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29 Sep 2009 11:08

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U.S.: The Senate Democrats make one last push for the public option

  • A couple Senate Finance Committee Dems plan to push for it today. Obama has seemingly given up on the public option, but other Democrats haven’t, and today, they plan to push for its presence in the Baucus plan by forcing a vote. Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Chuck Schumer may not have the votes to get it passed, so it could be a mere symbolic gesture, but you have to start throwing the kitchen sink at some point. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

29 Sep 2009 01:42

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U.S.: Welcome back Sully: The heroic Hudson pilot goes back to work

  • The months since January 15 have been very full, and my family and I have had some unforgettable experiences. However, I have missed working with my colleagues at US Airways and I am eager to get back in the cockpit with my fellow pilots in the months ahead.
  • Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger • On returning to work in a slightly different role. The US Airways pilot will be returning as a management pilot and will also play a larger role in safety management. Considering the pin-point landing he made with Flight 1549, he’s going to be perfect for that role. • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

28 Sep 2009 23:00

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U.S.: Is Derrion Albert’s death a tipping point for school violence?

Screencaps from Darrion Albert's murder

It's a hard video to watch. (Watch it here, but note that it's very graphic.) It's a situation that you'll likely never be in. But in Chicago, it's a way of life. Derrion Albert's death is not the first nor the last to happen in and around the public school system, but it could be a tipping point.
  • Derrion Albert Albert, an honors student, got caught in the middle of a gang fight just blocks away from his school, where a separate incident happened earlier that day. He was kicked and beaten with a plank, and he died on the scene. But someone caught it on a camera phone, a video that allowed Chicago police to identify the suspects. Four have been charged. source
  • Derrion Albert Albert, an honors student, got caught in the middle of a gang fight just blocks away from his school, where a separate incident happened earlier that day. He was kicked and beaten with a plank, and he died on the scene. But someone caught it on a camera phone, a video that allowed Chicago police to identify the suspects. Four have been charged.
  • This was not isolated Let’s be honest here: Albert’s death is getting much more attention because of the YouTube-friendly video. But it’s attention that can be harnessed. 290 students were injured last year in gun-related incidents in Chicago, and gang fights like the one shown in the video are common. The page-one play of this story could help the city turn a corner. source
  • Derrion Albert Albert, an honors student, got caught in the middle of a gang fight just blocks away from his school, where a separate incident happened earlier that day. He was kicked and beaten with a plank, and he died on the scene. But someone caught it on a camera phone, a video that allowed Chicago police to identify the suspects. Four have been charged.
  • This was not isolated Let’s be honest here: Albert’s death is getting much more attention because of the YouTube-friendly video. But it’s attention that can be harnessed. 290 students were injured last year in gun-related incidents in Chicago, and gang fights like the one shown in the video are common. The page-one play of this story could help the city turn a corner.
  • Social media As Albert’s death becomes a touchstone for Chicago schools, it’s important to note the video’s impact. Like the texting-while-driving PSA from a month ago, this video stays with you. It’s as strong a deterrent against gang violence as any, because the world doesn’t need more Derrion Alberts. Chicago needs safer schools and safer streets. Will that happen? source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

28 Sep 2009 21:34

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U.S., World: Stop, collaborate & listen. ICE is back with a $41M acquisition

Holy crap that’s a lot of money
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement just found a lot of money in a bunch of shipping containers in Mexico and Colombia. You know guys, if you just want to leave one of those containers in front of our apartment, we wouldn’t mind it.source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

27 Sep 2009 10:55

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U.S.: L.A.’s MetroLink is responsible for a TON of fatalities

  • 244 people died in MetroLink-related crashes over the last 15 years source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

27 Sep 2009 10:40

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U.S.: Please forgive them: Last statements from death row inmates

  • Could you please tell that lady right there — can I see her? She is not looking at me — I want you to understand something, hold no animosity toward me. I want you to understand. Please forgive me.
  • The last words of a Texas death row inmate • Compiled by author Claire Cameron. Many of the quotes are bizarre, sad and compelling, like this one above. Our favorite? “Kick the tires and light the fire. I am going home.” (hat tip to Andrew Sullivan) • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

26 Sep 2009 17:04

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U.S.: Why did insane convict Phillip Paul escape? He wanted sunshine.

  • Well … that seems like a perfectly reasonable reason to us. Shocking that he got away, but still reasonable. The ensuing search after his escape only cost the Spokane sheriff’s office around $37,000.source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 

26 Sep 2009 16:32

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U.S., World: Iran better lay out the red carpet at their nuclear facilities

  • 3 months – the deadline the U.S. will give Iran for inspections source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

26 Sep 2009 12:27

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U.S., World: Daily poll: The protests outside the G20 summit in Pittsburgh

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

26 Sep 2009 10:46

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U.S.: The Zazi terror attack may have targeted the now-passed 9/11

  • Attorney General Eric Holder says the threat is likely “disrupted.” Terror suspect Najibullah Zazi reportedly planned to use the 9/11 holiday to plot another attack in New York, the U.S. attorney’s office says. Zazi, who was recently nailed buying large amounts of beauty store supplies on camera, likely faces life in prison for the planned attack. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
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