Free Republic

KUT, Iraq, Dec. 9, 2005 – With its 9,800-foot runway, one of Saddam Hussein's premier air bases was in Kut, Iraq, near the Tigris River midway between Baghdad and Kuwait. Today, the coalition defense team has commandeered the base's strategic position. The U.S. Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence contracted with ECC International a year ago to build an Iraqi police cadet academy at Kut. With Iraq's training needs critical to the U.S. mission's eventual completion, the site has morphed into a triple training facility. Recruits for the Department of Border Enforcement have now begun training at Kut, as have...

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (July 26) - Last month, Penn State University officials learned something about professor Paul Krueger that wasn't on his resume - he is on parole for a triple murder committed in Texas nearly 40 years ago. The university knew nothing about Krueger's conviction until late last month, when the Pennsylvania Bureau of Probation and Parole contacted the university, spokesman Bill Mahon said Friday. "We're in shock to find out some of the details, and we're still looking into it," Mahon said. "We've never had a situation like this before." Mahon said the university doesn't require prospective faculty...

Funny Cide bids for Triple Crown and history By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer June 7, 2003 AP - Jun 6, 1:51 pm EDTMore Photos NEW YORK (AP) -- Funny Cide takes his shot at the Triple Crown, cheered on by racing fans riveted to the story of the inexpensive red gelding, his small-time owners, obscure trainer and vindicated jockey. Only 11 horses have ever swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes, and none since Affirmed 25 years ago. ``It's certainly the gift of a lifetime to have a chance like this, but I've got to produce, too,''...