Suspect Arrested in 1974 Utah Slaying

Authorities said a soil sample containing DNA helped them identify a suspect in the slaying of a Brigham Young University student who was shot five times in 1974.

Gerald Hicker was arrested Wednesday at his home in Tacoma, Wash., in the death of 21-year-old Barbara Jean Rocky, whom he first reported missing when they both attended the university, Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder said.

Hicker was charged with murder in Utah. Bail was set at $1 million at his arraignment Thursday. A defense attorney, Lisa Contris, was not available for comment.

"We're thrilled that Ms. Barbara Jean Rocky finally has justice," Winder said at a news …

No spring surge in gas prices

In most of the last 15 years, this is the week when gasoline prices started a spring surge, but experts say drivers might be spared this year.

"All the pieces are in place this year for it not to spike up," says Phil Flynn, director of research for Alaron Trading in Chicago.

That's because a huge amount of crude oil is available for refiners and demand remains relatively low.

Gas prices nationally …

Balancing benefits and risks in biosolids

Ohio State University researcher bases his opinions on his own studies, interpretation of published literature, and practical experiences in biosolids use as a consultant to government and industry.

AS AN agricultural scientist who began in the 1970s to study the potential benefits and hazards of using biosolids as a soil amendment and for land reclamation, I have always tried to balance benefit and risk in the same way that I would judge the use of pesticides, manure or fertilizers. My experiences in dealing with biosolids these 25 years lead me to the conclusion that properly treated, properly managed and adequately regulated biosolids pose minimal risks to human health and the …

UN body criticizes 'widespread' torture by Indonesian police, military

A U.N. panel said Friday that Indonesian police and military forces are allegedly engaging in widespread torture, and it urged the world's largest Muslim country to punish the abuse of prisoners.

Indonesia "should take immediate steps to prevent acts of torture and ill-treatment throughout the country, and to announce a zero-tolerance policy on any ill-treatment or torture by state officials," said the U.N. Committee against Torture.

The panel of 10 independent experts, which reviews adherence to the 1984 international anti-torture treaty, cited "numerous, ongoing, credible and consistent allegations" of abuse in Indonesia.

…

Oil falls below $71 as US dollar strengthens

Oil prices fell below $71 a barrel Monday in Asia as a three-month rally lost steam amid a strengthening dollar.

Benchmark crude for July delivery fell $1.32 to $70.72 a barrel by late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Friday, it fell 64 cents to settle at $72.04.

Oil prices have more than doubled since March in part on expectations that massive U.S. fiscal and monetary stimulus will hasten a decline of the dollar. Investors often buy crude and other commodities as a hedge against the possibility of inflation.

The euro weakened to $1.3879 on Monday from $1.4015 on Friday.

Traders are …

Bears Pitch a Shutout

TEMPE, Ariz. The pregame hype centered on Buddy Ball, but thepostgame comments all regarded friendly competition within the Bears.

By the time the Bears dispatched the Arizona Cardinals 16-0before 52,502 at Sun Devil Stadium, the only opponent was themselves.

Steve Walsh emerged from Erik Kramer's shadow to create apotential quarterback controversy, Robert Green threw his hat inthe ring for the running back derby and the Bears' defense forcedfive turnovers, including two interceptions by Donnell Woolford.

"Erik is our starter and Steve had a fine night and willcontinue to have fine nights for us," Bears coach Dave Wannstedtsaid.

"As I've said …

Coach: Del Potro to skip Germany Davis Cup tie

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — The coach of Juan Martin Del Potro says the former U.S. Open champion will skip Argentina's Davis Cup series next month in Germany.

Franco Davin told Friday's La Nacion newspaper that Del Potro, plagued by injuries the last several years, was bowing out because of concern over …