BP’s costs to respond to massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has risen to $6.1 billion

BP’s Gulf oil spill costs rise to $6.1 billion

NEW ORLEANS – BP says its costs to respond to the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has risen to about $6.1 billion.
That includes expenses for relief well drilling, the static kill and cementing procedure done on the blown out oil well, grants to Gulf …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : BP’s costs to respond to massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has risen to $6.1 billion.

Rescue efforts continue in Leh, 500 still missing

SRINAGAR – After a night’s halt, thousands of rescue workers fanned out across Jammu and Kashmir’s Leh town Monday, three days after after a cloudburst caused flash floods, killing 132 people and causing widespread destruction.

“Out of 132 bodies recovered so far, 128 have been identified,” Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Farooq Ahmad told IANS.
“No …. Read the original article  : here.

Two of gang selling arms to Maoists held

LUCKNOW – Two men who used to supply firearms illegally manufactured in Bihar to Maoists have been arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, police said Monday.

Surendra Kumar and Ram Kewal, members of a Bihar-based gang involved in the illegal manufacturing and trading of firearms, were arrested late Sunday from the Risia area, some 300 km … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Two of gang selling arms to Maoists held.

Moscow deaths twice the usual number as suffocating smog from wildfires lingers

Moscow deaths twice as high this year amid smog

MOSCOW – The Russian capital’s chief health official reportedly says the number of deaths in Moscow is twice as high as usual because of smog suffocating the city from ongoing wildfires nearby.
The Interfax news agency quotes Andrei Seltsovky on Monday as saying there are now 1,300 bodies …. Original article  : Moscow deaths twice the usual number as suffocating smog from wildfires lingers.

China searches for survivors as flooding spreads death, despair in Asia; Pakistan relief slow

China searches for survivors amid Asian flood wave

ZHOUQU, China – Rescuers dug through mud and wreckage Monday searching for 1,300 people missing after flash floods and landslides struck northwestern China, just one of a series of floods across Asia that have killed hundreds and spread misery to millions more.
In Pakistan, frustrated victims railed against the …. Source  : China searches for survivors as flooding spreads death, despair in Asia; Pakistan relief slow.

Parliament expresses grief over Leh flood deaths

NEW DELHI – Parliament Monday expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Leh region.

Over 150 were killed and around 500 are missing after cloudburst caused flash floods Friday.
Expressing solidarity with the people of the region, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Rajya Sabha Chairman M. [..] Read the original article: here.

Gov’t plan for cleaning up a Gulf Coast hurricane calls for sampling oil before removing it

Hurricane could bring bureaucratic delays to Gulf
WASHINGTON – If a hurricane hits the Gulf Coast and whips up oil from BP’s massive spill, cleanup workers will not be able to swoop into action to fix the mess. A new Obama administration edict requires that the oil be tested before it can … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gov’t plan for cleaning up a Gulf Coast hurricane calls for sampling oil before removing it.

Gov’t plan to assess costs could delay Gulf oil spill cleanup in the event of a hurricane

Storm plan could delay Gulf oil spill cleanup

WASHINGTON – If a hurricane hits the Gulf Coast this season, workers cleaning up the BP oil spill won’t be able to swoop immediately into action to fix the mess.
According to a response plan obtained by The Associated Press, a new Obama administration edict requires that the oil …. Source  : Gov’t plan to assess costs could delay Gulf oil spill cleanup in the event of a hurricane.

Fishermen demand compensation for oil spill losses

MUMBAI – The 800,000-strong fishing community in Maharashtra Monday demanded compensation for what they claimed were huge losses to their trade following the oil spill outside Mumbai.

The state government and maritime authorities have banned all fishing activities in and around the Mumbai coast till the oil slick is brought under control while the Municipal Corporation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fishermen demand compensation for oil spill losses.

Iraqi officials say bomb targeting police kills 2 traffic cops, 1 civilian at Baghdad precinct

Bomb kills 2 traffic cops at Baghdad precinct

BAGHDAD – Officials say a rush-hour bombing at a western Baghdad police precinct has killed two traffic cops and one civilian.
Police and hospital officials say five traffic cops and four civilians were also wounded in the bombing at the gates of the Ghazaliyah precinct headquarters.
They say the civilians …. Original article  : Iraqi officials say bomb targeting police kills 2 traffic cops, 1 civilian at Baghdad precinct.

Anger grows in southern Pakistan as flood victims demand government help

No help for flood victims in southern Pakistan
SUKKUR, Pakistan – Although Manzoor Ahmed managed to escape rising floodwaters that submerged villages and destroyed homes in southern Pakistan, he said Monday that the total lack of government help meant dying may have been a better alternative.
The 25-year-old was one of thousands of people who … Read more »»».

Final sealing of Gulf oil gusher could be in sight as BP plans to continue relief well work

BP plans to continue relief well work this week

NEW ORLEANS – The oil that poured into the Gulf for more than 12 weeks has been forced back underground and BP engineers expect to spend this week drilling the final leg of a relief well to complete the “bottom kill” designed to permanently seal the leaking …. Original source  : Final sealing of Gulf oil gusher could be in sight as BP plans to continue relief well work.

Efforts on to check oil spill spreading along Konkan coast

MUMBAI – Efforts continued on a war-footing Monday to combat the oil spill from a Panaman ship that crashed into another vessel in Mumbai harbour as it threatened to spread further along the Konkan coastline, officials said.

Taking a grim view of the situation arising out of the oil spill off Mumbai, Maharashtra Environment Minister Suresh … Read more >>>.

Woman scams Canadians by faking cancer

TORONTO – A 23-year-old Canadian woman, who faked having cancer and then created a bogus charity to raise thousands of dollars only to blow the money away, says she did it all to settle scores with her parents for her miserable childhood.

“I was trying to get my family back together. I didn’t want to feel … Read : Woman scams Canadians by faking cancer.

NATO says American service member, Afghan child killed in fighting in southern Afghanistan

US service member, Afghan child killed in attacks

KABUL, Afghanistan – A U.S. service member was killed in a bomb attack in southern Afghanistan on Monday, while an Afghan child was shot dead during a gunbattle between NATO forces and insurgents, the alliance said.
NATO did not provide further details on the death of the American.
Sunday’s fighting … Read more : NATO says American service member, Afghan child killed in fighting in southern Afghanistan.

More Haitian children beg on Dominican streets post-quake in a sign of widening economic gulf

Haitian children turn to begging in DR after quake

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – From the white-sand beaches at the edge of all-inclusive resorts to the gritty streets of the capital, more Haitian children are begging on the streets of the Dominican Republic – a sign that the economic gulf between the neighboring nations has grown …. Source article  : More Haitian children beg on Dominican streets post-quake in a sign of widening economic gulf.

Two women, teen murdered in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – Two women and a teenage girl were found murdered in their rented house in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, police said Monday.

The three bodies were recovered late Sunday from the house in Rustamnagar village, some 300 km from here.
The victims include Zareena (40), her 14-year-old daughter Salma and another tenant Ramrati (60). Police … Read : Two women, teen murdered in Uttar Pradesh.

Mumbai Oil Spill Getting Worse

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- As MSC Chitra continues to spill out oil, the environmentalists fear that the condition of the coastal area of Mumbai might get worse in days to come. The oil slick is spreading fast off the shore of Mumbai and the authorities are closely monitoring the situation to gauge the extent of the …. Source  : Mumbai Oil Spill Getting Worse.

Four bullet-riddled bodies found in Mexico

Mexico City, Aug 9 (IANS/EFE) Four bullet-riddled bodies were found in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, while 12 hostages were released by kidnappers in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, officials said.

The bodies of four people killed gangland-style were found along with “narcomessages” in the cities of Tecoanapa and Petatlan.
The bodies of Mario …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Four bullet-riddled bodies found in Mexico.

Ferry carrying more than 50 people sinks in eastern Indonesia

Ferry sinks in eastern Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A police chief says a ferry carrying more than 50 people sank in eastern Indonesia. At least 10 people died and 16 others were rescued.

Lt. Abdul Rahma Aba told the local television station, TVOne, that the accident occurred Monday off East Nusatenggara province.
He says the boat was heading … Read more >>.

Thousands rally in Polish capital to demand memorial cross be moved from presidential palace

Thousands rally in Warsaw to demand cross be moved

WARSAW, Poland – Thousands of people held a midnight rally in Poland’s capital to demand that a wooden cross erected in memory of the late President Lech Kaczynski be moved from in front of the presidential palace.
The cross was erected after Kaczynski was killed in a plane [..] Read the original article: here.

30 arrested in Punjab with pirated CDs

CHANDIGARH – Thirty people have been arrested in Punjab and hundreds of pirated CDs and DVDs seized from them, police said here Tuesday.

On a tip-off from the organisation Indian Music Industry (IMI), police conducted 31 mobile chip anti-piracy raids at several places across the state. Over 21,180 pirated CDs, mostly of new films, were seized … Read more >>>.

Rescue operations intensified in Leh, 151 foreigners relocated

SRINAGAR – More than 150 foreign tourists trapped in Leh, where flashfloods have killed 165 people, were relocated to safer places Tuesday as the Indian Army intensified its rescue and relief operations, officials said.

Army columns moved into some of the worst affected areas by trekking for miles through mud and debris. “This was a task …. Original article  : Rescue operations intensified in Leh, 151 foreigners relocated.

UN: Afghan civilians killed, injured rose 31 percent in first 6 months of the year

UN: Afghan citizens killed, injured rising sharply

KABUL, Afghanistan – The number of civilians killed in the Afghan conflict rose 25 percent in the first six months of the year, with insurgents responsible for the spike, the United Nations said in a report Tuesday.
The report comes after a strong push by NATO forces to reduce civilian …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : UN: Afghan civilians killed, injured rose 31 percent in first 6 months of the year.

Report: Russian wildfires have caused some $15 billion in damages

Report: wildfires cost Russia some $15 billion
MOSCOW – A newspaper says the hundreds of wildfires that has swept western Russia has caused billions of dollars in damage.
The business daily Kommersant says in Tuesday’s edition that the damage from the fires is expected to amount to about $15 billion – or about one percent … Read more : Report: Russian wildfires have caused some $15 billion in damages.

Flash floods: special control room set up for foreigners

NEW DELHI – India’s external affairs ministry has set up a special control room to provide information to relatives of foreigners who may have been affected by the flash floods in and around Leh town in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Information about Indians and foreign nationals who have sadly lost their lives, have been injured or … Read more : Flash floods: special control room set up for foreigners.

Plane crash reported near Dillingham, Alaska; 8 believed aboard

Plane crash reported near Dillingham, Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Emergency crews are trying to reach the site of a plane crash north of Dillingham in southwest Alaska.
Maj. Guy Hayes says the Alaska Air National Guard was asked to respond after a passing aircraft spotted the wreckage Monday night.
Hayes says eight people were reported to be on [..] Read the original article: here.

Gulf relief well down to final 100 feet, but crews keep an eye on possible tropical weather

Gulf relief well crews watch for tropical weather

NEW ORLEANS – Crews finishing work meant to forever stop oil from leaking from a blown-out undersea well into the Gulf may have one more hurdle to overcome: the weather.
The National Hurricane Center is watching a cluster of thunderstorms in the far eastern Gulf of Mexico that forecasters [..] Read the original article: here.

Chhattisgarh team in Leh to look for missing people

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh has sent a five-member team to Jammu and Kashmir’s Leh town, which was devastated by floods last week, to help trace missing people, an official said Tuesday.

The team left late Monday after reports suggested that dozens of men and women belonging to Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir district were missing in Leh.
The team, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Chhattisgarh team in Leh to look for missing people.

Manali-Leh highway partially reopened

MANALI – The strategic national highway that connects this town in Himachal Pradesh to Leh in Jammu and Kashmir has been partially reopened after it was shut due to landslides at various points last week, an official said Tuesday.

“The traffic on the entire 475-km stretch between Manali and Leh couldn’t be restored as work is …. Original article  : Manali-Leh highway partially reopened.

Fiery highway crash in Calif. kills 6, including member of university cross country team

Fiery California highway crash kills 6
BISHOP, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol says an SUV swerved into a highway median in the eastern Sierra Nevada and collided with two vehicles, killing six people, including a member of a university cross country team.

CHP Officer Dennis Cleland says the southbound SUV drifted off the shoulder then traveled …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Upset with spouse, tribal woman murders kids

RAIPUR – A 30-year-old tribal woman killed her two children and injured another two after having an altercation with her husband in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, police said Tuesday.

Mitibai also attempted suicide late Monday in Bagmohlai village, about 280 km from here.
“Motibai had a dispute with her husband Ishwar Mandawi and in a fit of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Small tsunami generated after powerful earthquake hits near Vanuatu in South Pacific

Small tsunami generated after Vanuatu earthquake

SYDNEY – Panicked residents of Vanuatu raced for higher ground after a powerful earthquake rattled the South Pacific island nation and generated a small tsunami on Tuesday.
The 9-inch (22 centimeter) wave was observed off the capital Port Vila, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Police said there were no immediate … Read : Small tsunami generated after powerful earthquake hits near Vanuatu in South Pacific.

Coca Cola employee gunned down in Guwahati

GUWAHATI – A Coca Cola employee on his way to a bank was gunned down on a busy road in Assam’s main city of Guwahati Tuesday morning, police said, suspecting the involvement of Bodo militants.

A police spokesperson said Keshab Phukan was shot at with small weapons from close range in the crowded R.G. Baruah Road …. Read the original article  : here.

Magnitude 7.5 earthquake hits near Vanuatu in South Pacific; no tsunami warning issued

Magnitude 7.5 earthquake hits near Vanuatu

SYDNEY – The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 has hit the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has not issued an alert and there have been no immediate reports of damage.
The USGS says the quake hit Tuesday about 25 miles …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Magnitude 7.5 earthquake hits near Vanuatu in South Pacific; no tsunami warning issued.

Rescuers bring food, blankets to sightseers stuck on Alaska glacier after plane mishap

Alaska glacier: Supplies reach stranded sightseers

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Rescuers in Alaska skied across a glacier in whiteout conditions Monday evening to bring food, water and blankets to a group of sightseers stranded after their small plane apparently crashed.
A four-man rescue squad found the five people on board the plane in good condition on Knik Glacier, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Leh toll rises to 165, 81 foreigners rescued

LEH – The toll in the devastating flash floods caused by Friday’s cloudburst in Leh town of Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 165, even as 81 foreign tourists were rescued by the Indian Air Force from Zanskar Valley of Ladakh region, police said Tuesday.

The foreigners were rescued late Monday.
“We have recovered 165 bodies … Original article on : Leh toll rises to 165, 81 foreigners rescued.

Five killed in Uttar Pradesh accident

LUCKNOW – Five young men were killed and one was injured early Tuesday when the car they were travelling in collided with a speeding truck in Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district, police said.

The accident took place on the Bulandshahr-Delhi road in Salempur area, about 400 km from here.
“Of the six men, who were present inside … Read more »»».

Two Indians held in Malaysia with drugs

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Police have arrested two Indians at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport with nine kilograms of ketamine taped to their bodies.

The men, aged 40 and 28, had arrived from Chennai, India, and were waiting for their luggage when a team from the Selangor state police headquarters detained them last Friday.
The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

3 tornadoes spotted on northeast Colorado plains; barn damaged, but no injuries reported

3 tornadoes reported on NE Colorado plains

DENVER – At least three tornadoes have been reported on Colorado’s northeastern plains, with one person reporting damage to a barn.
Meteorologist Frank Benton of the National Weather Service in Boulder says a woman told the Washington County sheriff’s office that a tornado touched down on her property 13 miles …. Original source  : 3 tornadoes spotted on northeast Colorado plains; barn damaged, but no injuries reported.

8 Iraqi army soldiers killed during explosion at house in Diyala province, officials say

Bomb kills 8 Iraqi soldiers north of Baghdad

BAGHDAD – At least eight Iraqi army soldiers died early Wednesday when a house they were preparing to raid blew up, army and police officials said.
The incident in the volatile Diyala province underlines the unrelenting dangers that members of Iraq’s security forces still face as American forces prepare … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 8 Iraqi army soldiers killed during explosion at house in Diyala province, officials say.

With 1,000 still missing, hope fading for survivors in northwest China floods that killed 702

Little hope for more survivors of China floods

ZHOUQU, China – Heavy rains Wednesday lashed a remote section of northwestern China where weekend flooding killed at least 702 people, as hopes of finding more survivors faded and crews worked to stave off outbreaks of disease.
More than 1,000 people were still listed as missing in the disaster, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : With 1,000 still missing, hope fading for survivors in northwest China floods that killed 702.

Wildfires in Russia raise fears that radioactive fallout from Chernobyl could spread

Russian wildfires raise radiation fears
MOSCOW – Russian emergency workers have increased forest patrols in a western region affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, trying to prevent wildfires that could potentially spread harmful radiation, officials said Wednesday.

The Emergency Situations Ministry’s branch in the western Bryansk region – the area of Russia that suffered worst from the … Read more »».

Sri Lanka’s government-appointed commission to probe civil war begins public sittings

Sri Lankan war commission begins public sitting

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – A Sri Lankan government-appointed commission to look into the country’s civil war opened public hearings Wednesday amid international skepticism about its credibility and mandate to probe and punish war crimes.
The hearings began a day after a group of 57 U.S. lawmakers wrote to Secretary of …. Read the original article  : here.

Approaching tropical depression halts drilling of relief well at Gulf spill site for 2-3 days

Tropical depression halts drilling at Gulf well

NEW ORLEANS – Drilling the final feet of a relief well intended to permanently plug the busted BP oil well deep below the Gulf of Mexico will have to wait two to three days as a strengthening tropical depression bears down on the site.
BP and Coast Guard officials had …. Read the original article  : Approaching tropical depression halts drilling of relief well at Gulf spill site for 2-3 days.

33 rare snakes confiscated in Shanghai

SHANGHAI – Thirty-three rare snakes meant to be sold illegally in an aquatic products market in Shanghai were seized after a dealer was bitten by a poisonous species.

The snakes were confiscated from the market in Putuo district after a snake breeder named Guo Yupeng, 27, nearly died after being bitten by a narrow-banded krait, the … Read more : 33 rare snakes confiscated in Shanghai.

Alaska National Guard helicopter rescues 3 stranded sightseers from glacier; 9 people remain

Helicopter rescue plucks 3 from Alaska glacier

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Three people stranded on an Alaska glacier for two days when their small sightseeing plane crashed were finally carried away by a helicopter crew Tuesday, but deteriorating weather conditions threatened to delay the rescue of nine others, authorities said.
Another Alaska Air National Guard Pave Hawk helicopter … Read more >>>.

Man marinates ‘mean’ cat in car bonnet

NEW YORK – An American man who was caught “marinating” his cat in a mixture of peppers, salt and oil inside a cage in the car bonnet said he was doing so because the feline was mean and ill-tempered.

Police in Buffalo, 470 km from New York, pulled over a car driven by Gary L. Korkuc, … Read more >>.

Five Jharkhand police officials sacked

RANCHI – The Jharkhand government has terminated the services of five police officers appointed through illegal means by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) in 2007, says an official statement.

All four are of deputy superintendent of police rank. They were sacked after the vigilance bureau found that the officials were appointed in a wrong way, … Read more : Five Jharkhand police officials sacked.

China to resettle 45,000 mudslide-affected people

BEIJING – The Chinese government has chalked out a three-stage resettlement programme for the thousands of people affected in rain-triggered mudslides in Gansu province that left at least 702 dead while over 1,000 people are still missing.

Over 45,000 people have been affected in the landslides that occurred at midnight Sunday in Zhouqu county in Gannan … Original article on : China to resettle 45,000 mudslide-affected people.

To stop girlfriend, Chinese man says bomb on plane

BEIJING – A Chinese man who did not want his girlfriend to visit the Shanghai Expo told police that the plane she would be travelling in had a bomb in it.

Tian Yu, 21, from Henan province, was sentenced to one and a half years in prison by the district people’s court in Henan’s Kaifeng city … Read more »»».

Roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan kills 3 Afghan civilians, as noncombatant deaths surge

NATO: Roadside bomb kills 3 Afghan civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan – A roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan killed three Afghan civilians, NATO forces said Wednesday.
They died Tuesday when their vehicle struck the bomb while driving in Ghazni province’s Waghaz district, the coalition said in a statement. Another three people were wounded.
It was the latest in a growing …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Roadside bomb in eastern Afghanistan kills 3 Afghan civilians, as noncombatant deaths surge.

One killed as terrorists attack bus, army jeep in Jammu

JAMMU – A woman was killed and 15 people hurt when terrorists attacked a civilian bus and an army jeep in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district Wednesday, police sources said.

The incident took place around 9 a.m. at Dera-k-Gali in Rajouri, about 190 km north of Jammu.
A woman passenger was killed and 11 others … Read more >>>.

Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes Vanuatu: No tsunami and no injuries or damage reported

Magnitude 6 earthquake shakes Vanuatu: No damage

CANBERRA, Australia – The U.S Geological Survey says a magnitude 6 earthquake has shaken Vanuatu – a day after a stronger quake off the South Pacific island nation generated a small tsunami.
The Wednesday quake was too small to cause a tsunami and there were no immediate reports of injuries …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Abortion a method of contraception in Argentina’

Buenos Aires, Aug 11 (IANS/EFE) Forty percent of pregnancies in Argentina are terminated by illegal abortions, a figure that is double the Latin American average, the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said .

“In the rest of the region, 20 percent of pregnancies are terminated by abortion. In Argentina, abortion has become a method of contraception,” …. Source article  : ‘Abortion a method of contraception in Argentina’.

Brazil makes formal offer of asylum to convicted Iranian woman

BRASILIA – The Brazilian government has made an official offer of asylum to an Iranian woman – Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani – who has been sentenced to death by stoning for adultery and killing her husband.

Brazilian foreign ministry sources said Tuesday in Brasilia that the offer, which Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva made unofficially a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Japanese tour bus driver blamed for rollover crash in Utah that killed 3 and injured 11

Bus driver under investigation for Utah crash

SALT LAKE CITY – At this time of summer, foreign tourists are swarming across U.S. landmarks. But one Japanese tour group that set off for Utah’s spectacular Bryce Canyon National Park didn’t make it.
Their tour bus careened off a highway and rolled over Monday, killing three tourists and injuring … Read more : Japanese tour bus driver blamed for rollover crash in Utah that killed 3 and injured 11.

UN warning on trial of young Guantanamo detainee

UNITED NATIONS – The opening of the trial of Omar Khadr, a Canadian captured in Afghanistan in 2002 at the age of 15, in Guantanamo Bay Tuesday could “set a precedent that may endanger the status of child soldiers all over the world”, a top UN official warned.

Radhika Coomaraswamy, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s special representative … Read more : UN warning on trial of young Guantanamo detainee.

Tropical depression forms in Gulf of Mexico, heads for oil spill site where work is halted

Tropical depression forms in Gulf, heads for spill

MIAMI – The National Hurricane Center says a tropical depression has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is headed toward the oil spill site off the coast of Louisiana.
BP and Coast Guard officials had already decided to stop drilling on a relief well on Tuesday, before forecasters …. Source  : Tropical depression forms in Gulf of Mexico, heads for oil spill site where work is halted.

Tropical depression forms in Gulf of Mexico, heads for oil spill site where work is halted

Tropical depression forms in Gulf, heads for spill

MIAMI – The National Hurricane Center says a tropical depression has formed in the Gulf of Mexico and it is heading toward the oil spill site off the coast of Louisiana.
BP and Coast Guard officials had already decided to stop drilling on a relief well on Tuesday, before … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Tropical depression forms in Gulf of Mexico, heads for oil spill site where work is halted.

Russian wildfires reach nuclear disaster zone

MOSCOW – Wildfires in Russia have reached areas contaminated by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, raising concern among people that radioactive material could be released into the air.

Russia’s Federal Forestry Agency said around 3,900 hectares in the zone from the 1986 disaster have been affected by the raging forest fires, that have killed at least … Read more : Russian wildfires reach nuclear disaster zone.

Russian emergency officials report success in battling wildfires

Russia manages to reduce number of wildfires

MOSCOW – Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry says its teams have managed to reduce the size of wildfires around Moscow and other regions in western Russia.
The ministry said Thursday that the area engulfed by fires around the capital has shrunk by more than quarter over the past 24 hours. It …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Russian emergency officials report success in battling wildfires.

Pakistan rivers in spate

ISLAMABAD – Rivers in Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces reached “exceptionally high” levels Thursday and may soon inundate low-lying areas, as the country grappled with its worst ever floods that have affected over 14 million people.

Floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains have left over 1,600 people dead.
Rising water levels in the Indus and Chenab … Original article on : Pakistan rivers in spate.

Psychic looks for girl, finds woman’s body

SYDNEY – A psychic acting on a hunch that the body of a missing Sydney schoolgirl would be in a public park found the torso of a missing woman there instead, police said Thursday.

Police have contacted the family of a 31-year-old mother not seen for two months but would not confirm a link with the …. Source  : Psychic looks for girl, finds woman’s body.

Flooding in Iowa forces hundreds of residents from their homes, kills 16-year-old girl

Hundreds evacuated, 1 dead after flooding in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa – Three nights of heavy rainfall caused Iowa creeks and rivers to swell, forcing hundreds of residents from their homes and killing a 16-year-old girl when three cars were swept away by a torrent of water on a rural road.
In Ames, flooding contributed to a …. Source  : Flooding in Iowa forces hundreds of residents from their homes, kills 16-year-old girl.

Ramadan or not, Pakistani flood victims say they’re already going without food

Ramadan or not, hunger hits Pakistan flood victims

MULTAN, Pakistan – Pakistani flood survivors already short on food and water began the fasting month of Ramadan on Thursday, a normally festive, social time marked this year by misery and fears of an uncertain future.
The U.S. announced a navy ship with 19 helicopters and 1,000 Marines on … Read more >>.

Ishrat Jahan killing probe given to court-appointed SIT

AHMEDABAD – The Gujarat High Court Thursday handed over the investigation of the Ishrat Jahan suspected staged-shootout case to the Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Jahan was gunned down by Gujarat police in Ahmedabad June 15, 2004.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Ishrat Jahan killing probe given to court-appointed SIT.

Swede gets world’s highest motoring fine

LONDON – A Swedish driver, who sped through Switzerland and received the world’s highest ever motoring fine of 650,000 euros, said: “I think the speedo on the car, which is new, is faulty.”

The 37-year-old driver was clocked at 180mph while driving through Switzerland in a Mercedes SLS AMG that costs 140,000 pounds.
The … Read more »»».

As BP, feds explore whether final plug is needed for Gulf gusher, locals fear being forgotten

Gulf leaders wary over wavering on final plug

NEW ORLEANS – With the oil well that had been spewing into the Gulf of Mexico plugged from the top and BP PLC and federal officials pondering whether the final plug, or “bottom kill,” is needed, local officials fear national disengagement from what remains a crisis of unknown … Read more »».

Teacher to face action for thrashing Class 11 student

LUCKNOW – A government school teacher of Uttar Pradesh’s Etawah district will face action for brutally thrashing a Class 11 student that left him needing multiple stitches on his head, an official said Thursday.

Mohammad Ahmad, a teacher of the Islamia Inter College Wednesday assaulted Shishir Shukla after the student jumped the queue while leaving the …. Original article  : Teacher to face action for thrashing Class 11 student.

Villagers in eastern Afghanistan protest alleged killing of 3 civilians by NATO

Claims of Afghan civilian deaths spark protest

KABUL, Afghanistan – A crowd of about 300 villagers yelled “death to the United States” and blocked a main road in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday as they swore that U.S. forces had killed three innocent villagers, officials said.
NATO forces rejected the claim – saying they killed several suspected insurgents …. Original source  : Villagers in eastern Afghanistan protest alleged killing of 3 civilians by NATO.

Ames, Iowa Flooding Situation Getting Worse

DES MOINES (GaeaTimes.com)- The Ames, Iowa flood on Wednesday has claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl who died when floodwater swept three cars off a road near Des Moines. Widespread flooding has struck Ames, Iowa after three nights of continuous rainfall. Hundreds of Iowa residents had to evacuate their homes early on Wednesday. [..] Read the original article: here.

More rains, mudslides expected this week as death toll in China disaster rises to 1,117

More rain expected in China as flood toll rises

ZHOUQU, China – Overnight thunderstorms brought fresh misery to survivors in a remote area of northwestern China on Thursday as the death toll from weekend flooding and massive landslides rose to 1,117.
The National Weather Center forecast heavy rains in the coming days – up to 3.5 inches …. Source  : More rains, mudslides expected this week as death toll in China disaster rises to 1,117.

Harney Co., Ore., officials say 2 people, not 3, dead in plane crash near Burns, Ore.

Ore. officials say 2, not 3, dead in plane crash

BURNS, Ore. – The Harney County sheriff says two people have died in the crash of a small plane about 70 miles south of the Eastern Oregon city of Burns.
Sheriff Dave Glerup said Wednesday night via e-mail that no additional information would be available from his … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Harney Co., Ore., officials say 2 people, not 3, dead in plane crash near Burns, Ore..

Briton kills wife for his ‘twisted obsession for sex’

LONDON – A Briton who murdered his wife due to his “twisted obsession for sex” has been sentenced to 25 years in jail.

Just days before their divorce, 32-year-old Brent Mott killed his wife Kate, Daily Express reported Thursday.
Brent attempted to cover up the killing by staging a car accident. He took Kate’s body to … Read more »».

More rain threatens China’s mudslide-hit region

BEIJING – Rescuers Thursday scrambled to look for survivors in China’s Zhouqu county, where mudslides triggered by torrential downpour killed 1,117 people, as more heavy rains are expected to lash the region Friday.

The National Meteorological Centre warned of more landslides in the coming days, with heavy rain of up to 90 mm expected to hit …. Read the original article  : here.

CBI takes over Koda scam probe

RANCHI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an FIR against former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda and five ex-ministers in a disproportionate assets scam, an official said.

The Jharkhand High Court Aug 4 ordered a CBI probe against them for amassing assets more than their known sources of income.
“We have lodged an …. Source  : CBI takes over Koda scam probe.

Now satellites to monitor global fires

UNITED NATIONS – The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) has created a new system that will use satellites to monitor devastating fires around the world.

“The control of these fires has become an issue of high importance, not only because of the increasing number of casualties and the huge area burned but also because of the …. Original source  : Now satellites to monitor global fires.

FAA: 3 people believed dead in twin-engine plane crash in eastern Oregon

FAA: 3 believed dead in small plane crash in Ore.

BURNS, Ore. – The Federal Aviation Administration says three people are believed dead in the crash of a twin-engine plane in eastern Oregon.
FAA spokesman Ian Gregor says the Aero Commander 500B went down Wednesday morning about 70 miles south of Burns.
Both he and FAA spokesman Allen …. Source  : FAA: 3 people believed dead in twin-engine plane crash in eastern Oregon.

Everyone now rescued from Alaska glacier where sightseeing party was stranded

Everyone now rescued from Alaska glacier
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Alaska National Guard helicopter was able to land Wednesday and pick up two sightseers and seven guardsmen – the last of 12 people who had been stranded on an Alaska glacier.

The sightseers were part of a five-member group on a small plane that crashed Sunday on … Read : Everyone now rescued from Alaska glacier where sightseeing party was stranded.

4,800 Chinese died in road accidents in July

BEIJING – At least 4,853 people died in road accidents in China in July, the ministry of public security said Friday.

Around 30,000 people were injured in 17,000 accidents across the country. The accidents caused an economic loss of about 70 million yuan ($10.3 million), Xinhua reported.
The ministry warned of increased traffic snarls as students …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 4,800 Chinese died in road accidents in July.

UN chief to visit flood-hit Pakistan Saturday

ISLAMABAD – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will arrive in Pakistan Saturday to assess relief and rescue work in the flood-hit country, a media report said Friday.

Pakistan is grappling with its worst ever floods that have left over 1,600 people dead and affected over 14 million people.
The secretary-general will assess losses due to the floods … Read more >>.

Woman scratches swastika on drunk man’s buttocks

AUCKLAND – A woman was found guilty of stomping on a drunk man and scratching a swastika with a screwdriver on his buttocks after a row in a bar in New Zealand.

Briana Rose Murray, 21, was sentenced to 16 months in jail for her role in the attack in Christchurch in August 2009, the Herald … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Woman scratches swastika on drunk man’s buttocks.

24 more die in China’s flood-hit northwest as new rains trigger more landslides

24 more die in China’s flood-hit northwest

ZHOUQU, China – New landslides killed 24 people and left 24 missing in China’s remote northwest as downpours threatened more devastation and made rescue work nearly impossible Friday in a region where more than 1,100 people have been killed.
More rain was forecast for flood-ravaged Gansu province in the coming …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 24 more die in China’s flood-hit northwest as new rains trigger more landslides.

Alaska fishing guide says Stevens enjoyed good fishing day before dying in plane crash

Guide says Stevens in good spirits before death

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A guide says Ted Stevens’ last day of fishing was a very good day – the former U.S. senator was in great spirits as he casted for silver salmon at an Alaska camp and raved about the spinning lures he was using.
“He was happy to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Alaska fishing guide says Stevens enjoyed good fishing day before dying in plane crash.

Chhattisgarh to compensate its Leh victims

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh Friday said several people from the state had lost their lives in the flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Leh town and announced Rs.1 lakh as compensation for each victim’s family.

“The state government will pay Rs.100,000 to each of the families that lost their members in Leh’s disaster. The government will also …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Recovery effort’ under way after Nev. gold mine accident leaves 2 miners missing, feared dead

Nev. accident leaves 2 miners missing, feared dead

RENO, Nev. – A search was under way after an accident at an underground gold mine in northern Nevada left two miners missing and feared dead.
Barrick Gold Corp. has not confirmed any deaths following Thursday’s accident at the Meikle mine, which has seen three fatalities in the past …. Source article  : ‘Recovery effort’ under way after Nev. gold mine accident leaves 2 miners missing, feared dead.

Alaska fishing guide says Stevens enjoyed good fishing day before fatal plane crash

Guide: Stevens in good spirits before fatal crash

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A fishing guide says the day before former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens died he was in great spirits – enjoying some fishing for silver salmon at an Alaska fish camp and raving about the spinning lures he was using.
Byron Orth says the fishing was so …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Alaska fishing guide says Stevens enjoyed good fishing day before fatal plane crash.

Three illegal coal miners die in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Three illegal miners in Jharkhand’s coal city of Dhanbad died when the roof of a closed mine they were working in caved in. More casualties are expected, police said Friday.

According to the police, seven to eight people were working in the closed Munidih coal mine of Dhanbad district, some 240 km from here … Read more >>>.

Youth arrested for murdering four family members

NABHA – A 24-year-old man, accused of mercilessly killing four members of his family in this Punjab town, has been arrested and will be produced in court Friday, police said.

Amrit killed his parents Iqbal Singh, 55, Jaswinder Kaur, 50, grandfather Hameer Singh, 75, and sister Gurjagjit Kaur, 18, Thursday morning at a house in Preet … Original source on Gaea Times at : Youth arrested for murdering four family members.

Sweltering Russian capital refreshed by rain, but wildfires still burning and smog may return

Rain refreshes Moscow, but wildfires still burning

MOSCOW – Heavy downpours have cooled the Russian capital after weeks of unprecendented heat and dry weather, but dozens of wildfires are still raging around Moscow.
The city on Friday remains largely free of clouds of suffocating smog after they were blown away by favorable winds earlier this week. Weather …. Source  : Sweltering Russian capital refreshed by rain, but wildfires still burning and smog may return.

Brothers jailed for burning church in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR – Two Malaysian brothers were Friday jailed for five years for burning a church earlier this year.

The Metro Tabernacle Church was one of the four Christian shrines attacked in January.
The series of attacks was linked to the High Court’s decision Dec 31, to allow a Catholic publication to use the … Read more : Brothers jailed for burning church in Malaysia.

La. wife of ‘Granddad Bandit’ suspect describes quiet life, no knowledge of robberies

Wife: Quiet life with ‘Granddad Bandit’ suspect

BATON ROUGE, La. – Patsy Mara doesn’t doubt the man the FBI calls the “Granddad Bandit,” suspected in a string of bank robberies across the country, is her husband. The 61-year-old schoolteacher, however, still has trouble reconciling the image of a holdup man who snatched money from more than …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Analysis of tests on BP’s broken Gulf oil well will show if leak is sealed for good

Decision expected on plug for BP’s broken oil well

NEW ORLEANS – Officials could know by early Friday if BP’s broken oil well in the Gulf of Mexico has been sealed for good.
An analysis of tests on the well done Thursday was scheduled to be completed within 24 hours, letting the federal government and BP PLC … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Analysis of tests on BP’s broken Gulf oil well will show if leak is sealed for good.

LA boy rescued from house fire dies; was aspiring actor from New Zealand

LA boy killed in house fire was aspiring actor

LOS ANGELES – A 14-year-old boy who was placed on life support after being pulled from a burning San Fernando Valley home has died.
Officials said Thursday that Eitan Djiji died Wednesday afternoon.
Djiji was featured in the 2009 comedy film “My Homework Ate My Dog” and was due … Read more >>>.

RAND report: Haiti must clear rubble, aid businesses, fix government to move forward

RAND report: Haiti must clear rubble, aid business

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A U.S.-based think tank is painting a grim picture of the earthquake recovery effort in Haiti, adding its voice to widespread accusations of ineffectual local leadership.
The RAND Corp. report being released Friday ticks off a crushing litany of problems in the Caribbean nation, many predating …. Source article  : RAND report: Haiti must clear rubble, aid businesses, fix government to move forward.

Delhi sees six robberies in one night

NEW DELHI – The national capital saw six robberies take place in one night. This includes a man being looted outside an ATM, a property dealer robbed of Rs.8.5 lakh and a few other cases of small thefts, police said Friday.

“Six robbers on three bikes robbed a property dealer of Rs.8.5 lakh at gunpoint in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi sees six robberies in one night.

Frustrated student threatens suicide

CHANDIGARH – A frustrated Panjab University student, who had to repeat two papers of the annual examinations, threatened to commit suicide if her result is not declared in time. The varsity has ordered a probe.

Akashdeep Kaur, who is pursuing Bachelors of Arts (BA) from Government College in Sector 46 here, was declared failed in her … Read more >>>.

World Bank announces $900 mn for Pakistan floods

ISLAMABAD – The World Bank has announced a grant of $900 million for relief and reconstruction work following the floods in Pakistan that have cost the nation around Rs.250 billion, a media report said Friday.

Pakistan is grappling with its worst ever floods that have left over 1,600 people dead and affected over 14 million people. [..] Read the original article: here.

One of the world’s most wanted cyber-criminal nabbed

WASHINGTON – One of the five most wanted cyber-criminals in the world who founded sophisticated internet sites for trafficking credit card information has been detained in France, authorities said.

Vladislav Anatolieviech Horohorin, 27, was arrested at the Nice airport Saturday while he was on his way from Monaco to Moscow, said the US Secret Service and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : One of the world’s most wanted cyber-criminal nabbed.

Canadian man sets a fire in front of PM’s house

OTTAWA – A man has been arrested for setting a fire in front of the official residence of Canadian Prime Minster Stephen Harper in Ottawa Saturday night.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they found a man burning some liquid near the 24 Sussex Drive residence, but refused to comment on whether the prime minister …. Source  : Canadian man sets a fire in front of PM’s house.

Bombings, drive-by shooting kill 7, wound 17 in Baghdad area

Drive-by shooting, bombings kill 7 in Iraq

BAGHDAD – A drive-by shooting outside a mosque and a series of rush-hour bombings early Sunday killed seven Iraqis and injured 17 more in and around Baghdad, police and health officials said.
Gunmen opened fire on worshippers as they were leaving morning prayers in town of Jurf al-Sakhr just south …. Read the original article  : Bombings, drive-by shooting kill 7, wound 17 in Baghdad area.

Rich being shielded from Pakistan floods?

ISLAMABAD – As ordinary Pakistanis continue to battle floods which have claimed at least 1,600 lives, there have been allegations that flood waters are being diverted to less privileged areas and canals are being breached at the behest of power groups.

Residents in Dera Ghazi Khan and its peripheral areas have alleged that the Taunsa barrage … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rich being shielded from Pakistan floods?.

Flooding worsens in Pakistan as UN chief appeals for more aid

UN chief appeals for aid in flood-hit Pakistan
SUKKUR, Pakistan – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the world to provide more aid to flood-ravaged Pakistan on Sunday as the 20 million people made homeless grew increasingly desperate, and new torrents inundated villages.
Survivors fought over food being handed out from a relief vehicle close to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Flooding worsens in Pakistan as UN chief appeals for more aid.

Indians hack Pakistani website: TV channel

ISLAMABAD – Indian hackers have broken into the website of the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), a Pakistani television channel claimed Sunday.

The PPF is an independent media research and training centre designed to promote and defend the freedom of press and raise social and political awareness in Pakistan.
The website was subsequently closed by Pakistani authorities …. Original source  : Indians hack Pakistani website: TV channel.

Dutch girls groomed for sex on social networking sites

LONDON – Thousands of young girls in the Netherlands are being groomed for sex on social networking websites and forced into prostitution by pimps, a charity has claimed.

Anita De Witt of the charity Stoploverboys claims the young girls are showered with promises of love before being threatened with violence and bullied into a life of …. Source  : Dutch girls groomed for sex on social networking sites.

Shoe-thrower mentally unsound: Kashmir Police

SRINAGAR – The Jammu and Kashmir police Sunday said the man who flung a shoe at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the Independence Day parade here Sunday is a suspended head constable and is “mentally unsound”.

“Abdul Ahad Jan is a suspended head constable of police belonging to Kulgam district (in south Kashmir) and already has …. Read the original article  : Shoe-thrower mentally unsound: Kashmir Police.

UN chief arrives in Pakistan to see flood devastation

ISLAMABAD – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Pakistan Sunday to visit areas devastated by the country’s worst floods.

Ban was met at Islamabad’s Chaklala airbase by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Interior Minister Rehman Malik.
“I will have an opportunity to see for myself the affected area and I get to share for stories … Original source on Gaea Times at : UN chief arrives in Pakistan to see flood devastation.

Fire prompts evacuations at hotels, offices near White House

WASHINGTON – An underground transformer fire near the White House prompted the evacuation of two landmark hotels and the National Press Building in downtown Washington Saturday night. No injuries were reported.

The fire broke out at about 8 p.m. (0000 GMT) about a block from the White House, with flames and smoke shooting up through a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bombs explode in Baghdad’s rush hour traffic killing 4 people say police

Rush hour bombs kill 4 in Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi police say a series of rush-hour bombings across Baghdad hit commuters on their way to work, killing four and injuring at least 16.

Sunday’s deadliest strike came when a roadside bomb exploded at 7:15 a.m. local time next to a minibus heading from the Shiite neighborhood of … Read more : Bombs explode in Baghdad’s rush hour traffic killing 4 people say police.

8 dead, 12 wounded as vehicle plows into crowd at off-road race in Southern California desert

8 dead, 12 hurt at off-road race in Calif. desert

LOS ANGELES – An off-road vehicle plowed into a crowd moments after sailing off a jump at a race in Southern California Saturday night, killing eight people and leaving 12 wounded, authorities and witnesses said.
The accident happened shortly before 8 p.m. at the race called the … Read more »».

Flooding worsens in Pakistan as UN chief flies in to boost relief effort

UN chief flies in to Pakistan as crisis worsens
SUKKUR, Pakistan – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in flood-ravaged Pakistan on Sunday to boost relief efforts as the 20 million people made homeless grew increasingly desperate.
Survivors fought over food being handed out from a relief vehicle close to the town of Sindh, ripping … Original source on Gaea Times at : Flooding worsens in Pakistan as UN chief flies in to boost relief effort.

Women expose breasts to steal from ATM customer

PARIS – Two women, described by police as attractive, exposed their breasts to a man inside an ATM in Paris and took off with his money.

The women in their 20s exposed themselves to distract the man as he punched his pin code into an ATM machine in Paris. As he stared at one of them, … Read more »»».

Chinese media turns black-and-white to mourn mudslide deaths

BEIJING – Online versions of major Chinese newspapers including China Daily, Global Times, People’s Daily and Shanghai Daily wore a black-and-white look Sunday to mourn the over 1,200 deaths in mudslides in Zhouqu county.

The mudslides hit Zhouqu county in Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu province Aug 8, leaving 1,239 people dead, while 505 people …. Original article  : Chinese media turns black-and-white to mourn mudslide deaths.

Floods force evacuation in Sindh, Balochistan

ISLAMABAD – Raging waters of the Indus river have flooded Pakistan’s Sindh and Balochistan provinces, forcing evacuation of 90 percent of the villages. People were forced to shelter under the open skies as they saw their homes being washed away.

The country is grappling with its worst ever floods that have left over 1,600 people dead …. Original article  : Floods force evacuation in Sindh, Balochistan.

Crooks to get cycles for an honest life

LONDON – Criminals in a British county will be given bicycles on loan by the police to help them find jobs and lead an honest life.

Stolen bicycles, which were meant to be auctioned under the Police Property Act will now be “loaned” to offenders by police in Suffolk, 109 km from London.
But critics have …. Read the original article  : here.

China holds national day of mourning for landslide dead; flags lowered, ceremony on state TV

China holds day of mourning for landslide dead

BEIJING – Cinemas closed and coal miners stopped work as China observed a day of mourning Sunday for more than 1,200 victims of a mudslide a week earlier in a northwestern town, while authorities rushed to protect survivors from more flooding.
In a televised memorial service, some 5,000 rescue …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : China holds national day of mourning for landslide dead; flags lowered, ceremony on state TV.

Man drowns in Gulf of Mexico about 8 miles from where President Obama, daughter swam

Man drowns about 8 miles from where Obamas swam
PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. – A man has drowned in the Gulf of Mexico about eight miles from where President Barack Obama and daughter Sasha were taking a dip.
The News Herald of Panama City reported that it happened about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Double red flags … Original source on Gaea Times at : Man drowns in Gulf of Mexico about 8 miles from where President Obama, daughter swam.

NTSB: Pilot who was flying near site of Alaska crash says clouds just 600 feet from ground

Pilot near Alaska crash site says clouds were low

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A pilot flying in the area of this week’s Alaska plane crash that killed former Sen. Ted Stevens and four others has estimated that clouds were as low as 600 feet at the time of the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board’s chairwoman said … Read : NTSB: Pilot who was flying near site of Alaska crash says clouds just 600 feet from ground.

Fire extinguished after forcing evacuation of downtown DC hotels near White House

Fire in front of downtown DC hotels extinguished

WASHINGTON – A fire that forced the evacuation of two hotels in downtown Washington near the White House has been extinguished. No injuries were reported.
The fire started around 7:45 p.m. Saturday and appeared to have been sparked by an underground electrical transformer.
The flames shot into the air in … Read more >>.