World news: Russia and US 'consider swapping suspected spies'

Russia and the United States appeared to be considering a spy swap yesterday to send home a ring of suspected Russian agents, whose arrest cast an unwelcome Cold War chill over warming diplomatic ties.

The US and Russia declined to confirm a deal was in the works as US prosecutors unsealed formal charges against the group.

But a Russian lawyer involved in the affair said a swap was discussed and a US official said Washington might allow the suspected spies to plead guilty and then return to Russia in exchange for the release of certain Russian prisoners.

"It's a common practice," the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said.

All 10 suspects in US custody are to be arraigned today before US District Judge Kimba Wood.

The Russian lawyer said the proposed plan includes exchanging Russian nuclear expert Igor Sutyagin.

"They want to exchange Sutyagin for one of those arrested in the United States for spying," lawyer Anna Stavitskaya said.

"It is a one-for-one exchange. So each of those detained in the US will be swapped for one person from Russia."

Teen fractures vertebrae at bull run fiesta

SPAIN: Thousands of daredevils dashed through Pamplona today for the first bull run at the San Fermin fiesta.

An 18-year-old runner suffered three fractured vertebrae and a 20-year-old received an eye injury.

NEW YORK: A gangster, 93, who struggled to stay awake at his racketeering trial was convicted for extorting money from New York strip clubs and a pizzeria.

John "Sonny" Franzese faces up to 20 years in jail.

Demand over bomber release

Four US senators are asking Britain to probe the circumstances of last year's release of the Lockerbie bomber.

Cancer-stricken Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, pictured, was released from a Scottish prison in September because a doctor said he had only three months to live.

Trainer injured by elephant

A TRAINER attacked by an elephant named Louie at Ohio's Toledo Zoo suffered life-threatening lung injuries and is on a ventilator.

Don RedFox is in a critical but stable condition with fractured ribs and punctured lungs, but is expected to make a full recovery.

Solar plane project success

The Swiss team behind an experimental solar-powered plane says it has remained aloft for a record 24 hours.

The team is now preparing to land the aircraft near Bern.

The plane has 12,000 solar cells that stored enough energy during the day to last through the night.

Briton freed by Thai court

A BRITON involved in violent anti-government protests was freed today by a Thai court after pleading guilty to all charges and will be deported in the next few days.

The court convicted Jeff Savage, 48, of violating an emergency decree imposed during the two-month-long protests which is still in effect in Bangkok and 18 other provinces.

Savage broke down and cried after hearing the verdict, calling it "a miracle"..