North America
Supreme Court deals blow to Miranda rights
In a 5-4 decision in the Michigan murder case Berghuis v. Thompkins, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority further eroded Miranda rights for criminal suspects.
Author: CounterVortex
Central America
Tropical storm hammers Central America amid climate change fears
Tropical storm “Agatha” has left nearly 200 dead across Central America, as a new study warns of a grave toll on local farmers from global climate change.
Mexico
Mexico: mass grave found in Guerrero silver mine
Up to 25 bodies, thought to be the victims of Mexico’s ongoing narco-violence, have been found in an abandoned silver mine at Taxco de Alarcón in the southern state of Guerrero.
The Andes
Colombia: Santos wins first round —amid reports of widespread irregularities
Colombia’s ruling-party presidential candidate Juan Manuel Santos has won the first round—amid complaints about vote-buying, fraud, violence and other irregularities.
Palestine
Israeli forces storm Gaza aid flotilla; 16 dead
Up to 16 people have been killed as Israeli naval commandos boarded aid ships bound for the Gaza Strip. The six-ship aid convoy led by a Turkish vessel has 600 people on board.
Iran
Israel sending nuclear-armed subs to Persian Gulf?
Reports in the London Times and Israeli press say Israel is to deploy three submarines armed with nuclear-equipped cruise missiles in the Persian Gulf.
Greater Middle East
PKK score hits against Turkish military
Violence is rising in eastern Turkey since imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan decided to abandon peace efforts and leave local commanders in charge of the conflict.
Planet Watch
Gulf of Mexico oil gusher: “Earth extinction event”?
A worst case scenario for the Gulf of Mexico disaster is a greater eruption—possibly due to a nuclear detonation to contain the leak—releasing trillions of barrels of oil, and killing the oceans.
The Andes
Bolivia scores points with animal-lovers
Four lion cubs freed under Bolivia’s circus-animal ban arrived in San Francisco, heading to a new life in a northern California refuge run by the Performing Animal Welfare Society.
The Andes
Bolivia: Evo to negotiate with “Warrior Clans”
Bolivian President Evo Morales says he will negotiate with the “Ayllus Guerreros” that have declared a “red zone” in Potosí department after the killing of four national police officers.
Afghanistan
Senate approves funds for Afghan “surge” —as US death toll hits 1,000
The Senate approved a $60 billion spending bill to support a “surge” in troops in Afghanistan. The vote comes as the number of US casualties in Afghanistan surpassed 1,000.
Greater Middle East
Yemen: tribal militants, southern separatists attack
Yemen now faces multiple converging crises—with al-Qaeda and allied tribal militants in the Hadramout, with Shi’ite Houthi rebels in the north, and with armed separatists in the south.