Libyans indifferent to continued clashes

Libyans indifferent to continued clashes

BENGHAZI, Libya

As fighting raged Friday between Islamist militias and forces loyal to Libya’s elected government, the mood was of resigned indifference in this embattled city that once took pride in being the first to rise up against longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi.

Residents ignored the crack of gunfire and blasts from artillery and airstrikes that at times nearly drowned out the mosques’ call to prayers and went about their daily routines.

At a mosque in the upscale district of Hadayk, a wedding party gathered just a few hundred yards from heavy battles. Young men smoked water pipes in a cafe only blocks away from other clashes.

“It has become very normal to pass by a corpse in the street and not stop. Now, as we are going to pray, in the background, we hear explosions,” said Mohsen Wagdi, a 20-year-old student, as he headed to Friday prayers.

Boko Haram, Nigeria agree to cease-fire

ABUJA, Nigeria

Nigeria’s government said Islamic extremists from Boko Haram have agreed to an immediate cease-fire, but many people expressed doubts Friday about a development that could end an insurgency that has killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands homeless in Africa’s most-populous nation.

The fate of more than 200 missing schoolgirls abducted by the insurgents six months ago still is being negotiated, Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade told The Associated Press.

Ana turns into hurricane off coast of Hawaii

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii

The powerful Pacific storm churning toward Hawaii became a hurricane but remained far enough away from the islands to allow tourists to make the most of Friday’s remaining sunny weather.

The National Weather Service said Friday that Ana became a Category 1 hurricane about 230 miles south of Hilo with maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour.

A tropical-storm watch was in effect throughout the archipelago.

Most of man’s body eaten by black bear

A wild black bear ate most of a Northern California man who likely died earlier of a heart attack, officials said Friday.

Humboldt County Deputy Coroner Roy Horton said he believes 65-year-old Marion Williams died outside his trailer in a remote area before the bear came upon him.

Authorities discovered the remains Monday after friends reported Williams missing for five days.

Officials tried to trap and kill the bear but called off their attempt because it is doubtful the bear is still in the area near the man’s home in Redway, California Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Andrew Hughan said.

Associated Press