INTERNATIONAL
Dubai: 15 more suspects in Hamas commander slayingDUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — At least 15 more suspects carrying foreign passports were linked Wednesday to an elaborate hit squad slaying of a Hamas commander that Dubai’s police chief claims was likely carried out by Israel’s Mossad secret service. 
Brazilian president says Castro looks ‘recovered’
HAVANA (AP) — Brazil’s president describes Fidel Castro as “exceptionally well” and says the former Cuban leader appears recovered from a health crisis that has kept him out of the public eye for more than 3 years.
Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva spent more than an hour Wednesday discussing various topics with the 83-year-old Castro, who ceded power to his younger brother Raul after undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in July 2006.
 
NATIONAL
Hummer at dead end after sale to Chinese collapses
NEW YORK (AP) — Hummer, the off-road vehicle that once symbolized America’s love for hulking SUVs, has hit a dead end after its sale to a Chinese heavy equipment maker collapsed late Wednesday.Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machines Co. pulled out of the deal to buy the company from General Motors Co. Tengzhong failed to get clearance from Chinese regulators within the proposed timeframe for the sale, the Chinese manufacturer said Wednesday.
 
STATE/LOCAL
Nagin’s nephew dies after fall out of a moving pickup truck
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin has canceled a trip to Washington, D.C., to support his family after the death of his nephew, Larry Smith Jr.Eight days after falling out of a moving pickup truck in Algiers, Smith died Sunday afternoon at an area hospital. He was 29.John Gagliano, the chief investigator for the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office, said Smith severely hurt his head after he tumbled out of a truck about 5 p.m. on Feb. 13. Paramedics took him to LSU Interim Public Hospital, where he survived for more than a week.Police said the truck’s driver, Anastasia Nedd, 43, of New Orleans, apparently argued with Smith moments before he fell. Officers cited her for assault but police spokesman Garry Flot said she may face more charges pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.
Some snow fell in La., but almost all melted immediately
SHREVEPORT (AP) — The National Weather Service says north Louisiana did get snow, but most of it melted as soon as it hit the ground.Meteorologist Nick Fillo in Shreveport says there were widespread reports of snow Tuesday night in northwest Louisiana. But overnight temperatures were generally in the mid 30s, so there was little chance to accumulate.
Asian elephant at Baton Rouge Zoo receives foot boot
(AP) — Judy, the 41-year-old female Asian elephant at the Baton Rouge Zoo, may soon be wearing a boot to protect her from recurring foot infections.Zoo spokeswoman Mary Woods on Tuesday announced the prospective move so visitors won’t be surprised by the change if and when it occurs in the next few weeks.—–Contact The Daily Reveille’s news staff at [email protected]