Calif. money manager accused of diverting hundreds of millions of dollars to Madoff dies at 84

Calif. money manager in Madoff case dies at 84

NEW YORK – Stanley Chais, a once-esteemed investment manager and philanthropist whose reputation was marred by accusations he steered hundreds of millions of his clients’ dollars to con man Bernard Madoff, died Sunday, his wife said. He was 84.
His wife, Pamela Chais, declined to disclose the cause …. Source  : Calif. money manager accused of diverting hundreds of millions of dollars to Madoff dies at 84.

Marshall’s 1st TD catch gets quickly answered by Edwards, and Jets lead 21-20 after 3 quarters

Marshall, Edwards trade TD grabs in 3rd quarter

MIAMI – Jason Taylor likely had some uneasiness facing the Miami Dolphins. Braylon Edwards simply made it look easy.
Suspended for the first quarter following a drunken-driving arrest, Edwards hauled in a 67-yard touchdown pass and the New York Jets held a 21-20 lead over the Dolphins after three …. Original article  : Marshall’s 1st TD catch gets quickly answered by Edwards, and Jets lead 21-20 after 3 quarters.

Suspected Maoists abduct Orissa village council head

BHUBANESWAR – Suspected Maoists have abducted a village council chief in Orissa’s Koraput district, police said Monday.

Four suspected rebels kidnapped Chingu Jani, the sarpanch of Dumuripadar panchayat, when he was standing near a tea stall with other people in Mathiliput village Sunday, a police officer said.
They whisked him away into a waiting Tata Sumo … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Suspected Maoists abduct Orissa village council head.

Dungy visits Jets practice after criticizing Ryan’s language, disagrees with playing Edwards

Dungy visits Jets’ Ryan after criticizing language

NEW YORK – Tony Dungy came away from his meeting with Rex Ryan “really, really liking” the brash New York Jets coach, but disagreed with the team’s decision to play Braylon Edwards five days after his arrest for drunken driving.
Dungy, an analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America,” said …. Read the original article  : Dungy visits Jets practice after criticizing Ryan’s language, disagrees with playing Edwards.

Report: 10 states sell nearly half of crime guns used in other states

Report: 10 states sell half of imported crime guns

WASHINGTON – A report being released Monday by a mayors group finds that nearly half of the guns that crossed state lines and were used in crimes in 2009 were sold in just 10 states.
Those states accounted for nearly 21,000 guns connected to crimes in other states, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Report: 10 states sell nearly half of crime guns used in other states.

Jets’ Edwards scores TD after getting held out of 1st quarter against Miami over DUI charge

Jets hold Edwards out for 1st quarter vs. Dolphins

MIAMI – Braylon Edwards’ team-imposed suspension was brief. The fallout over his drunken-driving arrest continues.
Edwards remained on the New York Jets’ sideline for the first quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night, taking the field immediately after the opening 15 minutes were complete.
The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jets’ Edwards scores TD after getting held out of 1st quarter against Miami over DUI charge.

3 former Australian soldiers face manslaughter charges after 5 children killed in Afghanistan

Former Australian troops charged in Afghan deaths

SYDNEY – Three former Australian commandos will be charged with manslaughter in relation to a late-night raid on a compound in Afghanistan that killed five children, Australia’s top military prosecutor said Monday.
The special forces soldiers, who were not identified, face multiple charges including manslaughter, dangerous conduct, failing to comply …. Source article  : 3 former Australian soldiers face manslaughter charges after 5 children killed in Afghanistan.

Jungle search intensified for abducted Chhattisgarh cops

JAGDALPUR – Chhattisgarh Police Monday intensified searches in the jungles of Bijapur district to rescue four policemen abducted by Maoists, a day after the rebels set a 48-hour deadline for accepting their demands for their release.

“We are doing the best to track down the Maoists who are shifting an assistant sub-inspector, S. Bhagat, and three …. Original article  : Jungle search intensified for abducted Chhattisgarh cops.

Witness: Man who shot 5 as NJ house party near Seton Hall turned to ‘hell’ had no targets

Witness: ‘Hell’ as NJ party shooter had no targets

EAST ORANGE, N.J. – A Seton Hall University student who attended an off-campus house party at which five people were shot said the gunman stood on her back as she lay on the floor and didn’t appear to be targeting anyone during the chaos she described as …. Original source  : Witness: Man who shot 5 as NJ house party near Seton Hall turned to ‘hell’ had no targets.

Attorney for anti-war activists in Chicago says feds trying to quiet activists

Attorney: Feds trying to quiet Chicago activists

CHICAGO – An attorney for a Chicago anti-war activist whose home was searched by the FBI says the federal government is trying to quiet activists.
Attorney Jim Fennerty tells The Associated Press that agents took a laptop and other items from Hatem Abudayyeh’s house.
Abudayyeh wasn’t home when agents arrived Friday …. Read the original article  : Attorney for anti-war activists in Chicago says feds trying to quiet activists.

Shooting witness: NJ house party near Seton Hall turned to ‘hell,’ gunman had no targets

Witness describes ‘hell’ at NJ party shooting

EAST ORANGE, N.J. – A Seton Hall University student who attended an off-campus house party at which five people were shot said the gunman stood on her back as she lay on the floor and didn’t appear to be targeting anyone during the chaos she described as “hell.”
“He was … Read more >>.

NATO kills 30 insurgents in Pakistan (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD – The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan has killed more than 30 insurgents on Pakistani territory, the NATO-led force said late Sunday.

The alleged militants had attacked an outlying military post Friday in Afghanistan’s Khost province. The insurgents were then pursued across the Pakistani border by two of NATO’s Apache helicopters, according to … Read more »».

Chief suspect in massacre of 18 at Honduras shoe factory dies in shootout with police

Suspect in 18 killings dies in Honduras shootout

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Authorities in Honduras say the chief suspect in the massacre of 18 workers at a shoe factory earlier this month has been killed in a shootout with police.
Assistant Security Minister Armando Calidonio said Sunday that police were chasing alleged street gang leader Jesus Santos when [..] Read the original article: here.

Georgia’s Richt dismisses freshman from team after DUI arrest, says players ‘need to behave’

Georgia freshman kicked off team after DUI arrest

ATLANTA – The losses and arrests continue to mount for the Georgia football team.
Georgia freshman Demetre Baker was dismissed from the team by coach Mark Richt on Sunday following a drunken driving arrest.
Baker was arrested early Sunday in Athens and charged with DUI, underage possession of alcohol and …. Source  : Georgia’s Richt dismisses freshman from team after DUI arrest, says players ‘need to behave’.

Jets’ Braylon Edwards held out of 1st quarter against Miami, after drunk-driving charge

Jets hold Edwards out of 1st quarter
MIAMI – New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards was held out of the first quarter of the team’s game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night, five days after being charged with drunken driving in Manhattan.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum says the team has “made our disappointment clear …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Calif. death row inmate asks court to halt execution, refuses to choose type of injection

Calif. inmate asks federal court to halt execution

SAN FRANCISCO – A death row inmate on Sunday asked a federal appeals court to halt his execution as he declined to choose a method for the lethal injection.
Lawyers for Albert Greenwood Brown filed court papers to appeal a federal judge’s refusal to block the execution, which is … Read more : Calif. death row inmate asks court to halt execution, refuses to choose type of injection.

Attorney for Palestinian-American anti-war activist in Chicago says feds trying to quiet him

Attorney: Feds trying to quiet anti-war activists

CHICAGO – FBI agents in Chicago took a laptop and documents from the home of a Palestinian-American anti-war activist in an attempt to silence his advocacy, an attorney said Sunday.
The FBI on Friday searched eight addresses in Minneapolis and Chicago, including the home of Hatem Abudayyeh, who is the …. Original source  : Attorney for Palestinian-American anti-war activist in Chicago says feds trying to quiet him.

Florida drug trial of Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton is the talk of Caribbean island

Buju Banton’s drug trial the talk of Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The U.S. drug trial of reggae star Buju Banton is the talk of Jamaica, where islanders are debating his guilt or innocence on street corners, in offices, in letters to the editor and on social networking websites.
Banton, a four-time Grammy nominee who rose from the … Read more : Florida drug trial of Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton is the talk of Caribbean island.

Jets’ Braylon Edwards to be held out of 1st quarter against Miami, after drunk-driving charge

Jets to hold Edwards out of 1st quarter
MIAMI – New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards will be held out of the first quarter of the team’s game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night, five days after being charged with drunken driving in Manhattan.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum says the team has “made our …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Five Al Qaeda men killed in Yemen

SANAA – Five Al Qaeda members have been killed and 32 suspects arrested during a three-day military offensive in Yemen, the interior ministry said Sunday.

According to a statement posted on the ministry’s website, two security personnel were also killed during the operation which was carried out in Hota town of Shabwa province Sep 22-24. … Read more »».

Death for aircraft hijackers: MPs to examine bill

NEW DELHI – A lawmakers’ panel is to examine this week a bill that seeks to provide the death penalty to anyone convicted of hijacking an aircraft.

The panel, headed by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury, will begin studying the Anti-Hijacking (Amendment) Bill, 2010, from Thursday when Civil Aviation Secretary M. Madhavan Nambiar …. Source article  : Death for aircraft hijackers: MPs to examine bill.

Man faces 50 years to life for DUI crash that killed Angels pitcher Adenhart, 2 others

Man convicted of DUI crash that killed pitcher

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Parents of victims wept as guilty verdicts were read for a construction worker accused of killing promising Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart and two of his friends in a drunken-driving crash.
It was the second DUI conviction for Andrew Gallo, 23, who held …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Man faces 50 years to life for DUI crash that killed Angels pitcher Adenhart, 2 others.

British commandos to use buggy to fight Taliban

LONDON – Britain’s elite Special Air Service commandos, who are considered one of the word’s toughest, will soon be undertaking operations in Afghanistan in which they would parachute down behind Taliban lines on a buggy.

Two commandos will drive the buggy, called Rhino Air, straight out of a transport plane while it is mid-air. They would …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Suicide attack kills Afghan deputy governor

KABUL – A suicide bomber on an explosive-laden motorcycle struck a convoy of provincial officials in southern Afghanistan Tuesday, killing a deputy governor and four of his companions, officials said.

Deputy governor of Ghazni province Mohammad Kazem Allahyar, his son, two of his nephews and a guard were killed in the attack in the provincial capital …. Original source  : Suicide attack kills Afghan deputy governor.

Chhattisgarh holds ’secret’ talks with Maoists to end hostage crisis

BIJAPUR – The Chhattisgarh government is holding “secret” talks with Maoists for the safe release of four kidnapped policemen, with a 48-hour rebel deadline set to end Tuesday evening, a police source said.

“The government has established a backdoor contact with a section of the military unit of the Communist Party of0 India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist). It is …. Source article  : Chhattisgarh holds ’secret’ talks with Maoists to end hostage crisis.

Appeals court orders judge to reconsider ruling clearing way for execution of Calif. killer

Court orders hearing for condemned Calif. inmate

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal appeals court has ordered a trial judge to reconsider his ruling that paved the way for California’s first execution in nearly five years, a move that could keep the state from resuming capital punishment until next year.
Late Monday night, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Appeals court orders judge to reconsider ruling clearing way for execution of Calif. killer.

Court in eastern China sentences 2 men to death for trafficking 40 infants

China sentences 2 to death for child trafficking

BEIJING – Two men have been sentenced to death in eastern China for abducting and trafficking 40 infants.
The official Xinhua News Agency says a court sentenced the men on Monday for their involvement in a ring that abducted dozens of baby boys from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Abducted cops: Chhattigarh holds ’secret’ talks with Maoists

BIJAPUR – With the 48-hour Maoists’ deadline set to end Tuesday evening, a top police source said the Chhattisgarh government was holding ’secret’ talks with the rebels for the safe release of four abducted policemen.

“The government has established a back-door contact with a section of the military unit of the outlawed Communist Party of India-Maoist …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Abducted cops: Chhattigarh holds ’secret’ talks with Maoists.

First US trial of former Guantanamo detainee begins

WASHINGTON – The first US-based trial of a former Guantanamo Bay detainee began Monday with jury selection at a federal courthouse in New York.

Ahmed Ghailani, a Tanzanian charged in connection with the 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 224 people, including 12 US …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : First US trial of former Guantanamo detainee begins.

NJ police charge 2 men in fatal shooting of college student at house party; 1 remains at large

NJ police charge 2 in fatal college shooting

EAST ORANGE, N.J. – Police didn’t have to look far to find the man they say sprayed gunfire at a crowded weekend party, killing a Seton Hall University student and wounding four other people.
They arrested 25-year-old Nicholas Welch on Monday night at his home, just a few doors …. Original article  : NJ police charge 2 men in fatal shooting of college student at house party; 1 remains at large.

Ga. executes inmate who had tried to take his own life; attorney claimed ‘torturous treatment’

Georgia executes inmate who had attempted suicide

JACKSON, Ga. – A Georgia prisoner who tried to kill himself last week by slashing his arms and throat with a razor blade was executed Monday night amid heightened security for the 1998 murders of a trucking company owner and his two children.
Brandon Joseph Rhode, 31, was put to …. Read the original article  : Ga. executes inmate who had tried to take his own life; attorney claimed ‘torturous treatment’.

Georgia executes suicidal inmate after delays; attorney claimed ‘torturous treatment’

Ga. executes suicidal inmate after delays
JACKSON, Ga. – A Georgia prisoner who tried to kill himself last week by slashing his arms and throat with a razor blade has been executed.

Brandon Joseph Rhode was put to death Monday night by lethal injection at the state prison at Jackson. The 31-year-old man was pronounced dead at … Read more »».

Officials: Calif. governor delays execution by 45 hours to allow time for appeals by inmate

CA gov delays execution to allow review of appeals

SAN FRANCISCO – California’s first execution in nearly five years was pushed back almost two days Monday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to allow courts more time to consider the condemned inmate’s appeals.
Albert Greenwood Brown is now scheduled to die by lethal injection at 9 p.m. Thursday, said …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Officials: Calif. governor delays execution by 45 hours to allow time for appeals by inmate.

Officials: California governor delays execution by 45 hours to allow time for appeal by inmate

CA gov delays execution to allow review of appeal

SAN FRANCISCO – California’s first execution in nearly five years was pushed back almost two days Monday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to provide more time for the state Supreme Court to consider an appeal by the condemned inmate.
Albert Greenwood Brown is now scheduled to die by lethal … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Officials: California governor delays execution by 45 hours to allow time for appeal by inmate.

APNewsBreak: Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel appeals conviction, says trial attorney incompetent

APNewsBreak: Skakel says attorney was incompetent

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Kennedy cousin Michael Skakel filed another appeal of his 2002 murder conviction late Monday, this time arguing his high-profile trial attorney was incompetent.
Skakel, a nephew of Robert F. Kennedy’s widow, Ethel Kennedy, says in the appeal filed in Rockville Superior Court that Michael Sherman had significant … Read more »».

Afghan minister urges new strategy to dismantle terror networks to win war on terrorism

Afghan minister urges new war on terror networks

UNITED NATIONS – Afghanistan’s foreign minister warned the U.S., NATO and other allies that if they want to win the war on terrorism they must look beyond Afghan villages and adopt a strategy that will decisively dismantle terror organizations and networks.
Zalmai Rassoul told the annual ministerial meeting of … Read more »»».

Hundreds protest FBI searches of anti-war activists in Minneapolis, Chicago

Hundreds protest FBI raids on anti-war activists

MINNEAPOLIS – Hundreds of protesters gathered outside FBI offices in Minneapolis and Chicago on Monday, bearing signs and shouting chants condemning the agency’s recent searches of homes and offices of anti-war activists in both cities.
About 150 people protested in Minneapolis, with signs reading: “Stop FBI harassment. Opposing war is … Read more >>>.

NJ man pleads guilty but claims 1 of his multiple personalities killed 3 family members

Guilty plea in NJ multiple personality killings

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to killing three family members, but tells a judge one of his multiple personalities committed the crimes.
Forty-three-year-old Dwayne Wilson of Jersey City pleaded guilty Monday to three counts of aggravated manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault.
The Jersey …. Read the original article  : NJ man pleads guilty but claims 1 of his multiple personalities killed 3 family members.

Police: Md. mental hospital patient says he kissed fellow patient before strangling her

Md. man charged with slaying other mental patient

ROCKVILLE, Md. – On a medium-security wing at a state mental hospital, El Soundani El-Wahhabi befriended the woman in the room three doors down who, like him, was committed there after a murder trial. He’s now accused of killing her.
Video shows the two chatting in a common area …. Source article  : Police: Md. mental hospital patient says he kissed fellow patient before strangling her.

Illinois lineman Hugh Thornton due in court after bar arrest, Zook undecided on future status

Illinois lineman arrested, faces court hearing

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois offensive lineman Hugh Thornton was arrested over the weekend following a fight at a bar and may not play this weekend against No. 2 Ohio State.
Illinois spokesman Kent Brown said Monday that coach Ron Zook has not decided whether Thornton will play on Saturday. He said … Original article on : Illinois lineman Hugh Thornton due in court after bar arrest, Zook undecided on future status.

Be careful in India due to Ayodhya, terror attacks: Australia

SYDNEY/NEW DELHI – Australia Wednesday advised its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution while travelling in India due to likely terror attacks and possible communal tension over a judgment on the Ayodhya land dispute.

The Australian High Commission in New Delhi has reissued its travel advice and cautioned against possible terror attacks, civil … Read more »»».

Pakistani gunman convicted in 2008 Mumbai attacks appeals death sentence

Gunman in Mumbai attacks appeals death sentence

MUMBAI, India – The only surviving gunman from the deadly 2008 attack on India’s financial center of Mumbai has appealed his death sentence, his attorney said Wednesday.
Mohammed Ajmal Kasab was given multiple death sentences by a trial court, which convicted him of charges including murder, waging war against India, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pakistani gunman convicted in 2008 Mumbai attacks appeals death sentence.

Judge tells prosecutors to simplify charges in Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case

Judge wants simplified charges in Anna Nicole case

LOS ANGELES – A judge has urged prosecutors to simplify the document charging drug conspiracy charges against Anna Nicole Smith’s two doctors and boyfriend, warning that jurors may have trouble understanding the complex case.
Looking at the lengthy complaint, Superior Court Judge Robert Perry asked prosecutors: “Are you trying …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Judge tells prosecutors to simplify charges in Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case.

Three decades on, Calif. family awaits execution of man convicted of killing teenager

Three decades on, Calif. family awaits execution

LOS ANGELES – It was after dark and 15-year-old Susan Jordan was still not home on that school night 30 years ago when her worried family got a chilling call they’ll never forget.
“Susie isn’t home from school yet is she?” a man’s voice said. “You will never see your … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Three decades on, Calif. family awaits execution of man convicted of killing teenager.

More spots in Delhi are terror targets: Australia

SYDNEY – Australia has issued a fresh terror alert regarding India, advising its nationals to avoid some parts of the country and leading tourist spots including the Red Fort and Bahai temple in New Delhi.

In its updated advisory, Australians have been advised to exercise a high degree of caution while travelling to the Indian … Original article on : More spots in Delhi are terror targets: Australia.

High court rejects Kasab plea to meet lawyers in isolation

MUMBAI – The Bombay High Court Wednesday rejected a plea of Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab for permission to consult his lawyers in isolation in the Arthur Road Central Jail premises.

A division bench of the court comprising Justice Ranjana Desai and Justice V.K. Tahilramani cited grounds of security and safety of the …. Read the original article  : High court rejects Kasab plea to meet lawyers in isolation.

Gunfire at UT highlights college efforts to prevent mass shootings and respond quickly

Gunfire at UT highlights colleges’ response

Yet another campus shooting, this one at the University of Texas in Austin, provided a terrifying test of how colleges respond at a time when universities nationwide have bolstered efforts to prevent bloodshed and respond decisively.
Since the mass shooting three years ago at Virginia Tech that left 32 dead, schools …. Source article  : Gunfire at UT highlights college efforts to prevent mass shootings and respond quickly.

PROMISES, PROMISES: Pelosi sets ethics bar high, but falls short of delivering on pledge

PROMISES, PROMISES: Pelosi ethics pledge falters

WASHINGTON – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised four years ago that Democrats would lead “the most honest, most open, most ethical Congress in history.”
But as her party defends its record with its majority in jeopardy, two prominent Democrats await ethics trials. Two other party members gave Congressional Black Caucus Foundation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : PROMISES, PROMISES: Pelosi sets ethics bar high, but falls short of delivering on pledge.

US warned Pakistan against selective action on terror groups

WASHINGTON – Shortly after the failed Times Square bombing plot, the US warned Pakistan against playing “Russian roulette” with terrorist groups associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the group behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, threatening the US.

By Arun Kumar
President Barack Obama dispatched his national security adviser, Gen. James Jones, and CIA director Leon Panetta to Pakistan … Original source on Gaea Times at : US warned Pakistan against selective action on terror groups.

Colton Tooley Identilfied As The University Of Texas Gunman

AUSTIN (GaeaTimes.com)- University of Texas saw a student who allegedly wore a dark suit and a mask with an assault rifle opening fire before he ran into a library and shot himself. The university authorities said that nobody else was hurt in the incident. The police,however, identified the University student as Colton Tooley.
The University … Original source on Gaea Times at : Colton Tooley Identilfied As The University Of Texas Gunman.

Atlanta megachurch pastor’s accuser: Long a ‘predator’ and ‘monster’ who lured boys into sex

Sexual abuse accuser calls Ga. pastor ‘predator’

ATLANTA – One of the young men accusing megachurch Bishop Eddie Long of coercing him into a sexual relationship told a TV interviewer that he loved the pastor and considered him a father figure, but still called him a “predator” and a “monster.”
“I loved him and I’m always going [..] Read the original article: here.

Fed judge blocks Calif execution set for Thursday after reassessing new injection protocol

Fed judge blocks Calif. execution set for Thursday

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal judge on Tuesday blocked what would have been California’s first execution in nearly five years, giving a death row inmate who was two days from receiving a lethal injection a reprieve that could last months.
U.S. District Judge Jeremy Fogel canceled Albert Greenwood Brown’s … Read : Fed judge blocks Calif execution set for Thursday after reassessing new injection protocol.

Judge whittles down alleged actions in charging document in Anna Nicole Smith drug case

Judge trims alleged actions in Smith case document

LOS ANGELES – The judge in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case began whittling away alleged acts Tuesday detailed in a lengthy charging document targeting the model’s two doctors and boyfriend.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry threw out 18 of the 39 overt acts listed to support one …. Source  : Judge whittles down alleged actions in charging document in Anna Nicole Smith drug case.

Judge whittles down allegations detailed in charging document in Anna Nicole Smith drug case

Judge trims allegations in Smith case document

LOS ANGELES – The judge in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case began whittling away alleged acts Tuesday detailed in a lengthy charging document targeting the model’s two doctors and boyfriend.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry threw out 18 of the 39 overt acts listed to support one of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Judge whittles down allegations detailed in charging document in Anna Nicole Smith drug case.

Judge whittles down charging document in Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case

Judge trims down charging document in Smith case

LOS ANGELES – The judge in the Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case has begun whittling away sections of a lengthy charging document against the late model’s two doctors and boyfriend.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry on Tuesday threw out 18 overt acts that had been listed by prosecutors …. Original source  : Judge whittles down charging document in Anna Nicole Smith drug conspiracy case.

Deaf Texas man released after exoneration of 1993 conviction in rape of 5-year-old girl

Deaf Texan exonerated of child sex assault freed

DALLAS – A deaf man exonerated of the rape of a 5-year-old suburban Dallas girl was released Tuesday after 17 years in prison, one day after a judge determined he was innocent.
Stephen Brodie’s dad was there to greet the 39-year-old north Texas man when he walked out of …. Read the original article  : Deaf Texas man released after exoneration of 1993 conviction in rape of 5-year-old girl.

Federal judge in Texas orders US Bank to pay about $54 million in DataTreasury patent case

Judge doubles US Bank patent verdict to $54M

DALLAS – A federal judge has doubled a patent infringement verdict against U.S. Bank to about $54 million.
In an 11-page ruling filed in Marshall, U.S. District Judge David Folsom said he was enhancing the damages awarded Plano-based DataTreasury Corp. by an east Texas jury in March. He said …. Source  : Federal judge in Texas orders US Bank to pay about $54 million in DataTreasury patent case.

Registered sex offender living under bridge faces jail for not reporting his address

Registered offender fails to report bridge address

FORT EDWARD, N.Y. – A New York man who served a year behind bars for attempted sexual abuse 14 years ago is heading back to prison for failing to report his new address under a bridge.
Police say John Printy, a registered sex offender, started living under a bridge after … Read more »».

Ivy League-trained biologist loses suit accusing NYC of ruining reputation in sex attack case

Judge tosses out biologist’s lawsuit vs NYC

NEW YORK – A judge has tossed out the lawsuit of a Columbia University-trained biologist who said New York City ruined his good name by falsely saying he had sexually tortured a college student he met in an Internet chat room.
Federal Judge Paul Crotty (CRAUGH-tee) said Tuesday that Oliver …. Read the original article  : Ivy League-trained biologist loses suit accusing NYC of ruining reputation in sex attack case.

AP source: Some recent missile strikes in Pakistan aimed at disrupting terror plot in Europe

AP source: Some drone strikes tied to terror plot

WASHINGTON – Some missile strikes in a recent surge of attacks by unmanned U.S. drones in Pakistan were aimed at disrupting suspected terrorist plots aimed at Europe, a Western counterterrorism official said.
The official said the targeted strikes were aimed at al-Qaida and other militant groups arrayed in …. Original source  : AP source: Some recent missile strikes in Pakistan aimed at disrupting terror plot in Europe.

Rutgers case highlights problem of youth killing selves after being tormented over sexuality

Secret sex video linked to NJ student’s suicide

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – In his first weeks at Rutgers University, Tyler Clementi was known by some students as a smiling hallmate, while others thought of him as the shyest student in the dorm.
Gay rights groups, however, says his suicide makes Clementi a national example of a problem they …. Source  : Rutgers case highlights problem of youth killing selves after being tormented over sexuality.

Britons trained in Pakistan for Mumbai-style attacks

LONDON – At least 20 British nationals are undergoing training in Pakistan-based terrorist camps to launch Mumbai-style shootings and suicide attacks in London and other European cities, The Daily Telegraph reported quoting intelligence sources.

The trainees — all ritish passport holders and young Muslims – are said to have travelled into the lawless tribal …. Source article  : Britons trained in Pakistan for Mumbai-style attacks.

Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei Arrested for Tyler Clementi’s Suicide

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com) — Students of Rutgers University, Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei are arrested for being the reason of another student Tyler Clementi’s suicide. Tyler’s roommate Ravi and another student Molly had secretly recorded the sexual encounter of Tyler with another guy and then they broadcast the sex tape on the internet. Tyler could not … Read more »».

Man killed after shooting 2 officers at Neb. hospital made despondent calls to relatives

Neb. man called relatives before hospital shootout

OMAHA, Neb. – In the hours before Jeff Layten died in a shootout with police at an Omaha hospital, the man friends described as easygoing was making despondent calls to relatives and had led officers on a dangerous chase before crashing his truck, police say.
It was one of Layten’s …. Read the original article  : Man killed after shooting 2 officers at Neb. hospital made despondent calls to relatives.

Molly Wei And Dharun Ravi Accused Of Violation Of Privacy

NEW BRUNSWICK (Gaea Times.com)- Tyler Clementi, an 18 year old committed suicide on 22 Sep when he discovered that his roommate Dharun Ravi and friend Molly Wei have violated his privacy by filming his gay relationship without his permission and showing it online. The belongings of Tyler Clementi were discovered on the Washington …. Original article  : Molly Wei And Dharun Ravi Accused Of Violation Of Privacy.

West worried about Mumbai-style attack

WASHINGTON – Western intelligence officials are extremely worried about a Mumbai-style attack if the Al Qaeda chooses “softer” economic targets after the uncovering of a deadly plan to attack targets across Europe, US security analysts say.

Much of the information about the plot has come from a German citizen with suspected links to Al Qaeda …. Original article  : West worried about Mumbai-style attack.

US citizen held in Spain for funding Al Qaeda

Barcelona, Sep 30 (IANS/AKI) A US citizen was arrested in this Spanish city for sending money to Al Qaeda’s North African branch, police said.

Mohamed Omar Debhi, who is of Algerian descent, is accused of sending more than 60,000 euros to the Al Qaeda Organisation in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which is based in Algeria.
…. Source article  : US citizen held in Spain for funding Al Qaeda.

3-time champion Alberto Contador tests positive for banned steroid at Tour de France

Tour champion Contador tests positive for steroid

PARIS – Three-time Tour de France champion Alberto Contador of Spain tested positive for a banned steroid while winning this year’s race and has been suspended by cycling’s governing body.
A World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited lab in Cologne, Germany, found a “very small concentration” of clenbuterol in Contador’s urine sample on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 3-time champion Alberto Contador tests positive for banned steroid at Tour de France.

Armstrong staff member testifies before grand jury investigating doping in cycling

Armstrong staff member testifies in doping probe

LOS ANGELES – A staff member for Lance Armstrong’s Team RadioShack testified Wednesday before a federal grand jury being presented evidence of alleged doping in pro cycling.
Exercise physiologist Allen Lim said in a statement released to The Associated Press that said the appearance allowed him to “set the record … Original article on : Armstrong staff member testifies before grand jury investigating doping in cycling.

Calif execution attempt collapses after setbacks in federal, state courts, problem with drugs

Calif execution try collapses after court setbacks

SAN FRANCISCO – California’s first execution attempt in nearly five years collapsed Wednesday amid two adverse court rulings in as many days and an impending shortage of drugs that made the lethal injection of a convicted rapist-murderer impossible.
State officials called off the execution of Albert Greenwood Brown after a … Read : Calif execution attempt collapses after setbacks in federal, state courts, problem with drugs.

12-year-old boy shot by Chicago woman after allegedly throwing bricks faces assault charge

Chicago woman shoots boy, 12, after bricks thrown

CHICAGO – A 12-year-old boy who was shot by 68-year-old Chicago woman after allegedly throwing bricks at her and breaking the windows of her home is facing an assault charge.
Chicago police say the 12-year-old and a 13-year-old boy were charged Wednesday with juvenile misdemeanor aggravated assault to a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Armstrong staff member goes to room where federal grand jury is investigating cycling

Armstrong staff member goes to LA courthouse

LOS ANGELES – A staff member for Lance Armstrong’s Team Radioshack went Wednesday to the grand jury room at a federal courthouse where prosecutors are presenting evidence of alleged doping in pro cycling.
Exercise physiologist Allen Lim was seen reporting to the grand jury room around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. He …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Armstrong staff member goes to room where federal grand jury is investigating cycling.

Megachurch pastor accuser: Sexual encounters happened before, after services on church grounds

Pastor accuser: Sex encounters on church grounds

ATLANTA – One of four men accusing megachurch Bishop Eddie Long of coercing them into inappropriate sexual relationships said in a TV interview that aired Wednesday that he and the pastor would have encounters before and after worship services on church grounds.
Jamal Parris, 22, told Fox TV affiliate WAGA …. Source article  : Megachurch pastor accuser: Sexual encounters happened before, after services on church grounds.

JPMorgan halts more than 50,000 foreclosures over possible flaws as industry problem grows

JPMorgan halts 50K foreclosures for possible flaws

NEW YORK – JPMorgan Chase has temporarily stopped foreclosing on more than 50,000 homes so it can review documents that might contain errors.
JPMorgan’s move Wednesday makes it the second major company to take such action this month, underscoring a growing legal problem. The issue could stall an already overloaded …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : JPMorgan halts more than 50,000 foreclosures over possible flaws as industry problem grows.

Judge dismisses some charges but sends bulk of Anna Nicole Smith case to jury

Judge dismisses some charges in Anna Nicole case

LOS ANGELES – Anna Nicole Smith’s boyfriend has been acquitted of two charges of obtaining drugs for her by fraud and deceit, including use of false names.
Superior Court Judge Robert Perry also dismissed part of a conspiracy count against Howard Stern and Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, ruling there was … Read more »».

Woman accused of making 14 flights to transport marijuana from Calif. to Ohio in suitcases

Woman accused of 14 Ohio flights to transport pot

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A woman has been indicted on charges that she made 14 airplane trips to transport marijuana from California to Ohio between November and her arrest in June, when authorities say she flew to Columbus with hundreds of pounds of the drug in her suitcases.
Lisette …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Woman accused of making 14 flights to transport marijuana from Calif. to Ohio in suitcases.

Prominent Venezuelan psychiatrist sentenced to 20 years in prison for patient’s slaying

Venezuelan psychiatrist sentenced in slaying

CARACAS, Venezuela – A prominent Venezuelan psychiatrist who once ran for president has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in the murder of a young woman who was his patient.
The attorney general’s office said Wednesday that Edmundo Chirinos was convicted of killing 19-year-old Roxana Vargas, whose body was found with …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rutgers Freshman Tyler Clementi Commits Suicide

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — A freshman from Rutgers University, Tyler Clementi was found dead last week. Reports suggests that he committed suicide by jumping off from the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson river.
According to the officials, two of his classmates, Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei, planted a hidden camera in Clementi’s dorm room …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Rutgers Freshman Tyler Clementi Commits Suicide.

California officials call off execution after setbacks in federal, state courts

Calif calls off execution after court setbacks

SAN FRANCISCO – California officials on Wednesday called off the scheduled execution of a convicted murderer after setbacks in federal and state courts.
The attorney general’s office said in a court filing that it can no longer proceed with the lethal injection of Albert Greenwood Brown at 9 p.m. Thursday.
It … Read this article on Gaea Times at : California officials call off execution after setbacks in federal, state courts.

Trinidad judge levels murder charge against leader of Islamic group that staged 1990 coup

Murder charge for leader of Trinidad Islamic group

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad – The leader of an Islamic group that staged a failed coup in Trinidad 20 years ago has been charged with murder.
A judge ruled Wednesday there is sufficient cause to charge Yasin Abu Bakr and another member of the Jamaat al Muslimeen group. The ruling came … Original article on : Trinidad judge levels murder charge against leader of Islamic group that staged 1990 coup.

Report: US, EU must work better together to stop radicalized Westerners from waging terror

Report: US, EU must join to stop homegrown terror

WASHINGTON – Counterterrorism experts are warning that the U.S. and Europe must work together better to stop radicalized Westerners who travel to terrorist training camps and return home to wage attacks.
The warning comes as Western officials this week investigate an active terror plot they say was aimed …. Read the original article  : Report: US, EU must work better together to stop radicalized Westerners from waging terror.

Police spokesman says kidnappers have released 15 children taken from school bus in Nigeria

Nigeria: Kidnapped school children released

LAGOS, Nigeria – Kidnappers released 15 school children Friday that they abducted from a bus on their way to school near Nigeria’s oil-rich and restive southern delta, a brazen attack highlighting the growing insecurity in the West African nation, a police spokesman said.
Federal police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu told The Associated Press … Read more : Police spokesman says kidnappers have released 15 children taken from school bus in Nigeria.

Man shoots his 3 teenage sons, 2 fatally, at home in Camden, NJ, suburb before police kill him

Police kill NJ man who shoots 3 sons, 2 fatally

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. – A man shot his three teenage sons, fatally wounding two, at their southern New Jersey home, which was set ablaze, before police shot him dead, authorities said Friday.
Police started receiving calls shortly after 10:30 p.m. Thursday when two teens were found on streets … Read more »».

Australian mother jailed 6 years after starving and beating 5 of her children

Australian mother jailed for starving her children

ADELAIDE, Australia – An Australian mother who admitted spending welfare money on cigarettes and gambling was sentenced Friday to six years in prison for starving, beating, and neglecting her children.
Prosecutor Jim Pearce told the court the children were starved and sometimes forced to vomit if they ate when they …. Source  : Australian mother jailed 6 years after starving and beating 5 of her children.

Man shoots 3 teenagers, 2 fatally, at home in Camden, NJ, suburb before police kill him

NJ man shoots 3, 2 fatally, before being killed

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. – Authorities say a man shot three teenagers, two fatally, in southern New Jersey before police killed him.
Jason Laughlin, a spokesman for the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, says the shootings occurred late Thursday at a home in Pennsauken, a Camden suburb.
Laughlin identified the dead as … Read more >>.

27 NATO oil tankers torched in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – More than 27 oil tankers carrying supplies for NATO troops in Afghanistan were burnt Friday when some attackers fired rockets at the vehicles parked at a fuel station in southern Pakistan, Geo News reported.

NATO sources told media, the ambush took place around 2 a.m. near Shikarpur Super Highway where over 30 …. Source article  : 27 NATO oil tankers torched in Pakistan.

Officials says 4 people shot, at least 2 fatally, in Camden, NJ, suburb; gunman among shot

Officials: 4 shot outside Camden, NJ; 2 dead

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. – Authorities say four people have been shot, at least two fatally, in southern New Jersey.
Jason Laughlin, a spokesman for the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, says the shooting occurred late Thursday in Pennsauken, a Camden suburb.
Laughlin says the dead include a 12-year-old and an 18-year-old. He …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Officials says 3 people shot, at least 1 fatally, in Camden, NJ, suburb

Officials: 3 shot outside Camden, NJ; 1 dead

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. – Authorities say three people have been shot, at least one fatally, in southern New Jersey.
Jason Laughlin, a spokesman for the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, says the shooting occurred late Thursday in Pennsauken, a Camden suburb.
Laughlin confirms that three people were shot and there is at … Read : Officials says 3 people shot, at least 1 fatally, in Camden, NJ, suburb.

Officials says 3 people shot, at least 1 fatally, in New Jersey suburb of Philadelphia

Officials: 3 shot in NJ suburb of Philly; 1 dead

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. – Authorities say three people have been shot, at least one fatally, in a New Jersey suburb of Philadelphia.
Jason Laughlin, a spokesman for the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, says the shooting occurred late Thursday in Pennsauken.
Laughlin confirms that three people were shot and there … Read more »»».

Mich. man who used 2-year-old daughter as shield to cop’s Taser gets jail, parenting classes

Mich. dad who used 2-year-old as shield gets jail

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – A Michigan judge has sentenced a father to a year in jail and parenting classes after he used his 2-year-old daughter as a shield during a confrontation with a Taser-wielding police officer.
The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press report that 27-year-old Joseph Cox …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Newt Gingrich critical on counterterror in Denver talk, mum on presidential plans

Newt Gingrich critical on counterterror
DENVER – Republican Newt Gingrich took aim at the Obama administration’s counterterror efforts Thursday, saying government officials aren’t keeping America secure.

In a Denver talk sponsored by an anti-terrorism center, Gingrich poked fun at Homeland Security officials for what he said were missed clues about the attempted Christmas bombing of a Detroit-bound … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Newt Gingrich critical on counterterror in Denver talk, mum on presidential plans.

29 women allege sexual assault by Toronto doctor while under anesthetic

Toronto anesthesiologist accused of 29 sex attacks

TORONTO – Twenty-nine women have alleged that a doctor sexually assaulted them while they were under anesthetic, and police warned Thursday there could be more victims.
Anesthesiologist George Doodnaught, 61, was already facing three counts of sexual assault before police announced 26 more charges Thursday.
North York General Hospital said 25 … Read more >>>.

Condemned ‘Texas 7??? escapee seeks resentencing, says document shows he was least dangerous

‘Texas 7′ escapee on death row seeks resentencing

DALLAS – One of the five surviving members of the “Texas 7″ gang of escaped fugitives is seeking a new sentencing trial.
Condemned inmate Randy Halprin was in a Dallas courtroom under heavy security Thursday.
Halprin contends authorities considered him the least dangerous of the escapees and that a jury … Read more >>.

Sheriff: US man shot in Mexican waters after being approached by gunmen in boats

Sheriff: Pirates shoot US man in Mexican waters

SAN ANTONIO – An American tourist was shot in the back of the head in Mexican waters on Thursday after being ambushed by armed boaters, a Texas sheriff said. It happened near the U.S. boundary of a lake where run-ins with pirates already had fishermen and Texas officials … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Sheriff: US man shot in Mexican waters after being approached by gunmen in boats.

Correction: People-Kid Cudi story

Correction: People-Kid Cudi story
NEW YORK – In a Sept. 28 story about a court hearing on drug charges against rapper Kid Cudi, The Associated Press, relying on information provided by Manhattan prosecutors, erroneously reported that Cudi pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance.

The Manhattan district attorney’s office said Thursday that a judge adjourned …. Original article  : Correction: People-Kid Cudi story.

Argentina grants political asylum to leftist accused of killing Chilean senator

Argentina gives asylum to alleged Chilean assassin

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina granted asylum Thursday to a former leftist guerrilla charged in his native Chile with assassinating a senator and kidnapping a businessman, a decision sure to sour relations between the neighboring countries.
Chile’s government had been urging Argentina to extradite Galvarino Apablaza Guerra to face trial … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Argentina grants political asylum to leftist accused of killing Chilean senator.

Friend said Neb. hospital gunman distraught about marital problems before he fired at police

Friend: Marital woes drove Neb. hospital gunman

OMAHA, Neb. – The man who opened fire on police inside an Omaha hospital told relatives shortly beforehand that he no longer wanted to live because of his marital problems, according to a friend.
Police are still working to answer the many remaining questions about Jeff Layten’s final hours between …. Original article  : Friend said Neb. hospital gunman distraught about marital problems before he fired at police.

APNewsBreak: Calif court rules medical, other records should be public for friars in sex cases

Court: Make records public in friars’ sex cases

LOS ANGELES – A California appeals court ruled Thursday that psychiatric and other confidential records of Franciscan friars accused of sex abuse should be made public in a long-awaited decision that could speed the release of similar documents about dozens of other accused priests and religious figures.
Unless the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : APNewsBreak: Calif court rules medical, other records should be public for friars in sex cases.

Police: Puerto Rico couple charged with raping, forcing 6 young children into orgies

PR police: 6 siblings raped, forced into orgies

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico police have charged a couple with repeatedly raping their six children and forcing them to participate in drug-fueled orgies.
The man faces 90 charges including 30 counts of rape and another 30 for sodomy. His partner faces 26 charges including lascivious acts … Original source on Gaea Times at : Police: Puerto Rico couple charged with raping, forcing 6 young children into orgies.

Feds want charges dropped against brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden’s bodyguard in Calif

Feds want case dropped against Afghan in Calif

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to drop charges against the Afghan-born brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden’s bodyguard, saying a key overseas witness was unavailable to testify.
The decision was a striking reversal in the case against Ahmadullah Sais Niazi, who had been accused by … Original source on Gaea Times at : Feds want charges dropped against brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden’s bodyguard in Calif.

Cecilia Chang Accused

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- The law enforcement officials said that the former vice president and dean of St. John’s University forced her students to cook, clean and do all the labor works and threatened that they will not be granted scholarship if they deny it. FBI Special Agent Kenneth F. Hosey said in the affidavit … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cecilia Chang Accused.

Nine killed in US drone strike in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least nine people were killed and four injured in a US surveillance plane attack Saturday in Pakistan’s tribal area bordering Afghanistan, a media report said.

Two drone planes fired at least four missiles at a house in Anzarkas village of Dattakhel area in North Waziristan, killing nine people, Geo News said quoting … Read more : Nine killed in US drone strike in Pakistan.

Suspected US missile strike kills three in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – At least three people were killed and four more injured Saturday in a suspected US missile strike in Pakistan’s tribal region along the Afghan border, security officials said.

An unmanned aircraft fired four missiles at a house in Datta Khel area of the North Waziristan tribal district.
“So far three people have been … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Suspected US missile strike kills three in Pakistan.

Intel officials: US missiles kill 8 people in northwest Pakistan amid high border tensions

Intel: US missiles kill 8 militants in NW Pakistan

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – A suspected American missile strike killed eight alleged militants in a northwest Pakistani tribal region Saturday, two intelligence officials said, a sign the U.S. is unwilling to stop using the unpopular tactic despite heightened tensions between the two countries over recent border incursions by …. Source  : Intel officials: US missiles kill 8 people in northwest Pakistan amid high border tensions.

Prosecutors offer to read actor John Stamos’ lines at sentencing in Mich. extortion case

Stamos wants to be heard at Mich. court hearing

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Actor John Stamos can’t make it to federal court in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula next week, but he still wants to be heard.
Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to allow them to read a statement from Stamos when two people are sentenced Friday for trying …. Source article  : Prosecutors offer to read actor John Stamos’ lines at sentencing in Mich. extortion case.

Blagojevich defense team scaled down for retrial as lead attorney leaves case

Blagojevich retrial defense team scaled down

CHICAGO – A defense team of more than a dozen attorneys and legal aides, who huddled around former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich talking strategy or even comforting their client during his first corruption trial, won’t be there for his second.
The official number of attorneys for the retrial is – two.
The …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Blagojevich defense team scaled down for retrial as lead attorney leaves case.

R&B singer Mario charged with assaulting his mother at their Baltimore home

R&B singer Mario charged with assaulting mother

BALTIMORE – R&B singer and former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Mario has been charged with assaulting his mother at their Baltimore home.
Officers were called to an apartment building in the Fells Point neighborhood early Friday, where police say Shawntia Hardaway told officers her 24-year-old son, Mario Barrett, had …. Source  : R&B singer Mario charged with assaulting his mother at their Baltimore home.

Former Seton Hall basketball player pleads guilty in robbery at home near campus

Ex-Seton Hall player pleads guilty in robbery

NEWARK, N.J. – A former Seton Hall basketball player has pleaded guilty in an armed robbery at a house near the school’s northern New Jersey campus.
Robert Mitchell, 24, of Brooklyn, N.Y., pleaded guilty Friday to criminal restraint and burglary charges.
Mitchell admitted entering the private home in South Orange on … Read more >>.

Recent allegations against Colorado prosecutor includes claim of a sexually suggestive text

Colo. DA allegations involve suggestive text

DENVER – Recent allegations against a western Colorado district attorney suspected of unlawful sexual contact include a claim that he sent a sexually suggestive text message to an ex-girlfriend.
The 40-year-old woman requested restraining orders in October 2008 and on Sept. 20 against Myrl Serra, a western Colorado district attorney who …. Original article  : Recent allegations against Colorado prosecutor includes claim of a sexually suggestive text.

Colombian police say attempt to kidnap brother of slain drug lord Pablo Escobar foiled

Colombia: Attempt to kidnap Escobar brother foiled

BOGOTA, Colombia – Colombian police foiled an attempt to abduct the brother of slain narco kingpin Pablo Escobar, authorities said Friday.
Roberto Escobar was traveling with family and bodyguards near his home in Medellin Thursday night when they were intercepted by would-be kidnappers, Police Gen. Jesus Guatibonza said.
Around the same …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Colombian police say attempt to kidnap brother of slain drug lord Pablo Escobar foiled.

Michigan prosecutor’s blog raises questions about public workers’ rights to unpleasant speech

Mich. worker’s blog sparks debate on free speech

LANSING, Mich. – An assistant attorney general in Michigan who used his personal blog to attack the openly gay student body president at the University of Michigan has spurred debate about the right of public employees to say terrible things on their own time.
Andrew Shirvell, 30, started a …. Original article  : Michigan prosecutor’s blog raises questions about public workers’ rights to unpleasant speech.

Judge dismisses case against brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden’s bodyguard

Case tossed against man linked to bin Laden guard

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A federal judge in California has dismissed a case against the brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden’s bodyguard who was accused of lying about terrorism ties.
Court papers dated Thursday show the judge dismissed the case after federal prosecutors asked to drop the charges against …. Original source  : Judge dismisses case against brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden’s bodyguard.

DA: Singer-songwriter Bruno Mars faces cocaine charge following Las Vegas arrest

Singer Bruno Mars facing cocaine charge in Vegas

LAS VEGAS – Bruno Mars, singer of the hit R&B song “Just the Way You Are,” faces a felony cocaine charge stemming from his arrest after a performance at a Las Vegas nightclub last month.
The Clark County district attorney’s office filed a criminal complaint Friday alleging the rising … Read : DA: Singer-songwriter Bruno Mars faces cocaine charge following Las Vegas arrest.

Army investigators seize photos of soldiers posing with Afghan corpses, severed body parts

Photos show US soldiers posing with Afghan corpses

SEATTLE – Those who have seen the photos say they are grisly: soldiers beside newly killed bodies, decaying corpses and severed fingers.
The dozens of photos, described in interviews and in e-mails and military documents obtained by The Associated Press, were seized by Army investigators and are a crucial … Read more : Army investigators seize photos of soldiers posing with Afghan corpses, severed body parts.

NJ student’s death becomes touchstone for those fighting bullying, suicides of young gays

NJ student’s suicide resonates on campus, beyond

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – “Things will get easier; people’s minds will change,” Ellen DeGeneres pleads in an Internet video, staring into the camera, her voice breaking. “And you should be alive to see it.”
Just as the murder of Matthew Shepard galvanized the gay community around hate-crime legislation more than …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NJ student’s death becomes touchstone for those fighting bullying, suicides of young gays.

Judge in Illinois dismisses weapons charge against former police officer Drew Peterson

Judge dismisses Drew Peterson weapons charge

JOLIET, Ill. – A judge has dismissed a felony weapons charge against former suburban Chicago police officer Drew Peterson.
Peterson was charged with possession of an illegal firearm after authorities learned he gave a short-barreled rifle to his son for safe keeping.
Peterson is awaiting trial in the 2004 death of his … Read more : Judge in Illinois dismisses weapons charge against former police officer Drew Peterson.

Grand jury indicts accused kidnappers of woman held for 18 years in California

Grand jury indicts accused California kidnappers

PLACERVILLE, Calif. – California kidnapping victim Jaycee Dugard and her two young daughters will be spared from having to testify in open court any time soon following a grand jury indictment of the couple charged with kidnapping and holding her captive for 18 years, a prosecutor said Friday.
Phillip and Nancy …. Read the original article  : here.

Grocer Aldi says customer info exposed by vandalized payment machines in 11 states, cities

Grocer Aldi says vandals compromised payments

BATAVIA, Ill. – Grocery chain Aldi Inc. says the names, account numbers and secret codes of customers in 11 states were exposed to potential theft when they used payment cards at machines that had been tampered with.
The company said in a statement Friday that altered payment terminals were illegally placed …. Source article  : Grocer Aldi says customer info exposed by vandalized payment machines in 11 states, cities.

Pa. lawyer, arts supporter convicted of federal sex crimes involving Russian ballet student

Pa. lawyer found guilty in Russian child-sex case

PHILADELPHIA – A suburban Philadelphia lawyer has been convicted of sexually abusing a Russian ballet dancer he helped support.
Kenneth Schneider of Berwyn was found guilty Friday of sex tourism.
Prosecutors say Schneider began a long relationship with a 12-year-old Russian boy in 1998. They say he paid for the …. Original article  : Pa. lawyer, arts supporter convicted of federal sex crimes involving Russian ballet student.

Search teams look for US tourist shot by suspected pirates on Mexican side of border lake

Search teams seek US man shot in Mexican waters

SAN ANTONIO – Texas officials renewed warnings Friday about pirates marauding on a U.S.-Mexico border lake after a Colorado tourist was gunned down in Mexican waters while his wife dodged bullets and raced her Jet Ski back to American soil.
Search teams combed the U.S. side of Falcon …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Prosecutors: Imprisoned former CIA spy passed messages to Russians from prison

Former spy accused of espionage from prison

PORTLAND, Ore. – An ex-CIA spy slipped messages to his son from prison through paper napkins wadded into balls, despite the best efforts of the intelligence agency to monitor his communications, government prosecutors said in a pretrial filing.
The Oregonian newspaper reports that according to court papers prosecutors filed Friday, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Prosecutors: Imprisoned former CIA spy passed messages to Russians from prison.

Gunmen kidnap 20 men traveling together in Mexican resort town of Acapulco

20 kidnapped in Mexican resort city of Acapulco

ACAPULCO, Mexico – Gunmen kidnapped 20 men who were traveling together in Mexico’s Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco, authorities said Saturday.
A shootout between drug gangs, meanwhile, left 14 people dead in remote town in the northern state of Durango, Mexican newspapers reported.
The group of men in Acapulco … Original article on : Gunmen kidnap 20 men traveling together in Mexican resort town of Acapulco.

CBS Radio News correspondent Howard Arenstein arrested on pot charges in DC

CBS Radio’s Arenstein arrested on marijuana charge

WASHINGTON – CBS Radio News correspondent Howard Arenstein has been arrested on marijuana charges in Washington.
D.C. police spokesman Lt. Nicholas Breul said Arenstein and his wife were arrested early Saturday and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Breul says vice units had received a complaint of marijuana growing …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : CBS Radio News correspondent Howard Arenstein arrested on pot charges in DC.

US to warn Americans in Europe to be vigilant due over terror threats

US to warn Americans to be vigilant in Europe

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration will warn U.S. citizens to be vigilant as they travel in Europe, providing updated guidance prompted by al-Qaida threats, American and European officials told The Associated Press on Saturday.
Such a move could have negative implications for European tourism, business and diplomacy if …. Original source  : US to warn Americans in Europe to be vigilant due over terror threats.

3 Ecuadorean police colonels under investigation following revolt that left 5 dead

3 police colonels investigated in Ecuador revolt

QUITO, Ecuador – Three police colonels were under criminal investigation Saturday for failing to prevent a massive protest by their subordinates against President Rafael Correa that spun out of control, claiming at least five lives.
The three are being investigated for negligence, rebellion and attempted assassination, said Prosecutor Gonzalo Marco …. Source  : 3 Ecuadorean police colonels under investigation following revolt that left 5 dead.

Wife of US man shot by suspected pirates on Mexican side of border lake recounts attack

Border lake shooting victim’s wife recounts ordeal

DENVER – An American woman says it’s a miracle she survived an attack by pirates who fired bullets at her on a lake on the U.S.-Mexico border after they shot her husband.
Berthoud, Colo., native Tiffany Hartley, 29, told The Denver Post she and her husband, David, were sightseeing Thursday … Read more >>.

US considers telling Americans in Europe to be vigilant due to fresh terror threats

US may tell US citizens to be vigilant in Europe

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration is considering telling U.S. citizens to be vigilant as they travel in Europe, updated guidance prompted by fresh al-Qaida threats, American and European officials told The Associated Press on Saturday.
Such a move could have negative implications for European tourism, business and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US considers telling Americans in Europe to be vigilant due to fresh terror threats.

3 Ecuadorean police colonels under investigation following protests that left 5 dead

3 police colonels investigated in Ecuador protests

QUITO, Ecuador – Ecuadorean officials are considering possible charges against three police colonels for failing to prevent massive protests by their subordinates that left five dead.
Prosecutor Gonzalo Marco Freire tells The Associated Press that the three “should have known what their subordinates were doing.”
Freire says the colonels were detained …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 3 Ecuadorean police colonels under investigation following protests that left 5 dead.

Boulder police plan new round of interviews in JonBenet Ramsey case

Police plan new interviews in JonBenet Ramsey case

BOULDER, Colo. – Police investigating the death of child beauty queen JonBenet Ramsey are conducting a new round of interviews, based on recommendations from an advisory committee.
The committee, which included investigators from several state and federal agencies, met in 2009 after police took the lead in the case … Read more »»».

Former Colorado woman recounts shooting on Mexican side of border lake

Ex-Colo. woman recounts shooting in Mexican waters

DENVER – A former Colorado resident says it’s a miracle she survived an attack by pirates who fired bullets at her on a lake on the U.S.-Mexico border after they gunned down her husband.
Berthoud, Colo., native Tiffany Hartley, 29, told The Denver Post she and her husband, David, were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Former Colorado woman recounts shooting on Mexican side of border lake.

Gunmen kidnap 22 men traveling together in Mexican resort town of Acapulco

22 kidnapped in Mexican resort city of Acapulco

ACAPULCO, Mexico – Gunmen kidnapped 22 men who were traveling together in Mexico’s Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco, authorities said Saturday.
The group was visiting from the western city of Morelia and looking for a place to stay when they were abducted Thursday, said Fernando Monreal, director of … Original article on : Gunmen kidnap 22 men traveling together in Mexican resort town of Acapulco.

Explosion rocks Afghan capital

KABUL – An explosion late Saturday rattled Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, injuring at least two people, a media report said.

It was a rocket attack, local residents told Xinhua.
A government official, however, said it was a suicide attack.
…. Read the original article  : here.

Contender for Nobel Peace Prize is a jailed Chinese dissident who called for political reform

Contender for Nobel prize is in Chinese prison

BEIJING – When the police came for Liu Xiaobo on a December night nearly two years ago, they didn’t tell the dissident author why he was being taken away again. The line in the detention order for his “suspected crime” was left blank.
But Liu and the dozen officers … Read more : Contender for Nobel Peace Prize is a jailed Chinese dissident who called for political reform.

Reported child sex abuse on the rise in Africa amid new helplines, police work and legislation

Kenya sees rise in reports of child sex abuse

KABAZI, Kenya – Emma has gone to court every month for 2?? years to try and prove that a neighbor raped her mentally disabled 14-year-old daughter.
The process is excruciating. Evidence went missing. The court file disappeared. Officials mock and ignore her. But the illiterate single mother perseveres, … Read more : Reported child sex abuse on the rise in Africa amid new helplines, police work and legislation.

Favorite for Nobel Peace Prize is a jailed Chinese dissident who called for political reform

Top bet for Nobel Peace Prize is in Chinese prison

BEIJING – When the police came for Liu Xiaobo on a December night nearly two years ago, they didn’t tell the dissident author why he was being taken away again. The line in the detention order for his “suspected crime” was left blank.
But Liu and the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Biological war’ if demands not met, says Assam terror group

GUWAHATI – A terror group claiming to be the Indian Mujahideen (Assam) Saturday threatened to launch a biological war in Assam if their supporters are not released from the Guwahati Central Jail within the next 24 hours (by Sunday evening).

The email from Indian Mujahideen (Assam) was received by News Live, a satellite TV channel …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : ‘Biological war’ if demands not met, says Assam terror group.

Now that Vick is the Eagles ‘top dog,’ will fans opposed to his signing finally embrace him?

Are Eagles fans ready to embrace Michael Vick?

PHILADELPHIA – Michael Vick’s ascendancy to starting quarterback has won over some Philadelphia Eagles fans who originally balked at his signing.
But many animal-loving football fans, who were among the most incensed upon his arrival in 2009, remain adamant in their opposition.
Debbie Sanville and her husband are Eagles season-ticket …. Source  : Now that Vick is the Eagles ‘top dog,’ will fans opposed to his signing finally embrace him?.

3 boys murdered, 3 teens convicted: Ark. case that drew stars’ protests is up for appeal again

Appeal puts 3 Ark. boys’ murders back in spotlight

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – With the fervor of a religious revival, more than 2,000 people packed an auditorium in Little Rock and shouted alongside movie and music icons like Johnny Depp and Eddie Vedder: “Free the West Memphis Three!”
But the real star of the late August rally … Read : 3 boys murdered, 3 teens convicted: Ark. case that drew stars’ protests is up for appeal again.

Osama ordered Mumbai-style attack on Britain

LONDON – US intelligence agencies have said that Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had personally ordered Mumbai-style commando attacks on Britain, a media report said Saturday.

The Al Qaeda leader, whose direct link to the plot was released by intelligence officials via National Public Radio in the US Friday, is said to have sent … Read more »»».

Officials: Suspected US missile strikes kill 16 in Pakistan amid tension over NATO incursions

Pakistani officials: Suspected US missiles kill 16

PESHAWAR, Pakistan – Two suspected American missile strikes killed 16 alleged militants in a northwestern Pakistani tribal region Saturday, intelligence officials said, a sign the U.S. is unwilling to stop using the tactic despite heightened tensions between the two countries over NATO’s recent border incursions.
A surge in drone-fired missile … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Officials: Suspected US missile strikes kill 16 in Pakistan amid tension over NATO incursions.