Cities model New Year’s events after Times Square

PHOENIX (AP) – Televised images of New York City’s glittery ball drop have become inextricably linked with New Year’s Eve. But Times Square isn’t the only place to ring in the new year with an object dropping at midnight. Las Cruces, New Mexico, is spicing up New Year’s Eve with its first ever chile drop. […]

Mother pleads not guilty in babies’ deaths

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) – A Massachusetts woman who lived in a squalid home where police said they found the skeletal remains of three babies pleaded not guilty Monday to two counts of murder. Erika Murray, 31, spoke clearly as she was arraigned Monday on nine charges. Superior Court Judge James Lemire ordered her held without […]

Some boos greet mayor at NYPD graduation

NEW YORK (AP) – New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio received some boos and heckles Monday at a police graduation ceremony, the latest chapter in his tension-filled relationship with the nation’s largest police force. The rift between de Blasio and much of the rank and file has grown considerably in recent weeks, and the […]

Chrysler recalls 67,000 pickup trucks

NEW YORK (AP) – Fiat Chrysler is recalling about 67,000 model year 2006 and 2007 pickups because of a problem that could allow the trucks to be started without the clutch being depressed. Chrysler said one death is associated with the problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had opened an investigation into the trucks […]

Teenagers under arrest for weekend crimes

LEE COUNTY, Fla.-  Two teenagers who spent the weekend committing armed felonies in North Cape Coral are now behind bars. On Sunday, officers responded to 111 Del Prado Boulevard N. on a robbery call. The victim reported that two suspects approached her and snatched cash from her hand. Jennifer Snoeck works at a bar near […]

Collier authorities investigate house arson

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- An early morning fire at a home in Naples Park is now being investigated as arson. Flames ripped through the home on 96th Avenue North around 3 a.m. Smoke poured out the windows as the glass shattered and sent flames shooting into the sky. The explosion was so loud, it woke up […]

Lost plane’s request to change course was denied

SURABAYA, Indonesia (AP) – The plane sought permission to climb above threatening clouds. Air traffic control couldn’t say yes immediately – there was no room. Six other airliners were crowding the airspace, forcing AirAsia Flight 8501 to remain at a lower altitude. Minutes later, the jet carrying 162 people was gone from the radar without […]

Funeral set for 2nd NYPD officer killed in ambush

NEW YORK (AP) – The second of two New York City police officers to be buried after a daylight ambush will be mourned at a funeral this weekend. Aievoli Funeral Home says viewing and visitation for Officer Wenjian Liu will be held from 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and his funeral will be at 10 […]

West Bank ministers visit Gaza to unite ministries

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) – Palestinian officials on Monday traveled from the West Bank to the Gaza Strip for the first working meeting of their struggling unity government, months after it was formed, in hopes of reviving efforts to end years of bitter political division. The Palestinian rivals Fatah and Hamas agreed last spring […]

Tsarnaev lawyers again seek postponement of trial

BOSTON (AP) – Lawyers for Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev asked a judge Monday to delay his trial because they need more time to prepare. “Only adequate preparation makes a fair trial possible,” defense lawyers wrote in the filing responding to the prosecution’s opposition to a trial delay. “But we face a situation where […]