Officials: Norwegian trained by al-Qaida

Officials: Norwegian trained by al-Qaida

STOCKHOLM

A Norwegian man has received terrorist training from al-Qaida’s offshoot in Yemen and is awaiting orders to carry out an attack on the West, officials from three European security agencies told The Associated Press on Monday.

Western intelligence officials long have feared such a scenario — a convert to Islam who is trained in terrorist methods and can blend in easily in Europe and the United States, traveling without visa restrictions.

Officials from three European security agencies confirmed Monday the man is “operational,” meaning he has completed his training and is about to receive a target. They declined to name the man, who has not been accused of a crime.

Rep. Jackson on medical leave

CHICAGO

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., who defeated a primary challenge this year despite being the target of a House ethics investigation, has been on a medical leave for two weeks and is being treated for exhaustion, his office announced Monday.

In a three-sentence news release, Jackson’s office disclosed that the Democrat went on leave June 10 but did not provide further details, including how long he would be away.

Rescue efforts halted in mall collapse

ELLIOT LAKE, Ontario

The threat of another collapse at a shopping mall in Northern Ontario forced rescue crews to abandon their search for possible survivors despite signs of life, officials said Monday, two days after part of the roof caved in and killed at least one person.

Rescuers determined someone in the debris was breathing as of 4 a.m. Monday, but the building is “totally unsafe” and could collapse at any time, said Bill Needles, a spokesman from the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team.

Rhonda Bear, the mall’s manager, said the mall’s owners are pleading with officials to continue the search or allow other trained personnel who are willing to continue. Bear said the mall’s owners have lawyers who will try for a court injunction against the decision to stop the rescue.

Trebek ‘up and about’ in hospital

NEW YORK

A spokeswoman says “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek is “up and about” in a Los Angeles hospital as he recovers from a mild heart attack.

Sony Pictures Television spokeswoman Paula Askanas said Monday that Trebek is “in good spirits” while doctors complete their tests. She says he has been moved to a regular room.

The 71-year-old Trebek was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Saturday. He’s expected to recover fully and be back at work when “Jeopardy!” resumes production for a new season in July.

Trebek was hospitalized for a heart attack in 2007. He has been hosting the popular quiz show for 28 years.

Students, teacher arrested in hazing

FONTANA, Calif.

Police said Monday they have arrested a masonry teacher and four students as they investigate allegations of brutal hazing at a summer school in Southern California.

Three boys were attacked in separate incidents in the classroom of teacher Emmanuel De La Rosa at A.B. Miller High School, Fontana police Sgt. Robert Morris said. One 18-year-old student — Fernando Salgado — is being investigated for child cruelty, assault with intent to commit mayhem or rape and attempted sodomy.

De La Rosa, 27, may have directed the students to carry out one of the assaults, Morris said.

Associated Press