MANILA, Philippines -- An overnight curfew in the Philippines has been lifted following an unsuccessful coup attempt earlier in the week.Police remained on alert for new trouble as authorities prepared new rebellion and sedition charges to be filed against the leaders of the aborted takeover.Security forces loyal to Filipino President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo easily put down the coup on Monday. The rebels had called for Arroyo to step down The Financial Times noted that Friday is ... [full story]

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, in an interview Friday on U.S. television, said he is making no deals with anyone, including Benazir Bhutto.But Pakistani news media have reported that Musharraf and Bhutto, a former prime minister have discussed the upcoming elections, The Press Trust of India reported. Bhutto's Pakistani People's Party denies any meeting."I'm not dealing -- I'm not into any deal with anyone," Musharraf said on "Good Morning America" on ABC.Musharraf, who ... [full story]

LONDON -- Child psychologists said Friday that a new curriculum for British pre-schools could damage young children by forcing them into an academic mold.The group announced the formation of an organization called Open Eye to publicize the curriculum, which becomes law next year, The Times of London reported. The psychologists accused the government of introducing the Early Years Foundation "by stealth."The curriculum aims to introduce 3- and 4-year-olds to basic language and mathematics, including writing ... [full story]

PERUGIA, Italy -- A judge in Italy denied bail Friday for a young U.S. woman and her Italian boyfriend accused of killing her roommate.Amanda Knox, brought into court in handcuffs, denied participating in the stabbing of Meredith Kercher, The Telegraph reported. She apologized for making accusations against another suspect, Patrick Lumumba, who owns a bar in Perugia."I confirm I am innocent," she told the court in a tearful statement. "I am sorry for Patrick and ... [full story]

BELFAST, Northern Ireland -- The Orange Order in Northern Ireland, long known for its militant anti-Catholicism, now hopes to turn its traditions into a tourist attraction.The change echoes the shift in Northern Ireland, where Ian Paisley, the Protestant leader, and Gerry Adams, head of the nationalist Sinn Fein Party, agreed to a political accord this year. In past years, tourists were warned to stay away from Northern Ireland during the "marching season" around the July ... [full story]

ROCHESTER, N.H. -- Two hostages reportedly were freed Friday and negotiators were talking to a man who held them captive in a Hillary Clinton campaign office in New Hampshire.An man claiming to have a bomb strapped to his chest took hostages at the storefront office for Clinton's presidential campaign in Rochester, N.H., Police haven't confirmed whether the two hostages released were the only hostages in the building, Manchester television station WMUR reported."I walked out and ... [full story]

The Oregon Supreme Court heard oral arguments on November 6 in the case of Lia Boldt vs. James Boldt, concerning the father's desire to circumcise their son.  The father converted to Judaism in 2004 and now wants their 12-year-old son to convert as well. The mother is trying to protect her son from an unnecessary and harmful circumcision.Lia Nikolaea Boldt is Russian Orthodox, as were both parents at the time of the boy’s birth.  What ... [full story]

A Central Oregon high school senior has been recognized by The Center Foundation as a “High Desert Hero”.  Lauren Simpson from Bend Senior High School received the prestigious title as December’s award-winner.   Lauren Simpson is the Dec. 2007 'High Desert Hero' Lauren is involved in student council, DECA and student government. She has served as a STARS representative in her high school for sophomore and junior years, girl’s state representative for state conference in June 2007, varsity ... [full story]

Dear Editor:As an Oregon resident you may be aware of the 1997 case concerning the brutal torture, sexual assault and subsequent murder of three-year-old Tesslynn O’Cull by her parents; Jesse Compton and Stella Kizer. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesslynn_O'Cull  Tesslynn later became Oregon’s poster child for abuse prevention.This case is considered one of the most savage and chilling child abuse/murder cases Oregon has ever seen. Compton is currently awaiting his fate on death row in an Oregon prison. Kizer is ... [full story]

Lands’ End has selected Elizabeth Larson of Bend, Oregon as second place winner in the seven-to-nine age category of its Holiday Art Contest. Nine-year-old Elizabeth, daughter of Leslie Gill and Kevin Larson, earned second place with the creation of a uniquely artistic Christmas tree contrasted against a purple sky.  Her artwork will be featured on landsend.com/artcontest.   Elizabeth Larson's artwork won 2nd place honors in her age division in a national holiday art contest that drew over ... [full story]