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05 Mar 2010 12:20

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U.S.: Six killed after tour bus rolls over near Phoenix

  • Jesus, that looks awful. This crash, which definitely shook the riders of this bus awake, took place at 5:27 a.m. PST just south of Phoenix. Beyond the six riders killed, the other fifteen passengers were taken to local hospitals, including five with injuries so severe that they had to be transported by helicopter. Our prayers go out to the people riding on this bus. source

05 Mar 2010 11:27

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U.S.: Pentagon shooter John Patrick Bedell: Anti-government stoner

  • Given my belief that cannabis prohibition is the least defensible and most unjust aspect of the prohibitionist regime existing throughout the world today, I decided in March 2006 to cultivate cannabis in full view of the world.
  • “JPatrickBedell” • In an internet post which happens to be strongly anti-government. He apparently did this a lot, between YouTube and Wikipedia and other sites. When he attacked last night, he reportedly showed “no real emotion in his face” in captured video surveillance just before the shooting. source

05 Mar 2010 10:55

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U.S.: Could the White House push for Khalid Shaikh Mohammed military trial?

  • We are evaluating based on New York City logistical and security concerns on trial in federal courts.
  • White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs • Regarding what’s turning out to be a bit of a boondoggle for the administration, where to try 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed. At first, they wanted to try him in a New York civilian court, where they ran into heavy NIMBYism. (Honestly, they’d probably run into it anywhere with this case.) But now it looks like they’re changing their mind. Probably for the best. source

05 Mar 2010 10:41

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Biz, U.S.: Unemployment still sucks, but it’s not worsening

  • 9.7% jobless rate, the same as
    it was last month source

05 Mar 2010 01:13

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U.S.: Pentagon shooting: The dude pulled out a gun at random

  • One second, John Patrick Bedell looked innocent. The next, he was firing. The Pentagon Metro station, which is designed to be incredibly secure, was the scene of a shooting which was not the result of terrorism. How’d it happen? Well, Bedell calmly grabbed into his pocket as if he was grabbing a pass. Then he pulled out a gun, and grazed the two officers. The entrance to the station was closed for two hours as a result of the shooting, but officials are glad that the incident was otherwise handled well. source
  • UPDATE (1:13 a.m.): Bedell has died from his injuries.

04 Mar 2010 20:31

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U.S.: A common flavor-enhancer just got recalled for salmonella. Yikes.

  • 50 foods that contain hydrolyzed vegetable protein recalled source

04 Mar 2010 20:23

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U.S.: David Paterson’s bad day: The latest in the NY governor’s scandal

  • one His communications secretary resigned, saying he couldn’t “in good conscience” support Paterson.
  • two Paterson’s scandal continues to broaden, with ill-gotten World Series tickets under deep scrutiny.
  • three Paterson said he’d be governor Friday, but stayed silent when asked if he would be governor next week. source
 

04 Mar 2010 20:14

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U.S.: Pentagon Metro shooting: Just be glad you don’t need a train

  • This floor looks overloaded with people. It’s a freaking mess, and it’s all caused by one guy who decided to shoot a couple of Pentagon police officers. The injuries to the officers weren’t life-threatening, by the way. Careful out there, guys. (Photo by @whrobinson) source

04 Mar 2010 20:05

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U.S.: Students protest California’s frustrating university budget cuts

  • My heart and my support are with everybody and anybody who wants to stand up for public education. I salute those who are making themselves heard today in a peaceful manner on behalf of a great cause.
  • University of California President Mark Yudof • Regarding the major protests being staged at his and other universities across California and in 17 other states. The protests are in the wake of massive budget cuts to the state’s educational institutions, which have the effect of lowering the quality of education and raising the cost of tuition. For his part, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says the cuts are terrible, but necessary, due to the state’s $20 billion budget deficit. Rock, meet hard place. In between? An education system. source

04 Mar 2010 19:54

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U.S.: The Pentagon shooting has the D.C. metro area in a tizzy

  • two Pentagon police officers were shot and wounded in the attack
  • one suspect is in police custody; nobody can leave the Pentagon source