LA Times News

LA Times News

Leading Mexico drug gang suspect arrested

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 06:50 PM PDT

The capture of Jose de Jesus 'El Chango' Mendez, a top leader of La Familia, is considered a significant blow to the cartel, analysts say. But other factions are likely to fill any void.

A top leader of the notorious La Familia drug-trafficking gang, locked in an especially deadly internal fight in recent months, has been captured by Mexican federal police, authorities announced Tuesday.

Electricity-strapped Japan alters work hours, wardrobes

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 04:42 PM PDT

Tokyo's government has workers starting earlier, leaving earlier and dressing lighter in the wake of the earthquake-triggered tsunami that crippled the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

In a nation where workers are known to spend long hours at the office, many salarymen are facing a rare commodity this summer: free time.

Syrian protesters say they continue to be attacked

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 04:52 PM PDT

The pro-democracy activists say clashes started by pro-regime groups sometimes include security forces. The violence comes one day after the president's speech about reform.

Pro-democracy protesters said they continued to be attacked in cities across Syria on Tuesday, a day after President Bashar Assad promised political reforms in a rare public speech.

Greek prime minister survives confidence vote in Parliament

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 03:01 PM PDT

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou survived a confidence vote in Parliament early Wednesday, winning a gamble on his government's survival and the danger of a devastating debt default.

27 killed in Iraq bombing

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 03:42 PM PDT

Many of the victims in the Diwaniya blast are police. The attack takes place near the home of the provincial governor, who was not hurt.

At least 27 people, many of them police, were killed and more than 30 wounded Tuesday when a bomb exploded near the home of the provincial governor in the southern Iraqi city of Diwaniya, police and medical sources said.

Computer hacking suspect arrested in Britain

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 03:42 PM PDT

The 19-year-old is accused in Web attacks against businesses and government agencies at a time of several high-profile hacking cases.

A 19-year-old man was arrested in Britain on suspicion of taking part in Web attacks against businesses and government agencies, authorities said Tuesday.

Pakistan arrests army officer allegedly linked to Islamic extremists

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 01:51 PM PDT

Pakistan announces the arrest of a senior army officer but gives few details. The arrest may be aimed at easing Western concerns about alleged ties between the nation's military and militant groups.

A senior Pakistani army officer suspected of having links to an Islamic extremist group has been arrested, authorities said Tuesday, a move possibly aimed at deflating Western concerns that the nation's military is doing little to end ties with dangerous organizations.

Ahmadinejad ally resigns under pressure from Iran hard-liners

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 11:49 AM PDT

Mohammad Sharif Malekzadeh, an ally of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, resigns three days after his appointment as a deputy foreign minister. Meanwhile, lawmakers deal the president setbacks in other matters.

In another blow to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a controversial deputy foreign minister allied with Ahmadinejad's increasingly embattled and isolated clique resigned Tuesday under pressure from hard-liners who threatened to impeach the country's top diplomat over the appointment.

Obama expected to announce major Afghan drawdown

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 09:25 PM PDT

Pentagon and other administration officials say about 10,000 troops will probably come home this year, a bigger number than Gen. David Petraeus wanted.

President Obama plans to announce a troop reduction in Afghanistan that Pentagon and other administration officials say is expected to bring home about 10,000 personnel by the end of the year.

Michelle Obama makes official visit to South Africa

Posted: 20 Jun 2011 09:25 PM PDT

The first lady is to meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and speak to young people from impoverished neighborhoods.

First Lady Michelle Obama arrived in South Africa on Monday night as she launched an official visit that will see her embrace this nation's elders as she tries to inspire its young.