Maoist blast government office in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR – Dozens of Maoist guerrillas Monday blew up a new tehsil (sub-district)office in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district, police said.

The rebels planted explosives in the building in Kuakonda area, some 450 km south of capital Raipur, and blasted it, an official at the police headquarters told IANS.
The building was completed only in June.
“It was …. Original source  : Maoist blast government office in Chhattisgarh.

Thailand’s Red Shirt protest leaders deny terrorism charges, as govt loosens emergency rule

Thailand’s Red Shirt leaders appear in court

BANGKOK – The leaders of Thailand’s anti-government protest movement appeared at a Bangkok court Monday and pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges, while the government lifted a state of emergency in three provinces but kept the decree in place in the capital.
Shackled at the ankles, 17 so-called Red Shirt … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thailand’s Red Shirt protest leaders deny terrorism charges, as govt loosens emergency rule.

Attacks against Mexican immigrants in NYC’s Staten Island inflame black-Hispanic tensions

Mexican attacks inflame tensions on NYC island

NEW YORK – When Rodolfo Olmedo was dragged down by a group of men shouting anti-Mexican epithets and bashed over the head with a wooden stick on the street outside his home, he instinctively covered his face to keep from getting disfigured. Blood filled his mouth.
“I wanted to scream, … Original article on : Attacks against Mexican immigrants in NYC’s Staten Island inflame black-Hispanic tensions.

Aging inmates prompt creation of assisted living center at Washington prison

Aging inmates straining prison systems
CONNELL, Wash. – Curtis Ballard rides a motorized wheelchair around his prison ward, which happens to be the new assisted living unit – a place of many windows and no visible steel bars – at Washington’s Coyote Ridge Corrections Center.

A stroke left Ballard unable to walk. He’s also had a heart …. Original source  : Aging inmates prompt creation of assisted living center at Washington prison.

Maoists kill villager in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoists have killed a villager in Orissa’s Koraput district suspecting him to be a police informer, police said Monday.

Over a 100 armed rebels killed 30-year-old Kendraka Ghansi at Gotiguda village late Sunday, a police officer told IANS.
The Maoists also attacked two other villagers in Gotiguda, nearly 600 km from here, but they …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists kill villager in Orissa.

Taliban commander among five killed in Afghanistan

KABUL – Five Taliban insurgents, including their commander, were killed in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province by Afghan and NATO-led troops, police said Monday.

“Afghan and international troops raided Taliban hideouts in Muqar district Sunday night; as a result five militants, including their commander Mullah Salim, were killed,” provincial police chief Khayal Baz Shirzai told Xinhua.
Taliban …. Original source  : Taliban commander among five killed in Afghanistan.

ULFA bombers killed in Assam gunfight

GUWAHATI – Two United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) bombers, accused of blowing up a paramilitary bus and leaving six troopers dead last month, were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in Assam’s Goalpara district Monday, police said.

The shootout began in a thickly forested area near Bhalukdubi village, about 120 km west of …. Source article  : ULFA bombers killed in Assam gunfight.

Libya to celebrate anniversary of Lockerbie bomber’s release

LONDON – Libya is preparing to mark the first anniversary of the Lockerbie bomber’s release with leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi urging his countrymen to thank those who helped to free him, including former British prime minister Gordon Brown.

Gaddafi will also ask Libyans to pray for Scottish justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, who approved Abdelbaset … Read more : Libya to celebrate anniversary of Lockerbie bomber’s release.

Craigslist Killer Dies In Cell

SUFFOLK (GaeaTimes.com)- Philip Markoff, 24, who is better known as “Craigslist killer” for his alleged murder of a masseuse whom he met through Craigslist last year, has ended up taking his own life. The Suffolk County district attorney’s office confirmed the news of the death of the “Craigslist killer” in an e-mailed statement to …. Read the original article  : here.

Kashmir gunfight: Rains hamper army operations

JAMMU – Heavy rains hampered the operations of security forces against armed militants in an ongoing gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district Monday, a day after a soldier and two terrorists were killed.

The shootout in Thanna Mandi area, about 180 km north of Jammu, began Saturday when an army team led by Major S.K. …. Original article  : Kashmir gunfight: Rains hamper army operations.

Police arrest man wounded in NYC block party shootout, accuse him of attempted murder

Police arrest man hurt in NYC block party shootout

NEW YORK – New York City police have arrested a man at the center of a deadly police shootout at a Harlem block party last week.
Angel Alvarez was wounded at least 20 times during the exchange of gunfire on Aug. 8.
Police announced Sunday that he was arrested …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Police arrest man wounded in NYC block party shootout, accuse him of attempted murder.

FHP: Heat forward Udonis Haslem charged after traffic stop in Miami-Dade County

FHP: Haslem cited after Miami-Dade traffic stop

MIAMI – Heat forward Udonis Haslem was arrested Sunday for possession of marijuana following a traffic stop in Miami-Dade County.
Haslem, 30, was stopped in a 2008 Mercedes around 3:05 p.m. going eastbound on the Gratigny Parkway because of speeding, Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Mark Wysocky said. The trooper … Read more : FHP: Heat forward Udonis Haslem charged after traffic stop in Miami-Dade County.

Suspected Maoists kill Bihar man

PATNA – Suspected Maoists shot dead a man in Bihar’s Munger district early Monday, police said.

They threw his body near a government office at Haweli-Kharagpur, about 200 km from here, a police officer said.
The man has not yet been identified, the police officer said.
Haweli-Kharagpur is considered a stronghold of Maoists.
… Original article on : Suspected Maoists kill Bihar man.

Murder charges dropped in slayings of 4 outside Buffalo, NY, restaurant; no new arrest made

Charges dropped in NY slayings; no new arrest

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A prosecutor dropped charges Sunday against a parolee initially accused of killing four people and wounding four others outside a downtown restaurant and said the real shooter appeared on surveillance tape.
Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III asked a judge to dismiss four murder counts … Read : Murder charges dropped in slayings of 4 outside Buffalo, NY, restaurant; no new arrest made.

Murder charges dropped in slaying of 4 outside Buffalo, NY, restaurant

Charges dropped in NY slayings; No new arrests

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A prosecutor dropped charges Sunday against a parolee initially accused of killing four people and wounding four others outside a downtown Buffalo restaurant, and said the real shooter had been caught on tape.
Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita III asked a judge to dismiss four …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Murder charges dropped in slaying of 4 outside Buffalo, NY, restaurant.

NY district attorney who prosecuted Long Island Lolita, commuter train gunman dies at age 76

NY DA who prosecuted Long Island Lolita dies at 76

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, N.Y. – Former Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon, who in more than three decades on the job prosecuted Long Island Lolita Amy Fisher and the gunman in the 1993 Long Island Rail Road massacre, has died.
Dillon died Sunday from lymphoma at his home …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : NY district attorney who prosecuted Long Island Lolita, commuter train gunman dies at age 76.

‘Jersey Shore’ cast member Ronald Ortiz-Magro detained in NJ over unpaid parking tickets

Another ‘Jersey Shore’ cast member arrested in NJ

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. – Another MTV “Jersey Shore” cast member has been arrested in the New Jersey town where the show is based.
Seaside Heights police say 24-year-old Ronald “Ronnie” Ortiz-Magro was taken into custody around noon Sunday for outstanding warrants from two other Garden State communities. The warrants …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Families raise new questions over medical advice that led to Lockerbie bomber’s release

Lockerbie families raise new questions over bomber

LONDON – The regrets of a cancer expert who assessed the only man ever convicted of the 1988 Lockerbie jetliner bombing have intensified the anger felt by victims’ relatives over Scotland’s decision to release the Libyan on compassionate grounds.
Professor Karol Sikora and other experts had said Abdel Baset al-Megrahi … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Families raise new questions over medical advice that led to Lockerbie bomber’s release.

US Navy reports robbery of 4 commercial ships near Iraq’s southern oil hub of Basra

US Navy says 4 ships robbed off Iraqi coast

BAGHDAD – The U.S. Navy says four commercial ships anchored near the southern oil hub of Basra have been robbed in a rare attack off the Iraqi coast.
Lt. John Fage, a spokesman for the Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, said Sunday that two men armed with AK-47 … Original source on Gaea Times at : US Navy reports robbery of 4 commercial ships near Iraq’s southern oil hub of Basra.

Prosecutor: Medical student charged in Craigslist killing commits suicide in Boston jailhouse

Craigslist killing suspect dead in Mass. suicide

A former medical student accused of killing a masseuse he met through Craigslist committed suicide in the Boston jail where he was awaiting trial, authorities said Sunday.
Philip Markoff, 24, was found unresponsive in his cell Sunday morning in the Nashua Street Jail, the Suffolk County district attorney’s office said …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Prosecutor: Medical student charged in Craigslist killing commits suicide in Boston jailhouse.

Buffalo wounded in poacher’s trap gores to death veteran Zimbabwean conservationist Steve Kok

Wounded buffalo kills Zimbabwean conservationist

HARARE, Zimbabwe – A wounded buffalo, known as one of the most aggressive animals in the African bush, gored veteran Zimbabwean conservationist Steve Kok to death, ending his years of dedication to saving wild animals from poachers’ traps, colleagues said Tuesday. He was 71.
The buffalo had injured its leg, partially severing … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Buffalo wounded in poacher’s trap gores to death veteran Zimbabwean conservationist Steve Kok.

Connecticut police charged 2nd person in beer thefts from company where 9 died in rampage

2nd charged in Conn. beer thefts preceding rampage

ENFIELD, Conn. – Police in Connecticut have charged a second person in connection with the theft of beer from a company where a worker killed eight people and himself two weeks ago.
Thirty-three-year-old Sean Quail, of Enfield, was charged Monday with misdemeanor larceny and conspiracy. He posted bail and …. Original article  : Connecticut police charged 2nd person in beer thefts from company where 9 died in rampage.

Report: Nigeria police arrest innocent and kill over bribes as little as 13 cents

Report: Bribes fuel corruption in Nigeria police

LAGOS, Nigeria – A new report claims Nigeria’s federal police officers use illegal arrests, torture and killing to demand bribes from innocent people.
The report released Tuesday by Human Rights Watch claims police officers sometimes kill people over as little as 13 cents.
The report also says police recruits must bribe …. Original article  : Report: Nigeria police arrest innocent and kill over bribes as little as 13 cents.

56 die in Iraq suicide bombing

BAGHDAD – At least 56 people were killed Tuesday morning when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside an Iraqi army recruiting centre in Baghdad, officials were quoted by local media as saying.

The blast, which appeared to be targeting soldiers, police and new or potential recruits, also injured some 100 people.
According to witnesses, the …. Read the original article  : 56 die in Iraq suicide bombing.

2 boys found dead in car in SC river; autopsies set, mother charged with leaving scene

2 boys found dead in car in SC river; mom charged

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – A woman who watched divers pull the limp bodies of two toddlers out of a car that had floated downriver near her home says she can’t understand why the boys’ mother, who was arrested, didn’t bang on her door for help.
Ramona Milhouse, … Read more : 2 boys found dead in car in SC river; autopsies set, mother charged with leaving scene.

PDP chief Maudany arrested in Bangalore blast case

ANWARASSERY – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Abdul Nazir Maudany was Tuesday arrested for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Bangalore bombings.

Just as Maudany was leaving his residence-cum-party headquarters here to surrender at the court, a contingent of Karnataka and Kerala police arrived and took him into custody.
Karnataka police official Omkarayyah has executed the … Read more >>.

AP Interview: UCI chief questions US probe, says no contact yet with investigators

Cycling chief: no contact from US investigators

SINGAPORE – Cycling’s top official has questioned whether the latest investigation into cheating at the highest level of the sport is being driven by new information or old vendettas.
International cycling union chief Pat McQuaid told The Associated Press on the sidelines of the Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday that … Read more >>.

SC sheriff to discuss how 2 toddlers died in submerged car; mother charged with leaving scene

SC sheriff to discuss death of toddlers
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – A South Carolina sheriff is expected to give more information about the deaths of two toddlers whose bodies were recovered from a submerged car and their mother arrested.

An Orangeburg County Sheriff spokeswoman says the news conference is expected sometime Tuesday morning. Autopsies are also scheduled in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : SC sheriff to discuss how 2 toddlers died in submerged car; mother charged with leaving scene.

PDP chief Maudany arrested

ANWARASSERY – People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Abdul Nazir Maudany was Tuesday arrested for his alleged involvement in the 2008 Bangalore bombings.

Just as Maudany was leaving his residence-cum-party headquarters here to surrender at the court, a contingent of Karnataka and Kerala police arrived and took him into custody.
Karnataka police official Omkarayyah has executed the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

40 killed in Iraq suicide bombing

BAGHDAD – At least 40 people were killed Tuesday morning when a suicide bomber blew himself up outside an Iraqi army recruiting centre in Baghdad, officials were quoted by local media as saying.

At least 100 people were also injured in the blast which appeared to be targeting mostly soldiers, police and new recruits.
Further details …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 40 killed in Iraq suicide bombing.

Dad to make 3rd trip to Texas death chamber for execution of gang member who killed daughter

3rd trip to Texas death chamber for grieving dad

HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Randy Ertman knows the road to the Texas death chamber too well.
He’s set to make the trip to Huntsville again Tuesday evening to witness for the third time the execution of one of the gang members responsible for the rape and murder of his …. Read the original article  : Dad to make 3rd trip to Texas death chamber for execution of gang member who killed daughter.

Blagojevich corruption trial observers try to guess what jury notes mean for outcome

Jury notes are crumbs of info for Blago watchers

CHICAGO – Trying to decide whether notes from jurors deliberating at the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich are good for the defense or the prosecution has become a kind of parlor game for anyone closely scrutinizing the proceedings.
Much of it’s guesswork, but many seem … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Blagojevich corruption trial observers try to guess what jury notes mean for outcome.

AP Exclusive: Under desk, CIA found video of 9/11 plotter being interrogated in secret prison

AP Exclusive: Terrorist tapes found under CIA desk

WASHINGTON – The CIA has tapes of 9/11 plotter Ramzi Binalshibh being interrogated in a secret overseas prison. Discovered under a desk, the recordings could provide an unparalleled look at how foreign governments aided the U.S. in holding and questioning suspected terrorists.
The two videotapes and one audiotape are … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Exclusive: Under desk, CIA found video of 9/11 plotter being interrogated in secret prison.

Craigslist suspect’s suicide angers victim’s family; public still intrigued by his double life

Craigslist suspect’s suicide riles victim’s family

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Suicides in jail aren’t uncommon – but rarely do they involve such high-profile inmates as Craigslist killing suspect Philip Markoff.
Now the family of the woman he was accused of murdering is left yearning for justice, while the public remains captivated by the fit-for-Hollywood story of a medical …. Source article  : Craigslist suspect’s suicide angers victim’s family; public still intrigued by his double life.

Deathrace Driver gets Clean Chit from San Bernardino County Sheriff

CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Just after a burglary, right under San Bernardino County Sheriff’s nose news on a car crash hit the authorities. San Bernardino Sheriffs are having a tough time here.
The Saturday crash took place at an off-road race in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. The driver ran over 8 people to their death as …. Read the original article  : Deathrace Driver gets Clean Chit from San Bernardino County Sheriff.

Mother of baby lost in Aussie Outback 30 years ago wants death certificate to blame dingo

Mother renews plea to name dingo as baby’s killer

ADELAIDE, Australia – The mother wrongly convicted of murdering her infant after the baby infamously disappeared in the Australian Outback 30 years ago pleaded Tuesday for her daughter’s death certificate to state that a dingo was responsible.
Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton published an open letter on her website Tuesday – … Read more >>.

Craigslist Killer Phillip Markoff Committed Suicide in jail

BOSTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Craiglist Killer suspect, Phillip Markoff was found dead in Boston jail on Sunday morning. He was accused of robbing, assaulting a group of prostitutes and killing an escort.
Phillip Markoff was alone in the Boston Jail when police found him dead. He committed suicide slitting his wrists. He was arrested in the …. Original article  : Craigslist Killer Phillip Markoff Committed Suicide in jail.

Engineer sentenced in NY to 2 1/2 years in prison for violating Iran trade embargo

Man gets NY prison time for violating Iran embargo

NEW YORK – A scientist convicted of violating a trade embargo after his family in Iran sent him $3.4 million was sentenced Monday to 2 1/2 years in prison by a judge who noted that the defendant did not support terrorism or funnel money to Iran’s government.
Mahmoud … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Engineer sentenced in NY to 2 1/2 years in prison for violating Iran trade embargo.

Feds: Alaska couple accused of domestic terrorism had 20 names on hit list

Feds: Alaska couple had 20 names on hit list

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A rural Alaska couple accused of domestic terrorism compiled a hit list of 20 targets, including members of the military and media, and had moved to the operational phase of their plan, according to documents filed in federal court Monday.
Paul and Nadia Rockwood of …. Read the original article  : Feds: Alaska couple accused of domestic terrorism had 20 names on hit list.

Feds: Alaska couple accused of domestic terrorism had 20 names on hit lit

Feds: Alaska couple had 20 names on hit lit

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A rural Alaska couple accused of domestic terrorism had 20 names on a hit lit and had moved to the operational phase.
That’s according to new court documents filed against Paul and Nadia Rockwood of King Salmon. They have pleaded guilty to lying about the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Feds: Alaska couple accused of domestic terrorism had 20 names on hit lit.

Agnivesh proposes 72-hour ceasefire with Maoists

KOLKATA – Welcoming the Maoist offer for a three-month ceasefire to begin talks, social activist Swami Agnivesh Wednesday proposed an initial three-day truce between the government and the guerrillas as a confidence building measure.

“It’s a forthright decision by Communist Party of India (CPI)-Maoist politburo member Kishenji. It is a befitting response to the president and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Agnivesh proposes 72-hour ceasefire with Maoists.

Philippines suspends entire police station, investigates alleged torture of detainee

Philippines suspends 11 police in torture probe

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine police relieved an entire precinct and began an investigation Wednesday after a television station aired footage purportedly showing officers torturing a naked detainee.
The man is believed to be a suspected thief caught in Manila’s Tondo slum district, according to ABS-CBN TV, which said it obtained …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Philippines suspends entire police station, investigates alleged torture of detainee.

Kashmir frees six jailed Pakistani militants

JAMMU – The Jammu and Kashmir government has set free six Pakistani militants and sent them to the Attari border checkpost in Punjab for their deportation to Pakistan, official sources said.

Three others, including a woman caught while crossing the border, have also been set free.
“At least six Pakistani militants were set free (Tuesday) evening. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kashmir frees six jailed Pakistani militants.

Maoists blast Jharkhand school building, kill contractor

RANCHI – Maoist rebels blew up a school building and shot dead a contractor in two separate incidents in Jharkhand, police said Wednesday.

Around 15 to 20 Maoist rebels Tuesday night raided Ziyan village in East Singhhum district, around 160 km from here, and blasted the primary school building with the help of explosives and detonators. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Maoists blast Jharkhand school building, kill contractor.

Jurors were close to convicting Rod Blagojevich on many charges, including Senate seat count

Jurors were close to convicting Rod Blagojevich
CHICAGO – They were close. After three weeks of respectful but increasingly tense deliberations, 11 jurors were ready to convict Rod Blagojevich of what prosecutors called a “political corruption crime spree” that would have sent yet another former Illinois governor to prison.
Not close enough. On vote after … Read more : Jurors were close to convicting Rod Blagojevich on many charges, including Senate seat count.

Police exploring why Texas gunman with explosive-laden trailer opened fire outside station

Police seeking motive for Texas gunman’s attack

McKINNEY, Texas – Police in a Dallas suburb are seeking a motive after a man towed a trailer full of explosives into the parking lot of their headquarters, set fire to his truck and began shooting at the building.
Authorities say 29-year-old Patrick Gray Sharp died after a shootout with … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police exploring why Texas gunman with explosive-laden trailer opened fire outside station.

City of Bell says it has terminated ‘loan program’ that lent nearly $900,000 to city employees

City of Bell says it has terminated ‘loan program’

BELL, Calif. – The California city of Bell has ended a loan program devised by the former city administrator whose exorbitant salary sparked a scandal in the small working class city, interim city manager Pedro Carrillo said Tuesday.
“Since learning of the ‘loan program’ it was immediately terminated,” … Read : City of Bell says it has terminated ‘loan program’ that lent nearly $900,000 to city employees.

Singapore extends jail term of Swiss graffiti vandal by 2 months, rejects appeal

S’pore adds 2 months to jail term of Swiss vandal
SINGAPORE – A Singapore judge rejected an appeal by a Swiss graffiti vandal to reduce his five-month jail term and instead added two months to the sentence Wednesday.
Justice V K Rajah ruled that Oliver Fricker’s initial sentence of two months for trespassing was insufficient … Original source on Gaea Times at : Singapore extends jail term of Swiss graffiti vandal by 2 months, rejects appeal.

Israeli jets raid Gaza targets

GAZA – Israeli airplanes struck several targets in the Gaza Strip, apparently in response to the injury of two soldiers by Palestinian militants.

Witnesses said that the air strikes destroyed two smuggling tunnels beneath Gaza’s southern border with Egypt late Tuesday. Medical sources said there were no casualties in these raids, Xinhua reported .
The …. Source  : Israeli jets raid Gaza targets.

AP Interview: Costa Rican president wants US anti-drug aid program for Central America

Costa Rica wants US anti-drug program for CentAm

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla said Tuesday she wants the United States to offer an anti-drug aid program just for Central America.
The region currently gets some aid to fight organized crime through the Merida Initiative, a $1.4 billion aid program pledged by President …. Read the original article  : AP Interview: Costa Rican president wants US anti-drug aid program for Central America.

CIA tapes show 9/11 suspects in secret prisons

WASHINGTON – The US Central Intelligence Agency has videotapes made at a secret prison in Morocco showing the interrogation of a conspirator in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, CNN reported Tuesday.

The tapes were reportedly found three years ago under a desk at the CIA’s headquarters in Langley, Virginia, and may offer insights into … Original source on Gaea Times at : CIA tapes show 9/11 suspects in secret prisons.

Rocker Ted Nugent pleads no contest in California to baiting deer during televised hunt

Ted Nugent pleads no contest to deer baiting in CA

MARYSVILLE, Calif. – Rocker and celebrity hunter Ted Nugent will have to pay a $1,750 fine after pleading no contest in California to baiting a deer and not having a properly signed hunting tag.
California Department of Fish and Game spokesman Patrick Foy says game wardens saw …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US appeals court panel: Law against faking receipt of military medals is unconstitutional

Appeals court: Stolen Valor Act unconstitutional

PASADENA, Calif. – A three-year-old federal law that makes it a crime to falsely claim to have received a medal from the U.S. military is unconstitutional, an appeals court panel in California ruled Tuesday.
The decision involves the case of Xavier Alvarez of Pomona, Calif., a water district board member who … Original source on Gaea Times at : US appeals court panel: Law against faking receipt of military medals is unconstitutional.

Pharmacist: Doctors prescribed dangerous doses of drugs for Anna Nicole Smith

Witness: Dangerous drug doses prescribed for Smith

LOS ANGELES – A pharmacist testified Tuesday he refused to fill a request from two doctors for drugs he believed would have killed Anna Nicole Smith if taken in the doses prescribed.
Ira Freeman, who identified hundreds of prescription he filled for the Playboy model over five years, said he …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pharmacist: Doctors prescribed dangerous doses of drugs for Anna Nicole Smith.

Okla. execution stayed for 3rd time after defense attorneys object to lethal injection drug

Judge stays Oklahoma man’s execution for 3rd time

OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma death row inmate’s execution was stayed for the third time in less than three months Tuesday, after his defense attorneys objected to plans to substitute a drug in his lethal injection.
U.S. District Judge Stephen Friot issued the stay just hours before Jeffrey David …. Original source  : Okla. execution stayed for 3rd time after defense attorneys object to lethal injection drug.

Arizona sheriff’s office says it hasn’t turned over records in Justice Department probe

Ariz. sheriff hasn’t turned over records in probe

PHOENIX – An Arizona sheriff’s office says it hasn’t turned over records the U.S. Department of Justice is requesting as part of a civil rights investigation.
The Justice Department has threatened to sue the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office if it didn’t hand over the records by Tuesday.
Robert Driscoll, a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Arizona sheriff’s office says it hasn’t turned over records in Justice Department probe.

APNewsBreak: Juror says Blago panel locked 11-1 to convict in alleged plan to sell Senate seat

APNewsBreak: Blago panel deadlocked 11-1 on Senate
CHICAGO – A juror in the corruption trial of Rod Blagojevich says the panel was deadlocked 11-1 in favor of convicting the former Illinois governor of trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat.
Juror Erik Sarnello of Itasca, Ill said a female holdout “just …. Original article  : APNewsBreak: Juror says Blago panel locked 11-1 to convict in alleged plan to sell Senate seat.

Police arrest man who allegedly assumed identity of Arizona soldier stationed in Iraq

Police: Arizona soldier victim of identity theft

MESA, Ariz. – Police have arrested a man accused of assuming the identity of an Arizona soldier stationed in Iraq.
Mesa police say 21-year-old Richard L. Schrodt was taken into custody Monday and booked into jail on suspicion of identity theft and forgery.
They say Schrodt and Richard Burke were high …. Read the original article  : here.

Travis County prosecutor reviewing double billing by Dallas-area lawmaker

Prosecutor reviews Texas lawmaker’s double billing

AUSTIN, Texas – Travis County prosecutors are reviewing the double-billing practices of a north Texas lawmaker who took taxpayer reimbursements for travel that had been paid for by his campaign, the district attorney said Tuesday.
Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg said her office opened a review of state Rep. Joe … Original article on : Travis County prosecutor reviewing double billing by Dallas-area lawmaker.

Blago jury deadlocks on all but 1 charge against former governor; prosecutors plan retrial

Jury deadlocks on all but 1 charge against Blago
CHICAGO – A federal jury deadlocked Tuesday on all but one of 24 charges against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, including the most explosive of all – that he tried to sell an appointment …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Blago jury deadlocks on all but 1 charge against former governor; prosecutors plan retrial.

16 injured in grenade attack in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least 16 people were injured in a grenade attack Thursday morning in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

An unidentified person attacked a shop with a hand grenade in a crowded market in Bannu district, Xinhua said, citing local media reports.
According to hospital sources, most of the injured are in stable …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 16 injured in grenade attack in Pakistan.

Motel room where police say 2 SC toddlers were suffocated will be remembered

Room in SC tragedy where 2 killed to be remembered

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – The red evidence tape has been removed, yet the horror of what police say happened inside room 31 won’t soon be forgotten.
A South Carolina mother is accused of suffocating her two small children in the room, then strapping them into their car seats …. Read the original article  : Motel room where police say 2 SC toddlers were suffocated will be remembered.

One killed in attack on Kashmir legislator

SRINAGAR – A Special Police Officer (SPO) was killed and two police guards were injured when separatist guerrillas attacked a Jammu and Kashmir legislator’s residence in Sopore town.

According to police, the guerrillas attacked the house of Muhammad Ashraf Dar of the ruling National Conference party.
“The guerrillas escaped after the incident,” an officer said. Dar …. Read the original article  : One killed in attack on Kashmir legislator.

Despite expense, at least some jurors glad Rod Blagojevich will face another trial

Some jurors glad Blagojevich will be tried again
CHICAGO – Federal prosecutors aren’t alone in wanting a retrial after the jury deadlocked on all but one count at former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial.
Some jurors also want to see the impeached Democratic governor back in court and have expressed frustration that the panel …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Seahawks LB Leroy Hill avoids trial, agrees to court stipulations in domestic violence case

Hill agrees to court stipulations in DV case

ISSAQUAH, Wash. – Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill will have a domestic violence charge dismissed if he complies with Issaquah Municipal Court stipulations for 18 months.
Prosecutor Lynn Moberly told The Associated Press on Wednesday night the 27-year-old Hill entered into a stipulated order of continuance at a hearing …. Read the original article  : Seahawks LB Leroy Hill avoids trial, agrees to court stipulations in domestic violence case.

Jean M. Barrie Signature Inside Mysterious Trunk

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- On Tuesday, two fetuses wrapped in newspapers dating back to 1930s and kept inside doctor’s bags were found inside an unclaimed steamer trunk by women who were cleaning the basement of a four-story 1924 apartment building in the Westlake district of Los Angeles. Apart from the 1930s newspaper, the other items … Original article on : Jean M. Barrie Signature Inside Mysterious Trunk.

After stroke, Beau Biden back to running, and running for re-election as Del. attorney general

Beau Biden back on the campaign trail after stroke

DOVER, Del. – Three months after he was sidelined by a mild stroke, Beau Biden is back to jogging three to four times a week, but he’s still taking life one step at a time.
The eldest son of Vice President Joe Biden is campaigning hard for re-election …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : After stroke, Beau Biden back to running, and running for re-election as Del. attorney general.

Boy dies in Kashmir, toll rises to 60

SRINAGAR – An eight-year-old boy, hit by a stray bullet during clashes between security forces and protesters, died here Thursday, taking the toll in the Kashmir Valley unrest since June 11 to 60.

Milat Ahmad Dar was injured Saturday in Harnagh village of Anantnag district. He was playing with his friends when a bullet fired some …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Boy dies in Kashmir, toll rises to 60.

US-Russia await Thai court ruling Friday on extradition of alleged top arms dealer Viktor Bout

Thais to rule on suspected arms dealer extradition

BANGKOK – The suspected Russian arms dealer known as “The Merchant of Death” is tired of prison life but optimistic a Thai appeals court will rule in his favor Friday and refuse to extradite him to the United States, his lawyer said.
Viktor Bout, a 44-year-old former Soviet air … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US-Russia await Thai court ruling Friday on extradition of alleged top arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Australian judge orders Muslim witness to remove burqa when testifying in fraud trial

Australian judge: Woman cannot wear burqa in court

PERTH, Australia – A Muslim witness in an Australian fraud trial must remove her all-covering burqa while giving evidence, a judge ruled Thursday.
Western Australia District Court Judge Shauna Deane said it would be inappropriate for the woman to testify with her face covered but didn’t specify what the …. Original article  : Australian judge orders Muslim witness to remove burqa when testifying in fraud trial.

NATO soldier, five civilians killed in Afghan violence

KABUL – A suicide car bomb struck a police vehicle in southern Afghanistan, killing a district police chief and four other people, and a NATO soldier died in a separate attack, NATO and Afghan officials said Thursday.

“The insurgents pulled alongside the Daman district police chief’s vehicle while travelling toward Kandahar city and detonated the explosives-laden … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NATO soldier, five civilians killed in Afghan violence.

US says not negotiating with Wikileaks

WASHINGTON – The US has said it is not in direct contact with Wikileaks, a website that published tens of thousands of classified documents related to the Afghanistan war and has plans to publish more.

Defence Department spokesman Bryan Whitman said Wednesday the website contacted no “competent authorities” in the Pentagon and the department “has had …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Malaysia to boost size of security corps despite allegations that volunteers abuse immigrants

Malaysia boosts security corps accused of abuses

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia is expanding a volunteer security corps accused of human rights abuses and adding to its responsibities even though the new recruits won’t be trained for now, the corps leader said Thursday.
The government-backed corps, known by its acronym RELA, is meant to help police and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Militants kill two villagers in Jammu and Kashmir

JAMMU – Militants have killed two villagers in a mountainous area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, police said Thursday.

Javed Ahmad and Nanak Chand of Sukha-Chasana area of Reasi district were shot dead by militants in Kousar Nag area, about 150 km from Jammu. Their bodies have been recovered.
Police said this is part of … Read more : Militants kill two villagers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Canadian police: Owners kept British Columbia marijuana fields surrounded with bears

BC police: Bears surrounded pot fields
CHRISTINA LAKE, British Columbia – Police who uncovered two marijuana fields near the U.S.-Canada border had to tread carefully: 13 black bears were wandering around the crops.

The fields of about 2,300 plants were found near Christina Lake, just a few miles (kilometers) from the border.
Royal Candian Mounted Police Cpl. Dan …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Song dedicated to Osama on YouTube

Skopje, Aug 19 (IANS/AKI) A group of ethnic Albanian Muslims in Macedonia have uploaded a song praising terrorist Osama Bin Laden on the popular video sharing website YouTube.

“Allah is great. You fled from your hometown and swore to Jihad. You spent your life in the mountains and all you had you sacrificed to Allah”, says … Read more : Song dedicated to Osama on YouTube.

Lori Berenson surrenders to Peruvian police, returning to prison with toddler after ruling

American activist sent back to prison in Peru

LIMA, Peru – An American activist convicted of aiding leftist rebels surrendered to police Wednesday after a court struck down a decision granting her parole and ordered her to return to prison, where she is to remain with her 15-month-old son for the time being.
Lori Berenson was arrested … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lori Berenson surrenders to Peruvian police, returning to prison with toddler after ruling.

Fetuses wrapped in 1930s newspapers found in trunk in old Los Angeles apartment basement

Fetuses found in CA basement trunk dating to ’30s

LOS ANGELES – Remains of two fetuses wrapped in 1930s newspapers and placed in doctor’s bags were found inside an unclaimed steamer trunk by women cleaning out the basement of a 1924 apartment building that’s being converted to condominiums, authorities and witnesses said.
The remains were discovered late …. Read the original article  : Fetuses wrapped in 1930s newspapers found in trunk in old Los Angeles apartment basement.

Final brigade of US combat troops leaves Iraq

WASHINGTON – The final US combat troops departed Iraq early Thursday, ahead of schedule to complete a key phase of President Barack Obama’s plan to withdraw, US media reported.

An NBC television correspondent embedded with the US Army’s 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, reported the troops began crossing the border into Kuwait at 1:30 a.m. (2230 … Read more : Final brigade of US combat troops leaves Iraq.

Kenneth Bianchi denied parole in Hillside Strangler killings that terrorized LA in 1970s

‘Hillside Strangler’ Bianchi denied parole

LOS ANGELES – A man who was convicted in the so-called Hillside Strangler killings that terrorized Los Angeles in the 1970s has lost his latest bid for parole.
Los Angeles County district attorney’s office spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons says Kenneth Bianchi was denied parole Wednesday by a state board in Sacramento. He will …. Original source  : Kenneth Bianchi denied parole in Hillside Strangler killings that terrorized LA in 1970s.

Larry Birkhead gives jurors inside story of life with Anna Nicole Smith and drugs

Birkhead shares story of life with Anna Nicole

LOS ANGELES – Larry Birkhead, one of the central figures in the Anna Nicole Smith drama, is returning to the witness stand to give jurors the inside story of his life with the late Playboy model and her drug use.
Birkhead, the father of Smith’s daughter, Dannielynn, was to …. Original article  : Larry Birkhead gives jurors inside story of life with Anna Nicole Smith and drugs.

Authorities catch last prison escapee at Arizona campsite, ending 3-week nationwide manhunt

Arizona fugitive and fiancee arrested at campsite

PHOENIX – An unattended campfire and a suspicious forest ranger led to the arrest of two of the most wanted fugitives in the U.S., ending a three-week nationwide manhunt that drew hundreds of false sightings, authorities said.
John McCluskey fled July 30 with two other inmates from a private prison …. Source  : Authorities catch last prison escapee at Arizona campsite, ending 3-week nationwide manhunt.

UK warns Libya any celebration of Lockerbie bomber’s freedom would be offensive and tasteless

UK warns Libya over Lockerbie bomber anniversary

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Britain’s government says it has warned Libya that any celebration of the anniversary of the release from jail of the Lockerbie bomber would be offensive and insensitive to the families of the mainly U.S. victims of the attack.
Abdel Baset Al-Megrahi is the only person convicted in … Read more »»».

British families of Lockerbie victims call on US senators to visit Scotland

UK Lockerbie families call US senators to Scotland

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Some families of the British victims of the Lockerbie bombing have challenged four U.S. senators to speak to them about their take on the 1988 terror attack.
Although the American relatives of those who died in the attack have largely focused on the controversy surrounding the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : British families of Lockerbie victims call on US senators to visit Scotland.

South Korea arrests religious activist for making illegal trip to North Korea

SKorea arrests activist after trip to NKorea
SEOUL, South Korea – Authorities arrested a South Korean religious activist Friday as he passed through the heavily fortified demilitarized zone after an illegal trip to North Korea.
U.N. Command spokesman Kim Yong-kyu said South Korean officials took Rev. Han Sang-ryol into custody as he walked through the [..] Read the original article: here.

Investigators say they don’t know what led Iraq war vet to kill pregnant wife, daughter, self

Police look for why vet killed family, self

MADISON, Wis. – An Iraq war veteran who police say shot and killed his pregnant wife and young daughter before turning the gun on himself left behind no clues to explain what might have prompted the bloodshed, investigators say.
There was no note and no evidence that there had …. Source article  : Investigators say they don’t know what led Iraq war vet to kill pregnant wife, daughter, self.

Thai appeals court rules to extradite alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout to US

Thais rule to extradite Russian arms suspect to US

BANGKOK – A Thai appeals court ruled Friday to extradite suspected Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout to the United States, effectively ending a more than decade-long chase for the man dubbed “The Merchant of Death.”
The court ordered Bout’s extradition within three months, overturning a lower court’s ruling …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sheriff’s office: Final Arizona prison escape, companion caught at campground in Arizona

Authorities: Ariz. escapee caught at campground

PHOENIX – After nearly three weeks on the run, an escaped state prison inmate and his fiancee who were targets of an intense nationwide manhunt were captured Thursday at an Arizona campground after an alert forest ranger spotted the suspicious couple, along with their stolen vehicle hidden in the trees.
John …. Original article  : Sheriff’s office: Final Arizona prison escape, companion caught at campground in Arizona.

Officials: Escaped Arizona prison inmate, fiancee captured in northeastern Arizona

Escaped Arizona prison inmate, fiancee captured

PHOENIX – An escaped state prison inmate and his fiancee who have been on the run for weeks were captured Thursday in northeastern Arizona, officials told The Associated Press.
Details were sketchy and Arizona authorities scheduled a news briefing late Thursday night to discuss the capture of John McCluskey and Casslyn …. Read the original article  : here.

Thai appeals court rule to extradite alleged top arms dealer Viktor Bout to US

Thais rule to extradite arms suspect to US

BANGKOK – An appeals court in Thailand ruled Friday to extradite suspected Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout to the United States, effectively ending a more than decade-long chase for the man dubbed “The Merchant of Death.”
The decision overturns a lower court’s rejection of the U.S. extradition request. The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thai appeals court rule to extradite alleged top arms dealer Viktor Bout to US.

Rio Tinto chief vows to persist in efforts to win approval for Pilbara joint venture with BHP

Rio Tinto vows to work for approval of Pilbara JV

SHANGHAI – Global miner Rio Tinto’s CEO shrugged off doubts Friday over a proposed iron ore joint venture in Australia with BHP Billiton, saying he will do everything he can to win regulatory approval for a deal opposed by big ore buyers like China.
His comments came …. Read the original article  : Rio Tinto chief vows to persist in efforts to win approval for Pilbara joint venture with BHP.

Thai appeals court to rule on US extradition bid for alleged top arms dealer Viktor Bout

Thais to rule on US bid to extradite arms dealer

BANGKOK – An appeals court in Thailand began delivering a final verdict Friday on a U.S. request to extradite suspected arms smuggler Viktor Bout, the elusive Russian businessman dubbed “The Merchant of Death.”
Bout, a 43-year-old former Soviet air force officer, is reputed to be one of …. Source article  : Thai appeals court to rule on US extradition bid for alleged top arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Supreme Court Justice Kennedy says most terrorism cases should be tried in civilian courts

Kennedy favors civilian courts in terrorism cases

KAANAPALI, Hawaii – Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy said Thursday that most terrorism cases should be tried in civilian courts.
Kennedy addressed participants in the 9th Circuit Judicial Conference on Maui, where a panel discussion earlier this week reached a consensus in favor of using civilian courts instead of military … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Supreme Court Justice Kennedy says most terrorism cases should be tried in civilian courts.

7-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens charged with perjury, obstruction of Congress

Baseball great Clemens indicted in steroid case

WASHINGTON – Roger Clemens was vehement: “Let me be clear. I have never taken steroids or HGH,” he told a House committee in 2008. Now, instead of the Hall of Fame, baseball’s seven-time Cy Young winner could go to prison after being indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday …. Original source  : 7-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens charged with perjury, obstruction of Congress.

Child of leftist guerrillas finally confronts her alleged Argentine kidnapper in court

Guerrillas’ child testifies against kidnapper

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – The first dirty-war kidnap victim to be identified by DNA tests returned from Spain to testify that a former government intelligence agent not only stole her from her parents, but sexually abused her as well.
Carla Rutila, 35, was abducted as a baby in 1976 in Bolivia, where …. Original article  : Child of leftist guerrillas finally confronts her alleged Argentine kidnapper in court.

Peruvian justice minister: Berenson using toddler to gain sympathy in parole appeal

American back in Peruvian prison with toddler son

LIMA, Peru – Peru’s justice minister on Thursday accused American activist Lori Berenson of using her 15-month-old son to try to win sympathy as she was taken back to prison after an appeals court struck down a decision granting parole.
The 40-year-old from New York surrendered to police Wednesday …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Peruvian justice minister: Berenson using toddler to gain sympathy in parole appeal.

Money talks: Why the feds should offer disgraced star a plea deal

If Clemens is smart, he’ll cut losses starting now

Turns out some members of Congress didn’t believe Roger Clemens any more than the rest of us.
But what makes it a teachable moment is they did something about it. The lesson is that if you lie to enough people, eventually someone will take it personally. The drawback …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Money talks: Why the feds should offer disgraced star a plea deal.

Mexican president raises possibility of anonymous judges in drug trafficking cases

Calderon: Mexico should consider anonymous judges

MEXICO CITY – President Felipe Calderon said Mexico should consider appointing anonymous judges for drug trafficking trials, an unexpected proposal that he acknowledged contradicts the country’s efforts to build a more open judicial system.
Calderon, who raised the idea Thursday during meeting with senators on national security, said Mexico should at …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican president raises possibility of anonymous judges in drug trafficking cases.

Larry Birkhead, father of Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, testifies about Smith’s drug use

Birkhead testifies on Anna Nicole Smith’s drug use

LOS ANGELES – Larry Birkhead, the father of Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, has testified he saw Smith taking numerous prescription drugs but says she told him she was not an addict.
Birkhead told jurors Thursday how his love affair with the former Playboy model began when he photographed her.
He … Original source on Gaea Times at : Larry Birkhead, father of Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, testifies about Smith’s drug use.

Man freed after being imprisoned for 13 years for trying to steal food from Calif. church

Man free after years in jail for trying food theft

LOS ANGELES – A homeless man is free after spending 13 years behind bars for trying to steal food from a Los Angeles church kitchen.
Gregory Taylor became an example of the harsh sentences allowed by California’s three-strikes law when he was ordered to spend 25 years … Read : Man freed after being imprisoned for 13 years for trying to steal food from Calif. church.

Ariz. escapee, alleged accomplice jailed in Kingman, near site of state prison break

Ariz. escapee back in jail near site of prison

KINGMAN, Ariz. – Three weeks after his escape from an Arizona state prison set off a manhunt across the West, John McCluskey is back in a Mohave County jail.
McCluskey and his girlfriend Casslyn Welch were transferred late Friday night to the jail in Kingman, not far from …. Read the original article  : Ariz. escapee, alleged accomplice jailed in Kingman, near site of state prison break.

Three civilians among nine killed in Afghanistan

KABUL – Two children and a woman were killed in clashes between NATO-led forces and Taliban militants in Afghanistan, officials said Saturday.

Six Taliban insurgents were also killed during a joint operation of Afghan and NATO-led troops in Farah province Friday, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement.
The … Read : Three civilians among nine killed in Afghanistan.

Lockerbie bomber ‘manipulated’ illness for his release

LONDON – Amid mounting pressure on Britain to hold an independent inquiry into circumstances that led to the release of the lockerbie bomber from Scotland, media reports revealed that Abdelbaset al-Megrahi ‘manipulated’ his illness to win freedom.

It was claimed that the Libyan refused chemotherapy in a Scottish prison in an attempt to make his condition …. Original article  : Lockerbie bomber ‘manipulated’ illness for his release.

Eight policemen killed in Philippines attack

MANILA – Eight police officers were killed Saturday in an attack by communist rebels in the eastern Philippines, a police spokesman said.

The officers were aboard a pick-up when they were ambushed by the guerrillas in Catarman town in Northern Samar province, 450 km south-east of Manila, Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said.
Cruz said the officers … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Eight policemen killed in Philippines attack.

FBI documents: Hoover’s agents tracked 1969 desegration suit by blacks against Bear and ‘Bama

FBI tracked desegration suit against Bryant, ‘Bama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Forty years ago, Alabama football fans watched Southern California and a black running back named Sam Cunningham trounce coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s Crimson Tide in a game widely credited with helping start the integration of Southern football.
Fans weren’t the only ones watching Alabama football back then. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Several inmates stabbed at Maryland prison after fights break out at facility

Several inmates stabbed at Maryland prison

JESSUP, Md. – Maryland prison officials say several inmates have been stabbed after several fights broke out at the same time at the facility.
Mark Vernarelli, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, said the stabbings happened late Friday at the Brockbridge Correctional Facility in Anne Arundel County. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Several inmates stabbed at Maryland prison after fights break out at facility.

Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent

SARAIPUNG – Panic gripped villagers in Assam after incursions and attacks by tribals from Arunchal Pradesh, backed by militants of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), during the past one week.

A police spokesperson said heavily armed NSCN-IM militants accompanied by locals from Arunachal Pradesh have been continuously raiding Saraipung village …. Read the original article  : Assam-Arunachal border row turns violent.

Wis. forest workers brace for cleanup of debris believed to be left by suspected pot farmers

Workers examine alleged pot mess at Wis. forest

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST, Wis. – A suspected band of marijuana farmers accused of transforming part of a national forest in northeastern Wisconsin into their own private pot plantations left behind irrigation pits, clear-cutting of trees and bags of fertilizer.
While federal prosecutors push their cases against the ring, U.S. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Wis. forest workers brace for cleanup of debris believed to be left by suspected pot farmers.

Mexico brings tax charges against man fighting extradition in $205 million cash seizure case

Mexico adds tax charges in $205 million cash case

MEXICO CITY – Mexican prosecutors added tax evasion charges to drug counts pending against a Chinese-Mexican businessman who is fighting extradition from the United States, the Attorney General’s Office announced Friday.
The office says a judge has issued an arrest warrant for Zhenli Ye Gon, who is accused … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mexico brings tax charges against man fighting extradition in $205 million cash seizure case.

US missionary defends actions in Haiti ordeal, Silsby says she was ‘wrongly accused’

US missionary defends actions in Haiti ordeal

BOISE, Idaho – The leader of an American group detained while trying to take 33 children out of Haiti after the January earthquake defended her actions upon her release, saying she was “wrongly accused and held without just cause.”
Laura Silsby was freed in May after being convicted of arranging … Original article on : US missionary defends actions in Haiti ordeal, Silsby says she was ‘wrongly accused’.

Man gets 22-year prison sentence for killing of speed-camera van operator along Ariz. freeway

Man gets 22 years in Arizona speed-camera slaying

PHOENIX – A man accused of killing the operator of a speed-camera van parked along a Phoenix freeway has been sentenced to 22 years in prison.
Thomas Patrick Destories was sentenced Friday. He had faced a first-degree murder charge but pleaded guilty to second-degree murder under a plea deal.
The …. Source article  : Man gets 22-year prison sentence for killing of speed-camera van operator along Ariz. freeway.

Former NBA Star Jayson Williams’ Prison Sentence Increased

NEW JERSY (GaeaTImes.com) — Former NBA star Jayson Williams has finally admitted that he was driving drunk when his SUV slammed into a tree on January 5 this year. This has cost one extra year behind bars to this troubled player who is already set to spend 5 years in prison for other criminal … Read : Former NBA Star Jayson Williams’ Prison Sentence Increased.

Federal prosecutors drop all charges against former Westar Energy executives Wittig and Lake

Prosecutors drop case against former Westar execs

WICHITA, Kan. – A federal judge Friday dismissed all charges against two former Westar Energy executives who were accused of looting the Kansas utility, granting a request by prosecutors that came just hours after the state’s new U.S. attorney was sworn in.
Former Westar chief executive David Wittig and his … Original source on Gaea Times at : Federal prosecutors drop all charges against former Westar Energy executives Wittig and Lake.

Photographer and AP agree to drop claims against each other in Obama poster dispute

Photographer and AP drop claims against each other
NEW YORK – A photographer who took a picture that the Barack Obama “HOPE” image was based on dropped his claim Friday that he owns the copyright to the photograph, instead of The Associated Press. The AP also dropped its claim against him.
The stipulation …. Read the original article  : Photographer and AP agree to drop claims against each other in Obama poster dispute.

Former NFL great Lawrence Taylor’s sex assault case involving teen goes before new judge in NY

New NY judge gets ex-NFL star Taylor’s rape case

NEW CITY, N.Y. – A new judge will hear the sex assault case against pro football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor in New York.
The Journal News says the State Supreme Court Justice William Kelly was assigned to the case after Rockland County Court Judge William Nelson recused … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Former NFL great Lawrence Taylor’s sex assault case involving teen goes before new judge in NY.

Al Qaeda claims Baghdad blast

Rome, Aug 21 (IANS/AKI) The Al Qaeda terror network has claimed responsibility for a suicide blast at an army recruitment centre in Baghdad that killed at least 59 people and wounded over 100.

In a message posted on Islamist websites, the Al Qaeda network in Iraq (Islamic State of Iraq) said Tuesday’s bombing targeted Shias …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Al Qaeda claims Baghdad blast.

Anchorage police: feds won’t pursue sex case charges against former VECO chairman Bill Allen

Police: Feds won’t try Bill Allen in sex case

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Department of Justice has decided not to pursue charges against former VECO Corp. Chairman Bill Allen in a child sexual abuse investigation, officials said Friday.
Anchorage Police Lt. Dave Parker confirmed that federal authorities have declined to prosecute. A second person briefed on the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Anchorage police: feds won’t pursue sex case charges against former VECO chairman Bill Allen.

Mother of Fla. girl hurt in fall from Wis. amusement park ride: ‘It’s a miracle she’s alive’

Fall victim’s mother says it’s ‘miracle’ she lived

MADISON, Wis. – Teagan Marti saw the free-fall ride Terminal Velocity at a Wisconsin Dells amusement park featured on a cable travel show and, being an adventurous 12-year-old, convinced her family to make the trip north from Florida to check it out.
Standing in line for the ride at …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mother of Fla. girl hurt in fall from Wis. amusement park ride: ‘It’s a miracle she’s alive’.

3 weeks on run, fugitive ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ nabbed in Ariz. forest without fight

3 weeks on run, fugitives arrested without fight

ST. JOHNS, Ariz. – The prison escape spurred a three-week manhunt stretching from Arizona to Montana to Arkansas. But it ended not far from where it began.
The self-styled “Bonnie and Clyde” team of escapee John McCluskey and girlfriend Casslyn Welch surrendered without bloodshed at a campsite in eastern … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 3 weeks on run, fugitive ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ nabbed in Ariz. forest without fight.

Immigration agents arrest 47 people with alleged gang ties in Mass., Maine, Conn., RI

47 immigrants arrested in 4 New England states

BOSTON – Federal immigration officials say a three-month operation in four New England states has led to the arrest of 47 people suspected of being gang members or having ties to gangs.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Harold Ort said on Friday that many of the suspects had … Read more »»».

BNP-Jamaat linked to 2004 grenade attacks: Hasina

DHAKA – Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has alleged that her political rival Khaleda Zia, chief of the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), and the then government had “direct links” with the grenade attacks on a 2004 party rally in which 24 people were killed and over 400 injured.

“Certain activities of the then BNP-Jamaat coalition government …. Read the original article  : BNP-Jamaat linked to 2004 grenade attacks: Hasina.

Gunmen, Mexican police battle in Ciudad Juarez; 1 killed as El Paso shuts border highway

1 dead in Mexico shootout on border with El Paso
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico – A gunbattle erupted between Mexican police and gunmen near the Rio Grande on Saturday, killing one person and prompting U.S. authorities to close a highway that runs along the border in El Paso, Texas.
There were no reports of bullets …. Read the original article  : Gunmen, Mexican police battle in Ciudad Juarez; 1 killed as El Paso shuts border highway.

Venezuelan prosecutors say soldier kills 2, ensuing shootout wounds 6 at Caracas military base

2 shot dead at Venezuela military base; 6 wounded

CARACAS, Venezuela – A soldier shot and killed two officers at a Venezuelan military base Saturday, setting off a gunfight that wounded six other soldiers, authorities said.
The alleged gunman fled Caracas’ Fort Tiuna in a car that was later found abandoned in a slum, and troops and …. Source article  : Venezuelan prosecutors say soldier kills 2, ensuing shootout wounds 6 at Caracas military base.

Egyptian official backtracks, says stolen van Gogh painting not recovered, search continues

Egyptian minister: Search still on for van Gogh

CAIRO – Egypt’s culture minister on Saturday retracted his claim that police had recovered a van Gogh painting stolen from a Cairo museum, saying it was based on inaccurate information and that the search for the canvas continues.
The minister, Farouk Hosni, said earlier Saturday that police had confiscated …. Read the original article  : here.

Law enforcement swarms remote town north of Phoenix after shooting involving biker gangs

Police swarm Arizona town after biker shootout

CHINO VALLEY, Ariz. – Dozens of Arizona law enforcement officers have flooded into a small Arizona community after an apparent shootout involving motorcycle gang members.
Yavapai County sheriff’s spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says four or five people were shot and injured Saturday. One was flown to a Phoenix-area hospital. Their conditions …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Law enforcement swarms remote town north of Phoenix after shooting involving biker gangs.

2 security guards from FEMSA bottling company found dead day after shootout in northern Mexico

FEMSA guards found dead after Mexico shooting

MONTERREY, Mexico – The bodies of two security guards for Mexican bottling company FEMSA have been found dead a day after a shootout in northern Mexico.
FEMSA says in a statement that four other guards who disappeared after Friday’s shooting were located unharmed.
Police says the two slain guards were found …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 2 security guards from FEMSA bottling company found dead day after shootout in northern Mexico.

Gunmen battling police take hostages in luxury hotel in Rio, but surrender after 3 hours

Gunmen fighting Rio police invade luxury hotel

RIO DE JANEIRO – Heavily armed drug gang members engaged in an intense firefight with police, then fled into a luxury hotel popular with foreign tourists and held about 30 people hostage for three hours Saturday before surrendering.
The upscale, beachside neighborhood of Sao Conrado where the Intercontinental Hotel sits … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gunmen battling police take hostages in luxury hotel in Rio, but surrender after 3 hours.

Police: Fla. congressional candidate robbed at gunpoint while waiting for campaign appearance

Police: Fla. congressional candidate robbed

MIAMI – Police in North Miami say a Democratic congressional candidate has been robbed at gunpoint while waiting to make a campaign appearance at a church.
Police Lt. Neal Cuevas said that Marleine Bastien was in a car Saturday with her sister outside the Church of the Living God when another car …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police: Fla. congressional candidate robbed at gunpoint while waiting for campaign appearance.

Egyptian police recover Van Gogh painting hours after it was stolen from Cairo museum

Egyptian police recover stolen Van Gogh painting

CAIRO – Police recovered a painting by Vincent van Gogh at Cairo airport Saturday, hours after it was stolen from a museum in the Egyptian capital, the country’s culture minister said.
Farouk Hosni said security officers at the airport confiscated the painting from an Italian couple as they were trying …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sports columnist Jay Mariotti arrested on felony charge in Los Angeles

Sports columnist Jay Mariotti arrested in LA

LOS ANGELES – ESPN personality and AOL sports columnist Jay Mariotti has been arrested on a felony charge in Los Angeles.
Officer Norma Eisenman says the 51-year-old Mariotti was arrested early Saturday in the police department’s Pacific Division following a “domestic incident.” Eisenman declined to provide further details.
The Sheriff’s Department …. Source  : Sports columnist Jay Mariotti arrested on felony charge in Los Angeles.

US drone strike kills four militants in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – Four militants died Saturday when a US drone fired three missiles into a house in northwest Pakistan, Xinhua reported.

Several other people were injured in the attack in North Waziristan’s Mirali area.
… Original article on : US drone strike kills four militants in Pakistan.

Thieves steal Van Gogh painting valued at $50 million from Cairo museum

Thieves steal Van Gogh painting from Cairo museum

CAIRO – Thieves broke into a museum in central Cairo and made off with a painting by Vincent van Gogh valued at $50 million, officials said Saturday.
Egypt’s minister of culture, Farouk Hosni, said police have launched an investigation into the theft from the Mahmoud Khalil Museum and authorities …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Thieves steal Van Gogh painting valued at $50 million from Cairo museum.

ESPN personality Jay Mariotti arrested on felony charge in Los Angeles

ESPN personality Jay Mariotti arrested in LA

LOS ANGELES – ESPN personality and AOL sports columnist Jay Mariotti has been arrested on a felony charge in Los Angeles.
Officer Norma Eisenman says the 51-year-old Mariotti was arrested early Saturday in the police department’s Pacific Division following a “domestic incident.” Eisenman declined to provide further details.
The Sheriff’s Department … Read : ESPN personality Jay Mariotti arrested on felony charge in Los Angeles.

Swedish officials withdraw arrest warrant for WikiLeaks founder, say rape accusation unfounded

Sweden withdraws warrant for WikiLeaks founder

STOCKHOLM – Swedish authorities revoked a short-lived arrest warrant for the founder of WikiLeaks on Saturday, saying a rape accusation against him lacked substance.
Julian Assange, who was believed to be in Sweden, remained under suspicion of a lesser crime of molestation in a separate case, prosecutors said.
The nomadic 39-year-old Australian …. Read the original article  : here.

Former Mass. police chief asks judge to drop charges in 8-year-old Conn. boy’s Uzi death

Mass. man wants charges dropped in boy’s Uzi death

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A former Massachusetts police chief is asking a judge to dismiss charges he faces in connection with an child’s accidental shooting death at a gun show.
Former Pelham Police Chief Edward Fleury is charged with involuntary manslaughter and says he couldn’t have foreseen the death … Read : Former Mass. police chief asks judge to drop charges in 8-year-old Conn. boy’s Uzi death.

NJ man charged with killing 5 New Jersey teenagers in 1978 is freed on bail

NJ man accused in teens’ 1978 deaths freed on bail

NEWARK, N.J. – A man charged with murdering five New Jersey teens who disappeared in 1978 has been freed from jail after relatives posted his reduced bail.
Lee Evans, of Irvington, left the Essex County jail Friday evening and had no comment as he got into a …. Source  : NJ man charged with killing 5 New Jersey teenagers in 1978 is freed on bail.

Ohio dog that survived 6 gunshot wounds to move in with pit bulls seized from Michael Vick

Ohio dog shot 6 times to move in with Vick dogs

TOLEDO, Ohio – A German shepherd that survived six gunshots in Ohio soon will move to a no-kill shelter that took in pit bulls seized from Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring.
The Best Friends Animal Society says Sarge will leave for his new home in southern Utah … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ohio dog that survived 6 gunshot wounds to move in with pit bulls seized from Michael Vick.

Workers oppose mosque at 9/11 site

NEW YORK – A few construction workers’ unions have refused to work in building a mosque at the site of the Sep 11, 2001 terror attack in New York, and termed it as a “sacrilege”.

Construction workers have started a “911 Hard Hat Pledge” to gather union members to refuse to work at the site near … Read more »».

FBI documents: Hoover’s agents tracked 1969 desegregation suit against Bear and ‘Bama

FBI tracked desegregation suit against Bryant

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Forty years ago, Alabama football fans watched Southern California and a black running back named Sam Cunningham trounce coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s Crimson Tide in a game widely credited with helping start the integration of Southern football.
Fans weren’t the only ones watching Alabama football back then. The …. Original source  : FBI documents: Hoover’s agents tracked 1969 desegregation suit against Bear and ‘Bama.

Swedish authorities issue arrest warrant for WikiLeaks founder Assange after rape accusation

Sweden seeks WikiLeaks founder arrest in rape case

STOCKHOLM – The founder of WikiLeaks was accused of rape in a Swedish arrest warrant Saturday that turned the spotlight onto the former hacker who’s infuriated governments with his self-proclaimed mission to make secrets public.
The accusation was labeled a dirty trick by Julian Assange and his group, who … Read : Swedish authorities issue arrest warrant for WikiLeaks founder Assange after rape accusation.