PM puts Iraq on highest terror alert

PM puts Iraq on highest terror alert

BAGHDAD

Iraq’s prime minister put his nation on its highest level of alert for terror attacks, warning of plots to sow fear and chaos as the U.S. combat mission in the country formally ends Tuesday.

The Iraqi security forces that will be left in charge have been hammered by bomb attacks, prompting fears of a new insurgent offensive and criticism of the government’s preparedness to protect its people. Still, President Barack Obama left no doubt Saturday in his weekly radio address that the U.S. is sticking to its promise to pull out of Iraq despite the uptick in violence.

Governor wins nod for Byrd’s seat

CHARLESTON, W.Va.

Popular West Virginia Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin easily won his party’s nomination and will face Republican primary winner John Raese in the race for the U.S. Senate seat held by the late Robert C. Byrd.

Raese, a wealthy businessman, defeated a crowded field of GOP candidates. He now becomes key to the GOP’s quest to dismantle the Democratic Senate majority. Democrats are clinging to the majority as high unemployment and the slow economic recovery take a toll on their political prospects this fall.

The 60-year-old Raese lost to Byrd in 2006.

Saturday’s primary came two months after Byrd, the Senate’s longest-serving member, died at age 92.

Mountain Party candidate Jesse Johnson also is vying for the seat in November.

5 Calif. inmates shot during riot

SAN FRANCISCO

Prison guards shot into a crowd to stop 200 rioting inmates at California’s Folsom State Prison, wounding five, authorities said Saturday.

Two more inmates were injured by other prisoners during Friday’s riot, which began about 7 p.m. in the main exercise yard and ended after 30 minutes. Prison spokesman Lt. Anthony Gentile said officers fired after other efforts to break up the riot failed.

None of the inmates suffered life-threatening injuries, and none of the 45 to 50 officers who responded was hurt.

Trees at WTC site

NEW YORK

After nearly nine years, life is returning to ground zero in a tangible way.

Crews began planting 16 swamp white oaks Saturday at the World Trade Center site. They are the first of nearly 400 trees to be planted around the eight-acre memorial to the nearly 2,800 people killed when terrorists attacked the twin towers Sept. 11, 2001.

The trees will dot a cobblestone plaza surrounding two huge pools built on the footprints of the destroyed towers.

Associated Press