Prisoner says jail staff stole his undergarments, paste

JALGAON – A bizarre case of theft of undergarments, biscuits and toothpaste has been lodged by police in Maharashtra against the superintendent and three employees of a local district jail, an official said here Monday.

The matter came to light when a jail inmate complained that his personal belongings were missing and insisted that the police … Read : Prisoner says jail staff stole his undergarments, paste.

Dhaka to Delhi: crack down on drug factories near border

DHAKA – Bangladesh has urged India to crack down on factories that make the banned Phensedyl syrup near the border. Two million bottles of Phensedyl were seized last year.

Popular with drug addicts, the banned syrup is being smuggled by organised drug peddlers and individuals visiting India. Its consumption and smuggling have increased in the …. Read the original article  : Dhaka to Delhi: crack down on drug factories near border.

Orissa woman lynched as ‘witch’, 10 held

BHUBANESWAR – A 65-year-old woman was beaten to death in Orissa’s Jharsuguda district for allegedly practising witchcraft, police said, adding that 10 people were detained in the case Monday.

Gangi Munda was killed in Naxapali village, about 25 km from Jharsuguda district headquarters, late Saturday by some in the presence of other villagers.
“We have …. Original source  : Orissa woman lynched as ‘witch’, 10 held.

Bodies of three minor girls found in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – The mutilated bodies of three minor girls have been found lying near the railway tracks in a town in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district, police said Monday.

The bodies of girls, aged seven to eight, were recovered late Sunday from Shahbad town, about 110 km from here.
“We are yet to ascertain whether it is …. Source  : Bodies of three minor girls found in Uttar Pradesh.

Race attack: Indian assaulted in Australia

MELBOURNE – A man was brutally attacked by four teenagers in this Australian city after they asked him “Buddy, are you Indian?”.

The Indian man, 21, was walking to Sandown Park rail station at 6.40 a.m. last Wednesday when four teenagers on bikes approached him. They were armed with baseball bats, Dandenong Leader reported Monday.
One …. Source article  : Race attack: Indian assaulted in Australia.

Mexico drug wars: Mayors forced to live in US

Mexico City, Sep 27 (IANS/EFE) Several Mexican mayors have been forced to move to the US for safety in the face of threats from drug traffickers.

Mayors from the northern border states of Tamaulipas, Chihuahua and Nuevo Leon have moved to the US, with some taking up residence in that country permanently and others splitting … Read more »»».

Officials: Part of levee fails near Wis. park; access road into area closes

Officials say levee fails near Wis. park
PORTAGE, Wis. – A levee along the Wisconsin River failed Sunday, flooding the access road leading to a park area and cutting off any residents who did not heed daylong warnings to evacuate.

It wasn’t clear how many of the roughly 300 residents remained in Blackhawk Park around 4 p.m. … Read more >>>.

Officials: Part of levee near Blackhawk Park is failing; access road into area is closing

Officials say levee failing near Wis. park

PORTAGE, Wis. – A levee along the Wisconsin River was failing Sunday, flooding the access road leading to a park area and cutting off any residents who did not heed daylong warnings to evacuate.
It wasn’t clear how many of the roughly 300 residents remained in Blackhawk Park around 4 … Original article on : Officials: Part of levee near Blackhawk Park is failing; access road into area is closing.

Montana pilot gets medal from New Zealand for service following 1979 air catastrophe

Montana pilot gets medal from New Zealand
HELENA, Mont. – A former Navy pilot from Montana has been awarded a medal from New Zealand for helping recover the bodies of more than 250 people who died aboard a sightseeing plane that crashed on an Antarctic volcano in 1979.

Dan Ellison was awarded the New Zealand Special Service …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard cross into Iraq to go after bombing suspects, killing 30

Iran crosses into Iraq to hit bombing suspects

TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian forces crossed into neighboring Iraq and killed 30 fighters from a group it says was involved in last week’s bombing of a military parade, state TV reported Sunday.
Gen. Abdolrasoul Mahmoudabadi of the elite Revolutionary Guards said the “terrorists” were killed on Saturday in a … Read more : Iran’s Revolutionary Guard cross into Iraq to go after bombing suspects, killing 30.

British aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan with 3 local colleagues

British aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Four aid workers including a British woman were kidnapped in Afghanistan as election officials ordered recounts in seven provinces after last week’s parliamentary vote, raising further concerns of misconduct and fraud during the polls.
Meanwhile, two NATO troops, whose nationalities were not announced, were killed in a bomb …. Original source  : British aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan with 3 local colleagues.

Sparks flying, wing dragging on tarmac, emergency landing for Delta flight ends safely in NYC

Sparks flying, wing aground, flight lands in NYC

NEW YORK – With a flight attendant yelling “heads down, stay down,” passengers cowered and prayed on a tense descent into John F. Kennedy International Airport as malfunctioning landing gear sent sparks flying and left one of the plane’s wings dragging along the tarmac.
No one was hurt Saturday … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sparks flying, wing dragging on tarmac, emergency landing for Delta flight ends safely in NYC.

Remnants of Matthew soak parts of Mexico, Central America as it loses punch over land

Weakened Matthew soaks southern Mexico, Guatemala

VILLAHERMOSA, Mexico – The remnants of Tropical Storm Matthew drenched parts of Central America and southern Mexico on Sunday, a day after it weakened to a tropical depression.
The storm’s forward movement slowed to a crawl and top wind speeds fell to about 25 mph (35 kph). Its center was near … Original source on Gaea Times at : Remnants of Matthew soak parts of Mexico, Central America as it loses punch over land.

Expert panel exposes gaps in BP’s internal investigation; company concedes study had limits

Experts question BP’s take on Gulf oil spill

WASHINGTON – Engineering experts probing the Gulf of Mexico oil spill exposed holes Sunday in BP’s internal investigation as the company was questioned for the first time in public about its findings.
BP’s lead investigator acknowledged that the company’s probe had limitations.
Mark Bly, head of safety and operations for … Read more : Expert panel exposes gaps in BP’s internal investigation; company concedes study had limits.

Earthquake hits Aleutian Islands of US

NEW YORK – An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale jolted Aleutian Islands of the US state of Alaska Sunday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The tremor occurred about 9:27 a.m. local time (1827 GMT) at a depth of 226 km, with its epicentre some 2,070 km west-southwest of Anchorage, Xinhua reported citing …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bus carrying Polish tourists crashes in eastern Germany; at least 12 killed

German police: 12 dead in crash of Polish bus

BERLIN – At least 12 people were killed and dozens injured Sunday when a bus carrying Polish tourists crashed on the highway southeast of Berlin, police said.
Arne Feuring, president of police in Frankfurt an der Oder, told the news agency DAPD that seven of the wounded were …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bus carrying Polish tourists crashes in eastern Germany; at least 12 killed.

13 dead as Polish bus crashes on German motorway

BERLIN/WARSAW – Thirteen Polish nationals were killed Sunday when a bus with holidaymakers on board crashed into a motorway bridge on the outskirts of the German capital Berlin.

The bus, run by the Polish POL-BUS travel operator, was carrying employees of the forestry office in the western Polish town of Zlocieniec who were returning from a … Read more : 13 dead as Polish bus crashes on German motorway.

American mothers of war dead find solace in embrace of Iraq’s grieving women

Iraqi women embrace American mothers of war dead

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq – Nine American mothers whose children died fighting in Iraq were embraced Sunday by dozens of Iraqi women who lost their own children during decades of war and violence in a meeting participants said brought them a measure of peace.
The gathering in Iraq’s mostly peaceful northern … Read more : American mothers of war dead find solace in embrace of Iraq’s grieving women.

Ex-bank official held for sleazy e-mails

KOLKATA – A former bank manager who sent sleazy e-mails to his sister-in-law was arrested Sunday, police said. This is the first arrest made by the cyber police station formed last month.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Damayanti Sen said: “Adhiraj Roychowdhury – a former manager of a private bank – was arrested from his …. Source  : Ex-bank official held for sleazy e-mails.

Pakistani minister resigns after accusing country’s powerful army in killing of politicians

Pakistani minister resigns after criticizing army

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s federal minister for defense production resigned after being summoned by the prime minister to explain comments he made criticizing the army and accusing it of killing prominent politicians.
Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi accused the army of killing several high-profile Pakistani figures, including former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and … Original article on : Pakistani minister resigns after accusing country’s powerful army in killing of politicians.

Karzai calls on Afghans to decry violence after official, 5 Afghans killed by suicide bomber

Eastern Afghan official, 5 others killed by bomber

KABUL, Afghanistan – A suicide car bomber killed a deputy governor and five others Tuesday in eastern Afghanistan, police said. In an emotional speech, President Hamid Karzai urged Afghans to decry such violence and fretted that young people will choose to flee their country.
The explosion occurred when the … Read : Karzai calls on Afghans to decry violence after official, 5 Afghans killed by suicide bomber.

Another day of blistering heat on tap for Calif., but temperatures begin to head downward

Another day of searing heat on tap for California

LOS ANGELES – Another day of searing heat was on tap for California Tuesday, but temperatures were expected to begin heading downward.
A blistering fall heat wave broke records across the state Monday, including an all-time high of 113 degrees in downtown Los Angeles.
Downtown hit the record-high temperature [..] Read the original article: here.

Spurned lover sparks bomb scare on Pakistan plane

LONDON – A woman angry about her separation from her boyfriend triggered a bomb scare on a Pakistan International Airlines plane, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Sweden, a media report said.

The woman called Canadian police to tell them that a flight from Toronto to Karachi had a bomb on board. The …. Read the original article  : here.

Gallup poll: 25 percent increase in depression cases along Gulf Coast since massive BP spill

Gallup: 25 percent hike in depression along Gulf

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – Before the BP oil spill, the Gulf Coast was a place of abundant shrimping, tourist-filled beaches and a happy if humble lifestyle. Now, it’s home to depression, worry and sadness for many.
A Gallup survey released Tuesday of almost 2,600 coastal residents showed that depression … Read : Gallup poll: 25 percent increase in depression cases along Gulf Coast since massive BP spill.

Gypsy gangs stole 200 kids to use as beggars, pick-pockets

LONDON – A gang of Romanian gypsies stole nearly 200 poor children, took them to Britain and forced them to work as pick-pockets and beggars. Some of the children were disfigured to improve their earning potential, it was reported here.

Daily Telegraph Tuesday reported that 181 children were beaten and abused. Some of them were even …. Source article  : Gypsy gangs stole 200 kids to use as beggars, pick-pockets.

Safety board looks for reasons, safety lessons in Oklahoma highway crash that killed 10 people

NTSB probes Okla. highway crash that killed 10

WASHINGTON – On a clear June afternoon last year, a minor collision had stopped traffic on a stretch of Interstate 44 in Oklahoma. Eastbound drivers cresting a rise could see the traffic jam ahead and began braking – all except for a single tractor truck hauling a semi …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Safety board looks for reasons, safety lessons in Oklahoma highway crash that killed 10 people.

Officials confident levee will hold after flooding made Wis. neighborhood an island

Officials to inspect breached levee in Wisconsin

PORTAGE, Wis. – Emergency workers planned early morning inspections Tuesday of a 14-mile sand levee that was partially breached by floodwaters, turning one rural Wisconsin neighborhood into a virtual island.
Greg Matthews, spokesman for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said Monday night he was “cautiously optimistic” the levee protecting …. Source article  : Officials confident levee will hold after flooding made Wis. neighborhood an island.

Gallup finds 25 percent increase in depression cases in Gulf since BP spill

Gallup finds 25 percent hike in depression in Gulf

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – People along the Gulf Coast just aren’t as happy as they were before the massive BP oil spill.
A Gallup survey released Tuesday shows that depression cases are up more than 25 percent since an April 20 oil rig exploded, triggering the gusher that …. Source article  : Gallup finds 25 percent increase in depression cases in Gulf since BP spill.

Gunmen rob police in Mexico

Mexico City, Sep 28 (IANS/EFE) Gunmen stormed a police headquarters in the northern Mexico and escaped with around 70 firearms, officials said.

The criminals took assault rifles, pistols and tactical equipment from the state police headquarters in Chihuahua early Monday, an official spokesman said.
No one was hurt in the robbery and the gunmen only threatened … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gunmen rob police in Mexico.

Three held with marijuana worth over Rs.3 crore

LUCKNOW – Three drug peddlers, who operated in various Indian states, have been arrested with marijuana worth over Rs.3 crore in Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur district, police said Tuesday.

The three men, who are in their mid 40s, were nabbed Monday night from the Pandarai town in Mirzapur, some 300 km from here.
“Acting on a tip-off, …. Original source  : Three held with marijuana worth over Rs.3 crore.

Three killed in Venezuela prison riot

Caracas, Sep 28 (IANS/EFE) At least three prisoners died and four people were injured in a riot at a jail in Venezuela, authorities said.

The incident took place Monday at the Tocoron prison in the northeastern Venezuelan state of Aragua, police said.
A police officer confirmed the deaths of the three inmates and added that three … Original article on : Three killed in Venezuela prison riot.

Brush fire erupts near buildings amid record Southern California heat wave

Fire erupts near buildings in hot Southern Calif.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Southern California firefighters are battling a small fire burning in brushy hills near structures in the Ventura County city of Thousand Oaks.
The county Fire Department says the blaze was reported shortly after 2 p.m. Monday and has been estimated at 50 acres and is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Brush fire erupts near buildings amid record Southern California heat wave.

30 buried in Colombia landslide

BOGOTA – A landslide buried about 30 people on a highway in northwestern Colombia, media reports said.

The accident occurred Monday when the passengers were changing buses on the highway in Antioquia province, Xinhua reported, citing local media reports.
“Apparently between 20 and 30 people were trapped,” an official said.
The rescue work is underway, …. Read the original article  : 30 buried in Colombia landslide.

Iranian woman’s stoning sentence ’still in place’

Tehran, Sep 28 (IANS/AKI) The sentence of death by stoning against an Iranian woman accused of adultery is still officially in place and could still be carried out, her lawyer has said.

His warning came after Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last week claimed it was untrue that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a mother of two, had … Read more : Iranian woman’s stoning sentence ’still in place’.

Fire Fighters Battle Thousand Oaks Fire

SOUTH CALIFORNIA, (Gaea Times.com)- A small fire broke out in the hilly areas of Ventura County city of Thousand Oaks, South California on Monday afternoon due to high temperature in the area. The fire spread rapidly across the dry vegetation but was reportedly brought under control by evening. A group of 100 fighters and … Read more >>.

Police: eastern Afghan official killed by car bomb while driving to work

Eastern Afghan official killed in bombing
KABUL, Afghanistan – The deputy governor of a volatile eastern Afghan province was killed by a suicide car bomber Tuesday, along with five others, police said.

The explosion occurred when the official was driving in Ghazni city toward his office, said Ghazni province Police Chief Zarawar Zahid. The bomber rammed into …. Original article  : Police: eastern Afghan official killed by car bomb while driving to work.

Quake hits Iran

Tehran, Sep 28 (IANS/AKI) A 6.1-magnitude earthquake has rocked southern Iran.

The Iranian Seismological Centre reported that the quake hit Konar Takhteh, a remote mountainous area in the southern province of Fars, at 11.22 GMT Monday, Mehr news agency said.
Konar Takhteh, 677 km southwest of Tehran, is a sparsely populated district located near the city …. Original source  : Quake hits Iran.

Man convicted of killing `nagging’ wife

HONG KONG – A 79-year-old Hong Kong man was convicted of killing his wife of 45 years after saying he could no longer bear her constant nagging, a news report said Tuesday.

Ng Kwok-yuen hacked So Yuen-yee, 68, more than 30 times with a meat cleaver in August 2009 and claimed decades of nagging drove him … Original article on : Man convicted of killing `nagging’ wife.

Yamuna continues to flow above danger mark in Agra

AGRA – Yamuna continued to flow over the danger mark in this Taj city Tuesday morning, but authorities are hopeful that it would soon start to recede.

The impact of the flood in Agra region was grim, with reports of extensive damage to standing crops and the spread of water-borne diseases.
The Yamuna was still flowing … Read more >>.

Obama urged to seek spill penalties to pay for Gulf coast restoration after oil spill

Obama urged to use spill fines to restore Gulf

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s point person on the Gulf coast’s restoration will recommend paying for it with some of the billions of dollars in civil penalties that could be collected from companies responsible for the oil spill.
That recommendation by Navy Secretary Ray Mabus will be in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama urged to seek spill penalties to pay for Gulf coast restoration after oil spill.

Four die in Himachal accident

SHIMLA – Four people were killed and 14 injured when an overcrowded vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in upper Shimla in Himachal Pradesh Wednesday, police said.

The accident took place near Chirgaon, some 120 km from here. The cause of the accident is not known.
…. Source article  : Four die in Himachal accident.

PCR vans to be one-stop help shop for Games tourists

NEW DELHI – It will take only one minute for police control room (PCR) vans to reach any Commonwealth Games venue, with more than 100 deployed to respond to any emergency calls.

Not just that. Thousands of tourists as well as athletes and officials here for the mega event from Oct 3 will find in …. Source  : PCR vans to be one-stop help shop for Games tourists.

Claims by Shiite militia brings worries about Iran’s hand in Iraq

Iraqi Shiite militia hints of Iran’s hand in south

BAGHDAD – Nearly four minutes of shaky, hand-held video clips show roadside bombs hitting U.S. convoys, a battery of Katyusha rockets and a soldier who appeared to be downed by sniper fire.
And digitally burned into the left-hand corner is the raised-rifle emblem of a Shiite militia linked [..] Read the original article: here.

Three engineering students of BHU drown in Ganga

LUCKNOW – Three engineering students of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) drowned in the Ganga river in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district, police said Wednesday.

The B.Tech (Electronics) third year students — Mihir Jha, Mayank Ahuja and Tarun Kumar — went on an outing late Tuesday after managing to get out of their hostel on the … Read more »».

Man admits raping, assaulting over 1,000 women

LONDON – A man in Germany has admitted to raping or sexually assaulting more than 1,000 women by copying a trick from the movie “The Silence of the Lambs”.

Forty six-year-old Joerg P. admitted to more than 1,000 offences against women in a crime spree that spanned 22 years. The trial has begun in …. Source article  : Man admits raping, assaulting over 1,000 women.

Indian-origin cabbie pleads not guilty to rape

MELBOURNE – An Indian-origin taxi driver, accused of raping a 40-year-old woman in Australia, Wednesday pleaded not guilty to the crime before a court here.

Rajeev Singh, 21, has been committed to stand trial at the conclusion of the three-day hearing in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court, The Age reported.
Singh picked up the woman in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian-origin cabbie pleads not guilty to rape.

Tropical depression blows up in Caribbean, heads for Cuba and on to southeastern Florida

Tropical depression aims at Cuba, then Florida

HAVANA – A tropical depression that quickly developed in the Caribbean headed over Cuba early Wednesday threatening to strengthen into a tropical storm as it headed toward southeastern Florida.
Cuba expected heavy rains and high winds overnight.
Early Wednesday, the storm’s center was about 55 miles (90 kilometers) south-southeast of Havana, … Read more >>.

Huge mudslide smashes into Mexican mountain town, but only 11 missing after disaster

Mexico: Mudslide proves less deadly than feared

OAXACA, Mexico – A loud noise shattered the early morning darkness as an entire hillside collapsed on a town in Mexico’s rain-soaked southern state of Oaxaca. Roads were blocked by slides and a washed-out bridge, and the only reports – via satellite phone – were grim: Hundreds could be …. Source article  : Huge mudslide smashes into Mexican mountain town, but only 11 missing after disaster.

Texting ban has not lowered US accident rate

NEW YORK – A ban on sending mobile phone text messages while driving has not led to a decrease in the number of road crashes in the US.

The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has shown in a latest research that accident rates rose in three out of four US states after texting bans were … Read more : Texting ban has not lowered US accident rate.

31,000 on Facebook path to smooth roads in Delhi

NEW DELHI – “Dear Sir/Madam, Today I have seen lot many defence cars, with blue and red beacon lights, judges’ cars (with justice label at the back) driving in Commonwealth Games lane,” says a Facebook post received by Delhi Traffic Police, nicknamed DTP by netizens.

By Suhas Munshi
The mail writer goes on to say: “I …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NATO says service member killed in insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan

NATO: Service member killed in south Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – A coalition service member was killed in an insurgent attack in southern Afghanistan, NATO announced Wednesday, as operations to flush out insurgents moved forward in the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar.
The service member was killed in a fight with insurgents in the south on Tuesday, the coalition …. Read the original article  : here.

Rain, flooding leave 54 dead in Nicaragua

MANAGUA – Rain from tropical storm Matthew caused flooding that left 54 people dead and 5,000 homeless with infrastructure damage including roads and bridges, Nicaraguan authorities said.

Authorities said Tuesday that 8,000 homes had been flooded following days of rain. Hardest hit were the Nicaraguan provinces of Esteli and Matagalpa in the north, Chinandega in …. Source article  : Rain, flooding leave 54 dead in Nicaragua.

Mexican psychiatrists seek psychological treatment in US

Mexico City, Sep 29 (IANS/EFE) The recent wave of extortion and kidnappings in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico’s murder capital, has forced hundreds of psychiatrists to cross the border to the US to receive psychological treatment.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez has reached the point where “the doctors and psychiatrists themselves are here trying to get help,” …. Original source  : Mexican psychiatrists seek psychological treatment in US.

Calif. heat wave proves a worthy foe, sends Hollywood Blvd’s costumed heroes into the shadows

LA heat wave takes some sizzle out of Hollywood

LOS ANGELES – It was so hot in Los Angeles on Tuesday that even Spider-Man took the day off.
As temperatures soared to 99 degrees, tourists along Hollywood Boulevard were disappointed to discover that a fall heat wave has just about the same effect on Spider-Man – and …. Read the original article  : Calif. heat wave proves a worthy foe, sends Hollywood Blvd’s costumed heroes into the shadows.

Mexican authorities backtrack on landslide, say no deaths are confirmed and only 11 missing

Mexico: No confirmed landslide deaths, 11 missing

OAXACA, Mexico – A huge mudslide first thought to have buried hundreds of people has left only 11 missing and there are no confirmed dead, authorities said Tuesday night, backing off earlier predictions of a catastrophe in Mexico’s rain-soaked southern state of Oaxaca.
Federal Interior Minister Francisco Blake and Oaxaca …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican authorities backtrack on landslide, say no deaths are confirmed and only 11 missing.

Chile mine drilling advances rapidly, cheering families as officials hope for earlier rescue

Chile rescue speeds up, cheering miner families

SAN JOSE MINE, Chile – The families of 33 trapped miners are in high spirits after a surge in the drilling of escape tunnels raised hopes that the men’s rescue may come sooner than scheduled.
Relatives smiled, hugged and yelled “Viva Chile!” as officials reported one of the rescue drills …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Skywest plane makes emergency landing in Milwaukee due to landing gear problem

Plane makes emergency landing in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE – A Skywest Airlines plane has made an emergency landing in Milwaukee due to a landing gear problem.
General Mitchell International Airport spokeswoman Pat Rowe says crew had notified the airport about 10 minutes before landing Tuesday that only two of the three sets of landing gear would lower.
She says … Original article on : Skywest plane makes emergency landing in Milwaukee due to landing gear problem.

2 boys escape Tennessee house fire that killed 5 family members, including mother

2 boys escape Tennessee fire that killed family

ATOKA, Tenn. – A fire was burning around him, but Devon Byrd said he didn’t wake up until he heard his sister screaming.
The 12-year-old boy said he jumped out of bed early Tuesday in the smoky darkness and found his 6-year-old brother Andon. He kicked out a bedroom …. Source article  : 2 boys escape Tennessee house fire that killed 5 family members, including mother.

Wis. officials consider buying out homeowners rather than making costly repairs to old levee

Wis. officials say old dike may add to flood risk

MADISON, Wis. – A century-old sand dike that held back the raging Wisconsin River helped protect a rural neighborhood, but state officials said Tuesday they’ll renew a push to buy out homeowners and let the levee deteriorate.
The river surged around one end of the levee, leaving …. Original article  : Wis. officials consider buying out homeowners rather than making costly repairs to old levee.

FEMA rejects disaster aid for Calif gas line blast that destroyed 37 homes; 8th victim dies

FEMA rejects disaster aid for Calif gas line blast

SAN FRANCISCO – Federal emergency officials have turned down the state’s request for millions in federal disaster aid for the gas pipeline explosion that consumed a Northern California neighborhood earlier this month. The death toll rose to eight Tuesday.
The San Mateo County coroner’s office confirmed James Emil [..] Read the original article: here.

Father, son blame each other in Ore. bombing that prosecutors say stemmed from Obama fears

Dad, son blame each other in Oregon bomb plot

SALEM, Ore. – Proscutors say that a father and son accused of planting a bomb that killed two police officers dreamed of get-rich-quick schemes and forming civilian militias, but fears that a new president would work to curb gun owners’ rights pushed them to action, prosecutors say.
Bruce …. Original source  : Father, son blame each other in Ore. bombing that prosecutors say stemmed from Obama fears.

Suicide attack in south Afghanistan kills 3 civilians

Car bomber in south Afghanistan kills 3 civilians

KABUL, Afghanistan – A suicide attack on a NATO convoy killed three civilians and wounded nine others Thursday near the airport in the Taliban heartland of Kandahar, in southern Afghanistan, a local official said.
The suicide attacker detonated explosives while in his vehicle, causing the casualties, said Zulmai Ayubi, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Suicide attack in south Afghanistan kills 3 civilians.

DC sightseers hurt in Md. bus crash that killed driver; dozen taken to hospital, some critical

DC sightseers hurt in bus crash, driver killed

BETHESDA, Md. – Federal investigators will try to find out what caused a bus carrying several children and their parents who spent the day sightseeing in the nation’s capital to plunge off a highway, killing the driving and injuring more than a dozen.
The Pennsylvania-based Wolf’s Bus Lines Inc. … Original article on : DC sightseers hurt in Md. bus crash that killed driver; dozen taken to hospital, some critical.

Tropical Storm Nicole Hits Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA (GaeaTimes.com)- The latest storm in this year’s hurricane season Tropical Storm Nicole has already been successful in hitting headlines. Earlier on Wednesday, the storm was able to make its presence felt in large parts of Jamaica as it is reported to have claimed as many as nine lives while it also caused …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nepal sends chopper to search for 3 Japanese climbers, their Sherpa guide caught in avalanche

Chopper searches for 3 Japanese climbers in Nepal

KATMANDU, Nepal – A rescue helicopter is searching the slopes of a mountain in central Nepal for three Japanese climbers and their Nepalese guide who were swept away by an avalanche earlier this week.
The four were attempting to climb the 26,790-foot (8,167-meter) peak of Mount Dhaulagiri and have … Read more : Nepal sends chopper to search for 3 Japanese climbers, their Sherpa guide caught in avalanche.

Indonesian militant badly injured when bicycle bomb prematurely detonates

Indonesian militant hurt by bicycle bomb blast

JAKARTA, Indonesia – A suspected Islamic militant was critically injured when a homemade bomb strapped to the back of his bicycle detonated prematurely Thursday before he reached his apparent target – a police post outside Indonesia’s capital.
No one else was hurt.
Police spokesman Col. Boy Rafli Amar said while the … Read more »».

Vietnam arrests three over US-based porn websites

HANOI – Vietnamese police have detained three officers of a company that ran pornographic websites with servers based in the US, police said Thursday.

Police said the websites also hosted what they called “reactionary” videos produced by “hostile terrorist groups” overseas.
The suspects, Tran Ngo Quy, 25, Dang Bui Phi Hung, 33, and Pham Ba … Read more >>.

Fire in 3-story brick building kills 3 people, called deadliest of year in NJ’s biggest city

Fire in NJ 3-story brick building kills 3 people

NEWARK, N.J. – A fire in New Jersey’s largest city has killed three people.
The fire broke out Wednesday night in a three-story brick building in Newark.
Fire Chief Michael Lalor (LAW’-lor) says the victims were trapped inside the building and were pulled out alive but died later at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Fire in 3-story brick building kills 3 people, called deadliest of year in NJ’s biggest city.

8-year-old boy killed in NYC house fire; 5 other children injured, 1-year-old critically

NYC fire kills 8-year-old boy, hurts 5 other kids

NEW YORK – New York City fire officials say a house blaze has killed an 8-year-old boy and injured five other children.
A Fire Department of New York spokesman says the fire erupted in a two-family, three-story home in Brooklyn and was brought under control around 11 p.m. … Read more >>.

12 die in Mexico landslide

Mexico City, Sep 30 (IANS/EFE) At least 12 people were killed when a rainsoaked hillside gave way in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, President Felipe Calderon has said.

“Unfortunately, there has been a new landslide in Amatan, Chiapas. We’re mobilising aid to help out. The governor informs me of 12 deaths,” Calderon wrote on …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : 12 die in Mexico landslide.

Mexico resumes search for 11 missing in collapsed hillside as slide kills 16 in another town

Mexico: Landslide in another town kills 16 people

TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, Mexico – The unstable hillsides of rain-soaked southern Mexico have claimed at least 16 more victims and authorities are scrambling to deal with the peril after a siege of unusually wet weather.
A landslide Wednesday surged into a community in Chiapas state, killing 16 people and injuring … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Mexico resumes search for 11 missing in collapsed hillside as slide kills 16 in another town.

Driver dead, dozen hurt when bus plunges off suburban DC highway; several children aboard

Driver dead, dozen hurt in bus plunge outside DC

BETHESDA, Md. – Kids and their parents who spent Wednesday sightseeing in the nation’s capital were headed home to Pennsylvania when their bus plunged off a highway and rolled, killing the driver and injuring at least a dozen, authorities said.
The Pennsylvania-based Wolf’s Bus Lines Inc. bus careened …. Read the original article  : Driver dead, dozen hurt when bus plunges off suburban DC highway; several children aboard.

Wisconsin River drops slowly, easing flooding conditions

River drops slowly, easing Wis. flood conditions

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin River is dropping, promising relief for the state’s flood-weary south-central section.
The river started overflowing its banks Saturday after heavy rains to the north flowed downstream. The river poured around a levee and flooded low-lying areas in the town of Caledonia, just outside Portage. Dozens …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Wisconsin River drops slowly, easing flooding conditions.

Driver of bus killed when it plunges off suburban DC highway; several children, parents aboard

Bus driver killed in plunge off DC-area highway

BETHESDA, Md. – Authorities say the driver of a commuter bus was killed when it plunged off a highway outside the nation’s capital.
At least a dozen are injured, including children.
The bus on Wednesday afternoon fell 45 feet off a skyramp of the Capital Beltway and landed below along …. Read the original article  : Driver of bus killed when it plunges off suburban DC highway; several children, parents aboard.

NC governor declares state of emergency as heavy rains expected as Nicole skirts the coast

NC governor declares emergency ahead of heavy rain

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Gov. Beverly Perdue has proclaimed a state of emergency as North Carolina’s coastal residents brace for drenching rains from a weather system interacting with approaching remnants of a recent tropical storm.
Perdue issued the precautionary declaration while Nicole was still a tropical storm Wednesday, but the … Read : NC governor declares state of emergency as heavy rains expected as Nicole skirts the coast.

Mexico resumes search for 11 missing in collapsed hillside as slide kills 12 in another town

Mexico: Landslide in another town kills 12 people

OAXACA, Mexico – Searchers recovered the bodies of two teenage sisters Wednesday during the hunt for 11 people missing after a huge hillside collapsed on a town in Mexico’s rain-soaked southern state of Oaxaca, while a landslide in a neighboring state killed a dozen people.
The government delivered blankets [..] Read the original article: here.

Court halts California execution amid lethal drug shortage

LOS ANGELES – The California Supreme Court Wednesday denied the state’s attempt to rush through its first execution in five years before the expiration date Friday of the only dose of a drug needed to perform the lethal injection.

The decision came after a federal judge on Tuesday ordered a stay on the planned execution …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Court halts California execution amid lethal drug shortage.

Jaguars WR Osgood ‘doing OK’ after altercation with cheerleader’s gun-wielding ex-boyfriend

Jaguars’ Osgood attacked in cheerleader’s home

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville receiver Kassim Osgood leapt out a second-floor window to escape a gun-wielding man who attacked him and a 19-year-old Jaguars cheerleader, according to police.
The armed intruder exchanged gunfire with his ex-girlfriend, Mackenzie Rae Putnal, after putting a gun to her head Monday night, according to the … Read more »»».

Watchdog faults 32-year failure to develop system for identifying dangerous mines

Watchdog: Mine safety woes a failure of leadership

WASHINGTON – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has never developed a reliable system for identifying mines with safety problems despite more than three decades of trying, an agency watchdog said Wednesday.
The Labor Department’s inspector general blamed the failure on a 32-year “lack of leadership and priority” over …. Source  : Watchdog faults 32-year failure to develop system for identifying dangerous mines.

1 dead, dozen hurt when bus plunges off suburban DC highway; several children, parents aboard

1 dead, dozen hurt in bus crash outside DC

BETHESDA, Md. – A commuter bus plunged off a highway Wednesday outside the nation’s capital, killing one person and injuring at least a dozen, including children, authorities said.
Parents and children were aboard the bus that fell 45 feet off a skyramp of the Capital Beltway and landed …. Original source  : 1 dead, dozen hurt when bus plunges off suburban DC highway; several children, parents aboard.

Indian-American spying on gay roomie to face more charges

NEW YORK – US prosecutors are considering whether to bring additional charges against two students, one of them an Indian-American, accused of driving a third student to suicide by posting his secretly streamed gay encounter on the Internet.

Indian American Dhanur Ravi, 18, accused of spying on his roommate Tyler Clementi, 18, who … Read more : Indian-American spying on gay roomie to face more charges.

NATO says it captures more insurgent leaders; 438 militants detained in September

NATO says it captures Afghan insurgent leaders

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO forces said Friday they have detained two insurgent leaders in Afghanistan’s east and in the south where troops are battling deeply dug-in militants, and that more than 430 suspected militants have been detained over the last month.
Afghan and coalition forces also killed at least 15 … Read more : NATO says it captures more insurgent leaders; 438 militants detained in September.

Indian-origin dentist used dead man’s disabled badge on car

LONDON – An Indian-origin dentist, who is a millionaire, has admitted using a dead man’s ‘disabled person’ badge on his Ferrari car in Britain, a media report said.

Chirag Patel, 32, is the founder of a chain of cosmetic dentists and owns a 2-million pounds house in a London suburb and a fleet of luxury … Original article on : Indian-origin dentist used dead man’s disabled badge on car.

NATO says it captures more insurgent leaders; 438 militants detained in September

NATO says it captures Afghan insurgent leaders

KABUL, Afghanistan – NATO forces said Friday they have detained two insurgent leaders in Afghanistan’s east and in the south where troops are battling deeply dug-in militants, and that 430 suspected militants have been detained over the last month.
NATO said Afghan and international forces captured a senior Taliban leader … Read : NATO says it captures more insurgent leaders; 438 militants detained in September.

Drenching rainstorm takes aim at New England after flooding; 5 dead in trek up the East Coast

5 dead as drenching rains take aim at New England

RALEIGH, N.C. – Torrential downpours from a faded tropical storm marched into New England after claiming five lives, washing out roads and dousing some East Coast cities with more rain in hours than they normally get in months.
The massive rainstorm drove up the Eastern Seaboard from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Drenching rainstorm takes aim at New England after flooding; 5 dead in trek up the East Coast.

Aman ragging-to-death case: Court gets anonymous letter

DHARAMSALA – In a new twist to the Aman Kachru ragging-to-death case, a Himachal Pradesh court here has received an anonymous letter, purportedly written by a police official, saying the victim talked to his girlfriend on phone before his end.

The letter suggested that the girl, who is based in Delhi, should also be … Read more : Aman ragging-to-death case: Court gets anonymous letter.

UN chopper crash lands in southern Pakistan, 3 on board suffer minor wounds, official says

UN chopper crash lands in Pakistan; 3 hurt

ISLAMABAD – Officials say a U.N. helicopter has crash-landed in southern Pakistan while delivering food for flood victims.
Three people of the 13 on board suffered minor injuries.
The forced landing occurred Friday morning when the chopper, which was loaded with high-energy biscuts from the U.N.’s World Food Program, got … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UN chopper crash lands in southern Pakistan, 3 on board suffer minor wounds, official says.

Israeli cyber unit unleashed Iran computer virus

LONDON – An Israeli military unit that undertakes cyberwarfare is responsible for creating a virus that attacked Iran’s computer systems and stopped work at a nuclear power station, an expert has said.

A Biblical reference has been detected in the code of the computer virus that points to Israel as the origin of the cyber … Read more »».

Typhoon leads to blockage in China rivers

BEIJING – Tonnes of debris – including dead animals, trash and logs – left behind by Typhoon Fanapi are now blocking rivers in a province in China, leading to concerns about the safety of drinking water.

About 1,000 soldiers have been pressed into service and are racing against the clock to clear the debris from … Read more »».

Woman wins China’s first cyber homosexual harassment case

BEIJING – A 34-year-old woman has won 80,000 yuan ($12,000) in compensation after being harassed online by a lesbian, in what is being termed as China’s first case of cyber homosexual harassment.

Huang Xiaoyan, a resident of Nanjing, sued the other woman claiming three years of online lesbian torment, China Daily reported citing the Jinlin …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Army frees Ecuadorian president from police mutineers

QUITO – Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa was freed by soldiers from mutinying police late Thursday, Ecuadorian television reported.

He later appeared at the presidential palace in the capital Quito and addressed celebrating supporters.
Soldiers took Correa from a military clinic, where he had spent much of the day amid a mutiny by police over a … Read more >>>.

Police officer breaks down describing mayhem inside Oregon bank after bomb blast

Policeman tearfully describes carnage of blast

SALEM, Ore. – A police detective broke down in tears Thursday as he told jurors in a murder trial about finding the bodies of two officers after a bomb went off in a bank.
“I knew he was dead,” Detective Nick Wilson testified, referring to his police captain, who had been … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Police officer breaks down describing mayhem inside Oregon bank after bomb blast.

Storms drench much of the East Coast; 5 die in hard-hit NC, 4 from same family on slick roads

Storms drench much of the East Coast; 5 killed

RALEIGH, N.C. – A massive rainstorm drenched the East Coast from the Carolinas to Maine on Thursday, causing at least five deaths, flooding roads and washing away months of dry weather.
The worst of the rain fell in North Carolina, where Jacksonville picked up 12 inches – nearly … Read more »»».

Owners of Missouri group home where 11 died in 2006 fire convicted of health care fraud

Group home owners convicted of health care fraud

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A husband and wife who owned a Missouri group home where 11 people died in a 2006 fire have been convicted of federal health care fraud.
Prosecutors announced late Thursday that Robert and LaVerne DuPont were each found guilty of one count of fraud and one …. Original article  : Owners of Missouri group home where 11 died in 2006 fire convicted of health care fraud.

Another hill collapses in southern Mexico, as death toll from landslides climbs to 32

Death toll in southern Mexico mudslides up to 32

OAXACA, Mexico – A rain-soaked hillside crumbled and crushed an elderly couple in their home Thursday, and rescuers found more bodies buried by earlier landslides, raising the death toll from a series of slides in southern Mexico to at least 32.
In the worst disaster, a mudslide surged … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Another hill collapses in southern Mexico, as death toll from landslides climbs to 32.

Ore. officer describes aftermath of bank bomb during testimony at dad-son murder trial

Ore. officer describes aftermath of bank bombing

SALEM, Ore. – An Oregon police detective broke down in tears as he testified about finding the bodies of two officers and a police chief whose leg was nearbly blown off in an explosion at a bank.
Detective Nick Wilson described the muffled explosion during the first day of testimony …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

2 CN freight trains collide near Two Harbors, some workers hurt

2 freight trains collide in northeast Minn.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Canadian National Railway Co. says two freight trains have collided on a track in northeast Minnesota, injuring crew members.
CN spokesman Patrick Waldron says the trains collided about 4 p.m. Thursday about 13 miles north of Two Harbors. The Lake County sheriff’s office says the collision … Original source on Gaea Times at : 2 CN freight trains collide near Two Harbors, some workers hurt.

Storms drench much of the East Coast; 4 family members die on wet highway in hard-hit NC

Massive storms blamed for 4 deaths in the East

RALEIGH, N.C. – A massive rainstorm drenched the East Coast from the Carolinas to Maine on Thursday, causing at least four deaths, flooding roads and washing away months of dry weather.
The worst of the rain fell in North Carolina, where Jacksonville picked up 12 inches – nearly … Original article on : Storms drench much of the East Coast; 4 family members die on wet highway in hard-hit NC.

16 die in Venezuela prison violence

Caracas, Oct 1 (IANS/EFE) Sixteen prisoners were killed and 35 others hurt when clashes broke out between rival gangs at a prison in northern Venezuela, an official said.

However, the situation was brought under control at the Tocoron prison by Thursday morning, prison service chief Consuelo Cerrada told reporters outside the jail.
Clashes started … Read more »».

Officials say initial cleanup of Michigan oil spill finished but work continues on river floor

Initial cleanup of Michigan oil spill completed

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Initial cleanup of southwestern Michigan waterways and riverbanks from a July oil spill has been completed and most of the 820,000 gallons that leaked from a ruptured pipeline recovered, officials said Thursday.
Crews continue removing contaminated sediments from the Kalamazoo River bottom and searching out isolated … Read more : Officials say initial cleanup of Michigan oil spill finished but work continues on river floor.

In 2nd tape in 24-hours, bin Laden accuses Muslim nations of poor response to Pakistan floods

In 2nd tape, bin Laden urges Pakistan flood relief

CAIRO – In a second audio recording in 24 hours, al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden says Muslim nations haven’t done enough to support relief efforts in flood-hit Pakistan.
In a copy of the recording provided by the U.S.-based SITE Intelligence Group on Saturday, bin Laden also accuses the …. Source  : In 2nd tape in 24-hours, bin Laden accuses Muslim nations of poor response to Pakistan floods.

Train derails on Norway-Sweden border, injuring 40, 2 seriously

Train derails on Norway-Sweden border, injuring 40

STOCKHOLM – Police say a train has derailed on the Norway-Sweden border, injuring 40 people.
Norwegian police spokesman Trond Sulen said Saturday that the first two carriages behind the locomotive derailed and flipped over. The train from Oslo to Stockholm was carrying about 300 passengers when the accident happened near …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Train derails on Norway-Sweden border, injuring 40, 2 seriously.

Sobhraj flays court for punishing his girlfriend, lawyer

KATHMANDU – From his tightly guarded cell in Kathmandu’s Central Jail, yesteryear’s “Bikini Killer” Charles Sobhraj has lashed out at a court verdict against his Nepali girlfriend Nihita Biswas and her mother Shakuntala Thapa, four days after the two were sentenced to prison and fined for contempt of court.

However, the 66-year-old convicted killer’s tirade … Read : Sobhraj flays court for punishing his girlfriend, lawyer.

Train slams into another at station in central Indonesia; at least 36 killed, dozens injured

Train crash in central Indonesia kills at least 36

PETARUKAN, Indonesia – A train crashed into another parked at a railway station in central Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 36 people and injuring dozens, many seriously, officials and witnesses said.
Rescuers spent hours searching through the mangled wreckage for trapped survivors of the accident, which occurred …. Source  : Train slams into another at station in central Indonesia; at least 36 killed, dozens injured.

35 killed in Indonesia train crash (Second Lead)

JAKARTA – At least 35 people were killed and 13 others injured Saturday when two passenger trains collided in Indonesia’s Central Java province, hospital staff said.

The Argo Anggrek train was going from Jakarta to the East Java capital of Surabaya when it ploughed into the stationary Senja Utama before dawn in Pemalang district.
“All … Read more »»».

Indonesian train crash kills 36, injures dozens

Indonesian train crash kills at least 36
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia on Saturday killed at least 36 people and injured dozens, several with severe burns and broken bones, officials and witnesses said.

As most passengers slept on the train, which was sitting idle at the station in Petarukan, a northern coastal city … Read : Indonesian train crash kills 36, injures dozens.

Man suspected of supplying explosives to Maoists held

LUCKNOW – A man, who is suspected of supplying explosives to Maoists, has been arrested with over 50 detonators near Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, police said Saturday.

Jeewan Bahadur, who is in his mid-30s, was arrested late Friday from Rupaideeh town, about 300 km from here.
“We definitely cannot rule out the …. Original source  : Man suspected of supplying explosives to Maoists held.

Riyadh-bound flight lands in Kochi after smoke alarm

KOCHI – An Air India flight bound for Riyadh and Muscat landed here Saturday morning as it was diverted after a smoke alarm went off, officials said. All passengers were safe.

The plane first took off from here to Kozhikode, from where it was headed to Riyadh and Muscat, A.C.K. Nair, director of the Cochin …. Read the original article  : Riyadh-bound flight lands in Kochi after smoke alarm.

Italian church welcomes legal action in sex abuse cases

Vatican City, Oct 2 (IANS/AKI) Italy’s catholic church has welcomed civil suites against priests for alleged sexual abuse, said Monsignor Mariano Crociata, secretary-general of the Italian Episcopal Conference.

“There will be no obstacles to civil proceedings. On the contrary, they would be viewed favourably,” he told reporters Friday following a meeting of the Episcopal Conference.
… Read this article on Gaea Times at : Italian church welcomes legal action in sex abuse cases.

33 killed in Indonesia train collision

JAKARTA – At least 33 people were killed and a dozen injured early Saturday when two trains collided in Indonesia’s central Java province, officials said.

According to rescuers, three coaches were derailed and several passengers trapped in a coach which was badly damaged in the accident, Xinhua reported.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when … Read more : 33 killed in Indonesia train collision.

Indonesian train crash kills at least 43, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped

Indonesian train crash kills at least 43
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 43 people and injured dozens Saturday, many of them critically, officials and witnesses said.

The toll was expected to rise with some bodies still trapped in the mangled wreckage.
The accident occurred at a station in Petarukan, a city … Original article on : Indonesian train crash kills at least 43, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped.

Indonesian train crash kills at least 31, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped

Indonesian train crash kills at least 31
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 31 people and injured dozens Saturday, many of them critically, officials and witnesses said.

The toll was expected to rise with some bodies still trapped in the mangled wreckage.
The accident occurred near Petarukan, a city on the northern … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Indonesian train crash kills at least 31, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped.

25 killed, 30 hurt in Indonesia train collision

JAKARTA – At least 25 people were killed and 30 others seriously wounded early Saturday when two trains collided in Indonesia’s central Java province, Xinhua reported.

Rescuers were working to evacuate those still trapped in the coaches, said Rindang Krisnoputro, official with the provincial search and rescue office.
“The number of victims may increase …. Read the original article  : 25 killed, 30 hurt in Indonesia train collision.

Indonesian train crash kills at least 28, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped

Indonesian train crash kills at least 28
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 28 people and injured dozens Saturday, many of them critically, officials and witnesses said.

The toll was expected to rise with some bodies still trapped in the mangled wreckage.
The accident occurred near Petarukan, a city on the northern … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indonesian train crash kills at least 28, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped.

Indonesian train crash kills at least 26, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped

Indonesian train crash kills at least 26
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 26 people and injured dozens Saturday, many suffering burns and broken bones, hospital officials and witnesses said.

Some bodies were still trapped in the wreckage.
The accident occurred near a station in Petarukan, a city on the northern coast …. Source  : Indonesian train crash kills at least 26, injures dozens; some bodies still trapped.

Media report: Dozens killed in Indonesian train crash

Dozens killed in Indonesian train crash
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A train crash in central Indonesia killed at least 25 people and left many others injured Saturday, many with burns and broken bones, witnesses told local television.

Some bodies were still trapped in the wreckage.
The accident occurred at a station in Petarukan, a city on the northern coast … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Media report: Dozens killed in Indonesian train crash.

Microsoft sues Motorola over Android phones

WASHINGTON – Microsoft Corp has filed a lawsuit against Motorola, saying the smartphone maker had infringed on nine patents in its Android-based devices.

The nine patents that Motorola allegedly violated involve essential smartphone functions, including “synchronizing e-mail, calendars and contacts; scheduling meetings; and notifying applications of changes in signal strength and battery power”, Microsoft said.
… Read more : Microsoft sues Motorola over Android phones.

25 Russians charged in US banking fraud

New York, Oct 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Twenty-five Russians have been charged in a banking fraud case in the US, the attorney\’s office for the southern district of New York said Friday.

The Russians are believed to have been involved in a global cyber crime scheme that resulted in over $3 million being stolen from US bank … Read more : 25 Russians charged in US banking fraud.

37 die in Mexico mudslides

Mexico City, Oct 2 (IANS/EFE) Thirty-seven people have died in mudslides in southern Mexico, authorities said Friday.

The southern mountainous states of Oaxaca and Chiapas have been hit by massive mudslides, triggered by heavy rains over the last few days, burying people and destroying homes. Three people are missing.
Roads were damaged, and electricity …. Source article  : 37 die in Mexico mudslides.

Man who led police on chase that resulted in Ariz news helicopters crash sentenced to 25 years

Man sentenced over deadly news helicopters crash

PHOENIX – A man who led authorities on a chase through midtown Phoenix which resulted in a deadly crash involving two news helicopters is headed to prison.
Christopher Jermaine Jones was sentenced to 25 years Friday after he pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated assault, which prosecutors say stem …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man who led police on chase that resulted in Ariz news helicopters crash sentenced to 25 years.

Iran arrests ‘nuclear spies’

LONDON – Iran has arrested several “spies” who were involved in an attempt to sabotage the country’s nuclear programme, said Iranian intelligence minister Heydar Moslehi.

The arrest followed an attack on Iran’s industrial computer network by a software bug Stuxnet that targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, including its main Bushehr power plant, British newspaper The Guardian …. Read the original article  : Iran arrests ‘nuclear spies’.

Building under construction collapses in northwestern China, killing 8

Building in northwest China collapses, killing 8

BEIJING – A state news agency says a four-story building under construction has collapsed in northwestern China, killing eight workers and injuring three others.
Xinhua News Agency says the residential building fell Saturday in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province. More than 300 firefighters, police and medical workers were sent … Original source on Gaea Times at : Building under construction collapses in northwestern China, killing 8.

Goan serial killer’s day out

PANAJI – In a state known for well toned bikini-clad bodies on the beach, Goa’s alleged serial killer Mahanand Naik, 43, used a more conservative clothing appendage to snuff out 16 lives – all of them women.

A ‘dupatta’, a longish scarf, which he slipped around the neck of most of his victims who [..] Read the original article: here.

Six killed in tourist plane crash in Peru

LIMA – A small plane carrying tourists on a sightseeing flight crashed in Peru Saturday, killing all six people on board.

The propeller plane operated by Air Nasca was carrying four British travellers and two crew members, when an engine problem cause the crash some 350 km south of Lima, radio RPP reported, citing police …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Six killed in tourist plane crash in Peru.

14 killed in Mexico shooting

MEXICO CITY – A shoot-out between two rival gangs in northern Mexico has left 14 people dead, officials said.

The shoot-out occurred Friday in the village of Jose de la Cruz in Durango state and was likely part of a power struggle among drug cartels, officials said Saturday.
The cartels have fought for years over …. Original source  : 14 killed in Mexico shooting.

Flood-hit Pakistan says it needs West’s trade, not just aid, to recover and to stop militants

Pakistanis push trade, not just aid, after floods

FAISALABAD, Pakistan – This eastern Pakistani city is known for the roar of its power looms and the buzz of its sewing machines. Now, following massive floods that devastated the cotton crop, another noise is threatening to drown those out: the pleas of a struggling textile industry begging … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Flood-hit Pakistan says it needs West’s trade, not just aid, to recover and to stop militants.

Three brothers lynched, buried alive for witchcraft

La Paz, Oct 3 (IANS/EFE) At least four men, including three brothers, were lynched and buried alive for practicing witchcraft as part of “community justice” by a group of people in Bolivia, media reports said.

On Friday, police found the body of a man who was beaten up and buried alive Aug 20 in a …. Original source  : Three brothers lynched, buried alive for witchcraft.

Indonesia probes deadly train crash that highlights poor infrastructure, lax safety standards

Indonesia investigates train crash that killed 36

PETARUKAN, Indonesia – Police were investigating a train crash Sunday that killed 36 people and injured dozens, putting a spotlight once again on Indonesia’s aging infrastructure and poor safety record.
The pre-dawn accident occurred Saturday as many passengers were sleeping.
A train from the capital, Jakarta, plowed into the rear of … Read more »»».

La. official known for criticizing BP and federal government over spill cruises to re-election

Official known for criticizing BP, feds re-elected

POINTE A LA HACHE, La. – A local official who emerged as a leading critic of efforts to clean up the oil spilled from BP’s well in the Gulf of Mexico has easily won re-election as president of his coastal Louisiana parish.
With all precincts reporting, Republican Billy Nungesser had … Original article on : La. official known for criticizing BP and federal government over spill cruises to re-election.

Attempted assassination part of unrest, claims Correa

QUITO – Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa claimed that a police mutiny earlier this week was an attempted coup with plans to assassinate him and other members of the government, media reports said Saturday.

The death toll in the unrest rose to eight with 278 injured, officials said.
Correa told foreign ministers from the South American … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Attempted assassination part of unrest, claims Correa.

USGS says minor, magnitude 3.0, earthquake is reported north of Richmond, Va.; no injuries

Minor earthquake is felt north of Richmond, Va.

RICHMOND, Va. – The U.S. Geological Survey says a minor earthquake has hit Virginia.
Dale Grant, a geophysicist with the USGS, said the magnitude 3.0 earthquake happened at 4:17 p.m. Saturday. Its epicenter was about 20 miles north of Richmond.
Grant said there were no reports of injuries or damages.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : USGS says minor, magnitude 3.0, earthquake is reported north of Richmond, Va.; no injuries.

IOM: Engineer supervising shelter-building killed outside Haiti relocation camp

IOM: Engineer killed outside Haiti relocation camp

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Gunmen killed an engineer supervising the building of shelters at a relocation camp for Haitian earthquake survivors, forcing construction to be suspended on part of the site, the International Organization for Migration said Saturday.
The body of 42-year-old Pierre Richard Denis was found Friday on the outskirts …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : IOM: Engineer supervising shelter-building killed outside Haiti relocation camp.

Peru police say plane carrying British tourists crashes near famed Nazca Lines, 6 dead

Peru: Tourist plane crashes near famed Nazca Lines

LIMA, Peru – A small plane carrying British tourists crashed near the famed Nazca Lines in Peru on Saturday, killing all six people on board, police said.
The victims were listed as four Britons – three men and a woman – and the pilot and co-pilot, both Peruvian.
The Cessna …. Read the original article  : Peru police say plane carrying British tourists crashes near famed Nazca Lines, 6 dead.

Searchers find body of missing NY woman swept away by floodwaters from Northeast storm

NY woman is 7th person killed in Northeast storm

BRADLEY, N.Y. – The rainstorms that caused flooding up and down the East Coast in recent days have claimed another life – this time in New York.
State police say they have recovered the body of a 55-year-old woman whose car had been swept off the road Friday … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Searchers find body of missing NY woman swept away by floodwaters from Northeast storm.

Osama bin Laden surfaces with humanitarian appeal for Pakistani floods in 2nd tape in 24-hours

Osama bin Laden softens tone, but to what end?

CAIRO – Softening his tone, al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden issued a humanitarian appeal on Saturday urging Muslim governments to do more to help Pakistan’s flood victims and expressing worry about climate change. It was his second purported audiotape in as many days.
The less aggressive approach contrasted …. Original source  : Osama bin Laden surfaces with humanitarian appeal for Pakistani floods in 2nd tape in 24-hours.

Pall cast over international balloon fiesta as search continues for missing American pilots

Missing pilots cast pall over balloon fiesta in US

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Hundreds of balloonists in New Mexico lifted off Saturday at dawn amid a somber mood, opening the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta while search crews on the other side of the globe scoured the seas for two of the sport’s most acclaimed pilots.
Richard Abruzzo of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pall cast over international balloon fiesta as search continues for missing American pilots.

Nigeria: Ex-militant leader arrested over car bombings that killed 12 in nation’s capital

Nigeria: Ex-militant leader arrested over bombings

LAGOS, Nigeria – South African authorities have arrested an ex-leader of a militant group that claimed responsibility for a dual car bombing that killed 12 people in Nigeria, a Nigerian secret police spokeswoman said Saturday.
The arrest of Henry Okah, a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the …. Original source  : Nigeria: Ex-militant leader arrested over car bombings that killed 12 in nation’s capital.

Two teenaged sisters held for cousin’s abduction

GHAZIABAD – Two teenaged sisters and two others in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district were taken in custody Saturday for kidnapping their uncle’s three-year-old boy for ransom, police said.

The two sisters, aged 17 and 18, abducted the boy from his home in Rafiqpura area, police said.
Firdaus’ boyfriend Abdul Qadir and Anisa’s husband Akram … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Two teenaged sisters held for cousin’s abduction.

UAE to create national register of sex offenders

Abu Dhabi, Oct 2 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates is considering creation of a national register of sex offenders and a centre for children protection to combat crimes against the younger generation.

A meeting for this purpose was held by a legislative body of the higher committee for protection of children under the ministry … Original source on Gaea Times at : UAE to create national register of sex offenders.

Death toll in Nigeria car bombings rises to 12 as investigators hunt for oil-region militants

Nigeria: Death toll in bombings rises to 12

ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s president on Saturday criticized the group claiming responsibility for setting off two car bombs during the oil-rich nation’s 50 anniversary of independence, calling them terrorists who used the struggles of his homeland to “camouflage criminality.”
President Goodluck Jonathan’s comments came as the death toll for …. Source  : Death toll in Nigeria car bombings rises to 12 as investigators hunt for oil-region militants.