A New Year's Day doubling of gas prices sent shock waves through the country, sparking deadly unrest that has engulfed the Central Asian nation. But the origins of discontent run much deeper.

Ecuador's Emergency Operations Committee said the eruption on Isabela Island didn't represent a risk to humans or to native local species.

A three-officer panel will issue a recommendation as to whether a decorated officer should be considered for discharge just shy of his 20-year mark and be denied retirement benefits.

Transportation officials say all mountain passes that connect Western and Eastern Washington likely would remain closed until Sunday because of dangerous conditions.