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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Texas DA slain in his home; had armed himself

Texas DA slain in his home; had armed himself

Texas DA slain in his home; had armed himself

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:58 PM PDT

This undated photo taken from the Kaufman County, Texas, website shows Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland. McLelland and his wife were found killed in their house, Saturday, March 30, 2013, two months after one of his assistants was gunned down near their office, authorities said. (AP Photo/Kaufman County)KAUFMAN, Texas (AP) — Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland took no chances after one of his assistant prosecutors was gunned down two months ago. McLelland said he carried a gun everywhere he went and took extra care when answering the door at his home.

Syria says rebels set fire to three eastern oil wells

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:52 PM PDT

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian rebels have set three oil wells in the east of the country ablaze, causing a daily loss of nearly 5,000 barrels of oil and 52,000 cubic meters of gas, state media quoted an oil ministry official as saying on Sunday. SANA news agency said the damage to the oil wells in Deir al-Zor province, much of which is in rebel hands, followed disputes among the fighters over "sharing out the stolen oil" from fields in areas they control. It said Syria's Furat Petroleum Corporation was working to extinguish the three fires. ...

3 killed in 75-vehicle pileup at Virginia-NC line

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 01:03 PM PDT

GALAX, Va. (AP) — Virginia State Police say three people have been killed and more than 20 are injured following a 75-vehicle pileup on Interstate 77 near the Virginia-North Carolina border.

Central African Republic leader takes defense ministry in caretaker government

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:51 PM PDT

Central African Republic's new President Michel Djotodia speaks to his supporters at a rally in favour of the Seleka rebel coalition in downtown BanguiBy Ange Aboa BANGUI (Reuters) - Central African Republic's new leader Michel Djotodia announced a caretaker government on Sunday in which he is defense minister, according to a statement issued by his spokesman. The new government, which is due to hold elections in the mineral-rich former French colony within three years, will retain civilian opposition representative Nicolas Tiangaye as prime minister. ...

Crosby out indefinitely with broken jaw

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:47 PM PDT

Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) is helped by right wing Pascal Dupuis (9) after being hit in the face with a puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders in Pittsburgh, Saturday, March 30, 2013. Crosby did not return to the game. The Penguins won 2-0. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)PITTSBURGH (AP) — Sidney Crosby has a broken jaw and is out indefinitely after being hit in the mouth with a puck during a win against the New York Islanders on Saturday.

'G.I. Joe' commands No. 1 at box office with $41M

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:44 PM PDT

Dwayne Johnson, a cast member in "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," poses at the Los Angeles premiere of the film at the TCL Chinese Theatre on Thursday, March 28, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)LOS ANGELES (AP) — After a nine-month delay, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" deployed to the top spot at the box office.

Diggins leads Notre Dame past Kansas, 93-63

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:44 PM PDT

Kansas forward Chelsea Gardner (15) passes the ball to Kansas guard Angel Goodrich, left, as Notre Dame forward Ariel Braker (44) pressures during the first half a regional semi-final of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March31, 2013, in Norfolk, Va. (AP Photo/Jason Hirschfeld)NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Skylar Diggins was already having such a great day, her coach figured she might as well make it historic.

Murray rallies past Ferrer for Sony Open title

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:44 PM PDT

Andy Murray, of Britain, reacts after defeating David Ferrer, of Spain, during the final of the Sony Open tennis tournament, Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Key Biscayne, Fla. Murray won 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1). (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) — Andy Murray erased a championship point Sunday and rallied past David Ferrer 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (1) in a grueling, dramatic final at the Sony Open.

Exxon cleans up Arkansas oil spill; Keystone plan assailed

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:43 PM PDT

Handout of men wearing protective clothing survey cleanup efforts from oil spill in Mayflower(Reuters) - Exxon Mobil on Sunday continued cleanup of a pipeline spill that spewed thousands of barrels of heavy Canadian crude in Arkansas as opponents of oil sands development latched on to the incident to attack plans to build the Keystone XL line. Exxon spokesman Alan Jeffers said on Sunday that crews had yet to excavate the area around the pipeline breach, a needed step before the company can estimate how long repairs will take and when the line might restart. "I can't speculate on when it will happen," Jeffers said. ...

South Africa: Mandela in hospital on Easter

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:40 PM PDT

FILE - In this Wednesday, July 18, 2012 file photo, former South African President Nelson Mandela as he celebrates his 94th birthday with family in Qunu, South Africa. A South African official says Mandela is breathing "without difficulty" after having a procedure to clear fluid in his lung area that was caused by pneumonia. (AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam, File)JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Former South African President Nelson Mandela had a restful day in a hospital Sunday and is improving following treatment for a recurrence of pneumonia, the government said.

2 Nevada youth coaches charged in post-game fight

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:28 PM PDT

RENO, Nev. (AP) — Two Nevada youth football coaches are facing criminal charges in connection with a bloody fist fight in front of dozens of players and parents after a game in northeastern Nevada.

Palestinian leader clamps down on critics

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:24 PM PDT

In this Saturday, 30 March, 2013 photo, Palestinian journalist Mamdooh Hamamreh adjusts his glasses during an interview to the Associated Press in the West Bank village of Hussan, near Bethlehem. Last week an appeals court in the West Bank upheld a one-year prison term for Mamdooh Hamamreh for "defaming" Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a Facebook post. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)HUSSAN, West Bank (AP) — Mahmoud Abbas' government in the West Bank is getting tougher with critics, interrogating, prosecuting and even jailing several journalists and bloggers in recent months for allegedly "defaming" the Western-backed Palestinian leader.

Obama walks to Easter service at nearby church

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:13 PM PDT

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk from the White House with their daughters Sasha Obama, second from left, and Malia Obama, right, on their way through Lafayette Park to St. John's Episcopal Church for Easter services, Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama attended Easter services at an Episcopal church near the White House where past presidents frequently have worshipped.

Malibu homeowners struggle with beach-saving plan

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:07 PM PDT

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Malibu's celebrity haven of Broad Beach is struggling to survive as nature chews away at the shoreline and a $20 million effort to replace sand appears to be stuck in the mud.

South Africa says Mandela's condition has improved

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:07 PM PDT

Former South African president Nelson Mandela looks on as he celebrates his birthday at his house in QunuBy Ed Stoddard JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The condition of South Africa's former President Nelson Mandela has improved further, the government said on Sunday, as the 94-year-old anti-apartheid hero spent a fourth day in hospital receiving treatment for pneumonia. "Nelson Mandela had a restful day," South Africa's presidency said in a statement, adding doctors treating him had reported "a further improvement in his condition". "Government is satisfied that the doctors are providing the former president with the best medical care possible to enable his recovery and comfort," the statement said. ...

Hamas Gaza ruler meets Egypt intelligence chief

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 12:05 PM PDT

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's state news agency says the Gaza Strip's Hamas ruler has met with Egypt's intelligence chief to discuss Palestinian reconciliation and the cease-fire between the militant group and Israel.

Exxon has yet to excavate area of ruptured Arkansas oil pipeline

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 11:57 AM PDT

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil Corp said on Sunday that crews at the scene of its crude oil pipeline spill in Arkansas had yet to excavate the area of the breach to determine the cause. "I can't speculate on when that will happen," Exxon spokesman Alan Jeffers said. "Excavation is necessary as part of an investigation to determine the cause of the incident." Exxon also had no estimate on how long repairs would take or when the oil pipeline would restart. Exxon shut the line, which carries heavy Canadian crude oil from Illinois to Texas, on Friday when the leak was discovered. ...

AP PHOTOS: Easter celebrations around the world

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 11:49 AM PDT

Pope Francis delivers the Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world) blessing at the end of his first Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, March 31, 2013. Pope Francis celebrated his first Easter Sunday Mass as pontiff in St. Peter's Square, packed by joyous pilgrims, tourists and Romans and bedecked by spring flowers. Wearing cream-colored vestments, Francis strode onto the esplanade in front of St. Peter's Basilica and took his place at an altar set up under a white canopy. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)On Easter Sunday, the most holy day of the Christian calendar, believers attended religious services — whether among the packed crowds before a new pope in St. Peter's Square, at sunrise services in India and Pakistan, or at churches flanked by blast walls and security cordons in Iraq.

Official Vatican text of pope's speech

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 11:48 AM PDT

Pope Francis delivers the Urbi et Orbi (to the city and to the world) blessing at the end of his first Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Sunday, March 31, 2013. Pope Francis celebrated his first Easter Sunday Mass as pontiff in St. Peter's Square, packed by joyous pilgrims, tourists and Romans and bedecked by spring flowers. Wearing cream-colored vestments, Francis strode onto the esplanade in front of St. Peter's Basilica and took his place at an altar set up under a white canopy. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)VATICAN CITY (AP) — Following is the official English language translation provided by the Vatican of Pope Francis' Easter Sunday message, delivered in Italian from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope makes Easter pleas for Mideast peace

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 11:46 AM PDT

Pope Francis holds a San Lorenzo's soccer team jersey after celebrating his first Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 31, 2013. Pope Francis celebrated his first Easter Sunday Mass as pontiff in St. Peter's Square, packed by joyous pilgrims, tourists and Romans and bedecked by spring flowers.Wearing cream-colored vestments, Francis strode onto the esplanade in front of St. Peter's Basilica and took his place at an altar set up under a white canopy. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis delivered a plea for peace in his first Easter Sunday message to the world, decrying the seemingly endless conflicts in the Middle East and on the Korean peninsula after celebrating Mass at an outdoor altar before more than 250,000 people in flower-bedecked St. Peter's Square.

Release for man convicted in '70 deadly Ariz. fire

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 11:41 AM PDT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A man who has spent more than four decades in prison for a Tucson hotel fire that killed 29 people, including some who jumped from windows to escape the searing heat, is expected to be released Tuesday as part of a deal with prosecutors.

Caroline Kennedy returns to poetry for 10th book

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 11:29 AM PDT

In this Tuesday, March 26, 2013 photo, Caroline Kennedy flips through her new book "Poems to Learn by Heart" during an interview with The Associated Press in New York. Kennedy's 10th and latest book extols the value of learning poems by heart. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)NEW YORK (AP) — Beginning work a few years ago on her latest book, an anthology of poems for young people, Caroline Kennedy found herself looking through one of her mother's scrapbooks. She burst into laughter, she says, as she came across a poem that her brother John, as a youngster, had picked out and copied as a gift to their poetry-loving mom.

Rivals prepare for legal battle over abortion bans

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:55 AM PDT

FILE - In this April 16, 2012 file photo, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple speaks in Bismarck, N.D. Dalrymple signed legislation on March 26, 2013 that would make North Dakota the nation's most restrictive state on abortion rights, banning the procedure if a fetal heartbeat can be detected — something that can happen as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Rival legal teams, each well-financed and highly motivated, are girding for high-stakes court battles in the coming months over this law and one enacted in Arkansas that would would ban most abortions from the 12th week of pregnancy onward. (AP Photo/Dale Wetzel, File)Rival legal teams, well-financed and highly motivated, are girding for court battles over the coming months on laws enacted in Arkansas and North Dakota that would impose the nation's toughest bans on abortion.

Rubio: Reports of immigration deal 'premature'

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:44 AM PDT

FILE - In this March 12, 2013 file photo, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Republican Party's search for a way back to presidential success in 2016 is drawing a striking array of personalities and policy options. It's shaping up as a wide-open self-reassessment by the GOP. Some factions are trying to tug the party left or right. Others argue over pragmatism versus defiance. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — Even with one of the largest hurdles to an immigration overhaul overcome, optimistic lawmakers on Sunday cautioned they had not finished work on a bill that would provide a path to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants.

Top Marlins prospect Fernandez added to roster

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:29 AM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top pitching prospect Jose Fernandez was among seven players added to the Miami Marlins' roster ahead of Monday's opener at Washington and is scheduled to make his major league debut April 7 against the Mets in New York.

Egyptian TV satirist released after questioning

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:28 AM PDT

A bodyguard secures popular Egyptian television satirist Bassem Youssef, who has come to be known as Egypt's Jon Stewart, as he enters Egypt's state prosecutors office to face accusations of insulting Islam and the country's Islamist leader in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, March 31, 2013. Government opponents said the warrant against such a high profile figure, known for lampooning President Mohammed Morsi and the new Islamist political class, was an escalation in a campaign to intimidate critics. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)CAIRO (AP) — A popular television satirist known as Egypt's Jon Stewart was released on bail Sunday after nearly five hours of interrogation over allegations that he broke the law by insulting Islam and the president.

Egyptian satirist questioned for insulting Mursi, freed on bail

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:28 AM PDT

Bassem Youssef, the country's best-known satirist, gestures to journalists and activists as he arrives at the high court to appear at the prosecutor's office in CairoBy Tom Perry CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian prosecutors questioned Egypt's most popular television satirist on Sunday over allegations that he insulted President Mohamed Mursi, a case regarded by his critics as new proof of a crackdown on dissent. Bassem Youssef turned himself in after the prosecutor general issued an arrest warrant for him on Saturday. He was released on bail of 15,000 Egyptian pounds ($2,200). Youssef rose to fame with a satirical online show after the uprising that swept autocrat Hosni Mubarak from power in 2011. His program, which has been compared to the Daily Show of U.S. ...

Paralyzed ex-athlete's foundation helping others

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:13 AM PDT

CLAREMONT, Calif. (AP) — As he rolls through the front door of the sprawling Claremont Club fitness center and shouts a friendly hello here and there, for just a moment it's as if nothing has changed since Hal Hargrave Jr. was the big, friendly teenage gym rat who haunted this place.

LA police ID suspect in girl's abduction case

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:08 AM PDT

This undated photo provided by the Los Angeles Police Department on Saturday March 30, 2013 shows Tobias Dustin Summers who was identified as a "child-kidnapping suspect," Los Angeles police said. Summers is a suspect in connection with the abduction of a 10-year-old girl who vanished from her San Fernando Valley home last week and was abandoned hours later in front of a hospital. (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)LOS ANGELES (AP) — A transient with a long criminal record is being sought for the kidnapping of a 10-year-old girl who was snatched from her San Fernando Valley home before dawn last week and abandoned hours later in front of a hospital.

Tech firms bumping up perks to recruit, retain

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:07 AM PDT

Google bicycles are shown at the Google campus in Mountain View, Calif., Friday, March 15, 2013. Companies say extraordinary campuses are a necessity, to recruit and retain top talent, and to spark innovation and creativity in the workplace. And there are business benefits and financial results for companies that keep their workers happy. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) — Apple's ring-shaped, gleaming "Spaceship Headquarters" will include a world class auditorium and an orchard for engineers to wander. Google's new Bay View campus will feature walkways angled to force accidental encounters. Facebook, while putting final touches on a Disney-inspired campus including a Main Street with a B-B-Q shack, sushi house and bike shop, is already planning an even larger, more exciting new campus.

Louisville Slugger rolls out new logo, harder bats

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 10:01 AM PDT

In this Thursday, March 28, 2013 photo, Louisville Slugger baseball bats are shown, in Louisville, Ky. Louisville Slugger is rolling out a new logo for the first time in 33 years on a new bat that company officials say is designed to be the hardest wooden bat ever produced at the Louisville, Ky., factory. The new logo and bat will debut on Opening Day games in Major League Baseball. (AP Photo/Brett Barrouquere)LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The familiar smell of hot dogs and freshly cut grass on Major League Baseball's Opening Day will be complemented by changes to the iconic Louisville Slugger bat, which is now made with firmer wood and stamped with a new logo.

Calif. officials found flaws in parolee trackers

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:57 AM PDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Thousands of ankle monitors that track the movements of paroled sex offenders and other criminals were ordered removed and replaced by California officials last year because they were flawed and unreliable, the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/14wUoRM ) reported.

Caribbean nations search for oil amid spill fears

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:50 AM PDT

FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2005 file photo, the refinery of the state-owned Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Ltd., PETROTRIN, is shown in Pointe-a-Pierre, on the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad & Tobago. From the Bahamas and Cuba down to Aruba and Suriname, international oil companies are lining up to locate potentially rich offshore deposits in the Caribbean. The countries hope drilling could lead to a black-gold bonanza, easing demand for imported oil and diversifying their economies. (AP Photo/Shirley Bahadur, File)KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — The turquoise waters that have long brought treasure seekers to the Caribbean now are drawing a new kind of explorer as countries across the region increasingly open their seas to oil exploration.

Forgotten US airship crash recalled 80 years later

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:46 AM PDT

LAKEHURST, N.J. (AP) — History buffs will gather this week near the New Jersey coast to commemorate a major airship disaster.

Sen. Flake sees GOP contender backing gay marriage

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:40 AM PDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Jeff Flake says it is "inevitable" that his party will see one of its own run for president while supporting gay marriage.

Privately owned daily newspapers return to Myanmar

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:40 AM PDT

Kyaw Min Swe, chief editor in The Voice newspaper, holds a copy of his daily during an interview with the Associated Press in his office in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, March 31, 2013. The reform process under President Thein Sein, who took office two years ago this month, has included the abolition of direct censorship of local media. On Monday, independent daily newspapers will be able to publish for the first time since 1964. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)YANGON, Myanmar (AP) — For most people in Myanmar, it will be a novelty when privately run daily newspapers hit the streets on Monday. Many weren't even born when the late dictator Ne Win imposed a state monopoly on the daily press in the 1960s.

Afghan leader in Qatar to discuss peace talks

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:37 AM PDT

Afghan President Hamid Karzai speaks during a joint news conference with Secretary of State John Kerry, Monday, March 25, 2013, at the presidential palace in Kabul. Kerry and Karzai made a show of unity Monday, shortly after the U.S. military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations between the two countries. Kerry, in Afghanistan for an unannounced visit, said he and Karzai were "on the same page" when it comes to peace talks with the Taliban. (AP Photo/Jason Reed, Pool)DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Afghan President Hamid Karzai met with the emir of Qatar in Doha Sunday to discuss the possible opening of a Taliban office in the Gulf state.

Pope appeals for end to Korea tensions in first Easter message

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:31 AM PDT

Pope Francis speaks during his "Urbi et Orbi" address from a balcony in St. Peter's Square at the VaticanBy Philip Pullella VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis, appearing before more than 250,000 people for his first Easter Sunday address, called for world peace, respect for the environment and a diplomatic solution to the crisis on the Korean peninsula. In his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message, he also appealed for a resumption of peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, an end to the civil war in Syria and political solutions to conflicts in several African countries. ...

Mayor: Deaths of Texas DA, wife 'not a random act'

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:17 AM PDT

This undated photo taken from the Kaufman County, Texas, website shows Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland. McLelland and his wife were found killed in their house, Saturday, March 30, 2013, two months after one of his assistants was gunned down near their office, authorities said. (AP Photo/Kaufman County)KAUFMAN, Texas (AP) — Two months after one of his assistant prosecutors was gunned down, a north Texas district attorney and his wife were found killed in their home, authorities said.

Marketing studies help craft health overhaul pitch

Posted: 31 Mar 2013 09:16 AM PDT

FILE - In this March 15, 2013, file photo the Senate Minority Leader, Republican Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, points to a 7-foot stack of WASHINGTON (AP) — How do you convince millions of average Americans that one of the most complex and controversial programs devised by government may actually be a good deal for them?
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