Acting on tips from neighbors, a month-long investigation led to the arrest of a man and woman who were charged with multiple crimes following a drug raid at a southwest Bend apartment. Over $4,000 worth of cocaine, cash and other items associated with drug sales were found, drug agents reported yesterday.   Joel Gary Baxter (left) and Elizabeth Elaine MacDonald (right) - DCJ photos According to a news release prepared by Bend Police Lt. John Gautney, detectives ... [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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

JERUSALEM -- A Palestinian official says the ruling Fatah party would join forces with rival Hamas if Israel invades the Gaza Strip."Fatah won't remain idle in the face of an Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip," the official said. "We will definitely fight together with Hamas against the Israeli army. It's our duty to defend our people against the occupiers."The official statement comes as Arab leaders lobbied for negotiations to end the conflict between Fatah ... [full story]

TEL AVIV, Israel -- Israel is having trouble finding places to house the increasing number of refugees from the war-torn regions of Sudan.The Israel Prison Service warned Friday that it is unable to accommodate many more refugees since its facilities are nearly filled to capacity, Haaretz reports.Prison officials say if the refugee influx continues at its current rate, all available spaces will be filled by next week.Thursday a group of 15 Sudanese refugees being transported ... [full story]

TORONTO -- The head of the Canadian Anglican Church said efforts to split conservative members into another organization are "inappropriate, unwelcome and invalid." Primate Fred Hiltz released a statement to be read Sunday in Canadian churches, The Toronto Star reported.In the document, Hiltz "deplores" the invitation by Archbishop Gregory Venables to Canadian Anglicans who disagree with the church's position on homosexuality. Venables, a native of Britain, heads an archdiocese in six South American countries."We deplore ... [full story]