Free Republic

Note: The following text is a quote: Eight Uzbekistan Nationals Among 12 Charged with Racketeering, Human Trafficking & Immigration Violations in Scheme to Employ Illegal Aliens in 14 States Twelve defendants, including eight Uzbekistan nationals, have been charged in a 45-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on May 6, 2009, on RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges related to labor racketeering, forced labor trafficking and immigration and other violations in 14 states. Abrorkhodja Askarkhodjaev, 30, Nodir Yunusov, 22, Rustamjon Shukurov, 21, citizens of Uzbekistan residing in Mission, Kan.; Ilkham Fazilov, 44, Nodirbek...

A man dressed as a woman robbed the Capital One Bank at 3540 St. Charles Avenue this morning, authorities said. The FBI and New Orleans Police Department said the robber presented a note to a teller demanding money around 9:20 a.m. He placed the money in a black zippered portfolio and got away, the agencies said in a news release. The man was last seen walking in "an uptown direction,'' the news release said. The Metropolitan Orleans Bank Security Association is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the robber. Anyone with information is...

What residents were hoping they could avoid has happened in St. Charles. As feared, part of the Elm Point Levee has burst and water is rushing through right now at a rapid pace. Authorities say that the levee burst in two spots around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday. One of those holes is reportedly the size of a football field. Several homes and businesses in the area are now flooded. Officials say that residents in that area voluntarily evacuated before the breach.    Google map link

When Lewis and Clark reached North Dakota this month 200 years ago, the icy Missouri River forced them to set up camp for five months. They built wooden huts, nearly ran out of meat, and Clark lined his gloves with lynx fur to guard against the cold. A crew re-creating the explorers' 1803-1806 expedition will spend this winter, however, at home. "I'm looking forward to some sushi," said the crew's captain, Scott Mandrell, 39, of Alton. "That's one thing I've missed desperately, being able to run to Schnucks and buy some sushi." < SNIP > No one can call them...