Two Reports in the News Involving Religious Differences- Taiina Ayala

First, I read an article of how a teacher was fired from her teaching job at a Catholic high school after officials found out she was gay. Someone apparently submitted an anonymous letter to the school that brought attention to the fact that the teacher was gay. This news came to be from her mother's obituary, which was published and mentioned her and her partner. The woman is trying to sue the school for breaking the law in Ohio that prohibits firings based on sexual orientation. The Catholic school establishment says they reserve their right to fire anyone who goes against what the church, and school, teaches.
I think that it is wrong for anyone to be fired because of their sexual orientation, that civil rights need to cover gay rights too. The way the information was revealed was also an invasion of privacy, and just ethically wrong to the teacher whose mother obviously died. However, as a provate institution, the school might win the case because it is their establishment and they can choose how to run it. However, there are boundaries.
The next article I read was about a shooting that went down in Washington at a conservative Christian lobbying group headquarters. A man went to the headquarters purposely to shoot and kill. He shot a guard and wounded him. I guess maybe he disagreed with the conservative Christian group's values but that doesn't give anyone a reason to shoot people. Everyone should respect the opinions of others, even if you don't agree.

Source for first article: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/29/gay-teacher-fired/2121361/

Source for second article: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/29/sentencing-family-research-council-shooting/2121695/

Man shot inside Utah police station - Jonas Portillo

A man was shot multiple times by police Monday morning after pulling a gun in the lobby of a police station in Utah. Police in West Valley City, a suburb of Salt Lake City, said one if its officers shot a man who was acting suspiciously in the lobby of the police station and pulled a gun after asking an officer to come out from behind a partition around 8:30 a.m. this morning. Police Sgt. Jason Hauer told the station the male suspect was in his 20s or 30s. He did know not if the suspect fired his gun. The man was taken to an area hospital, but his condition was not released.

Man jumps pews, and stabs choir members by Jonathan Landeros

As the choir began ending its hymns at St. Jude Thaddeus church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a man of 24 years of age attacked them and stabbed the soloist and flute player. In total he stabbed 4 members of the choir, but parishioners held him down while officers showed up. Witnesses say the man seemed very scared while attacking the choir and kept on screaming, "fake preacher!," The whole time while in attack mode. The flutist tried pinning him down, but was too short for the guy which caused the man to also stab him. The man is now in felony charges and his attack is still unknown, besides that he kept yelling, "fake preacher!," and saying that the choir was of the devil.

OPINION: I guess the government is gonna have to take away all our knifes as well right.

URL:http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/29/us/new-mexico-church-attack/index.html

Immigrants Pay Lower Fees to Send Money Home, Helping to Ease Poverty

Carmen Gonzalas fights for the importance of being able to spend money to family members outside of America in order to help them through tough times. Ms. Gonzalas also tells of her daughter making it to college after she saved for three years to buy her daughter a lap top.She uses this story to emphasize the importance of a financial transformation by new technology and increased competition that has "driven down the average cost of sending money to Mexico by nearly 80 percent since 1999." The cost of sending money out of the U.S. has also declined sharply and has helped towards easing poverty of immigrants. Not only will these things help the immigrants, but it will help decrease poverty in other countries as well and even help immigrants earn higher wages here in America.


Natalie Newman
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/28/us/politics/immigrants-find-it-cheaper-to-send-money-home.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=us

Rep. Suspects Boston Bombers Likely Had Training

The chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Michael McCaul says he is to believe that the suspects involved in the Boston Bombing likely had training by others in doing such tasks. Rep. Michael McCaul is citing the type of device used in the attack (shrapnel-packed pressure-cooker bombs) and the weapons' sophistication as signs of training. It is said that homemade bombs built from pressure cookers have been used frequently as weapons by people in Afghanistan, India, and Pakistan. Al-Qaida's branch in Yemen once published an online manual on how to make one. I definitely think that the bombers had training. One doesn't simply make a bomb from scratch and have it work the first time around. I think he definitely was being taught by someone. You have to learn to make a bomb first before you go out into a public place and set it off. Source: http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/McCaul-Boston-Suspects-Training/2013/04/28/id/501674

Voter to Tremblay: 'You Are a F---ing Idiot' By Carlos Walcott

State Rep. Stella Tremblay forwarded one of the hate emails she's received this week to every member of the New Hampshire Legislature. The subject line on the email, written in response to her claim that the Boston Marathon bombings were a "Black Ops 'terrorist' attack" by the U.S. government, read "you are a f---ing idiot." To Tremblay, the email was "pure Saul Alinsky Tactics in action." But it might as well have come from her fellow Republicans, who have expressed embarrassment and called for an apology. Tremblay says none will be coming. I think its sad that no one is stepping up and apolagizing. What kind of adult does that?! Not a good one. Not in my house! NOT TODAY!!!!!! http://concord-nh.patch.com/articles/voter-to-tremblay-you-are-a-expletive-idiot

1 killed, 10 hurt when train strikes rural Pennsylvania transit bus stopped on tracks by: CARLOS WALCOTT A.K.A. C-LOS IN DA HOUSE

A freight train struck a rural transit bus carrying senior citizens and people with developmental disabilities on Friday morning. An elderly woman was killed, and nine other passengers, including the driver, were injured. At least one other injury was serious. It appeared the small bus, carrying passengers ranging in age from mid-20s to 92, entered the crossing and stopped on the tracks, said Evans City police chief, Joseph McCombs. The engineer sounded a horn and tried to stop the train, but couldn’t. The bus came to rest about 20 feet away but did not overturn. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/at-least-10-reportedly-hurt-when-transit-bus-train-collide-in-western-pa/2013/04/26/0fffbf5c-ae79-11e2-b240-9ef3a72c67cc_story.html

Horse Rescued From Quicksand by Carlos Walcott

After being stuck in thick, quicksand-like mud for hours in Avalon Beach, Australia, an 18-year-old horse was miraculously rescued. According to the report, the horse's owner and daughter we riding on the beach when the horse began to sink. Rescuers raced the clock to save the horse before the tide came in, using a sling and tractor to pull him out. The three-hour job was expedited after they were able to sedate the horse. Thats so sad but miraculous that a horse was saved from quicksand. Praise BaseGod.

Boston Maraton Bombing by Carlos Walcott

Explosions during the Boston Marathon Monday left many injured or with a loss of life. NBC reported that a homemade bomb was the cause of this horrible and drastic event. According to an official, one suspect was captured. The other suspect unfortunately is still on the loose. It infuriates me that people want to hurt others. They have no reason to just go around killing people just because they want to. They should be sentenced to an immediate death if you ask me. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/15/boston-marathon-bombing-video_n_3086900.html

38 killed in Russia hospital fire by: CARLOS WALCOTT A.K.A. C-LOS UP IN DA HOUSE

A fire at a psychiatric hospital in Russia on Friday, killed 38 people. Mostly patients. Those who died in their sleep died due to the inhaling the fumes. Firefighters found 12 bodies, according to a local news publisher. Four patients were found near the exit of the hospital, while eight others were found in their rooms. This hospital had bars on its windows (since it's a mental institution), preventing escape. Most of the bodies were found still in their beds. Patients were people with acute psychosis, alcoholics, drug addicts and patients with schizophrenia. http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/world/38-killed-in-russia-hospital-fire/article4658184.ece

Racketeering, Smuggling, Sex with Guards: 25 Indicted in Massive Baltimore Prison Scandal By Andres Munoz

  A major scandal in the Baltimore city corrections system netted an indictment of 25 people — including 13 prison guards — on charges of drug conspiracy, money laundering and racketeering, all run through a prison gang operation in which inmates virtually controlled the jail in which they were incarcerated.

  Federal law enforcement officials say the defendants conspired with or took bribes from members of the Black Guerilla Family to smuggle drugs, cellphones, and other contraband in and out of the Baltimore City Detention Center and several facilities connected to it. Four female corrections officers named in the indictment even allegedly became pregnant (one of them twice) by the gang’s accused ringleader, inmate Tavon White.

  The Black Guerilla Family seem to control the prison. The leader when interviewed says even the guards must go through him first before they act. Is it fear or just corruption? Either way something can be done about that. The prison should either separate those particular inmates or get better guards. http://nation.time.com/2013/04/24/sex-with-guards-in-baltimore-prison-scandal/?iid=us-main-lead

Boston Bombers Were Headed To New York's Times Square By Andres Munoz

The Boston Marathon bombers were headed for New York’s Times Square to blow up the rest of their explosives, authorities said Thursday, in what they portrayed as a chilling, spur-of-the-moment scheme that fell apart when the brothers realized the car they had hijacked was low on gas. “New York City was next on their list of targets,” Mayor Michael Bloomberg said.

 New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Dzhokhar Tsarnaev told interrogators from his hospital bed that he and his older brother decided on the spot last Thursday night to drive to New York and launch an attack. In their stolen SUV they had five pipe bombs and a pressure-cooker explosive like the ones that blew up at the marathon, Kelly said.                        
  The biggest question is still left unanswered. What made them do this? Was this as everyone predicts, a act of terrorism? Whatever it was, it raises an even bigger question. Will he face the death penalty? http://nation.time.com/2013/04/25/boston-bombing-suspect-said-new-york-city-was-next-target/

Shots Fired At CO Marijuana Rally By Andres Munoz

  Denver, Colorado ( KCNC ) Violence erupted Saturday during an annual pot rally where marijuana is now legal. Gun fire rang out at what was supposed to be a peaceful 420 marijuana rally in denver saturday. Pot smokers ran for cover clearing out Denver's Civic Center Park in fear for their safety.
  With the event now over, clean up is underway. Organizers aren't happy it ended so abruptly.
Miguel Lopez says, "disappointed that someone would ruin something like christmas. Like Christmas? Really? Yeah! A lot of people here were celebrating the passing of 64."
  Lopez, is overseeing the cleanup process. Though smoking weed in public is still illegal under colorado law, he believes the shooter was trying to ruin his event.
  "Somebody had planned that because they knew that this was going on down here."
  "The shooting happened here on the east side of the greek amphitheater in front of the thousands of people in attendance. Because of the shooting, what was supposed to be a weekend long event has now ended early, canceled for Sunday." 
  A day that was supposed to be celebrating peace and the passing of 64 in Colorado, had to be quickly shut down and the people dispersed. Its sad to see that people nowadays need to be watched over at all times like children. Gun restrictions are ridiculous, but weapons are being misused so what is to be done.http://www.kmvt.com/news/regional/Shots-Fired-At-CO-Marijuana-Rally-204031981.html

Ex-teacher accused of child pornography caught in Nicaragua By Andres Munoz

Eric Justin Toth, the former D.C. elementary school teacher and accused child pornographer who replaced Osama bin Laden on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, has been found in Nicaragua, according to people familiar with the case. Toth had been on the run for almost five years. He fled after officials at Washington National Cathedral’s exclusive Beauvoir elementary school found explicit photos of a student on a camera assigned to him, authorities said. Eric Toth left a trail of evidence leading us to him. After 5 years of running it was finally time for the law to catch up to him.

  http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/ex-beauvoir-teacher-wanted-on-child-pornography-charge-found-abroad/2013/04/22/fc70abbe-ab75-11e2-b6fd-ba6f5f26d70e_story.html

Fertilizer Plant Explosion in West Texas - Paolo Buccino

      As many people probably already know, there was a huge explosion in West, Texas after a fertilizer plant burned to the ground. The blast left 14 people dead and hundreds injured. Ammonium nitrate is a key ingredient in fertilizer, which is also highly explosive under the right circumstances. Its the same substance that was used for the Oklahoma City bombing. 

      Authorities still aren't sure what caused the fire and explosion. This was just days after the terrorist attack in Boston so some people have been suspicious of criminal activity. This is understandable, but in my opinion it was probably just a freak accident. Terrorists are usually pretty obvious about what they do. It wouldn't make sense for their intentions if everyone thought it was an accident. 

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/21/17850177-officials-still-dont-know-what-caused-texas-fertilizer-explosion?lite

"Man rapes a 5 year old girl" by Jonathan Landeros

   A man was arrested by an Indian police for rapping a 5 year old girl. The man abducted the little girl which he then took her to his house & constantly raped her. The girl went missing Sunday evening which was then found on a Wednesday laying on the floor. She was immediately taken to a hospital nearby where doctors removed objects such as candle pieces and a small bottle from her genitals. The little girl went through surgery to help her bowel movement. This attack caused for a protest New Delhi on Friday.

OPINION: It's so sad to hear that innocent children are being abused and hurt at such a young age and these people aren't even  ashamed.

URL: http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/20/world/asia/india-child-rape/index.html

About 2,000 headstones will be replaced, while another 7,000 stones will be re-engraved at a sprawling Belgian cemetery to prepare for upcoming WWI commemorations - Jonas Portillo

The Tyne Cot cemetery sweeps gently down the slope, the nearly 12,000 headstones aligned in solemn rows of gleaming white. Beyond the walls stretch Flanders Fields, dotted by red farmhouse roofs. For the stage of some of World War I's worst carnage, the scene is tranquility itself — but over the whisper of wind floats a whine like a dentist's drill. A closer look gives the reason for the jarring sound. Some gravestones are chipped or cracked. A century of wind and weather has worn the surfaces so the names are hard to read. The stones are no longer perfectly aligned. So workers are using diamond drill bits to painstakingly re-engrave stones and make the names more legible, the regimental shields more distinct. It's part of a grand effort to get the cemeteries of the British Commonwealth — and Tyne Cot is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in the world — into perfect condition for the crowds expected to visit during World War I centenary commemorations that will take place between 2014 and 2018. Nearly 100 years ago, these fields were steeped in blood and mud. Burnt trees stood like spent matches against the sky. Horses mired in muck to their haunches strained to haul wagons or guns. Men and boys in trenches watched their feet rot and their friends die. The current works are being carried out to provide the most fitting memorial possible to such suffering, with pristine order serving as a counterpoint to the incomprehensible horror and chaos of the battlefield. About 2,000 headstones will be replaced with new ones, identical to the originals. Those to be replaced are marked in the corner with a small red X. Another 7,000 stones will be re-engraved. The rows of stones will be realigned into geometric perfection, the landscaping trimmed and renewed. 

Heated Questions and Divisions Emerge at Immigration Bill Hearing

After the Boston Marathon bombing, a Senate Judiciary Committee was held to address immigration laws. After the Boston marathon bombing many questions were raised about immigration techniques and how the bombing would affect the laws being discussed. The mood of the meeting was tensse and the people had to be called back to order at one point. Some people felt that some of the members were using the Boston bombing as an excuse for postponing the Immigration bill.
I believe it is smart that people are being more cautious after this event. The timing of it all makes people wonder if it was meant to be that the bill would be put on hold.


Natalie Newman
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/23/us/politics/senators-at-immigration-hearing-clash-over-boston-bombings.html

Boston Bomber Not Mirandized By Andres Munoz

There was no legal obligation to do so that I know of. Indeed, I would argue that the DOJ would have a very compelling tactical reason NOT to announce this -- you would not want potential 'terrorist cell' members to know precisely how you are handling the interrogation of the Boston terror suspect.

As Gary Norton explained, the issue regarding Mirandizing suspects is, in most instances, an evidentiary one. which goes to the exclusion of statements made by a suspect. Whether a proper Miranda warning was given becomes an issue only if the government seeks to introduce such statements into evidence.

This precaution taken by the FBI in my opinion was the right decision. Different measures should be taken simply because of the fact that this could be a terrorist matter. Although they will receive a lot of debate on the topic, I believe not mirandizing him was the correct choice.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/04/21/1203692/-The-Politics-of-Announcing-The-Not-Mirandizing-of-the-Boston-Terror-Suspect

Miranda Rights Won't Be Read To Bombing Suspect by Carter Brown

As many people are aware, there was recently a bombing at a Boston marathon killing 3 people and injuring many others. The National Guard and FBI were sent out to find the suspect and found him rather quickly, which I find to be kind of scary. But, in a recent article, I saw that the convicted bomber won't be read his Miranda Rights because of a "public safety exception". Interrogating suspects without first being read their rights usually comes with huge consequences, but not in this case. Because it was a sort of terror plot that threatened the safety of the public, under a clause, the suspect will not be read his rights. "The public safety exception permits law enforcement officials to engage in a limited and focused unwarned interrogation of a suspect and allows the government to introduce the statement as evidence in court. The public safety exception is triggered when police officers have an objectively reasonable need to protect the police or the public from immediate danger." Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/19/miranda-rights-boston-bombing-suspect_n_3120333.html

Boston Bomb- Jorge Olvera

During a Boston Marathon two explosives went off near the runners with civilians around. Two explosives went off around the finish line at the marathon injuring over eighty people. From the pictures you can see blood and people in panic with police officers at the scene with their fire arms. The reports say that they're are over 175 people being treated with about thirty people in critical condition. A good handful of people needed limbs to be amputated. An 8 year old child was murdered at the bombing as well.

This act of terrorism is disgusting. Who ever thought of this plan on trying to scare us is the worst idea. You don't know that we will fight back in anger and rage. Through our history we put everything aside to put an end to people like you. We are family and we will protect each other. Win or Lose, we won't make it easy for any of you.

resources:
 http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/15/us/boston-marathon-explosions/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

At least two dead, 80 injured after bombs at Boston Marathon - Jonas Portillo

At least 80 people are injured and two dead after two bombs exploded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon Monday afternoon. The injuries include dismemberment, witnesses said. An eight year old child is one of the two known dead, multiple news outlets reported. Authorities are telling Boston residents to stay home and avoid crowds as they try to "stabilize" the situation. "We recommend to people that they stay home," Davis said at a brief press conference Monday afternoon. "We want to make sure that we completely stabilize the situation." "We are asking that people ... calmly make their way home," Gov. Deval Patrick said. Davis said Boston police were not aware of any specific threat to the marathon before it began. Police have no one in custody, but are questioning many people. Two large explosions, just 50 yards apart, went off shortly before 3 p.m. ET, more than four hours into the race. One of the explosions happened near the entrance of the Fairmont Copley Hotel in Copley Square. The blast scattered hundreds of onlookers and runners, and left a bloody scene of injured spectators, including children. Local news reporter Jackie Bruno wrote that she saw some people with their limbs blown off. The Boston Police Department said it is looking for video footage taken from the finish line as part of its investigation. Boston Medical Center took in 20 patients, including two children, most of whom are being treated for "lower leg injuries," a spokeswoman said. Brigham and Women’s Hospital took in 26 patients, with two of them in critical condition and approximately 10 in serious condition. President Barack Obama warned Americans in a brief statement Monday evening not to jump to conclusions before authorities find out who committed the act. "We will find out who did this," Obama said. "Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice." NBC News, citing anonymous law enforcement sources, reported Monday that a "small homemade bomb" is believed to be responsible for the explosion. The AP reported that at least two more explosive devices were found by authorities, who are dismantling them. The FAA has created a no-fly zone around the area, and the Boston subway was shut down. Cell phone service was shut down in the area, the AP reported, to prevent any remote detonations. Family and friends of marathon runners or spectators can call 617-635 4500 for information. This video from the Boston Globe shows the moment the bomb went off. According to marathon officials, several thousand runners had not finished the race when the explosions detonated. Police have evacuated the area on Boylston Street to continue sweeping for more devices. Runners who had not yet finished the race were stopped at mile 25 and directed to Boston Common. The Boston Police Department is calling in all off duty officers in the city. This New York Times map shows where on the route the explosions took place. Patrick called it a "horrific day in Boston" in a statement. The New York Police Department is stepping up security around the city in response to the explosion. At the White House, yellow police tape was used to block off Pennsylvania Avenue from pedestrians in front of the White House's north gates and secret service were positioned along the perimeter. Credentialed pass holders continued to be permitted entry and exit from both the White House and the Executive Office Building.

Bionic hand by Jonathan Landeros

In 2008, a man was in a four- wheeler accident which crashed in a downed power line and made his body jolt with7,200 volts of electricity. In order to keep him alive they had to amputate his hands and ever since he has used prosthetic hands to help him move around. Now he has received the newest and latest technology, a bionic hand which is partially controlled by an iPhone, the I-limb ultra revolution. The company has claimed that it is the closest thing to a real hand since it has movable fingers and it can basically anything except be water proof. It also adjust so it can be easier to dive, hold cups, carry heavier material, which is more realistic than a prosthetic hand.The iPhone helps you adjust the shape you want which is very helpful.

OPINION: I'm sorry the man lost his hand and even though he has a new hand it is still not his, but I hope he's happy.

URL:http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/12/health/bionic-hands?c=&page=1

US Rethinks How to Respond to Nuclear Disaster

As we learn from past history, the US has decided to rethink the ways of answering to a nuclear disaster. Rather than think immediate-emergency responses, our government is trying to come up with long-term cleanup strategies instead. Recently in Japan, an earthquake damaged a nuclear plant and forced 160,000 people out of their homes. The question remains of how quickly it will be possible for those families to return home. Now there is a constant debate on whether the nuclear industry is being "overly protective" or not. I personally believe one can not be careful enough when talking about nuclear activity. This is one of the most dangerous industries and deserves to be handled carefully.

Natalie Newman
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/15/science/earth/new-rules-for-us-nuclear-disaster-response.html?ref=us&_r=0

Family of suspect Stunned by Carter Brown

The family of a man charged with wounding two women at a community college shooting in southwest Virginia is stunned and worried about the school's students and faculty, the suspect's uncle said Sunday. "It's a very difficult situation," Stewart MacInnis said in a telephone interview. Police arrested MacInnis' nephew, 18-year-old Neil Allan MacInnis, minutes after the shootings Friday at a satellite campus of New River Community College at a mall in Christiansburg. MacInnis was being held Sunday at the Montgomery County Jail on two counts each of malicious wounding and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. "We're just absolutely stunned, devastated," Stewart MacInnis said. "We are concerned about the victims and the families. We wish them the best. This is a tough situation for them. They deserve to get well quickly and completely." He said the family also is worried about the people at the satellite campus when the shootings occurred. "This has impacted them greatly as well and our thoughts are with them as well. For the students, we just hope that they continue their studies. It's a barrier that I hope they can get over and continue," said Stewart MacInnis, who is director of media relations at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. He declined to comment about his nephew but said Neil MacInnis does not yet have a lawyer. Investigators said Friday that they don't know what motivated the shootings. Authorities have not said what type of weapon was used or how it was obtained. A Christiansburg spokeswoman, Becky Wilburn, said in an email Sunday that the victims' names won't be released to protect their privacy. She also said authorities do not plan to provide further information on their conditions. On Saturday, she said they were in stable condition at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Hospital spokesman Eric Earnhart said he could not provide any information. Roanoke is about 35 miles from Christiansburg. The shootings occurred in a section of the New River Valley Mall that had been converted to classrooms for the community college. Like the family said, if someone I knew went on a killing rampage, I would be just as stunned. It is sad that people do these kinds of things because they need help or are angry at someone or something. You never really know who is going to be the next convicted murderer of innocent people. Source: http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_23023872/uncle-family-suspect-va-shootings-stunned

Powerful Storm socks Mid-West by Carter Brown

A powerful spring storm unleashed tornadoes and winds strong enough to peel the roofs from homes in the Deep South and heaped snow and ice on the Midwest, killing three people and leaving thousands without power. The National Weather Service confirmed Friday that the storm system spawned 12 tornadoes in six states in recent days. Forecasters said they had confirmed three tornadoes each in Missouri, Arkansas and Alabama; and one each in Louisiana, Mississippi and Georgia. Emergency officials said one person was killed by a tornado in Mississippi on Thursday. In Missouri, a utility worker repairing power lines was electrocuted, and a woman in Nebraska died when she tried to trudge through a blinding snowstorm from her broken-down car to her house a mile away. Golf-ball and baseball-sized hail pelted parts of Georgia and the Carolinas late Thursday and early Friday. The second day of play at the Masters at Augusta National in eastern Georgia began as scheduled Friday morning, though, and skies had cleared by the afternoon. The course was a bit wet but otherwise undamaged. High winds knocked down trees and power lines across the Southeast. Sleet and freezing rain made driving treacherous in northern New York, where several schools closed Friday and scores of others delayed the start of classes. And more wintry weather was on the way for the nation's northern tier. The weather service was predicting that another storm system would hit the north-central U.S. starting Saturday afternoon, potentially bringing 6 to 12 inches of snow to parts of eastern Montana, much of North Dakota, northern South Dakota and northern Minnesota. In the Deep South, meanwhile, families and business persons were picking up the pieces Friday after powerful storms pounded the region a day earlier. In Mississippi, Emergency Management Agency spokesman Greg Flynn said that one person died and 10 people were injured after a tornado struck Kemper County in the far-eastern part of the state on Thursday. Authorities said the man was killed when the tornado ripped apart a business. The National Weather Service said Friday that that tornado was a category EF-3 storm, with winds of 145 mph. At Contract Fabricators Inc. in Kemper County, bent pieces of tin hung from a heavily damaged building. A tractor-trailer was twisted and overturned, and debris from the business was strewn through the woods across the street. Derek Cody, an amateur storm chaser who works at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, just south of Shuqualak (pronounced SHUG-a-lock), told The Associated Press he drove north on Thursday to the small town to try to catch a glimpse of a tornado. Cody said the centre of Shuqualak, an eastern Mississippi town of 500 people, was unaffected. But he said a gas station and about 10 or so houses west of the town centre were damaged. He said one house was "completely flattened" with debris blown across the road. Charlotte Conner, 47, and her mother were in a small, concrete block apartment on her family's property in Shuqualak in Noxubee County when the twister mowed it to the ground. The building, an old country store converted to an apartment, was reduced to a heap of broken concrete blocks and boards. I think it is pretty fascinating how powerful the weather can be and how it has an effect on the environment. It is unfortunate that so many people have had to live without electricity because of this, but I still think it's neat how the weather can be so powerful. Source: http://news.yahoo.com/powerful-spring-storm-socks-midwest-deep-south-leaving-044707799.html

Halle Berry Pregnant at 46, Baby Should Be Fine- Taiina Ayala

Halle Berry is pregnant at age 46. This is usually seen as a big "at-risk" pregnancy. However, because of medical advances, it's very possible for older mothers, such as Halle Berry, to have a better chance of having a normal pregnancy and birth. Halle Berry also has diabetes, another risk for the baby. She must keep her sugar levels in order during the pregnancy. BAbies with oloder mothers are likely to have doen syndrome or heart abnormalities. Halle Berry will have top-notch medical care so she'll most likely be fine.
Okay that last sentence kind of bothered me. I'm glad that our medical advances are making these sorts of things more possible but it seems that they are only doing so for the people who can afford it. Why should any baby have to suffer because their mother cant afford fancy treatments like Halle Berry can? These medical advances should be available to everyone. I know they are expensive procedures but the next step after finding cures should be making them affordabble for the public! No one should have to suffer medically because they suffer financially in my opinion. These specific medical advances are important to me because my 40 year-old aunt is pregnant. I hope everything will go smoothly.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/08/halle-berry-pregnacy-baby/2064403/

Gay Rights Spotlight Shifts to Obama by Carter Brown

Over the past few years, President Obama has gone out of his way to defend gay rights and spread the word about equality. Now, gay activists and citizens are looking to Obama to do more. 'Fresh from historic Supreme Court arguments over same-sex unions, advocates want Obama to use his executive powers to fight discrimination at businesses, schools, and military bases and stop waiting for action from a reluctant Congress. The Supreme Court is expected to rule in June on big issues: the constitutional right to gay marriage and the right of gay married couples to federal benefits. Both are backed by Obama. Now gay rights groups are pushing for additional measures they believe are key elements for cementing equality. First on their wish list is an executive order from Obama barring federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation, an act that could have sweeping impact. "There is more that he can do," said Jon Davidson, legal director at Lambda Legal, a non-profit organization supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. "He has repeatedly said as president that it's people's job to push him to do more and more, so we intend to keep doing that." So far, the president helped bring an end to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that prevented gays from serving openly in the military, signed hate crimes legislation into law, and mandated that nearly all U.S. hospitals give visitation rights to partners of LGBT patients. Last year, in the middle of the presidential election, Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage, concluding an "evolution" of his views that took years. While Obama's advisers tout his record on the issue, they make clear that an executive order on federal contractors soon is unlikely, arguing that it would carry far less weight than broader congressional action. Legislation called the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) lacks enough votes to become law. "We want to continue to advocate for legislation. We think that that's the most robust way to accomplish what we want to accomplish," White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett told Reuters in an interview. "ENDA is a priority. Right now the votes aren't there, but that doesn't mean they won't be," she said.' While I do think gay rights is rather important, I can't see Obama doing much right now as everyone is all caught up and involved in regulating gun control laws and if they should be put in place in certain areas. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/14/rpt-after-court-gay-righ_n_3079478.html

Nanny Kills Baby- Taiina Ayala

Illegal Irish immigrant, Aisling Brady McCarthy, has been accused of murdering a baby in Massachussets. The baby was hopitalized with severe head injuries on her first birthday and died two days later, the same day McCarthy was arrested for murder, assault, and battery on a child causing bodily injury. Neighbors reported hearing the baby crying for an hour straight. They apparently knocked on the door to see what was up but there was no answer. McCarthy was the baby's (Rehma Sabir's) babysitter for six months.
This is such a scary story, yet we hear about situations like this far more often then we should. These kind of stories make me scared to ever have anyone babysit my future children. This woman is sick. And she is here illegally so hopefully she will be deported and put in jail in Ireland. She does not deserve the priveledge of living in our country if she's going to be killing babies. Goodness. Choose another occupation, lady.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/12/irish-nanny-murder-massachusetts-baby/2079113/

Police Accidentally Eats Pot Cake- Taiina

Ohio police chief Mike Berkemeier walked into his kitchen like any other normal day looking for something to eat. He was a cake on the counter and took a piece. I'm not sure how much it was but eventually the cop was hospitalized for more than one day because not only was he a policeman, but he was a father who had a daughter who apparently does drugs. He drove himself to be tested and while in the hospital his daughter called him to inform him that the cake was laced with cannabis oil. Apparently one of his daughter's friends brought it over to they're house. mmmmhm, likely story.
I think this is a pretty funny story. I guess I'm glad it wasn't a more dangerous drug because he could have totally ended up in a life or death situiation if it was. All because he wanted some cake.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/12/police-chief-cannabis-cake/2079295/

Weapons by jonathan landeros

   A 4-year old boy picked up a loaded gun and shot the wife of a Tennessee sheriff's deputy, which was exhibiting his guns to a relative. The boy had not been seen messing around with the guns until he pulled the trigger. He shot and killed 47-year old Josephine fanning wife of Wilson county sheriff deputy Daniel fanning. The fannings were hosting family and friends at their place without intentions of blood being spilled. During the reunion Daniel took a relative to his bedroom to show him his collection of guns. The 4 year old and Mrs. Fanning then entered the room and at some point the boy reached the loaded gun and opened fire.They are investigating the relationship between the boy and the fannings, but no charge has been filed. The gun that was used was Daniel's personal weapon, not his duty gun.

OPINION: The sheriff must feel guilty since he took the guns out, I know I would've been feeling guilty. 
URL: http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/08/us/tennessee-gun-death/index.html

Margaret Thatcher Dies at 87 - Paolo Buccino

Margaret Thatcher, commonly known as the "Iron Lady" died today in London at the age of 87 from a stroke. She was the first female Prime Minister of Britain and served for 11 years. She is widely respected even by critics for her service to Britain in solving its economic problems. She worked closely with Ronald Reagan and together as leaders of the free world they played a crucial role in the way the Cold War turned out, keeping it from becoming violent.

Margaret Thatcher is regarded as one of the most important leaders of all time, and her place in history and political ideas still influence politicians today.

The Kremlin asked Germany to punish those involved in a protest that called out Vladimir Putin during his visit to Germany - Jonas Portillo

Russia urged Germany to punish a group of women who staged a bare-breasted protest against President Vladimir Putin on Monday during a visit to a trade fair in Hanover with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Three members of the women's rights group Femen, which has staged protests against Russia's detention of the feminist punk band Pussy Riot around Europe, disrupted a visit by Putin and Merkel to an industry fair focusing on Russian business. They stripped off to the waist and shouted slogans calling the Russian leader a "dictator" before being covered up and bundled away by security men. "This is ordinary hooliganism and unfortunately it happens all over the world, in any city. One needs to punish (them)," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Russian leader's arrival at the trade fair on Sunday also drew protesters, some of whom were dressed in striped prison uniforms. "Stop political terror," read one banner. Merkel told Putin in a speech at the fair on Sunday that Russia needed "an active civil society" including freedom for non-governmental organizations, after a wave of controversial state inspections of foreign-funded NGOs in Russia. The chancellor had promised to raise what she called "controversial subjects" with Putin, after coming under pressure to voice Berlin's unease over the crackdown on NGOs, Moscow's support of the Syrian government and its criticism of the German-orchestrated financial bailout of Cyprus.

Slaking a Regions Thirst While Cleaning Its Beaches- Natalie Newman

Los Angeles County's beaches are one of the filthiest beaches in the US due to storms and other runoff  substances. The local surfers know to stay clear of the water after it has rained or stormed because of the waste that shows up in the water and on the beaches. Local officials have finally had enough and are looking for solutions to the water pollution and lack of drinking water available. So far, an idea for an integrated system of capturing ground water has been praised by officials all over the US and lots of people realize the amount of money that will be saved once this idea is taken into action.


Natalie Newman
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/08/us/los-angeles-plan-to-turn-pollution-into-drinking-water.html?ref=us&_r=0

Body in a Car- Jorge Olvera

So there was this car dropped in a ditch when an officer had passed by and reported it. When they went out to check it out there was a lady in the car named Coraline Watkins. Her family had said that she wasn't the nicest person, but human still. No one had thought she had gone missing because they thought she had gone out for Easter weekend. There's a lot of questions waiting to be answered.
I think this lady couldn't drive so she crashed and was unable to help herself.
resources:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/03/us/north-carolina-body-found/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

North Korean Bomb Threats- Jorge Olvera

 For a week now we have been receiving bomb threats from North Korea and today we viewed a good handful of workers(south korean) leaving the border to a military checkpoint. About eighty-one people left. They were told they could leave but not return. Images show that they are aiming at Hawaii, Washington DC, Los Angels, and what they claim Austin, Texas. Our officials say that North Korea doesn't yet have the technology to have any nuclear firearms, but they do have missiles that can cause some huge damage.

I don't know about all that, but that gets me scared and nervous to know that someone can be aiming a missile at my home. What is their intent on threatening us??? Do they want to get bombed? I hope we have a plan for all this. 

The White House Joins The Fight- Natalie Newman

The white house finally joins the fight to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage. The government is arguing that any law attempting to ban same-sex marriage singles out a class of Americans and therefore is equivalent to discrimination and unequal treatment.

The controversy here is discrimination against homosexuals. Many Americans have adapted to the new ideals on homosexuality but there are still many people out there who cannot accept that times have changed along with society. 

 

Natalie Newman

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/01/opinion/the-white-house-joins-the-fight-on-gay-marriage.html?hp&_r=1&

Van crime by jonathan landeros

  Two out of three men who have been suspects of raping a woman and beating a man tied up in sao Paulo, Brazil have been found. The victims were also robbed of their credit cards which were used multiple times locally around the crime scene. The woman was a US citizen and a US state department official and is being brought up to  justice right now. Both victims boarded a mini bus along with other passengers and the criminals, but the three guys took over the mini van and kicked everyone out except them two. The man was handcuffed and eaten while the woman was raped repeatedly by Jonathan foudakis and Wallace aparecido and the third unknown.

OPINION: well, I hope the third man is found and these two victims brought to justice.

URL: Sent from the CNN App for Android   Tourist raped on minibus in Rio, police say http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/01/world/americas/brazil-tourist-rape/index.html

Easter Bunny Pulled Over by CHP Near La Mesa - Jonas Portillo

It's not every day that a CHP officer has to make a traffic stop on the Easter Bunny. Oddly enough, that's exactly what happened to San Diego CHP officer Adam Griffiths, who pulled over a motorcyclist with a sidecar who was dressed as a giant rabbit on a La Mesa freeway Saturday. "Griffiths stopped the motorcyclist on westbound Interstate 8 at Jackson Drive for not wearing a helmet," CHP East County PIO Brian Pennings said. "The guy was on his way to a charity event." Pennings said Griffiths radioed in: "I'm stopping the Easter Bunny." Pennings' partner in his squad car pulled up and snapped a picture of the giant rabbit, after he hopped off his vehicle and got a lecture from Griffiths. The photo was widely distributed in the media, and has been getting worldwide play in the blogosphere. "Griffiths told him it was a serious situation and that it wasn't a joke," Pennings said. "He explained to him the safety ramifications of not having a helmet. The CHP officer told the giant bunny "his outfit was a visual impairment, he was not able to be aware of his surroundings, and therefore he threatened his own safety, and that of others." Pennings said safe motorcyclists constantly need to turn their heads to observe traffic to their side or behind them. The rabbit wasn't issued a citation by Griffths. He just got a warning. Then he hopped away, with his head in the sidecar. He didn't want to be late to a very important date.

Boston College against condoms? By Carter Brown

So, I saw this come up on my "Trending Stories" feed on Bing the other day, so I figured I would check out the story and write about it on the blog. There is supposedly a group a Boston College called the "BCSSH" (Boston College Students for Sexual Health) that are giving out condoms on campus. Ok, no problem the way I see it. Well, Boston College is threatening legal action against the group for doing so. My opinions on the following are conflicting. I mean... If it's against school policy, then you shouldn't do it, but I don't really see the problem. It's a bunch of responsible college students promoting safe sex through these "Safe Site" clubs they have. What is wrong with promoting safe sex? All in all, their actions conflict against the "Jesuit Catholic values of Boston College" so the students were asked to stop what they were doing. Does anybody else think what they are doing is right? I mean... They're promoting safe sex on campus. It's not a crime.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/03/27/boston-college-condom-giveaway/2023995/