22-year-old Miss Universe quickly embraces role as ambassador for native Mexico

Mexico’s newest icon: 22-year-old Miss Universe

LAS VEGAS – From flags to Facebook, 22-year-old Jimena Navarrete has quickly made it clear what she plans to promote as the world’s newest Miss Universe – her home country of Mexico.
“I want the whole world to know about my country and my people,” the Guadalajara native said after beating … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 22-year-old Miss Universe quickly embraces role as ambassador for native Mexico.

Indian father, son face lawsuit in US over hedge funds

WASHINGTON – An Indian father and son who ran two small hedge funds catering to Silicon Valley Indian professionals are facing a lawsuit by angry investors alleging the two hid big losses in 2008.

The lawsuit alleges Vishwas Godbole, 64, told investors in 2008 that the funds were withstanding the financial crisis, but a year later …. Original article  : Indian father, son face lawsuit in US over hedge funds.

Berlusconi’s estranged wife rejects divorce deal

Milan, Aug 24 (IANS/AKI) Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s estranged wife Veronica Lario has rejected a divorce settlement, which means the couple may face off in civil court. The billionaire politician in May offered his second wife 300,000 euros a month and the use of the Macherio villa outside Milan in a legal settlement to …. Source  : Berlusconi’s estranged wife rejects divorce deal.

China to cut number of crimes punishable by death

BEIJING – China is reviewing a law related to death penalty in an effort to reduce number of crimes punishable by death, a media report said.

The revision, if passed, will cut the existing 68 death charges in criminal law by one fifth to 55, and it will be the first major amendment of the law …. Read the original article  : China to cut number of crimes punishable by death.

Attorney says Great Lakes waterways a ‘carp highway’ during lawsuit hearing on invasive fish

Attorney: Great Lakes waterways a ‘carp highway’

CHICAGO – A federal judge has set Sept. 7 as the next hearing in a multistate lawsuit demanding tougher action to prevent Asian carp from overrunning the Great Lakes.
Judge Robert M. Dow Jr. heard from both sides during the first hearing in the case Monday in Chicago.
Michigan assistant attorney …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Attorney says Great Lakes waterways a ‘carp highway’ during lawsuit hearing on invasive fish.

Kan. woman drops lawsuits in exchange for end to Nebraska case over soldier’s funeral protest

Kan. woman drops suit challenging federal flag law

PAPILLION, Neb. – A member of Kansas’ Westboro Baptist Church has agreed to drop federal lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of a law that made it illegal to defile or deface the U.S. flag.
Shirley Phelps-Roper had been scheduled to face charges Monday of disturbing the peace and negligent child … Read more »».

Obama poster dispute between artist and The Associated Press set for March trial in NYC

Trial date set in AP-artist dispute in NYC
NEW YORK – A judge has set a March trial to decide whether the artist who created the Barack Obama “HOPE” image violated The Associated Press’ copyright when he based the image on one of the news agency’s pictures.
Federal Judge Alvin Hellerstein said Monday that the … Read more : Obama poster dispute between artist and The Associated Press set for March trial in NYC.

Jailed RAW official granted bail

NEW DELHI – A city court Monday granted bail to a retired director of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) who was arrested for passing sensitive information to a CIA agent and was in jail since the last four years.

Additional Session Judge Inder Jeet Singh granted bail to Brig. (retd) Ujjawal Dasgupta on a personal bond … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jailed RAW official granted bail.

Bail plea of trucker who hit Mamata’s convoy rejected

KOLKATA – A West Bengal court Monday rejected the bail plea of truck driver Gurjant Singh, whose vehicle hit the convoy of Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee while she was returning from the Aug 9 Lalgarh rally.

Singh was remanded to custody till Aug 25 by the chief judicial magistrate court in Tamluk …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Larry Birkhead to resume testimony Monday in Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy trial

Birkhead returns to stand at Anna Nicole trial

LOS ANGELES – The man who fathered Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter is taking the witness stand again in the drug conspiracy trial of her boyfriend and doctors.
Larry Birkhead is scheduled to resume testimony Monday in Los Angeles. He told jurors last week that Smith suffered from seizures and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.