Friday, August 31, 2007

Hayley Burns

INTERNATIONAL

Princes Hold Poignant Memorial for Diana
From: http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,91218-1282170,00.html

Summary:
Princes William and Harry, along with the Spencer family; commemorate their late mother’s, Princess Diana, death by hosting a ceremony. The ceremony is to be televised on August 31st, 2007; ten years after her death. There is expected to be over 500 guests, including Sir Elton John, Sir Cliff Richard, Lord Attenborough and celebrity photographer Mario Testino - all friends of the late Princess , and also Prime Gordon Brown and ex P.M.s Tony Blair and Sir. John Major.

OPINON:
I think it is a very good idea to commemorate Princess Diana’s death. It seems that the Royal family is still being somewhat private about it though, just like they were in 1997. Wanting to have Privacy is understandable but, with such a public figure like the late Princess; it would be nice for there to be some sort of organized public ceremony.


Chinese Chocolate Has a Wriggly Surprise
From: http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30200-1282049,00.html

Summary:
Many chocolate products that originate from China have been found to be filled with worms. The basic idea is that the fault is found in the manufacturing. This raises a concern for prospect buyers, because poor manufacturing, in China seems to be a prominent trend.

OPOINON:
I if I were a consumer who bought mass quantities from China, there would need to be some sort of regulations, something to protect me and the people who will eventually but it from me. This example of the wormy chocolate just shows that China has a problem that needs to be fixed.

NATIONAL

MCCAIN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIN
FROM: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2007/08/29/mcain.campaign.video.cnn

Summary:
This video starts just like any other campaign video; with John McCain, talking about himself. Then its goes back to the Vietnam war, where he was a POW. It continues to tell his story from different perspectives, including his mother and other soldiers.

OPINION:
It’s a very good video, maybe the best I’ve seen about Presidents ever. Even though McCain isn’t my first choice for Presidency, this particular video shows why he is a good choice.

Brooke Bellah

Jam Masta Jon Lemnitzer

National: Bush expected to announce Sub-Prime plan.

Summary:
In the wake of huge numbers of foreclosures throughout the United States and trouble in the global stock market President Bush is expected to announce a plan to curb the impending crisis and bring the sub-prime situation under control. The plan is expected to allow the Federal Housing Administration to guarantee loans for borrowers who are more than 90 days behind in their payments. The plan will also reiterate the need for more stringent enforcement of laws to prevent irresponsible lending.

Opinion:
Solving the sub-prime loan problem should be top priority for this administration. Record numbers of Americans are losing their homes and the recent ills on the global stock markets are a direct result of the sub-prime loan situation. It is very important for a comprehensive plan to be put into action to prevent further crisis, and the repeat of these events in the future.

Ashley Cowan 2

International: Maria Sharapova dominates at the US Open

Summary:Maria Sharapova brought her A-game to the US Open. In a match against Australian Casey Dallacqua, Sharapova won with a match score of 6-1 and 6-0. This entire match was played in under an hour. After the match Sharapova said, "I thought I did a pretty good job of being solid." She also said, "It's only going to get tougher from here." The tennis pro is making a great start to the US Open.

Opinion: Although Sharapova isn't one of my personal favorite players, she did however have a great match against Dallacqua. She is a true threat to all of the other women in the tournament. Her focus and drive will probably help her in her journey to the top.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Ashley Cowan

International: Bomb scare forces evacuation in Latin America's tallest building

Summary: More than 10,000 people were evacuated Thursday form Latin America's tallest building. Police found a small handmade bomb in a car in the parking garage. The Attorney General's Office investigated the incident, however there were no claims of responsibility. There was an anonymous call to one of the tower's offices to warn them of the bomb.

Opinion: This is just an example of how terrorism is an ever present threat to the world. Although it was only a small bomb, it caused an evacuation of an entire building. No country in the world is safe from terrorism. SCARY!!!

National: 9 Year old boy charged with death of 11-month-old

Summary:The 9 year old boy in Trenton N.J. at daycare was charged with the death of an 11-month-old baby. The boy was reported of repeatedly beating the young boy in the head. The baby had skull fractures and was taken to the hospital, but died 6 hours later during surgery. The father believes the daycare operator is behind the scandal, and is trying to cover it up.

Opinion: As a parent you can never be to careful. Some people believe that children of that age can't be held responsible for their actions. I feel that no matter what age the child is, they should be held accountable for their actions. They are conscious of what they are doing and should know right and wrong. However, I feel that he is old enough to receive the punishment that has been dealt on him

Joon

Final hostages freed by Taliban

Hostage survival? what a shame...!

Summary: Taliban kidnappers Thursday released the seven remaining South Korean hostages and handed them over to Red Cross officials. On Wednesday, Taliban militants released a total of 12 South Korean hostages, part of the group of 19 Christian aid workers who have been held for nearly six weeks.
The kidnappers freed the 10 women and two men in three separate groups, a day after South Korea announced its team of negotiators in Afghanistan had reached a deal with them. Under the terms of an agreement reached on Tuesday, South Korea agreed to stick by its decision to withdraw its 200 non-combat troops from Afghanistan, who do mostly engineering and medical work. A South Korean presidential spokesman said there was no agreement to pay the captors, nor was there any mention of releasing Taliban prisoners -- a major demand of the kidnappers.

Opinion: Although I am a christian, I say that hostages should have died in Taliban. When the christian group planned to to go Afghanistan and applied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. But the plan was obstructed by the Ministry of foreign Affaris because of the risk. However, christians wrote a note to the ministry saying that they will risk their life and left Korea. After few days later they became hostage and now people are blaming to the ministry of foreign affairs and trade of sending the christians to Afghanistan. To trade and save hostages it cost numerous of money that you can't imagine. At least the 2dead hostages became martyr, but the rest of people returned with shame and embarrass. Disregarding the admonition, they should have all been killed.

International: Bomb found at Mexico City tower

Summary: More than 10,000 people were evacuated Thursday from Latin America's tallest building where police found a small handmade bomb inside a car parked in the garage.A bomb squad retrieved the device -- consisting of three metal tubes filled with gunpowder, cables and a cell phone, all tied together with tape -- from the 740-foot (225-meter) Torre Mayor on Mexico City's main Reforma avenue, the city's Public Security Department said in a news release.
Had the device exploded, damage would have been limited mostly to the car.The federal Attorney General's Office is investigating the incident but there were no initial claims of responsibility.

Opinion: Even a tiny bomb like grenade is a fear to human. I think their security system of emergency system was well prepared to remove the bomb. The news says that the explosion will only limited to the car but no one knows if the bomb can affect to the builing and may crush down. To avoid the bomb in the parking lot I think the company should make a name code or a thing that only workers can access to building or parking lot.

National
Iowa court rules same-sex couples can marry

Summary: An Iowa district court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples can marry based on the state constitution's guarantee of equal treatment.The ruling was in response to a December 2005 lawsuit brought by six same-sex couples seeking to wed. They were denied marriage licenses and claimed such treatment violates equal-protection and due-process clauses in the Iowa constitution. The Iowa District Court for Polk County advances the case to the Iowa Supreme Court which will make a final decision on same sex marriage, according to Lambda Legal, a gay and lesbian legal organization representing the couples.

Opinion: In one view same gender marrying is really weird. I do not understand how man can love a man. But in other view, there are people who are gay and wants to get married. In my view I dont care if gay couple marry each other. If they love each other then they shall marry. I think gay couple are growing in United State. This is a kind of news that I do not understand.

National
Utah mine searchers still hoping for 'miracle'

Summary: Crews searching for any sign of six miners trapped for more than three weeks are "hoping a miracle could happen," a federal official told lawmakers Wednesday, while another hole was drilled to insert a robotic camera into the mountain.Three rescue workers digging through the rubble were killed August 16 when their tunnel collapsed. Because of repeated seismic shocks, the mountain has been declared too dangerous to resume underground rescue efforts.No one knows whether the six miners survived the August 6 collapse, which left reinforced roofs of mine tunnels mostly intact but blew out the walls, hurling chunks of coal like bullets and blocking passages. Oxygen levels in much of the mine are too low to support life.

Opinion: It is very sad. I think mine worker should have seen God by now. Scientifically human can live few weeks without almost nothing. But no sign can be a message from God that the miners have arrived to heaven. However veiwing in other way, the people should try to find the academic or and letters. But still parents are searching and trying to see the miracle.

Rachel Posey

National: Senator Larry Craig

Summary:
In June, Senator Larry Craig was arrested for misdemeanor in the Minneapolis International Airport, when he rubbed his leg against another man’s leg while using a bathroom stall. The offended man was police officer, who knew the action as a sign for inappropriate behavior in a public place. Craig pledged himself guilty until a few days later, he rejected his own words. Now the Republican representatives are requesting Craig resign his position. He has not done so yet but many people he will soon.

Opinion:
Craig’s behavior is disgusting and uncalled for. He knew the misdemeanor was illegal and he still acted out on it. I am glad he was unfortunate and came into contact with an officer. We need to get rid of the representatives that are on the fence of conservative views and democratic views. I say people need to choose for the most part on which view they agree with. There should not be people wandering between each one.


International: Greece fires continue a cry for help

Summary:
Sixty-three people are reported dead from the vicious flames that claimed many areas of Greece. The authorities are still investigating into the theory of the fires being arson. At the same time, the effects of the Greece fires remain while the government asks for help from allies. Nineteen countries agreed to provide aid in the form of helicopters, airplanes, and firefighters.

Opinion:
The Greece fires sadden me because I recently visited Olympia and Athens last March. I can not imagine the damage to the beautiful land that has been caused by these never-ending flames. I agree with the people who believe a coincidence is very unlikely for the amount of land destroyed from the fires. I encourage the investigators to search out every idea of this case so if there is an arson, the criminal will be caught and dealt with justly.

Jam Masta Jon Lemnitzer

International: Former PM Sharif sets a date for her return to Pakistan

Summary: Former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif has announced he will return to Pakistan on Sept. 10 after 10 years of exile. He was deposed by the current leader Gen. Musharraf in 1999. The former PM has already served two terms which disqualifies him from running in the upcoming elections, and he could still face prison time stemming from charges of tax evasion and corruption following the coup that ousted him from power.

Opinion: This is definitely an interesting development considering Pakistan's turbulent political situation. Another former PM Ms Bhutto has recently announced she is making a deal with Gen. Musharraf to possibly share power amid announcements that he will give up his position as head of the armed forces which is illegal and may be challenged by an emboldened supreme court. All of this comes amid the ongoing struggle with militants in the frontier provinces who have declared war on the government after the seizure of the red mosque in early august. These developments pose an important question is having a stable Pakistan ruled by a Dictator as an ally more important than a free albeit less stable Pakistan? If I had to choose i think it is time for democracy in Pakistan.

Rachel Posey (repost...one hyperlink didn't work 1st time)

National: Tonga royals killed by teenager

Summary:
Friday, August 24, 2007, Edith Delgado was sentenced to two years in the county jail after many months of trials and over a year from the accident. In the car accident, Delgado killed two people from the royal family of Tonga and the driver on July 5, 2006. It is said that she was racing someone else when she ran into the victims’ car. Delgado will also have to serve probation for three years and pay compensation to the family members of the victims.

Opinion:
Delgado deserves the sentence she received because she had no reason to be racing on a public street. Whether or not racing is a bad past time, Delgado still had the responsibility of choosing a location of vacancy, for example a desert or empty field. A location of vacancy would ensure the safety of others even if the racing drivers’ lives were not ensured. If I lost a loved one, I would want justice against the criminal. Although Delgado did not kill the Tonga royals or the driver, she still needs to take the consequence of her actions.



International: South Korean hostages released

Summary:
In July of this year, nineteen volunteers from a South Korean church were taken captive while in Afghanistan. The victims were on their way to help at a hospital, when they were taken hostage. Wednesday, August 29, twelve hostages were release in three different bunches. The South Koreans were released only after an agreement with Korea and Afghanistan. The agreement was to remove Korea’s troops from Afghanistan.

Opinion:
The captives are blessed to be finally free from bondage. Their outcome could have been the same as the two male victims who were killed earlier on. I do not know the reason for this evil thing but no one every truly understands the inner drive to kill and terrify others. I believe the inner force comes from Satan for he delights in evil.

Rachel Posey

National: Tonga royals killed by teenager

Summary:
Friday, August 24, 2007, Edith Delgado was sentenced to two years in the county jail after many months of trials and over a year from the accident. In the car accident, Delgado killed two people from the royal family of Tonga and the driver on July 5, 2006. It is said that she was racing someone else when she ran into the victims’ car. Delgado will also have to serve probation for three years and pay compensation to the family members of the victims.

Opinion:
Delgado deserves the sentence she received because she had no reason to be racing on a public street. Whether or not racing is a bad past time, Delgado still had the responsibility of choosing a location of vacancy, for example a desert or empty field. A location of vacancy would ensure the safety of others even if the racing drivers’ lives were not ensured. If I lost a loved one, I would want justice against the criminal. Although Delgado did not kill the Tonga royals or the driver, she still needs to take the consequence of her actions.



International: South Korean hostages released

Summary:
In July of this year, nineteen volunteers from a South Korean church were taken captive while in Afghanistan. The victims were on their way to help at a hospital, when they were taken hostage. Wednesday, August 29, twelve hostages were release in three different bunches. The South Koreans were released only after an agreement with Korea and Afghanistan. The agreement was to remove Korea’s troops from Afghanistan.

Opinion:
The captives are blessed to be finally free from bondage. Their outcome could have been the same as the two male victims who were killed earlier on. I do not know the reason for this evil thing but no one every truly understands the inner drive to kill and terrify others. I believe the inner force comes from Satan for he delights in evil.

Omar Thompson

National- Mine searchers are still vigorously trying to find any sign of the six remaining miners trapped inside th Utah mine. It has been three weeks of searching for the remaining miners and so far there has been no sign of the unfortunate miners. A robotic camera similar to the one used in the September 11th search has been assigned to venture more than 1,500 feet down into the depths of the mine. Officials say that mine co-owner Bob Murray will decide when to stop searching for the lost miners. By Wednesday night, rescuers had drilled 1,400 feet into the mine and by Thursday they had hoped to reach a depth of nearly 1.900 feet. The cost for each hole being drilled is 1 million dollars and Murray is the sole payer of the bill.

Opinion- It is quite tragic to hear of another mine accident. There should be more tight regulations and inspections when it comes to mines and other hazardous work places. Being in a mine more than 6 hours isn't dangerous enough, not knowing if the entire mine will collapse on you is another worry in the back of your mind. It is highly unlikely that there are still any survivors, but there is still a chance and that is all the families of the miners need. It pains me to think of the families that are kept in suspense, not knowing if you father or husband might or might not be alive. Hopefully there will be a miracle.

International- A train filled with hundreds of people crashes into an empty train in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The train was reported to be traveling at 60 mph when it crashed into the back of a slow-moving empty six-car train. More than 80 people were injured and 6 were reported dead. Some passengers were still inside the wreckage of the crash and had to be freed with the aid of rescue workers. Fortunately, all passengers were freed from the wreckage. Most of the passengers suffered minor injuries. The reason for the crash has not yet been determined, however both engineers of the commuter train are alive and will be subject to an investigation.

Opinion- How can someone not see a giant, slow-moving object in front of you? It is totally beyond me. There might be other aspects of the situation that have not been thought of simply because no one is well enough to explain what actually happened. Trains in Latin America, especially Brazil, are crucial. Instead of people owning cars and having to pay for gas, a vast majority of the population simply uses public transportation. Another thing that totally boggles my mind is why there was a giant, slow-moving train in front of a commuter train in the first place. The only possible answer i can come with is a communicational error. Whatever the circumstances, it is still a tragic and grim situation and i mourn for those who lost their lives.

National- An Iowa court district ruled that same-sex couples may marry according to the state constitution on Thursday. The ruling was in response to a lawsuit made by six same-sex couples in December 2005. The couple's were denied marriage licenses in 2005 and set forth a lawsuit that would challenge their treatment. The case is pushing its way to the Iowa Supreme Court which will make a final decision concerning marriage in the state of Iowa. Written by Judge Robert Hanson, the 63-page ruling states that "Couples, such as plaintiffs, who are otherwise qualified to marry one another may not be denied licenses to marry or certificates of marriage or in any other way prevented from entering into a civil marriage pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 595 by reason of the fact that both persons compromising such a couple are of the same sex."
The six couple's relationships range from six years to seventeen years.

Opinion- I do believe that people should be have equal. But i also believe that people who do not cherish the sanctity between a man and woman are in fault. In recent years, the topic of same-sex marriage has become quite common than taboo. I feel that America should not leave its values and traditions that it has strove to create in the last century. It is true that times change, but that doesn't necessarily mean that all that Americans have to conform to the rest of society's state. That to me is worse than death.

International- More than 10,000 people were evacuated from Latin America's tallest building in Mexico City on Thursday. Authorities were contacted by an anonymous individual stating that there was a bomb inside a car on one of the 13 parking levels. A bomb squad discovered a device filled with gunpowder, cables, and a cell phone all wrapped in tape. luckily, the device was retrieved in time. However, had the bomb exploded, damage would have only come to the authorities said. No initial claims were found, though the Attorney Generals office is investigating the matter. Torre Mayor (a 740 foot building) is in the main Reforma avenue, a bustling part of Mexico City.

Opinion- the Torre Mayor is considered a milestone in Mexico City. Personally i think it was some random terrorists wishing to instill fear into everyone into thinking Al Qaeda was behind it. It seems nowadays that people are quick to judge acts of terrorism as the work of Al Qaeda. But, even if it wasn't Al Qaeda at all behind an act of terrorism, they are still happy to take the blame for it. Go figure.

Bronwen Vogel2

International:

Today marks the sixth day of a deadly forest fire burning in Greece. In a fast response of of sympathy the government gave $4,000 dollars to Grecians in the burned area. Thus far, 15 people have been arrested under suspicion of fraudulently collecting the federal aid. It has been reported that gypsies have come from as far as 370 miles from Northern Europe. People need only fill out a simple form and receive the compensation money directly after turning the form in- before it is checked.

The cost and time of traveling is so great- especially considering most of the people falsely collecting aid were probably not traveling by plane or even car. The money needed to be distributed by local councils who were more in-tune to the area's inhabitants. And the forms ought to be checked before money is handed out, even if it does take a few extra days.

National:

Ex-Ohio State University president Karen Holbrook is disgusted with the behavior of the college students. “When you win a game, you riot. When you lose a game, you riot. When spring comes, you riot. African-American Heritage Festival weekend, you riot.." Holbrook said. She went on to say that she does not wish to be associated with an institution that does not promote better behavior. Since 2002 Holebrook claims the behavior has been "disgusting" and "unbelievable". After her statements were published she said only the negatives of her speech were used by the media. "People have ignored every other wonderful thing about a great institution that I bragged about, and that is what concerns me...” It should be noted that she changed her tone only after her quotations reached the 52,000 university students.

It is quite possible that change needs to be brought about on the university campus, but speaking about it to the media in such a demeaning manor is not going to progress the school or promote positive change. From her statements and her later defense, it does not appear that Holbrook has much experience with the media. In a public, secular atmosphere such as Ohio State there is not much behavior change that can forcibly be brought about.

National:

Richard Jewell was wrongly accused of taking part in a bombing that killed one and injured eleven others. He pleaded innocent and his name was eventually cleared. One year ago he was called a hero instead of a suspect when he again identified a bomb. Jewell was given an award by the Governor of Georgia and regained his respect. “I never expected this day to ever happen. I’m just glad that it did.” Jewell stated. Last Wednesday he was found dead from a heart attack in his home.

Jewell may not have understood why he was falsely accused in the first place, but as Christians we know that God has a reason for everything. It was by God's grace that Jewell was able to regain his respectability only a year before he died.

International:

32 suspected members of the mafia were arrested on Thursday in a small town near Italy. The suspects are thought to be a part of organized murders in Germany earlier this month. The detainment of these men took place in San Luca; the location of two of Italy's most prevalent organized crime clans. The crimes took place after a family dinner at an Italian restaurant and the murders were between two families with a feud going back to 1991. The arrests took about 300 police forces and none of the prisoners are thought to be directly linked with the murders. It is more of a government tactic to warn against violence. About a dozen Italians are still fleeing the Italian and German governments, which are conducting separate searches.

If either government catches anyone directly linked to the murder I would have to bet on Germany; even though the suspects are not even in that country anymore. The Italian government does not seem to have the organization or the consideration to conduct a decent search to apprehend anyone immediately linked to the problem. Italian mafia crime would continue even if the other twelve were arrested. It is a problem rooted much deeper than the Italian government seems to be admitting it is.

Brian

International – Today, Taliban kidnappers in Afghanistan released the final South Korean hostages they have been holding for the past six weeks. Previously they had executed two of the twenty-three hostages and released two ailing women as a “gesture of goodwill”. The Taliban’s only demands were that South Korea withdraw their non-combative troops doing engineering and medical work in Afghanistan as well as all South Korean Christian missionary workers (which is what the hostages were). These demands have been agreed to. Wednesday twelve of the hostages were released and today the remaining seven were handed over to the Red Cross.

Opinion – Normally I wouldn’t pay too much attention to news like this because it seems that terrorist groups take a lot of hostages in order to get demands met. However, because of the many South Korean exchange students at our school and my grandfather’s participation in the Korean War, this article caught my eye and I’m actually quite glad the hostages were released. It’s upsetting that the South Korean missionaries are being kicked out of the country though. It seems the troops and missionaries were only there to help. I didn’t quite realize the Taliban is still thriving in Afghanistan.

here is a news report from between the time the first and second hostages were killed:



International – Manfred Sedlazek, a German man from the village of Karlshoefen says he’s, “living in a time bomb.” Sedlazek’s self-built two-story house that he shares with his wife was run into by a 40 ton truck earlier this week. This may not seem unusual except that it’s the 10th time it’s been smashed into by automobiles! Manfred is reluctant to leave, but is afraid to stay in the damaged house he put so much work into.

Opinion – Where did he build this thing?! It must be in the middle of the autobahn or have a super-magnet in the basement. I would have moved after the first two times my house was run into. It may just be one of those things, but do you really believe in coincidence? No, do you believe in 10 Coincidences?

Murphy James (2)

National:
Summary:
Spiders are an essential part of the ecosystem. However, a vast web containing millions of little spiders has sprung up in Texas in a park in as little as a few months. The park's groundskeeper discovered the web just a few days ago. He was taking advantage of the dry weather to mow along a trail, and ran into an enormous spider web. At some spots, the web can block out the sun. Total, the stranger - than - life web covers a span of several acres!
Oppinion:
I hate spiders. They are disgusting. Now, they've already taken over quite a bit of land before anyone noticed... will they take over the world?! Most likely not.But most spiders being anti social in north america, this is quite an odd thing to find. CREEPY!

International:
Summary:
Africa is not the most sanitary place in the world. Four villages are now infected with what health officials fear is hemorrhagic fever. Every one who attended the funerals of the two deceased village chiefs died. 217 people have been infected, and from that 103 people have died. In history, Congo has often had cases of Ebola and Marburg, diseases in which a person bleeds from their eyes, ears and other body parts. The last case of Ebola was in 1995 in the city of Kikwit. The disease killed 245 people.
Opinion:
This is very tragic. In a sense, this is like the black plague was for Europe. It's highly contageous, and for Africa there is no cure. What can we do to stop such disease? How can we bring sanitation to third world countries, who haven't even been taught yet how to act civily to one another, or settle disputes without a genocide? If my generation could do one major thing to impact the world, I would want them to answer those questions by putting the answers into effect, not only in Africa but in third world countries across the world.

Brooke Bellah

National: Larry Craig...gay?
From: Newsweek
Iowa Senator Larry Graig was arrested in June for "lewd conduct in an airport bathroom." News of his arrest however, did not leak out until this week. Craig held a press conference stating that "I am not gay. I never have been gay." Craig also had earlier allegations against him for the same offense. He plead guilty to this particular offense, but is now stating that he wishes he hadn't done so. (duh) He is married...to a woman ;)
Opinion:
It's possible that he coud have been at the wrong place at the wrong time, but fact that he has earlier allegations against him makes this story highly unlikely. I feel bad for his wife. I believe there will be a spotlilght on the discussion of gay rights because of this news. So what if he is gay? He is married, yes, but he can't help who he is. This is the position that mainstream America will take. In my opinion, soliciting sex in a public area should be illegal no matter what your sexual preference is.

National: Same-sex marriages made legal in Iowa
From: CNN
Six same-sex couples sued the state of Iowa for not allowing them to be issued marriage licenses. They won, and the law that states marriage is strictly between a man and a woman has now been abolished. Many homosexuals are rejoicing this as one step closer to same-sex marriage neing made legal across the entire nation.
Opinion:
It is only a matter of time before the United States makes a new constitutional amendment legalizing gay marriage. I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman, but the United States professes to be based on the idea of "freedom and equality for all", so by this standard they are forced to pass this amenmdent. The court ruling in Iowa is just one step closer to the inevitable.

International: Crash in Brazil kills 8
From: CNN
A train carrying over 200 people and moving at speeds of 60 miles an hour crashed into an empty train in Rio de Janeiro, on Thursday. Eight people were killed and dozens more were injured. Blowtorches had to be used to free the remainig passengers, but authorities say everyone has escaped from the wreckage. No more fatalities are expected.
Opinion:
It may take a few weeks at the most to get underground traffic moving again in the city. Also, the train system will probably make changes in the way the trains are run. Some people may be afraid to ride the trains for a little while, but this won't last too long. I remember something similar happened on Thunder Mountain at Disneyland a few years ago, and no one is afraid to ride that ride anymore. There have been no long-term effects of that crash, and there will most likely be none in this case as well.

Murphy James (1)

National:
Summary:
In the state of Texas, it appears that the death penalty is a common thing, and commutation is not. However, this one lucky soul got to a break. Today, Kenneth Foster was given the sentence of life imprisonment when he was to be killed today. Governor Rick Perry decided to give Foster commutation. Perry has granted this only two other times, not including the 28 seventeen - year olds who became illegal to give capitol punishment. 163 other executions have been carried out under Perry's rule. It looks like today God looked upon Mr. Foster with favor.
Mr. Foster was an accomplice in a robbery in San Antonio, driving the getaway car. The robbery turned into a murder, and for this the state of Texas can try accomplices along with the commiter.
Opinion:
I will be quite frank. Killing to show killing is wrong is a lot like bombing for peace, or (excuse my language Mr. Hjort) screwing for virginity. You can't tell someone not to do something by doing it yourself. It's crazy! Ofcourse, there are the few rare occasions in which a person needs to be put to death for the safety of the people, just like sometimes it's neccessary to bomb countries for the safety of the people. But on a whole, human lives are a valuable thing. God gave them to us. If that person was only an accomplice (not the person who came up with the plan on how to kill a person, just an accomplice) to a murder, or to a robery that turned into a homicide, their life is not ours to take.

International:
Summary:
The classic stories of the Mafia. What seems like a fairy tale to most is still very real in Italy. Today, 44 warrants for arrest were given out for two families in the Italian mafia. Christmas time in Germany, a shooting occured outside a pizzeria. The families then became even more tense than they already were, and fighting broke out. The warrants weren't given just for the shooters of the pizzeria outbreak, but for several of the family members ( the warrants are said to be basically evenly distributed amongst the families). The two main household leaders are still running loose. Many people, civilians and mobsters alike, are in fear for their lives.
Oppinion:
While I find it interesting to have been an American 1920's mobster, or a daughter of a mafia lord, it saddens me that such acts are occuring on such a large scale today. The fact that families hate other families because that family rules the drug deals, or the other family has a lead in extortion is truely depressing.

Brian

National - Doctors who administer lethal injection to death row convicts must hide their identities, and in Florida the oddest way they do so is by wearing moon suits. The reason for this is not only to shield the doctor from the prisoner’s relations, but to keep their identity hidden from the American Medical Association, which forbids its members from participating in executions. Florida is the only state to use moon suits, but other states use different methods such as curtains. Because of these difficulties, states are having a hard time recruiting doctors, but are being pressured by the states to make sure executions do not cause “undue” pain. In the Diaz case last month, the prisoner Diaz took twice the normal time to die because the injection was administered incorrectly.

Opinion - It makes sense to me that the AMA would revoke membership on the grounds that executions go against the ethics of a profession based on healing, though it seems like the fact that the government needs qualified physicians to carry out executions should make these doctors exempt from scrutiny. Despite this, I feel keeping the doctor’s identity anonymous is a good precaution no matter what. However, I am against the death penalty in general, not because I feel it’s morally wrong, but because of the high court costs (it is cheaper to put someone in prison for life), and because of the possibility of misjudgment. In ancient times it may have been easier to identify a culprit due to smaller population, but in the modern world more than one mistake has been made in condemning prisoners to death.

National – Today the largest mob trial in years went to court. The government’s main witness, admitted hit man Nicholas Calabrese, agreed to let the cat out of the bag concerning the murders and other organized criminal activities of five men. The police linked Calabrese to a 1986 murder scene and convinced him to testify. Of the five men on trial are Joey “the Clown” Lombardo, and ex-Chicago police officer Anthony Doyle. Deliberations are to resume on Tuesday after Labor Day weekend.

Opinion – This might be an interesting trial to follow. I think it’s great they are finally trying to put these guys away for their crimes. I’d never really imagined that all those mobster stereotypes still existed in present day Chicago. Maybe I’ll follow up on this and find out what happens.

Tyler Adair

International – Fidel Castro Thinks Clinton and Ombama would make an unbeatable ticket.

Communist Cuban ruler Fidel Castro on Tuesday issued a statement in his government ran newspaper Granma. He said the Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama would be unbeatable if they ran with each other in this upcoming election. He says he disagrees with their desire to see Cuba become a democracy but doesn’t believe they would actually try to do anything about it. He also believes that Al Gore will run, and says that Gore has a realistic view of what will happen to the human race if we continue doing nothing about Global Warming.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/28/castro.clinton.obama/index.html

If Fidel Castro thinks it’s a good idea… then obviously it’s not. Enough said.

National - Virginia Tech Shooting Report Is Released

A report created by an independent panel, concluded that school officials did not use an effective system to get out the information students needed to be safe. The report was issued to determine whether officials of the school could have prevented any of the deaths on April 16th, when gunman Seung-Hui Cho killed two people in a dorm and then proceeded to kill 30 more in a school building before killing himself. Some parents are calling for the resignation of the School President and the head of campus police, stating that if they did their job they may have been able to prevent some of the deaths. The report did say that campus officials and police did do a good job in responding quickly to each event, but that the university failed to properly care for the mentally troubled student.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295112,00.html

When ever I see parents who have lost their kids in this massacre being interviewed on TV saying how much the administration is to blame and the president of the school and the campus police should be fired, I feel like people are placing the blame on people who don’t deserve it. People and students have said that the campus should have shut down as soon as the first shooting occurred and that classes should have been cancelled the second the two people were found dead in the dorm, but I don’t agree with them, because I know that it takes police a little while to process what has happened at the scene. The gunman could have been among those who had were dead, or the gunman could have been on his way out of state, either way there was no immediate evidence that this was a person who was getting ready to come back and kill some more.

International – Art Piece Comparing Jesus To Osama Bin Laden

Australian artist Priscilla Bracks is facing a lot of harsh review for her artwork showing a portrait of Osama Bin Laden on one side and a portrait of Jesus Christ on the other, both in the same pose, both with the same glorious light around them. The art piece has even drawn the attention of the Australian Prime Minister who called the piece, which was entered in a religious art work competition, offensive to many Christians. Bracks defends herself and claims that she didn’t make the art piece to offended, but that there are many views you could have on the art work.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22332369-421,00.html

I believe all art work is interesting and should never be censored, but this piece does seem to conflict with my personal beliefs. Even though she claims she was not meaning to say that Jesus and Osama are the same, when I view the painting I feel that what is coming across is that Jesus and Osama are nearly the same, which I highly disagree with. Everyone can have there own view on art and it’s good to see something that causes us to say “that picture is terrible and incorrect” because it’s just another opportunity to see how our faith is having an impact on us. I don’t agree with the people who have called for the painting to be censored or not allowed to be in a religious competition because it is a piece of art that causes us to think.

National – Large Store Evacuated Because of Bomb Scares

Grocery and discount store all around the nation have been evacuated, inspected and robbed, due to threats from callers to wire money to an over sea account or else they would blow up a bomb near by and kill workers and customers. Due to the calls several store have lost thousands of dollars, both because of the actual robbery and because of the long time it takes to inspect the whole store to make sure it is clear. So far no bombs have been found in any of the stores called. More than 15 stores in 11 different states have been robbed by the same group of individuals, who are believed to be overseas. No arrests have been made.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295131,00.html

While none of these bombs have been real, I believe that if we, the American people, keep letting people who bomb are troops and bomb civilians sway are opinions and are willingness to stay the course, we will see more bomb threats, even actual explosions over here soon. We can’t let threats of bombs or even actual explosions (like the one’s opver in Iraq) sway our beliefs on freedom and disrupt us from our everyday lives, because if they have us living in fear, they control us.

Mr. Ryan Evans

National:
On September 6th, Republican party member Fred Thompson will formally anounce his candidacy for the 2008 presidential election. He will make the announcement via webcast through his campaign website. He will then launch his campaign with a quick tour in New Hampshire, South Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. These are early primary states. Thompson plans on casting himself as the most mainstream and consistent GOP candidate in the race. He was at one time an actor on the hit television program, "Law and Order" as well, so he brings starpower to the field as well. However, expects speculate that he will not be able to overtake favorites such as: John McCain, Rudy Guliani, or Mitt Romney.

Opinion:
I also doubt his likelihood of winning the Republican nomination.He may have "starpower", but so does the rest of the field. McCain is obviously well-known, voted one America's ten best Senators by Time Magazine, and Guliani in dealing with the September 11th attacks. I seriously doubt Thompson has the means or experience to overtake these other two candidates.

National:
Seyed Mostafa Maghloubi, an Iranian born United States citizen tried to sell night-vision goggles, and 100,000 Uzi submachine guns to an Iranian faction opposed to president Mahmoud Ahmadineejad. Maghloubi was caught in a sting operation. He thought he was selling arms to an arms dealer, rather than an FBI operative. He pleaded guilty to a court for exporting arms to Iran, which carries the prospective penalty of 20 years in prison and a 250,000 dollar penalty. Maghloubi will be sentenced on November 26th.

Opinion:
Operations such as these need to become a much bigger priority. Not to say they aren't already, but the CIA and FBI need to take potential threats and leads into much more serious consideration.Although, this man was against the current regime in Iran, whom the United States is at odds with, it is still not his place to deal arms. In this day and age, we cannot have people like this running wild through the black markets.

International:
In Kabul, Afghanistan a wanted Taliban leader was killed during a United States led raid. Mullah Brother served as a top Taliban leader in the government until it's removal in 2001. He also served on the leadership council with Mullah Mohammad Omar. Brother was killed in the Southern Afghan province of Helmand. All this is according to the Afghan Defense Ministry.

Opinion:
This is good. This is progress. It is quite disheartening to say this regarding death, but men such as these should have no place in this world, or at least a free world. However, it is encouraging to see how the Taliban government was removed. At least one country is trying to battle terrorism, outside of the United States. This is encouraging.

International:
In the troubled northwestern sector of Pakistan, Pakistani militants captured 100 to 120 Pakistani militants. The soldiers were traveling in 16 trucks carrying food and water between the remote towns of Wana and Ladha. There was no sign of a battle or a struggle. However, the reports could not be immediately confirmed because of how remote and dangerous the area is. Pakistan is a key United States ally, and is also receiving pressure from Washington to deploy more troops to the border, so as to prevent further attacks against Afghanistan and U.S. troops who are stationed there.

Opinion:
Once again, we see the ruthlessness of radical militants at work. Pakstan needs to be much more resolute and committed to defending itself. Along with Saudi Arabia, it fails in securing its borders,(ha does America even do this?) which allows terrorists to terrorize the general population. These allies in the Middle East need to buckle down and stand their ground. If this happens, this troubled area will be much less dangerous and maybe a bit more tolerable.

Lauren Bell

International:

Summary:
Last Friday their was a fatal train wreck near Rio de Janeiro. The train was going an estimated 60 mph when it hit the still 6 car train. It was a sad accident. Sadly to report eight innocent people were killed and injured more than eighty. They said they came to reach around 101 where there were only slight injuries. They are sure now that they have found everyone and there are no mare fatalities. This accident happened about 200 yards away from the actual train station. Thankfully, with the grace from God, Everyone has been freed from this terrible accident.

Opinion:
This was a very tragic thing to have happened. It is so terrible and saddening to hear that we lost 8 innocent people. The families of the lost are in my continuous prayers and I have full-hearted sympathy for them. We must be grateful for those who walked away only injured. God’s hands were with this situation and He knew exactly what was going to happen. It is a tragedy but a great blessing for the survivors.

National:

Summary:
They are still hoping for a miracle to happen with the 3 stranded miners. They want a miracle to happen. They have declared that the mountain is too dangerous to send anymore rescue efforts down. They have already lost 3 rescuers, and are not willing to lose more. They just put a camera into the mountain to declare if there are any possibilities of survivors. “The mountain will become a tomb if we do not rescue these men.” The 3 unfortunate men have been missing for 3 weeks now and is still in controversy to try to attempt to rescue, but it is said to be to dangerous and risky.

Opinion:
My heart feels for these men and their families, but we have to ask ourselves is it really possible after 3 weeks of being stranded in a mountain for them to remain alive? As hard as it to admit, these men are dead. It is not worth to risk any more lives to save these men. They died doing their job and as unfortunate as it is accidents happen, but we cant stop and risk the lives of others to try to keep performing a miracle that we cannot perform.

International:

Summary:

It was said that there were 100 pakistani paramilitary forces kidnapped. Well they have been found and they are safe. Many have said that the forces were “kidnapped”, but regardless they have been “rescued”. They were a traveling group to Lahhad a 25-mile trip. They believe the Talibanies had a tie to the disappearance, but all is well and all are safe, praise God.

Opinion:

I am truly praising God for his protection over these forces. No one knows the true and full story, but we do know that we have contact with him or her and we know they are safe and all is well. It is hard to actually state an opinion on this. Ya great they are safe, but you kind of need to know the other end of the story. So in short grateful yes, satisfied no.

National:

Summary:
Iowa allows same sex marriage. Last December many came with licenses that were denied for same sex marriage. It is now said that for no reason at all the licenses in Iowa cannot be denied and they will be married. The constitutional rights of same sex marriage in Iowa have become a big deal and a very different one at that. People are begging for the court to reconsider their decision, but as we all know that wont happen.

Opinion:
I do not even know where to begin. I am absolutely 100% against same sex marriage. It is disgusting and just degrading. A marriage is to be between a man and a woman nothing else or in replace of. It is absolute prohibition of the constitution of marriage. It is despicable how they have stooped down to this level to allow this to spread. It is wrong and Iowa’s court system has been very much so lowered in respect from my opinion. And that goes for any other state that allows same sex marriage as well.

Logan Lann

National

Same-sex Marriage in Iowa

Summary

An Iowa court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal. This ruling was made in response to six same-sex couples who sued in December of 2005. The ruling was made because some believe that the state's constitution's guarantee of equal treatment includes same-sex marriage. This court, at the same time, threw out a law declaring marriage as one man and one woman. The Iowa District Court for Polk County passed the case on to the Iowa Supreme Court for further judgment. Judge Robert Hanson wrote, “ constitutes the most intrusive means by the state to regulate marriage.” The case will under further scrutiny. The backers of the suit said that this is a significant step towards civil rights.

Opinion

This is a load of crap! I mean, seriously! Iowa isn't even a liberal state. What are these people thinking? Have they no intelligence? These people are not republican. I don't care what party they claim, they are not republican. I thought Iowa was a red state. I guess I was wrong. This is not a step towards civil rights; this is a step towards total moral collapse of the country. I'm so pissed off! If Iowa can rule this way, than what will come of supposed less liberal states. This is a truly sad day for this country. Marriage is not a right; it is a privilege. A privilege is something that is given to some, but not others, and for certain (in this case, good), reasons. Marriage is ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN; AND THAT IS ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so pissed off.

National

Contaminated Beef

Summary

Federal and stated officials declared about 20 tons of beef contaminated with E. coli. They sent out an advisory to the public just before a weekend that is known for grilling. Most of the meat is already expired, and thus, off of the shelves, but the government decided to be on the safe side just in the case that some were still in freezers across the nation. Nine counts of people getting sick from the meat have been reported in the northwest region of the country. The threat is not serious, but it is still existent.

Opinion

I am not too worried about the sort of things I put into my body (what little I do), so this does not scare me much. However, I am slightly proud of the government for being on the safe side with the advisory. I am not angry at the people responsible for the contamination because people makes mistakes, everyone.


Inter-National

Train Crash

Summary

A train carrying hundreds of computers collided with an empty train near a train station in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday. This accident, stated officials, killed eight people and wounded sixty. The train was changing tracks when the collision occurred. The computer train was holding about 850 people at the time of the accident. The fire department had to use blow torches to get people out. The government is now trying to prevent another accident.

Opinion

This is mildly boring. It is good that not too many people were killed. The accident could have been much worse. It is unfortunate that this happened in the first place. It is good that the survivors are going to have much support from families. It is also unfortunate that so much property was lost.

Inter-National


Pakistan's ex-P.M. To Home

Summary

In 1999, current Pakistan president General Pervez Musharraf staged a bloodless coup, removing the Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. Sharif was exiled from the country, but retained his citizenship. Pakistan's top court ruled that Sharif could return to the country on September 10. Musharraf said that Sharif should not try to reenter the country until ten years after the exile and the he would stop Sharif from returning. Sharif says that he has no “charges of corruption” and intends to return as scheduled.

Opinion

Musharraf should stick by his guns. If the law is that an exile should stay out of the country for ten years, than that's how it should be. The law is the law, and none is above it. I have my doubts if Sharif should be allowed back to the country at all. It depends on why he was exiled in the first place. As far as I know, even though they are not an ally, as long as Musharraf has been president, the country has not been much of a problem. However, I am not really knowledgeable about that.

KRISTA GROTE

National

Veggie Rap Lawsuit

SUMMARY
Brothers Mark and Matthew D'Vavella are in a lawsuit with a major supermarket chain because of making a rap music video about produce in one of the chain’s supermarkets. The supermarket wants to sue them for one million dollars, because they claim the brother's video is keeping them from getting business. The brothers, however claim they made the video out of innocent fun. Matthew was only trying to make a video for his film editing class at the university he attends, but they ended up putting the video on the internet and it was not a problem until the wrong person saw it. It was not an innocent produce rap video; the boys did include some scenes with "absolutely deplorable things with the produce" like licking and doing crude gestures with it. In their defense they claim not to have used any of the stores actually produce. They brought all the stuff in they used themselves. They are currently looking for a lawyer to help them with their lawsuit because they are just a couple of college guys and don’t have one million dollars to give away.

OPINION
What these two brothers did was pretty outrageous, and they should have thought of the possible consequences before putting their rap video on the internet so it is accessible to anyone. Of course a supermarket chain is going to freak out if there is a video on the internet of someone peeing on their produce (not real pee, it was only water). The boys deserve to have some sort of punishment, but a one million dollar lawsuit is extremely outrageous for such a silly video that was not even intended to steer away the supermarket's customers. I just hope this video makes the two brothers and anyone else to think HARD before putting any type of video on the internet.


International

Zombies

SUMMARY
In London, on one of their national holidays, hundreds of people dressed up as zombies and took over the entire city by occupying fast food restaurants, streets, and even freaking out tourists on the local buses. Their purpose of this was to set a new record of having a thousand people dress up as zombies in one gathering and also to have a good time timing while trying to set the record. The zombies did conga lines in the streets, played ball sports with fellow zombies, and spent time with their zombie families. Another main event was the zombie film made by a local director, Kevin Gates, "The Zombie Diaries". Gates says that people like his film because people love and can identify with the zombies because they represent the people because "that is what we all eventually become". Unfortunately they were not able to achieve there new record, but they came close.

OPINION
London seems like a pretty crazy town, especially on the day when many of the citizens decided to dress up as zombies and try to set a new record. They were not able to achieve their goal, but I have to say they made a good effort. Even though I do not believe in zombies, or that we all eventually become zombies some day, I still think it seems like it would be a fun event to participate in. I just want to make sure I am warned the next time they attempt to set their record, so I will not be one of the innocent tourists they try to spook on the bus.

National

Shark Attack

SUMMARY
A fifteen year old boy, Kayne Oku, went surfing on Tuesday in Oahu, Hawaii, 440 yards away from the shore near the crouching Lion Restaurant in Kaaawa. While he was surfing a six to eight foot long shark tried to attack him, but the boy was able to make it out of the situation alive and only had to have six stitches in his foot. Apparently the boy managed to kick only one tooth in the shark’s mouth and then kick the shark again with his other foot, and was able to get away safely. The boy was even able to walk to the doctor with help of his friend. The doctor could not even believe the situation himself. It was a miracle that Oku was able to come out of this shark encounter with only needing six stitches.

OPINION
Having a shark encounter while swimming in the ocean is a big fear for many people, I know it is one of mine. For a fifteen year old boy able to make it out of an attack by a six to eight foot tiger shark with only a cut in his foot is incredible. Most of the time when people get attacked by sharks they at least loose a limb or even their life. I think it is pretty miraculous that this boy hardly was injured during his attack. He must have had his guardian angel with him that day.

International

Airport Bomber

SUMMARY
On Friday, a suicide bomber drove an explosive-laden vehicle into three vehicles at the gate of Kabul International Airport. He killed one Afghan soldier and he also wounded four other people. The cars that he hit were two international military vehicles, without detonating and an Afghan Nation Army vehicle, which he did detonate. NATO’s International Security Assistance Force said they were aware of the bombing and that it injured a few people.

OPINION
This is defiantly not the first time someone has done a suicide bombing in the Middle East. I think it is really sad though that someone would risk their life to have more people killed. I also think that it seems suspicious that the suicide bomber first attempted to hit international military vehicle first. The bomber was probably trying to get some sort of message across by strategizing which vehicle he would hit first. I am not only sad for the suicide bomber ,but I am more sad for the innocent people that were also injured or killed because they had no idea what was going to happen in the location they were at until it was too late.

Joshua Terry

National- NASA... Drunken Astronauts?
Summary- There was allegations that NASA astronauts were drunk previous to a launch. NASA safety chief Bryan O'Connor has released that there has been no evidence that any of their astronauts were drunk or had any heavy drinking before the launch. NASA is now considering having limited alcohol testing. O’Connor says there are way to many safety precautions to have a drunk astronaut board a ship. He also noted "the lack of privacy on launch day makes it nearly impossible to hide alcohol use or alcohol-induced impairment."

I would hope that no one drunk would be able to handle any transportation device… especially a space ship! Considering the investment NASA has in those ships you’d think they would have a ton of security around them. So I doubt there were any drunken astronauts on the ship. But why would they put off the launch for so long when they could just take the astronaut off the ship and test him? Something’s up with that.

International- China Sleepwear is Safe!
Summary- Chinas Sleepwear was declared safe after investigation. Two children were reportedly sleeping in New Zealand and were injured when their sleepwear caught on fire. The clothes are up to flammability standards but some of the clothes produced in China have been found to have traces of formaldehyde, a potentially cancer-causing chemical that gives clothes a permanent-press effect. These results have yet to be released.

According to this article there are tons of products from China that need to be tested and retested before they are released to other countries. Even if the testing had to be done once the product is in that country. The article doesn’t cover how exactly the kids caught on fire but that would be a valuable piece of information in the investigation.

National- "Et tu Brute?"

Summary- Brutus (actor Kent Hudson Reed) was in the middle of the play in Aspen, Colorado when he accidentally cut his leg in the play Julius Caesar. He tried to go on but “my boot was filling up with blood and I was flubbing my lines, wondering if I was going to pass out, wondering if the audience could see the blood." He was taken to the hospital and treated for his wound.

The actors don’t usually use real knives but they weren’t close enough to hurt each other. The director/ Brutus didn’t plan on actors hurting themselves. It just sounds like a clumsy moment for Reed.

International- Measles Cases Increasing in Britain.
The number of cases of measles in Britain is increasing. There have been 480 confirmed cases of measles in the United Kingdom so far this year, according to the Health Protection Agency. There have even been cases where the disease has spread from Britain to other countries. Last year, three cases in the United States were linked to Britain.

I think that immunizations should be required for all youth in Britain to keep this from spreading any further. It would be an expensive task but I think it would be well worth it until this is under control.

Chuck Hall

National

From http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0830mccain-arizona0830-ON.html

Summary

Senator John McCain still thinks that he can win a primary. He thinks that since in his last reelection poll he did well that he still has it and will be able to pull out as the republican candidate on the 2008 ballot. A recent poll does show that his success is slipping in his home state of Arizona but he is still confident.

I think the man is too old and has not enough support. His stance on the war in Iraq may also hurt him. I feel the support for the younger candidates in Mit Romney and Giuliani are just too high. If his support is slipping in his hometown, how is he going to be able to win anywhere else? McCain will not make it through to the republican ballot and if he does, he puts the Republican Party in jeopardy of losing the election.

International

From http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0830ireland-dogs0830-ON.html

Summary

A Gaelic football star is accused of running an underground dog-fighting ring in Ireland. The football player was followed by the BBC spotlight program and found a underground dog ring on his premises the show filmed the football star bragging about owning over a dozen dogs and bragging about the veracity of one of his dogs

This is almost identical to what happened to Vick at the beginning of the summer. The thing that sucks is that they have hard evidence on the guy in the form of the video tape. The only reason why a story like this is mentioned at all is its similarity to the Michael Vick case.

National

From http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0830craig-arrest0830-ON.html

Sen. Craig has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge. The officer that arrested him says that Craig at one pointed tried to turn the table and accuse the officer of soliciting sex. A video tape released by the Minneapolis airport has the officer telling Craig that he is not being very cooperative. Craig is being urged by many of his fellow senators to resign immediately in risk of hurting his party as well as himself further.

This guy is crazy he goes and tries to pick up on a police officer. It sucks for him that the guy he tries to pick up is a police officer. However, I also feel it is no different from what gay people do any way. The whole person on person thing just makes no sense and if this person had tried to pick up a cop, I am sure it would not have been made in to such a big deal. However, he does need to resign and try to move to some area where no one has heard of him before. He also could always try moving to San Francisco.

International

From http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/08304more.html

The final seven South Korean hostages were released today ending a 21-day hostage hold out. Two male hostages were killed early this month and two female released. Early on Wednesday 12 others were released. The Koreans were kidnapped by Taliban members on there way through Afghanistan. The terms to there release include the exiting of South Korean troops from Afghanistan and stricter provisions of South Korean missionaries in Afghanistan.

The fact that the hostages were kidnapped shows the further need for missionaries in the area. It also shows that the Taliban is stupid. If you release prisoners you no longer have any leverage what is to keep the south Korean soldiers that just left to now go right back in. most Christian missionaries that go in to Islamic countries know that they are in danger upon entering. The govt should not prevent them for going in because they go in on there own terms and the govt should not let the Taliban use these martyrs as leverage.

Franki Benavidez

International
Summary: In Vienna, Austria, 19 year old Robert A. confessed to murdering his 49 year old roomate in a homeless shelter. Robert crushed his roomate's skull with a 20 lb. iron bar, used a butcher's knife to remove the man's intestines, and ate parts of the man's brain and internal organs. 3 days later, a cleaning lady came into the shelter and finds Robert by the dead body. Robert informs her of what he did to the man and tells her to call the police. The police came into the room and found Robert sitting by the dead body and half eaten body parts on a plate in the kitchen. Here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295139,00.html

Opinion: I think what the Austrian teen did to the man was disgusting! The teenager not only murdered him but he ate parts of his body. Professor Haller, a pyschiatrist, studied the case and said that he may be suffering from, "a severe psychosis or extreme sadistic urges." The psychiatrist can call it whatever he wants but in my words, i call it sick!

National
Summary: In Kansas City, a 20 year old woman gave birth to her baby in a McDonalds restraunt restroom and purposely tried to flush the baby down the toilet many times. The workers at first were worried and because she didn't come out of the bathroom, they went to go check on her. The workers saw what she had done and called the paramedics. The paramedics came and saw that the baby wasn't breathing and started CPR to get the baby breathing again. The baby fortunately survived and both the baby and mother was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Here: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295063,00.html

Opinion: I think it's very depressing about how this mother try to get rid of her new born baby. The woman actually told the paramedics that she didn't know she was pregnant. If a pregnant woman doesn't want to have the child, then they can put the baby up for adoption. Having a baby is a blessing.

Summary: Leona Helmsley, at the age of 87, died on August 20th. She was a hotel and real estate magnate. In her will, she stated that when she passes away, her precious dog would get $12 million. Many people were shocked to hear that a woman would leave that much money for a dog. Most of her money went to charity and she still made individual money gifts for some of her relatives except for her two grandchildren. Here: http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Aug30/0,4670,HelmsleyapossDog,00.html

Opinion: Leaving $12 million for your dog is a joke! Why would anyone leave that much money for your pet? I can understand that she would do that if she had no one else to give it to but she probably had a lot of relatives to give it to. I feel bad for those two grandchildren that didn't get to have any of the money. It sucks to be them right now!

Chris

National

Summary - According to an article at cbsnews.com, the game of tag has been banned from an elementary school playground. This was brought about after some children said they were harassed or chased against their will. "It causes a lot of conflict on the playground," said the assistant principle of the school. In 2005 two schools near this one did away with tag as well as other "similar games in favor of alternatives with less physical contact."

Opinion - Um... what? If things were left as they previously were, what could follow? Harassment suits? Sexual harassment suits? I wouldn't be surprised as more problems are left up to the courts nowadays, but going back to this situation... One of the complaints was "chased against their will". This seems somewhat ridiculous as the child could simply stand where he or she is and NOT run. Genius! :O As for the harassment complaint, I could see that as a possible issue. If a child were tagged inappropriately, it could lead to sexual harassment. Even worse, if the tags were to continue and became more aggressive, the charges could increase to assault or possibly... murder? Oh yes. Murder. No child has ever actually been murdered from this (as far as I know), BUT that doesn't mean it's not possible. So always beware. And remember... you can't beware until you be aware!

International

Summary - In an article from cnn.com, it states that after one hundred paramilitary forces from Pakistan were reported as kidnapped, they were later found. It was believed they were kidnapped by "local militants with suspected ties to the Taliban."

Opinion - Way to go. You lost a hundred people. At least they were found and now are safe. This is another thing we should be thankful for. They AREN'T dead. PRAISE JESUS!!!

International

Summary - "Suspected drug gang boss arrested in Mexico," says a cnn.com article. As reported Wednesday by the state news agency, a man "arrested at a swanky steakhouse in the capital" was suspected to be a senior member of Mexico's powerful drug gang Gulf Cartel. Juan Carlos de la Cruz (a.k.a. "The JC") was apprehended, along with a few Columbians and alleged hit men in Mexico City. Because of the Gulf Cartel and turf wars, some 1600 people have been killed. This gang dominates in its role of smuggling drugs, such as cocaine, into the U.S.

Opinion - Well, this is good news. Actions like these halt the smuggling of drugs such as cocaine into the United States. What does this mean? What it means simply is one less teenager getting hooked on "the crack". Now can I get an amen?

Alex Bellah

National: Sen. Larry Craig

Summary: Idaho Sen. Larry Craig (Republican) denied in his arrest interview of trying to engage in gay behavior in the Minneapolis/St Paul airport last June. He has said that he was in the bathroom for normal reasons and was reaching for something on the ground when a police badge slipped under the stall right next to him. The officer that arrested Craig said that there was nothing normal about this behavior and that at one point Craig tried to touch his foot with his own. The officer also said that he told Craig that he would not send him to jail if he would cooperate. Craig has also been known to have aligned himself in groups that oppose gay rights. In Sen. Larry Craig’s hearing he pleaded guilty, but is now saying that doing so was a mistake. Many other people who belong to the Republican Party have told Craig that he needs to resign, but Sen. Larry Craig has still yet to do so.

Opinion: As a republican I believe that Sen. Larry Craig is not only letting down the state of Idaho but the entire Republican Party. I belie that he is upset that he got caught and is ashamed to admit that he has done wrong. I believe that we the people have the right to ask him to resign, and the least he could do is listen to our wisdom.


International: GreeceFiry

Summary: After a week of blazing fires, Greece still seems to be burning. On August 24 a heat wave struck the country, this is what is believed to have started the fires. This massive fire has killed 64 people and burned almost 500,000 acres. Many villages have been destroyed and some are still trying to with hold the fire. The government has set up a money aid for all the victims who have lost their homes and/or farms. Most everyone has received $4,400 and the government is planning on giving them all $13,600 more as a first step to the aid program. The fire has not only destroyed villages but has also damaged parts of the 2,800 year old Heritage sight of Ancient Olympia. The firefighters are not sure on how much longer it will take to contain all the flames, but they hope it will be soon.

Opinion: I believe that their government is on the right track on helping their people with the money aid. I also believe that other countries should be taking part in this and trying to help out as much as possible. I believe that we as the United States should send supplies and people to help control the chaos.


National: Katrina 2 years later

Summary: Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in fall of 2005. Since then many people have been struggling to put the city back together. Many families that have moved back to the city have said that prices are high and that they do not believe that the city will ever be the same. White House recovery czar Don Powell has said that $96 billion of the $114 billion promised has been already poured into rebuilding the city of New Orleans. Because of the damages caused by Katrina, the city of New Orleans has been noted that it is two fragile in ground and structure to ever be the same again.

Opinion: I believe that we should put more effort in to helping rebuild the city of New Orleans. I believe a lot has been done already but so much more could be done also. We have already put in and promised a lot of money, but we as a country should do a lot more. We should get volunteers to go down and help in any way possible. It is almost like we have forgotten what has happened to so many innocent people.


International: Pakistani Forces Found

Summary: 100 Pakistan military forces were said to have been kidnapped, but several hours later on Thursday after the report had come in that these troops had been kidnapped and were missing, they were able to track them down. They found out that these forces had just been in some villages getting shelter form the heavy pour down of rain. They were on a 25 mile trip from the capital, Wana to Lahhad when they got caught in the storm. An army spokesperson said that everyone is doing fine and they are all safe.

Opinion: I believe that something happened to these forces than what they are really saying. Why would they change their story if something did not happen? I believe that also any armed forces should make sure they have all their facts straight before rushing to conclusions and sending out news that troops or anyone for that matter is missing or in trouble. All that does is cause chaos.

David Jeong

International 1

Martian soil may contain life

Summary - According to a new interpretation of space data first collected more than 30 years ago, the soil on Mars may contain microbial life. Professor Houtkopper of University of Giesen, Germany, said that based on the experiments of 1976 Viking spacecraft, there may be some weird life form based on hydrogen peroxide on the subfreezing, arid Martian surface. Houtkopper said that there is a possibility that life has been transported from Earth to Mars or vice versa a long time ago.

Opinion - A lot of scientists looks for some forms of life out in the space. In my opinion, it is a waste of time. I believe that there are no aliens or other type of actual life. However, I think scientists should look for some planet has similar environments to Earth to prepare overpopulation or disaster. Mars, so far, is the best substitute planet for Earth. I think scientists should spend their time on building space stations on Mars rather than looking for some space lives.

International 2

China girl completes 3,500km run

Summary - A chinese girl, Zhang Huimin, eight, rose each day at 2:30 am and ran about 1.5 marathons for almost two months. She ran almost 2,200 miles in past two months. Her father accompanied her on his bike. She is 4 ft tall and weighs 46 pounds. Her father believes that she can compete in the 2016 Olympics when she will be 17. Huimin and her dad says she loves running.

Opinion - I strongly believe this is a form of child abuse. Running too much, 1.5 marathons a day for 2 months, definitely wears off and damages severely to cartilage. I’m pretty sure that this crazy father did this for drawing attentions from the media and to get some money out of it. Moreover, it is really hard to believe a small, 8 year old girl, can run 1.5 marathons everyday for two months when a professional athlete struggles to run one marathon a day in two days in a row. Everything is possible in China.

National 1

Unlocked iPhone Traded for Nissan 350Z

Summary - A 17 year old boy, George Hotz, from New Jersey hacked i-phone and unlocked the device so that it can be used other cellular networks, not just AT&T. Hotz reached a great deal with a cell phone repairing company called CertiCell. Hotz posted on his blog that he traded his modified iPhone for "a sweet Nissan 350Z and 3 8GB iPhones." Hotz also made a sweet deal with Terry Daidone, co-founder of CertiCell, who also promised him a paid consulting job. He said that those have been great end to a great summer.”

Opinion - I cannot believe some crazy company awarded a teenage hacker boy. Even though he had great talent in computer and internet systems, nobody should award a hacker, information thief. The deal was so ‘cool’ that it seems like more indiscreet kids are going to learn how to steal somebody else’s information. Government should scout him instead of an individual company hiring him to steal the other company’s information. However, frankly speaking, the deal sounds good to me too that even I want to learn how to do those things.

National 2

Helmsley's will means Trouble ... is a rich dog

Summary - New York hotelier and real estate billionaire Leona Helmsley has left 12million Dollars to her pet dog, Trouble. The pampered pooch received the largest bequest from Mrs Helmsley's will. The will also says that when Trouble dies, she is going to be buried with Mrs Helmsley, who died last week, and her late husband in their mausoleum. But some human members of Mrs Helmsley's family fared less well, with two of her four grandchildren received 5 million. She also left her chauffeur $100,000.

Opinion - The New York Post called Trouble a “Rich Bitch” because she was a female dog. I like that term because it is unbelievable that a small dog has 12 million dollars. I think Mrs.Helmsley was just a rich woman with no real loving mind. She must had some ‘trouble’ with her family that her dog inherited the most amount of money. I think it is ridiculous for a dog owning 12million dollars. This dog with 12 million stimulates my appetite.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Susan Jewell

International:

SUMMARY- A South Korean church sent a group of workers to Afghanistan. In order to allow the group to be released the withdrawal of troops must occur. South Korea generally does not consult with terrorist but they agreed to withdrawal 200 troops from Afghanistan by the end of the year. All missionaries from South Korea must not go to Afghanistan. Two men were killed by the Taliban and 12 of 19 hostages were released but some are still being held in captivity.

OPINION- I am very sad to hear that Afghanistan is prohibiting all South Korean missionaries from entering Afghanistan, although, it is good that most hostages are being released. I believe that the hostages will be in great danger until all are back home. As the soldiers are evacuated the hostages most likely will be released.

National:

SUMMARY- Two Labradors, Lucky and Flo, have been trained to smell for DVD’s. DVD piracy is more than an 18 billion dollar industry. There is no specific scent to bootleg DVDs but the trainers take the dogs to places where DVD’s should be labeled properly but may be labeled “bedposts”. Therefore the dogs have found pirated DVDs.

OPINION- I think the dogs are very smart and may help stop crime if more dogs are trained. The two dogs are a start to the ending of piracy. The dogs will be very busy until more dogs are trained. I think that people will learn ways to disguise the DVD scent as time goes by and more dogs are trained.

*interesting video not pertaining to my summaries or opinions*

Susan Jewell

International:
SUMMARY- A man in Germany had surgery on his brain, but due to a faulty refrigerator his saved skull was no longer able to be used. A prosthetic skull was fashioned and replaced his original skull. He claimed in courts that "the prosthesis caused him headaches, affected his balance and made him unduly sensitivity to the weather."Although the man said this, experts concluded "that the operation had caused the man's discomfort, not the loss of the top of his skull." He asked for 20,000 euros as compensation for the pain and difficulty caused.

OPINION- The hospital should have made sure the equipment was in working condition because the outcome could have been far worse than a plastic skull being made. I think the man asking for 20,000 euros was ridiculous though. He had no proof that the new plastic was affecting him negatively. I would guess he felt silly when he discovered the pain was from the surgery itself.


National:
SUMMARY- A team of thieves steal beer-- one man distracts by doing a hula dance with a mask on but no clothes while the other steals the beer. The man was not enough of a distraction and the clerk called the police. A customer raced after their car as they drove away to catch the license plate number. Several days later the men were caught.

OPINION- I think that this was a clever idea that probably came to the men on a different drunken night. Although the incident was humorous, they did not plan very well. I am slightly disappointed the men were caught mostly for entertainment's sake. The fact that there were repercussions kind of ruin the "happy ending" at least for me.

Kaylen May Gerkey

National

Larry Craig Pleads Guilty Then Recants to Ever Committing Lewd Acts in Airport Bathroom

Summary:
Four years ago allegations against Larry Craig came out in his hometowns local paper accusing him of being gay and committing gay acts. But on August 7th in an airport bathroom Larry Craig was confronted with some astonishing news. The man sitting in the stall next to him, whom he allegedly tried to get to commit lewd acts with him, was an undercover police officer. The Idaho senator was surprised to see the undercover cop and was taken down to the police station. Later, without his attorney present, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense. On World News this morning (August 29, 2007) Senator Larry Craig said that he never meant to plead guilty and did not know what he was doing, that he would never commit those kinds of things, he has a family and three children.

Opinion:
It was interesting hearing Mr. Hjorts opinion this morning because I agree with him. The senator needs to resign or step down because no one accidentally pleads guilty to committing gay acts in a public place or such as. And it was good to hear that some US Senators did call in, like John McCain (R- AZ), and finally get the Idaho Senator to finally step down. It’s hard enough for the Republican Party, already the minority in both the house and the senate; to try to get back to where they were a few years ago and now they have to deal with this. The man is obviously hurting the Republican Party and whether or not he really is gay he should not have been trying to pick up a stranger in a public restroom, undercover cop or not.


International

Mandela Statue Unveiled in London

Summary:
“Britain unveiled a statue of Nelson Mandela Wednesday outside the Houses of Parliament, honoring the South African anti-apartheid campaigner as one of the great leaders of his era.” Mandela is known for his work in South Africa. He was imprisoned for 27 years after rising up against apartheid and upon his release proceeded to become the first president of South Africa. Since then hundreds of awards including the Nobel Peace Prize and is currently and elder statesman. Today in London the bronze statue of Mandela, next to Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, was unveiled. Mandela slowly made his way to the podium to commemorate this day leaning on the arms of his wife. He spoke very well and encouraged the crowd to attend a concert in Hyde Park on his 90th birthday to fight HIV/AIDS. The article included that Gordon Brown called the statue a “beacon of hope” and to remember that this statue is a symbol that no suffering can last forever and no social injustice will go unpunished.

Opinion:
I think this is absolutely wonderful. This man accomplished a lot for his people and never gave up, not even when they imprisoned him for 27 years. Mandela became a beacon for his people and helped them through a rough time and turned his country into a democracy and gave the people of South Africa a hope they had long been looking for. I believe he is more than deserving of his statue and the fact that they placed him next to Abe Lincoln and Winston Churchill says a lot about a man. The first time I ever saw real footage of Mandela was in a Nickleback video and just some of the brief footage I saw it almost brought tears to my eyes. The man was almost persecuted, just like those in Tienanmen Square, for believing in democracy but he succeeded and brought his people hope and that is a hero to me.

Chris (lol)

National

Summary - During a Miss Teen Pageant, a section was included in which a question unknown to each contestant would be given. As the pageant went on, a random unknown question was eventually given to Miss South Carolina. The question this seventeen year-old was given was "Recent polls have shown one-fifth of Americans can't locate the U.S. on a world map. Why do you think this is?" This then followed with her answer, which didn't even seem to follow the original question given. Because of her terrible answer, Miss South Carolina's popularity has grown greatly. This can be mostly attributed to online video websites such as YouTube.com. Along with this popularity came criticism. Several videos have shown up on YouTube and other online video websites which poke fun at this girl.


A clip from the Miss Teen Pageant, which shows the question given as well as Miss South Carolina's "answer".

Opinion - Miss South Carolina sure is getting some flack for her response. It seemed like the host was starting to laugh at the end there. If the quality of her answer were from stage fright, I could understand but I don't believe I would've given such a terrible answer. An answer that was somewhat relevant to the question would've been something I might have given if I were in her position.


One such example of how Miss South Carolina was poked fun at. A dubbed version of the original broadcasted show.
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dubbed version ftw! :P