Parts dealer admits funding al-Qaeda; idea could knock L.A.'s lights out

MISSOURI

Parts dealer literally supported al-Qaeda

A Kansas City, Mo., auto parts dealer who had sworn allegiance to al-Qaeda pleaded guilty Wednesday to taking part in a conspiracy to provide financial support to the terrorist group.

Khalid Ouazzani, 32, a Moroccan native who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006, admitted sending $23,500 to al-Qaeda between August 2007 and mid-2008.

Although Ouazzani had spoken with others about ways to support al-Qaeda, including plans for them to fight in Afghanistan, Iraq or Somalia, U.S. Attorney Beth Phillips said he did not pose a threat to the Kansas City area, where he operated a business that sold auto parts and used vehicles.

Ouazzani pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, one count of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization.

-- Associated Press

ARIZONA

Official's bright idea: Leave L.A. in the dark

A member of an Arizona board that oversees utilities has suggested that power transfers to Los Angeles be suspended over the city's boycott.

Gary Pierce, a member of the Arizona Corporate Commission, suggested the possibility in a letter to Los Angeles officials Tuesday.

It's unclear whether Pierce's suggestion has support from other commission members -- or whether such a cutoff is legally allowed.