Terror Suspect Zazi Pleads Not Guilty

It jumps ahead of Tokyo in new rankings

(NEWSER) - A stronger Swiss franc has given residents of Zurich, Switzerland, a distinction they might rather do without: It's now the most expensive city in the world in which to live, according to an Economist survey. It knocked Tokyo out of the top spot:

1. Zurich
2. Tokyo
3. Geneva (tie)
4. Osaka (tie)
5. Oslo
6. Paris
7. Sydney
8. Melbourne
9. Singapore
10. Frankfurt

Anthony Bologna accused of violating protesters' civil rights

(NEWSER) - Two of the women pepper-sprayed in the face by high-ranking NYPD officer Anthony Bologna last fall are taking him to court. The women say Bologna violated their civil rights, and they're seeking unspecified damages, Reuters reports. A YouTube video of the penned-in women being pepper-sprayed received more than 1.5 million hits and helped draw attention to the Occupy Wall Street movement. More»

Abu Qatada to face 22-hour curfew in London

(NEWSER) - A radical cleric described as Osama bin Laden's "right-hand man" in Europe is set for immediate release from a British maximum security prison. Abu Qatada will be housebound for 22 hours a day in London, where he'll wear an electronic tag and face stringent rules on phone and Internet use, the Guardian reports. Bail terms allow Qatada full access to his family, though they will prevent him from taking his youngest child to school, notes the Telegraph . More»

New York gangsters grab pistols kept in hiding spots

(NEWSER) - Radiators, bushes, and wheel wells are popular. Garbage pails, too. All are handy hiding spots for the so-called "community gun" that New York gang members are turning to in times of need. After shooting someone, the New York Times reports, they kindly put it back. Today's economy might explain the popularity of communal guns—plus “the gangs are younger, and their resources are less,” says a Bronx assistant DA. More»

They want FCC, carriers to put safeguard in place

(NEWSER) - With smartphone robberies soaring, frustrated police are calling for regulators and service providers to shut down stolen phones remotely to reduce their value, reports the Washington Post . About 40% of robberies in Washington in 2011 involved smartphones, iPods, or tablets, while in New York City the figure was nearly 50%. “This is a national issue,” says the DC police chief, noting that the thefts have "clobbered" her department. “We have done all we can at the local level.” More»