A wildfire that began two weeks ago in the southwestern U.S. state of Arizona is now the state’s largest ever. The Wallow Fire has so far burned nearly 190,000 hectares and destroyed more than 30 homes. Arizona’s second largest wildfire consumed 400 homes in 2002. Firefighters have the fire nearly 20 percent contained, but hundreds […]
19 Killed in Venezuelan Prison Riot
Posted June 15th, 2011 at 2:50 am (UTC-5)
Venezuela’s minister of interior and justice says the death toll from a Sunday prison riot has risen to 19. Tareck El Aissami said Tuesday that as many as 20 inmates were wounded in the violence that erupted at the El Rodeo prison. Overcrowding and violence are common in Venezuelan prisons. President Hugo Chavez’s government has […]
Chilean Volcano Causes More Flight Disruptions
Posted June 15th, 2011 at 1:15 am (UTC-5)
A cloud of ash from a volcano in Chile is disrupting air travel for a fourth day Wednesday, forcing the cancellation of flights in South America, Australia and New Zealand. More than 60,000 passengers have already been stranded. Virgin Australia said Wednesday the ash cloud would be too low to avoid on flights to and […]
Chilean Volcano Causes More Flight Disruptions
Posted June 15th, 2011 at 12:35 am (UTC-5)
A cloud of ash from a volcano in Chile is disrupting air travel for a fourth day Wednesday, forcing the cancellation of flights in South America, Australia and New Zealand. More than 60,000 passengers have been stranded have already been stranded. Virgin Australia said Wednesday the ash cloud would be too low to avoid on […]
Former Tijuana Mayor Released for 2nd Time
Posted June 14th, 2011 at 8:55 pm (UTC-5)
Former Tijuana mayor Jorge Hank Rhon has been released from police custody for a second time in the same day after a Mexican judge ruled there was not enough evidence to hold him. Hank Rhon was detained by Mexican prosecutors Tuesday afternoon for questioning related to a murder investigation, just minutes after he had been […]
Obama Makes Rare Presidential Visit to Puerto Rico
Posted June 14th, 2011 at 4:00 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama has reiterated his support for a referendum to allow Puerto Ricans to decide whether to remain a part of the United States. On a rare presidential visit to the semi-autonomous U.S. Commonwealth Tuesday, Mr. Obama pledged to “stand by” the people of Puerto Rico, as soon as they make a “clear […]
Former Tijuana Mayor Detained Again After Release
Posted June 14th, 2011 at 3:50 pm (UTC-5)
Former Tijuana mayor Jorge Hank Rhon was released from jail Tuesday after a Mexican federal judge ruled officials lacked evidence for the illegal weapons charges against him, but authorities promptly took him into custody again. This time, state prosecutors brought the wealthy businessman in for questioning related to a murder investigation. Hank Rhon was arrested […]
Obama Makes Rare Presidential Visit to Puerto Rico
Posted June 14th, 2011 at 1:45 pm (UTC-5)
President Barack Obama is in the U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico, where he has expressed his commitment to helping residents of the Caribbean island. After landing in San Juan Tuesday, President Obama told an enthusiastic crowd that the aspirations and struggles of Puerto Ricans mirror those across the United States. He highlighted efforts to address […]
Obama Making Rare Presidential Visit to Puerto Rico
Posted June 14th, 2011 at 12:05 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama has arrived in the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, greeting an enthusiastic crowd with the Spanish greeting, “buenas tardes,” or “good afternoon.” Upon landing in San Juan Tuesday, President Obama told Puerto Ricans gathered at the welcome event that he was grateful for the “unbelievable reception” and expressed his commitment to families […]
Mexican Judge Orders Release of Former Mayor
Posted June 14th, 2011 at 10:40 am (UTC-5)
A Mexican judge has ordered the release of former Tijuana mayor Jorge Hank Rhon, ruling that officials lack the evidence to charge him with possessing illegal weapons. Hank Rhon was arrested earlier this month after a raid on his house turned up dozens of weapons. He was mayor of Tijuana, across the border from San […]
