, 4 hurt in WA state park shooting

SEATTLE – Gunman opened fire during a party at a state park near Seattle Saturday night, killing two men and wounding four others, authorities said.
Several people were arrested following the bloodshed at Lake Sammamish State Park, about 15 miles east of downtown Seattle, King County Sheriff’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Wash. State Patrol says 2 dead, 5 wounded in state park shooting

Police: 2 dead, 5 hurt in WA state park shooting

SEATTLE – The State Patrol says two people are dead and five others wounded in a shooting in a state park north of Seattle.
KOMO-TV says that two suspected gunmen are in custody following the bloodshed Saturday night at Lake Sammamish State Park.
The patrol says a park …. Read the original article  : Wash. State Patrol says 2 dead, 5 wounded in state park shooting.

Convicted Arizona murderer at center of landmark death penalty decision wants new trial

Man moved off Arizona death row seeks new trial

PHOENIX – A convicted murderer whose death penalty was reduced to life in prison as a result of a landmark court decision is asking for a new trial.
Timothy Ring was at the center of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2002 that overturned his death sentence and …. Original article  : Convicted Arizona murderer at center of landmark death penalty decision wants new trial.

Chmura inducted into Packers Hall of Fame despite career tarnished by sex assault allegation

Chmura, Fleming, Koch inducted into Packers Hall

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Mark Chmura was pretty sure this day would never come.
The former Green Bay tight end was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame on Saturday despite a career that was tarnished by a sexual assault allegation.
A vital cog on the Packers’ two Super Bowl teams … Read more : Chmura inducted into Packers Hall of Fame despite career tarnished by sex assault allegation.

Report: Police detain Paris Hilton in Corsica after finding ’small’ amount of marijuana

Report: Paris Hilton caught with marijuana

PARIS – Paris Hilton was briefly detained in Corsica after sniffer dogs detected a “quite small” quantity of marijuana in her bag, a French newspaper reported Saturday.
Corse Matin newspaper said officers at the airport in Figari found about one gram’s worth of marijuana. Hilton, who was transiting the French Mediterranean … Original source on Gaea Times at : Report: Police detain Paris Hilton in Corsica after finding ’small’ amount of marijuana.

Authorities find belongings, signs of struggle in search for missing Southern Calif. girl

Evidence of abduction found for missing SoCal teen

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – Deputies and detectives on Saturday searched for a Southern California teen girl missing for a third day, and authorities said evidence points to an abduction.
Personal items belonging to 17-year-old Norma Lopez and signs of a struggle were discovered by investigators in a field the … Read more »».

Report: Police on French island of Corsica detain Paris Hilton after finding marijuana

Paris Hilton caught with marijuana in Corsica

PARIS – A French news report says socialite Paris Hilton was briefly detained in Corsica after a “quite small” quantity of marijuana was found in her bag.
Corse Matin newspaper reported on its Web site that Hilton had been taken in for questioning after sniffer dogs at the airport in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Report: Police on French island of Corsica detain Paris Hilton after finding marijuana.

Police search for 17-year-old Southern Calif. girl believed kidnapped, missing since Thursday

Police fear 17-year-old Calif. girl was kidnapped

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – Sheriff’s deputies say they fear a 17-year-old Southern California girl who has been missing for two days may have been kidnapped.
Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Borja says Norma Lopez never returned home after attending summer school classes Thursday morning at Valley View High School in …. Original article  : Police search for 17-year-old Southern Calif. girl believed kidnapped, missing since Thursday.

Alleged drug kingpin arrested in Puerto Rico after decade-long hunt by federal authorities

Feds nab alleged PR drug lord after 10-year hunt

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Federal authorities arrested a fugitive alleged drug kingpin Saturday after a decade-long chase through the Caribbean marked by his narrow escapes and public taunting that he paid off police to remain free.
Known as the Pablo Escobar of the Caribbean, Jose Figueroa Agosto … Original article on : Alleged drug kingpin arrested in Puerto Rico after decade-long hunt by federal authorities.

Missing Ore. boy’s father believes third party involved in disappearance, cites ‘briefings’

Father of missing Ore. boy: 3rd party involved

PORTLAND, Ore. – The father of a missing 7-year-old Portland boy says he believes a third party was involved along with his estranged wife in the disappearance of the child six weeks ago.
In e-mail answers to questions Friday from Portland reporters, Kaine Horman gave no basis for his [..] Read the original article: here.

Two dead in Stockton shooting that wounded five others, police say

Police: 2 dead in Stockton shooting that wounded 5

STOCKTON, Calif. – Police are investigating an overnight shooting that left two people dead and five wounded in Stockton, Calif.
Officer Pete Smith says police were called to the shooting after 10 p.m. Friday, and they found seven men had been shot.
Two were pronounced dead at the scene … Read more : Two dead in Stockton shooting that wounded five others, police say.

Polanski attends Swiss jazz fest, 1st public appearance since release from house arrest

Director Polanski attends Swiss jazz fest
MONTREUX, Switzerland – Roman Polanski has made his first public appearance since being released this week from house arrest, attending the Montreux Jazz Festival on Saturday to watch his wife perform on stage.

The 76-year-old film director arrived at the Lake Geneva festival Saturday evening in a sport utility vehicle with … Read : Polanski attends Swiss jazz fest, 1st public appearance since release from house arrest.

Montana’s son among 11 Irish athletes arrested on underage drinking charges

11 N. Dame athletes arrested on drinking charges

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The son of former Notre Dame standout Joe Montana was among 11 Fighting Irish athletes arrested on misdemeanor charges of underage drinking at a party Friday night.
A total of 44 people were arrested after city police responded to a call about a fight near …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Montana’s son among 11 Irish athletes arrested on underage drinking charges.

Man with neo-Nazi ties leading heavily armed citizen patrols in AZ desert

Man with neo-Nazi ties leading patrols in AZ
PHOENIX – Minutemen groups, a surge in Border Patrol agents, and a tough new immigration law aren’t enough for a reputed neo-Nazi who’s now leading a militia in the Arizona desert.
Jason “J.T.” Ready is taking matters into his own hands, declaring war on … Read more »».