Iraq is under duress after a series of bombings; Seven marines die in an Arizona helicopter crash; gas prices are continuing to rise; a woman hires a hitman to kill a random fur-wearer; pundits are criticizing Santorum’s debate performance last night, and Al Sharpton is planning another march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights. Additionally, David Cross admits to using drugs at the White House Correspondents Dinner, and Kourtney Kardashian is expecting a girl.
CRUCIAL:
Deadly Car Bombings Strike Across Iraq http://nyti.ms/wvaknH
A series of car bombings have gone off in Iraq, injuring many and killing
over 40. The attacks were mostly aimed at police officers but many of the
casualties were civilians. Iraqi leaders are saying that the attackers are
trying to create doubt about the new government.
U.N. Panel Accuses Syria of Crimes Against Humanity http://nyti.ms/z2G523
A 72-page United Nations report has determined that in the last year Syria,
under President Bashar al-Assad, has committed gross human rights
violations. The report also determined that the Free Syrian Army has
committed abuses but, that they are not comparable to what al-Assad’s regime
has perpetuated. World leaders will meet soon to devise a strategy that will
bring relief to the city of Homs, but they fear that Syria will not allow
them access into the country. Syria’s allies, Russia, China and Iran, have
stood by the nation during this time of bloodshed.
Seven Marines die in Arizona helicopter crash http://usat.ly/y46j4f
Last night, two Marine helicopters crashed into each other outside of Yuma,
Arizona. The helicopters were coming from the 3rd Marine Airwing, based in
Miramar, California. The identities of the seven dead are being withheld
until their kin are notified. The aircrafts in the crash were the AH-1W
“Cobra” and the UH-1Y “Huey”.
Gas price surge: Up 10% this year http://cnnmon.ie/A4bSWY
The average price for a gallon of gas in America may soon be $4. Places like
New York and California already pay more than that while Hawaii leads the
nation in gas prices, paying around $4.27 per gallon. Experts point to
growing tensions around Iran as the explanation for the increases. According
to the AAA, gas prices have climbed 3 cents over night, making the current
average $3.612 per gallon. Overall, this is a 10% increase over last year.
Obama apologizes to Afghanistan for Quran burning http://bit.ly/yEmnKN
President Barack Obama formally apologized to Afghan President Hamid Karzai
after NATO troops were caught burning Qurans. There have been widespread
protests outside of NATO bases after rumors swirled around the burning of
Islam’s holiest book. Additionally, a man dressed in an Afghan National Army
uniform has since shot and killed two NATO troops.
Woman accused of hiring hit man to kill random fur-wearer
http://bit.ly/Al9DCH
A Cleveland, Ohio woman has been arrested after creating a fake Facebook
account to find and hire a hitman to kill someone wearing fur. Her
intentions were to hire a contract killer to slit the throat of someone
wearing fur in a library and then for her to hand out anti-fur literature.
An FBI agent found the Facebook request and spoke with her about her plans.
Earlier in 2011, this woman contacted local police saying she had been
investigating the fur industry and that police ought to investigate it too.
Mount Pleasant man refuses to vote after finding veteran’s ID no good at
polls http://bit.ly/zSnS37
A veteran showed up with his Department of Veteran’s Affairs ID card and was
not allowed to vote in Tuesday’s Wisconsin Primary. The man recently learned
that the VA card would not suffice and felt angered. He had other forms of
ID but wanted to make a point that not all veterans have these types of
identification and that he disagreed with this law.
Court denies Wyoming county’s voting rights appeal http://bit.ly/A3dHMc
A Wyoming court has determined that it it illegal to have at-large voting on
county commissioners. Two American Indian Tribes, the Northern Arapho and
Easern Shoshone, felt that at-large voting would make it considerably harder
for American Indians to get elected. The courts agreed and will force the
county to have single-member districts so that the local minority
populations will be able to have more of a say in their governance.
Selma to Montgomery March to Protest New Voter Laws http://bit.ly/xLkoLn
Reverend Al Sharpton plans to hold a march from Selma to Montgomery in early
March as a protest against a new wave of voting laws. According to Sharpton,
5 million voters from 2008 will be turned away if they show up to vote in
2012 with these new laws in effect. 11% of Americans and 25% of Black
Americans do not have valid photo IDs. Even more of them are senior
citizens. This march on historic ground hopes to remind Americans of the
importance of voting rights.
CULTURAL:
David Cross Admits to Snorting Cocaine at the White House Correspondents
Dinner http://bit.ly/wh75pt
The National Enquirer sparks outrage with Whitney Houston open-casket photo
http://bit.ly/xYoh2L
Donny Deutsch: Star Jones was ambushed by ‘The View’s’ ‘mean girls’
http://on.msnbc.com/y9pCOe
Kourtney Kardashian reveals she and Scott Disick are expecting a girl
http://bit.ly/AbLEQz




