*** NEWS BITS***
Cease Fire in Sadr City
According to a statement by a spokesman for radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, Shiite militants have reached an agreement with the Iraqi government to end fighting in Baghdad's Sadr City district. The cease fire is expected to go into effect no later than Sunday morning. There was no immediate confirmation of the cease-fire from either the Iraqi government or the U.S. military. Negotiations began about two days ago between the Sadrists and the government, al-Obeidi said, with the United Iraq Alliance acting as mediators. The UIA is the ruling Shiite political bloc in government and Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is a member.
Referendum Goes as Planned in Myanmar
The military junta that rules Myanmar held a planned referendum on a new constitution Saturday despite the widespread devastation caused by last week’s fatal cyclone. The government has postponed the voting in cyclone-affected areas, but U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has urged the government to delay the referendum altogether so it can focus on cyclone relief efforts. The United Nations estimates the death toll from last Saturday’s storm ranges from 63,000 to 100,000, well above the Myanmar government’s estimate of 22,000.
Lebanese Government Accuses Hezbollah of Attempted Coup
In his first public comments since violence began three days ago in Beirut, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora accused Hezbollah Saturday of trying to stage a “militant coup d’etat.” But he said the Lebanese government will continue to rely on diplomacy, not force. Western Beirut was largely quiet Saturday as Hezbollah militias set up checkpoints a day after taking control and dealing a major blow to the U.S.-backed government.
Military Offensive in Nineveh
Iraqi forces backed by U.S. troops have begun a military offensive against al Qaeda in Iraq in the northern province of Nineveh, a predominately Sunni city and one of Iraq’s most dangerous. The operation includes at least 3,000 Iraqi police, 1,000 Iraqi special forces, and 10,000 Iraqi soldiers backed by U.S. troops. Iraqi and U.S. troops have stepped up operations in recent months against al Qaeda in Iraq in Nineveh’s provincial capital of Mosul.
Opposition Leader Will Take Part in Zimbabwe Second Election
Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai said Saturday he will take part in the presidential runoff with incumbent Robert Mugabe. In an announcement to the media from South Africa’s administrative capital of Pretoria, Tsvangiral said voters and supporters have told members of his party, the Movement for Democratic Change, that they will support him in a second round of voting.
U.S. Marine Found Not Guilty of Rape in Japan.
The U.S. Military said that Lance Cpl. Larry A. Dean, a U.S. Marine accused of raping a 19-year-old Japanese woman last year was found guilty Thursday of wrongful sexual contact and indecent acts, but he was acquitted of rape. A sentencing hearing is scheduled to begin today. Dean is among four Marines under court-martial in connection with the case. The others are: Sgt. Lanaeus J. Braswell, 25, Gunnery Sgt. Carl M. Anderson, 39, and Gunnery Sgt. Jarvis D. Raynor, 34.
Quiet Wedding for Jenna Bush
Jenna Bush is marrying Henry Hager, a 30-year-old native of Richmond,
Virginia, who once worked for Karl Rove, her father's former deputy
chief of staff. Hager is the son of tobacco executive John Hager,
chairman of the Virginia Republican Party and a former lieutenant
governor. More than 200 friends and family members are expected to attend the
outdoor ceremony this evening in Crawford, Texas, which will take place near a lake before a cross
built of Texas limestone. Dinner and dancing will follow under a tent.
Oldest Gorilla in Captivity Celebrates Birthday
A four-layer fruit cake was part of the celebration Thursday at the
Dallas Zoo as "Jenny" the gorilla celebrated her 55th birthday. Jenny is recognized as the world's oldest living gorilla in captivity and has been at the Dallas zoo since 1957.
Life Sentence in Mineola Sex Club Case
A Smith County jury spent less than 6 minutes deciding on a guilty
verdict for Shauntel Mayo in the Mineola child sex club case. The jury
then sentenced Mayo to life in prison. She was convicted of two counts
of sexual assault of a child and one count of organized crime. Mayo
will not be eligible for parole for at least 25 years.
Texas Sinkhole Calm For Now
Geologists said a 260-foot-deep sinkhole that grew to the length of three football fields over just two days near Houston seemed to be slowing down Thursday, but it could take months before it's clear whether surrounding areas are stable. The 900-foot-long sinkhole has swallowed oil tanks and barrels, tires, telephone poles and several vehicles in Daisetta, a once-booming oil town of about 1,000 residents about 60 miles northeast of Houston, Texas. Residents feared the sinkhole, which began as a 20-foot hole in the ground on Wednesday, would increase in size Thursday and threaten nearby homes, but for the moment it appears to be stable.
Scammers in East Texas
Some Northeast Texas residents have received calls soliciting donations for the family of Trooper Scott Burns who was killed recently in the line of duty. Authorities warn that unscrupulous individuals may attempt to play upon the emotions of well-meaning members of the community. Residents are urged to be careful about releasing personal information such as bank account or credit card numbers over the telephone.
Discount Prescription Cards Available in Texas
A new prescription drug card
is available for Texas residents to help uninsured, or underinsured Texans get prescription medications. This is available even if people have insurance and they save up to 75-percent on medications. To sign up for a free card - go to: www.texasrxcard.com
Letter Carriers' Food Drive
The National Association of Letter Carriers' 16th annual Stamp Out
Hunger! food drive takes place next Saturday, May 10. Postal
customers can donate non-perishable food by placing in their
mailboxes for their mail carrier to collect. Food collected locally
will go to benefit local food pantries.
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