MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota man charged with child pornography after a search of his home found pictures of naked boys is also a “person of interest” in the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling, whose 1989 abduction led his parents to launch a national center to prevent child exploitation. Daniel James Heinrich, 52, was charged Thursday … Continue reading
GENEVA (AP) — The Antarctic ozone hole has swelled this month to one of its biggest sizes on record, U.N. and U.S. scientists say, insisting that the Earth-shielding ozone layer remains on track to long-term recovery but residents of the southern hemisphere should be on watch for high UV levels in the weeks ahead. The … Continue reading
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The latest on a powerful earthquake in Afghanistan felt across South Asia (all times local). 6:00 p.m. State-run Pakistani TV says 94 people have died as a result of a powerful earthquake in neighboring Afghanistan, bringing the region-wide toll from the disaster to 129. Afghan officials say 33 people were killed … Continue reading
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Volkswagen’s flagship brand plans to change its diesel technology in Europe and North America as well as develop new hybrid and electric vehicles in response to its emissions scandal. The new steps were part of a plan to confront the company’s scandal over cars that were equipped with computer software … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are opening slightly lower, breaking a winning streak, as traders worried about weak Chinese trade figures. Transportation company Ryder sank 7 percent Tuesday after the company cut its earnings forecast. SABMiller jumped 10 percent in London after the beer maker agreed to a sweetened takeover offer from Anheuser Busch InBev, … Continue reading
BOSTON (AP) — With younger generations using cellphones less for actual conversation and more for text messaging, suicide prevention organizations are setting up ways that let distraught youths seek help that way. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among teenagers and college-age adults, making a text messaging initiative — started this month by … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The private email server running in Hillary Rodham Clinton’s home basement when she was secretary of state was connected to the Internet in ways that made it more vulnerable to hackers while using software that could have been exploited, according to data and documents reviewed by The Associated Press. Clinton’s server, which … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is announcing the designation of two new National Marine Sanctuaries — the first chosen in 15 years — as part of President Barack Obama’s efforts to protect the environment. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will designate a marine sanctuary in the tidal waters of Maryland, and another in … Continue reading
MADRID (AP) — Spanish police have cracked down on a string of garages that allegedly provided customers with mechanical and software services that enabled their cars to cheat emission checks in a scam similar to that which has engulfed Volkswagen, a statement said Saturday. Police said a tip-off led them to discover that eight garages … Continue reading
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City is marking the 150th anniversary of “Alice in Wonderland” with an array of events celebrating the adventures and characters in the beloved children’s tale. There’s no shortage of wonderful offerings to reintroduce fans of Lewis Carroll’s 1865 book to the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, Queen of Hearts, Mad … Continue reading
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Jeb Bush follows Donald Trump on Twitter but that’s a one-way street: Trump mainly follows people with a connection to himself. Ted Cruz’s follow list is a big tea party, though he keeps an eye on President Barack Obama, too. Marco Rubio seems open to following everyone under the sun — … Continue reading
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Monday freed a South Korean national who is a student at New York University, in a possible sign it wants better ties with rival Seoul and may back away from a recent threat to launch a long-range rocket later this month. North Korean state media said it … Continue reading
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Royal Dutch Shell’s dry hole in the Chukchi Sea may be disappointing to shareholders, but it’s potentially devastating to Alaska. The company’s decision to end oil exploration in offshore Alaska for the foreseeable future means the state must find another source to fill the 800-mile trans-Alaska pipeline and solve its economic … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — In stock car racing, there’s an old adage: If you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’. You could say the same sometimes for auto makers up against stricter environmental rules. Volkswagen is far from the first company to stand accused of trying to game required emissions tests. Almost since the passage of the … Continue reading
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (AP) — After a friend recommended that he join a secret Google project six years ago, Brian Torcellini suddenly found himself on the road to an occupational oxymoron. He became a driver in a driverless car. Torcellini, 31, leads a crew of test, or “safety,” drivers who are legally required to ride … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 