Tuesday, November 26, 2002
Extra credit
Amorette Borst, the daughter of Kevin and Serelda Borst of Pillager, received the Clyde Johnson Music Scholarship. Borst is a graduate of Pillager High School and is a freshman at the University of Minnesota, Morris. She is majoring in vocal and instrumental music education.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Monday 266, a year ago 129.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL(AP) (USDA) -- Monday hog estimate: 1000 includes 400 feeder pigs. Last Monday: 844. Year ago Monday: 1320. Friday actual: 435.
Accidents
REMER -- Three people were injured in a single-vehicle accident Sunday on Highway 6, four miles north of Remer.
Contact the news council
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens' complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.
Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to an attic fire Sunday at a residence on the 400 block of C Street.
Crimes
WADENA -- Two men were arrested after allegedly setting fire to an unoccupied residence Friday on the 200 block of Second Street Southwest in Wadena.
Courts
WALKER -- After two days of testimony in a Cass County District Court jury trial, the Backus defendant pleaded guilty Friday to a lesser charge and the jury was dismissed.
Chemical warfare outfit a stifling lifesaver that limits movement in combat
WASHINGTON -- Imagine the heat of the Iraqi desert, then add the bulkiness of wearing five pairs of cotton sweat pants. For U.S. soldiers, fighting the enemy there while wearing a chemical protection suit may feel as uncomfortable.
Administration to seek elimination of tariffs on goods
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration, trying to energize flagging global trade talks, announced Tuesday that it will seek the total elimination of all tariffs on manufactured goods over the next 13 years.
Administration presses Saudis to expose terror groups
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration is pressing Saudi Arabia to monitor Islamic charity groups to make sure contributions do not fall into the hands of terrorists, a senior U.S. official said Tuesday.
Bush signs Homeland Security bill, nominates Ridge as its head
WASHINGTON -- President Bush signed legislation Monday creating a Department of Homeland Security and nominated former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge as its secretary, officially setting in motion the reorganization of the federal government around an anti-terrorism mission.
Bush signs bill to protect insurance industry in future terror attacks
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush signed legislation Tuesday that will "get our economy back on its feet" should another terror attack saddle the insurance industry with catastrophic costs.
Analysis
WASHINGTON -- Tom Ridge's down-home schmoozing made him a star among national Republicans when he was Pennsylvania governor and has given him an easy, 22-year friendship with President Bush, who doesn't care for airs.
Herbal companies try to jump on antihormone bandwagon with pitches to ease menopause symptoms
CHICAGO (AP) -- On television, in magazines, even in doctors' mailboxes, bold promotions for "natural" remedies for menopause symptoms are showing up in the wake of bad news about hormone pills.
Local news briefs
The Brainerd Family YMCA has space available for its Thanksgiving Holiday Day Camp Friday.
Recount expected to finish today
The recount of Crow Wing County votes in the Senate District 12 race is expected to be completed today, Scott Simmons, head recount official, said this morning.
Former city woman with husband in Afghanistan recruits letters of support
It's been five months since Sara Anderson has seen her husband, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Anderson, who left June 24 for a seven-month stint deployed in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Baxter mulls city sales tax
BAXTER -- They're not quite Santa's elves, but the Baxter City Council members met in one of its workshop settings Monday night in the glow of blue lights from a nearby Christmas tree and talked about a local sales tax.
Baxter police seek man who tried to lure boy, 13, into vehicle
BAXTER -- Baxter police are seeking information about a man that attempted to lure a 13-year-old boy into his vehicle Friday.
NEW SEARCH ON
Brainerd police officers today searched an area near the intersection of Highways 371 and Business 371 south of Brainerd for clues into the disappearance of Erika Dalquist.
This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 26 - 30 years ago (1972) - Veterans in Crow Wing County are receiving more than $1.5 million this year in various government benefits, according to figures released by the Veterans Administration.
Correction/clarification
Vicki White, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe economic development director, said she was referring to housekeeping jobs when sh
Fight among brothers ends with one dead
DEER RIVER -- One brother is dead and another hospitalized after a fight between the two broke out early Saturday at a deer camp near Deer River.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982) - 30 years ago (1972) - The O'Brien Department Store will close it doors sometime in February, it was announced by Tom O'Brien, owner, and will re-open a couple of weeks later as a fashion center which will be operated by new owners.
Evidence points to foul play
Brainerd police investigators have found evidence suggesting Erika Dalquist, the 21-year-old Brainerd woman missing since Oct. 30, is the victim of foul play.
Life goes on
A Lake Shore chef has written a philosophical book about life after the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. Read more about this story in Wednesday's Neighbors.
Football grandma honors Verndale winners
Wearing her lucky green hat, Verndale "football grandma" Phyllis Fisher hugged Pirates player Cody Lovelace at a reception for the team Saturday afternoon at Verndale High School after the team won the state Nine-Man championship at the Metrodome.
Work resumes in Senate race recount
Counting resumed today in the stop-and-go recount of votes in the Senate District 12 race between Sen. Don Samuelson, DFL-Brainerd, and Republican Paul Koering.
Bush's daughters turn 21
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush's twin daughters, who have had brushes with the law for underage drinking, turned 21 on Monday with an aim to stay clear of the spotlight.
Former White House photographer dies alone and destitute
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Marion Carpenter broke ground as one of the first female White House photographers. But she died alone and destitute.
White House backs Saudis, despite complaints they may have supported Sept. 11 terrorists
WASHINGTON -- President Bush's spokesman praised Saudi Arabia on Monday as a "good partner in the war on terrorism," despite accusations that the wife of the Saudi U.S. ambassador might have financially supported Sept. 11 terrorists.
Tips for avoiding identity theft
How can you tell if you are a victim of identity theft?
Both sides hail tentative pact in West Coast port labor dispute
SAN FRANCISCO -- A tentative contract reached by longshoremen and West Coast shippers was hailed by both sides following a crippling lockout and weeks of bitter negotiations.
Fired TV medical reporter files suit
CHICAGO (AP) -- A physician fired as medical reporter at WBBM-TV filed suit against the CBS affiliate accusing it of breach of contract and age discrimination.
'Jackass' star expresses sympathy to family of teen who died trying stunt
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Johnny Knoxville, star of "Jackass," expressed sympathy to the family of a teen who died last week after falling from a moving pickup truck in a stunt possibly inspired by the TV show.
Jackpot winners strike it again
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Winners of a $9.7 million Virginia Lotto jackpot 11 years ago, Clyde and Edith Shinault could afford to spend $60 a week on lottery tickets.
Wall Street hot streak draws skeptics
The stock market is on a hot streak, and technology issues are leading the charge.
Gobblers' rights
GARDINER, N.Y. -- Dismayed by the practices of large commercial turkey farms, animal-welfare groups are intensifying their appeals to consumers to reconsider their Thanksgiving menus.
Police step up enforcement of seat belt laws
WASHINGTON (AP) -- During the busy Thanksgiving travel week, police will be looking out for motorists who are not wearing seat belts.
Huge identity theft ring cracked
NEW YORK (AP) -- Three men have been charged with allegedly running a high-tech scheme to steal credit information from thousands of victims, a crime authorities said represented "every American's worst financial nightmare multiplied tens of thousands of times."
FEC votes to let candidates pay themselves
WASHINGTON (AP) -- For the first time in its quarter century history, the Federal Election Commission on Monday agreed to let candidates for federal office pay themselves salaries from the political donations they gather.
Economy grows briskly in third quarter
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. economy, stuck in low gear in the spring, lurched ahead at a brisk 4 percent annual rate in the summer, a stronger performance than the government previously thought.
President signing measure to create giant new domestic security department
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Department of Homeland Security, being created Monday with the stroke of President Bush's pen, will suffer through the normal "growing pains" and will not be fully operational for at least a year, the White House said.
More people get sick aboard cruise ship
PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- At least 25 passengers on the Disney cruise ship Magic have contracted a flu-like illness, just days after the ship was scrubbed for hours because 275 people fell ill on an earlier trip.
Boston Archdiocese is ordered to release 11,000 documents on priests accused of molestation
BOSTON -- In a pointed rebuke to Catholic Church officials here, a judge on Monday ordered the Boston archdiocese to release 11,000 previously classified documents pertaining to 65 priests charged with molesting children over a 30-year period.
FBI: Hate crimes targeting Muslims, Middle Easterners surged in 2001
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hate crimes surged last year against people of Islamic faith and those of Middle Eastern ethnicity in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, the FBI reported Monday.
New residents of space station arrive
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- The newest residents of the international space station arrived with drinks and bear hugs for the crew they were replacing, and settled in for a four-month stay.
Existing-home sales jump
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sales of previously owned homes shot up in October by 6.1 percent to the third highest monthly level on record as house hunters scrambled to take advantage of low mortgage rates amid an uncertain economic climate.
Consumer confidence rises in November after five months of losses
NEW YORK (AP) -- Consumer confidence rose in November, reversing a five-month trend, thanks to improved expectations about employment and income, a private research group reported Tuesday.
Home improvements headaches top consumer complaints, survey reports
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Roofs that leak, poor driveway paving jobs and other home improvement headaches were the No. 1 and fastest-growing type of consumer complaint last year, surpassing gripes about car sales and household goods.
National sports briefs
Former San Francisco Giants third baseman David Bell agreed to a $17-million, four-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.
How they stand
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Scoreboard
Radio guide --
National sports briefs
It's no wonder the Boston Red Sox are so comfortable putting the team in the hands of 28-year-old Theo Epstein. After all, the New York Yankees won three World Series after they hired the youngest general manager in the major leagues.
Scoreboard
At Pittsburgh
North Branch hunter's deer could be fourth largest taken by bow
NORTH BRANCH (AP) -- Mark Peterson knew he had a big buck when he felled a 12-pointer earlier this month. He didn't realize it would be one of the largest ever taken by a bow hunter in Minnesota.
Crowd control should be No. 1
Lloyd Carr saw it coming. Four days before bringing his team to Columbus for its game against rival Ohio State, the Michigan coach said he was terrified of what could happen.
How they stand
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Sapp, Bucs shut down Packers
If the Green Bay Packers have to come back to Tampa Bay later this season, it sure will be a heated game.
Ohio State ends season on top
For Ohio State, it's safe to exhale.
NFL notes
Green Bay coach Mike Sherman angrily confronted Tampa Bay's Warren Sapp after the Packers' loss to the Buccaneers, complaining that the All-Pro defensive tackle knocked offensive tackle Chad Clifton out of the game with a cheap shot.
Hobbled Eagles dump 49ers
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Dozens of players reverently crowded around the cart to offer words of encouragement to Koy Detmer. The game was all but decided, and Detmer's fine play earned admirers in both uniforms.
Kurt E. Anderson
CROSSLAKE -- Kurt E. Anderson, 65, Crosslake, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at home.
Wayne 'Goldie' H. Goldenstein
COON RAPIDS -- Wayne "Goldie" H. Goldenstein, 74, Coon Rapids, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002.
Henritta 'Joyce' Joerger
PALISADE -- Henritta "Joyce" Joerger, 65, Palisade, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at home.
Robert Lamson
PALISADE -- Robert Lamson, Palisade, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at home.
Robert B. Lamson
PALISADE -- Robert B. Lamson, 53, Palisade, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at home.
Lula V. Wicht
VERNDALE -- Lula V. Wicht, 90, Verndale, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena.
Theodore 'Ted' R. Yorek
ROYALTON -- Theodore "Ted" R. Yorek, 81, Royalton, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Claudette L. Boser
LITTLE FALLS -- Claudette Lucille Boser, 62, Little Falls, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at St. Gabriel's Hospital.
Sandra L. Palm
SWANVILLE -- Sandra LaVerna Palm, 67, Swanville, Nov. 22, 2002, at the Long Prairie Memorial Hospital.
Henrietta Joerger
PALISADE -- Henrietta Joerger, Palisade, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at home.
Virgil L. Rubbelke
Virgil L. Rubbelke, 72, Brainerd, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, of brain cancer at home.
Donald E. Maier
CROSBY -- Donald Edmund Maier, 78, Crosby, died Friday, Nov. 22, 2002, at home.
Virgil L. Rubbelke
Virgil L. Rubbelke, 72, Brainerd, died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at home.
Lucy A. Virnig
LITTLE FALLS -- Lucy A. Virnig, 89, Little Falls, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Oil on the water
The dramatic pictures are all too familiar: ugly oil slicks blackening the shoreline, graceful seabirds brought low by coats of foul black goo. Last week they came from the coast of Spain, where the stricken tanker Prestige spilled at least 2 million gallons of fuel oil before sinking to the bottom with the remainder of its 20 million-gallon load.
Ventura valedictory
Gov. Jesse Ventura is disengaging from his job. He's making the rounds of state offices, thanking state workers for their efforts. On Friday he broadcast his final "Lunch with the Governor" radio program. In Sunday's Star Tribune Ventura wrote an opinion piece summing up his four years in office by stating, "We had a blast."
Open Forum
I'm writing in response to the article in the Automotive/Classified section on Nov. 14, "What would Jesus drive?" For starters, why place an article that slams one of the major automotive makers in the country in the automotive section?
Open Forum
"That madman", President Bush, desperately wants war against Iraq, using "weapons of mass destruction".
Guidelines for Open Forum letters
The Dispatch encourages readers to sound off in the Open Forum.
Uncertain future
ST. PAUL -- Over the last four years, Minnesota's Independence Party has hurled a theatrical former professional wrestler into the governor's office, recruited a former congressman into the party and sent a former car wash manager to the U.S. Senate.
East Gull Lake's sewer project
In a Nov. 14 Brainerd Daily Dispatch article covering the sewer controversy in East Gull Lake, Mayor Chris Robinson is quoted as saying a "vocal minority" has opposed the treatment system. I am one of the "vocal minority" who has urged affected lakeshore property owners in the edited letter that follows to not sign easement requests and the reasons therefore. It is our opinion the financial consequences of proceeding with the "sewer project" will have an unwarranted financial impact on all citizens of East Gull Lake.
The Brainerd Dispatch's opinions
Editorial views in The Brainerd Dispatch represent a consensus of opinion by members of the newspaper's editorial board.
Officials grade themselves
Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration on Monday released a "report card" on how well it reached some of his goals. The grades were determined by people within Ventura's administration and by some outsiders who deal regularly in the issues. Grades are on a scale of 1 to 10.
Lawsuit accuses archdiocese of defamation, infliction of emotional distress on her
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A lawsuit filed Monday by a woman who said she was sexually abused by a priest accused the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis of defamation and intentionally causing emotional distress.
Teen hunter saves man pinned against tree
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- A Clay County commissioner who was stuck between a tree and the hitch of his tractor has a calm and collected teenage hunter to thank for his survival.
Pilot worked nursing shift night before Wellstone's fatal flight
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The pilot who captained Sen. Paul Wellstone's fatal flight worked a night shift at his second job as a nurse on top of a flight assignment earlier the day before the crash, the Star Tribune reported Sunday.
State briefs
The fall harvest in Minnesota is nearly complete.
Testing lawsuit settled
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The testing company that wrongly scored thousands of Minnesota high school exams required for graduation has agreed to pay up to $7 million to students as part of a settlement, attorneys announced Monday.
Albert Lea woman guilty of taking $525,000
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A former Albert Lea office manger pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $525,000 from a steel fabrication company.
DFL candidate holds 3-vote lead
AUSTIN (AP) -- A DFL state Senate candidate held a three-vote lead Saturday after a recount in a southern Minnesota race where 17 ballots from an Austin precinct are missing and presumed destroyed and another 32 ballots are still being challenged.
Shooting of girl gang-related, police report
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The fatal shooting of an 11-year-old girl who was struck by a stray bullet as she did schoolwork inside her home was probably gang-related, Chief Robert Olson said Monday.
Crosier faulted in abuse reporting
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Crosier Fathers and Brothers have failed to reveal all they know about the scope of sexual misconduct by members of the Roman Catholic order, the Star Tribune reported Sunday.
Wife: Husband innocent of terrorism charges
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The wife of a Minnesota man charged in an alleged plot to provide weapons to the al-Qaida terror network said her husband loves America and told her he's innocent.
Federal agents looking for al-Qaida in Minnesota
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Federal investigators want to know whether the Minnesota connections of three men with suspected ties to al-Qaida amount to a coincidence, or the workings of a terrorist cell.
Coleman supports Wellstone chemical dependency bill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen.-elect Norm Coleman says he will support legislation pushed by the late Sen. Paul Wellstone to make chemical dependency treatment more accessible.
UnitedHealth raises earnings forecast
MINNETONKA (AP) -- UnitedHealth Group has raised its earnings forecast slightly for next year, saying its per-share profits in 2003 should be 20 percent higher than this year.
Victim of East Bethel fire identified
EAST BETHEL(AP) -- Kathryn McCoy was the woman who died in a fire in her home in East Bethel, the Anoka County coroner's office said Monday.
Third brother dies as a result of ice accident
ROBBINSDALE. (AP) -- Two-year-old Mark Ostendorf died Monday when he was taken off of life support, seven days after an ice accident that killed two of his brothers, a hospital spokeswoman said.
Ventura administration rated
ST. PAUL -- On a scale of one to 10, Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration received an overall score of just under 7 on accomplishing its goals, according to an evaluation released by his administration.
Prep Bowl notes
* The Brainerd crew of Lowell Scearcy, Dave Wood, Jim Gogolin, Ron Shelito and Rick Benham officiated the Class 1A championship game.
Scoreboard
girls basketball
The making of a champion
MINNEAPOLIS -- Some football coaches start their careers at a small school, try to build an impressive resume and move on to a larger school with higher pay and better facilities.
Area events
Girls basketball
Local sports shorts
Brainerd's Sue Kieffer, Brady Prince and Darrin Prince have attained national rankings in the top 10 of their respective age brackets.
Finck's redemption
MINNEAPOLIS -- Senior halfback Casey Finck got his state title.
A new sign
Verndale cheerleader Trista Dockham cheered during the welcome home celebration for the state championship football team Saturday at Verndale High School. Their poster now has words 'Champion 2002' added to the lettering.
A look at the top area girls' hoops teams
This year's Staples-Motley Cardinals girls' basketball team has a tough act to follow.
Gophers bowl eligible despite slide
MADISON, Wis. -- It's a good thing the Minnesota Gophers feasted on their non-conference schedule.
Wolves win
NEW YORK (AP) -- Kevin Garnett had 25 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists Sunday night as the Minnesota Timberwolves outsized and outclassed the overmatched New York Knicks 106-88.
St. John's clears playoffs hurdle
COLLEGEVILLE (AP) -- Ross Denne threw for 376 yards and two touchdowns as sixth-ranked St. John's beat the University of the Redlands 31-24 Saturday in the Division III playoffs.
Three Rivers wins three state titles
MINNEAPOLIS -- Three Rivers. Three teams. Three state titles.
Gaborik dazzling
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Marian Gaborik is quickly developing into one of the NHL's top stars.
Injury update
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings running back Michael Bennett's chances of playing this weekend are "50-50" because of an ankle he sprained Sunday against New England.
Gopher sets school mark
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Corrin Von Wald scored 23 points on 10-for-10 shooting to set a new school record and help lead No. 16 Minnesota over Radford 93-53 in the Subway Basketball Classic championship game Sunday night.
Here we go again Vikings say 'U' stadium site won't work
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- The campus site eyed by the University of Minnesota for a shared football stadium with the Minnesota Vikings doesn't work for the NFL club because it's too small, a conclusion that stalls both parties' push for a new place to play.
New Vikings' song: Losing on the road again
FOXBORO, Mass. -- To the New England Patriots' long list of flaws this season, add the lack of a killer instinct.
Vancouver holds off furious Wild rally
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Trevor Linden helped the Vancouver Canucks out of another jam.
No-huddle offense analyzed
EDEN PRAIRIE -- The Minnesota Vikings' offense has found a spark in each of its last two games by going without a huddle.
Nets catch Wolves flat
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- On both ends of the floor, the Minnesota Timberwolves were flat from start to finish.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Snow likely south quarter. A chance of snow central. Partly sunny north. Highs in the 20s.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries northeast. Partly to mostly sunny elsewhere. Highs in the mid 20s to lower 30s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Highs in the 20s to the low 30s.
State forecast for North Dakota
This afternoon...Mostly cloudy with flurries west and south. Mostly sunny northeast. Highs 15 to 25.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy...With areas of light snow or flurries central and northeast through mid-morning...Then decreasing clouds. Highs in the 20s.
Hide turkeys!
Weather drawing by Mikinzee Salo of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Scattered lake effect snow showers near the great lakes... Otherwise partly sunny. Highs in the 20s to around 30.
State forecast for North Dakota
Wind advisory western third this afternoon...
Minnesota state forecast
today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A few flurries east this morning. Highs in the teens north and the 20s elsewhere.
Minnesota state forecast
today...Partly to mostly sunny. A few flurries in the southwest this morning. Highs mainly in the 20s.
Happy Thanksgiving
Weather drawing by Amanda Randall of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school.
Powerful wind rakes Southern California
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Wind gusted to 50 mph across California for a second day Tuesday, causing power outages from the San Francisco Bay area to San Diego.
State forecast for South Dakota
High wind warning far northwest late this morning through this evening...
Names and faces
NEW YORK (AP) -- George Clooney said his latest role in Steven Soderbergh's "Solaris" has been his toughest acting job to date.
Local brief
The Brainerd High School Dance Team will perform its holiday show Saturday at 11 a.m., 1:30 and 4 p.m. at the high school.
Names and faces
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Pro wrestling star "Stone Cold" Steve Austin on Monday pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge for hitting his wife last summer.
Reversing course, Austrian rightist Haider says he'll stay in office after all
VIENNA, Austria (AP) -- Throwing Austrian politics into fresh turmoil, far-rightist Joerg Haider announced Tuesday he would stay on as a provincial governor and Freedom Party member, hours after vowing to resign when the party was thrashed in weekend elections.
Six arrested near Paris in connection with shoe bomber plot
PARIS (AP) -- French anti-terrorism agents have arrested six suspected Islamic militants in connection with a failed plot by a British man to blow up a trans-Atlantic flight last year with explosives hidden in his shoes, police officials said Tuesday.
Teams ready to hunt for mobile labs, underground sites in Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- U.N. inspection teams are ready to chase down any mobile bioweapons labs, detect underground weapons sites with radar and investigate the "aluminum tubes" Washington says might help Iraq build a nuclear bomb, team leaders said Tuesday.
Maligned A-10 Warthog fighter jet proves its worth in Afghanistan
BAGRAM, Afghanistan -- Air Force Capt. Brian Savage had a less-than-dignified reaction when he first flew an A-10 fighter jet called a Warthog.
Concerned Iraq may be importing military equipment, U.S. tries to tighten purchasing rules
UNITED NATIONS -- Concerned that Saddam Hussein may be trying to buy equipment for war, the United States wants to add additional items such as communications equipment and nerve gas antidotes to a U.N. list of goods which cannot be automatically imported by Iraq.
Foreign briefs
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) -- A populist former army colonel who led a coup in 2000 and has pledged to fight corruption was elected as Ecuador's sixth president in six years, despite concerns that some of his radical supporters would scare investors.
Two U.S. bases in Afghanistan rocketed; no U.S. casualties
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (AP) -- Unknown gunmen fired nearly a dozen rockets at two U.S. military bases in central and eastern Afghanistan, damaging two trucks but causing no casualties, the U.S. military said Monday.
Miss World pageant, contestants flee bloody Nigeria, seek new venue in London
LONDON -- The organizers of the Miss World beauty pageant said Monday they were not to blame for the Muslim-Christian bloodletting in Nigeria touched off by a debate over the morality of the contest.
U.N. team arrives in Baghdad for historic round of inspections
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- The first team of U.N. inspectors landed in Iraq on Monday to take up the hunt for chemical, biological or nuclear arms programs, a search whose outcome could help determine the future of peace in the Middle East.