Newsy - U.S.

Top News Headlines: U.N. Holds Meeting on Syria

Sun, 27 May 2012 18:32:06 -0500

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The United Nations Security Council is meeting to discuss the massacre in the Syrian village of Houla.
Diplomats say the closed meeting was called after Russia rejected a joint U.K.-French statement condemning the killings.
U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague explained the decision to the BBC.

“It’s not in the interest of Russia, just as it’s not in the interest of anybody in the world for Syria to descend into an even bloodier situation and into full-scale civil war. And that is now the danger.”

Iran’s nuclear chief said on state television the country won’t halt production of enriched uranium — that’s from a New York Times report.

A foreign affairs columnist weighs in on Fox News.

“This is the second time the Iranians have been caught with highly enriched uranium. … Iran is a nuclear criminal … This is a red line.”

Subtropical storm Beryl is now Tropical Storm Beryl.
A meteorologist for CNN explains what drove the change.

“What a difference a day makes, because yesterday, Beryl was just choked off with dry air. Winds were like 45 miles per hour. … Today, this is a different animal.”

Dario Franchitti won his third Indianapolis 500 Sunday.
The race had a record 35 lead changes.
Here’s ABC.

“And I ask you — is there a more elegant race car driver in the world than Dario? … You couldn’t ask for a better champion than Dario Franchitti.”

Gaga Cancels Tour in Indonesia After Threats

Sun, 27 May 2012 18:10:34 -0500

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(Image source: Flickr/DomainBarnyard)

BY KERRY LEARY

She’s known for her “Bad Romance...” but what about bad blood with Islamist hardliners in Indonesia? Lady Gaga canceled her sold-out show in Indonesia after an extremist group made violent threats. KTVU has the story.

“Lady Gaga’s show in Indonesia won’t go on because of safety concerns. Conservative Muslims groups say the singer’s music and performances are too suggestive. Some say her shows should be forbidden under Islamic Law.”

The Islamic Defenders Front threatened to meet Gaga at the airport to ensure she wouldn’t enter the country. The Gaga controversy stems from her outlandish outfits and the lyrics to her songs. Jewish News One reports:

“The head of an Indonesian hardline Islamic group said that Gaga only wore panties and a bra while singing. And, the fact that she has said she’s the envoy of the devil’s child made her dangerous.”

Loyal Gaga fans, who call themselves “little monsters,” organized a flash mob to support Lady Gaga Sunday, the same day the Indonesian tour was officially cancelled. The Jakarta Post reports...

“Lady Gaga’s fans performed two 7-minute dance routines, set to a medley of Gaga's signature songs ... in front of dozens of mall visitors. All of the Gaga-wannabes wore eccentric outfits, using soda cans instead of hair rollers, cigarette-decorated glasses, wigs and chains.”

Fans around the world are speaking out about the cancellation. A writer for Jihad Watch notes Sharia states oriented toward the good, not freedom, as their highest value.

“...one wonders if proponents of such ideas would object to the intimidation and particularly to the death threats that ultimately led to the cancellation of Lady Gaga's Indonesian show."

A total of 52,000 tickets were sold since tickets sale opened on March 10. They will be refunded.

Chicago Bears Doubt Matt Forte's Health

Sun, 27 May 2012 15:50:26 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY HANK KOEBLER

Contract talks between the Chicago Bears and running back Matt Forte look to be at a standstill. The Chicago Tribune quotes a source claiming the Bears don’t think Forte’s knees can stay healthy...

“According to the source, given Forte's past the Bears cannot rule out arthritis setting in and becoming a chronic problem for the fifth-year running back with 1,237 career NFL touches who turns 27 in December.”

Forte sprained his left MCL late in the season and and missed the Bears’ last four games. The Bears, who had a 7-4 record before Forte’s injury, stumbled to an 8-8 finish and missed the playoffs without him.

Forte refused to sign his franchise tender, a one-year, $7.7 million deal, instead choosing to pursue a long-term contract from the Bears. His agent released a statement in response to the report doubting Forte’s health. The Sun-Times quotes his agent as saying:

"Matt Forte is among the most, if not the most, durable, all-purpose running back in the NFL. The 2011 season was the first season of his career that he missed any games. Had the Bears been play-off contenders, he could have returned for the balance of the season. To question his durability at this stage in his career is absurd."

Forte wasn’t content to just let his agent speak for him. The running back took to Twitter, posting a video of himself working out with the caption “100 Lbs sled up hill i think my knee will be ok”

Retired NFL tight end Jermaine Wiggins tells Chicago’s ESPN 1000 Forte is taking the right approach in playing hardball with the Bears.

“And you’ve noticed in the past guys that have pushed teams to the limit, said 'you know what? I’m going to push it until training camp, I’m going to hold out, and I might even sit out.' Those generally are the guys that get top dollar.”

Forte may be taking the tough route with his team, but according to Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, the team is confident Forte’s contract dispute won’t keep him away from the team for too long. WREX has the video:

“I don’t think anybody in this building is really worried about Matt coming in and doing what we expect him to do. When he gets here, he’s going to step right in and fill that void.”

If Cutler’s wrong and Forte chooses to sit out the entire season instead of signing his one-year offer, SB Nation’s Bears fan blog says the team will be fine:

"The revamped Bears offense will be just fine without Matt Forte. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery will help out the passing game. Offensive coordinator Mike Tice and quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates are set to install a more Jay Cutler friendly offense. And Michael Bush (a starting quality back) was brought in as running back insurance."

Bush is currently taking first-team snaps at running back for the Bears at organized team activities.

Drunk Girl Wanders Into Home, Gets Shot, Charged With Felony

Sun, 27 May 2012 14:16:59 -0500

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(Image source: ABC News)

BY KERRY LEARY

A home invasion in the middle of the night ended with a gunshot. Once a terrified Boulder, Colorado couple turned on the lights, they realized the intruder was an unarmed and highly intoxicated college woman. She’s now facing felony charges. KCNC has the story.

“It was around 3 am and the homeowners were sleeping. Ripple walked into their bedroom. The homeowner panicked, grabbed his gun, and shot Zoey in the hip.”

Zoey Ripple drunkenly wandered in through an unlocked back door. Police reports say her blood alcohol content was over .20 — three times the legal limit. MSN reports this kind of thing happens more frequently than you might think.

“It may sound strange, but the district attorney said drunken college students wander into homes every few weeks, and a similar case happened the day after Ripple's, though nobody got hurt."

Ripple is recovering from the gunshot wound, but now she’s being charged with felony criminal trespassing — which could mean time in state prison. ABC’s “Good Morning America” talked to a legal analyst who said the charges are too harsh.

“In this situation you’d think she was punished enough. After all, she was shot in the course of a two-bit trespass. So it is a little surprising that they would charge a felony.”

But the District Attorney told the Daily Camera these charges aren’t meant to add insult to injury. They’re meant to help people who may have substance abuse issues.

“Although first-degree criminal trespassing can carry a sentence of one to five years in prison, [the DA] said in cases like this, prosecutors often opt for treatment or lesser pleas in lieu of prison time.”

A blogger on the Denver Post website says the whole issue could have been solved if the homeowners had simply locked their door before going to bed.

“Maybe locking the door to prevent zombie-drunk-coeds from intruding would be an idea. The gun could be your second line of defense, not the first...”

The homeowners will not face any charges because of Colorado’s Make My Day law, which allows deadly force if intruders enter a residence uninvited.

Controversy Over Erotic Best Seller ‘50 Shades of Grey’

Sun, 27 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: NBC)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

The steamy content of “50 Shades of Grey” has sparked 50 shades of controversy since its release.
Now, libraries across the country are struggling to decide whether to keep the book dubbed “Mommy Porn” on their shelves. NewsFix reports on one library in Texas.

“If you visit a library in Fort Bend County, you wouldn't even know the books exist. See they are not stocking copies on their shelves.”

The Texas library says it just doesn’t have a high demand for the books. Which is odd since the book remains in the number one spot on The New York Times Bestsellers list.

“In April the trilogy... was issued in paperback … sending sales through the roof when the publisher printed and distributed the books widely for the first time. That enthusiasm has carried over to libraries. At many, ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ … is the most popular book in circulation, with more holds than anyone can remember on a single title.”

One library in particular that felt the pressure of the demand. Brevard County Library in Florida banned the book earlier this month. WTVJ has its reasoning.

“…Brevard County libraries pulled the first of the popular trilogy saying it doesn't meet their selection criteria. A spokesman for the county says reviews considered the book to be pornographic in nature and they don't collect porn.”

But USA Today reports that after a wave of e-mails and phone calls from patrons in support of the book, the library has since changed its mind.

"Given where we are today... making the book available to library patrons would be a reasonable approach... I never want to be in a position where we appear to be censoring or banning books."

Although the Brevard County Library now allows the book, other libraries are still on the fence. A writer for Patch.com says some are dealing with the dilema by just ignoring their own policies on erotica.

“If the Alameda County Library system has rules to keep erotica off the shelves, the 50 Shades franchise must not meet the definition. The system has 48 copies in circulation, and every one is checked out. The waiting list is 260 patrons long.”

But a writer for Cinema Blend says there shouldn’t be this much controversy: it’s a public library, so give the public what they want!

“50 Shades Of Grey has every right to exist on public library shelves because it’s a book people want to read. It doesn’t matter if those people tend to be fifty-year-old [women] with kids. Their rights are worth protecting just as much as anyone else’s.”

New York School Cancels Prom Condom Giveaway

Sat, 26 May 2012 11:41:00 -0500

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(Image source: NVHealthcare)

BY KERRY LEARY

ANCHOR CANDICE AVILES

One New York high school planned to have 500 condoms available for students when they left prom. But the controversial party favors will no longer be handed out. WABC reports...

REPORTER: After the contraceptive concept picked up steam, Rascoe told eyewitness news exclusively that he was backing down.
RASCOE: I don't want to do anything that is against DOE policy.

Bedford-Stuyvesant Preparatory School teamed up with NuVo condoms to make them available after prom for all students. The planned distribution was part of a safer sex education program the school planned for the weeks leading up to prom. WNBC asked passersby what they thought about the program.

WOMAN: “It’s better to be safe than sorry. I’m not saying it’s going to happen on that night, but why not, because that’s what is on people’s minds.”
MAN: "You expect them to stay focused on school. By giving them condoms it's like you're kind of telling them to have it but use protection."

But according to the Bed-Stuy Patch, a principal from a different East New York high school says …

“ … every Friday at the end of the school day, without fail, there’s a long line outside of the nurse’s office of kids waiting to grab a handful of free condoms.”

Some parents weren’t comfortable with the idea of condoms at prom. A Fox News correspondent believes the number one reason kids abstain from sex is their faith and the relationship with their parents.

“Parents have the right of the moral upbringing of their children. This is a case where this school and other schools are overstepping their boundaries and reaching into an area that is a parental responsibility.”

According to a survey from Seventeen Magazine and the Centers for Disease Control, 14 percent of girls have sex on prom night. And according to a writer for The Christian Science Monitor sex isn’t the main problem at prom…

“The real concern...is alcohol. Fifty-three percent of students told researchers that they had more than four drinks on prom night. And the number of teens who die in alcohol-related accidents on prom night is in the hundreds.”

MSNBC reports NuVo is offering the condom distribution to other high schools in the New York area... but none have shown interest.

Exonerated Former Football Star Asks for Second Chance

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:21:00 -0500

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(Image source: KPCC)

BY TRAVIS ZIMPFER

ANCHOR NEVILLE MILLER

He spent a decade in prison. Now, Brian Banks wants a chance in the NFL. A lifelong dream he looked well on his way to achieving before a false rape accusation and conviction derailed his life in 2002.

On the Today Show, Banks appealed to NFL coaches to give him a chance on the field now that he’s been exonerated.

“Give me an opportunity, and let me show you what I can produce. I think any team that gave me – that gives me an opportunity would be really impressed with what I can do.”

The Bleacher Report says the 26-year-old was once a football phenom at the Polytechnic High School of Long Beach, California. He made a verbal commitment to USC before the conviction.

According to the Torrance Daily Breeze, Banks has been working out six days a week since October with two personal trainers to get to a professional level of fitness.

His attorney tells the south Los Angeles newspaper, NFL suitors should, “Give this guy a chance. He’s the most determined guy I’ve ever met.”

Banks is hoping to hook up with the San Diego Chargers, but they’ve already shot him down, according to an LA Weekly blog.

“A Chargers PR director says ‘there’s no interest at this time’ to give Banks a chance, adding that ‘No one here had even heard of him until this story came out.’"

But Banks is trying to get his story out. He’s asking for donations on his website to fund a documentary about his life, being wrongfully imprisoned and his dreams of a future in the NFL.

New Orleans to be Largest City Without Daily Newspaper

Fri, 25 May 2012 03:00:03 -0500

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(Image source: NOLA.com)

BY JOE CHIODO

The saying “out with the old, and in with the new” is hitting home in New Orleans. The city’s daily newspaper, The Times-Picayune, announced starting this fall it will only publish Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Jobs will also be cut as the paper makes some more modern changes. CNN explains.

“The publisher said in a memo the Time-Picayune needed to dedicate more resources to its online presence. He announced a new media group including NOLA.com which will continue to report seven days a week.”

A new company called NOLA Media Group will include the Times-Picayune and its affiliate website. Forbes.com says according to the paper’s publisher the...

“...best path to success lies in a digitally focused organization that combines the award winning journalism of the Times-Picayune and the strength of NOLA.com”

The Times-Picayune received international recognition for its coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But many of its subscribers were forced out of the city by the storm, never to return. Today, the paper reaches about 155-thousand doorsteps on Sundays and 134-thousand on weekdays. But Poynter says it was double that before the storm.

“...circulation in March 2005, before Katrina flooded the city and shrank the population: about 285,000 on Sundays and 257,000 on weekdays.”

On Twitter, David Hammer, the investigative reporter at the Times-Picayune told his followers...

“...It’s like a morgue in the newsroom today.”

But According to Gambit, a New Orleans Weekly newspaper, it may be the way the announcement was made that had people so upset. The website says...

“...Even longtime senior writers and editors — said they learned of their fates from The New York Times report. One employee said, ‘I had to find this out by Twitter. Do I go into the office tomorrow? Do I even have a job to go in to tomorrow?’”

That same report says about a third of the paper's reporters will be fired, along with top executives. When the change is made, New Orleans will become the largest U.S. city without a daily newspaper.

Mortgage Rates Hit Record Low

Fri, 25 May 2012 01:00:02 -0500

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(Image source: The Carvajal Group)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Thinking of buying a home? Consider this: a record low for U.S. mortgage rates.

Not only are they down, but sales are up significantly since the end of 2010.

Here’s NECN with the headline:

“The average rate for a 30-year fixed loan fell to 3.78 percent last week, according to Freddie Mac. That's slightly below the 3.79 percent from last week.”

That’s four weeks in a row of lows. Plus new home sales are up 22 percent since 2010.

CNN’s Brooke Baldwin says — hallelujah! The network’s Alison Kosik adds, if you’re looking for more good news...

“...if you're looking to refinance or buy a home, yep, it just got cheaper. In fact Freddie Mac's chief economist says with the affordable mortgages and combine them with the lower home prices it should help the housing market.”

But there’s a party pooper on Fox Business in David Asman.

“Mortgage rates all-time low. So are bank loans. Banks are not loaning out that much. Great to have low interest rates if you can't get a mortgage? … Down $80 billion in the last quarter.”

Still, for those looking to buy, CNBC’s Richard Satran says get it while the gettin’s good... cuz it might not be for long.

“Don’t hold out for them to give you money at zero percent rates, though. There are signs that as mortgage demand has picked up, a refi boom may be on the way, with some changes in loan rules eased in June. In response, banks will start to ratchet back up rates and fees, most likely in a slow and sure way.”

Warren, Brown Neck and Neck in Mass. Senate Race

Thu, 24 May 2012 21:15:00 -0500

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(Image source: CBS)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

It’s neck-and-neck in the Massachusetts Senate race between incumbent Republican Scott Brown and Democratic challenger Elizabeth Warren.

NECN: “...appears to be anyone's game at this point.”

WCVB: “The Suffolk University poll found 48% backing Brown while 47% support Warren. Brown had a nine-point lead in the same poll three months ago.”

This despite almost a month of controversy over Warren’s claimed Native American heritage. Critics cried foul over the revelation the candidate had identified herself as a “minority” law scholar, though she has said her ancestry includes traces of Cherokee and Delaware Indian. WHDH reports, despite saturated media coverage of that controversy, voters are largely giving her the benefit of the doubt.

“In fact, voters seem to be taking Warren at her word. 49% say they believe she is telling the truth, while only 28% say she is lying.”

But while the Warren camp might view the numbers as good news, The Christian Science Monitor’s Mark Trumbull says it’s looking good for the incumbent too.

“Although Massachusetts has a track record of voting Democratic, Brown enjoys a high favorability rating as a moderate Republican. … Some 58 percent of state voters cite a favorable view of Brown...”

…Leading Politico’s Alexander Burns to predict — this is gonna stay close for a while.

“This could very well be a 2-point race all the way to November, as Brown's personal popularity and reputation for independence run up against Warren's liberal base and the strong Democratic lean of this state.”

Possible Break in Etan Patz Case, Police Still Skeptical

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:40:51 -0500

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(Image source: New York Daily News)

BY KERRY LEARY

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

A new development in one of America’s most famous missing child cases could finally solve the 33-year-old mystery. A man named Pedro Hernandez has confessed to the murder of Etan Patz. MSNBC has more on the only suspect ever arrested in this case.

“Apparently he’s told police that he lured Etan into the store with candy and that he apparently was saying that he killed him and disposed of the body.”

Six-year-old Etan Patz went missing in 1979 while walking the two blocks from his home to catch the school bus — for the very first time. But according to HLN, police are wondering if the confessed killer is the right guy.

“They do have the man in custody but they’re somewhat skeptical about his claims. He’s already someone that they looked at before.”

The case has had a complicated history. Police have pointed fingers at multiple suspects over the years. According to ABC, Patz was formally declared dead in 2001, but the case was re-opened in 2010 when investigators tore apart a basement in Manhattan looking for evidence.

“The floor was in a basement once used as a workshop by a handyman, Othniel Miller, now 75, who had paid the boy to help him with chores. Miller was questioned by police but was not charged with a crime. Police later said the search found ‘no obvious human remains.’”

Another man — Jose Antonio Ramos — has long been considered the prime suspect in Patz’s disappearance.

“In 2004, a civil court ruled that the man, Jose Antonio Ramos, was responsible for Etan's death, though criminal charges never were filed. Ramos, who is serving time in a Pennsylvania prison for child molestation, has denied involvement in Etan's disappearance.”

A writer for the Stir takes a more contemplative look at the impact of Etan’s disappearance.

“He would be nearly 40 now and it's impossible to know what he might have become and how much he would have accomplished had his young life not been taken. It's hard sometimes to even fathom the evil that can be lurking around a corner and it's no wonder that parents have been scared ever since the Patz disappearance.”

The Patz family has not spoken out about the new developments in their son’s case. But, they have been outspoken advocates for missing children over the years. Etan was one of the first missing children featured on a milk carton. Ronald Reagan declared May 25 National Missing Children’s day because of Etan’s disappearance.

Top News Headlines: Facebook Debuts 'Camera' App

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:37:00 -0500

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(Image source: Facebook )

BY NATHAN BYRNE AND MALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Well, it’s not Instagram — but it kind of looks like it. Facebook released a standalone iOS app today called “Camera.” The company recently announced its billion-dollar acquisition of photo-sharing app Instagram. The Verge showcases one of the app’s features.

“The app is built to be the best way for you to bulk-upload photos and browse photos that others have posted to Facebook. The key feature is that you can actually tap these green checkmarks to upload up to 30 pictures … ”

Representatives from Iran and six world powers wrapped up talks in Baghdad Thursday. Another round of meetings is set for next month in Moscow. Al Jazeera explains the current discussion.

“Western powers are concerned about Iran’s nuclear program and a possible military dimension to it. But Tehran insists its program is for peaceful purposes.”

Police have arrested a man who confessed to killing Etan Patz — the New York boy missing for 33 years. A source tells CNN …

“ … the man’s name is Pedro Hernandez. Once owned a convenience store, owned this bodega in Etan Patz’s neighborhood. The source says Hernandez claims he strangled the little boy 33 years ago.”

The president of the Vatican bank has been ousted after a unanimous vote from the bank’s governing body. Sky News explains — the bank president has been a polarizing figure since his appointment in 2009.

“A statement from the Holy See says a unanimous vote was in response to Ettore Gotti Tedeschi failing to carry out duties of primary importance. He’s currently being investigated on suspicion of money laundering.”

Yankee Sale Story Draws Denial, Speculation

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:20:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY MATTHEW PICHT

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

An article in the New York Daily News stirred speculation by claiming that the Yankees could be up for sale in the near future. New York 1 has more...

“The paper cites multiple unnamed baseball and finance sources as saying the Steinbrenners are exploring the possibility of a sale after the 2 billion dollar sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Experts say the Yankees could command more than 3 billion dollars.”

The article points to the opportune timing of the sale, the record-high price the Yankees might fetch on the market, and Steinbrenner’s perceived apathy toward the team as indications that a sale might be on the horizon. It was accompanied by both an editorial justifying the decision to sell, and a list of potential buyers.

However, management has been stamping down firmly on this rumor. Yankee owner Hal Steinbrenner issued a statement hotly denying any implication that he might be selling the Yankees.

“I just read the Daily News story. It is complete fiction. Me and my family have no intention to sell the Yankees and expect it to be in the family for years to come.”

But the official disavowal hasn’t stopped the gossip from flying. Yankee blog WasWatching.com says if Steinbrenner is willing to sell, now is the time.

“The Dodgers sale set the market price. And, the Yankees know that their team is getting old and average…and the pipeline is not full of legit prospects...Better to sell now, and cash out, while the value is still high.”

The story has also stirred up some allegations about Hal Steinbrenner. BleacherReport says — Steinbrenner’s recent desire to cut the Yankee payroll indicates he’s more focused on his bottom line than the welfare of the team.

“If Hal Steinbrenner only sees baseball as a game of economics and nothing else, then him selling the team is the best decision. If he doesn't share his father's passion for the game and for the Yankees, then it's time to step aside.”

Yankees president Randy Levine defended Steinbrenner in an interview with New York’s WNYW, saying that Hal has a genuine passion for the team.

“He’s been to many, many games. He’s fully involved with running the team, so that’s just nonsense. He loves our players, he’s been a managing partner for three years.”

The Yankees have been in the Steinbrenner family since 1973, after George Steinbrenner purchased the franchise for $8.8 million.

Los Angeles Bags Plastic Bags

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Los Angeles Times)

BY EMILY ALLEN

Paper or plastic? It’s not an option in Los Angeles anymore. CNN and Fox News have details on a plastic bag ban.

“The city council passed a bill requiring larger stores to phase out these plastic bags. They’ve got six months to do it. Smaller stores, they’ve got a year to comply. Some are calling for a statewide ban.”

“You’ll also have to bring 10 cents per paper bag unless you bring your own to the grocery store.

Bring your own bag to the grocery store?

BYOB.”

The move makes Los Angeles the largest city in the U.S. to do this — following a trend set by smaller cities in California that have passed similar bans. KCAL talked to the ban’s supporters.

“Think about it, nothing is free. So when you buy groceries you’re actually paying that hidden cost for these plastic bags when it would be so easy to bring your own.”

Supporters also cite environmental benefits of bagging plastic. But HLN says opponents argue it could raise costs for small stores and people with low incomes. And KNBC says this ban could eliminate jobs.

“But the move is not without opposition, largely from employees of a Huntington Park company that makes plastic bags.

‘We’re going to end up with no work, no jobs.’”

A city councilperson told LAist — this decision is much bigger than L.A.

"I believe today will be a historic tipping point towards an eventual elimination of paper and plastic bags throughout the world.”

The next step for L.A. shoppers? Actually remembering to bring those reusable bags into the store.

Nuclear Submarine Catches Fire in Maine

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:01:00 -0500

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(Image Source: seacoastonline.com)

BY JOE DEUTSCHMANN

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

You're watching multisource global video news analysis from Newsy.

A fire broke out on the nuclear-powered USS Miami at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine Wednesday evening. Portland, Maine’s WGME has the story.

Woman: “A fire breaks out on a nuclear sub at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.”

Man: “And crews from as far away as south Portland rush in to help out.”

The fire could have been extremely dangerous had it reached the nuclear reactor aboard. But the shipyard commander tells WCSH the fire was...

“...located in the forward part of the ship. The ship’s reactor was not operating at the time and is in the other end of the ship and, therefore, not affected. No weapons were on board the ship.”

The Boston Herald reports the sub was docked for routine maintenance and that the cause of the fire is still unknown. But locals near the shipyard recognized the blaze was unusual. One woman said …

“‘It smells like plastic.... It doesn’t smell like a regular fire.’”

A writer for the Portland Press Herald said seven people were injured in the fire …

“...including three shipyard firefighters, two submarine crew members and two civilian firefighters.... All but one of the injured have been released, and that person is in stable condition.”

CNN reports the USS Miami is an attack submarine capable of carrying Tomahawk cruise missiles and Mark 48 torpedoes.

Did Pentagon Share Too Much With Bin Laden Filmmakers?

Thu, 24 May 2012 04:00:05 -0500

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(Image source: Summit Entertainment)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Was it an over-share of epic national security proportions?

Critics say Obama administration officials jeopardized national security by working too closely with the producers of an upcoming movie about the raid that killed Osama bin Laden.

First, here’s WUPW with the headline:

“Conservative watchdog group Judicial Watch says it’s obtained documents that indicate the CIA and Defense Department gave the filmmakers special access including a tour of the CIA’s model of the bin Laden compound...”

Other access, according to those documents, include access to a “planner, operator and commander of SEAL Team 6.”

Kathryn Bigelow, best known for her Academy Award-winning film “The Hurt Locker,” is directing the upcoming film in question.

Conservatives are raising eyebrows over the level of access new documents suggest she might have gotten. Politico’s Josh Gerstein says...

“The documents ... show the White House and the CIA also rolled out the welcome mat for the filmmakers. … CIA officials seemed aware that cooperating with Boal was in some tension with the government’s public line that it was trying to crack down on leaks.”

But White House officials say all the same information was given to the press corps. Fox’s Ed Henry doesn’t seem to be buying it.

“The White House press corps got a lot of information about the bin Laden raid but the administration never made Navy SEAL planners available to us. And I’ve never gotten an invite over to the CIA’s vault.”

The vault Henry’s referring to is a CIA building where some of the planning took place. Pentagon officials say the building was empty when the producers visited. But on MSNBC, a different take from the network’s Jim Miklashevski.

“But anybody at that level connected to SEAL Team 6 would have been a highly, tightly-held secret. And quite frankly, some of us reporters here at the Pentagon were a little jealous they had that access.”

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little says the meeting with the raid’s planner never ended up happening — and that the Defense Department regularly engages filmmakers with the goal of making them “as realistic as possible.” Politico reports, the Pentagon’s Inspector General says an investigation is underway into what was disclosed by Defense Department officials.

NFLPA vs. NFL: Face-Off in the Ring Again

Thu, 24 May 2012 02:00:04 -0500

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(Image source: WhoDatDish)

BY MEGAN RICE

DING DING DING! Another round of the fight between the NFL Players Association and the NFL. More bad blood spilled over Wednesday in Minneapolis when the NFLPA filed a collusion suit against the NFL.
SBNation reports....

“The player’s union is claiming that the NFL imposed a ‘secret’ $123 million salary cap for teams during the 2010 season... In more simple terms, the owners agreed to a secret cap on player salaries despite opting out of the collective bargaining agreement that imposed a cap and the owners then set a new cap without the involvement of the NFLPA.”

An NFLPA lawsuit seeks repayment for the damages of the alleged secret salary cap. Here’s ESPN.

“...a lot of free agents who didn’t capitalize. They are asking for a billion dollars in actual damages and are hoping to get 3 billion out of it.”

NFLPA members say they learned of the alleged salary cap on March 12th when they began to see what they call, “repercussions” for breaking the rules of the secret cap. CBS Sports wonders if NFLPA rep Demaurice Smith set up a trap for the owners.

“As many on Twitter have noted, Smith signed off on the NFL's decision to penalize the Redskins $36 million of their cap space and the Cowboys $10 million of theirs. If, by doing so, he tried to set off this trap, that's certainly an interesting move.”

The NFL is denying any secretive pact ever existed, issuing an official statement carried in Sports Illustrated.

“The league responded to the news by saying, ‘the filing of these claims is prohibited by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and separately by an agreement signed by the players’ attorneys last August. The claims have absolutely no merit and we fully expect them to be dismissed.’”

But the players’ are convinced, the league’s owners are hiding something. The NFLPA’s executive director tells Yahoo Sports...

“When the rules are broken in a way that hurts the game, we have an obligation to act. We cannot stand by when we now know that the owners conspired to collude.”

The NFLPA and the NFL signed the Collective Bargaining Agreement last August to put an end to the NFL Lockout. That was before the Saint’s bounty scandal, HGH testing, and this second collusion suit.

Text Causes Crash, Sender Named in Lawsuit

Thu, 24 May 2012 01:00:03 -0500

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(Image source: Flickr/mrJasonWeaver)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

Can you be held liable for a car crash because you sent a text message to the driver who caused it? That’s what a judge in New Jersey is going to decide this week. WFMY has the background on the lawsuit.

“Back in 2009 in New Jersey, David and Linda Kubert were riding their motorcycle down this road when a distracted driver sideswiped them. The crash cost both of them their left legs.”

The couple is suing the driver who caused the crash — but they’re also looking to sue the driver’s girlfriend, who pushed send on the text message that moved the man’s eyes from the road, to the phone.

WMAR talked to the attorney arguing on behalf of the crash victims. He explains their side of the case.

“It is as if you are putting your hands over the eyes of the driver preventing that driver from seeing ahead of them.”

A blogger for MSNBC has the other side of the argument — saying, it’s hard to hold someone responsible for a wreck when that person wasn’t behind the wheel. For example...

“Lawyers around the nation have repeatedly tried and failed to make passengers partly responsible for accidents caused by drunken drivers when passengers knowingly get into a car with an intoxicated driver.”

A legal analyst tells CBS — there is no precedent for holding the sender of a text liable for an accident. And if the judge rules that the texter is an accessory to the crash, it could have sweeping implications.

Rikki Kleiman (legal analyst): “You can extend this kind of liability. I mean that would stop texting all together. Do we want to know if someone is walking down the street and they are going to walk into traffic? Is that person who sends the text responsible? I mean where does it end?

The driver of the vehicle has already pleaded guilty to using a handheld cell phone while driving, failure to maintain a lane, and careless driving. The judge is expected to rule in the next few days whether the text-sender can be named in the civil suit.

Secret Service Director: Scandal Not a Cultural Problem

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:20:02 -0500

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BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A one-time mistake or a pattern of bad behavior?

Lawmakers wrestled with Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan in a hearing Wednesday over alleged sexual misconduct with a presidential Secret Service advance team in Cartagena more than a month ago.

SEN. JOE LIEBERMAN (I-CT): “Former agency employees say that sexual encounters during official travel had been condoned under an unwritten code...”
SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR MARK SULLIVAN: “...the thought or the notion that this type of behavior is condoned or authorized is just absurd...”

Sullivan did apologize for the prostitution scandal that left eight employees ousted and one stripped of a security clearance. Sullivan told lawmakers it isn’t a cultural or systemic issue.

But on-air personalities on Fox Business and Fox News say they’re not buying Sullivan’s line.

Fox Business: “This is not a one-time incident. it was too egregious, too blatant. This is part of the culture.”

Fox News: “From everything I hear this was barely an open secret. That this sort of thing goes on when agents go to Colombia.”

And, possibly beyond Colombia. Senators on the Homeland Security Committee revealed more than 60 allegations of sexual misconduct against Secret Service employees in the last five years alone — including one allegation of non-consensual intercourse.

On top of that — The Washington Post reported both current and former unnamed employees say the unwritten code was essentially “what happens on the road stays on the road.”

But while Sullivan denied those allegations — he wasn’t able to convince lawmakers. Maine Senator Susan Collins compared the Colombia incident to a “cancer.” Still — The Guardian’s Ewen MacAskill suggests — Sullivan himself is likely to be safe.

“Sullivan has only survived so far because he is popular on Capitol Hill, where he is seen as a well-respected, honest secret service veteran. Members of Congress have so far resisted calling for his resignation.”

The Washington Post reported ahead of the hearing that four dismissed employees would be seeking their jobs back.

Romney Revives School Vouchers in Policy Reveal

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:34:03 -0500

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(Image source: National Journal)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Mitt Romney strayed from his usual campaign theme about the economy Wednesday to hit President Obama on education.

KCRA has an excerpt of the speech, to a crowd of Hispanic business owners at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Wednesday.

ROMNEY: “Here we are in the most prosperous nation on earth, but millions of our kids are getting a third-world education, and America's minority children suffer the most.”

He told the crowd — that’s the “civil rights issue of our time.” And to fix it — he’s going back through the war chest — with a voucher-style system the AP’s Steve Peoples expects to resurrect the debate over school choice. It would allow low-income and disabled students to choose schools.

Federal aid would go with that student to his or her chosen school. In the speech Romney also proposed mandating “report cards” to mark school progress — calling the current federal evaluation system “cryptic.”

The voucher idea isn’t new coming from a conservative — Republicans in Congress have introduced similar bills. Romney’s camp says his plan would not require any additional federal spending on education. Fox’s Charles Payne says he loves the idea — saying vouchers foster competition among schools.

PAYNE: “Competition is the key. … The interest of school linked to the student. How about that? Rather than linked to the unions, rather than a link to the teachers, how about we get rid of bad teachers, bring if good teachers and we do not paint them all with the same brush.”

But The Washington Post points out, “[Romney] made no mention of how he would fix failing public schools. … He didn’t say whether struggling schools should face consequences if they didn’t get better.”

Business Insider’s Grace Wyler calls the plan “vague” — and questions his choice to unveil it to a small business summit of Latino leaders — asking, “Is Mitt Romney embarrassed about having an education plan?” and saying it was...

“...a decidedly odd audience and location for a speech on education policy. The speech ... was timed to coincide with President Obama's Air Force Academy commencement speech, virtually guaranteeing that Romney's news got limited airtime.”

According to Pew Research — President Obama leads Romney in support among Latino voters — 61 to 27 percent.

Pro-Choice Support At All-Time Low: Poll

Wed, 23 May 2012 18:11:56 -0500

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BY MATTHEW PICHT

The most recent Gallup Values and Beliefs poll shows the number of Americans who identify as “pro-choice” is at an all-time low — and that “pro-life” Americans are at an all-time high.

“In this particular sample--this May--42% of Americans now say they’re pro-choice, 51% pro-life.”

The results have been warmly received by pro-life advocates. Kristi Hamrick of the public advocacy group Americans United for Life told Newsmax...

"There is a growing uneasiness across America regarding the poorly regulated abortion industry and the presence of an abortion mandate … Americans value life, and this poll reflects that."

But skeptics are pointing to another statistic. The same poll shows 52% of Americans still support a woman’s right to an abortion in certain cases. MSNBC says it only reflects political differences, not ideological ones.

“Whereas they might not like the label, they still absolutely believe that access to abortion in this country should be available for women.”

Most of the responses in the poll fell along party lines — but ABC News notes...

“The survey found 41 percent of Independents identified as ‘pro-choice,’...marking only the second time since 2001 that the number of ‘pro-life’ Independents has outweighed the number of ‘pro-choice’ Independents.”

Gallup says that future polls will explore the abortion debate in greater depth by focusing on demographic trends.

Anonymous Hacks Dept. of Justice

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:00:00 -0500

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BY LYNDSEY GARZA

ANCHOR NATHAN BYRNE

The hacktivist collective Anonymous has yet again incited more mayhem — Monday Mail Mayhem — by releasing 1.7 GB of data from the Department of Justice server.

In an official press release, Anonymous explains — it does not operate for government or a party, but for the truth that is hiding — notably cybersecurity breaches.

“We are releasing data to spread information, to allow the people to be heard and to know the corruption in their government. We are releasing it to end the corruption that exists, and truly make those who are being oppressed free.”

Anonymous released the data on torrent-sharing site The Pirate Bay . But as Mashable reports — the data dump didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

“Anonymous member @planethacks, who is allegedly responsible for the data dump, has said the download is stalling because another hacker is interfering with the download process.”

Here’s some of those tweets from @planethacks...

“The reason everyone is stuck at 94% is because zeekill, a person we have heard of before, is attacking our seedboxes.”

“The issue will be resolved soon......”

So what’s in the 1.7 gigs of data? The Department of Justice is remaining hush-hush about the damage done. ZDNet argues, this attack could be irrelevant.

“It remains to be seen if there’s anything incriminating in this leak. After all, the [Bureau of Justice Statistics] is simply a federal government agency belonging to the U.S. Department of Justice that collects, analyzes, and publishes data relating to crime in the U.S. (including hacker attacks).”

While Anonymous claims it took the website down, Tampa’s Bay News 9 emphasizes the government has not called foul play — yet.

“The department is looking into the unauthorized access of a website server operated by the Bureau of Justice Statistics that contained data from their public website.”

While the government refutes the website outage, Anonymous tweets tell a different story.

“‘The Bureau of Justice Statistics website has remained operational through this time.’ BULL****”

In the end of the Anonymous press release, an unmasked hacker threatens — this is not the last of the group, noting if the government shuts down the Internet, the people will shut down the government.

Top News Headlines: Oil Prices Drop Below $90

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:41:00 -0500

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(Image source: Flickr/ezioman)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Oil prices fell below $90 in New York — erasing gains through 2011. Bloomberg points to multiple factors, like U.S. supplies being at a 22-year high and Iran loosening up on inspections.

“There’s been a sense that Iran was not going to let inspectors in, and that was somehow a violation of sovereignty. But the fact that you actually have the U.S. and NATO meeting in Baghdad, that’s a really big deal.”

Secret Service director Mark Sullivan apologized in his first public statement since the prostitution scandal. Here’s MSNBC.

“Eight agents implicated in the scandal have been forced out. Four are actually fighting to get their jobs back. They say the agency is making them a scapegoat. Sullivan is disputing that claim.”

Wednesday’s Brussels summit kicks off with all eyes on newly elected French President Francois Hollande. Sky News explains …

“ … because obviously now the duopoly that has run the summit since the crisis began, of France and Germany, both singing from the same hymn sheet, is now over.”

Egyptians have cast their ballots in the country’s first free presidential election since the fall of Hosni Mubarak 15 months ago. The BBC reports.

“This election is a sign that there’s no going back to the old Egypt, that what happened here really was a revolution. Many voters say a future president who defies the people will face another uprising.”

Baptist Pastor Calls for Concentration Camps for Gay People

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

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BY MATTHEW PICHT

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

A North Carolina pastor recently suggested gays and lesbians should be rounded into concentration camps. And — it’s been uncovered — it’s not the first of his gay-bashing rants from the pulpit.

Video of the sermon, which was posted to YouTube by an activist group, shows the preacher railing against President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage, announced earlier this month.

Charles Worley goes on to his plan for “getting rid of all the lesbians and queers”: internment camps with electrified fences.

“And you know what, in a few years they’ll die off. You know why? They can’t reproduce.”

That was in mid-May — on Mother’s Day — days after President Obama personally endorsed gay marriage. But CNN has video of another, decades-old rant.

ANCHOR: “Here’s part of a sermon he gave back in 1978.”

WORLEY: “Blessed God, forty years ago, they’d of hung ‘em, blessed God, from a white oak tree.’”

Members of Worley’s congregation are supporting their minister, saying this sermon doesn’t reflect his true nature.

“I would just like for people to be able to see the other side of Charles Worley...it’s a small part of what he had to say, taken out of context.”

But other residents of the town are outraged at the pastor’s message. The Catawba Valley Citizens Against Hate organization is organizing a peaceful protest against Worley’s sermon, saying that “hate is not welcome in our community.” Protest organizer Laura Tipton told MSNBC...

“‘I think the message needs to get out... it's important that people know that not all of us feel this way, that there is support for the LGBT community in this state.’”

While Worley’s gay-bashing is what’s grabbing attention, HLN reports political comments in the same sermon might leave the church in legal trouble.

“He also said he would never vote for a president that supports abortion rights or same sex marriage...Some religious leaders may push to have the church’s tax exemption revoked. They say that his comments about the president violate separation of church and state.”

Since the video went viral, the Providence Road Baptist Church’s website has been down, and the pastor has been unavailable for comment.

Secret Service Director Defends Agents in Prostitute Scandal

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: CNN)

BY EMILY ALLEN

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

The Director of the Secret Service says his men never compromised national security or the President’s safety during their scandalous trip to Colombia in April. Here’s HLN.

“Mark Sullivan will testify this morning. He insists that security was not compromised in Colombia last month. Nine agents were accused of partying with prostitutes before President Obama arrived from a summit.”

Sullivan plans to back his men at a hearing in front of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Politico says Sullivan will tell committee members...

“At the time the misconduct occurred, none of the individuals involved in the misconduct had received any specific protective information, sensitive security documents, firearms, radios or other security-related equipment in their hotel rooms.”

But the senior Republican on the committee — Susan Collins — says she is concerned about the broader implications of this scandal on the agency. The Washington Post quote Collins as saying the agents’ conduct…

“ … surely sends a message to the rank and file that this kind of activity is tolerated on the road…This was not a one-time event…The circumstances unfortunately suggest an issue of culture.”

And Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson told CNN new revelations in the case makes him think this is a much larger problem in the agency than was first indicated.

“What goes on in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas. That’s just totally unacceptable. And you know what I want to do, we need to get to the bottom of this thing — not to go on a witch hunt — but really find out, is the secret service secure?

But the House and Homeland Security Committee Chair — Republican Peter King — tells Fox News he’s standing behind Sullivan and the secret service.

“There is always going to be the inappropriate actions, there’s always going to be the people that do the wrong thing, that doesn’t mean there is a culture. That doesn’t mean that it’s condoned.”

This week, the committee plans to look specifically at the Colombia prostitution scandal and long-term problems within the agency.

Woman Claims She was Fired for Being Too Busty

Wed, 23 May 2012 02:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: New York Daily News)

BY HANK KOEBLER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A New York woman claims she was fired from a lingerie store for being too hot to handle. CNN has a clip from former Native Intimates employee Lauren Odes’ news conference:

“When I was first told that I was ‘too hot’ and that my breasts were too large I was shocked. I thought that I was dressed appropriately every day for my job.”

WABC has more details on the case...

“Lauren Odes told me she checked, she double checked, she made sure there was no dress code in place at her new job. Some of her co-workers were wearing tank tops and athletic gear. She was stunned when she was fired.”

Odes, who is Jewish, told reporters the Orthodox Jewish owners of Native Intimates were unfairly imposing their religious beliefs on her. The New York Daily News claims she was asked to tape down her breasts and even forced to wear a bathrobe over one outfit.

“...she was given a choice — buy a sweater that comes to her ankles or cover up in a bright red bathrobe the supervisor pulled off the rack. When she donned the robe, her co-workers laughed at her. So she went weeping to buy another outfit — and was axed while out shopping.”

With the help of celebrity attorney Gloria Allred, Odes is suing Native Intimates for gender and religious discrimination. The case is similar to that of another Allred client — Debrahlee Lorenzana, who sued Citibank in 2010 after being fired for being “too hot.” But now — Lorenzana says she “ended up fighting Citibank on my own.”

“If I could turn back time, I would have not chosen Gloria Allred as my lawyer… The only times I saw her (Allred) was when the media was there.”

Dealbreaker.com reports Lorenzana’s case ended without a settlement after Allred withdrew from representing her. As for Odes, her former employer has not issued any comment.

Can Lakers Win Another Ring With Kobe?

Wed, 23 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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BY HANK KOEBLER

Time to break up the Lakers? Probably not a great idea to ask LA Lakers’ superstar Kobe Bryant that question again. A defiant Bryant laughed at a reporter suggesting he and the Lakers were running out of time to win another championship.

“I’m not going anywhere. We’re not going anywhere. It’s not one of those things where like the Bulls beat the Pistons and the Pistons disappeared forever. I’m not going for that s---.”

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin disagrees with that optimism, saying the Lakers need to get into the selling business. Starting with shipping away forward Pau Gasol.

“At this point, when you look at the surrounding teams that are competition, and you look at what they have in terms of an aging roster, they have to make wholesale changes. And I think that comes down to trading Pau Gasol.”

Clearing Gasol may not be enough, according to some critics. Yahoo! Sports’ Marc Spears says center Andrew Bynum could also be too expensive to keep:

“Bynum still rates as the NBA’s second-best center, and the Lakers could again try to engage the Orlando Magic in trade talks for the one player who ranks above him: Dwight Howard”

Still others wonder, if it’s Kobe who needs to go. NBC Sports’ Michael Ventre says Bryant and this group of Lakers don’t have another championship trophy in their future together:

“There is a cold, practical, analytical way of looking at Kobe’s chances of winning another championship, and it’s a grim picture for him — if he finishes his career in a Laker uniform, of course. The Lakers would be well advised to accept this and consider their options.”

Not every critic is calling for a breakup of the present Lakers’ team. Former Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal says the Lakers’ ills can be cured by changing the team’s X’s and O’s:

“This regular-man system doesn’t work for them. They need kind of like a disciplined system that gets people in spots and lets people do their thing. Like the 1-4 flat is not going to work for their team.”

Bryant has won five championships with the Lakers, one short of matching Bulls legend Michael Jordan’s six.

Clyburn: Bain, Romney 'Raped' Companies

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:00:39 -0500

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(Image source: U.S. House)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Sticks and stones may break bones — but words can distract a campaign.

With Mitt Romney’s tenure at Bain Capital under the microscope — the House’s number three Democrat used some choice words to describe private-equity firms. Here he is on MSNBC:

REP. JAMES CLYBURN (D-SC): “There's something about that enterprise that I have a problem with. and there's something about raping companies and leaving them in debt and setting up Swiss bank accounts...”

Within hours of Clyburn’s interview, the Obama campaign released a statement denouncing the choice of words. A spokesman for Clyburn later said the South Carolina Democrat meant “rape” as a synonym “for rob or plunder.”

But for critics, the damage was already done.

Feminist organizer Shelby Knox tweeted directly to the congressman: “Rape is rape & applying it to situations outside sexual assault demeans the seriousness.”

While The Atlantic Wire called the comments “a bad call.”
“We assume the debate will shortly return to the actual business practices Bain engaged in ... but not before Rep. Clyburn learns a little lesson in the terribly chosen metaphor.”

Anchors on Fox News weren’t happy about the language either, but the network’s Eric Bolling fought rhetoric with more of the same.

“Clyburn said, ‘rape’ is synonym for rob or plunder. Does that make it better?”
ERIC: “If it is, President Obama is raping the American taxpayer and not giving us dinner or glass of wine or cocktail.”

The controversy comes as critics paint Bain — which Romney co-founded — as a heartless job killer. Earlier this month President Obama’s reelection team released an ad featuring a Kansas City steel plant whose bankruptcy and closing were tied to the firm.

“They were responsible. Mitt Romney was deeply involved. … They made as much money off of it as they could. And they closed it down, they filed for bankruptcy without any concern for the families or the community.”

A new ABC News/Washington Post poll released Tuesday found 54% of voters polled said they don’t consider Romney’s role in buying and restructuring companies a major factor in their vote.

Obama, Romney in 'Dead Heat' in New Poll

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:13:36 -0500

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(Image source: Top News)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A dead heat heading into summer campaigning.

President Obama and presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney are locked in a statistical tie according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.

And when it comes to the economy — the men are also tied, at 47 percent among voters polled.

Pollsters conducted the survey in April, involving a random sample of more than 1,000 adults. YNN has more details.

“48 percent of those polled think Obama has a better ‘understanding of the economic problems people in this country are having,’ compared to 40 for Romney.”

Romney’s camp has made no secret of plans to focus its campaign on the economy — with the former Massachusetts governor frequently telling voters on the stump about it.

“I wanna get the years of experience in the private sector to help me in Washington. I spent 25 years in business!”

With his business experience playing such a high-profile role in his campaign profile — MSNBC contributor Michael Smerconish says it might be a bad sign for Romney if he is merely tying with the president on the issue.

MICHAEL SMERCONISH: “Given the state of affairs right now, that’s a category that I would have expected Mitt Romney to have an edge on the president. The fact that he doesn’t, I think, is problematic.”

But as the New Republic’s Gregg Easterbrook has said — torture numbers, and they’ll confess to anything.

Which might help explain how a 47% tie in a Washington Post poll can become a 12% lead for Romney in another poll. Here’s Fox News with results from a Rasmussen poll.

“Brand new numbers just out. You asked folks, who do they trust more on the economy. 51% said Governor Romney. 39% said President Obama.”

More than half of participants in that Washington Post/ABC News poll cited the economy as their number one concern.

U.S. Airways Flight Diverted After Security Scare

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:00:48 -0500

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(Image Source: CNN )

BY JOHN O'CONNOR

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

A U.S. Airways Jet was forced to divert its course after the crew reported suspicious behavior by one of its passengers. Flight 787’s original course was from Paris to Charlotte, North Carolina, but was instead escorted to Bangor, Maine due to a “security issue.” Fox News has the details.

“Two F15 Fighter Jets were scrambled from Barnes Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, they intercepted this 767 above Nova Scotia.”

The cause of the security issue: CBC reports, a woman on-board notified the flight crew she had surgically implanted device.

“We're now learning that this woman is a French citizen from Cameroon. ... This woman is reported to have passed a note to the flight crew saying that she had a surgically implanted device on her. ... Clearly an unnerving experience for the passengers there.”

But doctors on board found no sign of a surgically-implanted device. This discovery led officials to determine the woman was likely mentally unstable, and because of that, according to CNN, the possibility of a terrorist threat was low. CNN’s Brooke Baldwin spoke with a passenger who was on the plane not too far from the suspicious passenger.

“I mean, all that I saw of the woman was, I mean, this was a couple rows behind me and I saw a woman sitting by herself looking nervous and jittery.”

Authorities diverted the plane out of an “abundance of caution” — and are now saying the woman posed “basically no threat.” The New York Times reports...

“Airlines and counterterrorism agencies have been on the watch for the possibility that terrorists would try to bring down a plane using a bomb concealed on a passenger or even implanted as a way to hide it better. The state of alert was heightened after intelligence agencies penetrated the Al Qaeda network in Yemen a few weeks ago and captured a bomb designed to be hidden in a person's clothing.”

WLBZ in Bangor reports that “the woman is in custody and the flight has been cleared to continue.”

Top News Headlines: IAEA Reaches Nuclear Deal With Iran

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:37:00 -0500

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(Image source: Al Jazeera)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

The UN’s nuclear watchdog says it’s reached a deal with Iran that will allow nuclear inspections to resume. The announcement comes a day before high-level talks between Iran and six UN countries on Iran’s nuclear program. Here’s Al Jazeera.

“Speaking to reporters at Vienna airport, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said his trip to Tehran saw progress on a stalemate that’s lasted for a number of years.”

Members of the Senate intelligence committee revealed a new jihadi web video calling for cyber attacks on U.S. infrastructure. Fox News has details on the video.

“These images are pulled from the tape and specifically claim that the U.S. is vulnerable to cyber attacks in the same way the U.S. airline security system was vulnerable to the hijackers and boxcutters.”

A congressional probe has found the U.S. military is being sold phony parts by equipment suppliers in China. CNN has more.

“Thousands of vital components of U.S. weapons systems originating in Chinese scrap heaps and then sold to you and me, the U.S. taxpayers, as the real deal.”

And a new structure claims the title of world’s tallest tower. Japan’s Sky Tree Tower stands 34 meters taller than the previous record-holder, China’s Canton Tower. Bloomberg has more on the grand opening.

“It officially opened its doors to an estimated 200,000 people today, and it’s surrounded by more than 300 shops and restaurants, a planetarium and an aquarium.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Christina Hartman, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Eight Shot After Thunder-Lakers Game

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:24:00 -0500

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(Image Source: The Oklahoman)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Eight people shot. One in critical condition. That’s the toll in the aftermath of a post-game celebration in Oklahoma City. The Thunder had just defeated the L.A. Lakers to advance to the NBA Western Finals. CNN has a police description of the scene.

“There were some skirmishes that took place, some pushing and shoving. Witnesses say they saw at least one subject pull out a weapon and open fire on the crowd. At least eight people that we know so far have been hit by gunfire.”

Police tell The Daily Oklahoman the fight appeared to start between a group of women and men, when the men reportedly opened fire.

“A pregnant woman was either kicked or hit in the abdomen ...Seven gunshot victims were found at the scene … There were about 5,000 people out in the area when the gunfire rang out...”

It’s not the first time there’s been violence in the midst of post-game revelry.
But in a smaller city like Oklahoma City, fans say, it’s more unusual.
KOCO talks with two fans who say, despite a strong police presence, they feared this would happen.

“I felt like maybe the playoffs would bring violence to the city. I felt like it was just kind of continuing get worse and worse."

And on ESPN’s Mike and Mike Radio Show, the hosts note, the senselessness of such post-game violence rings true once again.

“It’s one thing when you know you talk about flipping cars and starting fires which we’ve talked about and we just shake our head when you’re talking about a celebration. And this, guns involved, whenever you hear the term ‘open fire’ you know it’s not good.”

Catholic Groups Suing White House Over Health Care Mandate

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: The Mississippi Press)

BY MATTHEW PICHT

A coalition of more than 40 Catholic institutions filed 12 lawsuits Monday against the Obama administration. They are protesting a federal mandate requiring insurance providers to give health coverage for birth control and contraceptives. Fox News explains.

“The lawsuits, filed in federal courts across the country, argue that the contraception mandate violates the religious freedom of Catholic institutions. Of course, federal health officials say they adopted this contraception rule to improve women’s health.”

NBC’s Alex Wagner says the Catholic Church’s position on birth control and contraceptives alienates women whenever it reaches the public eye.

“Every time these kind of social issues come up, I think it just makes independent women, married women, working women think, ‘this is crazy.’”

However, Notre Dame University president Rev. John Jenkins told the Examiner this lawsuit is not an attempt to restrict access to contraceptives.

“Many of our faculty, staff and students -- both Catholic and non-Catholic -- have made conscientious decisions to use contraceptives. As we assert the right to follow our conscience, we respect their right to follow theirs.”

The lawsuits focus on the definition of ‘religious employer.’ A definition the plaintiffs claim is too narrow. In a video released to CNS News, Cardinal Donald Wuerl called for the administration to acknowledge the religious nature of all Catholic institutions, not just churches.

“All the administration has to do is continue the long-standing practice of recognizing that our schools, our hospitals, and our charities, are all part of the mission of the church.”

Politico notes that these lawsuits reject attempts at compromise by the Obama administration, including one which gave any religious institution a one year exemption from the mandate.

“During that time, the administration has said it would work on a compromise. But the plaintiffs say that there is no way to compromise on the matter and that the administration has not yet delivered any new policy.”

The contested policy is part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Top News Headlines: SpaceX Launches First ISS Flight

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wired)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR ALLIE SPILLYARDS

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

After a long string of aborted missions, SpaceX successfully launched an unmanned rocket on its way to the International Space Station. CNN reports — it’s an historic flight.

“It is the world’s first commercial space station supply flight. NASA hanging its hopes on the mission now that the retired space shuttles are museum exhibits.”

Several people were shot in Oklahoma City just after the Thunder beat the Lakers last night. The shootings took place just blocks from the arena. HLN has more.

“Eight people were reportedly shot at 11:35 pm local time in Oklahoma City. As of now, there is no motive for the shootings.”

Police have arrested a man in connection with the disappearance of a California teenager who went missing two months ago. Here’s Fox News with the details.

“Police arrested this man, 21-year-old Antolin Garcia-Torres, on suspicion of murder and kidnapping. Fifteen-year-old Sierra Lamar was last seen March 16 as she left to catch the school bus.”

The two-day NATO summit ended Monday evening with an agreement on a roadmap for Afghanistan. The plan includes a gradual drawdown of combat troops. Here’s euronews.

“The alliance has now formally backed the U.S. plan, which is a major step towards bringing the unpopular decade-long war to an end. All combat troops are to be pulled out by the end of 2014.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Allie Spillyards, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Media Revisit Joplin One Year Later

Tue, 22 May 2012 05:00:06 -0500

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(Image source: NOAA)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Called the worst tornado in modern history, an F5 tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri one year ago killing 161 people. The media are returning to the site to see how residents are recovering. CBS correspondent Ben Tracy reports the city will never be the same, but it’s looking better.

“You see new houses going up almost everywhere. This rebuilding effort really in overdrive. But this has still been a very, very tough year for a lot of people here.”

CNN reports the past year has been especially tough for high school students. The school district set up classes in a vacant end of a local shopping mall.

“The school’s installed these tornado shelters. Each student is assigned to a shelter. They come with a few flashlights.”

KTTS radio reports the anniversary buzz is growing.

“...the city says it anticipates big crowds for the "Day of Unity" celebration Tuesday, which will lead up to a moment of silence at 5:41 PM, exactly one year after a deadly twister tore a path across the city.”

The Washington Post recounts the disaster but says there are many many signs of hope.

“St. John’s Hospital, perhaps one of the most easily recognizable symbols from the Joplin tragedy has already been temporarily replaced. The new Mercy Hospital Joplin‘s 150,000 square foot facility is considerably stronger than its predecessor.”

HLN features a collection of stories about Joplin survivors on its website and Clark Howard tells us the network plans continuing coverage of the anniversary.

“So much destruction. But one year on, Joplin’s roaring back. Robin Meade and me will be in Joplin Monday and Tuesday.”

HLN also says live coverage will start on Morning Express with Robin Meade and continue through the afternoon.

Magic Fire Coach Van Gundy, GM Smith

Tue, 22 May 2012 04:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: Orlando Sentinel)

BY TOM MARTIN

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

Superman gets his wish. The Orlando Magic fired head coach Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith Monday — after star player Dwight Howard allegedly pressured management to do so. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith says it was all a long time coming.

“After the outburst with Stan Van Gundy basically talking about how he didn’t care and that Dwight Howard wanted to get him fired because upper management had told him so... basically, you knew from that moment forward that Stan Van Gundy would be gone.”

If you recall, Van Gundy told reporters that Howard had asked he be fired — just moments before Howard showed up to give the coach support — making everything terribly awkward.

A blogger for Deadspin writes, when Howard got angry afterward, the Magic simply had no choice.

“The Magic had to do this, of course. They still hold out hopes of getting Dwight to re-sign, and that wasn't going to happen with Stan Van still running things. Dwight’s a rare superstar, whereas Van Gundy is just a very good coach. Coaches … are replaceable.”

But just how much control should a player have? The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Jeff Schultz says Howard’s power has stretched too far:

“It’s an unhealthy situation … It doesn’t play well in the front office or the locker room, and that spills onto the court … The Magic might as well [let replacement candidates] march, one by one, into the Roman Coliseum, while Howard sits on a throne and gives the thumbs up or thumbs down signal.”

The Orlando Sentinel's Brian Schmitz writes — dumping Van Gundy — who won nearly two-thirds of his games he coached for the Magic — was the wrong choice.

“[Magic CEO Alex Martins] said Van Gundy didn’t meet the ‘standards’ that the Magic have come to expect. Didn’t Stan and his staff set the standard? Two 59-win seasons and an NBA Finals appearance? What a shame. Good man, good coach. Gone.”

The Orlando Sentinel reports possible coach replacements include, among others: former New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni and Indiana Pacers assistant Brian Shaw.

Pot Found Floating in Pacific, Officials Stumped

Tue, 22 May 2012 01:00:03 -0500

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(Image source: KCBS)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

The Pacific Ocean was a giant “lost and found” Sunday night when authorities recovered nearly four tons of marijuana valued at about four million dollars. KGTV reports it was quite the discovery.

“The Border Patrol pulled the marijuana out of the water and brought it back to Dana Point where it was impounded. It would have taken a large boat to smuggle it in.”

KTLA reports a tip led authorities to the pot Sunday afternoon. The station also has reaction from witnesses.

“It was just really something. We’ve never seen that here. It was heavy. Three guys couldn’t lift up one bundle.”

No arrests have been made. A Border Patrol spokesman tells the Orange County Register the incident is especially strange because the bales were floating about 15 miles offshore with no one in sight.

“In most scenarios when marijuana bales are found dumped in the water it is because a vessel is trying to flee from authorities.”

Looking at the bigger picture, ABC News implies the incident could be the result of smugglers coming up with more outrageous ways to move marijuana and other drugs from Mexico and South America to the U.S.

“According to the U.S. Coast Guard, narcotic submarines, which can typically carry four to five crew members and travel up to 5,000 miles, are regularly used to move contraband.”

But it’s all speculation at this point, authorities have not made an arrest.

Another Fan Beaten Outside Dodger Stadium

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: KTLA)

BY TOM MARTIN

Two years, two severe beatings outside Dodger Stadium. The latest came Sunday night when a man left his car after a fender bender — and viciously attacked the person he believed was responsible. KTVU has more.

“Three men from another car held the victim down while the man involved in the collision beat the victim in the head and face. He did not suffer life-threatening injuries.”

While the victim appears to be okay — KNBC reminds us — it’s the same parking lot where another man nearly died in a similar incident.

“Just over a year ago, Giants fan Bryan Stowe was severely beaten in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium.

“According to the family website, he still needs around-the-clock care.”

Stowe’s beating prompted a beefing up of security outside Dodger stadium. A KCBS reporter says — in this case — those changes actually made a big difference.

“As bad as it is, it may also be a sign that all the changes that have been implemented in the last year may actually be working as officers were able to respond so quickly and stop this fight from getting even worse.”

Police say they arrested all four suspects involved at the scene — but a blogger for Big League Stew writes, fans also need to take some responsibility.

“The best way to stop the violence in the parking lots is for Dodgers fans themselves to decide they won't tolerate it anymore … I don't care if it takes switching from "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" to "Kumbaya," it's really up to them to bring law to the Wild West's parking lots.”

Many in Dodgertown believe new owner Magic Johnson can help curb the violence. But ESPN’s Colin Cowherd says — it will take more than a few waves of Magic’s wand to cure the culture:

“Even though Frank McCourt’s out, it doesn’t change the reality of Dodger Stadium: That parking lot is scary to a lot of people.”

“Are women at a night Dodgers game comfortable by themselves in a parking lot?”

Police say the latest victim is currently in stable condition. His name has not been released.

Panel Suggests Ending Routine Prostate Cancer Screening

Mon, 21 May 2012 23:16:59 -0500

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(Image source: University of Virginia)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

A government panel’s controversial recommendation is challenging the old adage, “Better safe than sorry.”

The suggestion: Ending a routine prostate cancer screening called PSA for most men.

First — here’s WMDT with the headline.

“They say there's little to no benefit and the majority of cancers picked up by the screenings grow so slowly that most men never need treatment.”

The recommendation comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — which sets U.S. cancer screening policy. Reuters news wire called the reaction “fast and furious” — with advocates of screening saying the procedure saves lives. CBC talked to a doctor who says — the recommendation misses the point.

“The benefit screening is to find aggressive prostate cancer that will shorten your life. We can provide aggressive treatment that will prolong your life with good quality of life.”

And on CNN, Anderson Cooper points out the death rate from prostate cancer has fallen since the PSA screening test was introduced. But a cancer researcher says there’s no proof testing had much to do with that.

DR. SIDDHARTHA MUKHERJEE: “The problem with the testing is that it’s picking up too many men in whom the cancer is harmless, so we’ve got to find a more scientific and more refined way of predicting.”

The task force concluded that for every 1,000 men screened — only one will avoid death from prostate cancer — while up to 40 men will be left impotent or develop problems with urination because of treatment. The Globe and Mail’s Andre Picard writes...

“In the real world, a small percentage of prostate cancer cases are aggressive and deadly... We have yet to figure how to distinguish the two early enough to make a difference. It would be great to have a screening test that does so, but it does not exist. At least not yet.”

According to The Washington Post — after skin cancer, prostate cancer is the next most common cancer in men. (SOC)

Ex-Rutgers Student Sentenced in Spycam Case

Mon, 21 May 2012 17:20:00 -0500

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(Image source: CBS)

BY MEGAN RICE

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Ex-Rutgers student Dharun Ravi will spend 30-days in jail. Two months ago Ravi was found guilty on 15-counts including invasion of privacy and bias intimidation after spying on roommate Tyler Clementi. MSNBC shows footage of Judge Glenn Berman addressing Ravi’s sentence.

“The defendant did not contemplate that his conduct would cause or threaten harm, serious harm. I believe that. I actually accept the fact that he didn’t contemplate it.”

Ravi’s punishment comes after freshman roommate Tyler Clementi committed suicide after learning Ravi had captured Clementi on camera having a sexual encounter with another man. CBS reports Ravi could have faced jail time up to 10 years, because he showed no remorse.

“He wrote in this instant message. Yes. Honestly if he didn’t commit suicide I might be in trouble. But now they’re more worried about me doing something stupid. And then Ravi wrote. They don’t know I love money too much to commit suicide.”

But, ABC’s spoke with Ravi’s Mother who made a plea on her son’s behalf.

“My 20 year old son already has too much burden on his shoulder to face for the rest of his life.”

But critics of the sentence say, while Ravi has a life to live, his victim, Clementi does not.
The Huffington Post notes, many in the Twitterati agree.

@PatungaFurburg tweets “So dharun ravi was the reason that a innocent boy committed suicide and he only gets 30 days in jail!!”

...and @RickSmith tweets “Listening to the sentencing of Dharun Ravi. Stories like this break my heart. We need to learn to love people despite their differences...”

But this is not the End for Ravi.
Along with jail-time, he also must fulfill other conditions of his sentencing. The Wall Street Journal reports...

“Mr. Ravi must report to corrections authorities on May 31. He also must serve three years probation, perform 300 hours of community service and pay $11,000 in fines.”

'Ring of Fire' Draws Massive Crowd

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:34:58 -0500

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(Image source: Space.com)

BY MATT PICHT

A solar eclipse is a spectacular sight under any circumstances. But Sunday, for the first time since 1994, viewers in the U.S. were treated to a particularly special kind of eclipse.

Technically, it’s called an annular eclipse, but most people know it as the “Ring of Fire.”

Unlike a regular solar eclipse, an annular eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in between the Sun and the Earth, but is too far from Earth to completely block out the sun. The resulting “ring of fire” spectacle is an amazing sight.

Eclipse or no eclipse, looking directly into the sun without protection will still damage your eyes. Astronomers cautioned amateur viewers to use specialized eye protection when looking directly at the sun. Here’s ABC.

“You can take a pair of glasses, made specifically for eclipses, and you put those on, and they will protect your eyes.”

Sunday’s “Ring of Fire” was the first eclipse of 2012, and people documented the event in typical 21st century fashion.

Hundreds of eclipse pictures and videos flooded social networks, to the point where some people were viewing the eclipse from their computer screen.

For more conventional viewers, the eclipse was a social event as well. On the evening of the eclipse, excited watchers gathered in massive ‘eclipse parties’ to observe this rare astronomical event. CNN says the anticipation was palpable.

“To be here for a solar eclipse is like--I mean, look at this! Is this not the greatest thing in the world?!”

The next annular eclipse in this series is scheduled for June 1st, 2030.

NASCAR All-Star Race Leads To Alegations of Sandbagging

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:40:40 -0500

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(Image source: Bleacher Report)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR: LAUREN GORES

Sandbagging in pit row?
That was the overwhelming story line coming out of NASCAR’s All-Star race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Jimmie Johnson walked away the winner -- after taking the first and fourth legs of the race. But he sat at the back of the pack in the middle two legs. ESPN explains why.

“Under the new format, the winners of each of the first four 20-lap segments lined up 1-to-4 for pit road. Once there, it was a race to be the first to get back on the track for the final 10-lap sprint to the checkered flag. So winner Jimmie Johnson sandbagged for 60 or so laps before turning it up for a final charge to his third All-Star victory.”

On Speed TV’s website, many fans were up in arms.
Like ChevyRacer316....

“If NASCAR keeps this format, invert the 4 cars that won segments 1-4! Otherwise NASCAR is starting to suck and I am drifting from it and going to watch Grand-AM or IRL.”

And this from GatorGuy...

“Follow the time tested format of everyone's local short track. Final segment lines up in order of average finishing position from previous segments. Final segment is the longest - slightly less than one gas run - it is the ‘feature’....”

It’s a sentiment many in the media shared after the night was done.
A blogger for KTVT CBS11 in Dallas writes...

“There have been eight changes to the format since ’85. Needs to be a ninth. Sorry, but with Johnson winning early, then staying clear of trouble and then winning again late, the All-Star race is barely better than football or basketball’s exhibitions.”

On NASCAR.com, driver Brad Keselowski says, he may not like the rules as they played out, but he understood what he needed to do.

“I hate conserving race cars that don’t run hard, just wanted to make sure that everybody on my team was on the same plan. They were. So, I gotta do what they tell me.”

Not everyone thought the night was a bust.
For many, this All-Star game was like most others.
CBS Sports blogger Pete Pistone writes, for the most part, it worked.

“The new format did add some spark to the race and created side-by-side racing ... Putting weight on winning one of the four segments was a good idea that forced drivers to run hard. Unfortunately the ten-lap dash to the finish fizzled out the night with Johnson's strategy too good and his car too fast for
any kind of dramatic end to the 28th edition of the race."

Aimee Copeland Loses More Limbs to Flesh-Eating Bacteria

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:20:01 -0500

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(Image Source: ABC News)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN AND LYNDSEY GARZA

The Georgia grad student who has been fighting for her life against flesh-eating bacteria has reached a milestone on the way to recovery — she’s relying on her own lungs. NBC’s Today Show reports Aimee Copeland’s family is excited about her progress.

“In a new blog post, Aimee’s father says that she’s now breathing on her own, she’s off her respirator and even cracking jokes — a significant improvement since the amputations late last week.

Her father goes on to say that Aimee is still getting some oxygen, but no assisted breathing. In a blog posted on the University of West Georgia’s website, Aimee’s father says:

“Aimee is being Aimee. She’s cracking jokes, speaking frankly, displaying her usual early morning grumpiness and she has been off of the ventilator for over 10 hours. … Bottom line: Aimee is doing great today.”

The hospital hasn’t released any updates on her clinical condition, so she’s not out of the woods yet. HLN gives a rundown of what the 24-year-old has had to endure.

“Doctors recently amputated Aimee’s remaining foot and both of her hands. She’d already lost her other leg and parts of her torso. She got infected with a rare bacteria after a ziplining accident.”

Copeland isn’t the only one suffering from the bacteria. Two other cases have cropped up in Georgia. Bobby Vaughn, a 32-year-old landscaper, underwent five surgeries because of the disease, and Lana Kuykendall, a 36-year-old new mother of twins, had seven. WYFF has Kuykendall’s brother’s report.

“She does respond sometimes. You can see it in her blood pressure or she has opened her eyes a little bit at times, but that’s pretty much about it.”

The condition can be caused by many different kinds of bacteria, some of which live on our skin and enter the body through a cut.

Chrome Overtakes IE in Browser Wars

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:57:11 -0500

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(Image source: Engadget)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

There’s a decent chance you’re watching this video in Chrome. If so, you have a lot of company.
According to one analytics service, Google’s offering has overtaken Internet Explorer as the most-used browser worldwide.

Joey Devilla over at Global Nerdy spotted the milestone. He points out that, over the course of one year, Internet Explorer’s share of the market sank about ten percent, while Chrome’s grew by about the same amount, to about 33 percent.

Now, this is just one measure of browser usage, and a potentially shaky one at that. But The Next Web says, it’s safe to pull some trends from.

“Measuring the Web is an imprecise science, very often based on scaling up small scale measurement surveys, but the gist of Statcounter’s data over the last year indicates that Chrome use is rising of Chrome at the expense of IE and Firefox…”

As Marketing Pilgrim points out, it’s not from a lack of MIcrosoft and Mozilla innovating.

“Microsoft’s IE 9 has been out for over a year now and seems to be more likable than past IE versions. Firefox is marrying up with Twitter with Do Not Track capabilities to separate itself.”

And The Verge demonstrates — things become less cut-and-dried once you start breaking the stats down by region.

“In Europe, Chrome has been ahead of IE for the past two weeks, but only by a percentage point, and Firefox is ahead of both. Also, IE has a massive lead over second-place Chrome in Oceania, and Firefox is dominating both IE and Chrome in Africa.”

But Jake Smith at 9to5 Google thinks it’s only a matter of time before the current trend becomes indisputable.

“As time goes on, I think we will see the market change to where Chrome has a commanding lead. Its Omnibox paired with tab syncing make it a one-stop-shop solution for every browser user’s needs.”

Chrome’s lead is thanks mostly to Asia and South America. Here in the U.S., Internet Explorer is still top dog, with about 38 percent of the market.

Microsoft Debuts So.cl Network

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:50:59 -0500

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(Image source: TechCrunch)

BY EVAN THOMAS

ANCHORED BY JIM FLINK

In the midst of the Facebook IPO frenzy, Microsoft quietly launched So.cl. It, too, is a social network, but don’t mistake it for Facebook.

Microsoft is billing so.cl as a research network for students. Users will be able to aggregate interesting content on a topic into a single post, then apply standard social networking features like sharing, commenting and tagging.

Despite this very focused targeting, ReadWriteWeb says it is unimpressed. So.cl already seems stale.

“The attempts at innovation in So.cl seem forced. An option labeled 'riffing' is supposed to be 'a new way to interact and improvise with content' - but in reality, it simply means to re-share a post and optionally add your own comment or content.”

And Computerworld says, unlike Facebook, content on So.cl is designed to be disseminated.

“Unless marked as private, search results, and any other data posted to So.cl can be viewed by all other So.cl users. Data that was publicly posted on So.cl will be broadly available for use by other entities and individuals.”

That much openness makes sense for experimenters, but why was it widely released? Drew Olanoff at The Next Web thinks it’s because it worked for Microsoft’s competition.

“In the same way that I believe Google+ to be the ‘social glue’ to all of Google’s products, including search, So.cl appears to be the exact same play for Microsoft. …it’s clearly in response to Google’s success in pulling all of its products together with a ‘social spine’.”

But is there a market for that kind of thing?
Danny Sullivan at Marketing Land suggests the whole thing is a little redundant.

“… I find it confusing about why anyone wants to use this given how many other social networks are out there, much less Microsoft already having baked social sharing into Bing.”

As So.cl has been released to everyone, you can give it a shot yourself. Let us know what you think of it, in our comments section.

Top News Headlines: Suicide Bomber Targets Yemen's Military

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:47:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikipedia)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Dozens have been killed and hundreds wounded in a suicide bomb attack in Yemen. The attack targeted the country’s military. Here’s euronews.

“Panic among Yemen’s armed forces as a suicide bomber struck a rehearsal for a military parade. … The bomber was reportedly wearing military uniform. Soldiers had been practicing for Yemen’s National Unity Day tomorrow.”

The NATO summit heads into its second day today. While world leaders discuss Afghanistan, Chicago police are bracing for more possible run-ins with protesters. CNN has footage from yesterday’s violent clashes.

“Demonstrators were making their voices heard like this: outside in the streets. Check out the chaotic scene right near the summit site. So far at least 45 people have been arrested.”

A verdict in the John Edwards’ campaign corruption trial could be handed down as soon as today. Here’s HLN.

“Today is the jury’s second day of deliberations. On Friday, they asked the judge to let them look again at copies of checks, a voicemail transcript and other evidence.”

Bee Gees star Robin Gibb passed away Sunday after a long battle with cancer. His career is being celebrated in his native Britain. A music journalist tells ITV Gibb was one the country’s most influential artists.

“When you tell the story of Robin Gibb, you have to use a lot of capital letters and a lot of exclamation points because the Bee Gees were that important. Their catalog is second only to that of Lennon and McCartney.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Lauren Zima, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Tennessee Man Fathers 30 Kids, Needs Help With Child Support

Mon, 21 May 2012 05:00:04 -0500

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(Image Source: WREG)

BY CHARLES MCKEAGUE

ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN

Tennessee man Desmond Hatchett is pleading with the state to help him with his child support payments. He’s fathered some 30 children with 11 different women - and he makes minimum wage.

Buzz 60 breaks down how those payments of his are lookin.

“Hatchett … already has half of his pay taken by the state and divided among the mothers, with some receiving as little as $1.50 a month!”

And WREG in Memphis reports all 11 women want more money - and the state really can’t do that much.

“His oldest child is only 14, his youngest is a toddler. There is nothing the state can do to make him stop having more kids. He has not broken any laws.”

And while he technically hasn’t broken any laws, he did break his word.

Back in 2009 the Daily Mail reported he was struggling to make payments to his then 21 children - and he promised he would stop having kids.

WVLT has that interview.

Reporter: "Do you intend to keep having children?"

Hatchett: "No."

Reporter: "You're done?"

Hatchett: "I'm done. I'll say I'm done."

Reporter: "What made you say that?"

Hatchett: "I didn't intend to have this many. It just happened,"

But just 3 years later - he’s fathered 9 more. He also said he fathered four kids in the same year twice! The Los Angeles Times reports Hatchett could hold a new record and that’s why the case is getting so much attention.

“...Hatchett is believed to hold the Knox County record for most children. (He'd hold a similar record in most counties in the U.S., which might explain why news of his predicament was pinging around the Internet...)”

There’s been plenty of opinion on this story with some people saying the state should give him a vasectomy - and others say its outright child abuse. Dr. Obvious, a contributor for The Huffington Post, offers his advice...

“Spreading a bunch of human seed around does not make you a father. Taking care of the results of that dissemination is what earns the title, "father" Take care of your kids, quit making more, Mr. Hatchett. Become a responsible father.”

No word yet on when the judge will rule on Hatchett’s petition.

NAACP Endorses Same-Sex Marriage

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:00:02 -0500

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(Image source: NAACP)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

One of the oldest and largest advocacy groups in the U.S. has weighed in on the contentious issue of same-sex marriage. Here’s ABC’s Good Morning America with the story.

“The NAACP has passed a resolution endorsing gay marriage as a civil right. This comes, of course, almost two weeks after the President announced his support for same-sex marriage.”

The 103-year-old organization’s board members passed the resolution with only two of 64 members voting against. The Washington Post reports this has political implications for the upcoming presidential election.

“The NAACP now presents itself as a counterbalance to the influence of the traditionally socially conservative black church. It can also help establish closer ties between blacks and gays, two of Obama’s most loyal constituencies.”

But with recent polls showing as many as 61 percent of black Democrats oppose gay marriage, some analysts wonder if this may actually divide the party’s base. The NAACP’s Julian Bond told CNN there might be some disagreement, but don’t expect a major shift.

“I think thinking people will think about it and say, ‘Well, I may not agree with it, but there it is. They’ve done it, and I support the NAACP, I always have, and I’m going to continue to do so.’”

In fact, the organization is already well-known for opposing same-sex marriage bans. The New York Times says rather than being controversial, the resolution is mostly symbolic.

“The practical implications of the N.A.A.C.P.’s decision are unclear. Several of its leaders have already expressed support for same-sex marriage, and local branches have repeatedly opposed measures to ban such unions...”

The resolution was widely celebrated by gay rights groups.

Top News Headlines: Deadly Earthquake in Northern Italy

Sun, 20 May 2012 07:48:00 -0500

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(Image source: CNN)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

At least seven people have been killed after an earthquake struck northern Italy in the middle of the night. Here’s euronews.

“The 6.0 magnitude quake struck near Bologna, a city with a population of about a million people, at around 4am local time. … Officials say as many as 50 people have been injured.”

A tense diplomatic situation between the U.S. and China comes to an end as activist Chen Guangcheng begins his life in the United States. Fox News has footage of his arrival.

“That is Chen and his family, landing in New Jersey yesterday after making a quick exit from Beijing. Remember, he escaped last month after spending months under house arrest and several years in a Chinese prison.”

It was a busy week for Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. The company had its big IPO on Friday, then Saturday, guests at Zuckerberg’s house got a surprise when, without warning, he walked down the aisle. Here’s CNN.

“A status update from Zuckerberg on his longtime girlfriend Priscilla Chan — married. Of course, it was announced on Facebook. There’s the wedding photo right there.”

People in parts of the western United States will be able to see a rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse this evening when the moon will cover 94 percent of the sun, leaving a visible ring.

The area from Eureka, California, to Lubbock, Texas, will get the best view. As always, NASA says not to look directly at the sun and to only use solar-safe viewing methods.

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Jim Flink, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Three NATO Protesters Arrested on Terrorism Charges

Sat, 19 May 2012 19:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: Chicago Sun-Times)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

Chicago police say a late-night raid Wednesday resulted in an arrest for domestic terrorism. Here’s Fox News.

“Three men appearing in a Chicago courtroom facing charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism ahead of the NATO summit. Investigators say the suspects were trying to make molotov cocktails.”

A police press release says the three were found in a home containing swords, a hunting bow, throwing stars, knives with brass knuckle handles and even a mortar gun. They accuse the men of planning to carry out several firebombings. CNN lists the alleged targets.

“Including possible attacks on the campaign headquarters of Barack Obama, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's residence and at least four police stations.”

But protesters affiliated with the Occupy movement are speaking out on behalf of the three men, and calling the charges bogus. Supporters chanted outside the police station Friday night on behalf of the so-called “NATO 3,” and the hashtag #NATO3 lit up Twitter.

And the Occupy Wall St website says the molotov cocktails were closer to being actual cocktails.

“Lawyers, friends, and family of the accused maintain the ‘bomb making’ equipment seized by police was actually a homebrew beer-making kit belonging to one of the residents and that the terrorism charges are sensational allegations to terrorize NATO protesters.”

The trio’s lawyer called the arrest “entrapment,” saying it was the police informants, not the accused, who came up with plans to carry out attacks.

Other occupy supporters say the arrest is retaliation for a video posted online which seems to show Chicago police harassing the same three men for their plans to join Occupy Chicago. (Video source: YouTube)

But a police spokesperson said the investigation had been going on for weeks, and the evidence would soon speak for itself. The Chicago Sun-Times quotes two law enforcement officials saying...

“They are domestic terrorists. … These men were here to hurt people.”

And

“They weren’t going to go trick or treating. … This represents a victory — not a failure — in preventing something from happening.”

Each of the three men is being held on $1.5 million bail.

Historic SpaceX Launch Abruptly Aborted

Sat, 19 May 2012 08:40:47 -0500

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(Image source: NASA)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Mission aborted — at least for now.

Private company SpaceX was trying to make history with a launch to the International Space Station, but had to abruptly cancel the mission after computers detected a problem with one of the rocket’s engines. This as countdown almost reached zero.

Shortly after — billionaire rocket designer Elon Musk tweeted: “...slightly high combustion chamber pressure on engine 5. Will adjust limits for countdown in a few days...”

Orlando’s WESH calls the effort “valiant” but ultimately a no-go.

“Computers cut it off with less than a second to go in the countdown after the engines had already started with the bolt that is hold the rocket to the launch pad still there. Those bolts did not explode and let go because the computer told them not to...”

According to the Associated Press, Tuesday is the soonest SpaceX can try again. In fact in a press conference after the aborted launch — NASA officials confirmed the rescheduling.

“We're looking at the additional launch opportunities this 22nd looks good, that was pre-planned. The 23rd looks like it's a good date from the trajectory.”

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell was careful to say the cancellation was not a “failure” but rather purposeful. A CBS report airing on affiliate WBZ has more on the last minute abort.

“SpaceX is one of five U.S. firms competing for NASA contracts to take supply and astronauts into outer space. … The final shuttle flight was last July so NASA is now looking for a cheaper way to get to space.”

And SpaceX is hoping to be that cheaper alternative. But BusinessWeek’s Brendan McGarry suggests — the cancelled launch might raise more questions.

“The decision to rely on commercial technology ... ‘is inherently risky because the vehicles are not yet proven and are experiencing delays in development’ according to a March report by the Government Accountability Office... NASA doesn’t have agreements with its Russian, Japanese and European partners beyond 2016, according to the report. If those deals and the commercial launches don’t work out, ‘the situation could lead to a potential cargo shortfall,’ the GAO said.”

According to Space.com — forecasts predict a 60 percent chance of good conditions for liftoff Tuesday.

School District Bans 'The Dirty Cowboy' Book

Sat, 19 May 2012 04:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: The Patriot-News)

BY KERRY LEARY

A Pennsylvania school district banned a children’s book called The Dirty Cowboy from the shelves of its elementary schools. And, no, it has nothing to do with “Brokeback Mountain.”

The book is about a dirty cowboy who takes his yearly bath while his dog watches over his clothes. After the bath, the dog doesn’t recognize the cowboy’s smell so he won’t return the clothes.

This story is supposed to be about the cowboy getting clean, but apparently it’s just too dirty for students in the Annvile-Cleona School District.

The book was banned in April, but an online petition of Pennsylvania parents kept the debate going. As of Friday, the petition has 270 signatures to reinstate the book.

But, the school board stood by its decision to ban the book on Thursday. A local librarian blogged about the book and the importance of teaching children about banned books.

“I brought The Dirty Cowboy into the library for my fifth grade Banned and Challenged book class discussion today. I explained that often fifth graders (and older) will have a different point-of-view in comparison to a Kindergartener when it comes to nudity in a book.”

The book has won several awards, but parents praising the ban at the school board meeting believe the book doesn’t have any redeeming social value, especially in a public school. According to those parents, there are 16 pages of almost-naked cowboy pictures.

"There is no reason whatsoever why that should be on the shelves of the library no matter how well accepted it is by the world who have rejected God, who have rejected the standards of the Bible. This book has nothing good to offer about it!"

The school district superintendent says the parents want the book banned because he believes children may come to the conclusion that nudity is okay, and therefore, pornography is okay. A blogger for the Patriot News sarcastically remarked:

“I don’t know what is more frightening, one prudish couple’s complaint wielding that much power or a whimpering school board voting 8-0 to yank the book. Frankly, I’m terrified at the prospect that some kid somewhere might think bathing is OK.”

The author of the Dirty Cowboy posted a thank you on her blog to those parents who support the book.

“This is to the community fighters... Thank you. I've appreciated this so much. And I know it's not about me or my book (really) but about the kind of community you want to live in. I admire that. You guys inspire me.”

As of now, the book will remain banned in the Annville-Cleona Pennsylvania school district.

School Places Handicapped Child in a 'Time Out Box'

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:02 -0500

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(Image Source: MSNBC)

BY JOHN O'CONNOR

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

A North Carolina mother is infuriated.

Joy Amatuccio’s 14-year-old son Jacob is mentally and physically handicapped. He was wheeled into a refrigerator-sized box when he experienced uncontrollable outbursts in class.

MSNBC reports that Amatuccio discovered the existence of the box from another parent.

“She asks the teacher why the box was in the room, and the teacher said ‘it’s for Jacob.’ She said ‘what do you mean it’s for Jacob?’ She said ‘it quiets him down, he likes to go in it.’ Like a time out tool.”

According to WSOC, a Caldwell County Schools spokesperson says this sort of punishment is not endorsed by the district.

“The Caldwell County School system would not allow a student to be in an isolated area or secluded area as a form of discipline.”

Jacob’s teacher was placed on paid administrative leave. WGHP reports Amatuccio just could not believe what happened.

“‘Why would they put him in a box?’ There must be another explanation. When you think it is acceptable to put a child in a box, I don’t think you should work with children, she’s chosen the wrong career.”

Amatuccio is now questioning what else may have happened to Jacob while he was at school.

SpaceX Set to Launch Private Spacecraft

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:58 -0500

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(Image source: SpaceX)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

On Saturday — a commercial company will try and make space history — launching a spacecraft that will meet up with the International Space Station.

As CNN explains — Space X will launch its Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. Falcon 9 will carry an unmanned Dragon space capsule which will head toward the ISS.

“If all is well after a series of systems checks and maneuvers, NASA astronaut Don Pettit will use the station’s robotic arm to reach out, grab hold of Dragon and birth it to the station.”

NASA’s space shuttle program ended last year— and as a former astronaut explains to Fox News — the U.S. is now looking to private companies to shuttle supplies to and from the ISS.

“NASA’s plan since 2006 is to use these commercial companies to fly the cargo up that we’ll need to make good use of the space station. Unfortunately, we’re about three years behind schedule.”

If this mission is successful — the ultimate plan is to have SpaceX deliver cargo AND astronauts to the ISS. An analyst for CBS explains — NASA is currently paying Russia to taxi U.S. astronauts — and SpaceX may be a better option.

“...because the private enterprise, as we know, in a capitalist system cares about profits. They know how to do it cheaper, better, faster. The Postal Service doesn't use their own airplanes for mail they buy space on cargo from a commercial carrier.”

SpaceX predicts the first manned Dragon flights could take place in 2015. But for now — there’s widespread excitement that a new era in space history is just beginning.

On Friday, BusinessInsider proclaimed...”The Era Of Privatized Space Exploration Starts Tomorrow.”

And on MSNBC: “Private rocket poised to make history Saturday.”

And the LA Times calls the launch “A new frontier for space travel.”

The launch has been delayed several times — but everything looks good to go for a Saturday morning launch. You can watch the launch live from the SpaceX website.

Top News Headlines: Facebook Stock Rises in Debut

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: Facebook)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Following its record $16 billion IPO, Facebook has options analysts talking about what’s next. Bloomberg explains what the experts are watching for.

“ … no matter how big the hype is around the listing, unless there is sustained volume and trading in the stock, it’s not going to be a very good options market.”

Mitt Romney has rolled out his first general election ad. It’s reportedly set to run in Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. Here’s CNN.

Anchor: “This day one ad is all about the economy.”

Reporter: “And by the way, it’s playing in battleground states that are really important to him in this election.”

The conflict in Syria — nuclear weapon threats — and fighting famine — all topics up for discussion at this weekend’s G8 summit. But Fox News notes the most pressing matter on the agenda.

“The leaders of the world economic powers converging on Washington today for the G8 summit as a growing economic crisis in Europe threatens to hurt our economy here at home.”

Amid speculation that Greece could soon leave the eurozone, Germany’s leader called up the Greek president to lend some advice.

“The German Chancellor Angela Merkel suggested that Greece actually hold a referendum on its euro membership. This is alongside the general elections that are June, in the middle of next month in June.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day.

Mississippi Man Charged in Roadside Killings

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: CBS)

BY ANTHONY MARTINEZ

Two deadly Mississippi highway shootings prompted statewide alerts of a possible police impersonator on the prowl. But now, police say that theory has been busted, along with their suspect. CNN reports, police have arrested 28-year-old James Willie.

“...police and investigators had thrown out the possible, the possibility...whoever the culprit was, might be acting as a police officer. Remember, the two people who were killed were gunned down kind of in the early morning hours.”

The cop rumors were enough to send statewide officials into high alert. Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said it was the only way to reflect the seriousness of the chilling shootings. The LA Times reports...

...the fake-officer theory had been floated only as one "plausible scenario" -- one that caused
considerable fear statewide.”

Strain says...

“...it was a situation where if we didn't do anything and he was posing as a police officer, then holy cow, you've got a whole different ballgame there," Strain said.

No witnesses, no motive. Both victims were unrelated in any connection with the suspect, but police first thought it might have been this man...

James Lucas, thought to have been a suspect of the motorist shootings when investigators found a fake cop badge, handcuffs, and a Mercury Marquis, souped up to look like a cop car.

But it wasn’t until a woman called Tunica, Mississippi police, claiming Willie raped her that a ballistic test on his 9mm pistol--ratted him out.

In a press conference with Tunica police, unanswered questions still remain. Like if Willie wasn’t impersonating an officer, how did he get the drivers to pull over? WREG reports...

“Well, we can’t confirm or deny whether he had a flashing light...
She could have been possibly already pulled over.
There was no indication that the cars were damaged or they received a bump or anything.”

Willie is being held on charges of kidnapping, aggravated assault and rape. He’s also formally charged with two counts of capital murder.

Man Aims Rifle at Georgia School Bus

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:27:24 -0500

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BY JASMINE BAILEY

What if, while your kids are boarding the school bus in the morning, there was a man aiming a rifle at that bus? Sounds kind of like a nightmare, a nightmare that one Hampton, Georgia resident lived out on Monday morning. ABC News talked to eyewitness David Dillard.

“I just started hollering ‘Hey, hey, hey. What are you doing? What are you doing?’” He called 911. “And about that time a school bus pulled up to pick up two kids and the guy started aiming the gun.”

The witness’s yells scared the gunman off. The man fired a shot that hit a fence before running away. Although the gunman got away, Chattanooga’s WSB says, he didn’t leave police empty handed.

“The sniper left a note at the scene that contains school bus numbers along with pick-up and arrival times. Police say they also found ammunition in a backyard where neighbors spotted the sniper.”

The gunman also left the rifle at the scene but without fingerprints, the gun is little help. But, WTVC says police may have a good lead.

“Police in an Atlanta suburb say a man who was seen aiming a rifle at a school bus may be a local high school student.”

Police say that a couple of neighbors may know who the gunman is, but the suspect’s identity is still unclear. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports, police are taking precautions.

“...police said more than 75 officers are working on the case, escorting ‘at least five or more’ school buses to and from four area schools and canvassing the Hampton neighborhood where the incident occurred…”

According to WGCL in Atlanta, the gunman was crouched down in a backyard behind a fence and the children boarding the bus never saw him.

Top News Headlines: Arrest Made in MS Highway Shootings

Fri, 18 May 2012 07:55:00 -0500

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(Image source: WREG)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

An alleged police impersonator is under arrest in Mississippi.

Twenty-eight-year-old James D. Willie is a suspect in the recent highway shootings there.

Here’s CNN with more.

“Police say they’ve linked Willie’s gun to those two separate shootings that left a man and a woman dead after terrified people driving, frankly, in that state.”

Newly released evidence in the George Zimmerman murder case shows police said Trayvon Martin’s death was quote, “ultimately avoidable.”

HLN says police urged prosecutors to charge Zimmerman two weeks after the fatal shooting.

“This is brand new information and it comes from hundreds of pages of evidence that we just got our hands on. And they paint and even more complicated picture of what happened the night of February 26.”

The Facebook IPO is finally here.

Fox News does the math on what $38 a share means to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

“This man is instantly worth $19.1 billion. And for every $2 that the stock goes up — if it goes up — for every $2, his net worth goes up $1 billion.”

Sixteen Spanish banks are getting a credit downgrade from ratings agency, Moody’s.

Euronews explains.

“ … Moody’s cited a renewed recession, the ongoing real-estate crisis and high levels of unemployment. It also said Spain’s ability to provide financing to support troubled lenders had been reduced.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

2014 Chevy SS Puts Automaker Back in Muscle Car Race

Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: Sporting News)

BY NICHOLE CARTMELL

We don’t know much about what kind of new technology Chevy’s highly-anticipated SS is going to showcase, but we do know Chevrolet plans to end a 17-year absence of rear-wheel drive vehicles.

We also know it’s gonna look a little something like this and have a tonne of horsepower.

But a reporter at Fast Lane Daily says the car’s structure and horsepower aren’t the only areas where it needs to excel.

“If this car hopes to have anything on rivals like the Ford Taurus SHO here, it better be able to go around corners as well because that thing can hug them and it’s big.”

The Chevy SS will model the Holden VF Commodore which is set to hit Australia’s market at the end of this year. The Herald Sun says the Australian car has the potential to strike the interest of Americans.

“The coming VF Commodore ... ticks the boxes for American muscle car fans, and NASCAR stock car racing as well, thanks to its V8 engine, large body and rear-wheel drive.”

The New Zealand Herald points out the new Chevy design should maintain its muscle car tradition if it wants to make any profit.

“Clever money would not be on GM shedding cylinders and adding hairdryers, as Ford has tried with its new EcoBoost Falcon in hope of dragging sales away from mid-size machines by giving good fuel economy without sacrificing the rolling real estate of a large car.”

A version of the SS will hit the racetracks as Chevrolet’s new Sprint Cup car at the 2013 Daytona 500. But you might not see the car in your local Chevy dealer showroom. Here’s Sporting News.

“The Chevrolet SS is considered a niche, low-volume, high-performance vehicle that won’t be built on the scale of the Impala or even the Scion.”

Once the new SS hits the road, Chevy will discontinue use of its Impala sedan in NASCAR, likely after this year.

A Segway for Your Butt: Honda Unveils New Uni-Cub

Fri, 18 May 2012 04:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: ABC News)

BY JOE CHIODO

You’ve probably heard of the Segway, right? Well now Honda is taking hold of the ropes with its new version of an alternative walking device. It’s call the UNI-CUB -- or as some are saying… the segway for your butt. XETV has the story.

“You sit on the top and control it by shifting your weight backwards or side to side...It goes about four miles per hour. Unlike the segway though, it’s small enough to be used indoors.”

New York Daily News says creators have billed the device as...

“...allowing the “same freedom of movement in all directions that a person enjoys while walking”

The UNI-CUB is the world’s first omni-directional driving wheel system. But CNN says why not just walk?

“How lazy can we get? Apparently this Lazy...a personal mobility device. Remember when your legs were your personal mobility device. Oh not so much more. It’s kind of like an electric mobile office chair.”

And News 12 Long Island agrees. They say it could only worsen a growing epidemic.

“You talk about obesity in America, you could go through the drive-thru with that without a problem. Pick up a big mac on the stool with wheels.”

But According to Honda’s website, the company is simply...

“...aiming always to offer more and more people the joy and fun that comes from freedom of movement.”

Honda says that it will be tested by Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in June. If successful, it could hit the market later this year.

Minority Births Outnumber White Births for the First Time

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:31:00 -0500

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(Image Source: The Washington Post)

BY EMILY ALLEN

Minorities have become the majority — at least when you look at 1-year-olds in the U.S. Fox News and CBS have details from a new report from the Census Bureau.

“A brand new report detailing a changing demographic in America. For the first time in U.S. history, caucasians account for less than half of babies born in the United States.”

“From July of 2010 to July of 2011 non-hispanic white babies accounted for just under 50 percent of all newborns.”

Minorities came in at 50.4 percent. A writer for the New York Times says this moment was coming, but no one was sure exactly when it would arrive. Now that it has, it signals...

“A milestone for a nation whose government was founded by white Europeans and has wrestled mightily with issues of race, from the days of slavery, through a civil war, bitter civil rights battles and, most recently, highly charged debates over efforts to restrict immigration.”

An analyst for CNN says a big contributor to these numbers is the influx of immigrants from Mexico over the last 30 years. They also points to higher birth rates among minority families than white families. But the analyst adds — these numbers aren’t necessarily a forecast for our future.

“Does this really tell us what's going to happen in the future, 10 years, 15 years, 20 years down the line. Is this a steady march of minority groups getting bigger and bigger? And the white groups becoming smaller? We don't know. It might be. And it may not be.”

But a sociologist tells The Washington Post — this is the first sign of a big change.

“The population is literally changing before us, with the youngest replacing the oldest...This is the first tipping point. The kids are in the vanguard of the change that’s coming.”

The Atlantic Wire reports non-hispanic whites still make up more than 60 percent of the U.S. population.

Top News Headlines: Singer Donna Summer Dies at 63

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:37:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Singer Donna Summer died Thursday morning in her Florida home after a battle with cancer. She was 63.

HLN talks about how the artist transcended an era that could’ve defined her.

“Unlike any other artist of the disco era, Donna Summer was in a unique situation in that she was actually able to evolve past disco once disco died.”

Autopsy results are in for Mary Kennedy — the estranged wife of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. found dead Wednesday. Here’s CNN.

“The medical examiner’s office has confirmed to CNN that Mary Kennedy died from asphyxiation due to hanging.”

Some lawmakers are looking to re-impose taxes on U.S. expatriates after Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin gave up his American citizenship to become a citizen of Singapore.

Fox Business has Saverin’s response.

Reporter reading Saverin’s statement on-air: “My decision to expatriate was based solely on my interest in working in Singapore where I have been since 2009. … I have paid and will continue to pay taxes on everything I earned while a U.S. citizen.”

Republicans are moving to distance themselves from a super-PAC-funded ad campaign linking President Obama and controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright.

MSNBC reports.

“We’ve already seen Joe Ricketts, the billionaire person, the founder of TD Ameritrade, who said, ‘Look, we reject this type of advertising campaign … ”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Autopsy Confirms Mary Kennedy Died of Hanging

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:55:00 -0500

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(Image source: Journal News)

BY HANK KOEBLER

Mary Richardson Kennedy died Wednesday at the age of 52. ABC News has the details.

“We’re going to get right to that tragedy that has struck the Kennedy family. The estranged wife of Robert Kennedy, Jr., Mary Richardson, was found hanging in her garage yesterday. It looks like she killed herself.”

An autopsy performed Thursday morning revealed that Mary Kennedy died of asphyxiation due to hanging.

Mary, an architect known for designing eco-friendly houses, and Robert, an environmental lawyer, were married for 16 years before they separated in 2010. They had four children during their marriage. Here’s NBC.

“The Kennedys separated two years ago as Mary Kennedy battled with drug and alcohol problems. In May 2010 she was arrested for DWI, and pled guilty to a lesser charge.”

Mary Kennedy was sentenced to 90 days of psychiatric care after her DUI plea. Kennedy family biographer Laurence Leamer tells CNN — alcohol and substance abuse in the Kennedy family may have contributed to Mary Kennedy’s death.

“That is a real problem in the family, it really is. I remember Bobby Kennedy Jr. telling me that he thinks it’s in the genes, it’s something you kind of have. Again, she’s not a blood Kennedy, but almost by osmosis, she’s around, it’s just there.”

Although he was separated from Mary, Robert Kennedy Jr. released a statement to the public about her death, saying — she inspired the family with her “kindness, her love, her gentle soul and generous spirit.”

Is Facebook's Co-founder Dodging U.S. Taxes?

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:31:55 -0500

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(Image source: Facebook)

BY NEWSY STAFF

How much is U.S. citizenship worth? That’s what critics are asking in the wake of Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin renouncing his U.S. citizenship. Here’s Bloomberg.

“Well, it turns out the move could save him $67 million in federal income taxes that are due on his Facebook stake, according to Bloomberg analysts.”

When Facebook goes public, Saverin — who owns four percent of the company — stands to make a $4 billion profit. Singapore has no capital gains tax.

Journalist David Kirkpatrick — author of The Facebook Effect — tells CBS Morning News, this is very typical of Saverin’s personality.

“I don’t think he’s a big believer in the United States, I think he’s kind of — he’s kind of an opportunist.”

“He’s really shown that is was all about the money for him from the beginning.”

Saverin told the New York Times, this issue is being misrepresented. He already paid an exit tax when he renounced his citizenship, though it’s likely nowhere near $67 million. Still — he says, this is about where he wants to live and call home.

“This had nothing to do with taxes … I was born in Brazil, I was an American citizen for about 10 years. I thought of myself as a global citizen.”

ABC News notes, Saverin’s explanation notwithstanding, the Facebook co-founder is not alone in dodging taxes from the country that bestowed his riches.

“Saverin is one of a growing number of wealthy Americans dropping their citizenship, multiplying seven-fold since 2008, from 235 to more than 1,700.”

On Thursday, two U.S. senators— Democrats Charles Schumer of New York and Bob Casey of Pennsylvania — announced plans to address this new kind of tax evasion.

“Casey’s office said the bill is called the ‘Ex-PATRIOT’ Act, which stands for the ‘Expatriation Prevention by Abolishing Tax-Related Incentives for Offshore Tenancy’ Act.”

Beyond that, not everyone thinks Saverin is in the wrong. Quora writes...

“Americans are critical partially because they aren't looking at this objectively. Go after megacorporations for tax evasions, not one 30 year old that may never have wanted to be a US citizen in the first place.”

Facebook’s IPO is set to launch Friday.

Kentucky Man Buys Out Kmart Store, Donates All to Charity

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:29:00 -0500

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(Image source: WLEX)

BY KERRY LEARY

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

So a man walks into Kmart that’s going out of business, buys out the entire store and donates all of his purchases to charity. Think we’re kidding? WLEX is calling him the “Summer Santa.”

Reporter: “He was at a Kmart buying things for his business.”
Buyer: “I said to the lady, what are you going to do with all of this stuff?
Reporter: “She said that everything goes to Kmart power buyers. So, he went and became one.”

The buyer – Rankin Paynter – donated all of his purchases to a local charity, which will now have enough warm clothes to hand out next winter. The West Kentucky Star reports...

“Six hours and four cash registers later, [the businessman] was the proud owner of over two-hundred thousand dollars worth of merchandise.”

Paynter told WHDH that his road to success wasn’t so smooth... he had to tie rags around his feet sometimes while growing up. WHDH hails him a local hero.

“What a great guy, such an inspiration. Paynter also rented out a building to store the items that will be used this winter.”

Paynter owns a jewelry exchange business, where he says he sees a lot of people selling jewelry because the economy hasn’t been too great lately. NBC reports, he wanted to pay it forward.

“Paynter says he's always had the knack for making money, and he could have doubled it had he sold the Kmart merchandise. But he says he's happier sharing his good fortune with the less fortunate.”

It took four clerks -- six hours -- to ring up all the merchandise. It will be donated to Clark County Community Services -- a charity to help the needy in north central Kentucky.

Top News Headlines: Minority Births Become Majority

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:51:00 -0500

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(Image source: U.S. Census Bureau)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

New data from the United States Census Bureau shows minority births outnumbered white births for the first time in 2011.

MSNBC has the numbers.

“50.4 percent of children born in the United States had parents who were members of minority groups that include Hispanics, Blacks and Asians. White births accounted for 49.6 percent.”

Foreclosures in the U.S. have reached their lowest level since 2007.

Fox Business explains how it happened.

“RealtyTrac says filings fell to a five-year low last month as banks seized fewer homes. The research firm says the decline was driven by the decreases in some of the hardest-hit states, like California, Arizona and Nevada.”

In its second day, the war-crimes trial of Ratko Mladic has been suspended.

Here’s Sky News.

“The presiding judge says he made a decision to suspend the trial of the former Bosnian Serb army commander because of errors by prosecuting lawyers.”

Afghan police shot and killed four attackers who had bombs strapped to their chests.
Al Jazeera reports.

“A group of suicide bombers have attacked a government compound in Afghanistan. They stormed a governor's office in the western part of the country killing at least seven people.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Cheap Gift Blamed for Mother's Day Stabbing Death

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: The Houston Chronicle / Beaumont Police)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

A Texas woman is charged with stabbing and killing the father of her two children — and relatives say an inexpensive Mother’s Day gift is to blame. KBMT reports.

“Beaumont police officer Veronica Payton says a 20-year-old woman stabbed her 22-year-old boyfriend shortly after midnight.”

“The boyfriend died at the scene.”

“The girlfriend was arrested and taken to the police station for questioning.”

The victim’s mother tells The Houston Chronicle Paige Parkerson stabbed J.R. Barkin because she received a less expensive gift than she had expected for Mother’s Day. After Parkerson called Barkin’s mother...

“... she sped back over to her son's house, but it was too late. Barkin, 22, was stabbed several times and died just after midnight Monday in the backyard of his yellow rental house. Wright said she believes Parkerson expected a more expensive gift, such as jewelry.”

The mother — Evetta Wright — told police Parkerson confessed to killing Barkin over the phone. According to The Daily Mail...

“Mrs Wright had just dropped her son [Barkin] off at the house at 11.30pm on Sunday and that was after taking him to Wal-Mart to buy flowers and a Mother's Day card for Paige.”

KFXK of Tyler, Texas reports a disagreement over the adequacy of the gifts was apparently the last straw.

“Police say the couple had been arguing throughout the weekend. They have two young children, ages three months and two years.”

According to The Houston Chronicle, the couple’s two sons were asleep at the time of the murder and are now staying with relatives. Parkerson is being held on a first-degree felony murder charge with $75,000 bail.

George Huguely's Murder Trial Evidence Released

Thu, 17 May 2012 04:00:00 -0500

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(Image Source: The Washington Post)

BY BRIAN BONDUS

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

George Huguely was convicted in February of killing his ex-girlfriend. Now — Huguely’s interview with police shortly after the crime took place is available to the public. Fox News has some of that interview.

“I never did anything that could do that to her. Tell me she’s not dead. The detective said I can’t tell you that. He said Oh my God, kill me. Tell me she’s not dead, please sir. I did not do anything that could kill her.”

Huguely and his girlfriend, Yeardley Love, were both lacrosse players for the University of Virginia. Here’s the Huff Post describing part of that police interview.

“He's animated throughout his retelling of the argument and fight in Love's bedroom. He raises his hands to demonstrate shaking her by the shoulders and mimics the way he said she knocked her head against a wall. He clenches his fist to reenact reaching through a hole he'd kicked in her bedroom door to unlock it.”

WRC-TV reports what happened when the video was shown in court during the trial.

“Huguely's breakdown made a strong impression on jurors ... When it was played during the trial, several jurors and Huguely began to weep.”

Other evidence used during the trial including emails and texts is also now available to the public. But WHSV reports some information is being withheld.

“The autopsy pictures aren’t going to be there, the reports are not going to be made available. Pictures of the crime scene where Miss Love’s body is in view of the pictures, they won’t be shown.”

A judge is scheduled to sentence Huguely on August 30th. The judge has the option of accepting or reducing the 26 year prison term jurors handed down for second degree murder.

Nine-year-old Boy Says He's 'Done' Battling Cancer

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: ABC)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

After battling a rare form of brain cancer for more than half his life, nine-year-old Ryan Kennedy says he’s done fighting. ABC spoke with the Michigan boy’s mother.

REPORTER: “After surgery last August paralyzed the right side of his face, the nine-year-old told his mother ‘No more.’”

KIMBERLY MORRIS-KARP: “He said ‘I want to be how it was before all of this happened. I don’t want to have to go to the doctor’s.’”

Ryan has already undergone seven surgeries and four rounds of chemotherapy. Doctors don’t expect him to make it to his 10th birthday on May 24th. But the nine-year-old’s mother tells CNN the family is now focusing on letting him live out the rest of his life on his own terms — and out of the hospital.

“He just wanted to live the rest of his life and just live. He just wanted to go and do the things that he wanted to do. So, we booked a family vacation, and he wanted to go swimming, and we went swimming. And we’ve just tried to accommodate.”

Ryan’s story has gained an international audience through Twitter — where a handful of celebrities have helped make the youngster a trending topic. WBFF has the details.

“Keep on Tweeting #RyanKennedy - I’m going to follow a fan — a few fans who Tweet it.”

“I showed him the Twitter page. I showed him the Twitter from Britney Spears.”

“And he said ‘This just brings joy to my heart and just touches me so much.’”

Despite gratitude for all the Twitter love, Ryan’s mother notes her son never made it his goal to trend on the website. He doesn’t even have a Twitter account. Still, The Oakland Press reports his mom hopes some good comes out of all the attention.

“... it drives me crazy, being a parent of a child with brain cancer, to sit and watch commercials constantly about all these other cancers that are getting all this advertising and all of these funds, all this awareness, when brain cancer (research) is just totally underfunded.”

Catholic Church Investigating Girl Scouts

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Flickr)

BY MALLORY PERRYMAN

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is officially investigating the Girl Scouts of America. CNN talked with the Catholic League’s Bill Donohue to find out why.

Catholic League's Bill Donohue: “... the global group, the world group of the Girl Scouts is in favor of abortion-inducing drugs, is in favor of condom use. Does that mean the Girl Scouts of the United States are? We don't know.”

The Girl Scouts are a secular group — but The Christian Post reports, about a quarter of the more than 2 million scouts are Catholic. And while the Girl Scouts are silent on issues like abortion and sexuality...

“...there have been accusations by social conservatives who have questioned the organization's ties to groups such as the Sierra Club, Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam, some of which support family planning and contraception.”

The Daily Beast adds — even though the Girl Scouts aren’t an official Catholic organization, many troops have their meetings in church buildings.

“If [the bishops] determine that membership in the Girl Scouts does not jibe with Catholic teachings, they could either demand that the Girl Scouts change their practices or, in lieu of that, recommend that young Catholic girls drop out of the Girl Scouts.”

An editorial contributor for the Journal and Courier argues — while the church is within its rights to keep secular groups from its properties, it just doesn’t make sense to target America’s cutest cookie pushers.

“We just can’t figure out why the organization dedicated to the development of girls for a century now keeps getting tossed into the culture war cross hairs.”

The Vatican’s inquiry is just now becoming public knowledge — but an editorial writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports...

“The church’s investigation has been going on for two years. One would think that would be enough time to find out if the scouts truly are leading young women to hell. Apparently not.”

This year the Girl Scouts organization is celebrating its 100-year anniversary.

Google ‘Knowledge Graph’ Revamps Search Engine

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:05:15 -0500

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(Image source: Google)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

Facebook is making most of the tech headlines this week with its upcoming public offering, but a huge shake up for Google’s search engine is turning heads. WFLX reports.

“Google’s not letting Facebook get all the attention this week with the IPO. That happens Friday.”

“They’re unveiling what’s called the Knowledge Graph designed to get you better, more accurate, more intelligent search results.”

The new feature — unveiled Wednesday — produces info-boxes which appear to the right of search results. A video on Google’s blog explains further.

“Let’s say you wanted to learn about the most important Renaissance painters. You might search for Leonardo da Vinci.”

“Now, you’ll see information right in the search results that helps you explore the broader topic of Renaissance painters.”

Mashable says the change basically comes down to the difference between recognizing and understanding.

“In this world, ‘New York’ is not simply the combination of two keywords that can be recognized. It’s understood by Google as a state in the U.S. surrounded by other states, the Atlantic Ocean and with a whole bunch of other, relevant attributes.”

As it stands now, the Knowledge Graph can connect about 500 million people, places and objects — and Forbes reports that number is growing.

“The Knowledge Graph is the result of a two year project to crawl hundreds of broad based Web sources — Wikpedia, the World CIA Factbook, Google Local, Google Books, Google Shopping and other sites — to create an immense database of things and [their] various attributes.”

But Wired writes — although the new feature is both impressive and helpful — it’s not all that original.

“Google’s not the first to try to know about the thing that you are searching. In 2009, Microsoft’s Bing introduced a set of specialized boxes for universities and cities that contained information that searchers might want to know, but those appear to have been removed.”

According to Wired, Google users in the U.S. will be able to tap into the Knowledge Graph immediately, but the company has not announced when, or if, the feature will become available internationally.

Shorter University 'Lifestyle Statement' Angers Some Faculty

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:47:39 -0500

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(Image Source: New York Daily News)

BY LYNDSEY GARZA

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

A small baptist university in Georgia requires employees to formally reject homosexuality, adultery, premarital sex and alcohol or drug use. According to The Young Turks, Shorter University’s lifestyle agreement could leave the campus short on employees.

“If you violate that pledge, if you go against it and you don’t even sign it, you risk getting fired. Which I think would be a blessing.”

According to a website made by a group looking to raise awareness about Shorter’s policy — nearly 60 percent of staff members say they will leave because of the policy change.

But one tenured faculty member says he’s never tried to conceal his homosexuality in his 14 years on the Shorter campus. Michael Wilson tells the Associated Baptist Press he returned the signed agreement — but crossed out this sentence:

“I reject as acceptable all sexual activity not in agreement with the Bible, including, but not limited to, premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality.”

Shorter University President Donald Dowless explains the purpose of the lifestyle agreement to The Christian Post.

"We love Jesus Christ, and we want people who serve here to love Jesus Christ and be willing to not just sign the document, but enthusiastically endorse that in every aspect of their lives."

Dowless says this should not come as a surprise for the faculty or students. And as Atlanta’s WSB found out, not every Shorter student is up in arms over the policy.

“We took the personal lifestyles agreement to campus and showed it to students.”

“I can see where they’re coming from.”

Rome News Tribune points out — as a private, religious college, Shorter has the legal right to create the lifestyle policy. But a blogger for Gawker says — just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

“These are all personal issues. They are not work issues. They have no impact, on work. You might as well fire employees for liking a certain sports team, or for disliking spicy foods.”

According to CNN —87 percent of Fortune 500 companies have policies banning sexual discrimination.

Top News Headlines: Facebook to Offer 25 Percent More Shares

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:00:01 -0500

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(Image source: CNET)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Facebook says demand is driving the company to offer 25 percent more shares in its IPO Friday.

Here’s the BBC.

“The social media giant is set to now sell about 421 million shares, raising around $18 billion.”

Meanwhile, Google is launching an addition to its search-results — and it’s a tool that claims to draw on the knowledge of 500 million people.

Google’s “Knowledge Graph” is the result of a two-year project to crawl hundreds of web sources like Wikipedia.

Forbes reports the enhanced-search began rolling out today.

Defense attorneys in the John Edwards corruption case rested just two days into the trial.

CNN explains what’s next.

“Closing arguments are set to begin tomorrow and the jury’s expected to get the case on Friday. Edwards didn’t take the stand. Neither did his former mistress, Rielle Hunter.”

Evidence in the Trayvon Martin murder investigation show George Zimmerman had a pair of black eyes, a fractured nose and cuts to the back of his head.

ABC News reports.

“This three-page medical report obtained exclusively by ABC News shows Zimmerman suffered a close fractured broken nose, black eyes, a swollen lip, a pair of gashes on the back of his head.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Zach Toombs, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

George Zimmerman's Injuries Made Public

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:37:30 -0500

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(Image source: KABC)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

Some of the evidence in the George Zimmerman investigation is now being made public. It shows Zimmerman had a pair of black eyes, a nose fracture and cuts to the back of his head — apparently the result of an altercation the night he admits he shot Trayvon Martin to death.

ABC News has the exclusive...

“This three-page medical report obtained exclusively by ABC News shows Zimmerman suffered a close fractured broken nose, black eyes, a swollen lip, a pair of gashes on the back of his head.”

Many say, this offers proof of Zimmerman’s account of the events that night. A blogger from Human Events writes...

“This is all consistent with Zimmerman’s story of being attacked by Martin before firing the fatal shot, and fits in with the initial police reports. Only a widespread, orchestrated media campaign generated any serious doubt that Zimmerman’s account of the scuffle was accurate.”

But The Orlando Sentinel reports, the evidence is just a partial list of what will become public. It will also include video …

“... both from the 7-Eleven store where Trayvon reportedly purchased Skittles and Arizona iced tea and from a clubhouse in Retreat at Twin Lakes, the townhouse complex where the teen was killed … Crime-scene photos of both Zimmerman and the teen are also listed in the document filed Monday, as is Trayvon's autopsy report.”

An analyst tells CNN, while this gives insight into more of the evidence which will presented in court, it’s likely there is much more still to come.

“Knowing where everybody was, the proximity of where the shooting occurred, the clubhouse, the car, where he was staying, all those are important pieces that I don’t know if those are going to come out in this first wave. I’m anxious to see if they do.”

Unless an eyewitness steps forward, those issues may tell the rest of the story. On CBS This Morning, a legal analyst says, Wednesday’s revelations indicate an altercation, but don’t yet answer who instigated it.

“Erica, who’s the aggressor. That’s what all of this case is gonna be all about. ... But remember the prosecution has the burden of proving it. So if the defense has something on their side that’s gonna help with supporting it, then the defense attorney is always going to be pleased with something like this.”

Analysts say, because Florida has a very open records policy, it’s likely the public will learn more about the case before it goes to trial, than might be the case in other states.

New Jersey Kids Asked to Share Secret On Test

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:41:00 -0500

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(Image source: The Star Ledger)

BY DANIELLE CARTER

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

A New Jersey test asked some third graders to write about a secret they had and why it was hard to keep. Oh boy.

Here’s Austin’s KEYE with more.

“Outraged parents say someone should be held accountable for putting their kids in a difficult position in the middle of a test.”

New Jersey’s Asbury Park Press reports a New Jersey Department of Education spokesman says the question is still under evaluation, and wouldn’t count on the test, called the NJ ASK test, anyway.

“...the question actually is a ‘field test question,’ part of a vetting process in which potential NJ ASK questions are themselves put to the test.”

Despite the question being approved, the makers of the test still aren’t sure what they would do if a child had a dark secret, say, knowledge of a crime.

However, WPIX offers a solution.

“The only way to ensure the privacy of 4,000 families in New Jersey is to throw out all 4,000 of the tests with the secret question.”

One sarcastic Gawker writer feels worse for the criticizing parents, wondering what they might be trying to hide.

What if a child, for instance, had actually witnessed something horrible, like a murder, the writer asks.

“Parents could not have some punk kids blabbing away in their clumsy, unpracticed cursive, the bloody truths they’d already killed so many to conceal.”

The question has already been removed from future tests.

"Swamp People" Star Mitchell Guist Dies at 48

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:24:00 -0500

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(Image source: WLS)

BY JOE CHIODO

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

One of reality TV’s most popular faces passed away Monday. Mitchell Guist is one of the bearded brothers from the History Channel’s “Swamp People.” He died doing exactly what he loved — hunting alligators in Louisiana. CNN reports what happened.

"He appeared to have a seizure...an unidentified man who was in a separate boat towed Guist's boat back to shore, called 911 and performed CPR. Guist was rushed to the hospital but sadly it wasn't enough to save his life."

911 tapes show the lengths one boater took to save him. TMZ.com has that audio.

"You say he's in cardiac arrest?" "Yes sir, we're blowing and pumping the guy's chest right now," the caller said. What happened?" "It looks like he may have had a heart attack."

Fox News reports the alligator hunter was a very likeable character - and had an upcoming birthday...

“Mitchell and his brother Glenn were among the reality show's most popular cast members. He would have turned 49 this Friday.”

The Guist brothers’ website, says the brothers were...

“...Born and raised and still lived in the same house their grandparents once occupied on the Conway Bayou. The Guist brothers march to their own drummer. They are a backwoods duo who hunt, trap and fish to eat.”

On Twitter, Swamp Nation sent regards and condolences - saying Swamp People won’t be the same without him.

According to TV by the Numbers, the latest episode of “Swamp People” aired May 10. The episode was the night’s top cable original with more than 3.8 million viewers.

Top News Headlines: Man Self-Immolates Outside Breivik Trial

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:02:00 -0500

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(Image source: The Guardian)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

In Norway, a man reportedly set himself on fire outside the murder trial of Anders Breivik. The BBC reports the man doused himself with flammable liquid and tried to rush past security.

“The man who police say was seriously injured was stopped as he tried to break through the security fence around the court.”

A JP Morgan shareholders meeting has ended. While chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon faced some heat over the company’s $2 billion loss, Fox Business reports it was a different business practice that drew the most criticism.

“Most of the questions from shareholders and most of the pointed statements … had to do with the way the bank failed to refinance people who might be upside down in their mortgages.”

Just one more complication for the Eurozone crisis. Talks between the German chancellor and the new French president were delayed after Francois Hollande’s plane was struck by lightning. CNN reports.

“We got word that Francois Hollande was on his way to Germany when there was a storm that sort of kicked up and forced his plane back to where it took off from in Paris.”

And President Obama spoke at the National Peace Officers Memorial Service which honors police officers killed in the line of duty. Fox News has the president’s speech.

“The rest of us can never fully understand what you go through, but please know that we hold you in our hearts, not just today but always.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Lauren Gores, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Mississippi Travelers Warned of Fake Cop

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: American Association of State Troopers)

BY JASMINE BAILEY

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

Police officers are supposed to defuse danger and keep the roads safe. But after two mysterious murders on Mississippi highways in the past week, authorities are saying someone who looks just like a police officer may be doing just the opposite. Here’s ABC News.

“What’s disturbing is that they appear to be pulled over by someone in the early morning hours and killed. Authorities are on the lookout for an unmarked, white crown victoria which can resemble a police car.”

One victim, a 74-year-old man, was found behind the wheel. Another, a 47-year-old woman was found right next to her vehicle. A CNN contributor says the police’s best guess is that the victims didn’t know they were in danger.

“Because in both cases the vehicles pulled to the side of the road, the cars seemed to work fine. The only explanation appears to be that somebody thought, ‘Hey, it’s the law behind me. I better pull over.’”

Authorities are unsure if the killings were random, but KTXL in Jackson, Mississippi suggests one possible motive.

“Now we’re learning that robbery could potentially be a motive because the man’s wallet was missing and the woman’s purse was stolen.”

Naturally, many Mississippi drivers are now fearful that they could have a similar fate. Tate County Sheriff's Office posted a message on their facebook warning travelers to take caution.

“If someone attempts to pull you over with flashing lights and you feel unsure of stopping, DON'T PULL OVER. Use your cell phone and dial 911 and if it's a real officer then the dispatcher will confirm it for you and if it's not a real officer they will send help to you. Our deputies have been told not to overreact if someone does not immediately pull over. Your safety is our primary concern.”

Florida A&M Marching Band Suspension Extended Through 2013

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:20:00 -0500

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(Image Source: Florida A&M University)

BY ADAM CRIBBS

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Football games at FAMU will be a little quieter for the next two years. The hazing-related death of 26-year-old Robert Champion last Fall is still affecting the Florida A&M marching band. Here’s WOFL with the story.

“Florida A&M University’s famous marching band will not take to the field next year. The school’s president decided to extend the suspension of the program through 2013.”

Florida A&M has one of the top marching bands in America, so the suspension could be a big loss for the university and its fans. The Tampa Bay Times reports the university’s athletic department could take a financial hit.

“The decision to sideline the band, known as the Marching 100, broadens the challenge of funding FAMU's athletics department, which has relied on the band's high-octane performances to help sell tickets.”

Although Champion’s death is the main cause of the decision, it wasn’t the only factor. The Orlando Sentinel reports there are other allegations of misconduct within the band.

“The most recent revelation — that about 100 band members did not meet the requirements to be in the band last fall, including at least two of those charged with Champion's death — prompted Monday's meeting of university trustees.”

Champion’s mother Pam says the suspension doesn’t go far enough. After hearing testimony that school officials might have coached students on how to answer investigators’ questions, she says the program is beyond repair and should be disbanded.

WSB-TV has her comments.

“FAMU cannot go on with business as usual. FAMU, they need to clean house.”

Although the band will be suspended through the 2012 and 2013 season, what happens afterward is still up in the air. MSNBC reports University President James Ammons says he wants to make sure any problems are properly addressed.

“‘Once I feel that the issues are resolved, then we'll look at the reimplementation of the band,’ he told trustees.”

The Champion family’s attorney says they plan to sue the school.

Top News Headlines: Rebekah Brooks Charged

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: The Guardian)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR ALLIE SPILLYARDS

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

British prosecutors announced they will charge former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks and her husband with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. The BBC has the charges.

“Rebekah Brooks, between the 6th of July and the 19th of July, 2011, conspired with Charles Brooks … to conceal material from officers at the Metropolitan Police Service.”

Strong winds pushed one of Arizona’s wildfires toward the community of Crown King, prompting mandatory evacuations. Here’s HLN.

“One of the wildfires in Arizona doubled in size overnight while you were sleeping, forcing hundreds of people from their homes. Now, it’s one of four fires reported just north of Phoenix.”

JP Morgan’s annual shareholders meeting takes place today in Florida. Investors are expected to ask who knew about the company’s $2 billion loss and when. CNN’s Ali Velshi says there are no good answers to that question.

“One is Jamie Dimon knew, in which case it feeds into what everybody thinks about these banks and greed and all of that. And then there’s the one that he said: he didn’t know. And if he didn’t know, that’s scary, too.”

And French president-elect Francois Hollande officially took office this morning. Here’s euronews.

“Socialist Francois Hollande has been officially sworn in as France’s new president during a ceremony at the Elysée Palace in Paris.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Allie Spillyards, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Ron Paul Ends Primary Campaigning

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 -0500

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(Image source: The Orange County Register)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

And then there was one.

Ron Paul announced his exit from the GOP primary race Monday, removing the last obstacle from Mitt Romney’s path to his party’s nomination. MSNBC gives the details.

“With a lack of campaign funds left and just a few number of primary states, that they’re going to devote more attention to the convention part.”

“They want to have a voice at the Republican convention in Tampa, and I think that’s where Ron Paul and his campaign go forward.”

The Washington Post reports Paul’s eventual departure from the race was no surprise — he never once won the popular vote in a primary contest. But The Post also says the timing of the announcement is odd considering upcoming primary states and recent campaign activity.

“...as recently as three weeks ago he was airing ads in Rhode Island and Texas. Upcoming primaries in Arkansas, Kentucky, and Texas might actually provide fertile ground for Paul. But he has yet to win a single primary or caucus, and his fundraising has dried up.”

Politico reports Paul supporters have flooded GOP conventions in states with where delegates do not have to follow the popular vote. Although the strategy hasn’t given Paul nearly the amount of delegates Romney holds, it has let Paul’s supporters peel away support state by state.

“Paul supporters have orchestrated ‘takeovers’ of several state conventions that award delegates to the national convention in Tampa … in some cases electing many pro-Paul members of state party committees. In Maine, for example, Paul won 20 of the state’s 24 delegates …”

But the candidate himself says creating a stir at the Republican National Convention is not at all his intention. He spoke with CNN a few days ago and had this to say.

“They’ve all dropped out. Why haven’t you?”

PAUL: “It certainly isn’t for the reason of disrupting a convention as you were alluding to. That is not in my plan. That is against my plan. So, I don’t like that even being a suggestion.”

TIME Magazine reports Paul instead might focus on pushing his small government agenda or jockeying for a cabinet position for his son, Rand Paul, in a potential Romney administration.

“While this is surely a disappointing day for Paul’s dogged supporters, they and their prophet have plenty to be proud of. In recent years, Paul’s libertarian vision has gone mainstream … His was a campaign of ideas; running for President was a way to occupy the pulpit. Those ideas are poised to outlive his candidacy…”

Aimee Copeland Likely to Lose Fingers, But Improving

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:48:00 -0500

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(Image source: ABC News)

BY EVAN BUSH

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

Aimee Copeland’s family says she’s stabilizing and might be removed from her respirator. Diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis two weeks ago, she had a slim-to-none chance of survival.

The 24-year-old graduate student was ziplining with friends in Georgia when she fell into a river and got a deep gash on her leg. It was that gash that allowed a flesh-eating bacteria to attack her body and spread.

CNN reports how the bacteria has damaged her body.

“Copeland has already lost her leg and part of her abdomen. Her family says they are optimistic, awaiting the day she can speak and breathe again.”

And as ABC News reported a few days ago -- doctors were not optimistic about Copeland’s outlook.

“Her father says the bacteria has ravaged her body so severely, it will likely result in the amputation of both of her hands and her remaining foot.”

But on his blog on Saturday -- Aimee’s father, Andy, shared some much-needed good news. Aimee will likely lose her fingers, but...

“Yesterday doctors revealed that they are continuing to examine Aimee’s hands and foot. It appears that they may be able to save more of her extensions than they originally thought.”

Aimee’s father is counting the days until what he’s calling “Aimee day” -- when her lungs will no longer need a respirator. He told NBC...

“We actually were able to communicate with her through lip reading, which we are becoming quite proficient at actually. ... She doesn’t remember a lot. She keeps asking us the same questions.”

Obama Brings Romney's Bain Record to Front-and-Center

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:32:00 -0500

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(Image source: BarackObama.com)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

After a week mired in talk about social issues, President Barack Obama’s campaign went after Mitt Romney’s record on jobs Monday. Team Obama released a new ad bringing back a golden oldie in the anti-Romney repertoire — his experience at the Bain Capital investment firm.

“They were responsible. Mitt Romney was deeply involved.”

“They made as much money off of it as they could. And they closed it down, they filed for bankruptcy without any concern for the families or the community.”

“It was like watching an old friend bleed to death.”

The Kansas City steel plant at the center of the ad closed in 2001. If the format of this anti-Bain ad looks familiar, well, it’s because it is.

Here’s an attack ad against Romney distributed by a pro-Newt Gingrich Super PAC in January.

“His mission: to reap rewards for himself and his investors.”

“Mitt Romney, those guys, they don’t care who I am.”

And then there’s the one Ted Kennedy ran against Romney in Massachusetts’ ‘94 Senate race.

“They cut the wages.”

“We no longer had insurance.”

“We had no rights anymore.”

“I’d like for him to show me where these 10,000 jobs that he’s created are.”

The Romney camp delivered a quick response Monday, with a campaign spokeswoman saying in a statement, if it’s a discussion on the economy Obama wants, bring it on.

“We welcome the Obama campaign’s attempt to pivot back to jobs and a discussion of their failed record … If the Obama Administration was less concerned with pleasing its wealthy donors and more concerned with creating jobs, America would be much better off.”

As for the steel plant mentioned in Obama’s ad, The Washington Post says Romney’s involvement is up for debate.

“Bain bought GST in 1993. According to a January profile of the takeover by Reuters, less than a decade later, the plant closed, and 750 workers lost their jobs … Romney co-founded Bain, but he left in 1999 to run the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.”

A deputy campaign manager for Obama told reporters — despite Romney’s departure from Bain before the steel plant closed — ”he set this in motion.” MSNBC’s Chuck Todd argues the ad will likely be just as effective as the Bain Capital ads run in the GOP primary.

“Here’s something that you might have forgotten: remember those ads actually worked. Romney found himself on the defensive and ended up losing the South Carolina primary badly.”

“The ads had been working so well then that the Republican backlash had been simply ‘Don’t run them. They’re hurting Romney.’”

According to ABC, the ad will run only once — on May 16 during the evening news — but will air in five crucial swing states: Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Virginia. The video is part of a $25 million ad buy for Obama this month.

Top News Headlines: John Edwards' Lawyers Begin Defense

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:49:00 -0500

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(Image source: The News & Observer)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

John Edwards’ lawyers began presenting his defense today on charges of violating campaign finance laws. A Fox News analyst says it’s possible Edwards himself may take the stand.

“Calling your own client to testify always has some risk for the defense, but remember — John Edwards is a skilled trial lawyer … So you may see the defense wanting to use his persuasive skills.”

Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel have agreed to end a weeks-long hunger strike. The prisoners accepted a deal brokered by Egypt. Sky News has some of the terms.

“It’s largely over improving conditions for these prisoners inside the jails — allowing their relatives to see them more often, taking some of them out of long periods of solitary confinement.”

Greece’s political leaders have one last chance to form a government before the country heads to new elections. Euronews reports Greece’s president has been unable to get the pro and anti-austerity camps to see eye to eye.

“Despite warnings Greece could run out of cash unless a new administration is formed, attempts to bridge the gap have so far proved fruitless.”

And while Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg turns 28, his company’s IPO is within sight. But a management firm president tells CNN it’s probably wise to sit out the initial stock frenzy.

(SWV_cnn_:05-:16)
“The mutual funds and the institutional investors are going to be the major ones buying up the stock. So when the stock actually opens, I do believe it’s going to come in probably between 90, maybe even 100 dollars a share when it actually gets released.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Lauren Gores, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Fort Lee, New Jersey Cracking Down on Careless Walkers

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:06:42 -0500

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(Image source: ABC News)

BY NATHAN GIANNINI

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

Police in Fort Lee, New Jersey are cracking down ... on careless walkers. Here’s WCBS and WNYW with details.

WCBS: “Careless pedestrians texting or talking on the phone without paying attention, getting into all kinds of trouble. From a water fountain, and a sink hole, even a hungry bear.

Chief: They’re not alert, and they’re not watching what they’re doing.”

WNYW: “With the increase in technology they say there is an increase in distracted walking. More than 20 pedestrians have been hit by cars so far this year in the borough.”

So, police are strongly enforcing traffic laws, particularly jaywalking. For two weeks, officers handed out pamphlets with safety tips for pedestrians. And clearly it hasn’t reached everyone.

Philadelphia’s WTXF reports, “In the last month and a half, 117 tickets have been issued. The fine is 85 dollars per offense .”

But Fort Lee police Chief Thomas Ripoli tells MSNBC.com, the ban has been taken slightly out of context. It’s not a ban on texting-while-walking specifically.

“Folks who are texting while walking in Fort Lee are indeed issued a ... jaywalking ticket ... but only if they also happen to be jaywalking at the same time. ... But not a single ticket so far — nor any in the foreseeable future —has been issued specifically for texting while walking.”

And it’s not all bad news for pedestrians. The Record reports...

“Capt. Keith Bendul said the borough also targets motorists who do not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, as required by law. He said officers will wear civilian clothes and walk into a crosswalk to see if a car stops. If the vehicle doesn’t stop, another officer waiting nearby will issue a ticket.”

WCBS reports -- those careless drivers would face a $200 fine.

JPMorgan CEO Speaks Out on $2 Billion 'Mistake'

Mon, 14 May 2012 03:00:05 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY STACEY WELSH

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon says everyone makes mistakes, but this was far too big. Dimon told NBC’s “Meet the Press” the company lost more than $2 billion because it “screwed up” managing its securities portfolio.

“In hindsight we took far too much risk. The strategy we had was barely vetted, it was barely monitored, it should never have happened.”

Dimon also told “Meet the Press” the government should be able to take down banks that are supposedly “too big to fail,” but The Wall Street Journal reports he’s also spoken out against bank regulation.

“Dimon has been particularly critical of the so-called Volcker rule, named after former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, which prohibits banks from trading with their own funds.”

While lawmakers are still working on the final version of the rule, Dimon said he doesn’t think it would have prevented the trades that lead to JPMorgan’s loss. But C-SPAN points out, Dimon has changed his tune when it comes to the derivative trades themselves.

“Dimon said he was dead wrong when he dismissed concerns about the trading last month... He said he made a terrible egregious mistake.”

Dimon expects the firm to earn a lot of money this quarter and says he doesn’t think the loss will be life-threatening. The Los Angeles Times reports.

“Because of his reputation for having managed his bank well, Dimon has had greater credibility than many other Wall Street figures in the debates over financial regulations.”

Despite this, some politicians are questioning Dimon’s management prowess. Bloomberg reports a U.S. Senate candidate called on Dimon to step down as a director of the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

“Dimon should resign from his post at the New York Fed to send a signal to the American people that Wall Street bankers get it, and to show that they understand the need for responsibility and accountability.”

Reuters reports Dimon feels the $2 billion embarrassment hurt his and the firm’s credibility. He is also scheduled to speak about the loss Tuesday at JPMorgan’s annual meeting in Florida.

Top News Headlines: Manhunt for Missing FBI Agent

Sun, 13 May 2012 06:44:29 -0500

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(Image source: Burbank Police Dept./Los Angeles Times)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

A manhunt is underway near Los Angeles for an FBI agent missing since Friday.

Here’s CNN.

“ … the man right there, 35-year-old Stephen Ivens is believed to be armed and suicidal. Police do not think Ivens is a danger to anyone but himself, but they are urging the public not to approach him.”

An ex-Taliban minister turned Afghan peace envoy has been killed.

Al Jazeera says Arsala Rahmani, quote, “had the ear” of senior Taliban officials.

" … and for this reason, President Hamid Karzai believed he could help negotiate peace with the group. His killing in a drive-by shooting in Kabul now raises doubts over those efforts."

Leaders of Greece’s three main political parties met with the country’s president for 90 minutes and left without comment.

The BBC reports.

“The three main parties who are divided over the country’s austerity policies have so far tried and failed to secure enough support to get a deal together.”

Police in Spain have cleared Madrid’s central square of tens of thousands of protesters Sunday.

Euronews explains.

“The Indignados, or the outraged, are celebrating the first anniversary of their world-famous protest against austerity and the financial and political elite.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Petition Pushes to Move Democratic Convention out of N.C.

Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:02 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

A push to move the Democratic National Convention out of North Carolina is highlighting discontent within the party. Fox News reports the online movement comes in response to the state’s vote to ban same-sex marriage last week.

“Some 30,000 people have signed an online petition demanding the convention be relocated out of North Carolina. Senior Obama-Biden campaign officials told me that’s not going to happen.”

That petition on Change.org calls for the Democratic Party to “MOVE its convention (September 2012) to a state that upholds values of equality & liberty, and which treats ALL citizens equally.” But a guest on MSNBC says the convention’s location presents Democrats with an opportunity.

“Well, I think it’s the perfect place.”

“... Really opens up a discussion that we should have about the difference between the two candidates on this issue.”

But The Charlotte Observer notes, even before the state voted to ban same-sex marriage, North Carolina presented a political headache for Democrats.

“Labor unions, a core Democratic constituency, are up in arms. Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue isn't running for re-election; Democrats say she was likely to lose … Voters recently approved amending the state constitution to ban gay marriage … And unemployment in the state remains persistently high.”

And the National Journal reports labor unions’ discontent has affected fundraising — hurting the DNC’s attempts to reach their $36 million goal for the event.

“Fundraising was lagging … That led to more pressure on labor unions to pony up. But they would rather spend their money on grassroots efforts and are still miffed that the party decided to go to a ‘right to work’ state and a city with few unionized hotels.”

ABC News reports not only would the DNC take a financial hit, but so would the city of Charlotte. In 2008, the Democrats’ convention brought a $226 million benefit to the Denver area. ABC also cites political analyst Larry Sabato, who says:

“It’s completely impractical to move the convention; there’s absolutely no way you could do it … Too much planning has gone into it. You couldn’t find another place where you could make all the arrangements at this time. Practically speaking, it’s [a] total nonstarter.”

ABC also notes that confining the Democrats’ convention to states without bans on same-sex marriage would drastically narrow the field. 30 states in all have banned it — that includes California, Maine and Florida, where the Republicans will hold their convention.

Romney Talks Marriage, Family at Liberty University

Sat, 12 May 2012 16:30:48 -0500

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(Image source: The New York Times)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney covered family, opportunity and Christian values in his commencement speech at Liberty University Saturday. But it was his mention of same-sex marriage at the world’s largest evangelical academy that made headlines. CNN has it.

“Culture — what you believe, what you value, how you live — matters.”

“Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman.”

Delivering Liberty’s commencement speech has become something of a rite of passage for conservatives.

In 2006, the last GOP presidential nominee, John McCain, gave his speech.

In 2007, it was Newt Gingrich.

And in 2010, Glenn Beck.

CBS reports, after Romney was announced as Liberty’s commencement speaker, there was some trepidation among the university’s students about his Mormon faith — something the candidate has seen much of on the campaign trail.

JAMIE GOSS: “I think there’s a lot of mixed emotions. Some people are like ‘Oh, we wish we would have had, like, the Christian speaker come.”

CHIP REID: “More than 700 comments — some critical — were posted on the school’s Facebook page after the selection of Romney was announced.”

The New York Times reports Romney made no reference to Mormon faith specifically but did reference Christian icons such as C.S. Lewis, Billy Graham and Martin Luther King, Jr. The Times says the speech was an important political opportunity for the candidate.

“Mr. Romney’s closely watched speech comes at an important juncture for the presumptive Republican nominee. Even as he moves to appeal to the general electorate, particularly independent voters, he must also solidify his support among evangelical Christians, an important part of the Republican base, many of whom had supported his rival, Rick Santorum.”

The Christian Science Monitor reports President Barack Obama’s recent announcement in support of same-sex marriage has put the issue front-and-center in the campaign for the White House. According to the Monitor, Romney’s stance on the issue will have electoral effects.

“As Americans increasingly and apparently rapidly approve of gay marriage, this puts Romney on what critics call “the wrong side of history” on a civil rights issue, especially among younger voters (18-34), 70 percent of whom approve of same-sex marriage ... But among social conservatives – especially evangelical Christians – Romney is right.”

Top News Headlines: Greece Prepares for Political Turmoil

Sat, 12 May 2012 15:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: The New York Times/Eirini Vourloumis)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

Greek voters are braced for more political turmoil.

Euronews reports — this comes …

“ … after Socialist leader Evangelos Venizelos failed to form a government. He is the third leader to try and form a coalition after Sunday’s election handed big gains to anti-austerity parties.”

A militant group linked to al-Qaeda claims responsibility for the two suicide-bomb attacks that killed more than 50 people in Syria’s capital Thursday.

Here’s the BBC.

“The al-Nusra front made the claim in a video posted on its website. It said it was acting in retaliation against the Syrian government.”

GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney delivered the commencement speech at Liberty University in Virginia Saturday.

A reporter for Fox News says Romney didn’t shy away from the gay-marriage topic with an audience of likely conservatives.

“He told graduates of Liberty University that the enduring institution of marriage has become a topic of debate, with that quote, ‘Marriage is a relationship between one man and one woman,’ which drew applause from the audience.”

Thousands of dead birds are showing up in Chile and Peru.

CNN explains.

“More than 7,000 birds have turned up dead in South America. Officials say in Peru alone — 5,000 birds have starved because warm weather has forced some anchovies and sardines south.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Is Romney's Alleged Bullying Fair Game?

Sat, 12 May 2012 05:00:03 -0500

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(Image source: Cranbrook Preparatory School / Slate)

BY ZACH TOOMBS

Conservatives jumped to the defense of Mitt Romney Friday — pushing back against a report the candidate bullied a gay classmate. CNN’s Howard Kurtz wonders if Romney should be held accountable for something he did as a teenager.

“It was meticulously reported. Four of the five student witnesses were recorded on the record. But it’s 47 years ago.”

“Is there any statute of limitations on this sort of thing? And it does feel a bit like a cheap hit.”

That perceived “statute of limitations” on holding candidates’ accountable has some in the media hesitating to report Romney’s high school bullying. But Mother Jones says ignoring this story would set different standards for Romney.

“… in the case of presidents their pasts have always been fair game back to the day they entered kindergarten. Like it or not, Romney isn't being treated any differently here than any other presidential candidate of the past half century.”

And on MSNBC, Willie Geist questioned the timing of The Washington Post story on Romney — published one day after President Barack Obama announced his support for same-sex marriage.

“The timing of this piece — I’m sure they’ve been working on it for some time — it is a bit curious the day after.

One more wrinkle in the story — the family of the now-deceased former classmate tells ABC News, it’s not happy with how the story is being handled.

“The family issuing a statement saying, ‘The portrayal of John is factually incorrect and we are aggrieved that he would be used to further a political agenda.’”

On Fox News Thursday, Romney personally responded to the report — in which the Post reports he and a few classmates forcibly cut the hair of a student who later came out as gay.

“I don’t recall the incident, but I’ve seen the reports, and I’m not going to argue with that.”

“I did some stupid things when I was in high school. Obviously, if I hurt anyone by virtue of that, I would be very sorry for it and apologize.”

And a columnist for The American Prospect says blame the era, not the man.

“Thankfully, our society is coming to an understanding about the harm that bullying causes, but in 1965, a young man who seemed a bit effeminate being tortured by his classmates seemed to most people to be utterly unproblematic, even expected.”

But a writer for New York Magazine says the “young and stupid” defense won’t suffice for Romney. He writes the report of bullying sheds light on a longer-term flaw in the candidate.

“The story does give the sense of a man who lacks a natural sense of compassion for the weak. His prankery seems to have invariably singled out the vulnerable … It’s entirely possible to grow out of that youthful mentality — to learn to step out of your own perspective … I’m just not sure he ever has.”

Stand-Your-Ground Defense Fails for Florida Woman

Sat, 12 May 2012 04:00:02 -0500

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Image Source: CNN

BY SAMANTHA KUBOTA

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

A case dealing with Florida’s stand-your-ground gun law was decided Friday. A judge sentenced Marissa Alexander to 20 years in prison after firing a warning-shot in what she claims was self defense under the stand-your-ground law. WPTV has more.

“The judge and jury though, rejected her self defense claims under the state’s controversial stand your ground law."

MSNBC has how it all went down.

“Alexander has said that 36-year-old Rico Gray had physically abused her in a dispute on Aug. 1, 2010. She testified that she fled into a garage and got a gun, but was unable to leave the home because the garage door was stuck. She testified that she went back into the house, where Gray was with his two sons, and fired the shot.”

Florida’s stand your ground gun law has come under scrutiny after the George Zimmerman case involving the shooting death of teenager Trayvon Martin. The state attorney in that case is Angela Corey. Her office is also handling this case. U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown challenged Corey in the hallway of the courthouse after the sentencing, calling this a case of “institutional racism.”

HLN has the video.

“My feeling is that your office initially overcharged her in this case. This is my feeling.”

But CNN reports the 20-year sentence didn't have to happen.

“Corey said she had offered Alexander a plea bargain that would have resulted in a three-year prison sentence, but Alexander chose to take the case to a jury trial, where a conviction would carry a mandatory sentence under a Florida law known as "10-20-life."

But supporters of Alexander didn’t take the sentencing sitting down..The Florida Times Union reports...

“In a rare courtroom protest, a group of young individuals stood and sang ‘We who believe in justice will not rest!’
Circuit Judge James Daniel ordered the group out of the courtroom and out of the building entirely.”

WPTV reports Marissa Alexander’s attorneys are now fighting for a retrial.

Top News Headlines: Greek Coalition Deal Fails

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:05:11 -0500

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(Image source: Bloomberg/Irish Times)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

The third attempt to form a coalition government in Greece has failed.
The BBC explains.

“Hopes of forming a coalition government in Greece have been dashed after the head of the anti-bailout Syriza party said he would not join the coalition government.”

A New York Times report says the SEC is now investigating JPMorgan following the bank’s $2 billion loss.

CNN looks at the backlash.

“ … this is why everybody loves to hate big banks and why you hear Congress pounding their fists about tougher regulations. … (FLASH) JPMorgan gambled and lost, making some big, risky bets.”

Indonesian rescue workers say they’ve recovered 12 bodies from this week’s Russian plane crash.
Here’s euronews.

“Most of the dead are Indonesian and aviation officials. Although eight Russians were also on board. Rescuers have been using climbing equipment, including ropes, to scale the near-vertical Mt. Salak … ”

Facebook is stirring more buzz leading up to its IPO.
Chicago’s WBBM highlights a new feature Facebook’s testing.

“It looks like Facebook is considering a pay-for-popularity plan. For two bucks, Facebook will highlight your post. A trial is underway right now, and the option to highlight shows up when you’re posting an update.”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day.

Bill Clinton Called Obama 'Amateur' in New Book

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: The White House)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

The New York Post is calling a new book a “Bill Blockbuster.”

The book says former President Bill Clinton called President Obama an “amateur.” Here’s how Fox News describes it.

“Bill Clinton campaigning for President Obama but it looks like he wasn’t always so supportive. An explosive new book claims he … even begged his wife to quit her job as Secretary of State to run against him in the primaries.”

Quoting the book, the New York Post reports, “Bill Clinton unloaded on Obama and pressed Hillary to run against her boss... Obama, Bill Clinton said, ‘doesn’t know how to be president’...”

Former President Clinton has recently been working with the Obama reelection team to help fundraise for the campaign. So the allegation the former president urged his wife to run against President Obama is a subject of suspicion among supporters of the president.

He also just appeared in this much-talked about campaign ad highlighting President Obama’s success in the operation that killed Osama bin Laden.

Conservative author Edward Klein wrote the book. He’s also written books about the Kennedys and about Hillary Clinton.

Which is why MSNBC’s Chuck Todd tells his viewers — what some are calling a bombshell... might actually be bull.

“Ehhh... We’d check the source on this one, trust us. … He loves to write salacious Clinton books... I would say that this story is just unbelievable. One thing we know about Bill Clinton is he generally has good political instincts.”

But Ed Morrissey of conservative blog Hot Air points out — Klein is a former New York Times Magazine and Newsweek editor — and says he thinks the author is the real deal.

“The Clintons will deny the quotes, and they’ll go after Klein as a tool... [Klein’s] no amateur. This new book just might have to be The Official Book of the Obamateurism Series here at Hot Air. It definitely makes my reading list.”

White House spokesman Eric Schultz called the book’s claims “nonsense.”

Reporter/Stripper Sues Paper After Being Fired

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:24:00 -0500

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(Image source: Twitter @AngryStripper)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

The reporter fired for working as a stripper is now suing her former employer — with high-profile attorney Gloria Allred at her side.

Houston’s KPRC explains.

“The two announced the suit yesterday in Los Angeles. Allred accused the Houston Chronicle of sexual discrimination for firing Tressler when it learned she was working as a stripper to supplement her reporting income.”

Allred says Sarah Tressler was an independent contractor as a dancer, and didn’t have to tell the Chronicle about her side job.

Here’s the lawyer in a press conference on HLN.

“ … when she was asked by the Houston Chronicle about her prior employment, she did not list dancing since she was not an employee of any clubs.”

What did Tressler think would happen?

Back when the Chronicle fired her in March, a blogger for HoustonPress wrote …

“Her fellow Chronicle employees have found out and they're furious. Furious because she barely bothers to conceal her identity … And furious because the Chron staff feels like she's just using them as fodder for a future roman a clef.”

Tressler may have kept the details from her bosses at the Chronicle, but she shared it elsewhere.

A reporter for San Antonio’s KSAT says …

“Tressler posted racy photos of herself on Twitter, Facebook and her own blog, titled, ‘The Diary of an Angry Stripper.’ But if she was angry then, you can imagine her fury when the Chronicle gave her the boot.”

Now that Tressler’s work history is out in the open, CNN runs down the rest of her resume.

“Tressler holds a master’s degree in journalism from New York University. She also happens to be an adjunct professor at the University of Houston.”

On her website, Tressler says a “Diary of an Angry Stripper” book is in the works.

Time Breastfeeding Cover Stirs Controversy

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:50:54 -0500

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(Image source: Time)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Featuring breastfeeding on the cover of a magazine is probably enough to stir a conversation — but check out TIME Magazine’s latest.

It asks, “Are you mom enough?” and features a young mom breastfeeding her three-year-old son.

That got people talking on morning TV shows across the country. It’s not a model on that cover — but what the magazine describes as a real-life Los Angeles mom named Jamie...

“...who subscribes to attachment parenting... Its three main tenets are extended breast-feeding, co-sleeping and ‘baby wearing,’ in which infants are physically attached to their parents by slings.”

But on WFLX and WZZM — the discussion was less about attachment parenting, and more of concern for the boy in the picture.

WFLX: “I do think this is gonna follow him for a long time. … What kind of social and emotional impact is that going to have on the kid?”

WZZM: “I feel bad for the kid. I just think that’s one of those things, it’s a private decision. I just don’t want the kid to get any... well..”

The mom featured on the cover is 26-years-old and told TIME her mom nursed her until she was six. She says she knew the cover would get a reaction, and that’s exactly what she wanted. The Washington Post’s Janice D’Arcy recalls Demi Moore’s nude pregnancy cover on Vanity Fair asks,

“...will it, ala Demi Moore, make Americans more open to different parenting choices and experiences?”

But a blogger for the San Francisco Chronicle’s “The Mommy Files” says — her feelings are more conflicted. At first — she was thrilled with the idea of promoting breastfeeding, but then she worried...

“...it will put yet more pressure on moms to achieve unobtainable goals. ... [O]nly 44 percent of moms make it to 6 months. And the gorgeous, thin blonde, standing proudly with her hands on her hips on the Time cover seems to be challenging moms to go longer.”

But the LA Times’ Karin Klein says — the takeaway should really be — parenting is about personal decisions — and moms should do what works for their families.

“Chances are that most theories work if tempered with enough love, support, humor and tolerance for odd smells in the house at various developmental points.”

JPMorgan's $2 Billion Loss Sends Shockwaves

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:35:23 -0500

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(Image source: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

JPMorgan’s CEO shared an unpleasant surprise with shareholders Thursday.

CNN calls it a $2 billion bombshell.

“Jamie Dimon absolutely stunned Wall Street by admitting in a conference call that a trading portfolio that was designed to help JPMorgan actually hedge its credit risk lost $2 billion … ”

And it may not end there.

Dimon detailed to Bloomberg the road could get rougher.

“A trade so large and so complex, he said it will take months to unwind and told us that the losses could grow by a billion dollars or more.”

$2 billion? $3 billion?

That’s a lot of money.

Enough for the concern to reach well outside the walls of JPMorgan.

“For the most part, they said these trading losses are manageable by JPMorgan, they’re not so much worried about that, but there is concern about the reputational risk, not only for JPMorgan, but also for the banking industry as a whole.”

An HLN correspondent sees the controversy colliding with regulation conversations in Washington.

“ … after the financial crisis, some people say, ‘you need more rules because you can ruin the economy.’ You think banks agree? No. This bank, Jamie Dimon, its CEO has been arguing, ‘no, no, no, we need less rules.’”

And naturally, the discussion on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” connected the issue to the presidential race.

Chris Matthews: “ … and as long as we don’t hear that going through November, this election’s going to be very dicey for Obama.”
Joe Scarborough: “And by the way … ”
Chris Matthews: “That’s as simple as you can make it.”
Joe Scarborough: “ … JPMorganChase lost $2 billion because they were betting on the economy turning around.”

Meanwhile, Dimon’s pinning the financial failure on a man who’s already earned a moniker in the mess.

Fox Business explains the CEO’s concession.

“… the losses were related to what’s being nicknamed ‘The London Whale,’ Bruno Iksil, who runs the desk in London that is supposed to basically protect the balance sheet via hedges, via derivatives trades.”

Another mystery — a blogger for DealBreaker says Dimon told shareholders that trader had violated something called “The Dimon Principle.” No definition, though, on just what that means -- yet.

Top News Headlines: JPMorgan CEO Blames 'Errors' for Loss

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:00:00 -0500

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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY NATHAN BYRNE

Here’s a look at your top news headlines from Newsy.

JPMorganChase CEO Jamie Dimon addressed stockholders in a surprise conference call about the company’s reported $2 billion loss.

CNN’s business correspondent has part of that statement.

“We made risky bets and we lost. We made huge losses caused by errors, sloppiness, bad judgment. He called these errors ‘stupid.’”

The trial of the Norwegian man who admitted mass killings was interrupted by a victim’s family member.

The BBC reports the relative of one of Anders Breivik’s victims threw a shoe at him and screamed in the courtroom.

The shoe missed Breivik and hit his lawyer.

The man accused of kidnapping two Tennessee girls — and killing their mother and sister — is dead.

Here’s HLN.

“Two girls are safe and their alleged captor, Adam Mayes, is dead. … The FBI says Adam Mayes shot himself in the head.”

Actor and activist George Clooney held a fundraising dinner for President Obama Thursday.

Fox News reports the event raised $15 million.

“It was in the backyard, under a tent, there on his basketball court. Of the $15 million they raised, two-thirds of it was raised by the ‘Win a Dream Date with George Clooney.’”

Stay with Newsy for more multisource video news throughout the day. For Newsy, I’m Nathan Byrne, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

Helen Keller's Secret Love Life Revealed

Fri, 11 May 2012 05:00:03 -0500

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(Image source: RosieSultan.com)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Helen Keller’s secret love life is available at bookstores near you. A once-absent account of Helen Keller’s life is revealed in author Rosie Sultan’s eye opening novel titled “Helen Keller In Love.”

ABC News says the book was...

“... inspired by a recent biography that suggested Keller had a love affair in her 30s, became secretly engaged and tried to elope with the man she loved.”

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer says adding another layer to Keller’s well documented and celebrated life won’t sit well with everyone.

“The book will surely prompt controversy. Some reviews criticize the book for placing a stain on Helen Keller's reputation. How difficult to take a slice of a high-profile person's life and turn it into a novel.”

After writing the book, Sultan blogged for Huffington Post stating what she believes is Keller’s real untold story.

“...‘her triumph over multiple disabilities and her enormous celebrity had trapped her within a constricting saintliness and an image of purity. Though she could speak up about equality...she was not granted the rights she sought for others.’”

The novel is Sultan’s first and was published on April 26th.

NFL Player Retires Citing Future Health Concerns

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:01 -0500

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(Image Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

BY ANDREW CARTER

ANCHOR CHRISTIAN BRYANT

Jacob Bell is no longer the man behind the mask.

Junior Seau’s recent death prompted the 8-year starting left guard to retire Tuesday.
His story is picking up steam as he told NFL.com why the risk outweighed the reward.

“‘Everybody wants to make the money, but what are you really sacrificing? If they tell you we're going to take your brain and whack it with a baseball bat, but we'll give you a couple million bucks, how many people would really do that?’”

Now being coined by the media as the man who saved himself from the game — Sports Illustrated got Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain what happens to the brain during helmet to helmet contact.

“People think for example if this is the brain around it is the skull and you have a helmet that there’s a blow and everything, you just a get a blow to the brain. What happens is the brain keeps moving within the skull, bounces back and forth almost like a beach ball in a swimming pool.”

With media outlets speculating other NFL players may follow Bell’s lead, Windy City Gridiron says not so fast.

“Let's remember what Jacob Bell was in the NFL...not any kind of superstar player, team cornerstone, face of a franchise, or anything like that. He was, to put it bluntly, ‘a guy.’"

A guy who before his retirement signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and was slated to be a back-up for the first time in his career. The Chicago Tribune talked to Bell and suggests his position on the depth chart affected his decision.

“If it were earlier in his career, or back when he was making $6 million a year for the Rams, Bell concedes it might be worth the risk.”

Bell’s concerns are shared by his peers as the NFL is faced with multiple concussion lawsuits according to a NFL Concussion Litigation Blog.

“There are now more than 1,800 former players named in the 70 complaints.”

Bell told multiple media outlets he feels great and doesn’t have any current health concerns but he isn’t sure about how many concussions he has had in his career.