Global & National
Virus impacts Iran’s nuclear ambitions
A destructive computer virus has wiped out a fifth of Iran’s nuclear centrifuges and helped delay Tehran’s ability to make its first nuclear arms.
According to Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the country’s silence was broken about the worm’s impact on its enrichment program.
“Fortunately, our experts discovered it,” Ahmadinejad said.
Read original story in NYTimes.com | Jan. 16, 2011
President of Tunisia flees
After a month of mounting protests, Tunisia’s President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali fled his country to end his 23 year-long rule.
The downfall of Mr. Ben Ali marked the first time that widespread street protests had overthrown an Arab leader.
Many have called the uprising the first “WikiLeaks revolution.”
Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi announced that he was taking power as interim president.
Tunisia’s president’s newly acquired riches have been blamed for the corruption and the joblessness afflicting their country.
The civilians’ anger was taken out on the mansion of a presidential relative. Looters took furniture and released a horse from its stable.
Rioters claim that it wasn’t the country’s economic problems they were protesting but it was the corruption of the first family.
Read original story in NYTimes.com | Jan. 15, 2011
After the recent shootings in Tucson, Az., no new gun control limit laws are expected to pass. However, they are being proposed.
Bills were being drafted to improve background checks and create gun-free zones around members of Congress. In addition, a ban on big-volume magazines that allowed the Tucson gunman to shoot 30 bullets without reloading is being drafted.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is keeping a low profile unlike other gun advocates.
Other organizations have stated they are confident that passions would subside and their argument that Americans have a constitutional right to own guns would carry the day.
Read original story in NYTimes.com | Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011
Mexican police force dismissed
In the Mexican town of Guadalupe Distrito Bravos, the last remaining police officer, Erika Gandara, is female. Her coworkers had all either quit or been killed.
Two days before Christmas a group of armed men took Gandara from her home and she has not been seen since.
Read original story in NYTimes.com | Jan. 12, 2011
Region & Campus
Two cars pulled from Schuylkill
A police marine unit and five tow trucks pulled a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the Schuylkill near the grandstand at Columbia Bridge.
Another car was found floating in the river near the same location along Kelly Drive.
The owners of each vehicle have been identified but the two-truck company said they were unable to contact either of them.
No one was found in either vehicle and police have not found anyone in the river.
Read original story on Philly.com | Jan. 16, 2011
Road rage leads to murder
Donald Griffith, 42, of Northeast Philadelphia is facing murder and weapon charges.
After a fender-bender with Jamill Ransome, 20, Griffith pulled a gun and fired repeatedly at Ransome, hitting him in the stomach.
Ransome was pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital.
Griffith complained to Magistrate Judge Timothy O’Brien that he was not able to make contact with his family since his arrest and claimed no one knew where he was.
Read original story on Philly.com | Jan. 16, 2011
Fight erupts at SEPTA station
A fight broke out outside a West Philadelphia Market- Frankford El Station involving two groups of high school students.
David Hardy, CEO of Boy’s Latin, urged other students not to retaliate.
The students that were stabbed or slashed were from Boys’ Latin Philadelphia Charter School. Another was from West Philadelphia Catholic High.
Read Original story on Philly.com | Jan. 15, 2011
