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Tuesday, December 31, 2013 – Daily News 5A WORLD BRIEFING In more than 100 receipts left in a building occupied by al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb in Timbuktu earlier this year, the extremists assiduously tracked their cash flow, recording purchases as small as a single light bulb. The often tiny amounts are carefully written out in pencil and colored pen on scraps of paper and Post-it notes: The equivalent of $1.80 for a bar of soap; $8 for a packet of macaroni; $14 for a tube of super glue. All the documents were authenticated by experts. 2 suicide bombings kill 31 people in southern Russia MOSCOW (AP) — Two suicide bombings in as many days have killed 31 people and raised concerns that Islamic militants have begun a terrorist campaign in Russia that could stretch into the Sochi Olympics in February. Russian and international Olympic officials insisted the site of the games, protected by layers of security, is completely safe. The attacks in Volgograd, about 400 miles (650 kilometers) from Sochi, reflected the Kremlin's inability to uproot Islamist insurgents in the Caucasus who have vowed to derail the games, the pet project of President Vladimir Putin. No one has claimed responsibility for Sunday's blast at the Volgograd railway station or Monday's bus explosion in the city, but they came only months after Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov threatened new attacks on civilian targets in Russia, including the Olympics. In addition to the dead, the bombings wounded 104 people, according to Russia's Health Ministry. As of late Monday, 58 remained hospitalized, many in grave condition. Suicide bombings have rocked Russia for years, but the insurgents seeking to create an Islamic state have largely confined their attacks to the North Caucasus region in recent years. The blasts in Volgograd signaled that militants want to show their reach outside their native region. Despite more gadgets, electricity usage in US homes is falling NEW YORK (AP) — The average amount of electricity consumed in U.S. homes has fallen to levels last seen more than a decade ago, back when the smartest device in people's pockets was a Palm pilot and anyone talking about a tablet was probably an archaeologist or a preacher. Because of more energyefficient housing, appliances and gadgets, power usage is on track to decline in 2013 for the third year in a row, to 10,819 kilowatthours per household, according to the Energy Information Administration. That's the lowest level since 2001, when households averaged 10,535 kwh. And the drop has occurred even though our lives are more electrified. Here's a look at what has changed since the last time consumption was so low. Uganda's president warns South Sudan rebel leader JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — Uganda's president on Monday warned South Sudan's rebel AP photo Pigeons fly outside the Karti Sakhi shrine in Kabul, Afghanistan, Monday. Kabul has been experiencing below freezing weather and snow. leader against rejecting the government's offer of a cease-fire, saying regional leaders would unite to ''defeat'' the former vice president who is accused of mounting a failed coup in the world's newest country. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni told reporters in Juba, the South Sudan capital, that a regional bloc known as IGAD had given Riek Machar ''four days to respond'' to the cease-fire offer. ''If he doesn't we shall have to go for him, all of us,'' he said, referring to IGAD. A meeting of East African leaders last week said it ''welcomed the commitment'' by South Sudan's government to cease hostilities against rebels and urged both sides to start peace talks by Tuesday. Machar instead called for a negotiated cease-fire that includes a way to monitor compliance. Violence since midDecember in South Sudan has displaced up to 180,000 people, the United Nations said Monday. Feds announce drone testing sites in US LAS VEGAS (AP) — Six states were named Monday by federal officials to develop test sites for drones — a critical next step for the burgeoning industry that could one day produce thousands of unmanned aircraft for use by businesses, farmers and researchers. Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia will host the research sites, providing diverse climates, geography and air traffic environments as the Federal Aviation Administration seeks to safely introduce commercial drones into U.S. airspace. Members of Congress and other politicians lobbied intensely to bring the work to their states. Representatives were jubilant about the likelihood that the testing will draw companies interested in cashing in on the fledgling industry. An industry-commissioned study has predicted more than 70,000 jobs would develop in the first three years after Congress loosens drone restrictions on U.S. skies. The same study projects an average salary range for a drone pilot between $85,000 and $115,000. ''This is wonderful news for Nevada that creates a huge opportunity for our economy,'' said U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, DNevada. In New York, Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat, called the announcement a boon for his state. Selfie turns teen into symbol of Lebanese caught in crossfire BEIRUT (AP) — It's a happy moment, a selfie taken by a group of teenagers on a sunny day in downtown Beirut. Mohammed Shaar sits among his friends in a red hoodie and his dark-framed glasses. The next photos, captured by journalists only moments later, are tragic. The 16-year-old Shaar lies mortally wounded, his red hoodie and his blood forming a scarlet blur on the pavement — an anonymous civilian casualty of a car bomb that killed a prominent politician. The before-and-after montage of Shaar, who died of his wounds a day after Friday's bombing, has rattled Lebanese who in Shaar's ordinary-turnedhorrifying day saw their own lives and potentially their own fate. The Lebanese teenager has since become a symbol of a population held ransom by the country's widening violence and swelling tensions between Sunnis and Shiites, exacerbated by the war in neighboring Syria. On Monday, hundreds of Shaar's fellow students marched to the Starco building, outside of which the bombing took place. They held signs saying ''We are all Mohammed,'' waved the Lebanese flag and left flowers. The powerful car bomb targeted Mohammed Chatah, a former finance minister critical of Syria and Hezbollah. Chatah's allies in a mainly Sunni political coalition backed by the West quickly pointed the finger at the Shiite Hezbollah guerrilla group, which denied the accusations. Schumacher' s doctors offer no prognosis GRENOBLE, France (AP) — Doctors offered a grim assessment of Michael Schumacher's head injuries Monday, Tehama District Jr. Livestock All makes and models. We perform dealer recommened Members Welcome 30K, 60K, 90K SERVICES AT LOWER PRICES Smog Check $ starting at 95 $ 25 + 8 certificate 25 (MOST CARS & PICK-UPS) 527-9841 • 195 S. Main St. Annual Meeting Thurs., Jan 16th 6pm held in the Tehama Ro @ Tehama Districom t Fairgrounds providing no prognosis for the Formula One driving great after his skiing accident in the French Alps. Schumacher has been placed in a medically induced coma to relieve pressure on his brain, which suffered bruising and bleeding when the retired seven-time world champion fell and struck a rock Sunday while skiing during a family vacation. ''We cannot predict the future for Michael Schumacher,'' Dr. Jean-Francois Payen, the doctor in charge of Grenoble University Hospital's intensive care unit, said at a news conference. ''He is in a critical state in terms of cerebral resuscitation,'' said Payen, the chief anesthesiologist treating the 44year-old German driver. ''We are working hour by hour.'' Schumacher's wife, Corinna, daughter Gina Maria and son Mick were at his bedside. Al-Qaida records all expenses, runs like company TIMBUKTU, Mali (AP) — The convoy of cars bearing the black alQaida flag came at high speed, and the manager of the modest grocery store thought he was about to get robbed. Mohamed Djitteye rushed to lock his till and cowered behind the counter. He was dumbfounded when instead, the al-Qaida commander gently opened the grocery's glass door and asked for a pot of mustard. Then he asked for a receipt. Confused and scared, Djitteye didn't understand. So the jihadist repeated his request. Could he please have a receipt for the $1.60 purchase? This transaction in northern Mali shows what might seem an unusual preoccupation for a terror group: Al-Qaida is obsessed with documenting the most minute expenses. Amazing Finds NEW & USED FURNITURE & MUCH, MUCH MORE! 50% Red Tag Sale Antiques, Unique Fall Sale Two Locations - 30,000 square feet RED BLUFF 530-917-1138 REDDING 530-917-7797 22660 Antelope Blvd. amazingfindsredbluff.com 9am – 7pm Sun.-Fri. 3351 S. Market St. amazingfindshome.com 9am – 7pm Sun.-Fri. RUNNINGS ROOFING Sheet Metal Roofing Residential Commercial • Composition • Shingle • Single Ply Membrane "No Job Too Steep" " No Job Too Flat" Serving Tehama County No Money 530-527-5789 530-209-5367 CA. LIC#829089 Down! FREE ESTIMATES Owner is on site on every job The 2016 presidential campaign checklist WASHINGTON (AP) — Hillary Clinton as couch potato didn't last long. Was anyone surprised? While she was getting back in the game, others who might run for president were in motion, too. Republican Gov. Chris Christie socked away a big re-election victory in New Jersey and scored a prime position in his party to raise money and make friends. Gov. Scott Walker, RWis., plugged a gaping hole in his resume with a new book. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin rode to the rescue as Republican broker of a December budget deal that avoided a repeat of the fall government shutdown. Israel and 'Christian' New Year's Eve JERUSALEM (AP) — Happy New Year? Not so fast, if you're in Israel, where the somber, soulsearching and autumnal new year of the lunar Jewish calendar overshadows the Gregorian's Jan. 1. The highly diverse country certainly has its modern and hard-partying side. But even in such circles, where the pull of the outside world is strong, there is a sense, even as champagne is swilled, that New Year's Eve is someone else's party — indeed, maybe everybody else's. So while there will be plenty of festivities on Dec. 31 — especially in the vibrant and Westernoriented Tel Aviv area, home to one of the world's major high-tech hubs — almost everyone has to work the next day, giving the whole enterprise a somewhat underground, guilt-ridden feel. Yossi Yosfan, 32, seemed to personify the mixed message: he was planning to attend a large party in Tel Aviv, but insisted that he didn't mind the absence of a public holiday in the morning. ''It's not part of Israel's heritage,'' he said. Saigon Bistro NEW BUFFET Lunch Express American & International Food DINNER BUFFET Fri-Sat 5pm-8pm BREAKFAST BUFFET Free Coffee and Cinnamon Rolls Starting Fri., Dec. 20th Biscuits & Gravy, Meatloaf, Salad Bar, Sushi, Gumbo, Cajun Shrimp, Sandwiches, Fruit Salad and more Wine & Beer - Catering available 723 Walnut St. Red Bluff • 528-9670 ''It doesn't need to be more than what it is.'' In hip neighborhoods like Tel Aviv's Florentin, street parties were planned, poster invitations were up and bars planned to be heaving till the early hours of January 1. But big hotels, of the kind where one might expect a fancy and lucrative affair, were distinctly subdued. Fiery explosions in ND crude oil train derailment CASSELTON, N.D. (AP) — A train carrying crude oil from North Dakota's oil patch derailed Monday near the small town of Casselton, setting off a series of fiery explosions. No injuries were initially reported, but officials were warning residents to stay indoors as the situation unfolded. BNSF Railway spokeswoman Amy McBeth said a train carrying grain was first to derail, and it knocked several cars of the mile-long oil train off adjoining tracks. Several explosions were reported, she said. Cass County Sheriff's Capt. Mitch Burris also told The Associated Press that the derailment appeared to result from the crude oil train striking a grain car, but he said investigators were still trying to determine exactly what happened. Cass County Emergency Manager Dave Rogness said the town's 2,400 residents were told to stay indoors as a precaution. Rogness said crews were calling for truckloads of sand to help contain leaking material. He says the derailment occurred near the city's ethanol plant. Terry Johnson, the manager of a grain dealer less than a mile from the derailment, said he had heard at least six explosions in the two hours following the incident. ''Each one, you could hear the explosion,'' he said. ''It shook our building and there was a huge fireball.'' Johnson said he was staying inside his grain business, as directed by authorities, but could see the disaster through a window. ''The town is covered with black smoke,'' he said. ''The wind is blowing a little, so the town doesn't have to breathe it.'' North Dakota is the No. 2 oil-producing state in the U.S., trailing only Texas, and a growing amount of that oil is being shipped by rail. The state's top oil regulator said earlier this month that he expected as much as 90 percent of North Dakota's oil would be carried by train in 2014, up from the current 60 percent.