One more arrested in Gyaneshwari train tragedy

KOLKATA – A pro-Maoist activist has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the May 28 Gyaneshwari Express tragedy in West Bengal in which 148 people were killed, police said Sunday.

Laxman Mahato, a People’s Committee against Police Activities (PCAPA) leader, was arrested Saturday night from Jhargram for his alleged role in opening the pandrol clips …. Source article  : One more arrested in Gyaneshwari train tragedy.

Maoist killed in gun battle in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A Maoist was killed in a gun battle with security forces who raided a rebel hideout on the outskirts of Jharkhand’s capital early Sunday, police said.

Police raided the jugle hideout in Heso, around 20 km from here, following a tip off.
“One Maoist was killed in the gun battle in the jungle …. Original source  : Maoist killed in gun battle in Jharkhand.

Punjab Police recover 15 kg RDX, ammunition

AMRITSAR – A huge cache of explosives and ammunition was recovered from Punjab’s Jalandhar district on the basis of interrogation of an arrested Sikh terrorist who was a French national, police said here Sunday.

The Punjab police had arrested five terrorists in this holy city Wednesday. They are identified as Pal Singh, a French national, Kulwant … Original source on Gaea Times at : Punjab Police recover 15 kg RDX, ammunition.

Police video shows NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans going 120-130 mph on California highway

NBA Rookie of the Year going 120-130 mph on video

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The basketball court isn’t the only place where Sacramento Kings player Tyreke Evans apparently likes to move fast.
A video released by the California Highway Patrol shows Evans speeding past vehicles on Interstate 80 in his purple Mercedes. CHP officers say he was driving … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police video shows NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans going 120-130 mph on California highway.

Falcons WR Roddy White pleased that NFL cleared former teammate Michael Vick

White: Vick did nothing wrong in hosting party

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. – Roddy White hopes Michael Vick never has another brush with law enforcement.
White, who was a guest at a 30th birthday party for Vick that ended with a shooting, thinks his former Atlanta Falcons teammate did nothing wrong by hosting the June 25 event.
“That was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Falcons WR Roddy White pleased that NFL cleared former teammate Michael Vick.

Panama prosecutor: Jailed American acknowledges killing 5 US citizens to get their property

Panama prosecutor: Jailed American admits 5 slays

PANAMA CITY – A jailed U.S. man has admitted killing five other Americans so he could take over their businesses and other properties in a Panamanian resort area, a government prosecutor said Saturday.
The man’s wife refused to talk with investigators and asked for legal assistance from the U.S. Embassy, …. Read the original article  : Panama prosecutor: Jailed American acknowledges killing 5 US citizens to get their property.

Police search for 3 convicted murderers who escaped from Ariz. prison, kidnapped truck drivers

3 inmates escape from northwest Arizona prison

PHOENIX – Police used helicopters and dogs Saturday to search for three convicted murderers who escaped from a northwest Arizona prison, kidnapped two semi-truck drivers at gunpoint and used the big rig to flee.
Department of Corrections spokesman Barrett Marson said the men escaped Friday evening by cutting a hole …. Original source  : Police search for 3 convicted murderers who escaped from Ariz. prison, kidnapped truck drivers.

Detroit mayor’s plans to nominate convicted murderer for police board angers some officers

Detroit mayor’s nominee choice angers some police

DETROIT – Detroit Mayor Dave Bing’s plans to nominate a convicted murderer to serve on a panel that disciplines police officers is rankling some current and former officers.
City Council President Pro Tem Gary Brown, a former Detroit police officer, tells The Detroit News he has “serious concerns” about a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Detroit mayor’s plans to nominate convicted murderer for police board angers some officers.

A little public humiliation not always a bad thing in sports these days

Some humiliation not always a bad thing
LeBron James has left Las Vegas, though tales still exist on the Internet of the good times he had in Sin City. Turns out what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay there.

It’s been a tough summer for the King, or at least the King’s reputation. Called out by his … Original source on Gaea Times at : A little public humiliation not always a bad thing in sports these days.

Jamaica police detained in suspect’s killing; video shows officers beating, shooting man

Jamaica police detained in killing caught on tape

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaican police detained three of their own on Saturday after a video surfaced allegedly showing them beating and shooting a suspect to death.
Police initially reported that the man stabbed a woman to death and then attacked the officers. They were said to have acted in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Regrets and defiance aboard government flight that takes illegal immigrants back to Mexico

A look inside the government’s deportation flights
CHICAGO – Guillermo Campos Ojeda stares blankly at the clouds from the jetliner’s window, mentally retracing the 22 years that he lived in the United States as an illegal immigrant.
His odyssey began in 1988 with an illegal border crossing and ended in May … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Regrets and defiance aboard government flight that takes illegal immigrants back to Mexico.

Michigan voters face many choices on election day but want only 1 thing: a better economy

Michigan voters search for economic savior

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan voters frustrated over lost jobs, home foreclosures and budget deficits will vote in Tuesday’s primary election for leaders they hope can move the state out of its economic morass.
With seven men running for governor and nearly two dozen candidates running for three open congressional seats, the … Original article on : Michigan voters face many choices on election day but want only 1 thing: a better economy.

Mexican federal police rescue 2 journalists kidnapped by drug gang

Mexican police free reporters nabbed by drug gang

MEXICO CITY – Federal police rescued two kidnapped news cameramen in northern Mexico on Saturday, five days after they were seized by drug traffickers in a bid to get their employers to broadcast cartel messages.
Local journalists in Mexico have long been under siege from drug traffickers, but Monday’s …. Source article  : Mexican federal police rescue 2 journalists kidnapped by drug gang.

Report: Mexican federal police rescue 2 reporters kidnapped by drug gang

Report: Mexican police rescue kidnapped reporters

MEXICO CITY – A Mexican TV network says police have rescued two reporters kidnapped by drug traffickers five days ago.
Multimedios Television says one of its cameramen and another who works for Televisa were rescued before dawn.
Multimedios anchor Ciro Gomez Leyva said federal police would have more details later Saturday.
The two …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US to hold 1st Gitmo trial under Obama, but stalls on fate of 5 accused in Sept. 11 attacks

US stalls on Sept. 11 trial for 5 at Gitmo
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – As the U.S. military prepares for the first war crimes trial under President Barack Obama, its most high-profile case against the planners of the Sept. 11 attacks is stuck in political and legal limbo.
Canadian … Read more : US to hold 1st Gitmo trial under Obama, but stalls on fate of 5 accused in Sept. 11 attacks.

The case of Kyron Horman takes bizarre twists, but the OR boy is still missing 2 months later

2 months later, where is Kyron Horman?
PORTLAND, Ore. – The first accounts of 7-year-old Kyron Horman’s disappearance were a parent’s nightmare: A boy vanishes from the safe haven of his elementary school.

But over the course of two months, shock has turned into frustration as the case has taken bizarre twists. Suspicion rests on the boy’s … Read : The case of Kyron Horman takes bizarre twists, but the OR boy is still missing 2 months later.

Seven killed in Iraq violence

BAGHDAD – At least seven people were killed and 23 wounded in separate attacks in Iraq Saturday, police said.

In western province of Anbar, a fuel tanker was blown up near a police checkpoint in the city of Fallujah, some 50 km west of Baghdad, killing a policeman and wounding another, a provincial police source told …. Read the original article  : here.

Russian police arrest Kremlin opponent, several others, at freedom-of-assembly demonstration

Russian police arrest Kremlin opponent at rally

MOSCOW – Russian police arrested a leading Kremlin opponent and dozens of fellow activists Saturday at a demonstration demanding freedom of assembly.
Several hundred protesters gathered in a Moscow square chanting “Freedom! Freedom!” at the rally city authorities tried to ban.
An Associated Press reporter saw Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov dragged …. Read the original article  : Russian police arrest Kremlin opponent, several others, at freedom-of-assembly demonstration.

40 kg landmine recovered in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Police recovered a 40 kg landmine planted by the roadside on the outskirts of Ranchi Saturday.

“The state police and Jaguar force formed to fight Maoists were on routine patrolling and they detected wires by the roadside near Gangahat railway station. They tracked the wires and found them inserted in a landmine. The landmine … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 40 kg landmine recovered in Jharkhand.

Pakistan intelligence chief cancels visit to Britain after PM Cameron’s terrorism remarks

Pakistan spy scraps UK talks after PM’s comments
LONDON – A diplomatic spat with implications for international counterterrorism escalated Saturday after Pakistan’s spy chief canceled a visit to London following comments by the British leader suggesting Pakistan exports terrorism.
A senior Pakistani intelligence official confirmed that Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shujaa Pasha had called off a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

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

Jury questioning begins in Anna Nicole Smith case

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

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

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

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

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

Questions resurface in NYC doctor’s 1981 slaying

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

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

1 of 3 Ariz. fugitives caught in Colo. shootout

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

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

High court trims Miranda warning rights bit by bit

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

Kidnapped Maharashtra official freed after 78 days in Arunachal

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

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

Over 200 arrests by CBI in last six months

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

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

11 killed in China after drunken man goes on tractor rampage

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

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

Pakistan wants Indians to testify in its courts: Envoy

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

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

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

Puerto Rican nationalist Lolita Lebron dies at 90

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Ariz. inmates still at large now in silver car

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

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

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

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

Packers call on Pickett, others to replace Jolly

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

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

Tangled relationship at center of Pitino case

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

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

Puerto Rican nationalist Lolita Lebron dies at 89

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

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

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

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

1 Arizona inmate captured after police pursuit

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

Taliban receive Australian weapons: Report

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

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

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

EU helicopter repels pirate attack in Gulf of Aden

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

Iron ore transportation hit due to Maoists: NDMC

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

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

WikiLeaks expose: Intelligence gathering to get tougher

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

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

European jihadis flock to Pakistan for terrorist training

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan beginning to take on terrorists: Obama

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

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

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

Judge says Oregon mystery man can wed in jail

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

Landmines recovered in Orissa, six Maoists arrested

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

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

Four trains cancelled in Bihar amid Maoist shutdown

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

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

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

At a Glance: Cars most likely to be stolen

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

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

Cadillac Escalade most likely to catch thief’s eye

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

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

Wisconsin lawmakers sent e-mails with child porn

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

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

Calif. man gets 25 years for sex with Thai minors

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

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

Mexico prez: cartels show no ‘limits or scruples’

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

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

Prospective jurors eliminated in Anna Nicole case

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

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

Murder conviction of mom reversed in California

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

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

2 juveniles arrested for tending pot plantations

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

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

Charlie Sheen pleads guilty in Aspen wife assault

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

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

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

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

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

Masked gunmen pull off ‘alarming’ heist in Mo.

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

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

Kenya votes on new constitution amid high security

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

No foreign money coming to Maoists: Chidambaram

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

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

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

Opening statements set in Anna Nicole Smith trial

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

‘Major’ gunfight between Maoists, cops in Chhattisgarh

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

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

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

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

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

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

Testimony by woman in Pitino case up in the air

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

Maoists blow up culvert in Orissa

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

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

Bullitt County Teen Britney Kustes Returns Home

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

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

NFL: No discipline on Vick after birthday shooting

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

Omar Thornton Commits Suicide After Killing 8 People

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

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

Family: Racial bias caused Conn. shooter to snap

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

Five die in Jharkhand landmine blast

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

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

Four guards die in Jharkhand landmine blast

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan has to do more in terror war: US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 arrested for greasing elderly at CA nursing home

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

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

Kin of Conn. shooter says he was pushed over edge

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

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

Panama finds 3 more bodies at US man’s hostel

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

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

Anna Nicole guard to testify in conspiracy case

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

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

Bodyguard to testify in drug conspiracy trial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jury returns to debate Pitino extortion case

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

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

3 traffic policemen, 3 others die in Iraq violence

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

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

Cambell testifies she received dirty ’stones’

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

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

Cambell testifies she received ‘dirty rocks’

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

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

911 call on Conn. shooting shows racial disparity

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

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

Naomi Campbell arrives at Taylor war crimes trial

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

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

Suicide bomber kills 7 Afghan police in north

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

Caroline Giuliani Arrested For Shop Lifting

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

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

Nolan Ryan group wins auction for Texas Rangers

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

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

Nolan Ryan group wins auction for Tx Rangers

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

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

Naomi Campbell due at Taylor war crimes trial

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

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

Myanmar triples size of northern tiger reserve

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

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

Bidding war starts in Texas Rangers auction

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

Top Maoist leader among four arrested in Jharkhand

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

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

BJP leader shot dead by Maoists in Jharkhand

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

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

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

LA city councilman indicted on felony voter fraud

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

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

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

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

India faces significant external, internal terror threats: US report

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

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

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

Somali pirates seize cargo ship with 24 crew

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

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

Armstrong lawyer disputes teammate’s doping claims

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

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

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

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

2 Minn. women among 14 charged in terror probe

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

WikiLeaks expose: Pentagon wants Afghan war files back

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

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

US worried about Americans helping foreign terrorists

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

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

Pakistani terror suspect arrested in Spain

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

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

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

China appliance chain Gome sues jailed founder

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

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

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

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

Mumbai attacks bared LeT’s global ambitions: US report

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

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

Pentagon demands Afghan war files back, erased

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

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

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

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

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

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

Officials seek LA man accused of selling piranhas

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

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

Calif. teen charged with killing female cousin, 11

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

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

Ariz. pastors indicted for not reporting sex abuse

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

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

Texas Rangers get OK to exit bankruptcy protection

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

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

No new trials for Ohio men questioning drug agent

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

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

Lawyer: Ariz. sheriff is cooperating with probe

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

Afghan police find bodies of six Germans, two Americans

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

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

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

6 Americans on medical team killed in Afghanistan

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

21 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan

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

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

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

Medical charity: 6 Americans killed in Afghanistan

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

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

Americans among 10 killed in northern Afghanistan

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

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

Plugging the WikiLeak: What can the government do?

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

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

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

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

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

HP CEO forced to resign amid harassment claims

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

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

Cuba tries armed men tied to US anti-Castro group

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

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

HP CEO abruptly resigns amid harassment claims

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

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

Conn. woman arrested over stolen beer from shooter

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

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

Bodyguard: Anna Nicole’s boyfriend supplied drugs

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

UN, US designate HuJI as terrorist organisation

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

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

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

Kazakh bribe case fizzles; man pleads to tax count

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

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

Calif. couple charged with phony deportation

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

Bosnian man pleads not guilty in New York subway plot

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

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

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

Co-owner of closed Vt. slaughterhouse arrested

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

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

Lawyer: Finance firms’ suit not free-speech attack

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

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

Samoa prosecutor to seek death penalty in shooting

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

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

Court reverses drug conviction in GPS case

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

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

Police probe death during Finnish sauna contest

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

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

Medicare’s private eyes let fraud cases get cold

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

Basra remains cordoned off after massive blasts kill 45

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

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

Nothing Islamic about terrorism: US special envoy

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

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

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

Russian spy wants to live under fake name in Peru

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

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

Arizona prison escapees linked to N.M. killings

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

Mexican federal police protesting corruption detain commander in violent border city

Protesting federal cops detain commander in Juarez

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

Britain issues travel advisory to Philippines

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

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

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

Mexican marines rescue 12 kidnapped in north

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

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

Mexican journalists march for protection, justice

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

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

PRico to probe prison deaths after ACLU report

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

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

Mother of escaped inmate arrested in Arizona

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

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

Colombia gov’t has tenuous hold on rebel haven

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

Meghalaya rebel group asks for boycott of Independence Day

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

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

NATO soldiers, Afghan policemen killed in blasts

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

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

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

What to do about WikiLeaks? Not much can be done

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

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

Beer warehouse shooter long complained of racism

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

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

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

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

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

In turnabout, Ohio ex-con gets data on neighbors

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

Insurance for forest officials in Maoist areas

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

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

Swami Agnivesh seeks probe into killing of pro-Maoists

LALGARH – Social activist Swami Agnivesh Monday demanded a judicial inquiry into the killing of Lal Mohan Tudu and Sidhu Soren, leaders of the pro-Maoist tribal group People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA).

After arriving in Lalgarh, a Maoist stronghold in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district, the interlocutor between the government and Maoists said: “Judicial inquiry …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Swami Agnivesh seeks probe into killing of pro-Maoists.

Andhra Maoist arrested in Jharkhand

RANCHI – A top Maoist leader from Andhra Pradesh carrying a bounty of Rs.10 lakh was arrested from Jharkhand’s Bokaro district, police said Monday.

According to police, Narasimha Reddy alias Gangana alias Rahulji was arrested from Kudra village of Bokaro district, around 135 km from Ranchi.
Police sources said he was picked up sometime back but …. Read the original article  : here.

Indonesian hardline Muslim cleric arrested

JAKARTA – Indonesian police Monday arrested Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir, the alleged spiritual leader of terror group Jemaah Islamiyah, his lawyer and police officials said.

Lawyer Achmad Michdan said the elderly cleric was arrested by the anti-terror unit Monday morning in the West Java district of Ciamis.
Michdan said Ba’asyir, 72, was arrested en route …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Indonesian hardline Muslim cleric arrested.

Actress Mia Farrow follows Naomi Campbell in testifying at Charles Taylor war crimes trial

Mia Farrow testifying at war crimes trial
LEIDSCHENDAM, Netherlands – Actress Mia Farrow testified at Charles Taylor’s war crimes trial Monday that fashion model Naomi Campbell told her she had been sent a “huge diamond” by the former Liberian ruler in 1997, contradicting Campbell’s evidence last week.

The prosecution called Farrow and Campbell’s former agent Carole White … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Actress Mia Farrow follows Naomi Campbell in testifying at Charles Taylor war crimes trial.

Adibasi Girl MMS Helps Serve Justice

BIRBHUM, WEST BENGAL (GaeaTimes.com)- Police officers from the Birbhum district in West Bengal sprung to action after an MMS clip of a tribal girl being paraded naked through the streets was released. In what can only be described as gruesome and horrific, the video clip showed the girl being groped by hundreds of men on … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Adibasi Girl MMS Helps Serve Justice.

Radical Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir arrested for terrorism

Radical Indonesian cleric arrested for terrorism

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia’s elite anti-terror unit arrested radical Islamist cleric Abu Bakar Bashir on Monday for alleged ties to a group accused of plotting Mumbai-style attacks targeting foreigners and several high-profile assassinations.
Bashir, who has been arrested twice before and spent several years in jail, arrived at the national police …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Former Mexican president urges successor to legalize drugs, saying it will undercut cartels

Ex-Mexico president calls for legalizing drugs

MEXICO CITY – Former President Vicente Fox is joining with those urging his successor to legalize drugs in Mexico, saying that could break the economic power of the country’s brutal drug cartels.
Fox’s comments, posted Sunday on his blog, came less than a week after President Felipe Calderon agreed to open …. Original source  : Former Mexican president urges successor to legalize drugs, saying it will undercut cartels.

Candlelight vigil being held for victims of Connecticut beer warehouse shooting

Vigil for Conn. beer warehouse shooting victims

MANCHESTER, Conn – Mourners lit candles, hugged each other and cried as prayers were offered up in a community park Sunday night at a vigil for the victims of a deadly shooting at a beer distribution company.
About 500 people, ranging in age from children to senior citizens, gathered at …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Candlelight vigil being held for victims of Connecticut beer warehouse shooting.

Alaska police say call may have been prank after search for kidnap victim turns up little

Alaska police: Kidnapping call may have been prank

JUNEAU, Alaska – Alaska authorities say the search for a 10-year-old girl who called police saying she’d been kidnapped has turned up little, and they’re considering it may have been a prank.
Juneau police say the girl called early Friday saying she’d been kidnapped and drugged by an unknown … Read more >>>.

Victims of massacre in northern Afghanistan had given years of service to Afghans

Victims of Afghan massacre gave years of service

KABUL, Afghanistan – One gave up a lucrative practice to give free dental care to children who had never seen a toothbrush. Others had devoted whole decades of their lives to helping the Afghan people through war and deprivation.
The years of service ended in a hail of bullets …. Original source  : Victims of massacre in northern Afghanistan had given years of service to Afghans.

Tennessee aid worker among 10 shooting victims of ambush in Afghanistan

Tenn. aid worker victim of Afghanistan shootings

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The family of Tennessee woman says she is one of 10 members of a medical team gunned down in Afghanistan.
The family of 32-year-old Cheryl Beckett said in a statement Sunday that she was part of the team providing eye care and medical aid in northern Afghanistan. … Read : Tennessee aid worker among 10 shooting victims of ambush in Afghanistan.

Colts DL Gill faces public intoxication charge after police find him passed out in ditch

Colts DL Gill arrested for public intoxication

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis police have arrested Colts defensive lineman John Gill after finding him passed out in a ditch on the side of a road about 4 a.m. Sunday.
In the police report, Officer Ricardo Flores Jr. says he called out to Gill, who tried to stand up, but couldn’t …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US Marshals: 2 men who escaped from Arizona prison, accomplice may be in Yellowstone area

Ariz. escapees believed to be in Yellowstone area

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The search for two men who escaped from a private Arizona prison and their suspected accomplice has turned to the vast Yellowstone National Park area after one of the inmates was linked to a double homicide in New Mexico and efforts to find them intensified.
The … Original article on : US Marshals: 2 men who escaped from Arizona prison, accomplice may be in Yellowstone area.

NYPD: Officer shot by another during gunfight with man that kills 1, injures others

NYPD officer shot by another in gunfight with man

NEW YORK – An argument at a block party escalated into gunfire, killing one man and wounding several others, including a police officer shot by a colleague in the hail of bullets, authorities said.
The gunfire erupted at about 3 a.m. Sunday in upper Manhattan, where two men …. Read the original article  : here.

US immigrant’s dream ends in NH, accused of aiding Rwanda genocide

US immigrant’s dream ends with genocide allegation

CONCORD, N.H. – Beatrice Munyenyezi brought her three daughters to the United States from war-ravaged Rwanda in 1998 and focused on the American Dream: private schooling for her girls, a home with a swimming pool, a sport utility vehicle.
Before long, she had a $13-an-hour job at Manchester’s Housing Authority …. Read the original article  : US immigrant’s dream ends in NH, accused of aiding Rwanda genocide.

Military jurors fly to Guantanamo Bay to hear 1st war-crimes trial under Obama

Guantanamo gears up for 1st trial under Obama

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba – U.S. military officers were flying in Sunday to serve as jurors in war-crimes proceedings as the Guantanamo tribunal system geared up for one of its busiest weeks under President Barack Obama.
The Pentagon is holding military commission sessions this week for two detainees: … Original source on Gaea Times at : Military jurors fly to Guantanamo Bay to hear 1st war-crimes trial under Obama.

Pa. man is identified as 1 of 10 killed in attack on aid workers in Afghanistan

Pa. man among 10 victims of Afghanistan shooting

LANCASTER, Pa. – A relief organization has identified a Pennsylvania man as one of 10 members of a medical team gunned down in Afghanistan.
The Mennonite Central Committee says the family of 40-year-old Glen Lapp of Lancaster was told of his death Sunday. He had been part of a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pa. man is identified as 1 of 10 killed in attack on aid workers in Afghanistan.

19 years for Khmer Rouge prison chief, drug dealers, political scapegoats: justice in Cambodia

For most Cambodians, ‘justice’ has little meaning

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – A Khmer Rouge prison chief who oversaw crimes of savagery a generation ago is told he will spend the next 19 years in jail: That’s the same sentence that many low-level drug dealers, women who shoot their husbands after a lifetime of abuse and political …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Jurors who convicted another former Illinois governor know what Blagojevich jury is facing

Ryan jurors know what Blagojevich jury is facing

CHICAGO – They wanted a law book to help them understand the jury instructions, and wondered why the judge wouldn’t give it to them. Bunched together, with the restroom so close, they got to know each other intimately. And the nonsmokers groused when the others were allowed a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pimps armed with lies, threats, violence force Mexican women into prostitution in US

Pimps force Mexican women into prostitution in US

TENANCINGO, Mexico – In this impoverished town in central Mexico, a sinister trade has taken root: entire extended families exploit desperation and lure hundreds of unsuspecting young Mexican women to the United States to force them into prostitution.
Those who know the pimps of Tlaxcala state – victims, prosecutors, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pimps armed with lies, threats, violence force Mexican women into prostitution in US.

NORAD officer says hijack drill with Russia will make it harder for terrorists to strike

NORAD: Hijack drill with Russia makes travel safer

OVER THE PACIFIC – A groundbreaking international training exercise will make it more difficult for terrorists to pull off a hijacking against the U.S., Canada or Russia by “hardening” the air travel system against attacks, a Canadian officer said.
The exercise is scheduled to wrap up Tuesday in Anchorage, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NORAD officer says hijack drill with Russia will make it harder for terrorists to strike.

Call to boycott I-Day celebrations in northeast

GUWAHATI – Security forces were put on maximum alert across the northeast as five guerrilla groups Tuesday called a 17-hour general strike to boycott Independence Day celebrations Sunday.

“We call upon the people of our region to boycott and prevent the celebration of India’s Independence Day as a mark of solidarity against Indian colonial occupation and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Call to boycott I-Day celebrations in northeast.

Federal jury convicts former B-2 stealth bomber engineer of selling military secrets to China

Stealth expert guilty of selling secrets to China

HONOLULU – A former B-2 bomber engineer who marketed and sold his stealth expertise to China is facing life in a federal prison following his conviction for bartering U.S. military secrets.
Noshir Gowadia, 66, was found guilty Monday on charges that he designed a cruise missile component for China … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Federal jury convicts former B-2 stealth bomber engineer of selling military secrets to China.

Trial to begin for Guantanamo’s youngest prisoner, 8 years after his capture in Afghanistan

Trial to begin for Guantanamo’s youngest prisoner
GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba – Eight years after his capture as a teenager on an Afghan battlefield, a long-delayed trial is beginning Tuesday for Guantanamo’s youngest detainee.
A U.S. military judge ruled Monday that purported confessions by Canadian detainee Omar Khadr can be used against him, dismissing … Read more »»».

2 Muslim Malaysian brothers testify in court to deny charge of torching church during tensions

2 Muslim Malaysians on trial deny torching church

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Two Malaysian Muslims testified in court Tuesday to deny charges that they torched a Christian church in an incident that set off a string of assaults on places of worship early this year.
The firebombing of the church raised religious tensions in this Muslim-majority country …. Original source  : 2 Muslim Malaysian brothers testify in court to deny charge of torching church during tensions.

Indian American doctor convicted in car bomb attack

WASHINGTON – An Indian American doctor in Arkansas has been found guilty of masterminding a car bomb attack on the head of the state’s medical board in February 2009.

A federal jury for Monday convicted Randeep Mann, 52, on seven counts, including using a weapon of mass destruction against a person and property, and using an …. Source article  : Indian American doctor convicted in car bomb attack.

Nebraska WR Niles Paul calls his underage drinking this spring a mistake, promises reform

Nebraska WR Paul regrets underage drinking ticket

LINCOLN, Neb. – On the day became old enough to drink legally, Nebraska’s Niles Paul apologized for the second of his two alcohol offenses.
“It was me making another silly mistake,” Paul said after Monday’s practice. “I know I made a mistake, and I try to move past that.”
Paul, one …. Original article  : Nebraska WR Niles Paul calls his underage drinking this spring a mistake, promises reform.

Tony Dungy says Vick’s recent legal problems takes focus off good things Eagles QB has done

Tony Dungy: Michael Vick is on straight path

ATLANTA – Tony Dungy believes in mentoring and says it puts people on the right path – including his most famous pupil, Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick.
On a national tour to promote his new book on mentoring, Dungy told The Associated Press on Monday that Vick still has a …. Read the original article  : Tony Dungy says Vick’s recent legal problems takes focus off good things Eagles QB has done.

Federal prosecutors indict 15 in Calif. tobacco-smuggling case that cost state $35M

15 indicted in California tobacco-smuggling case

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Federal prosecutors say tobacco distributors used dummy corporations and false invoices to evade more than $35 million in California excise taxes over the past five years.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Sacramento unsealed indictments Monday against three companies and 15 people, all but one of whom were arrested …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

State, federal officials weigh charges against fired SC deputy accused of beating inmate

SC deputy investigated, fired after inmate beating

CAMDEN, S.C. – Authorities say a deputy has been fired after being caught on video beating a South Carolina inmate dozens of times in the legs with a baton or pipe.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Monday that state police and the FBI are investigating whether the civil …. Read the original article  : here.

Plaintiffs ask court to dismiss Ky. case that sought to hold Vatican accountable for sex abuse

Plaintiffs give up sex abuse case against Vatican

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Three men who sought to hold the Vatican liable in an American court for sexual abuses by Roman Catholic priests in a Kentucky diocese are abandoning the case.
Lawyers looked to question Pope Benedict XVI under oath but had to leap the high legal hurdle of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Plaintiffs ask court to dismiss Ky. case that sought to hold Vatican accountable for sex abuse.

Former bin Laden aide to avoid solitary confinement as part of Guantanamo plea deal

Gitmo detainee to avoid solitary in plea deal

GUANTANAMO BAY NAVAL BASE, Cuba – A former cook and driver for Osama bin Laden will serve out his sentence in a section of Guantanamo reserved for the best-behaved detainees under a plea agreement that also keeps the length of his confinement secret for now, military attorneys said …. Source  : Former bin Laden aide to avoid solitary confinement as part of Guantanamo plea deal.

Ex-Mexican president’s proposal to legalize drugs stokes debate and meets resistance

Mexicans, US question drug legalization proposal

MEXICO CITY – A former Mexican president’s proposal to legalize drugs as a way of breaking the economic power of drug cartels is stoking debate inside his country and bringing opposition in Washington.
One thing most experts agreed on is that the idea is unlikely to prosper without similar moves to …. Source article  : Ex-Mexican president’s proposal to legalize drugs stokes debate and meets resistance.

State board told to reject claim by parents of San Diego teen slain by paroled sex offender

Calif told to reject claim by parents of dead teen

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A board that considers compensation for California crime victims was told Monday it should reject claims filed by the parents of a San Diego teenager killed by a paroled sex offender.
The anticipated rejection of the legal actions involving the death of 14-year-old Amber …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : State board told to reject claim by parents of San Diego teen slain by paroled sex offender.

Escaped Ariz. killer with gun caught in Wyo., says he’s relieved after 10 days on the run

Escaped killer caught in Wyo., says he’s relieved

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, Wyo. – An escaped killer with a handgun and a hitchhiking sign expressed relief at his capture on Monday after 10 days on the run, while authorities searched to the north of this tourist-packed park for a second fugitive and his female accomplice, a self-styled … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Escaped Ariz. killer with gun caught in Wyo., says he’s relieved after 10 days on the run.

Armstrong the biggest name as federal investigators look at cycling

Cycling probe can’t avoid biggest name _ Armstrong

LOS ANGELES – Lance Armstrong stands out in a federal investigation of cycling like a guy wearing a yellow jersey.
Agents are engaged in a wide-ranging probe of pro cycling, people with knowledge of their work have told The Associated Press, and Armstrong clearly appears to be, at the … Read more »».

Police: 3 attacks in Va. are linked to Mich. serial killer who has stabbed 5 to death

Va. attacks investigated for link to Mich. killer

LEESBURG, Va. – Police in Virginia said Monday they think a serial killer who stabbed five people to death and wounded 10 others in Michigan was responsible for three attacks in northern Virginia, and all of the attacks have almost exclusively targeted black men.
Leesburg Chief of Police Joseph … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police: 3 attacks in Va. are linked to Mich. serial killer who has stabbed 5 to death.

Autopsy: Man killed after NY block party hit 5 times in shootout with cops, armed acquaintance

Autopsy: Man killed after NYC shootout hit 5 times

NEW YORK – A bullet likely fired by police killed a man whose struggle with an acquaintance over a gun touched off a shootout with officers and the man he was fighting, according to autopsy and ballistics reports Monday.
Luis Soto, 21, was hit five times and died … Read more >>>.

Police: JetBlue attendant arrested after arguing with NY passenger, using emergency exit slide

JetBlue flight attendant arrested after NYC ruckus

NEW YORK – A JetBlue flight attendant got into an argument with a passenger on a jetliner arriving at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday, cursed the passenger, grabbed a beer from the galley and then deployed an emergency exit slide and fled the plane, authorities said.
Flight attendant …. Source  : Police: JetBlue attendant arrested after arguing with NY passenger, using emergency exit slide.

Hawaii jury convicts former B-2 stealth bomber engineer of selling military secrets to China

US engineer convicted of selling secrets to China

HONOLULU – A federal jury convicted a former B-2 stealth bomber engineer Monday of selling military secrets and helping China design a stealth cruise missile.
Noshir Gowadia was accused of pocketing at least $110,000 from China, which he allegedly used to pay the mortgage on a multimillion-dollar oceanview home …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hawaii jury convicts former B-2 stealth bomber engineer of selling military secrets to China.

Security tightened at border checkpoints in search for Arizona fugitive and fiancee

Border security tightened in search for fugitive

HELENA, Mont. – Border agents stopped vehicles leaving the U.S. and police beefed up their patrols in the small towns near Glacier National Park as authorities focused their search for an escaped convict and his suspected accomplice on both sides of the Montana-Canada border.
Despite the tightened security, there are … Read : Security tightened at border checkpoints in search for Arizona fugitive and fiancee.

No information on Maudany’s arrest: Kerala minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan Wednesday said the Karnataka Police had not given any information about the impending arrest of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Abdul Nazir Maudany, an accused in the 2008 Bangalore bomb blasts case.

A four-member team of the Karnataka Police arrived in Kerala Tuesday and speculation was rife that it … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : No information on Maudany’s arrest: Kerala minister.

Criminal investigation under way after remains believed to be missing Ariz. toddler discovered

Foul play suspected in disappearance of Ariz. boy

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A criminal investigation is under way after skeletal remains believed to be that of a toddler reported missing more than two weeks ago were found near a central Arizona campground, authorities said.
The remains were found at the bottom of a wash less than 2 miles …. Source article  : Criminal investigation under way after remains believed to be missing Ariz. toddler discovered.

Three Maoists involved in Dantewada massacre killed

RAIPUR – Three Maoist guerrillas, amongst those who staged the April 6 massacre in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district and killed 76 paramilitary troopers, were gunned down Wednesday, officials said.

“The Koya Commando drawn from Special Police Officers (SPOs) encircled a group of armed Maoists in a forested cap in Dantewada. Three rebels were gunned down. The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Three Maoists involved in Dantewada massacre killed.

Kristina Hensley Sobs As Police Testify

MONROE (GaeaTimes.com)- On Tuesday, Kristina Hensley who allegedly struck a Monroe man named Jae Cho and dragged him to death for around a mile, sobbed in front of the court as an officer testified that he saw the body of the 31-year-old Jae Cho underneath her car. 35-year-old Kristina Hensley of Higginsport was produced …. Original article  : Kristina Hensley Sobs As Police Testify.

Al Qaeda threatens to topple Saudi government

SANA’A – Terror outfit Al Qaeda’s Yemeni wing has threatened to overthrow the Saudi government “for its participation in the US-led crusade against Islam”.

This message was delivered by Saeed Ali al-Shihri, deputy leader of the Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), in an audio recording posted on the internet, Xinhua reported Wednesday.
“Some members …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Al Qaeda threatens to topple Saudi government.

Woman killed, 17 injured in Jammu terror attack

JAMMU – A woman was killed and 17 people, including two soldiers, hurt when terrorists ambushed three army vehicles and a civilian bus in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district Wednesday, army sources said.

Terrorists attacked the army vehicles and the bus at Thanna Mandi area’s Dera-ki-Gali, around 8,000 feet above sea level and about 190 km …. Read the original article  : here.

Groundbreaking US-Russian hijacking drill ends as target plane returns to Alaska

Groundbreaking US-Russian hijacking drill ends

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A groundbreaking training exercise ended late Tuesday after U.S. and Russian fighter jets crisscrossed the Pacific in pursuit of a chartered plane playing the role of a hijacked airliner.
The “hijacked” plane – actually a chartered executive-style Gulfstream – landed in Anchorage after flying across the Pacific and back, … Read more >>>.

Authorities: Skeletal remains believed to be missing 2-year-old Ariz. boy; foul play suspected

Skeletal remains believed to be missing Ariz. boy

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Skeletal remains found Tuesday near a central Arizona campground are believed to be that of a toddler reported missing in the area more than two weeks ago, and authorities say foul play is suspected.
The remains were found at the bottom of a wash less than … Original article on : Authorities: Skeletal remains believed to be missing 2-year-old Ariz. boy; foul play suspected.

Flight attendant who exited through emergency slide gets freed from NYC jail on $2,500 bail

NY flight attendant who exited on slide makes bail

NEW YORK – A JetBlue flight attendant who argued with a passenger on a plane before making a grand exit down its emergency slide has been released on bail in New York.
Steven Slater was released from jail Tuesday night. Department of Correction spokesman Stephen Morello doesn’t have …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

San Francisco police lack evidence to charge 18-year-old in fatal shooting of German tourist

No charges in San Francisco German tourist death

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco prosecutors said Tuesday they lack enough evidence to charge a man who was arrested following the weekend fatal shooting of a German tourist caught in the crossfire between two groups of teenagers.
Assistant District Attorney Seth Steward said the 18-year-old man arrested on suspicion …. Source article  : San Francisco police lack evidence to charge 18-year-old in fatal shooting of German tourist.

6 teens, ages 14 to 19, charged as adults and jailed in beating death of Calif. 14-year-old

6 teens charged in California boy’s beating death

STOCKTON, Calif. – Six California teenagers are being held on $3.5 million bail each after being charged in the death of a 14-year-old boy who was beaten and stomped at a Stockton city park.
Police say the victim, Rin Ros, of Stockton, went into cardiac arrest and died at …. Original article  : 6 teens, ages 14 to 19, charged as adults and jailed in beating death of Calif. 14-year-old.

Colorado authorities say 14-year-old girl faces charges after 100-mile chase

Colo. girl faces charges after 100-mile chase

AURORA, Colo. – Authorities say a 14-year-old girl faces several charges after a nearly 100-mile chase at speeds reaching more than 100 mph at times.
The Colorado State Patrol says the girl, whose name wasn’t released, led officers on a chase Tuesday from Arriba in eastern Colorado to Aurora. State …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Colorado authorities say 14-year-old girl faces charges after 100-mile chase.

AP Interview: Son of former stealth expert convicted of selling military secrets vows appeal

AP Interview: Stealth expert’s son vows appeal

HONOLULU – The son of a former B-2 stealth bomber engineer who was convicted of selling military secrets to China vowed Tuesday to appeal the verdict.
Ashton Gowadia told The Associated Press an appeal is already in the works but can’t be submitted until his 66-year-old father, Noshir Gowadia, is … Original source on Gaea Times at : AP Interview: Son of former stealth expert convicted of selling military secrets vows appeal.

Doctor: Smith complained of ailments but he couldn’t diagnose source of most pain

Doctor felt Smith used drugs for emotional pain

LOS ANGELES – A doctor who treated Anna Nicole Smith six years before she died testified Tuesday that she complained of many physical ailments but he was unable to diagnose the source of most of her pain.
Dr. Victor Kovner said he came to feel, “she was treating emotional … Read more >>>.

Michigan hunt for suspected serial killer widens after attacks on black men in Ohio, Virginia

Hunt for suspected serial killer hits 3 states

DETROIT – Tony Leno was taking a smoking break outside the Toledo, Ohio, church where he works when a tall, muscular white man pulled over in his Chevy Blazer, got out and asked him for directions.
As the 59-year-old custodian turned to point the way, the stranger – apparently …. Source article  : Michigan hunt for suspected serial killer widens after attacks on black men in Ohio, Virginia.

Son of former B-2 stealth bomber engineer convicted of selling military secrets vows appeal

Son of convicted stealth expert vows appeal

HONOLULU – The son of a former B-2 stealth bomber engineer who was convicted of selling military secrets to China is vowing an appeal.
Ashton Gowadia told The Associated Press on Tuesday an appeal is already in the works. But he says it can’t be submitted until his 66-year-old father, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Son of former B-2 stealth bomber engineer convicted of selling military secrets vows appeal.

Take this plane and shove it: Flight attendant’s JFK emergency-slide exit draws charges, fans

Flight attendant’s grand exit draws charges, fans

NEW YORK – No fed-up worker has ever said “I’ve had it” quite like Steven Slater.
Prosecutors say the JetBlue flight attendant flipped out over a fight with an agitated traveler Monday, cursing over the intercom before grabbing some beer from the plane’s galley and making a grand exit down …. Read the original article  : here.

Dramatic exit could lead to 7 years for NY flight attendant, hailed by some as folk hero

Flight attendant could get prison for grand exit

NEW YORK – No fed-up worker has ever said “I’ve had it” quite like Steven Slater.
Prosecutors say the JetBlue flight attendant flipped out over a fight with an agitated traveler Monday, cursing at the passengers before grabbing some beer from the plane’s galley and making a grand exit …. Source article  : Dramatic exit could lead to 7 years for NY flight attendant, hailed by some as folk hero.

Kentucky GOP Senate candidate Rand Paul denies suggestions that he kidnapped anyone

GOP candidate Paul denies kidnapping suggestions

WASHINGTON – Republican Senate candidate Rand Paul of Kentucky on Tuesday denied suggestions he ever kidnapped anyone or forced them to use drugs, and said he hasn’t ruled out a lawsuit against a magazine that ran an article describing events from his college days.
The article in GQ quotes an unnamed …. Source article  : Kentucky GOP Senate candidate Rand Paul denies suggestions that he kidnapped anyone.

Chhattisgarh loses revenue as Maoists dominate forests

RAIPUR – About 55 percent of Chhattisgarh’s forests are dominated by Maoists and the government suffers a revenue loss due to its inability to operate in these area, an official said Thursday.

“The forest department suffers an annual losses of about Rs.100 crore because we are not able to work in these area,” Principal Chief Conservator …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Chhattisgarh loses revenue as Maoists dominate forests.

From Arizona to Montana, fugitive couple eludes capture; Arkansas search adds to frustrations

Maddening manhunt for Ariz. fugitives reaches Ark.

GENTRY, Ark. – Law enforcement officers descended on back roads and densely wooded terrain in northwest Arkansas. Word spread that a local beauty salon may have been robbed by a couple who fancy themselves a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde and have eluded capture since a brazen Arizona prison break.
Officers …. Original source  : From Arizona to Montana, fugitive couple eludes capture; Arkansas search adds to frustrations.

Pakistan should stop terror to build confidence: Krishna

NEW DELHI – External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Thursday said the only option for Pakistan to bridge the “trust deficit” with India is to take effective steps to stop terror emanating from its soil.

“The biggest confidence building measure will be that Pakistan stops any further terror attacks from its soil and stops the speeches made …. Read the original article  : here.

Complexities of corruption case against former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich may deadlock jurors

Complexities may deadlock Blagojevich jurors
CHICAGO – Jurors who have spent the last 11 days deliberating in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich have been able to listen to more than 100 excerpts of wiretap tapes, look through any notes they took during testimony and refer to some 120 pages of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Complexities of corruption case against former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich may deadlock jurors.

Late ex-Congressman Rostenkowski had lamented that his legacy would be tainted by prison term

Rostenkowski lamented how legacy would be tainted
CHICAGO – With rumpled suits and gruff, growling voice, Dan Rostenkowski quietly wielded enormous power on Capitol Hill for more than 30 years, becoming one of the most powerful lawmakers of his time – and a potent symbol of Washington’s excesses after he pleaded guilty to corruption … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Late ex-Congressman Rostenkowski had lamented that his legacy would be tainted by prison term.

Jean-Francois Poinard’s Body Found

LYON, FRANCE (GaeaTimes.com)- Prosecutor on Wednesday mentioned to media sources during a press conference that a Frenchwoman named Guylene Collober had confessed to the killing of her companion, a retired chef Jean-Francois Poinard. Prosecutor Marc Desert said that 51-year-old Guylene Collober had not only killed the chef two years ago but also preserved the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Jean-Francois Poinard’s Body Found.

Feds: Single drug trafficking group behind several marijuana farms in Wis. national forest

Feds: 1 drug group behind pot farms in Wis. forest

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Federal prosecutors believe a single drug organization is behind several marijuana farms that were raided by authorities in a national forest in northeast Wisconsin.
Eight men were arrested and charged Wednesday just hours after more than 200 federal, state and local law enforcement … Read more »».

Three guerrillas killed in north Kashmir gun battle

SRINAGAR – Three separatist guerrillas were killed in a fierce gun battle in the upper reaches of north Kashmir’s Bandipore district Thursday morning, an official here said.

According to a defence spokesman, troops of counter-insurgency Rashtriya Rifles and state police personnel jointly surrounded a forest area near Chatter in the upper reaches of Bandipore district early … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Three guerrillas killed in north Kashmir gun battle.

Osama bin Laden’s cook sent to 14 years in prison

WASHINGTON – A Sudanese man accused of being Osama bin Laden’s cook and driver and helping the Al Qaeda mastermind avoid capture has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Ibrahim Ahmed Mahmoud al Qosi, 50, pleaded guilty in July to two charges for his support to the Al Qaeda and for conspiring to plan terror …. Source  : Osama bin Laden’s cook sent to 14 years in prison.

Suriname’s ex-dictator returns, brining painful flashbacks and worries for the future

Suriname under scrutiny as ex-dictator returns

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – A former coup leader, convicted drug trafficker and accused murderer is being sworn in as Suriname’s president Thursday, and shop owner Sunil Oemrawsingh is so appalled he can’t even watch the ceremony – or understand why so few of his countrymen agree with him.
The 50-year-old has a …. Read the original article  : here.

Mets closer Rodriguez charged with assault on father-in-law after 6-2 to Colorado

Rodriguez charged with assault after Mets’ loss

NEW YORK – The New York Mets’ discouraging season took an ugly turn when closer Francisco Rodriguez was charged with third-degree assault after a postgame scuffle with his father-in-law at Citi Field.
Rodriguez’s father-in-law went to a hospital with a scrape on his face and a bump on his head, …. Original article  : Mets closer Rodriguez charged with assault on father-in-law after 6-2 to Colorado.

Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez charged with third-degree assault on father-in-law

Mets closer Rodriguez charged with assault

NEW YORK – Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was charged with third-degree assault late Wednesday night after scuffling with his father-in-law at Citi Field, police said.
Rodriguez was arrested and being held at the ballpark early Thursday, police said. His father-in-law was in a hospital with a scrape on his face and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez gets in scuffle with family member at ballpark after loss

Mets closer gets in fight after loss to Colorado

NEW YORK – The New York Mets’ discouraging season took an ugly turn when closer Francisco Rodriguez wound up in police custody and facing assault charges for a post-game scuffle with a family member at Citi Field.
Police say Rodriguez’s father-in-law is in the hospital with a scrape … Read : Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez gets in scuffle with family member at ballpark after loss.

Address root cause to change Pakistan’s India focus: Former ISI chief

WASHINGTON – A former Pakistani spymaster credited with helping create the Afghan Taliban says Pakistan’s India focus would not change unless what he called the “root cause” of “Indian state terrorism in Kashmir” was addressed.

“It is for two reasons this kind of terrorism which is going on in Pakistan,” Hamid Gul, former director of Pakistani … Read more >>>.

Long Beach, Calif., to pay $8M to man who spent 24 years in prison on wrongful conviction

Calif. city to pay $8M to wrongfully convicted man

LOS ANGELES – The city of Long Beach, Calif., has agreed to pay a nearly $8 million settlement to a man who served 24 years in prison before his murder conviction was overturned.
Thomas Goldstein was convicted of a 1979 murder on the strength of a jailhouse informant’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Long Beach, Calif., to pay $8M to man who spent 24 years in prison on wrongful conviction.

A folk hero in digital times, JetBlue flight attendant in NYC ruckus is celebrated on the Web

Web embraces JetBlue flight attendant in NY ruckus

NEW YORK – A folk hero in digital times, JetBlue flight attendant Steven Slater has been thoroughly embraced by the Web.
Not only have news stories about his meltdown on a plane from Pittsburgh to New York City been exceptionally popular on the Internet, but he’s been feted in … Original source on Gaea Times at : A folk hero in digital times, JetBlue flight attendant in NYC ruckus is celebrated on the Web.

Josh Booty settles lawsuit alleging Orange County sheriff’s deputies shot him with stun gun

Josh Booty settles lawsuit against OC Sheriff’s

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Former NFL quarterback Josh Booty has settled a lawsuit alleging Orange County sheriff’s deputies shot him with a stun gun while booking him for drunken driving, his lawyer said Wednesday.
Attorney Tariq Hasan said the lawsuit settled for $8,619 but declined to comment further.
Sheriff’s spokesman John …. Source article  : Josh Booty settles lawsuit alleging Orange County sheriff’s deputies shot him with stun gun.

Growing sovereign citizen movement rewrites US history, rejects government and warns of change

Sovereign citizens spin history, reject government
COLUMBUS, Ohio – They call themselves sovereign citizens, U.S. residents who declare themselves above state and federal laws. Many don’t register children’s births, carry driver’s licenses or recognize the court system.
Some peddle schemes that use fictional legal loopholes to eliminate debt and avoid foreclosures.
A few such …. Original source  : Growing sovereign citizen movement rewrites US history, rejects government and warns of change.

Police: Mets reliever Francisco Rodriguez in custody after ‘physical assault’ on family member

Police: Mets reliever Rodriguez in custody

NEW YORK – New York Mets reliever Francisco Rodriguez is in custody after what police called a “physical assault” on his father-in-law at Citi Field.
Police say Rodriguez will be charged with third-degree assault. Police say the pitcher hasn’t been arrested.
Police say the incident occurred after the Mets’ 6-2 loss to … Read more »».

Tamil Tigers’ entry into Canada feared

VANCOUVER – A ship carrying over 250 Sri Lankan Tamils, reportedly including members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE), is set to enter Vancouver, authorities said Wednesday.

Since the LTTE – which was destroyed last year by the Sri Lankan forces – is a banned organisation in both Canada and the US, the impending … Read more »»».

In conspiracy trial, psychiatrist who saw Anna Nicole Smith to testify about any addiction

Psychiatrist who saw Anna Nicole Smith to testify

LOS ANGELES – A hospital psychiatrist was due on the witness stand at a drug conspiracy trial in the Anna Nicole Smith to give an assessment of the model when she was hospitalized for drug withdrawal during her pregnancy.
Dr. Nathalie Maullin, who was on staff at Cedars-Sinai Medical … Read more »»».

Alleged Israeli spy suspected in Hamas slaying set to face German judge following extradition

Alleged Israeli spy to appear in German court

BERLIN – A German prosecutor says an alleged Israeli spy is to be brought before a judge who will decide whether he has to remain in custody pending formal charges and a possible trial.
Rainer Wolf told The Associated Press on Friday that the closed-doors hearing would take place …. Read the original article  : here.

Arrest in serial-stabber case eases some but not all anxiety in Mich. city where 5 were killed

Fears remain in Mich. after stabbing spree arrest

FLINT, Mich. – The arrest of a suspect in a three-state stabbing spree that left five people dead and 13 others wounded has eased some but not all fears in Flint, where the attacks have changed the way some residents of one of Michigan’s toughest cities view helping …. Original article  : Arrest in serial-stabber case eases some but not all anxiety in Mich. city where 5 were killed.

Jury starts 3-day weekend, leaving behind 1 big question: What is going on here?

Questions hang over Blagojevich corruption trial
CHICAGO – As jurors in Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial begin a three-day break from deliberations Friday, the former governor, attorneys and other court watchers are left with another agonizing wait to learn whether the panel will resolve its deadlock on some charges, and how quickly.
The wait will be …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Jury starts 3-day weekend, leaving behind 1 big question: What is going on here?.

After woeful 2009, New York Mets slide both on the field and off

After woeful 2009, New York Mets slide again

NEW YORK – Not winning consecutive games since mid-June is the least of the New York Mets’ worries.
Francisco Rodriguez’s arrest on a charge of third-degree assault against the father of his girlfriend is only the latest in a long list of on- and off-the-field embarrassments for the franchise.
Following … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : After woeful 2009, New York Mets slide both on the field and off.

Nixon urged death threats to save American agent kidnapped in Uruguay, once-secret cables show

Nixon urged death threats to Uruguayan prisoners

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – Long-secret diplomatic cables show President Richard Nixon wanted the Uruguayan government to threaten to kill leftist prisoners in an attempt to save the life of a kidnapped U.S. agent 40 years ago this week.
The National Security Archive, which published the papers Wednesday, said the State Department … Read more »»».

Wikileaks to release 15,000 more secret files

WASHINGTON – Whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks is preparing to release 15,000 more secret intelligence documents about the Afghan war, leading the Pentagon to warn that it has “already put far too many lives at risk”.

An estimated 92,000 secret US military records about the war in Afghanistan were leaked to the media by Wikileaks in July. Countries … Read more »»».

Malaysia court convicts 2 Muslim brothers to 5 years in prison for torching Christian church

2 Muslims jailed 5 years for Malaysia church arson

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Malaysian court sentenced two Muslim brothers to five years in prison Friday for torching a Christian church during the height of a dispute over whether non-Muslims can use the word “Allah” to refer to God.
The firebombing was the first in an unprecedented … Original source on Gaea Times at : Malaysia court convicts 2 Muslim brothers to 5 years in prison for torching Christian church.

Wash. man allegedly found in truck with dead woman faces murder charge, mental evaluation

Authorities: WA man found with dead woman charged

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Prosecutors have filed a first-degree murder charge against a Washington man who authorities say was found driving a pickup truck with a dead woman in the passenger seat.
A judge on Thursday ordered 26-year-old Bernard Howell of Tenino to undergo a mental health evaluation to determine … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Wash. man allegedly found in truck with dead woman faces murder charge, mental evaluation.

Malaysia court convicts 2 Muslim brothers of torching Christian church during tensions

Malaysia court convicts 2 Muslims of church arson

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Malaysian court has convicted two Muslim brothers of torching a Christian church during the height of a dispute over whether non-Muslims can use the word “Allah” to refer to God.
The firebombing last January was the first in an unprecedented string of arson attacks … Read more »»».

Mexican governor says drug violence has paralyzed some border areas, seeks federal help

Governor: Violence paralyzes Mexico border areas

MEXICO CITY – Some areas of Mexico along the U.S. border have been paralyzed economically by drug violence, and the governor of the border state of Tamaulipas said Thursday the federal government should send relief funds.
Violence has affected tourism, commerce and investment, Gov. Eugenio Hernandez said during an anti-crime strategy …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican governor says drug violence has paralyzed some border areas, seeks federal help.

Backers of Calif gay marriage ban ask appeals court to temporarily block gay weddings

Appeals court asked to block start of gay weddings
SAN FRANCISCO – The sponsors of California’s gay marriage ban have asked an appeals court to stop a federal judge’s order allowing same-sex weddings to begin next week.
The lawyers defending Proposition 8 asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals late Thursday to impose a … Original article on : Backers of Calif gay marriage ban ask appeals court to temporarily block gay weddings.

Los Angeles film producers sentenced in Thai bribery case

LA film couple sentenced in Thai bribery case

LOS ANGELES – A filmmaking couple was sentenced Thursday to six months in prison, followed by six months of home detention, for bribing Thai officials so they could run the Bangkok International Film Festival.
Gerald Green, 78, and his 55-year-old wife Patricia were also ordered to jointly pay $250,000 …. Original source  : Los Angeles film producers sentenced in Thai bribery case.

Two soldiers killed in Iraq violence

BAGHDAD – Two Iraqi soldiers were killed and five security personnel wounded in three attacks, including a suicide car bombing, in central and northern Iraq, police said.

A suicide car bomber struck an Iraqi army checkpoint Thursday night outside a military base in the village of Zaidan in Abu Ghraib area, just west of Baghdad, killing … Read more >>>.

Attorneys in case of former NC-based Marine vary on relationship between suspect, victim

Lawyers vary on contact between Marine, suspect

GOLDSBORO, N.C. – A prosecutor on Thursday in the trial of a man charged with killing a pregnant fellow Marine challenged the defense’s characterization of the victim as someone who was immature and had a history of lying.
Cesar Laurean, 23, of Las Vegas has pleaded not guilty to first-degree …. Original article  : Attorneys in case of former NC-based Marine vary on relationship between suspect, victim.

Doctor on trial partied with Anna Nicole Smith, writes in his journal, ‘Can she ruin me?’

Doctor partied with Anna Nicole Smith
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles prosecutors have shown jurors their most explosive evidence against Anna Nicole Smith’s doctor – personal journal entries in which he talks of partying with her during a gay pride parade.

Dr. Sandeep Kapoor writes of “blurring the lines” between doctor and patient and wonders, “Can she … Read more : Doctor on trial partied with Anna Nicole Smith, writes in his journal, ‘Can she ruin me?’.

Oracle sues Google, says Android smart phone system infringes on Java patents

Oracle sues Google for patent infringement

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif. – Oracle Corp. said Thursday it has filed a patent and copyright-infringement lawsuit against Google Inc.
Oracle said in a statement that Google’s Android system for mobile phones infringes on its patented Java technology.
Google spokesman Andrew Pederson said the company can’t comment because it has not yet reviewed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oracle sues Google, says Android smart phone system infringes on Java patents.

Man linked to Smurfs pleads guilty to trying to shake down financier son-in-law for $11M in NY

Man linked to Smurfs admits $11M NYC shakedown bid

NEW YORK – A now-broke businessman who once played a role in the Smurfs cartoon empire admitted Thursday he threatened to destroy his son-in-law’s stature in high finance as part of a $11 million shakedown plot.
Stuart R. Ross pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny, acknowledging he demanded …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man linked to Smurfs pleads guilty to trying to shake down financier son-in-law for $11M in NY.

Court record shows Conn. workplace shooter stole empty kegs, cases; ex-worker’s wife arrested

Affidavit: Conn. shooter stole empty kegs, cases

HARTFORD, Conn. – The man who fatally shot eight co-workers at a Connecticut beer distributor stole cases of beer and empty kegs worth more than $400, according to court records.
An affidavit obtained Thursday by The Associated Press said Omar Thornton, a truck driver at Hartford Distributors Inc. in Manchester, …. Original source  : Court record shows Conn. workplace shooter stole empty kegs, cases; ex-worker’s wife arrested.

Police: Utah store clerk faces charges after running down suspected beer thief with car

Police: UT clerk charged after hitting beer thief

SALT LAKE CITY – A Utah convenience store clerk who chased down a suspected beer thief now faces his own legal troubles.
Salt Lake City police say Ronald Wayne Lindsley’s decision to ram the man with his car was excessive.
Police say the 61-year-old Lindsley was working at a Salt …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Drive-by shooting at Iraqi mosque kills 3 worshippers, says police

Drive-by shooting at Iraq mosque kills 3
BAGHDAD – An Iraqi police spokesman says a drive-by shooting south of Baghdad has killed three Sunni worshippers as they were leaving mosque following morning prayers.

Babil police Maj. Muthana Khalid said gunmen opened fire on the men as they were leaving the Abid Wayis mosque shortly after 4 a.m. … Read more : Drive-by shooting at Iraqi mosque kills 3 worshippers, says police.

Suspected Maoists kill two CPI-M supporters

KOLKATA – Suspected Maoists killed two supporters of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in West Bengal’s Jhargram sub-division of West Midnapore district Sunday, police said.

The bodies of Nishikanto Nayek and Shankar Jana were recovered from Nayagram village. They were kidnapped Saturday from near a market place in the area.
Maoist posters found from the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Suspected Maoists kill two CPI-M supporters.

Modi praises Gujarat Police

RAJKOT – Chief Minister Narendra Modi Sunday lavishly praised the Gujarat Police, saying it had helped to crush terrorism in the state and beyond.

In his Independence Day address here, Modi said the Gujarat policemen had maintained peace in the state while terrorism and Maoism had laid siege to the nation.
The “brave officers and men … Original article on : Modi praises Gujarat Police.

My opinion misinterpreted: Lockerbie bomber’s doctor

LONDON – A cancer specialist who attended on the freed Lockerbie bomber has said that his opinion on Abdelbaset al-Megrahi’s health was misinterpreted and that he was not involved in letting him go free.

Two physicians paid by Libya – cancer specialist Karol Sikora and tumour specialist Ibrahim Sharif – agreed that al-Megrahi’s death was “likely” …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : My opinion misinterpreted: Lockerbie bomber’s doctor.

Report: Warden resigns at Ariz. prison where 3 inmates escaped

Report: AZ prison warden resigns after 3 escape

KINGMAN, Ariz. – A warden and a security official have resigned their posts at an Arizona state prison where three inmates escaped last month, setting off a nationwide search, according to news reports.
Unit Warden Lori Lieder and a unit security chief resigned earlier this week from Arizona State … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Report: Warden resigns at Ariz. prison where 3 inmates escaped.

Maoists will be defeated: Raman Singh

RAIPUR – The Chhattisgarh government is working on multiple efforts to contain Maoist violence and restore peace, Chief Minister Raman Singh said in his Independence Day speech Sunday.

“Chhattisgarh, along with a few other states, is passing through a major disaster caused by Maoist terrorism and the state government is working on multiple efforts to contain [..] Read the original article: here.

Report: DA plans to have murder charges dismissed against man arrested in Buffalo shooting

Report: DA wants charges nixed in Buffalo shooting

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A prosecutor in western New York has told a newspaper that he plans to seek dismissal of murder charges against a man accused in a shooting that killed four people and wounded four others outside a downtown Buffalo restaurant.
Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita (seh-DEE’-tah) …. Source article  : Report: DA plans to have murder charges dismissed against man arrested in Buffalo shooting.

Maoists are obstructing development: Patnaik

BHUBANESWAR – Maoists are “obstructing” the development of India, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Sunday after unfurling the national flag on the 64th Independence Day celebrations here.

“The Naxals (Maoists) are creating disturbances in some part of India as well as Orissa. They are obstructing developement,” he said at the state-level function at Mahatma Gandhi … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Maoists are obstructing development: Patnaik.

Ready for talks with Maoists, Kashmir groups: PM (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday called Maoist guerrillas for peace talks and said his government was also ready for a dialogue with any group in Jammu and Kashmir that abjures violence.

Admitting that Maoist-affected areas in east and central India have seen poor development, Manmohan Singh, in his address to the nation on …. Original source  : Ready for talks with Maoists, Kashmir groups: PM (Second Lead).

PM calls Maoist guerrillas for talks

NEW DELHI – Admitting that Maoist-affected areas in east and central India have seen poor development, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday urged the guerrillas to shun violence and come for peace talks in a bid to jointly accelerate social and economic progress of the region.

“I once again appeal to Naxalites to abjure violence, come for …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : PM calls Maoist guerrillas for talks.

Maoists blow up building

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas have blown up a newly built school building in Orissa’s Malkangiri district a day before the country’s independence day, police said Sunday.

Explosives were used for the Saturday night attack in Manyamkonda village, about 650 km from here. No one was injured, a police officer said.
… Original source on Gaea Times at : Maoists blow up building.

Text of PM’s address to the nation on I-Day

NEW DELHI – The following is the text of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s address to the nation on India’s 64th Independence Day:

“Dear citizens,
I greet you on the 63rd anniversary of our independence. When Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the Tricolour on this historic Red Fort, on 15th August, 1947, he called himself the first …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Have special responsibility towards northeast: PM

NEW DELHI – Expressing readiness to carry forward talks with insurgents in the northeast, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday said his government had a special responsibility towards the region.

“We have a special responsibility towards the states of the northeast. We are trying to live up to that responsibility,” Manmohan Singh said in his Independence Day … Read more : Have special responsibility towards northeast: PM.

No dialogue if Pakistan backs terrorism: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared Sunday there will be no further talks with Pakistan if its territory was used for acts of terrorism against India.

“As far as Pakistan is concerned, we expect from them that they would not let their territory be used for acts of terrorism against India,” he said in … Read : No dialogue if Pakistan backs terrorism: PM.

Don’t back terror, then we will talk: PM tells Pakistan

NEW DELHI – Peace talks with Pakistan can be taken forward only if it does not support terrorism directed against India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Sunday.

In his Independence Day speech, the prime minister said India expected Pakistan not to let its territory be used for acts of terrorism against India.
“We have been emphasizing … Read more »»».

Come for talks, PM to Maoists

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday asked Maoist guerrillas to abjure violence and talk to the government to jointly accelerate social and economic development of the tribal-dominated areas.

“I once again appeal to Naxalites to abjure violence, come for talks with the government and join hands with us to accelerate social and economic development,” … Original source on Gaea Times at : Come for talks, PM to Maoists.

Victims identified in shooting outside Buffalo, NY, restaurant that killed 4, wounded 4 others

Victims named in shooting at Buffalo, NY, eatery

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Police in western New York have identified the eight people who were gunned down outside a restaurant in downtown Buffalo.
Police say they were leaving a party at City Grill when they were shot early Saturday. Four were killed, including a Texas man, 30-year-old Danyell Mackin, …. Original article  : Victims identified in shooting outside Buffalo, NY, restaurant that killed 4, wounded 4 others.

Lebanese Army kills two Al Qaeda-linked militants

BEIRUT – Lebanese Army troops Saturday killed two militants loyal to Al Qaeda in eastern Lebanon, security sources said.

The two men were a part of Fatah al-Islam, a fundamentalist Palestinian group that follows the ideology of Al Qaeda, and that fought pitched battles with the Lebanese Army in the Palestinian refugee camp of Nahr al …. Read the original article  : here.

Mets pitcher Francisco Rodriguez apologizes to teammates, fans for fight

Rodriguez apologizes to teammates, fans for fight

NEW YORK – Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was greeted harshly when he returned to the mound Saturday night, hours after apologizing to teammates and fans for a physical altercation at Citi Field that resulted in his arrest and two-day suspension.
There were mostly boos when Rodriguez ran in from the … Read more >>>.

NY man charged in shootings at Buffalo restaurant that left 4 dead, including newlywed

NY man charged in shootings at Buffalo restaurant

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Police in western New York have charged a 25-year-old man in the fatal shootings of four people outside a downtown Buffalo restaurant.
Keith Johnson of Buffalo was arrested Saturday afternoon. Police believe he was the only gunman in the shootings that also wounded four others. He … Read more : NY man charged in shootings at Buffalo restaurant that left 4 dead, including newlywed.

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.

Suspect in ‘Grim Sleeper’ serial killings set to enter plea in Los Angeles courtroom

Suspect in ‘Grim Sleeper’ killings to enter plea

LOS ANGELES – A man suspected in the “Grim Sleeper” slayings of 10 women is set to be arraigned in a Los Angeles courtroom.
An attorney for Lonnie Franklin Jr. has said he will plead not guilty Monday to 10 charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder.
Private … Read more »»».

Doctor charged in Michael Jackson’s death due in Los Angeles court for scheduling hearing

Doctor charged in Jackson’s death due in court

LOS ANGELES – The doctor charged in Michael Jackson’s death is due back in court for a scheduling hearing that will determine when prosecutors will publicly present some of their evidence.
Dr. Conrad Murray is required to attend Monday’s hearing, during which a Los Angeles judge is expected to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Doctor charged in Michael Jackson’s death due in Los Angeles court for scheduling hearing.

Inmate convicted of attempted murder escapes from Colorado prison

Inmates escapes from Colorado prison
STERLING, Colo. – Law officers in northeast Colorado are searching for a 48-year-old inmate convicted of attempted murder who escaped from a maximum security prison.

The Colorado Department of Corrections confirmed at 11:20 p.m. MDT Sunday that Douglas J. Alward escaped from the Sterling Correctional Facility, which is located about 100 miles …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Inmate convicted of attempted murder escapes from Colorado prison.

Report: Iran suspends 3 senior judiciary officials allegedly linked to prisoner torture deaths

Iran suspends 3 officials over prison deaths

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has suspended three senior judiciary officials over their alleged links to the torture and killing of three anti-government protesters in prison.
A report Monday by the independent Tehran-e Emrooz newspaper says the suspensions pave the way for the trial of the three officials. Their names were … Read more >>.

Politics, alleged fraud and controversial museum disturb peace in Jerusalem graveyard

Politics, alleged fraud disturb Jerusalem cemetery

JERUSALEM – A political battle over a Muslim cemetery in Jerusalem that began with charges of insensitivity leveled at plans for a museum of religious tolerance at the site has spread into a more curious fight about whether hundreds of nearby tombstones are even real.
The Mamilla cemetery had its peace …. Original article  : Politics, alleged fraud and controversial museum disturb peace in Jerusalem graveyard.

Police say 3 dead, including gunman, and 4 wounded in shootout in central Virginia

3 dead, 4 wounded in shootout in central Virginia

LOUISA, Va. – Police say three people are dead and four others wounded after a man opened fire at a rural neighborhood in central Virginia.
The gunman was among those killed Sunday afternoon.
Louisa County sheriff’s Maj. Donnie Lowe said the gunman began shooting after a dispute over property …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Police say 3 dead, including gunman, and 4 wounded in shootout in central Virginia.

Taliban video game sparks outrage

LONDON – A video game in which the players pretend to be heavily armed Taliban guerrillas has sparked anger, with British Defence Secretary Liam Fox calling for a ban and a security expert stating that “the Afghanistan campaign isn’t a game – it’s happening”.

The video game is the updated version of “Medal Of Honour” that … Original article on : Taliban video game sparks outrage.

Seven Al Qaeda men killed in Yemen

SANA’A – Yemeni security forces killed seven Al Qaeda militants Sunday in a fresh clash in the country’s southern province of Abyan, authorities said.

Yemeni defence ministry said seven Al Qaeda men were killed Sunday in a raid carried out in the militant’s hideout in Lodar city, increasing the death toll of the militants to 12 …. Original source  : Seven Al Qaeda men killed in Yemen.

NY archbishop says he’s saddened by spate of suspected anti-Hispanic attacks blamed on blacks

NY archbishop saddened by suspected bias attacks

NEW YORK – Archbishop Timothy Dolan told parishioners during Mass on Sunday that he was saddened by a spate of suspected anti-Hispanic attacks on Staten Island that has left some Latin American immigrants fearing for their safety.
Dolan made the remarks during a Spanish-language sermon at the Church of St. … Original source on Gaea Times at : NY archbishop says he’s saddened by spate of suspected anti-Hispanic attacks blamed on blacks.

Wash. bride-to-be arrested for DUI after bachelorette party, released hours before wedding

Washington bride-to-be arrested on wedding day

BELLEVUE, Wash. – A 31-year-old bride-to-be heading home from her bachelorette party was arrested for drunk driving hours before she was to get married.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Christina Martin says the woman was driving over 90 mph Saturday morning and weaving in and out of traffic on Interstate 405 in … Original article on : Wash. bride-to-be arrested for DUI after bachelorette party, released hours before wedding.

27 people arrested, at least 5 injured in Arizona shootout involving rival biker gangs

27 arrested in Arizona rival biker shootout

CHINO VALLEY, Ariz. – Arizona authorities say 27 people have been booked on charges ranging from attempted murder to participation in a criminal street gang after shootings involving members of rival motorcycle gangs, the Vagos and Hells Angels.
Detectives estimate at least 50 rounds were fired Saturday during the shootings [..] Read the original article: here.

4 decapitated bodies hung from bridge in Mexican city besieged by drug gang infighting

4 decapitated bodies hung from bridge in Mexico

CUERNAVACA, Mexico – The decapitated bodies of four men were hung from a bridge Sunday in this central Mexican city besieged by fighting between two drug lords.
A gang led by kingpin Hector Beltran Leyva took responsibility for the killings in a message left with the bodies, the attorney … Read : 4 decapitated bodies hung from bridge in Mexican city besieged by drug gang infighting.

Jamaica party seeks probe of who hired firm to lobby US on alleged drug lord’s extradition

Jamaica opposition calls for probe into Coke case

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s opposition called Sunday for an independent investigation into who hired lobbyists to try to persuade the U.S. government to drop its extradition request for alleged drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke.
The People’s National Party said in a statement that a commission of inquiry should be … Read : Jamaica party seeks probe of who hired firm to lobby US on alleged drug lord’s extradition.

Soldiers in Guyana will bolster police patrols in high-crime areas after spike in gun violence

Guyana military to help police in high-crime areas

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana’s military will assist police in patrolling high-crime areas in response to a spike in gun violence.
Col. Bruce Lovell said Sunday that the joint patrols will start in the coming week.
In recent weeks, gangs of armed bandits have committed a slew of robberies along the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Soldiers in Guyana will bolster police patrols in high-crime areas after spike in gun violence.

More than 80 arrested at Love Festival rave party at Los Angeles Sports Arena

More than 80 arrested at Los Angeles rave party

LOS ANGELES – Authorities say more than 80 young people were arrested at a rave party in Los Angeles, most on drugs charges.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials say paramedics treated 16 people for minor injuries at the 18th Annual Love Festival late Saturday and early Sunday and …. Source article  : More than 80 arrested at Love Festival rave party at Los Angeles Sports Arena.

Iraq acknowledges killer of British aid worker escaped from prison 11 months ago

Iraq acknowledges Briton’s killer escaped
BAGHDAD – Iraq’s deputy justice minister acknowledged Sunday that a man convicted of killing a British aid worker in 2004 escaped from prison 11 months ago and that the government only learned of the breakout last month.

The announcement is also embarrassing for the Iraqi government because it comes a month after …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Police: R&B singer Faith Evans arrested in Los Angeles on drunken driving charge

Faith Evans arrested on drunken driving charge

LOS ANGELES – Grammy-winning singer Faith Evans has been arrested after being stopped at a drunken driving checkpoint in the Los Angeles area.
Officer Cleon Joseph of the LAPD says the 37-year-old Evans was arrested Saturday night near Marina del Rey on suspicion of misdemeanor drunken driving. He says Evans … Read : Police: R&B singer Faith Evans arrested in Los Angeles on drunken driving charge.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai defends move to disband private security firms

Afghan pres defends move to disband security firms

KABUL, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai on Sunday defended his decision to disband private security firms, saying they were undermining Afghanistan’s police and army and contributing to corruption.
Last Monday Karzai ordered Afghan and international security companies to disband by the end of the year, despite U.S. concerns the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Wash. bride arrested for DUI after bachelorette party, released just hours before wedding

Wash. bride arrested for DUI on her wedding day

BELLEVUE, Wash. – A 31-year-old bride heading home from her bachelorette party was arrested for drunk driving hours before she was to get married.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Christina Martin says the woman was driving over 90 mph Saturday morning and weaving in and out of traffic on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Wash. bride arrested for DUI after bachelorette party, released just hours before wedding.

Former Mo. inmate says he’s still trying to get justice years after conviction was overturned

Man whose conviction was overturned still fighting

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. – After Ted White Jr. was wrongfully convicted of molesting his 12-year-old stepdaughter, his parents poured everything they had into clearing their son’s name.
When he won his freedom after finding out that the detective who led the sex-abuse investigation was his estranged wife’s secret lover, White … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Former Mo. inmate says he’s still trying to get justice years after conviction was overturned.

Suicide bomber attacks hotel in Somalia’s capital; 8 reported dead, officials say

Suicide bomber attacks Somali hotel, killing 8

MOGADISHU, Somalia – A suicide bomber and a gunman stormed a hotel in Somalia’s capital on Tuesday, and an early report from a government journalist said that at least eight people had been killed, including members of parliament.
A spokesman for the African Union, Maj. Barigye Bahoku, confirmed the suicide …. Read the original article  : here.

Maoist killed by security forces, rebels gun down man

MIDNAPORE – A Maoist guerilla was killed during a three-hour gunfight between the rebels and joint security forces in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district early Tuesday, police said.

The rebels immediately retaliated by gunning down a man near the site of the gun battle in Bakshibandh area, about half a kilometre from a Central Reserve … Read more : Maoist killed by security forces, rebels gun down man.

40 civilians killed in Somalia fighting

MOGADISHU – At least 40 civilians were killed and 106 injured in fighting between insurgents and government troops in the Somali capital of Mogadishu since Monday, media reports said Tuesday.

“The toll increased to 40 civilians and 106 others injured since Monday,” Xinhua said, citing an Al Jazeera TV report.
“The fierce conflict between … Read more >>>.

DeLay heads to Texas court in money laundering case, days after DOJ ends probe without charges

Money laundering case against DeLay moving forward

AUSTIN, Texas – Former House majority leader Tom DeLay is headed to court again in the criminal case against him in Texas.
DeLay and two co-defendants were indicted in 2005 in connection with efforts to elect Republican state legislative candidates in 2002. Since then, pretrial arguments have been making their … Original source on Gaea Times at : DeLay heads to Texas court in money laundering case, days after DOJ ends probe without charges.

US sheriffs struggle with high extradition costs, must weigh risks of letting suspects go

US sheriffs struggle with high extradition costs

ATLANTA – Authorities in Michigan’s Genesee County were jubilant when Atlanta police arrested a suspect in a spate of serial stabbings that left five people dead. They weren’t so thrilled about picking up the tab to get him back.
Extradition has long been a sore spot for sheriffs who contend … Read more »».

Punjab’s new worry – militants not using mobiles

CHANDIGARH – Militants who are trying to re-group in Punjab have a new tactic to avoid capture – not using mobile phones, which, say security agencies, has become a “major handicap” in tracking these terror elements.

A confidential communication from the office of Suresh Arora, Punjab’s additional director general of police (intelligence), to top security officials … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Punjab’s new worry – militants not using mobiles.

China demands answers after 8 Hong Kong tourists killed in Philippine bus hijacking

China wants answers after 9 killed on hijacked bus

MANILA, Philippines – China demanded answers Tuesday from the Philippines after a 12-hour hostage drama in the heart of Manila ended with eight Hong Kong tourists dead along with their Filipino hostage-taker after a day of botched negotiations.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said his government was “appalled” …. Source article  : China demands answers after 8 Hong Kong tourists killed in Philippine bus hijacking.

Government wants to rule Bastar at gunpoint: Mahendra Karma (Interview)

RAIPUR – Mahendra Karma, the opposition Congress heavyweight in Chhattisgarh who was widely said to be behind the controversial Salwa Judum movement against Maoists, says the state government wants to rule the restive Bastar region at gunpoint as it has lost touch with the people.

“The Maoist movement is spreading in Bastar day by day because …. Original article  : Government wants to rule Bastar at gunpoint: Mahendra Karma (Interview).

AP sources: Former President Jimmy Carter going to NKorea to free American imprisoned there

AP sources: Carter to NKorea to free American
WASHINGTON – Former President Jimmy Carter was preparing to leave for North Korea on Tuesday to try to gain the freedom of an American imprisoned for illegally entering the communist nation, U.S. officials said Monday night.
North Korea agreed to release Aijalon Mahli Gomes if Carter were … Read more : AP sources: Former President Jimmy Carter going to NKorea to free American imprisoned there.

Woman pleads guilty plea at court martial in Washington to killing 2 fellow soldiers

Woman pleads guilty to killing 2 fellow soldiers

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – A woman accused of killing two fellow soldiers and abducting their baby pleaded guilty Monday to murder and kidnapping charges to avoid a possible death penalty, an Army spokeswoman said.
Ivette G. Davila faces life in prison, but her court martial judge, Col. Stephen … Original source on Gaea Times at : Woman pleads guilty plea at court martial in Washington to killing 2 fellow soldiers.

3rd suspect in theft of watch from dying man in Pa. hospital pleads guilty, gets probation

3rd suspect guilty in Pa. theft from dying man

PHILADELPHIA – A third defendant has pleaded guilty to stealing a wristwatch from a man dying in a Philadelphia hospital waiting room last fall.
Richard Alten pleaded guilty to theft and conspiracy Monday. Common Pleas Judge Adam Beloff sentenced the 45-year-old to 30 months of probation and drug …. Original article  : 3rd suspect in theft of watch from dying man in Pa. hospital pleads guilty, gets probation.

Alaska man who made hit list of enemies of Islam gets 8 years in prison on terror charges

Alaska man gets 8 years in prison for hit list

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A man from a remote Alaska community who compiled a hit list of targets he believed were enemies of Islam was sentenced Monday to eight years in prison.
Paul Rockwood Jr., along with his wife, Nadia Rockwood, faced counts of lying to FBI agents …. Source article  : Alaska man who made hit list of enemies of Islam gets 8 years in prison on terror charges.

Wyo. jury finds trucker’s identity was stolen; victim wants his ordeal to teach other drivers

Ill. trucker rebuilding life after identity theft

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Trucker Earl Robert Hood didn’t know his identity had been stolen until his commercial driver’s license was suspended in 2008 for four DUIs he never committed.
He promptly lost his job and many of his possessions and saw his marriage end in divorce. Now he wants other … Read more »»».

Judge in Lohan case to issue mystery ruling amid unconfirmed reports of expected release

Mystery ruling coming in Lindsay Lohan case

LOS ANGELES – A court official says the judge handling Lindsay Lohan’s criminal case plans to issue an unspecified ruling in the case a day before her attorneys are due in court.
Los Angeles Superior Court spokesman Allan Parachini said Monday that Judge Elden Fox plans to issue the ruling … Original source on Gaea Times at : Judge in Lohan case to issue mystery ruling amid unconfirmed reports of expected release.

Ansel Adams trust sues Calif. man over negatives purported to be photographer’s lost work

Ansel Adams trust sues over garage sale negatives

SAN JOSE, Calif. – A group representing Ansel Adams sued a Fresno man Monday for selling prints and posters under the name of the famed nature photographer, the latest salvo in a dispute over glass negatives bought at a garage sale and purported to be Adams’ lost work.
The …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Federal judge in Roger Clemens case issues gag order

Judge in Clemens case issues gag order
WASHINGTON – A judge assigned to Roger Clemens’ perjury case issued a gag order Monday prohibiting public comments by the principles in the case that could affect the jury pool for a possible trial.

Clemens was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday for allegedly lying to Congress. The six-count … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Federal judge in Roger Clemens case issues gag order.

Sentencing ex-Ill. Gov. Blagojevich on conviction in 1st trial likely to await outcome of 2nd

Sentencing likely to await Blagojevich retrial

CHICAGO – As former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich works the national media circuit proclaiming his innocence, he has publicly ignored one consequence of his conviction on a single count.
He now faces a prison term of up to five years for lying to the FBI.
Just how and when he’s sentenced depends …. Original source  : Sentencing ex-Ill. Gov. Blagojevich on conviction in 1st trial likely to await outcome of 2nd.

Wyo. jury: Trucker’s identity stolen by man who racked up 4 DUIs using name

Jury convicts man of stealing trucker’s identity

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Trucker Earl Robert Hood says he didn’t know his identity had been stolen until his commercial driver’s license was suspended for four DUIs he never committed.
Hood traveled from his home in Illinois to Wheatland, Wyo., to testify against 47-year-old Danny Arnold Rodgers, who was convicted last … Read more >>.

Wis. woman killed by Iraq war veteran husband had been staying at relative’s house, police say

Wis. woman killed by husband was staying elsewhere

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The pregnant wife of an Iraq war veteran had been staying at a relative’s house in the weeks before she was shot and killed by her husband, Superior police confirmed Monday – without elaborating on possible reasons for the recent change in sleeping arrangements.
Matthew Magdzas, … Read more >>>.

Alaska man accused of hit list of enemies of Islam gets 8 years in prison on terror charges

Alaska man gets 8 years in prison for hit list

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A man from a remote Alaska community who was accused of compiling a hit list of targets he believed were enemies of Islam was sentenced Monday to eight years in prison.
Paul Rockwood Jr., along with his wife, Nadia, faced counts of lying to …. Source article  : Alaska man accused of hit list of enemies of Islam gets 8 years in prison on terror charges.

Afghan police recruit kills 2 Spanish officers, interpreter in latest infiltration attack

Afghan police recruit kills 2 Spanish officers

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan police recruit opened fire on Spanish trainers early Wednesday, killing two of them along with their interpreter, Spain’s Interior Minister said.
The recruit was subsequently shot and killed by Spanish officers who had been conducting a police training course at their base in Badghis province, …. Source article  : Afghan police recruit kills 2 Spanish officers, interpreter in latest infiltration attack.

22 killed in bomb blasts in Iraqi cities

BAGHDAD – Bomb blasts across Iraq killed at least 22 people, including two children, and injured dozens in key cities early Wednesday.

At least 11 people were killed and more than 30 injured when a car bomb exploded near a police station in the capital Baghdad. Witnesses said four policemen were among the dead.
Seven people … Read more »»».

Ex-Khmer Rouge prison chief files appeal against war crimes conviction and prison term

Khmer Rouge figure appeals war crimes conviction

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The former chief jailer of the Khmer Rouge has appealed his conviction and 35-year prison sentence, his lawyer said Wednesday.
Kaing Guek Eav, alias Duch, was convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity in July and sentenced to 35 years in prison – reduced to … Read : Ex-Khmer Rouge prison chief files appeal against war crimes conviction and prison term.

Murder inquiry begins after police discover body of man believed to be UK intelligence officer

Murder inquiry into death of suspected UK spy

LONDON – Police say they have launched a murder inquiry after the body of a man reported by British media to be an intelligence officer was discovered in a central London apartment.
London’s Scotland Yard said Wednesday that a corpse was found on Monday inside an apartment close to … Read more »»».

DeLay wants Texas trial on charges related to campaign funds moved from liberal Austin

DeLay asks that trial be moved from liberal Austin

AUSTIN, Texas – Former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay is getting the trial he’s been seeking for five years that he says will clear him of allegations that he illegally funneled campaign money.
Now he wants the case moved out of liberal Austin.
“I doubt I can get … Read more >>.

Maoists kill two in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – Maoist guerrillas killed two people in a forested area of Orissa’s Malkangiri district after accusing them of being police informers, an official said Wednesday.

The rebels dragged 50-year-old Manoranjan Biswas and his 30-year-old son Mohan from their house at MV 98 village late Tuesday.
“Maoists killed them in a nearby area slitting their throats. … Original article on : Maoists kill two in Orissa.

CIA sees more threat from Al Qaeda in Yemen than Pakistan

WASHINGTON – The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) now sees one of Al Qaeda’s off-shoots – rather than the core group now based in Pakistan – as the most urgent threat to US security, according to the Washington Post.

The new assessment of Al Qaeda’s affiliate in Yemen has helped prompt senior Obama administration officials to … Read more : CIA sees more threat from Al Qaeda in Yemen than Pakistan.

Military: Attacker tries to drive truck with explosives into Mauritanian army barracks

Attacker attempts to blow up Mauritanian barracks

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania – A suicide bomber attempted to drive a truck loaded with explosives into an army barracks but was shot and killed when he refused to stop the car before dawn on Wednesday, an army official said.
The high-ranking officer, who asked not to be identified because he is …. Source article  : Military: Attacker tries to drive truck with explosives into Mauritanian army barracks.

Marines find 72 bodies at suspected drug cartel cadaver dumping ground in northern Mexico

Marines find 72 bodies in northern Mexico
MEXICO CITY – Mexican marines found the dumped bodies of 72 people at a rural location in northern Mexico following a shootout with suspected drug cartel gunmen that left one marine and three suspects dead, the Navy reported late Tuesday.

The cadavers of 58 men and 14 women were found … Read more »»».

Survivors and remains of slain Hong Kong tourists head home as Philippines grapples with anger

Bodies, survivors of Manila hijack drama head home

MANILA, Philippines – Most survivors of a tragic hostage drama were returning home to Hong Kong along with the bodies of eight slain tourists Wednesday, while the Philippines grappled with outrage over police mishandling and botched negotiations with the gunman.
The interior secretary acknowledged police were ill-prepared and that … Read : Survivors and remains of slain Hong Kong tourists head home as Philippines grapples with anger.

Marijuana plants worth $100 million seized on Calif. farm believed run by drug traffickers

Pot plants worth $100 million seized in Calif.

SAN DIEGO – Authorities say narcotics task force agents have seized an estimated 25,000 marijuana plants worth up to $100 million on a Southern California farm believed to be run by Mexican drug traffickers.
Sheriff’s Deputy Steve Reed, a member of the San Diego County Integrated Narcotics Task Force, … Read more »»».

Hezbollah chief calls on Lebanon to build nuclear reactor

BEIRUT – Seyyed Hassan Nasarllah, leader of the Lebanese Shia movement Hezbollah, called on Lebanon’s government to follow Tehran’s footsteps and build a nuclear facility to generate electricity like the reactor in Bushehr, Iran.

“The cost of building the Bushehr reactor was less than Lebanon’s investment in the electricity network. I call on the government to …. Read the original article  : here.

US freezes assets of Osama son-in-law

WASHINGTON – In a continuing campaign to target Al Qaeda’s sources of funds, the United States has frozen the assets of Muhammad Abdallah Hasan Abu-al-Khayr, a son-in-law of Osama bin Laden.

The assets of al-Khayr, who is considered a possible replacement for the terror group’s chief financial officer, would be frozen in US jurisdictions under new … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US freezes assets of Osama son-in-law.

Lewis-McChord soldier sentenced to life without parole for double murder, kidnapping baby

Wash. soldier sentenced to life without parole

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – A military judge at Joint Base Lewis-McChord has sentenced Spc. Ivette Davila to life in prison without parole for killing two fellow soldiers and abducting their baby.
Col. Stephen Henley sentenced the 24-year-old soldier late Tuesday at the conclusion of testimony in the penalty phase …. Original source  : Lewis-McChord soldier sentenced to life without parole for double murder, kidnapping baby.

Military: Attacker tries to drive truck with explosives into Mauritanian army barrack

Attacker attempts to blow up Mauritian barracks

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania – A suicide bomber attempted to drive a truck loaded with explosives into an army barrack but was shot and killed when he refused to stop the car before dawn on Wednesday, an army official said.
The high-ranking officer, who asked not to be identified because he is …. Read the original article  : Military: Attacker tries to drive truck with explosives into Mauritanian army barrack.

Australian prisoner found in pub drinking beer after escaping from police, swimming river

Escaped Aussie prisoner found drinking beer in pub

BRISBANE, Australia – A prisoner who escaped from police and swam across Australia’s Brisbane River was recaptured nearly seven hours later while downing a beer at a pub, police and hotel employees said Wednesday.
Kayd Thorp, 24, escaped from police Tuesday afternoon at the Brisbane airport, where he had … Original article on : Australian prisoner found in pub drinking beer after escaping from police, swimming river.

Va. man acquitted of 1991 killing of camp counselor from Fla. in northeastern PA

Va. man acquitted of killing camp counselor in Pa.

HONESDALE, Pa. – A Virginia man accused of killing a camp counselor nearly two decades ago in northeastern Pennsylvania was acquitted Tuesday.
Jurors deliberated for about 3 1/2 hours before finding Jeffrey Plishka, 47, of Onley, Va., not guilty in the 1991 slaying of Laura Ronning in a … Read : Va. man acquitted of 1991 killing of camp counselor from Fla. in northeastern PA.

‘Yemen ignores rights in fighting insurgents’

SANA’A – Yemeni authorities have “sacrificed” human rights and committed unlawful killings of people linked to Al Qaeda and local insurgents as the Arab country tried to confront threats from those groups, Amnesty International said Wednesday.

In a report titled “Cracking Down Under Pressure”, the international rights watchdog called on Yemeni authorities to “stop sacrificing human … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Yemen ignores rights in fighting insurgents’.

Mexican state prosecutor says Zetas drug gang ordered killing of mayor in northern Mexico

Mexico: Zetas gang ordered killing of mayor

MEXICO CITY – The Zetas drug gang ordered the killing of a mayor in northern Mexico because he had disciplined police officers secretly working with the cartel, authorities said Tuesday.
Nuevo Leon state Attorney General Alejandro Garza y Garza said several of the seven police officers arrested in the killing …. Original article  : Mexican state prosecutor says Zetas drug gang ordered killing of mayor in northern Mexico.

Judge revokes permits that allowed oversized shipments through northern Idaho, faults state

Permits revoked for oversized shipments through ID

LEWISTON, Idaho – A judge on Tuesday revoked special permits allowing a company to truck four oversized loads of oil refinery equipment through a federally protected river corridor, saying the state failed to address public concerns.
Second District Judge John Bradbury ordered the Idaho Transportation Department to review the request … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Judge revokes permits that allowed oversized shipments through northern Idaho, faults state.

First steps being taken toward Blagojevich retrial amid questions about future defense team

First steps being taken toward Blagojevich retrial

CHICAGO – A little more than a week after former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s monthslong federal corruption trial ended with jurors deadlocked on all but one charge, the first steps are being taken toward doing it all over again.
A hearing scheduled for Thursday is the first since a mistrial … Read more »».

Jailed terrorist rants on extremist website

LONDON – A convicted British Muslim terrorist is urging fanatics to train with guns for a holy war in a rant on an internet site, which also features sermons by hate clerics such as Egyptian-born Abu Hamza.

Shah Jalal Hussain, who was jailed two years ago for raising funds for terrorists in Iraq, is heard …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jailed terrorist rants on extremist website.

‘What if US is seen as exporter of terrorism?’

WASHINGTON – Citing the case of Pakistani-American David Headley, a classified CIA document released by whistleblower organisation Wikileaks asks what would happen if foreign countries began to view the US as an “exporter of terrorism”.

The document prepared by the CIA’s “red cell”, a unit responsible for preparing analysis papers from an adversarial perspective, notes that …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : ‘What if US is seen as exporter of terrorism?’.

Perry talks often about Texas Rangers’ border security work, just don’t ask him for specifics

State obscures elite Texas Rangers’ border work
McALLEN, Texas – Gov. Rick Perry has told just about anyone who will listen about his plan to dispatch elite teams of Texas Rangers to the border to do what he says the federal government won’t – keep Texans safe from encroaching Mexican drug violence.
Just …. Source  : Perry talks often about Texas Rangers’ border security work, just don’t ask him for specifics.

Death of 72 migrants at Mexican ranch highlights brutally of human trafficking

Drug cartel suspected in massacre of 72 migrants

MEXICO CITY – The discovery of 72 slain Central and South American migrants on a ranch just south of the U.S. border provides a horrific reminder of the brutality of human trafficking in a country dominated by drug cartels.
A wounded Ecuadorean who escaped the killing ground in Mexico’s … Read : Death of 72 migrants at Mexican ranch highlights brutally of human trafficking.

PM wants ‘non-lethal ways’ in Kashmir, calls for task force

NEW DELHI – Calling for “non-lethal ways to manage protests” in Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday asked the home minister to establish a “high-power task force” to devise ways of controlling crowds. He also reached out to Maoists, renewing his offer for talks on the condition they abjure violence.

Addressing the 45th annual meet of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Maoists attack police station, blast buildings in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoists attacked a police station, torched six trucks, blasted a government building and a political party’s office in two districts of Jharkhand while enforcing their 24-hour strike in parts of the state early Thursday.

“Maoist guerillas attacked Pirtand police station around 1 a.m. in Giridih district, some 210 km from here,” District Superintendent of … Read more >>>.

Eight policemen killed in Afghanistan

KUNDUZ – Eight Afghan policemen were killed and one was injured Thursday in the northern province of Kunduz when gunmen attacked them, the provincial governor said.

“Our eight brave policemen were killed and another one wounded when unknown gunmen attacked their checkpoints in the Bandar-e-Imam Sahib area of Kunduz city,” Mohammed Omer told DPA.
Only one …. Original source  : Eight policemen killed in Afghanistan.

Michael Enright Held Without Bail

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- Michael Enright, the 21-year-old honors student at the School of Visual Arts in New York, has been held without bail by a Manhattan district attorney after the former carried out a brutal attack on a Muslim taxi driver on Tuesday night. Michael Enright who slashed the throat of 44-year-old Bangladeshi Muslim … Original source on Gaea Times at : Michael Enright Held Without Bail.

Indian linked to new Al-Qaeda plot unearthed in Canada

TORONTO – An Al-Qaeda-linked terror plot was unearthed by Canadian security agencies Wednesday, with one of the suspects reportedly hailing from India.

Under what is curiously called “Operation Samosa,” the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested two suspects early Wednesday. One of them said to be named Misbahuddin Ahmed who reportedly comes from India. Search for …. Source  : Indian linked to new Al-Qaeda plot unearthed in Canada.

Mexican border state to raise pay of state police to deter them from working for drug cartels

Mexico state to boost pay of state police
MONTERREY, Mexico – The governor of a Mexican border state said Wednesday he will give state police officers a 20 percent pay raise in an effort to deter them from being lured into helping drug cartels.

Nuevo Leon state Gov. Rodrigo Medina said the increase would be given only …. Original article  : Mexican border state to raise pay of state police to deter them from working for drug cartels.

Maoists attack police station in Jharkhand

RANCHI – Maoist rebels attacked a police station, torched six trucks and blasted the office of a political party in two districts of Jharkhand while enforcing their 24-hour strike in parts of the state early Thursday.

Nearly 200 Maoists attacked Pirtand police station at around 1 a.m. in Giridih district, some 210 km from here. A …. Original article  : Maoists attack police station in Jharkhand.

Australian tax authorities bar ‘Crocodile Dundee’ star Paul Hogan from returning to US home

Tax officials keep ‘Crocodile Dundee’ in Australia

SYDNEY – Actor Paul Hogan, star of the “Crocodile Dundee” movie trilogy, has been barred from leaving Australia until he pays a disputed tax bill, his lawyer said on Thursday.
The 70-year-old actor, who currently lives in Los Angeles and first gained a public profile in the United States with … Read more : Australian tax authorities bar ‘Crocodile Dundee’ star Paul Hogan from returning to US home.

Blast in Argentina bank

Buenos Aires, Aug 26 (IANS/EFE) A bomb exploded at a branch of Spanish banking giant BBVA in Buenos Aires, destroying an ATM but causing no injuries, police said.

The bombing at the BBVA-Banco Frances Wednesday, which shattered the bank branch’s windows, is the second this month against Spanish banks in Argentina.
No one has, however, claimed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Blast in Argentina bank.

Finances and welfare of 104-year-old Montana copper heiress at center of NY criminal probe

Finances of heiress, 104, at center of NY probe

NEW YORK – A 104-year-old heiress to a Montana copper mining fortune – now living in a New York hospital room – is at the center of a criminal investigation into her fortune and welfare, two people familiar with the probe told The Associated Press.
The Manhattan district … Read more >>>.

Gunmen in south Philippines stop bus at roadblock, kill 4 people, including 2 police marshals

Gunmen stop bus in southern Philippines, kill 4

MANILA, Philippines – Gunmen wearing police uniforms stopped a passenger bus in the southern Philippines early Thursday and fatally shot four people, including two police marshals, officials said.
The attack came just three days after a disgruntled ex-policeman took hostage a busload of Hong Kong tourists in Manila, killing …. Original article  : Gunmen in south Philippines stop bus at roadblock, kill 4 people, including 2 police marshals.

Canadian man gets 3 years in federal prison for selling fake cancer drug over Internet

Canadian sentenced for selling fake cancer drug

PHOENIX – A Canadian man was sentenced Wednesday to nearly three years in federal prison for selling fake cancer drugs over the Internet.
Federal prosecutors in Phoenix say 22-year-old Hazim Gaber, of Edmonton, Alberta, was given a 33-month prison term and ordered to pay a $75,000 fine and nearly $54,000 …. Original article  : Canadian man gets 3 years in federal prison for selling fake cancer drug over Internet.

Amber Alert For Sex Offender On The Run

NEW JERSEY (GaeaTimes.com) — The amber alert issued for absconding sex-offender, Terry Dusseault has created a sense of unease among the residents. The reason behind it is that the alleged sexual assaulter of children on 6 counts and his 8 year old son, Terry Dusseault Jr is missing.
As the New Jersey State Police arrived …. Original source  : Amber Alert For Sex Offender On The Run.

Man charged with murder in shootings that killed 4 people outside bar in Buffalo, NY

Man charged in NY shooting deaths of 4 near bar

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A man who had been sought by police in a sidewalk shooting that killed four people including a Texas man celebrating his wedding anniversary turned himself in Wednesday and was charged with murder.
Riccardo McCray was charged with four counts of second-degree murder in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Man charged with murder in shootings that killed 4 people outside bar in Buffalo, NY.

Prosecutors get results of investigation into domestic violence claims against Mel Gibson

Prosecutors get results of Gibson investigation

LOS ANGELES – A sheriff’s official says detectives have given prosecutors the results of their investigation into domestic violence allegations against Mel Gibson.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore says the results were turned over Wednesday for a decision on whether charges will be filed.
Detectives investigated claims made against … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prosecutors get results of investigation into domestic violence claims against Mel Gibson.

Australian police say they worked with Facebook to crack online child porn syndicate

Australian police, Facebook crack child porn ring

ADELAIDE, Australia – An international child pornography ring that operated on Facebook has been brought down with the social networking site’s support, Australian police said Friday.
Eleven people have been charged in Australia, Britain and Canada in connection with the syndicate, which involved people using Facebook to distribute and view … Original source on Gaea Times at : Australian police say they worked with Facebook to crack online child porn syndicate.

Cake Boss Arrested for Sexual Assualt of Teenagers

NEW JERSEY (GaeaTimes.com) — Remigio Gonzalez, who is the brother in law of “Cake Boss” host Buddy Valastro has been arrested with the charge of sexually assaulting teenager. Gonzalez, himself is a cake decorator of city hall bake shop and was described as one of the best cake decorators on the television show “Cake …. Read the original article  : here.

New York Gov. Paterson could face charge as testimony on World Series tickets is questioned

NY gov could face charge over World Series tickets

ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. David Paterson could face a criminal charge over his testimony surrounding tickets he secured last year from the New York Yankees for the opening game of the World Series.
The state’s former chief judge, acting as a special counsel, called Paterson’s testimony “inaccurate and … Read : New York Gov. Paterson could face charge as testimony on World Series tickets is questioned.

Al Qaeda terror plot in Canada traced back to Pakistan, Iran

TORONTO – An Al Qaeda-linked plot in Canada, in which the suspects were preparing to carry out the first terror attack in the country, has been traced back to Pakistan, Iran and Dubai even as police arrested another plotter Thursday.

The suspects were just “months” away from carrying out the first terrorist attack on Canadian soil, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Al Qaeda terror plot in Canada traced back to Pakistan, Iran.

Former Ill. Gov. Blagojevich headed for solo retrial after feds drop charges against brother

Rod Blagojevich headed for retrial without brother
CHICAGO – Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s older brother dreaded his lawyer’s phone call.
Robert Blagojevich expected to learn when he’d again stand trial alongside his sibling, after a jury deadlocked last week on all four corruption charges against him and 23 of 24 charges against the former …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Japan opens up secretive world of capital punishment by giving rare media tour of gallows

Japan gives rare tour of gallows to spur debate

TOKYO – Japan opened up the secretive world of its capital punishment system to the public Friday, offering journalists a rare tour of Tokyo’s main gallows – an apparent effort to stoke debate about a practice widely supported here.
All executions in Japan are carried out by hanging, …. Source  : Japan opens up secretive world of capital punishment by giving rare media tour of gallows.

As war winds down, US can apply lessons learned in Iraq to Afghanistan

Looking at lessons that can be learned from Iraq
BAGHDAD – They are different wars in different regions, with different challenges. But as the war in Iraq winds down, there is a lot the U.S. military can learn and apply to Afghanistan, from how to deal with contractors to when to draw down … Read more »»».

Life returns to normal for a day in Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR – Life once again limped back to normal in Srinagar and other towns of the Kashmir Valley Friday with the lifting of curfew restrictions and the separatists calling off their protest for a day.

“Curfew has been lifted from Srinagar and all other towns of the valley today (Friday),” a police officer said here.
The …. Original source  : Life returns to normal for a day in Kashmir Valley.

NY governor could face charge as testimony on Yanks-Phils World Series tickets is questioned

NY gov could face charge over Yankees-Phillies tix

ALBANY, N.Y. – Gov. David Paterson could face a criminal charge over his testimony surrounding tickets he secured last year from the New York Yankees for the opening game of the World Series.
The state’s former chief judge, acting as a special counsel, called Paterson’s testimony “inaccurate and misleading” … Read more >>.

Authorities: Utah sheriff’s deputy shot and killed near Arizona-Utah border, suspect on loose

Sheriff’s deputy fatally shot near AZ-Utah border

FREDONIA, Ariz. – Authorities are using helicopters and tracking dogs in the search for a man who allegedly shot and killed a Utah sheriff’s deputy Thursday near the Arizona-Utah border.
A Coconino County sheriff’s spokeswoman says authorities were chasing 23-year-old Scott Curley on foot when he shot a Kane County …. Source article  : Authorities: Utah sheriff’s deputy shot and killed near Arizona-Utah border, suspect on loose.

Muslims in British jails may launch terror strikes when freed

LONDON – Some 800 Muslims lodged in British jails may have been turned by fellow inmates into fanatics ready to launch terror attacks, a media report said Friday.

An alarming report by defence experts warns that the security services face a “significant challenge” in spotting and keeping tabs on possible suicide bombers and other jihadists as … Original source on Gaea Times at : Muslims in British jails may launch terror strikes when freed.

Al-Qaeda terror plot in Canada traced to Pak-Af, Iran

TORONTO – An Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist plot in Canada unearthed Wednesday with the arrest two suspects has been traced back to Pakistan, Iran and Dubai even as police arrested another plotter Thursday.

The suspects were just “months” away from carrying out the first terrorist attack on Canadian soil, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said.
While 30-year-old … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Al-Qaeda terror plot in Canada traced to Pak-Af, Iran.

Gyaneshwari sabotage key accused killed in gun battle

KOLKATA – Pro-Maoist leader Umakanta Mahato, a prime suspect in the Gyaneshwari Express sabotage case, was killed in a gun battle with joint security forces in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district early Friday, police said.

“Umakanta Mahato was killed sometime early morning today (Friday) following an encounter in a forest area of Jhargram,” West Bengal Director …. Source article  : Gyaneshwari sabotage key accused killed in gun battle.

Under heavy security, Mexico starts to identify 72 migrants killed near US border

Mexico starts identifying 72 massacred migrants

SAN FERNANDO, Mexico – Heavily guarded mortuary workers have begun identifying 72 migrants massacred near the U.S. border, while human rights advocates are demanding Mexico do more to stop the exploitation and abuse of migrants that they say led to the heinous crime.
Marines are protecting the pink, one-story funeral home …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Under heavy security, Mexico starts to identify 72 migrants killed near US border.

Army contractor pleads guilty in NY to accepting cash to steer Afghanistan contracts

Army contractor tells NY judge he accepted cash

NEW YORK – A man who worked for a U.S. Army contractor in Afghanistan has pleaded guilty to criminal charges in New York, admitting that he accepted $200,000 in cash payments to steer contracts to subcontractors.
Daniel Freeman entered the plea to charges of receiving gratuities and money laundering … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Army contractor pleads guilty in NY to accepting cash to steer Afghanistan contracts.

Colo. man pleads guilty to sending threatening letters to Obama and Colo., Ala. congressmen

Colo. man pleads guilty in Obama anthrax hoax
DENVER – A man from the Denver area has pleaded guilty to sending letters containing white powder to President Barack Obama, members of Congress from Colorado and Alabama, and to Argentine consulates.
Jay DeVaughn pleaded guilty Thursday to 13 federal counts of mailing threatening communications. DeVaughn, also …. Source article  : Colo. man pleads guilty to sending threatening letters to Obama and Colo., Ala. congressmen.

Mexican judge finds ex-state police director not guilty of aiding drug gang in Michoacan

Mexico frees ex-state police director in drug case

MORELIA, Mexico – A Mexican judge has found the former state police director in the western state of Michoacan innocent of charges he helped a drug gang.
Mario Bautista was arrested by federal investigators in May 2009 along with 34 other local and state officials in Michoacan. Twenty-six of …. Source article  : Mexican judge finds ex-state police director not guilty of aiding drug gang in Michoacan.

Venezuelan authorities seize more than 4.4 tons of cocaine allagedly destined for Mexico

Huge cocaine stash found on ranch in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela – Authorities seized more than 4.4 tons (4 metric tons) of cocaine at a ranch Thursday after F-16 fighter jets intercepted a plane that was flying to pick up the load, Venezuela’s top security official said.
Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami called the drug seizure a significant … Original source on Gaea Times at : Venezuelan authorities seize more than 4.4 tons of cocaine allagedly destined for Mexico.

Suriname’s new president ailing at home from undisclosed illness; transfers power to VP

Suriname president falls ill, cedes power to No. 2

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Suriname’s newly elected president, former dictator Desi Bouterse, is ailing from an undisclosed illness and has temporarily ceded power to his vice president in the South American country.
Vice President Robert Ameerali announced Thursday in Parliament that he will be in charge until Sept. 2 … Read : Suriname’s new president ailing at home from undisclosed illness; transfers power to VP.

Woman ordered to stand trial on charge of slashing Leonardo DiCaprio’s face with glass

Woman to stand trial on charge of slicing DiCaprio

LOS ANGELES – A judge ordered a woman to stand trial on a charge of slashing Leonardo DiCaprio’s face with glass during a 2005 party.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Edmund Willcox Clarke ordered Aretha Wilson to face one count of assault with a deadly weapon. The charge …. Source article  : Woman ordered to stand trial on charge of slashing Leonardo DiCaprio’s face with glass.

Pakistan looking for militants after firing near US consulate (Third Lead)

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani security forces Saturday surrounded a building where suspected militants were hiding after firing occurred near the US consulate in Peshawar, capital of the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

An unknown number of gunmen opened fire around 6.00 a.m. a few hundred metres from the US consulate on Khyber Road, where most of the government … Original article on : Pakistan looking for militants after firing near US consulate (Third Lead).

Iraqi prime minister puts nation on top alert for attacks days before US ends combat mission

Iraq on highest alert for terror attacks
BAGHDAD – The Iraqi prime minister put his nation on its highest alert for terror attacks, as insurgents hammer Iraqi security forces preparing to take over for a U.S. combat mission that formally ends on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said Iraqi intelligence indicated that an al-Qaida front group and … Read : Iraqi prime minister puts nation on top alert for attacks days before US ends combat mission.

7 Folsom State Prison inmates hospitalized after riot, shots fired by guards

7 Folsom inmates hurt after riot, shots fired

SAN FRANCISCO – About 200 inmates rioted at Folsom State Prison and shots were fired by guards to quell the disturbance. Seven inmates were hospitalized but officials said it wasn’t clear how many suffered gunshot wounds.
Correctional officers opened fire as they tried to break up rioting that erupted …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Families of migrants killed in Mexican massacre say they couldn’t pay ransom

Families of massacred migrants couldn’t pay ransom

REYNOSA, Mexico – Their families pleaded with them not to leave, fearful of the growing danger that faces migrants trekking through Mexican territory where brutal drug gangs hold sway.
But the young migrants from across Latin America insisted on going. They met their ends together, among 72 migrants massacred just …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Families of migrants killed in Mexican massacre say they couldn’t pay ransom.

Taliban attack two NATO bases in Afghanistan

KABUL – Taliban militants attacked two bases of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in eastern Afghanistan in predawn raids Saturday.

Militants attacked the bases in Khost province with indirect and small arms fire, a NATO statement said, adding that ISAF troops repelled the attackers and killed at least 10 insurgents, capturing several more.
… Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Taliban attack two NATO bases in Afghanistan.

Canadian parliament was target of terror plot

TORONTO – The Canadian parliament was reportedly on the hit-list of the Al-Qaeda-linked terror plot unearthed in the capital Ottawa Wednesday with the arrest of two suspects.

Another suspect was held Thursday and one more Friday, taking the number of arrests to four. Three overseas collaborators remain at large in the plot which security agencies have …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Canadian parliament was target of terror plot.

Authorities say 5 inmates at Folsom State Prison shot by guards after riot at prison

5 inmates shot by guards in riot at Folsom prison

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Authorities say five inmates at Folsom State Prison have been shot by guards after a riot broke out at the prison.
Prison spokesman Luis Patino says none of the gunshot wounds is believed to be life threatening.
He says correctional officers opened fire as they …. Source article  : Authorities say 5 inmates at Folsom State Prison shot by guards after riot at prison.

Gunfight near US consulate in Peshawar (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – A gunfight broke out Saturday morning between militants and security forces near the US consulate in Pakistan’s northwestern Peshawar city, media reports said.

An office of the security forces was attacked, but the motive was not immediately clear, Dawn reported citing the police. The US consulate is located nearby.
Troops immediately cordoned off the … Read more : Gunfight near US consulate in Peshawar (Second Lead).

Firing near US consulate in Peshawar

ISLAMABAD – A gunfight was raging Saturday morning between militants and security forces near the US consulate in Pakistan’s Peshawar city, Xinhua reported.

The firing broke out around 6.00 a.m. and is still on. Troops have surrounded an intelligence building which the militants have entered.
No further details were immediately available.
…. Source article  : Firing near US consulate in Peshawar.

Firing near US consulate in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A gunfight was reportedly in progress Saturday between militants and security forces near the US consulate in Pakistan’s northwestern Peshawar city.

The troops have cordoned off the area, Xinhua reported.
…. Read the original article  : Firing near US consulate in Pakistan.

Nigerian native Masai Ujiri returns to Denver to lead Nuggets; top priority: keeping Melo

Nuggets hire Ujiri as new GM, and priority is Melo

DENVER – The Denver Nuggets have hired a man with global basketball experience to manage a team that’s in a world of hurt: two big men sidelined, a player under police investigation and its superstar’s signature missing from a contract extension.
Former Nuggets international scout Masai Ujiri, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nigerian native Masai Ujiri returns to Denver to lead Nuggets; top priority: keeping Melo.

North Florida woman decapitated, dismembered; boyfriend charged with murder

Florida woman decapitated; boyfriend arrested

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Authorities are saying a 48-year-old north Florida woman was decapitated and dismembered, and her boyfriend has been charged with murder in her death.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that parts of 48-year-old Jan Dunn Keller were found wrapped in a tarp in a garage at [..] Read the original article: here.

Police: Arizona man accused of putting infant son in freezer, charged with child abuse

Arizona man accused of putting baby in freezer

PHOENIX – Police say a suburban Phoenix man accused of putting his infant son in a freezer has been arrested on charges of child abuse.
Chandler police say Chance Kracke told police he was high on methamphetamine when he placed his son in the freezer Aug. 16.
Kracke told police … Original article on : Police: Arizona man accused of putting infant son in freezer, charged with child abuse.

Calif. investigators eye fatal shooting of 3 men in West Hollywood apartment

Detectives eye triple homicide in West Hollywood

LOS ANGELES – Authorities searched Friday for clues in the killing of three men who were shot in a West Hollywood apartment.
The victims, including two brothers, were killed shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday, and their killer or killers got away without anyone seeing them, sheriff’s Detective Bill Marsh said.
The …. Read the original article  : here.

2 Catholic priests stabbed to death in historic Peruvian monastery; police suspect robbers

Police: 2 priests slain in historic Peru monastery

LIMA, Peru – Police in Peru say two Roman Catholic priests have been stabbed to death inside a historic monastery two blocks from the capital’s main square.
The victims are identified as Ananias Aguila of Peru and Linan Ruiz of Puerto Rico.
Homicide department chief Miguel Canlla says they were …. Original article  : 2 Catholic priests stabbed to death in historic Peruvian monastery; police suspect robbers.

Attorney for Minnesota man charged with aiding suicides raises a mental illness defense

Man accused of aiding suicides claims insanity

FAIRBAULT, Minn. – A Minnesota lawyer for an ex-nurse charged with encouraging two people to kill themselves via online conversations wants his client’s confession thrown out, saying police stressed his client so much he was rendered insane.
Attorney Terry Watkins raised the mental illness defense at a motions hearing Friday … Original source on Gaea Times at : Attorney for Minnesota man charged with aiding suicides raises a mental illness defense.

Former Beazer Homes executive free on bond after facing charges that he manipulated books

Judge allows former Beazer exec free on bond

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The former chief accounting officer for Beazer Homes USA Inc. was allowed to go free on bond Friday, just a couple of days after he was arrested on an 11-count federal indictment in North Carolina.
Officials said Michael T. Rand was released on bond after a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Former Beazer Homes executive free on bond after facing charges that he manipulated books.

Officials: Suspect ambushed, killed Utah deputy with high-powered rifle; manhunt under way

Officials: Suspect ambushed, killed Utah deputy

PHOENIX – An attempted burglary suspect laid in wait and used a high-powered rifle to fatally ambush a Utah sheriff’s deputy who was pursuing him, authorities said Friday.
Scott Curley hid beneath a tree in the small town of Fredonia, just south of the Utah border, and waited for two pursuing [..] Read the original article: here.

Summary Box: Paul Allen files tech patent suit against major tech co’s, including Google, eBay

Summary Box: Paul Allen sues major tech companies

THE COMPLAINT: Microsoft Corp. co-founder and billionaire Paul Allen is suing almost a dozen companies, many of them major tech companies, alleging they infringed on several Web technology patents that his company Interval Licensing LLC holds.
THE DEFENDANTS: Companies named in the suit include Apple Inc., eBay Inc., Yahoo …. Read the original article  : Summary Box: Paul Allen files tech patent suit against major tech co’s, including Google, eBay.

Georgia tailback Washaun Ealey charged with not reporting collision with parked truck

Georgia tailback charged with leaving accident

ATHENS, Ga. – Another Georgia football player has gotten into trouble, and this time it’s one of the team’s top running backs.
Tailback Washaun Ealey, who led the Bulldogs in rushing a year ago and expected to share carries this season with Caleb King, was suspended for at least one game …. Source  : Georgia tailback Washaun Ealey charged with not reporting collision with parked truck.

Two police officers among 12 killed in Chechnya

Grozny, Aug 29 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Two police officers and 10 militants were killed Sunday in a shootout in the ancestral village of Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov.

The shootout took place in Chechnya’s Kurchaloyevsky district. Kadyrov said bodies of the 10 killed militants were found at the scene, adding that the militants were being identified.
“Currently servicemen …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

5 kidnapped campaign workers for Afghan parliamentary candidate found dead

5 kidnapped Afghan campaign workers found dead

KABUL, Afghanistan – An Afghan official says villagers have found the bodies of five kidnapped campaign workers for a parliamentary candidate in the western province of Herat.
District chief Nasar Ahmad Popul says residents of Herat’s Adraskan district reported finding the bodies early Sunday.
The five were snatched by armed men …. Source  : 5 kidnapped campaign workers for Afghan parliamentary candidate found dead.

Hizbul militant surrenders with family in Kashmir

JAMMU – A Hizbul Mujahideen militant has returned from Pakistan- administered Kashmir and surrendered at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district along with his family, saying life was becoming increasingly difficult across the border, police sources said.

Liyakat, of Surankote area of Poonch district, surrendered before the Indian Army at the … Read more >>>.

Maoists kill five security men in Chhattisgarh (Second Lead)

RAIPUR – Five security personnel were killed by Maoists Sunday as the rebels ambushed a patrolling team, leading to a gunfight in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region, police said.

“Maoists ambushed a police patrolling party drawn from the Border Security Force (BSF), District Force (DF) and Special Police Officers (SPOs) in a thickly-forested area,” Inspector General of … Read more »».

Maoist arms suppliers held in West Bengal

KOLKATA – Two arms suppliers who allegedly catered to the Maoists were arrested early Sunday from West Bengal’s Bankura district, police said.

Biswanath Mondal and Sheikh Amjad were arrested from Bankura district’s Chatna area.
“We have arrested two arms suppliers from Chatna area early Sunday,” Bankura Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar told IANS over phone.
Fifteen … Read more >>>.

Al Qaeda kill seven Yemeni soldiers

SANAA – Seven Yemeni soldiers were killed and five wounded in an Al Qaeda attack in the country’s troubled Abyan province, an official said.

The fatalities occurred when Al Qaeda militants raided a security check post in Modia district Saturday. The soldiers had gathered to break their Ramadan fast, Xinhua quoted an official as saying. …. Read the original article  : here.

Five security men killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist attack

RAIPUR – Five security personnel were killed by Maoists Sunday in a gunfight that broke out in Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region, police said.

“Maoists ambushed a police patrolling party drawn from the Border Security Force (BSF), District Force (DF) and Special Police Officers (SPOs) in a thickly-forested area,” Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) T.J. Longkumer …. Source  : Five security men killed in Chhattisgarh Maoist attack.

Five security men killed in Chhattisgarh gunfight

RAIPUR – Five security personnel were killed in a gunfight with Maoists in a forested area of Chhattisgarh’s restive Bastar region early Sunday, police said.

“Maoists ambushed a police patrolling party drawn from the Border Security Force (BSF), District Force (DF) and Special Police Officers (SPOs) in a thickly-forested area,” Inspector General of Police (Bastar range) …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Five security men killed in Chhattisgarh gunfight.

Former Serb army soldier avoids prison time for lying on refugee application

Judge: No prison for Bosnian refugee who lied

PORTLAND, Ore. – The father of a former Miss Oregon who lied about his army service during the Bosnian civil war when he applied for asylum in the United States has been sentenced to one year of probation.
Milenko Krstic, 53, of Beaverton, who pleaded guilty nearly two months …. Read the original article  : Former Serb army soldier avoids prison time for lying on refugee application.

Mexico federal prosecutors take over probe of migrant massacre, survivor opts to leave country

Mexico launches federal probe of migrant massacre

MEXICO CITY – Federal authorities said Saturday they will take over the investigation into the massacre of 72 migrants at a ranch in northern Mexico because evidence suggests drug traffickers were responsible.
They also said an Ecuadorean migrant who was the lone survivor has refused Mexico’s offer of a humanitarian …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mexico federal prosecutors take over probe of migrant massacre, survivor opts to leave country.

Dominican police charge former major league pitcher Burgos with kidnapping, attempted murder

DR police charge Burgos with attempted murder

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – Police have charged former major league pitcher Ambiorix Burgos with kidnapping and attempted murder after his ex-wife said she was forced to eat rat poison.
Judge Freddy Frias ordered Burgos on Saturday to remain in jail for three months while prosecutors prepare the case.
The 26-year-old … Read more : Dominican police charge former major league pitcher Burgos with kidnapping, attempted murder.

5 Calif. inmates shot by guards during riot at Folsom prison, 2 others injured

5 Calif. inmates shot during riot, 2 others hurt

SAN FRANCISCO – Prison guards shot into a crowd to stop 200 rioting inmates at California’s Folsom State Prison, wounding five, authorities said Saturday.
Another two inmates were injured by other prisoners during Friday’s riot, which began at about 7 p.m. in the main exercise yard and ended …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 5 Calif. inmates shot by guards during riot at Folsom prison, 2 others injured.

‘Vapor trail’ of smoke from SUV leads to Paris Hilton arrest on cocaine charge on Vegas Strip

‘Vapor trail’ leads to Paris Hilton’s Vegas arrest

LAS VEGAS – Smoke wafting from a Cadillac Escalade on the Las Vegas Strip set off Paris Hilton’s latest legal troubles when a motorcycle officer who suspected the smell was marijuana stopped the vehicle and police say a bag of cocaine later fell out of the 29-year-old socialite’s …. Source article  : ‘Vapor trail’ of smoke from SUV leads to Paris Hilton arrest on cocaine charge on Vegas Strip.

Afghan deputy atty gen who says corruption cases being held up is forced to retire

Afghan deputy attorney general forced to retire
KABUL, Afghanistan – A top Afghan prosecutor who has complained that the attorney general and others are blocking corruption cases against high-ranking government officials said Saturday that he had been forced into retirement.
Deputy Attorney General Fazel Ahmed Faqiryar said his boss, Attorney General Mohammad Ishaq Aloko, wrote …. Source  : Afghan deputy atty gen who says corruption cases being held up is forced to retire.

One of UK basketball’s top scorers, Ed Davender, sentenced to 8 years in ticket scam

Ex-UK basketball star sentenced in ticket scam

LEXINGTON, Ky. – One of the University of Kentucky’s all-time leading scorers in basketball has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in a ticket scam.
Ed Davender received the sentence Friday in a courtroom not far from the Lexington campus.
Davender pleaded guilty in Fayette County Circuit …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Far-right demonstrators clash with riot police in city in northern England

Far-right protesters clash with police in UK

LONDON – A right-wing group that opposes what it calls the spread of Islam in Britain clashed with riot police in northern England on Saturday, throwing bottles, rocks and a smoke bomb at authorities.
The demonstration by the English Defense League occurred in Bradford, a city with one of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Far-right demonstrators clash with riot police in city in northern England.

Reward offered in the search for suspect in killing of Utah deputy in northern Arizona

Reward offered for suspect in deputy killing

FREDONIA, Ariz. – The U.S. Marshals Service has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of a man accused of killing a Utah sheriff’s deputy in northern Arizona.
Authorities say 23-year-old Scott Curley vanished after he fatally shot 41-year-old Kane County Deputy Brian Harris in Fredonia on … Original article on : Reward offered in the search for suspect in killing of Utah deputy in northern Arizona.

Pakistani Taliban’s infighting leaves six dead

PESHAWAR – Six militants were killed in fighting between two Taliban groups in Pakistan’s tribal region Saturday, intelligence officials said.

The clashes erupted when the leaders of two Punjabi Taliban groups argued about the release of former Pakistani intelligence officer Amir Sultan, known by the code name Colonel Imam, who was kidnapped together with another intelligence …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistani Taliban’s infighting leaves six dead.

Co-founder of Islamic charity to face tax fraud and money-laundering charges

Co-founder of Islamic charity goes on trial

ASHLAND, Ore. – The gates are rusted and the American flags are gone from the house on the outskirts of this small tourist town that once served as U.S. headquarters for an Islamic charity that was declared a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
But despite six years of trying, … Read : Co-founder of Islamic charity to face tax fraud and money-laundering charges.

Imam behind proposed NYC Muslim center, mosque near ground zero struggles to bridge divisions

Imam behind NYC mosque faces divisions over center

NEW YORK – Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf has long worked to bridge divisions, be they fissures between interfaith husbands and wives or political chasms separating the United States and the Muslim world.
The 61-year-old clergyman is now in the midst of a polarizing political, religious and cultural debate over … Original source on Gaea Times at : Imam behind proposed NYC Muslim center, mosque near ground zero struggles to bridge divisions.

Nepal war long over, but 1,300 still missing

KATHMANDU – Four years after a fierce Maoist uprising ended with the loss of over 16,000 lives, thousands of families shattered by the 10-year “People’s War” say they are yet unable to overcome their grief as over 1,300 people remain missing.

As the world Monday observes the International Day of the Disappeared, the raw wounds are … Read : Nepal war long over, but 1,300 still missing.

Hong Kong investigators inspect bullet-peppered hostage bus to ease China’s outrage

Hong Kong police inspect Manila hostage bus

MANILA, Philippines – Hong Kong forensic experts on Monday inspected the bullet-peppered bus in which a hijacker killed eight tourists in Manila last week, as the Philippines worked to calm China’s outrage over the bloodshed.
Anger has been rising in Hong Kong since the Aug. 23 carnage in which a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hong Kong investigators inspect bullet-peppered hostage bus to ease China’s outrage.

Reputation on the line, Clemens heads to Washington for the first of his many days in court

Clemens heads to DC, this time for court
WASHINGTON – On this trip to Washington, Roger Clemens will be in a courtroom, not in Congress. His defiant stance is expected to remain the same, even if his statement is much shorter.

Something along the lines of, “Not guilty.”
The seven-time Cy Young Award winner is scheduled to be … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Reputation on the line, Clemens heads to Washington for the first of his many days in court.

ISI has floated new terror outfit, says militant

JAMMU – Pakistan’s spy agency ISI has floated a new terror outfit called Jammu Kashmir Mujahideen (JKM) in an apparent bid to camouflage the activities of the banned terror groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba, says a militant who surrendered after returning from Pakistan administered Kashmir.

Liyakat Hussain surrendered before the Indian Army at the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Career prosecutor takes charge as DOJ’s elite Public Integrity unit recovers from Stevens case

DOJ’s elite Public Integrity unit gets new leader

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section has a storied 34-year history of pursuing corruption in government and safeguarding the public trust.
That trust was breached, however, when some of the unit’s prosecutors failed to turn over evidence favorable to the defense in their high-profile criminal trial of …. Source  : Career prosecutor takes charge as DOJ’s elite Public Integrity unit recovers from Stevens case.

Hundreds remember central Kan. teen found dead last week; ‘person of interest’ to be in court

Hundreds attend vigil for slain Kan. teen
GREAT BEND, Kan. – A 14-year-old central Kansas girl whose charred remains were found at an asphalt plant last week was a vivacious teen who loved bright colors and preferred wearing flip flops over any other type of shoes, according to those who knew her.

About 2,000 people turned out …. Read the original article  : here.

Bihar official untraced day after abduction

PATNA – A Bihar government official remained untraced Monday, a day after he had been abducted by armed Maoist guerrillas, police said.

Manoj Kumar Singh, the block development officer of Tariyani in Sheohar district, about 250 km from here, was kidnapped from Tariyani Chhapra village Sunday. He had gone to the village to enquire about voters’ … Read more : Bihar official untraced day after abduction.

Afghan leader urges rethink of ‘ineffective’ anti-terror strategy, criticizes civilian deaths

Afghan president criticizes anti-terror strategy

KABUL, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai has again criticized coalition strategy in fighting Afghanistan’s stubborn insurgency, saying it has thus far produced nothing but civilian deaths.
The sharp comments delivered Sunday fit a pattern of greater outspokenness by the Afghan leader as he appeals for support among the beleaguered Afghan public.
In a …. Read the original article  : here.

Maoists kill six security men in Bihar gunfight

PATNA – At least six security personnel were killed by Maoists in a gunfight in a forested area in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, police said Monday.

Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) P.K. Thakur said six Bihar Military Police personnel were killed in the gun battle late Sunday with over 100 rebels in the forests of Ghoghraghat … Read : Maoists kill six security men in Bihar gunfight.

Mexican president: Mayor slain in violence-plagued border state of Tamaulipas

Mayor in violent Mexican border state killed

NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico – Gunmen killed the mayor of a town in the drug-plagued Mexican border state of Tamaulipas on Sunday in a region where suspected cartel hitmen recently massacred 72 migrants, the government said.
Hidalgo Mayor Marco Antonio Leal Garcia was the second mayor to be assassinated in the …. Source  : Mexican president: Mayor slain in violence-plagued border state of Tamaulipas.

French ‘Spiderman’ arrested after scaling 57-story Sydney skyscraper with his bare hands

‘Spiderman’ arrested for scaling Sydney skyscraper

SYDNEY – A French skyscraper climber nicknamed “Spiderman” was arrested Monday after scaling a 57-story building in Sydney with his bare hands.
Alain Robert, known for climbing some of the world’s tallest and best-known buildings without ropes or other equipment, was arrested at the top of the Lumiere building downtown.
He climbed … Original source on Gaea Times at : French ‘Spiderman’ arrested after scaling 57-story Sydney skyscraper with his bare hands.

Shootings in Central California leave Mormon church official, suspect dead

Shootings leaves Mormon official, suspect dead

VISALIA, Calif. – A gunman killed a Mormon church official after a church service Sunday, then police fatally wounded the man suspected in the attack less than a half-hour later, officials said.
Clay Sannar, 42, a lay bishop with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Visalia, southeast of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Shootings in Central California leave Mormon church official, suspect dead.

Federal agents probe fire at site of proposed Tenn. mosque that’s faced strong opposition

Fire at proposed Tenn. mosque site probed by feds

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Supporters from across the country have called to give encouragement to a suburban Nashville mosque where a fire was the latest setback for a planned new building, officials said Sunday.
Authorities told mosque officials that four pieces of heavy construction equipment on the site were … Read : Federal agents probe fire at site of proposed Tenn. mosque that’s faced strong opposition.

Lay bishop at Mormon church in Central Calif. fatally shot in office between Sunday services

Lay bishop fatally shot at Mormon church in Calif.

VISALIA, Calif. – An investigation is under way after authorities say a lay bishop at a Mormon church in Central California was fatally shot in his office during a break between scheduled Sunday services.
Police say Clay Sannar was shot at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day …. Source  : Lay bishop at Mormon church in Central Calif. fatally shot in office between Sunday services.

Mexico’s govt to up security following blasts in border city; massacre investigation continues

Mexico to up security in border city after blasts

NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico – Mexico’s government on Sunday promised to increase security after a series of explosive devices were detonated in the border city of Reynosa, and officials said they would step up efforts to identify more of the 72 migrants massacred last week in the same …. Read the original article  : Mexico’s govt to up security following blasts in border city; massacre investigation continues.

Las Vegas police suspect rise in murder-suicides tied to economy; 5 cases so far this month

Las Vegas logs 5 murder-suicides since Aug. 7

LAS VEGAS – Police say murder-suicides are on the rise in the Las Vegas area because of a bad economy.
Las Vegas police say there were five murder-suicides from Aug. 7 to Aug. 20 for a total of 10 victims.
A gun was used in each case. In four of …. Original source  : Las Vegas police suspect rise in murder-suicides tied to economy; 5 cases so far this month.

Arizona police say gunman enters home and kills 5, then fatally shoots self in Calif.

Arizona police say gunman kills 5, then self

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – A gunman entered a western Arizona home and fatally shot five people, including the mother of his two children and her new boyfriend, before fleeing with the kids to Southern California where he killed himself, police said Sunday.
The shootings late Saturday occurred as … Read : Arizona police say gunman enters home and kills 5, then fatally shoots self in Calif..

Sheriff calling in reinforcements in search for suspect in killing of Utah deputy

More crews to hunt for Utah fugitive
SALT LAKE CITY – More law enforcement teams were being called in Sunday to hunt down a man accused of killing a Utah sheriff’s deputy.

Scott Curley has eluded authorities for three days and was believed to be hiding in the wilderness or in communities near the Arizona-Utah line.
On Sunday, …. Original source  : Sheriff calling in reinforcements in search for suspect in killing of Utah deputy.

Official: 2 of Alaska village’s 3 officers fatally shot; authorities in standoff with suspect

2 police officers fatally shot in Alaska village

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A standoff was under way Sunday in a tiny southeast Alaska village after a man fatally shot two of the village’s four full-time police officers the night before, then barricaded himself in his home, local officials said.
Hoonah police officers Tony Wallace and Matt Tokuoka died …. Read the original article  : Official: 2 of Alaska village’s 3 officers fatally shot; authorities in standoff with suspect.

Bomb blast kills two soldiers in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least two security personnel were killed and several others injured Sunday morning in a bomb blast in northwest Pakistan.

One vehicle was also destroyed in the remote-controlled blast at a security checkpoint that occurred in Bara sub-district of the Khyber Agency bordering Afghanistan, sources told Xinhua.
No group has so far claimed … Read more : Bomb blast kills two soldiers in Pakistan.

Panel: India must create new reserves, control poaching to protect elephants

Panel: India must create more elephant reserves

NEW DELHI – India should protect its elephant population by creating new reserves, curbing poaching and restricting development in the corridors they use to travel between forested areas, a panel recommended Tuesday.
Poaching for ivory and increased conflicts between people and elephants due to their dwindling habitat are key problems … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Panel: India must create new reserves, control poaching to protect elephants.

Dutch authorities question 2 men arrested at request of US at Amsterdam’s airport

Dutch question 2 men in suspected US terror probe

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Dutch investigators on Tuesday questioned two men arrested at Amsterdam’s airport after U.S. authorities found suspicious items in their checked luggage, including a cell phone taped to a Pepto-Bismol bottle and a knife and box cutter.
The pair were arrested Monday morning at Schiphol … Read more : Dutch authorities question 2 men arrested at request of US at Amsterdam’s airport.

Los Angeles man arrested on suspicion of murder in West Hollywood triple homicide

LA man arrested in West Hollywood triple homicide

LOS ANGELES – A man found with “multiple pounds” of marijuana has been arrested in the shooting deaths of three men in a West Hollywood apartment, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.
Harold Yong Park, 31, of Los Angeles, was arrested Monday during a traffic stop in Lomita, …. Original source  : Los Angeles man arrested on suspicion of murder in West Hollywood triple homicide.

Fatal bear attack highlights Ohio’s lax laws on exotic pets and high number of fatal attacks

Bear attack highlights lax Ohio exotic pet laws

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The bear that recently killed a caretaker in a Cleveland suburb was the latest example of animal violence in a state that has some of the nation’s weakest restrictions on exotic pets and among the highest number of injuries and deaths caused by them.
After a …. Original article  : Fatal bear attack highlights Ohio’s lax laws on exotic pets and high number of fatal attacks.

CIA chief Panetta’s star turn on ‘Top Chef’ part of campaign to preserve agency’s power

CIA chief spices up spy shop’s image on reality TV
WASHINGTON – Around a long table in a windowless room, the CIA officials awaited the decision from their director, Leon Panetta.
“A little too salty,” the CIA chief finally said, giving thumbs down to the dish prepared by a warring team of cooks from the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : CIA chief Panetta’s star turn on ‘Top Chef’ part of campaign to preserve agency’s power.

Ex-bin Laden aide not required to be in NYC court when resentenced for stabbing guard in 2000

Ex-bin Laden aide to be a no-show at resentencing

NEW YORK – A federal judge poised to resentence a former top aide to Osama bin Laden in the stabbing of a prison guard has agreed to let the inmate appear on a video monitor from prison.
Judge Deborah Batts is scheduled to resentence Mamdouh Mahmud Salim on …. Read the original article  : here.

Rudy Giuliani’s daughter due in New York City court in cosmetics shoplifting case

Rudy Giuliani’s daughter due in NYC court
NEW YORK – Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s (joo-lee-AH’-neez) daughter is scheduled to make her first court appearance since being arrested on a shoplifting charge at a cosmetics store.

Caroline Giuliani is due in a Manhattan court Tuesday. Police have said the 20-year-old Harvard University student was seen … Read more >>>.

Russian embassy in Belarus attacked

Moscow, Aug 31 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The Russian embassy in the Belarusian capital of Minsk was attacked with fire bombs by unidentified attackers late Monday but there were no casualties, an official said Tuesday.

“At around 10.50 p.m. (1950 GMT), two fire bombs were thrown into the territory of the Russian embassy,” a spokesman said. “One of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Russian embassy in Belarus attacked.

Purported Texas-born drug kingpin ‘the Barbie’ captured by federal police in central Mexico

Mexico captures reported drug lord ‘the Barbie’

MEXICO CITY – Texas-born fugitive Edgar Valdez Villarreal, alias “the Barbie,” is the third major suspected drug lord to fall in Mexico in the past 10 months and a coup for President Felipe Calderon in his embattled war on powerful cartels.
Valdez, who got his improbable nickname from his fair …. Source article  : Purported Texas-born drug kingpin ‘the Barbie’ captured by federal police in central Mexico.

Cops were killed in retaliation, Maoists say

PATNA – The six-hour-long gunfight in Bihar’s Lakhisarai district, in which 10 policemen were killed and 10 others were injured, was in retaliation to the staged shootout that left Maoist leader Azad and a journalist dead, guerrillas said Tuesday.

“The attack was in retailiation to the fake encounter of Azad and a journalist sympathetic to Maoist … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Cops were killed in retaliation, Maoists say.

Edgar “La Barbie” Valdez Villarreal Arrested

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (GaeaTimes.com)- On Monday, the Mexican President Felipe Calderon’s war against drug traffickers got a major boost when the Mexican authorities captured ruthless drug lord, American-born Edgar Valdez Villarreal who is better known as “La Barbie“. The federal police confirmed the news to media sources and maintained that the officers captured Edgar Valdez …. Original article  : Edgar “La Barbie” Valdez Villarreal Arrested.

He is innocent, abducted official’s family tells Maoists

PATNA – The wife and son of an abducted Bihar government official Tuesday asked Maoist guerrillas to release him from capitivity as he was innocent and pro-poor.

Manoj Kumar Singh, the block development officer of Tariyani in Sheohar district, about 250 km from here, was abducted from Tariyani Chhapra village Sunday. He had gone to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : He is innocent, abducted official’s family tells Maoists.

Calif. inmate hangs self less than week after judge commutes death sentence

Man hangs self days after death sentence lifted

SAN QUENTIN, Calif. – A 70-year-old California inmate who had just had his death sentence lifted has hanged himself in his cell less than a week after the reprieve.
San Quentin State Prison spokesman Lt. Sam Robinson said that a guard found George Smithey on Saturday hanging from a … Read more : Calif. inmate hangs self less than week after judge commutes death sentence.

Lindsay Lohan talks trial, talent and past drug use in October issue of Vanity Fair

Lohan talks trial, talent, drug use in Vanity Fair

NEW YORK – Lindsay Lohan wants your respect.
In the upcoming issue of Vanity Fair, the 24-year-old actress admits making mistakes in the past and “dabbling in certain things.”
But in a July interview with the magazine before she served 14 days in jail followed by 23 days of …. Read the original article  : Lindsay Lohan talks trial, talent and past drug use in October issue of Vanity Fair.

California man accused of torturing, kidnapping girlfriend in rage over Facebook message

Man accused of torturing woman over Facebook post

HANFORD, Calif. – Authorities say a California man jealous over a message on his girlfriend’s Facebook page tortured and imprisoned her for four days while their children were in the house.
Kings County sheriff’s deputies arrested 36-year-old Anthony Lozano at his Hanford home over the weekend on suspicion of …. Read the original article  : here.

Developer says Islamic center planned near ground zero should be known as ‘hub of coexistence’

Developer behind NYC mosque talks about his vision
NEW YORK – The developer behind an Islamic cultural center and mosque planned near ground zero says it never occurred to him that building it near the site of the Sept. 11 attacks would stir up so much debate.
Sharif El-Gamal told CBS News in an … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Developer says Islamic center planned near ground zero should be known as ‘hub of coexistence’.

Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies say suspect arrested in West Hollywood triple homicide

Suspect arrested in West Hollywood triple homicide

LOS ANGELES – A Los Angeles man suspected of shooting three men to death in a West Hollywood apartment was arrested by sheriff’s investigators during a traffic stop Monday, authorities said.
Investigators believe Harold Yong Park stole “multiple pounds” of marijuana from the victims, who were buying pot from recognized …. Read the original article  : here.

Obama to mark Iraq transition with major address

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama was to mark the formal end of the US combat role in Iraq with a visit Tuesday to a Texas military base and a major evening televised address.

Obama is expected to hail the transition to an Iraqi-led, civilian-led effort as a major milestone in the seven-year US war effort. …. Source article  : Obama to mark Iraq transition with major address.

Authorities: Hells Angels leader indicted on gun charge after arrest in Colorado

Hells Angels VP indicted in Colo. on gun charge

DENVER – Authorities say a leader in the Hells Angels motorcycle gang has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on a firearms charge.
The U.S. attorney’s office said Monday that 44-year-old Richard West of New York, also known as Richard Kearney, was indicted on the … Read more >>>.

Mexico’s attorney general says Texas-born durg kingpin ‘the Barbie’ has been captured

Mexico says drug lord ‘the Barbie’ captured

MEXICO CITY – Federal police on Monday captured a long-sought, alleged Texas-born gang kingpin who faces drug trafficking charges in the U.S. and has been blamed for a vicious turf war that has included bodies hung from bridges and shootouts in central Mexico.
The announcement came just hours after the … Read : Mexico’s attorney general says Texas-born durg kingpin ‘the Barbie’ has been captured.