Former Hosni Mubarak confidant investigated for corruption
CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s Justice Ministry has ordered the 15-day detention of a former regime stalwart pending investigations into corruption charges.
The state news agency reported that Safwat el-Sherif, the secretary general of the ruling party and one of the most powerful men in the former regime, was remanded into custody following 12 hours of questioning.
Monday’s report said he was being investigated on charges of profiteering, abusing his position to amass wealth illegally and corrupting public morals.
 
Ivory Coast 4-month standoff ends with strongman’s capture
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — A bloody, four-month political standoff ended Monday when troops loyal to Ivory Coast’s elected president — backed by French ground and air forces — captured the West African country’s longtime leader who had refused to give up power.
Video of former President Laurent Gbagbo being led into a room in a white undershirt was broadcast on television as proof of his detention. He would not sign a statement formally ceding power after losing a Nov. 28 election to economist Alassane Ouattara.
More than 1 million civilians fled their homes and untold numbers were killed in the power struggle between the two rivals that threatened to re-ignite a civil war in the world’s largest cocoa producer. Gbagbo’s security forces have been accused of using cannons, 60 mm mortars and 50-caliber machine guns to mow down opponents during the standoff.
Gbagbo, who ruled the former French colony for a decade, was pulled from his burning residence by Ouattara’s troops following fighting earlier in the day.
 
Romney considers second run at presidential candidacy
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, the closest to a front-runner in a wide-open Republican field, took a major step toward a second White House candidacy Monday, formally announcing a campaign exploratory committee.
The Republican, who has been plotting a comeback since losing the GOP presidential nomination to John McCain three years ago, offered himself as the person best able to lead a country struggling to recover from economic crisis.
 
Woman dies after backroom cosmetic surgery in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (AP) — With her smooth skin and wavy, honeyed hair, Elena Caro was celebrated as a beauty by her husband and teenage daughter, who often told her that she didn’t need cosmetic surgery.
Caro, 42, was found walking the streets of Las Vegas in agony Saturday after buttocks enhancement surgery that authorities say was performed by two Colombian nationals in the back room of a tile business.
She was pronounced dead minutes later at North Vista Hospital in North Las Vegas.
 
Retired AgCenter agent drowned in Lake Des Allemands
VACHERIE (AP) — The body of a retired agent with the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center has been found in Lake Des Allemands after a three-day search.
Authorities say Larry Brock apparently was setting out hoop nets for catfish near his home when he vanished Thursday. His aluminum skiff was discovered by boaters with the engine running, turning in circles.
The Courier said Brock’s body was found Saturday floating not far from where the search had been centered. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
Work resumes on congressional redistricting despite Jindal’s push
(AP) — State lawmakers refused Monday to give up on redrawing Louisiana’s congressional districts, despite a push from Gov. Bobby Jindal and five of the seven congressmen to delay the work for a year.
The Senate passed a new version of the congressional map in a 22-17 vote, sending it to the House for debate with a tight timeline remaining in the redistricting special session, which must end by Wednesday evening. But the two chambers remained far apart on an agreement.
 
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