Jury questioning begins in Anna Nicole Smith case; judge wants panel seated by Wednesday

Jury questioning begins in Anna Nicole Smith case

LOS ANGELES – Jury questioning begins Monday in the drug conspiracy trial of Anna Nicole Smith’s doctors and her lawyer-boyfriend, with prospective jurors quizzed on everything from their own medical histories to what they think about the charges.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry hopes to have a panel seated …. Read the original article  : Jury questioning begins in Anna Nicole Smith case; judge wants panel seated by Wednesday.

I won’t apologise for Pakistan terror remark: David Cameron

LONDON – Prime Minister David Cameron has refused to apologise for his comment that Islamabad is “exporting terror”, said a government source who insisted that “he meant it”.

Daily Mail quoted government sources as indicating that Cameron would not withdraw his suggestion that Pakistan was “exporting terror”.
A government source said Cameron would not apologise for … Read more >>.

3 decades later, NYC doctor’s killing for $5 still unresolved after conviction overturned

Questions resurface in NYC doctor’s 1981 slaying

NEW YORK – Dr. John Chase Wood Jr. was shot in the heart for $5 in his wallet in 1981, walking back to work at a hospital after dinner with his pregnant wife. The 31-year-old pediatric surgeon-in-training died as weeping colleagues tried to save him in his emergency room.
Wood’s … Read more : 3 decades later, NYC doctor’s killing for $5 still unresolved after conviction overturned.

Ariz. authorities wonder if lax security allowed 3 inmates to flee; 1 nabbed in Colo. shootout

1 of 3 Ariz. fugitives caught in Colo. shootout

PHOENIX – Arizona authorities pressed forward with their search of the state Monday for two fugitives, as corrections officials looked into whether shoddy security allowed the inmates to cut a hole in a fence and slip away undetected.
One of the three convicted murderers who fled a private … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ariz. authorities wonder if lax security allowed 3 inmates to flee; 1 nabbed in Colo. shootout.

Supreme Court trims Miranda warning rights: ‘Death by a thousand cuts’ says defense attorney

High court trims Miranda warning rights bit by bit

WASHINGTON – You have the right to remain silent, but only if you tell the police that you’re remaining silent.
You have a right to a lawyer – before, during and after questioning, even though the police don’t have to tell you exactly when the lawyer can be … Read more : Supreme Court trims Miranda warning rights: ‘Death by a thousand cuts’ says defense attorney.

Kidnapped Maharashtra official freed after 78 days in Arunachal

PUNE – Senior Maharashtra bureaucrat Vijay S. Bardekar, who was kidnapped May 13 from Arunachal Pradesh where he had gone on a vacation, has been released from captivity by alleged Bodo militants after 78 days, a family member said here Monday.

Bardekar is expected to return to his home town here Tuesday. He was released by … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kidnapped Maharashtra official freed after 78 days in Arunachal.

Over 200 arrests by CBI in last six months

NEW DELHI – The central government Thursday said that 235 arrests have been made in 491 cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the last six months.

“The CBI conducts searches and inquiries as part of its mandate to combat corruption in accordance with law, depending on the requirement of the cases,” … Read more : Over 200 arrests by CBI in last six months.

11 killed in China after drunken man goes on tractor rampage

11 killed in China tractor rampage
BEIJING – A drunken man went on a rampage while driving a shovel loader in northern China, smashing into shops and vehicles and killing 11 people, a government spokesman said Monday.

The incident Sunday began when 38-year-old Li Xianliang killed a customer Sunday at the Hongyuan coal depot in Hebei province’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 11 killed in China after drunken man goes on tractor rampage.

Pakistan wants Indians to testify in its courts: Envoy

WASHINGTON – Claiming that Pakistan policy of supporting some terrorist groups has changed, its ambassador here says Islamabad has asked India to send its officials to testify before Pakistani courts to help convict those responsible for Mumbai attacks.

“The individuals who were responsible for the Mumbai attack are all now under arrest,” Pakistan’s ambassador to US … Read more : Pakistan wants Indians to testify in its courts: Envoy.

Lolita Lebron, Puerto Rican nationalist jailed in shooting attack on US Congress, dies at 90

Puerto Rican nationalist Lolita Lebron dies at 90

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Lolita Lebron, a Puerto Rican independence activist who spent 25 years in prison for participating in a gun attack on the U.S. Congress a half-century ago, died Sunday. She was 90.
Lebron died at a hospital in San Juan of complications from respiratory disease, … Read : Lolita Lebron, Puerto Rican nationalist jailed in shooting attack on US Congress, dies at 90.

Police: 2 inmates who escaped from Ariz. prison remain at large after 1 apprehended in Colo.

2 Ariz. inmates still at large; 1 caught in Colo.

PHOENIX – The search for two convicted murderers who escaped from a private prison in northwest Arizona continued Sunday, while a third escaped convict was back behind bars following an early-morning shootout with police in western Colorado.
Police believe the two who remain at large are still … Read more : Police: 2 inmates who escaped from Ariz. prison remain at large after 1 apprehended in Colo..

Police believe 2 men at large after escaping from private prison are in Arizona

Police: 2 inmates at large believed to be in Ariz.

PHOENIX – Police believe the two men who remain at large after escaping from a northwest Arizona prison have not left the state.
Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan says information gathered by law enforcement suggests Tracy Province and John McCluskey are in Arizona and are … Read : Police believe 2 men at large after escaping from private prison are in Arizona.

Police: 2 men who remain at large after escaping from Ariz. prison now traveling in silver car

2 Ariz. inmates still at large now in silver car

PHOENIX – Police believe the two men who remain at large after escaping from a northwest Arizona prison are traveling together in a silver Volkswagen Jetta.
Police are searching for the two convicted murderers after catching a third escaped convict early Sunday in western Colorado. Arizona Department …. Original article  : Police: 2 men who remain at large after escaping from Ariz. prison now traveling in silver car.

Obama spends an overcast Sunday playing basketball and taking in a WNBA game

Obama attends WNBA game after shooting hoops
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama checked out the WNBA’s Washington Mystics on Sunday after spending the morning shooting some hoops himself.
Obama, his daughter Sasha and a friend of Sasha’s had courtside seats for a women’s basketball game between the Mystics and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama spends an overcast Sunday playing basketball and taking in a WNBA game.

Former NT Pickett, oft-injured Harrell figure in Packers’ plans to replace suspended DL Jolly

Packers call on Pickett, others to replace Jolly

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers had a plan in place to replace defensive lineman Johnny Jolly even before he was suspended for at least a season under the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Perhaps anticipating that Jolly was in line to miss a significant amount of time, … Read : Former NT Pickett, oft-injured Harrell figure in Packers’ plans to replace suspended DL Jolly.

Tangled relationship among Pitino, assistant, assistant’s ex-wife at center of extortion case

Tangled relationship at center of Pitino case

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The tangled relationship among Rick Pitino, his personal assistant and the assistant’s wife was thrown back into public view during the woman’s extortion trial this week.
Testimony from the Louisville coach and the assistant, Tim Sypher, marked the first time either had spoken at length about the … Read more : Tangled relationship among Pitino, assistant, assistant’s ex-wife at center of extortion case.

Lolita Lebron, Puerto Rican nationalist jailed in shooting attack on US Congress, dies at 89

Puerto Rican nationalist Lolita Lebron dies at 89

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Lolita Lebron, a Puerto Rican independence activist who spent 25 years in prison for participating in a gun attack on the U.S. Congress a half-century ago, died Sunday. She was 89.
Lebron died at a hospital in San Juan of complications from respiratory disease, …. Source article  : Lolita Lebron, Puerto Rican nationalist jailed in shooting attack on US Congress, dies at 89.

Blagojevich die-hards the kind ousted governor would want on jury deciding his fate

Blagojevich die-hards the kind he’d want on jury
CHICAGO – One woman clapped the instant she saw Rod Blagojevich emerge from a courthouse elevator. An elderly woman, in tears, handed him a piece of candy in court and said she’d pray for him. On the sidewalk outside court, another person once held a placard …. Original article  : Blagojevich die-hards the kind ousted governor would want on jury deciding his fate.

Colorado police capture inmate who escaped from Ariz. prison, 2 other inmates remain at large

1 Arizona inmate captured after police pursuit

PHOENIX – One of three inmates who escaped from a northwest Arizona prison, kidnapped two semi-truck drivers at gunpoint and used the big rig to flee has been captured in western Colorado, authorities said Sunday.
Daniel Renwick, 36, was caught early Sunday after a police pursuit ended in Rifle, Colo., …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Taliban receive Australian weapons: Report

SYDNEY – Australian weapons and equipment have been found among Taliban stockpiles in Afghanistan, raising concerns that Afghan troops trained by the foreign soldiers may have been stealing military supplies, a media report said Sunday.

Documents released by the WikiLeaks website show that in the past six years, NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops have …. Read the original article  : Taliban receive Australian weapons: Report.

EU helicopter repels pirate attack on Norwegian tanker in Gulf of Aden; 2nd attack in 2 days

EU helicopter repels pirate attack in Gulf of Aden

NAIROBI, Kenya – The European Union Naval Force says pirates attacked a chemical tanker in the Gulf of Aden early Tuesday but that an EU helicopter sent to the scene stopped the attack.
The EU force says the Norwegian chemical tanker MV Bow Saga sent a distress call …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : EU helicopter repels pirate attack on Norwegian tanker in Gulf of Aden; 2nd attack in 2 days.

Iron ore transportation hit due to Maoists: NDMC

RAIPUR – The ‘martyrs week’ called by Maoists has hit iron ore transportation by NMDC Ltd, a company official said.

The public sector miner excavates iron ore in Bacheli and Kirandul areas that form Bailadila hills in India’s worst insurgency hit Dantewada district, about 420 km from here.
“Transportation has been down up to …. Read the original article  : Iron ore transportation hit due to Maoists: NDMC.

WikiLeaks expose: Intelligence gathering to get tougher

WASHINGTON – The WikiLeaks expose of over 90,000 uncensored intelligence documents is likely to lead to more controls in intelligence gathering in war-ravaged Afghanistan, says an expert.

Bruce Riedel, senior fellow, foreign policy at Brookings Institute, wrote that intelligence sharing is absolutely critical, but “if there are doubts as to who can keep a secret, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

European jihadis flock to Pakistan for terrorist training

PESHAWAR – It was never easy for Hamza to live a double life, especially at home in Germany surrounded by loving parents and three siblings. But he managed quite well.

For months, his parents had no idea he was secretly collecting money and equipment for his journey to a militant training camp in Pakistan.
In summer …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Family of 73-year-old black man killed by white cop in La. town settles lawsuit for $125,000

Family of La. man killed by cop to get $125K

HOMER, La. – A $125,000 settlement has been approved for the family of a 73-year-old black man shot and killed by a white policeman in a small Louisiana town.
The Times of Shreveport reports that Monday night’s vote by the Homer Board of Selectmen ends a wrongful …. Source article  : Family of 73-year-old black man killed by white cop in La. town settles lawsuit for $125,000.

Pakistan beginning to take on terrorists: Obama

WASHINGTON – Claiming progress in Afghanistan, President Barack Obama says major blows have been struck against Al Qaeda and its leadership with Pakistan beginning to “take the fight to violent extremists within its borders”.

“We face huge challenges in Afghanistan,” he told the national convention of Disabled American Veterans in Atlanta, Georgia, Monday.
“But …. Read the original article  : Pakistan beginning to take on terrorists: Obama.

Man accused of assuming name of slain Ohio toddler gets judge’s approval to wed in Oregon jail

Judge says Oregon mystery man can wed in jail

PORTLAND, Ore. – A judge has given an Oregon man accused of assuming the name of a slain Ohio toddler approval to get married in jail.
Identified in May as Bulgarian-born Doitchin Krasev, the man recently sought permission to wed in a Multnomah County, Ore., jail. He was [..] Read the original article: here.

Landmines recovered in Orissa, six Maoists arrested

BHUBANESWAR – Tragedy was averted in Orissa’s Sundergarh district when two unexploded landmines were found fitted under two separate culverts during a combing operation, police said Tuesday. Six Maoist guerrillas were also arrested.

The rebels were held from Kalta area of the Maoist-infested Bonai sub-division, about 450 km from Bhubaneswar. They would be produced in a … Read more »»».

Four trains cancelled in Bihar amid Maoist shutdown

PATNA – Four trains were cancelled and some diverted in Bihar in view of a two-day Maoist shutdown that began Tuesday, officials said.

The passenger trains cancelled include the Gomo-Barkakhana, the Barwadih-Dehri-on Sone and the Dehri-Barwadih trains, an East Central Railway official told IANS.
The routes of several long distance trains, including the Bhopal-Howrah Shaktipunj Express …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four trains cancelled in Bihar amid Maoist shutdown.

A look at the vehicles most enticing to thieves, and those least likely to catch their eye

At a Glance: Cars most likely to be stolen

The Cadillac Escalade luxury SUV is the vehicle most likely to be targeted by thieves, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute, an insurance-funded group. Here are the vehicles most and least likely to be targets, and the average loss payment per claim:
… Original article on : A look at the vehicles most enticing to thieves, and those least likely to catch their eye.

Thieves out for bling most likely to target Cadillac Escalade, says insurance group

Cadillac Escalade most likely to catch thief’s eye

ARLINGTON, Va. – The blinged-out Cadillac Escalade SUV, a favorite of A-listers like Tiger Woods, is once again the vehicle voted most likely to be stolen, according to an insurance industry group.
The F-250 crew cab pickup, Infiniti G37 two-door car, Dodge Charger with its high-power HEMI engine and … Read more >>.

Wis. investigates who sent lawmakers e-mails containing child pornography in blackmail plot

Wisconsin lawmakers sent e-mails with child porn

MADISON, Wis. – Investigators are trying to determine who sent e-mails containing images of child pornography to Wisconsin lawmakers as part of a blackmail plot.
Ed Wall, the head of the state Justice Department’s criminal investigations unit sent an e-mail Friday to the offices of all 132 state lawmakers warning … Read more >>>.

Calif. man gets 25 years in prison for traveling to Thailand to have sex with minors

Calif. man gets 25 years for sex with Thai minors

LOS ANGELES – A former English teacher has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for traveling to Thailand to have sex with minors.
The sentence was ordered after prosecutors challenged a previous 10-year sentence, calling it too lenient.
U.S. District Judge Consuelo Marshall said Friday that 61-year-old …. Source article  : Calif. man gets 25 years in prison for traveling to Thailand to have sex with minors.

Calderon warns Mexico in new stage of drug war, says cartels show no ‘limits or scruples’

Mexico prez: cartels show no ‘limits or scruples’

MEXICO CITY – President Felipe Calderon said Monday that Mexico is facing a new stage in its war with drug cartels as gangs escalate their attacks on the government and civilians, including journalists.
Speaking at a meeting with representatives of business and civic groups, Calderon said organized crime groups …. Read the original article  : Calderon warns Mexico in new stage of drug war, says cartels show no ‘limits or scruples’.

Most of first group of prospective jurors eliminated in Anna Nicole Smith case

Prospective jurors eliminated in Anna Nicole case

LOS ANGELES – The first day of jury selection in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case has ended with most of the possible panelists eliminated.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry finished Monday’s session by ordering another group to report Tuesday after attorney challenges excluded all but a few of …. Source  : Most of first group of prospective jurors eliminated in Anna Nicole Smith case.

Judges overturn conviction of mom accused of driving teens to Calif. park where rival killed

Murder conviction of mom reversed in California

LONG BEACH, Calif. – An appeals court panel has reversed the murder conviction of a mother accused of driving her teenage son and his friends to a Southern California park where a 13-year-old rival gang member was stabbed to death.
The 2nd District Court of Appeal panel ruled 2-1 on …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Judges overturn conviction of mom accused of driving teens to Calif. park where rival killed.

Calif. authorities arrest juvenile who says he worked on pot farm to pay immigrant smuggler

2 juveniles arrested for tending pot plantations

LOS ANGELES – A juvenile arrested for tending marijuana crops in California told investigators he had been forced to work for illegal pot growers to pay off his debt to an immigrant smuggler, authorities said Monday.
Ventura County sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Horne said he was concerned such forced labor of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Calif. authorities arrest juvenile who says he worked on pot farm to pay immigrant smuggler.

Charlie Sheen pleads guilty in Aspen domestic abuse case with wife, gets 30 days in rehab

Charlie Sheen pleads guilty in Aspen wife assault

ASPEN, Colo. – Charlie Sheen’s plea deal with prosecutors allowed him to avoid jail time for a Christmas Day assault on his wife and also won’t require him to do public service around the tony resort town of Aspen.
The “Two and a Half Men” actor pleaded guilty Monday … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Charlie Sheen pleads guilty in Aspen domestic abuse case with wife, gets 30 days in rehab.

Ex-Minn. SWAT officer gets 8 years for robbing bank; attorney cited sick daughter and finances

Ex-Minn. SWAT officer gets 8 yrs. for robbing bank

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A former Minneapolis SWAT team member has been sentenced to eight years in prison for robbing a bank at gunpoint earlier this year.
Twenty-nine-year-old Timothy Carson pleaded guilty to two counts stemming from the Jan. 6 armed robbery of the Wells Fargo bank in … Original article on : Ex-Minn. SWAT officer gets 8 years for robbing bank; attorney cited sick daughter and finances.

Masked gunmen steal huge stash of cash in pre-dawn heist at St. Louis ATM servicing business

Masked gunmen pull off ‘alarming’ heist in Mo.

ST. LOUIS – Four armed bandits clad from head to toe in black overpowered two workers at an ATM-servicing business Monday, then used an armored vehicle to haul away containers filled with cash in a well-orchestrated heist.
Neither of the employees at the ATM Solutions Inc. holdup in St. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Masked gunmen steal huge stash of cash in pre-dawn heist at St. Louis ATM servicing business.

Long lines in Kenya for vote on new constitution; police on high alert after 2007-08 killings

Kenya votes on new constitution amid high security

NAIROBI, Kenya – Long lines formed in the Kenyan capital before sunrise Wednesday to vote on a new constitution that would reduce the powers of the presidency and give citizens a bill of rights.
Leaders here have called on the country to carry out a peaceful referendum, and promised … Read more : Long lines in Kenya for vote on new constitution; police on high alert after 2007-08 killings.

No foreign money coming to Maoists: Chidambaram

NEW DELHI – Denying reports of Maoists getting foreign funds, Home Minister P. Chidambaram Wednesday said an integrated development plan is being made by the Planning Commission for the left-wing insurgency-affected areas.

“The Naxals get bulk of their money from extortion, but no foreign funds are coming,” Chidambaram said during Question Hour in the Rajya …. Original source  : No foreign money coming to Maoists: Chidambaram.

Lawyers set to give opening statements at Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy trial

Opening statements set in Anna Nicole Smith trial

LOS ANGELES – With a jury ready to hear evidence, lawyers in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case were scheduled to launch their cases Wednesday with opening statements.
Prosecutors were expected to accuse three key figures in the Playboy model’s life of illegally giving her massive amounts of …. Read the original article  : Lawyers set to give opening statements at Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy trial.

‘Major’ gunfight between Maoists, cops in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – A major gunfight between heavily armed Maoists and police personnel broke out Wednesday in a forest in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada area, sources at the police headquarters here said.

The gunfight began when Maoists attacked a search party of the state police in a thickly forested area in Dantewada district, close to Kirandul, about 420 km … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘Major’ gunfight between Maoists, cops in Chhattisgarh.

Way cleared for mosque near 9/11 ‘ground zero’

WASHINGTON – Decks have been cleared for converting a property near ‘ground zero’ in New York into an Islamic community centre and mosque with a city commission denying the building landmark status.

The Landmarks Preservation Commission Tuesday voted 9-0, saying the 152-year-old building blocks from the the World Trade Centre site of the Sep 11, 2001 … Read more : Way cleared for mosque near 9/11 ‘ground zero’.

Will she or won’t she? Testimony by defendant in Pitino extortion case up in the air

Testimony by woman in Pitino case up in the air

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The defense gets its turn in the trial of a woman accused of trying to extort millions from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino.
The question left hanging is whether the defendant, 50-year-old Karen Cunagin Sypher, will testify. Her defense begins Wednesday.
The prosecution rested Tuesday …. Original source  : Will she or won’t she? Testimony by defendant in Pitino extortion case up in the air.

Maoists blow up culvert in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas blew up a road culvert in Orissa’s Sundergarh district Wednesday, police said.

The incident took place near Mahipani village between Bhalulata and Jaraikela village, about 30 km from the Rourkela steel city and about five km from the Jharkhand border.
No one was injured in the incident, Superintendent of Police Diptesh Patnaik [..] Read the original article: here.

Bullitt County Teen Britney Kustes Returns Home

SHEPHERDSVILLE, KENTUCKY (GaeaTimes.com) – Bullitt County teenager, Britney Kustes was rescued on 30th July after she went missing for two weeks. Police have not yet found the convicted sex offender, Roy Vernon Elwell.
!9 year old, Britney was brought to the hospital with scars on her body and she was also malnourished. According to her mother, …. Original source  : Bullitt County Teen Britney Kustes Returns Home.

NFL will not discipline Michael Vick following shooting at his 30th birthday party

NFL: No discipline on Vick after birthday shooting

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told Michael Vick he will not face disciplinary action following a shooting at the quarterback’s birthday party six weeks ago.
Goodell spoke with Vick on Tuesday while visiting the Eagles during his training camp tour. Shortly after, the NFL released a statement.
“Commissioner … Read more >>>.

Omar Thornton Commits Suicide After Killing 8 People

MANCHESTER (GaeaTimes.com)- Omar Thornton, a Connecticut truck driver, who was caught stealing beer complained about being racially harassed at work when he was asked to quit his job. At that point of time no one knew what gruesome thoughts revolved around his mind. The 34 year old man then killed his 8 co-workers and …. Read the original article  : Omar Thornton Commits Suicide After Killing 8 People.

Family claims beer driver who killed 8 people, himself snapped after enduring racial bias

Family: Racial bias caused Conn. shooter to snap

MANCHESTER, Conn. – Omar Thornton sat calmly in a meeting with union representative and his supervisors as they showed a video of him stealing beer from the distributor where he worked.
Busted, he didn’t put up a fight, company officials said. He quietly signed a letter of resignation and … Read more : Family claims beer driver who killed 8 people, himself snapped after enduring racial bias.

Five die in Jharkhand landmine blast

RANCHI – Five people, including two security guards of a private company, died in a landmine blast triggered by Maoists in Jharkhand’s Giridih district, police said Wednesday.

“Two guards of the Security and Intelligence Services (SIS), a driver and two other employees of the company were killed in the landmine blast late Tuesday,” Giridih Superintendent of …. Original source  : Five die in Jharkhand landmine blast.

Four guards die in Jharkhand landmine blast

RANCHI – Four security guards of a private company died in a landmine blast triggered by Maoists in Jharkhand’s Giridih district, police said Wednesday.

“The security guards of the Security and Intelligence Services (SIS) were killed. A vehicle in which the guards were travelling blew up late Tuesday when the guards were going to Dumri from [..] Read the original article: here.

‘Cold as ice’ Conn. driver who was caught stealing beer fatally shoots 8 co-workers, himself

‘Cold as ice’ Conn. beer driver kills 8, himself

MANCHESTER, Conn. – A driver caught stealing beer from the warehouse where he worked agreed to resign on Tuesday and then as “cold as ice,” one of his victims said, went on a shooting rampage, killing eight people and injuring two before committing suicide.
Omar Thornton pulled out … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Cold as ice’ Conn. driver who was caught stealing beer fatally shoots 8 co-workers, himself.

Pakistan has to do more in terror war: US

WASHINGTON – The United States says Pakistan started to take more direct action against terrorist safe havens in its territory after extremists tried to move on to its capital, but unquestionably Pakistan needs to do more.

“If you look at the progress that we have made with Pakistan on safe havens, on confronting terrorists, I think … Read : Pakistan has to do more in terror war: US.

‘Cold as ice’ Conn. driver who was caught stealing beer kills 8 co-workers, self

‘Cold as ice’ Conn. beer driver kills 8, self

MANCHESTER, Conn. – A driver caught stealing beer from the warehouse where he worked agreed to resign his job Tuesday and then as “cold as ice,” one of his victims said, went on a shooting rampage, killing eight people and injuring two before committing suicide.
Omar Thornton pulled … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Cold as ice’ Conn. driver who was caught stealing beer kills 8 co-workers, self.

Washington man ordered to pay $7M in restitution after pleading guilty in event ticket scheme

Wash. man ordered to repay $7M after ticket scheme

SEATTLE – A 52-year-old Washington man has been sentenced to more than four years in prison and ordered to pay more than $7.6 million in restitution after pleading guilty to running a Ponzi scheme that involved tickets for the Super Bowl and other high-demand events.
Kevin Halverson of …. Original source  : Washington man ordered to pay $7M in restitution after pleading guilty in event ticket scheme.

6 arrested for allegedly coating elderly with cream at Calif. nursing home as part of a prank

6 arrested for greasing elderly at CA nursing home

UKIAH, Calif. – Six former Northern California nursing home employees are under arrest on charges they covered several elderly patients with cream to make them slippery as part of a prank against their co-workers.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown announced the arrests Tuesday, calling the alleged abuse “despicable … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 6 arrested for allegedly coating elderly with cream at Calif. nursing home as part of a prank.

Relative says Conn. deliveryman who killed 8 co-workers, self was pushed over edge

Kin of Conn. shooter says he was pushed over edge

MANCHESTER, Conn. – A relative of a driver who shot and killed eight people and injured two others in Connecticut before committing suicide says he complained his company was prejudiced and told his mother it pushed him over the edge.
Annette Levine (luh-VEEN’) says Omar Thornton’s last …. Source  : Relative says Conn. deliveryman who killed 8 co-workers, self was pushed over edge.

Panamanian officials say they found 3 more bodies at hostel run by US man jailed in killings

Panama finds 3 more bodies at US man’s hostel

PANAMA CITY – Authorities said they recovered three more bodies Tuesday on property owned by a jailed U.S. man who prosecutors say has confessed to killing five fellow Americans to get their money and property in a Panamanian resort area.
Jose Pachard, deputy director of the Institute of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Panamanian officials say they found 3 more bodies at hostel run by US man jailed in killings.

Bodyguard who saw Anna Nicole Smith shortly before death testifying in drug conspiracy case

Anna Nicole guard to testify in conspiracy case

LOS ANGELES – A bodyguard who was one of the last people to see Anna Nicole Smith alive is testifying in the drug conspiracy trial of her lawyer boyfriend and two doctors, but his story may be different than during last year’s preliminary hearing.
Maurice Brighthaupt’s testimony comes on … Read : Bodyguard who saw Anna Nicole Smith shortly before death testifying in drug conspiracy case.

Bodyguard among last to see model alive set to take witness stand

Bodyguard to testify in drug conspiracy trial

LOS ANGELES – A bodyguard who was one of the last people to see Anna Nicole Smith alive is waiting to testify in the drug conspiracy trial of two doctors and Smith’s lawyer-boyfriend.
Maurice Brighthaupt was on the prosecution witness list for Thursday. He tried to revive the Playboy model … Read more >>>.

AP Interview: NFL commissioner Goodell says HGH testing is ‘about the integrity of the game’

NFL’s Goodell wants blood testing for HGH
ASHBURN, Va. – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says the league wants to test players for human growth hormone “to protect the integrity of our game.”

In an interview with The Associated Press while riding with former NFL coach and TV broadcaster John Madden on the Madden Cruiser between visits Wednesday [..] Read the original article: here.

Japan’s child abuse cases reach record high; 187 victims, 18 deaths in 1st 6 months of 2010

Japan’s child abuse reaches record high
TOKYO – Child abuse cases in Japan have risen to a record high, according to police data released Thursday, fanning concerns about safeguards in a society long known for strong family values.

Japan has boasted a reputation as a relatively crime-free nation, and it has a culture that prides itself on …. Source  : Japan’s child abuse cases reach record high; 187 victims, 18 deaths in 1st 6 months of 2010.

Jurors continue deliberations in trial of woman accused of trying to extort coach Pitino

Jury returns to debate Pitino extortion case

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The fate of a Kentucky woman accused of demanding millions from Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino to keep quiet about their sexual tryst will be back in the hands of a jury for a second day of deliberations.
Jurors are set to return to the federal courthouse …. Source article  : Jurors continue deliberations in trial of woman accused of trying to extort coach Pitino.

Officials: Drive-by shootings in Baghdad kill 3 traffic policemen; gunmen kill 3 in house raid

3 traffic policemen, 3 others die in Iraq violence

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say three traffic policemen have died in drive-by shootings in western Baghdad while gunmen stormed the house of a policemen, killing him, his wife and a relative.
The Wednesday night shootings raise to at least five the number of traffic policemen killed since Tuesday …. Source article  : Officials: Drive-by shootings in Baghdad kill 3 traffic policemen; gunmen kill 3 in house raid.

Model Naomi Campbell testifies at Taylor war crimes trial that she received dirty ’stones’

Cambell testifies she received dirty ’stones’

LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands – Model Naomi Campbell testified at the war crimes trial of former Liberian ruler Charles Taylor on Thursday that she received a gift of “dirty-looking stones” after attending a dinner with him – but stopped short of saying they were diamonds or that she was given them by … Read more : Model Naomi Campbell testifies at Taylor war crimes trial that she received dirty ’stones’.

Model Naomi Campbell testifies at Taylor war crimes trial that she received ‘dirty rocks’

Cambell testifies she received ‘dirty rocks’

LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands – Model Naomi Campbell has testified at the war crimes trial of former Liberian ruler Charles Taylor that she received “dirty rocks.”
Campbell was being questioned about claims made by actress Mia Farrow that Taylor gave the model an uncut diamond after a dinner party hosted by Nelson Mandela …. Original article  : Model Naomi Campbell testifies at Taylor war crimes trial that she received ‘dirty rocks’.

911 call reveals racial disparity at Conn. beer distributor where driver went on fatal rampage

911 call on Conn. shooting shows racial disparity

ENFIELD, Conn. – A woman hiding under her desk tells an emergency dispatcher that a co-worker is in the midst of a shooting spree. The dispatcher presses for any information about the man.
“I don’t know anything,” the woman says, according to a 911 tape released Wednesday. “He’s a … Read more »».

Naomi Campbell arrives to testify about diamond gift at Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial

Naomi Campbell arrives at Taylor war crimes trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Naomi Campbell appeared at a Dutch courthouse Thursday to give evidence at the war crimes trial of former Liberian ruler Charles Taylor after the supermodel lost her battle to avoid testifying.
Campbell will be questioned about claims made by actress Mia Farrow that Taylor gave … Original article on : Naomi Campbell arrives to testify about diamond gift at Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial.

Suicide car bomber attacks NATO & police convoy in northern Afghanistan, kills 7 police

Suicide bomber kills 7 Afghan police in north

KABUL, Afghanistan – A suicide car bomber struck a convoy of NATO troops and Afghan police Thursday in northern Afghanistan, killing seven police officers and wounding at least 11 people.
The attack occurred in the early morning in Kunduz province’s Imam Sahib district, according to an Interior Ministry statement. [..] Read the original article: here.

Caroline Giuliani Arrested For Shop Lifting

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- Caroline Giuliani, the daughter of former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani was arrested yesterday on the suspicion of shoplifting. Police Bureau Chief said in his statement that Caroline Giuliani was caught on video monitoring at an Upper East Side Sephora skincare and makeup store. However, the shop owners refused to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Caroline Giuliani Arrested For Shop Lifting.

Nolan Ryan’s group beats NBA owner Mark Cuban in auction for Texas Rangers

Nolan Ryan group wins auction for Texas Rangers

FORT WORTH, Texas – An investment group led by Hall of Fame pitcher and Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan won a contentious and unusual auction for the team early Thursday, beating back a nearly $600 million offer from outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
Officials in federal bankruptcy court …. Original source  : Nolan Ryan’s group beats NBA owner Mark Cuban in auction for Texas Rangers.

Nolan Ryan group beats Mavs owner Mark Cuban in auction for Texas Rangers

Nolan Ryan group wins auction for Tx Rangers

FORT WORTH, Texas – An investment group led by Hall of Fame pitcher and Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan won a contentious and unusual auction for the team early Thursday, beating back a nearly $600 million offer from outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.
Officials in federal bankruptcy court …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Nolan Ryan group beats Mavs owner Mark Cuban in auction for Texas Rangers.

Model Naomi Campbell due to testify about diamond gift at Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial

Naomi Campbell due at Taylor war crimes trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Having lost her battle to avoid testifying, British fashion model Naomi Campbell is due to give evidence at the war crimes trial of former Liberian ruler Charles Taylor on Thursday.
Campbell will be questioned about claims made by actress Mia Farrow that Taylor gave the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Model Naomi Campbell due to testify about diamond gift at Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial.

Myanmar triples size of world’s largest tiger reserve to save endangered species

Myanmar triples size of northern tiger reserve

BANGKOK – Myanmar has tripled the size of the world’s largest tiger reserve in an effort to save the endangered species, which now numbers less than 3,000 in the wild, a conservation group said in a statement seen Thursday.
The entire Hukaung Valley – a remote area of northern Myanmar …. Source  : Myanmar triples size of world’s largest tiger reserve to save endangered species.

Mavs owner Mark Cuban ups ante in Texas Rangers auction, starts bidding war with Nolan Ryan

Bidding war starts in Texas Rangers auction

FORT WORTH, Texas – Billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and a group led by Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan were locked in a fierce bidding war for the Texas Rangers early Thursday, with each side adding millions to the pot in a rare and contentious bankruptcy court … Read : Mavs owner Mark Cuban ups ante in Texas Rangers auction, starts bidding war with Nolan Ryan.

Top Maoist leader among four arrested in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A top Maoist leader carrying a reward of Rs.5 lakh was arrested along with two of his associates from an apartment here while another guerrilla was arrested from Garwah district in Jharkhand, police said Thursday.

Rajesh alias Udayji, who is Jharkhand-Bihar Special Area Committee member of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist), was … Read more »».

BJP leader shot dead by Maoists in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoists have shot dead a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Jharkhand’s Latehar district, police said Thursday.

Munna Gupta was shot late Wednesday by guerrillas belonging to Tritiya Prastuti Committee (TPC), one of the six Maoist outfits active in the state, police said.
The BJP leader was surrounded by 15 to 20 TPC …. Read the original article  : here.

LA councilman, wife indicted on felony voter fraud for allegedly living outside district

LA city councilman indicted on felony voter fraud

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles city councilman and his wife were indicted on a total of 24 felony counts stemming from allegations he lived outside his district, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Richard Alarcon, 56, faces 18 charges of perjury, voter fraud and filing a false declaration of candidacy. His … Read more »».

Son of assassinated Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto says he’s not ready to enter politics yet

Bhutto’s son says he’s not ready to enter politics

LONDON – Benazir Bhutto’s son says he’s not ready to enter the family’s troubled political dynasty yet.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the eldest child of the former Pakistani prime minister who was assassinated two years ago, has finished his history degree at Oxford University.
Some had been speculating he would … Read : Son of assassinated Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto says he’s not ready to enter politics yet.

India faces significant external, internal terror threats: US report

WASHINGTON – Besides “persistent and significant external threats” from groups like Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taeba and Jaish-e-Mohammad and Bangladesh’s Harakat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami-Bangladesh, India faces numerous attacks from domestic terror outfits, according to a new US report. Over 1,000 people have died from terrrorist attacks in India in 2009, the report noted.

“India remained one of the countries most afflicted … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India faces significant external, internal terror threats: US report.

Somali pirates seize cargo ship with 22 Syrians, 2 Egyptians onboard in the Gulf of Aden

Somali pirates seize cargo ship with 24 crew

NAIROBI, Kenya – The EU’s piracy task force says Somali pirates have hijacked a cargo ship with 22 Syrians and 2 Egyptians onboard.
The force said in a statement that the MV Syria Star was seized as it sailed in the Gulf of Aden with a cargo of sugar.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Somali pirates seize cargo ship with 22 Syrians, 2 Egyptians onboard in the Gulf of Aden.

Lance Armstrong’s attorney lashes out at report of anonymous teammate’s doping claims

Armstrong lawyer disputes teammate’s doping claims

AUSTIN, Texas – Lance Armstrong’s attorney has lashed out at a report that a former teammate of the seven-time Tour de France champion told investigators Armstrong knew of widespread performance-enhancing drug use on the U.S. Postal Service team.
Attorney Bryan D. Daly said there are hundreds of former Armstrong teammates who … Read more : Lance Armstrong’s attorney lashes out at report of anonymous teammate’s doping claims.

AP Exclusive: To keep program secret, CIA whisked 9/11 figures from Gitmo before court ruling

AP Exclusive: CIA whisked detainees from Gitmo
WASHINGTON – Four of the nation’s most highly valued terrorist prisoners were secretly moved to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2003, years earlier than has been disclosed, then whisked back into overseas prisons before the Supreme Court could give them access to lawyers, The Associated Press has … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Exclusive: To keep program secret, CIA whisked 9/11 figures from Gitmo before court ruling.

Prosecutors say 2 Minn. women claiming to collect for charity supported terrorism in Somalia

2 Minn. women among 14 charged in terror probe

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Amina Farah Ali had become the go-to person for Somlis in the southern Michigan city of Rochester wanting to donate items to refugees displaced by violence in their homeland.
But she and another woman, Hawo Mohamed Hassan, were actually using the pretense of charity … Read more >>>.

WikiLeaks expose: Pentagon wants Afghan war files back

Washington, Aug 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) US Defence Department demanded that whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks return all US secret documents on the war in Afghanistan and erase the classified data already posted on the internet.

Last month, WikiLeaks released some 71,000 US military secret files on the war in Afghanistan dating from September 2004 to December 2009. The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : WikiLeaks expose: Pentagon wants Afghan war files back.

US worried about Americans helping foreign terrorists

WASHINGTON – A series of arrests in the US this week have highlighted the government’s growing concern over US citizens providing assistance to foreign terrorist organisations like Al Shabaab, an Al Qaeda affiliate in Somalia.

As the Justice Department announced charges Thursday against 14 people in three US states with ties to Al Shabaab, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pakistani terror suspect arrested in Spain

Tortosa (Spain), Aug 6 (IANS/EFE) A Pakistani man wanted in his home country over terrorism charges has been arrested in Spain, authorities said.

The man, identified as M.Z., was detained Tuesday night in Tortosa town in northeast Spain on the basis of an Interpol warrant issued against him.
M.Z. had been staying at the home of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistani terror suspect arrested in Spain.

China appliance chain Gome sues jailed founder to seek compensation for breach of duties

China appliance chain Gome sues jailed founder

HONG KONG – China’s biggest appliance retailer is suing its founder and former chairman for damages after he was jailed for economic crimes and maneuvers from prison to exert control over the company.
Gome Electrical Appliances Holdings Ltd. started legal proceedings on Thursday against Huang Guangyu in the High Court …. Source article  : China appliance chain Gome sues jailed founder to seek compensation for breach of duties.

California man sentenced to 64 years to life for using crossbow to randomly kill man

Calif. man sentenced in crossbow slaying
LANCASTER, Calif. – An ex-convict has been sentenced to 64 years to life in prison for killing a man with a crossbow in California.

A jury convicted 39-year-old Curtis Scott of killing 62-year-old Angel Martinez in March 2008. Martinez’s body was found in Lancaster with an arrow sticking out of his …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mumbai attacks bared LeT’s global ambitions: US report

WASHINGTON – With the November 2008 terrorist attacks in Mumbai revealing Lashkar-e-Taeba’s (LeT) global ambitions, the Pakistan-based terror outfit remains a serious threat to Western interests too, says a new US report on global terrorism.

“Since the 2008 Mumbai attack, analysts have deepening concern that it could evolve into a genuine global threat,” the report released … Read more : Mumbai attacks bared LeT’s global ambitions: US report.

Pentagon demands Afghan war files back, erased

Washington, Aug 6 (IANS/RIA Novosti) US Defence Department demanded that whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks return all US secret documents on the war in Afghanistan and erase the classified data already posted on the internet.

Last month, WikiLeaks released some 71,000 US military secret files on the war in Afghanistan dating from September 2004 to December 2009. The … Read more : Pentagon demands Afghan war files back, erased.

India is one of the most terrorism-afflicted nations: US report

WASHINGTON – India remains one of the most terrorism-afflicted nations, facing as it does persistent and significant external threats from groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan and Harakat-ul-Jihad-i-Islami in Bangladesh, said a new US report. It said the country’s counterterrorism efforts remained stymied by outdated enforcement and legal systems.

Although there were no large-scale … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India is one of the most terrorism-afflicted nations: US report.

Gone fishing? Officials say Los Angeles man charged with smuggling piranhas has disappeared

Officials seek LA man accused of selling piranhas

LOS ANGELES – U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents are trying to find a Los Angeles man who disappeared before his court hearing on charges of smuggling piranha fish and freshwater stingrays.
Federal officials said Thursday that a judge issued a warrant for the arrest of Isaac Zimerman after the … Read more »»».

California 16-year-old charged with killing his 11-year-old cousin, attacking victim’s sister

Calif. teen charged with killing female cousin, 11

LANCASTER, Calif. – A 16-year-old boy is being held without bail for fatally stabbing his 11-year-old cousin and wounding her 14-year-old sister outside their desert home north of Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office on Thursday charged Lonnie Liner as an adult with murder and attempted …. Source  : California 16-year-old charged with killing his 11-year-old cousin, attacking victim’s sister.

2 Phoenix pastors indicted for failing to report accusations of sexual abuse to authorities

Ariz. pastors indicted for not reporting sex abuse

PHOENIX – Two Phoenix pastors have been indicted for not reporting that a girl told them her father was sexually abusing her and her sister.
Maricopa County prosecutors brought the charges Thursday after the man was arrested last month and accused of molesting his two teenage daughters for several …. Original source  : 2 Phoenix pastors indicted for failing to report accusations of sexual abuse to authorities.

Texas Rangers get OK to exit bankruptcy protection after Nolan Ryan wins auction to buy team

Texas Rangers get OK to exit bankruptcy protection

yFORT WORTH, Texas – The Texas Rangers got approval to exit federal bankruptcy protection, an anticlimactic end to one of the most contentious sales of a professional sports team.
The hearing on the team’s reorganization started just eight hours after a courtroom, in the wee hours of Thursday morning, … Original article on : Texas Rangers get OK to exit bankruptcy protection after Nolan Ryan wins auction to buy team.

New trials denied for 3 Ohio drug convicts arrested by federal agent involved in botched sting

No new trials for Ohio men questioning drug agent

CLEVELAND – A federal judge has refused to grant new trials to three drug dealers whose cases were handled by a drug agent who was acquitted of charges that he framed more than a dozen suspects in a separate botched drug raid.
U.S. District Judge James Gwin ruled …. Read the original article  : New trials denied for 3 Ohio drug convicts arrested by federal agent involved in botched sting.

Attorney: Feds’ threat to sue Arizona sheriff over records in civil rights probe is premature

Lawyer: Ariz. sheriff is cooperating with probe

PHOENIX – A lawyer for an Arizona sheriff known for his efforts against illegal immigrants said Thursday that the U.S. Justice Department’s threat to sue over records for its civil rights investigation is premature because his client is willing to cooperate with certain elements of the probe.
Earlier this week, [..] Read the original article: here.

Afghan police find bodies of six Germans, two Americans

KABUL – Police found the bullet-riddled bodies of eight foreigners and two of their Afghan colleagues in a remote mountainous area in northeastern Afghanistan, a police official said.

The victims were camping in a remote area of Nuristan province, which borders Pakistan, when they were killed, Agha Noor Kentooz, police chief for neighbouring Badakhshan province, said. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Afghan police find bodies of six Germans, two Americans.

Medical charity: 6 Americans among 10 killed by militants in remote area of N Afghanistan

6 Americans on medical team killed in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Six Americans and two other foreigners on a medical mission were shot and killed by the Taliban who ambushed their vehicles in a remote part of northern Afghanistan, a charity said Saturday.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told The Associated Press in Pakistan that they killed the …. Original article  : Medical charity: 6 Americans among 10 killed by militants in remote area of N Afghanistan.

21 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan

KABUL – Twenty-one Taliban militants were killed in fighting with security forces in eastern Afghanistan, Xinhua reported Saturday.

The fatalities occurred Friday when Afghan and NATO-led forces carried out ground and air assaults against the militants in Sar Hawza district of Paktika province Friday, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Charity group: 6 Americans among 10 killed by militants in remote area of N Afghanistan

Medical charity: 6 Americans killed in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – An official with a charity says six Americans and two other foreigners on a medical mission are among 10 people killed by militants in a remote area of northern Afghanistan.
Dirk Frans, director of the International Assistance Mission, says the group was returning to Kabul from an … Original article on : Charity group: 6 Americans among 10 killed by militants in remote area of N Afghanistan.

Afghan police: 2 Americans among 10 killed by militants in remote northern Afghanistan

Americans among 10 killed in northern Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Two Americans, six other foreigners and two Afghan interpreters were killed by gunmen in an ambush in a remote, forested area of Badakhshan province in northern Afghanistan, a police official said Saturday.
Provincial police chief Gen. Agha Noor Kemtuz said the victims, who had been shot, were …. Read the original article  : Afghan police: 2 Americans among 10 killed by militants in remote northern Afghanistan.

US government faces hurdles as it looks to plug WikiLeaks release of secret documents

Plugging the WikiLeak: What can the government do?

WASHINGTON – An online whistle-blower’s threat to release more classified Pentagon and State Department documents is raising difficult questions of what the government can or would do, legally, technically or even militarily to stop it.
Constrained by the global reach of the Internet, sophisticated encryption software and the domestic …. Source article  : US government faces hurdles as it looks to plug WikiLeaks release of secret documents.

Pakistan’s Harkat-ul-Jihad Islami declared terror group

WASHINGTON – The United States and the United Nations have designated Pakistan’s Harakat-ul Jihad Islami a “Foreign Terrorist Organization” and targeted its commander Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri, said to be an associate of jailed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative David Headley.

Kashmiri, 46, who was said to be in close contact with Pakistani-American Headley, a self-confessed key plotter in … Read more »».

CEO who turned HP around resigns amid claims he falsified reports to hide relationship

HP CEO forced to resign amid harassment claims

SAN FRANCISCO – Hewlett-Packard Co. ousted its CEO on Friday for allegedly falsifying documents to conceal a relationship with a former contractor and help her get paid for work she didn’t do.
News of Mark Hurd’s abrupt departure sent HP’s stock tumbling. Shares of the world’s biggest maker of … Read : CEO who turned HP around resigns amid claims he falsified reports to hide relationship.

Cuba holds closed trial for 3 armed men arrested in ‘01, linked to US anti-Castro group

Cuba tries armed men tied to US anti-Castro group

HAVANA – Three armed men who were intercepted by Cuban border guards in 2001 and have been awaiting trial since then on charges they planned acts of sabotage went to court behind closed-doors Friday, according to a veteran human rights activist.
Elizardo Sanchez, head of the Cuban Commission … Read : Cuba holds closed trial for 3 armed men arrested in ‘01, linked to US anti-Castro group.

Beloved by Wall Street, HP’s CEO resigns amid claims he falsified reports to hide relationship

HP CEO abruptly resigns amid harassment claims

SAN FRANCISCO – Hewlett-Packard Co. ousted CEO Mark Hurd on Friday for falsifying expense reports and other documents to conceal a secret relationship with a former contractor and help her get paid for work she didn’t do.
Until the 53-year-old abruptly resigned, sending HP’s stock tumbling after hours, he had … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Beloved by Wall Street, HP’s CEO resigns amid claims he falsified reports to hide relationship.

Conn. woman arrested after allegedly receiving stolen beer from shooter who killed 8, himself

Conn. woman arrested over stolen beer from shooter

EAST WINDSOR, Conn. – Police on Friday arrested a woman suspected of accepting stolen beer from a delivery truck driven by the man who fatally shot eight co-workers at a Connecticut beer distributor.
Officers arrested Christy Quail, 33, of Enfield, after receiving a videotape showing her accepting beer from …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Conn. woman arrested after allegedly receiving stolen beer from shooter who killed 8, himself.

Bodyguard testifies that Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend and doctor supplied her with drugs

Bodyguard: Anna Nicole’s boyfriend supplied drugs

LOS ANGELES – Anna Nicole Smith was “obsessed” with pills and was assisted in taking drugs by her lawyer-boyfriend in the weeks before her death, the celebrity model’s bodyguard testified Friday.
Maurice Brighthaupt depicted a chaotic situation at the home where Smith was staying in the Bahamas after the birth of … Read more >>.

UN, US designate HuJI as terrorist organisation

WASHINGTON – The UN and the US have designated Harkat-ul Jihad al-Islami (HuJI) as a terrorist organisation and imposed sanctions on the group and its commander Mohammad Ilyas Kashmiri.

The US department of treasury Friday put the label “A Specially Designated Global Terrorist” on HuJI, a terrorist organisation most active in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh since … Original source on Gaea Times at : UN, US designate HuJI as terrorist organisation.

NY man charged in bribery case involving Kazakhstan officials pleads guilty to tax count

Kazakh bribe case fizzles; man pleads to tax count

NEW YORK – A businessman once accused of paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes to officials in Kazakhstan pleaded guilty Friday to a misdemeanor tax count.
James H. Giffen, 69, left U.S. District Court in Manhattan smiling after his $10 million bail was reduced to $250,000.
He …. Source article  : NY man charged in bribery case involving Kazakhstan officials pleads guilty to tax count.

Calif. couple charged with conspiracy for arranging phony deportation of relative’s wife

Calif. couple charged with phony deportation

HEMET, Calif. – A Southern California man was charged Friday with falsely deporting his cousin’s wife to the Philippines by posing as a U.S. marshal.
A federal indictment unsealed Friday in San Diego accuses Gregory Denny, 37, and his wife Karen, 52, of kidnapping, conspiracy and other crimes that carry a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Calif. couple charged with conspiracy for arranging phony deportation of relative’s wife.

Bosnian man pleads not guilty in New York subway plot

NEW YORK – An immigrant from Bosnia-Herzegovina Friday pleaded not guilty to charges that he planned to bomb a New York subway.

Adis Medunjanin was arraigned before a Federal Court in Brooklyn on a revised indictment that included additional charges by US prosecutors. The charges said Medunjanin, and another suspect, Zarein Ahmedzay, were recruited to receive …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bosnian man pleads not guilty in New York subway plot.

Co-owner of Vt. slaughterhouse wanted on animal cruelty charges arrested in NY

Co-owner of closed Vt. slaughterhouse arrested

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The co-owner of a defunct Vermont slaughterhouse who is wanted on animal cruelty charges has been arrested in New York, near the Canadian border.
The Vermont attorney general’s office says 51-year-old Frank Perretta of Grand Isle was arraigned Friday in St. Lawrence County as a fugitive from justice … Read : Co-owner of Vt. slaughterhouse wanted on animal cruelty charges arrested in NY.

Lawyer to appeals court: Uphold NYC ruling limiting when website can release stock reports

Lawyer: Finance firms’ suit not free-speech attack

NEW YORK – A ruling forcing a website to delay releasing the research findings of financial firms is not an attack on free speech and would not lead to widespread attacks on the media, a lawyer for financial companies that sued the website told federal appeals court judges Friday.
Attorney …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lawyer to appeals court: Uphold NYC ruling limiting when website can release stock reports.

American Samoa prosecutor to seek death penalty if man is convicted of killing police officer

Samoa prosecutor to seek death penalty in shooting

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – The prosecution plans to seek the death penalty if a man accused of killing a police officer in American Samoa is convicted of first-degree murder.
The U.S. territory hasn’t witnessed an execution in more than 50 years.
Siaumau Siaumau Jr. pleaded not guilty to the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : American Samoa prosecutor to seek death penalty if man is convicted of killing police officer.

Appeals court reverses drug conviction because police used GPS tracking device without warrant

Court reverses drug conviction in GPS case

WASHINGTON – A federal appeals court on Friday reversed a man’s drug conspiracy conviction because authorities failed to get a warrant before using a global positioning system device that tracked his movements for a month.
Lawyers for the defendant, Antoine Jones, successfully argued that police officers violated the Fourth Amendment … Original source on Gaea Times at : Appeals court reverses drug conviction because police used GPS tracking device without warrant.

Police investigate the death of Russian finalist at Sauna World Championships in Finland

Police probe death during Finnish sauna contest

HELSINKI – Organizers say police are investigating the death of a Russian finalist at the annual Sauna World Championships in Finland.
They say Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy died late Saturday during the contest in southern Finland, while his Finnish rival Timo Kaukonen was rushed to a hospital.
Contest spokesman Ossi Arvela says police …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Private sleuths hired to bust fraud average 6 months to report a case to law enforcement

Medicare’s private eyes let fraud cases get cold

WASHINGTON – Those private sleuths hired by Medicare to investigate fraud don’t seem to be that interested in hot pursuit.
It’s taking them an average of six months to refer cases of fraud to law enforcement. By that time, many cases go cold, making it difficult to catch the … Read : Private sleuths hired to bust fraud average 6 months to report a case to law enforcement.

Basra remains cordoned off after massive blasts kill 45

BASRA – Basra was placed under tight security measures Sunday with much of the southern Iraqi city’s streets being cordoned off for a second day, after blasts the previous evening killed 45 people.

The southern city, comprised mostly of Shiite residents, has about seven hours of electricity a day, owing to limited power generation and high … Read more »»».

Nothing Islamic about terrorism: US special envoy

NEW DELHI – There is nothing like Islamic terrorism as terrorism has no religion and is rejected by good people the world over, including Muslims, says Rashad Hussain, the Indian-origin US special envoy to the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

“Religious leaders throughout the world and communities should make it clear that this (terrorism) is … Read more »».

Russian spy sent back home wants to leave, live under fake name with wife in Peru, says lawyer

Russian spy wants to live under fake name in Peru

NEW YORK – A Russian secret agent sent home in a highly publicized spy swap wants to leave the country and return with his wife to her native Peru, while continuing to live under the false name he used for 34 years, the man’s attorney said.
An …. Read the original article  : Russian spy sent back home wants to leave, live under fake name with wife in Peru, says lawyer.

Inmates who escaped from Arizona prison linked to killing of couple in New Mexico

Arizona prison escapees linked to N.M. killings

PHOENIX – Two men who escaped from a private Arizona prison and a woman thought to have helped them have been linked to the investigation of a couple’s killing in New Mexico, authorities said Saturday.
New Mexico State Police spokesman Peter Olson said Tracy Province, John McCluskey and Casslyn Welch …. Source article  : Inmates who escaped from Arizona prison linked to killing of couple in New Mexico.

Mexican federal police protesting corruption detain commander in violent border city

Protesting federal cops detain commander in Juarez

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – Some 200 federal police officers assigned to fighting organized crime in this violent border city detained one of their superiors at gunpoint Saturday to protest alleged corruption.
The protesters complained that the commander, identified as Inspector Salomon Alarcon Olvera, had ordered the detention of another officer … Read : Mexican federal police protesting corruption detain commander in violent border city.

Britain issues travel advisory to Philippines

MANILA – Britain has advised its citizens to avoid travelling to the Philippines, citing high threat of terror attacks in the country’s southern region.

The British embassy to the Philippines issued the warning Saturday following Thursday’s bombing outside an international airport terminal in the southern city of Zamboanga that left two people dead and 24 wounded, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Britain issues travel advisory to Philippines.

Mexican marines rescue 12 allegedly kidnapped in northern border state beset by drug violence

Mexican marines rescue 12 kidnapped in north

MEXICO CITY – Marines rescued 12 people who allegedly were kidnapped by an organized crime gang in the northern border state of Nuevo Leon, one of the Mexican regions grappling with drug violence, the military said Saturday.
The Department of Navy said the people had been kidnapped Aug. 3 and …. Source article  : Mexican marines rescue 12 allegedly kidnapped in northern border state beset by drug violence.

Mexican journalists demand protection, justice as drug gangs step up attacks to silence media

Mexican journalists march for protection, justice

MEXICO CITY – More than 1,000 Mexican journalists marched through the city center Saturday to protest the killing and disappearance of their colleagues as escalating drug violence increasingly targets reporters.
Carrying signs reading “Not one more!”, they demanded protection to do their work in an unprecedented effort to solidify the ranks … Read more : Mexican journalists demand protection, justice as drug gangs step up attacks to silence media.

Puerto Rico’s prisons department to investigate inmate deaths criticized in ACLU report

PRico to probe prison deaths after ACLU report

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico’s prisons department says it is investigating the deaths of 53 inmates detailed in a report by the American Civil Liberties Union.
Corrections Secretary Carlos Molina Rodriguez says the probe’s findings may be sent to the island’s Justice Department if necessary.
Molina said in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Puerto Rico’s prisons department to investigate inmate deaths criticized in ACLU report.

Mother of escaped inmate arrested near Payson, Ariz; accused of helping son, others in flight

Mother of escaped inmate arrested in Arizona

PAYSON, Ariz. – The mother of one of three inmates who escaped from a northwestern Arizona prison was arrested Saturday after authorities suspected she helped two of them.
Claudia Washburn, 68, was arrested at her home and place of business in Jakes Corner south of Payson on charges of conspiracy … Read more >>>.

Colombia’s hold over rebel regions still tenuous despite US-backed counterinsurgency plan

Colombia gov’t has tenuous hold on rebel haven

LA MACARENA, Colombia – In May, suspected urban guerrillas took three shots at gravedigger Jesus Antonio Hernandez at his corner store. In July, they tried to set fire to his house. Repeatedly, they telephone him with death threats.
Hernandez’s job has put him at the perilous center of Colombia’s …. Original article  : Colombia’s hold over rebel regions still tenuous despite US-backed counterinsurgency plan.

Meghalaya rebel group asks for boycott of Independence Day

SHILLONG – The outlawed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Saturday appealed to the people to join their boycott of the Independence Day celebrations, even as security forces were put on alert across eastern Meghalaya.

“We appeal to the people of Hynniewtrep land (eastern Meghalaya) to join hands with us in this fight for the greater cause …. Original source  : Meghalaya rebel group asks for boycott of Independence Day.

NATO soldiers, Afghan policemen killed in blasts

KABUL – Two NATO soldiers, six Afghan policemen and two civilians were killed in separate roadside bomb blasts in Afghanistan Saturday, officials said.

The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) confirmed the deaths of its soldiers in southern Afghanistan, but did not reveal their nationalities or any further details. Most of the forces stationed in the … Original article on : NATO soldiers, Afghan policemen killed in blasts.

Reach of the Internet and legal realities mean US govt can do little to stop WikiLeaks

What to do about WikiLeaks? Not much can be done

WASHINGTON – An online whistle-blower’s threat to release more classified Pentagon and State Department documents is raising difficult questions of what the government can or would do, legally, technically or even militarily to stop it.
Constrained by the global reach of the Internet, sophisticated encryption software and …. Original article  : Reach of the Internet and legal realities mean US govt can do little to stop WikiLeaks.

Friends of Conn. beer warehouse shooter say he long complained about racial discrimination

Beer warehouse shooter long complained of racism

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – To those closest to him, Omar Thornton was caring, quiet and soft-spoken. He was excited to land a well-paying job at a beer delivery company a few years ago and his longtime girlfriend says they talked of marrying and having children.
But underneath, Thornton seethed with … Read more >>>.

SoCal school won’t take no for an answer in a dogged mission to round up chronic dropouts

Pasadena school dogs chronic dropouts
PASADENA, Calif. – School has long since started for the day when Jose Ramirez pulls up to a small bungalow and yells out to a tardy student. Anthony Gonzalez limps to the door, shirtless with a head of bed-tousled hair.

“It’s after nine, man, you got to be in school,” Ramirez tells …. Read the original article  : SoCal school won’t take no for an answer in a dogged mission to round up chronic dropouts.

In role reversal, Ohio sex offender mistakenly given private information about his neighbors

In turnabout, Ohio ex-con gets data on neighbors

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Neighbors routinely get a picture and a name when a sex offender moves next door. In a turnabout, an Ohio sex offender has received private information about his neighbors, including their Social Security numbers.
The material was shown to The Associated Press by convicted rapist Pearly …. Source  : In role reversal, Ohio sex offender mistakenly given private information about his neighbors.

Insurance for forest officials in Maoist areas

NEW DELHI – The central government Saturday said that all forest officials working in Maoist affected areas will be brought under insurance cover and will also be given risk allowance.

Speaking at an interaction session with district forest officials from Maoist-affected areas, Home Secretary G.K. Pillai said forest officers were probably the first link of the …. Read the original article  : Insurance for forest officials in Maoist areas.