In brief: Two charged with aiding Gambian coup plot

WASHINGTON – Two men have been charged in the United States with conspiring to help overthrow the government of the small West African nation of Gambia, federal prosecutors said Monday.

Both men, U.S. citizens of Gambian descent, remain in federal custody following court appearances Monday in Baltimore and Minneapolis.

The charges stem from a Dec. 30 coup attempt in the former British colony, which came as the longtime ruler was away. Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has since returned to the capital.

Prosecutors say the two men, Cherno Njie and Papa Faal, traveled separately from the United States to Gambia to participate in the unrest there. They later returned to the U.S, where they were charged with weapons violations and with breaking a law that makes it illegal to take military action against a country with whom the U.S. is “at peace.”

After 2013 record, 2014 third-hottest for Australia

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia sweltered through its third-hottest year on record in 2014, following a record hot 2013, weather authorities reported today.

The southern spring from September through November was Australia’s hottest on record.

The hot spring has set the stage for the current summer wildfire season to start early, with dozens of homes destroyed and thousands of residents evacuated from fire danger zones in recent days.