University of Montana enrollment tops 15,000 for first time UM announced its fall student count at 15,642, 721 more than last year, and the largest increase in the past 2 decades. It is the third year in a row that UM has seen an enrollment increase. It is also a record for the number of full time students, at 13,367. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_7b4f48ce-ca59-11df-8c2d-001cc4c03286.html
U.S. Tries to Make it Easier to Wiretap Internet Defense officials want Congress to require all services that enable communications, including email encrypting cell phones like Blackberry, social networking sites like Facebook, and peer-to-peer messaging programs like Skype, to be technically capable of complying if served with a wiretap order. The bill raises fresh questions about balancing security needs and privacy. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/us/27wiretap.html?_r=1&ref=politics
North Korean Ruling Party Promotes Son of Kim Jong-il The youngest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has been appointed to two key party positions. Kim Jong-un, Jong-il's third son, was promoted to vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Worker's Party and to its central committee. The move is being seen as a gradual transfer of power from Jong-il, who has been reported to be in poor health. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11431415
Pakistan Halts NATO Route to Afghanistan in Response to Attack
Pakistan closed its most important border crossing for NATO resupply trucks, in a retaliatory move against an early NATO involved conflict. According to the ISI, NATO troops were acting in self-defense when insurgents fired on their helicopter. The closed route is the primary vein for resupply for NATO operations in Afghanistan. The closure adds even more tension to an already stormy climate and also will be a major obstacle in Obama’s evaluation of operations in Afghanistan in a few months.
A.I.G. Reaches Deal to Repay Treasury and Fed for Bailout
A.I.G. reached an agreement with the federal government to pay back the $46 billion it received as bailout funds in 2008. The company agreed to have all debt paid off by March 2011, and expects to pay $20 million out of its own pocket and then turn over the 92.1 percent government stake over to investors.
Incoming UM President Engstrom announces leadership changes
Royce Engstrom, the newly appointed UM president, announced fall changes at a press conference in Turner Hall. Perry Brown, the dean of the CFC, will serve as interim provost in Engstrom’s place while Jim Burchfield will temporarily step in in his place. Also, Arlene Walker-Andrews, who serves as associate provost for undergraduate education and policy, will have an expanded role that includes another title: special assistant to the president for accreditation. These shifts will all take place when Engstrom officially assumes the presidency Oct. 15.
U.S. Sanctions 8 Iranian Officials for Crackdown The U.S. government has blacklisted 8 Iranian officials for beating, arresting and even killing anti-government activists in wake of last year's heavily protested Iranian elections. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the reason for the delayed reaction by the U.S. was so that the proper evidence could be accumulated against the individuals and to not further anger Iran while in nuclear negociations with them. The blacklisting means the individuals on the list cannot travel to the U.S. or conduct business there. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/world/middleeast/30sanctions.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper
U.S. Issues New Rules on Offshore Drilling In wake of the BP oil spill fiasco, the U.S. has imposed new rules on offshore drilling in hopes of preventing future incidents. These new sanctions include governing blowout preventers, safety certification, well design, and emergency response and worker training. These rules will take effect immediately once the current freeze on offshore drilling ends sometime in November. The oil companies are not necessarily happy about the news rules, but say they expected them and feel they can be met, at a cost. They fear that they may have to furlough workers while waiting for the freeze to end. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/us/01drill.html?ref=us
Missoula Prostitution Ring Suspects Deny Charges Richard Carpita and Anthony Brazington both pleaded not gulity to three charges each of promotion of prostitution. They are accused of using Craigslist to solicit prostitution of teenage girls, ranging from 16 to 19 years old. The girls would allegedly exchange money and drugs, and have sex with male clients in the Missoula area. The suspects are detained in Missoula County Jail at the moment.
Minnesota sex offender charged with promoting prostitution in Missoula
A Minnesota sex offender was charged with failing to register as a sex offender and promoting prostitution. He allegedly set up three appointments for his "Girlfriend" to meet with clients. When a meeting was intturrpted by the girls mother, the man started crying and said, "Please don't tell my wife." http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_c3b10366-cc46-11df-bdad-001cc4c002e0.html
U.S. Issues New Rules on Offshore Drilling
In response to the recent oil spills in the gulf, the U.S. Government has decided to put new rules into effect. These rules include a safety team that has been trained, a governing blowoff safety valve, and new well design. The government hopes this will prevent further disasters from happening in the future. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/us/01drill.html?_r=1&ref=us
Mudslide in Mexico Less Severe Than Feared
Reports on Tuesday suggested that an estimate of 1,000 people had been killed in the recent mudslides in Mexico. However, after search and rescue teams arrived, they reported only 11 people missing. Luckily this natural disaster was much smaller than expected.
Baucus, Tester vote against bill to punish companies moving jobs overseas
HELENA – The two U.S. senators of Montana, Max Baucus and Jon Tester, were amongst four Democrats that joined together with the Republicans on Tuesday to block a bill from Democratic leadership that would have punished U.S. companies that ship jobs overseas. Baucus said, the bill would “put our companies at a competitive disadvantage when selling our products overseas, potentially costing American jobs, not saving them.”
Pentagon destroys thousands of copies of Army officer`s memoir
WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense lately purchased and damaged thousands of copies of the Army Reserve officer`s memoir in an attempt to safeguard state secrets. The DoD decided to purchase copies of the first printing, containing info which could cause damage to national security, spokeswomen Lt. Col April Cunningham of the Pentagon Said. From single words and names to whole paragraphs, blacked out lines show throughout the book`s 299 pages.
Drilling plans off Cuba stir fears of Impact on Gulf
HOUSTON – Just five months after the BP oil spill, a fed. Moratorium prohibits new deepwater drilling in the American waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Under federal law, the drilling is banned near the coast of Florida. Next year a Spanish company will have drilled new wells just 50 miles from the Florida Keys which is in Cuba`s sovereign waters. As of right now, the Cuba`s oil industry is served almost exclusively by non- American companies.
Incoming UM President Engstrom announces leadership changes Story Royce Engstrom named University of Montana's 17th president In the stately Dell Brown Room of Turner Hall, on a quintessentially beautiful fall day, the soon-to-be-anointed president of the University of Montana called a gathering to celebrate the season of change that is under way on campus. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_ea59766e-cb84-11df-ad74-001cc4c002e0.html
North Korea Releases First Photo of Kim’s Heir SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean state media released a photograph on Thursday of Kim Jong-un, the son and presumed heir of the ailing dictator, Kim Jong-il, the first verified image of the young man as an adult. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/world/asia/01korea.html?_r=1&hp
'100 percent' chance for life on newly found planet? Gliese 581g may be the new Earth. A team of astronomers from the University of California and the Carnegie Institute of Washington say they've found a planet like ours, 20 light years (120 trillion miles) from Earth, where the basic conditions for life are good. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/30/100-percent-chance-for-life-on-newly-found-planet/?hpt=C2
Roper steps in for injured Montana QB Selle After getting a rotary cuff injury in the game against Sacramento State, Andrew Selle will not be able to QB for the University of Montana. Justin Roper, one of the co-quarterbacks, will take Selle’s place. http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/football/article_3d4d0512-cb84-11df-8154-001cc4c03286.html
Obama aide Rahm Emanuel “will run for Chicago mayor” Rahm Emanuel will make an announcement on Friday about his stepping down as Chief of Staff to run for mayor of Chicago. He has always aspired toward becoming mayor. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11428979
New images of North Korea’s heir apparent Kim Jong-un Kim Jong-un, son of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, has been seen in images recently released. The only other pictures of him have been grainy childhood images. Many speculate that he will be his father’s successor. Also, North Korea and South Korea began diplomatic talks for the first time in 2 years. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11441504
Wolf hunt could half population An MSU study indicated that the proposed wolf hunt in the Northern Rockies could cut the MT population in half. The current plan is to give out 180 wolf tags this season.
Emanual to step down Rahm Emanual has announced his resignation, and will step down as White House Chief of Staff on Friday. He cites a possible bid for Mayor of Chicago as his rationale.
Kim Jong-Un possible N. Korea successor Kim Jong-Un, son of current N. Korea Head of State Kim Jong-Il, is a likely successor for his father's position. The aging dictator is confirmed ill, and has began his search for a successor.
A nation wide shortage of anesthetics is delaying executions across the country. The scarcity of thiopental sodium has postponed execustions in several states and may force many others to delay executions as well. There is talk about using other drugs in place of thiopental, but prisoners are calling it unconstitional. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/us/30drug.html?_r=1&ref=us
Ecuador declares a state of emergency
National police physically attacked the president, Rafael Correa on Thursday in Quito, the nation's capital. The attack is said to be over the cancellation of bonuses and promotions. Ecuador has delcared a one-week state of emergency and put the military in charge of security. The military said it will support the president and stand up for Ecuador's democratic institutions. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/09/30/ecuador.violence/index.html
Sex offender from Minnesota charged with promoting prostitution in Missoula
Terrence Tyrell Edwards, 28, has been charged with promoting prostitution on Wednesday as a woman's mother and brother tried to stop her from turning a trick at his request. He has also been charged with failing to register as a sex offender. Police said he has a long criminal history, and they did not know where he was living until the mother and brother pointed them to a room at the South Gate Inn on Brooks Street. Bail is set a $250,00. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_c3b10366-cc46-11df-bdad-001cc4c002e0.html
After nearly two months underground, the 33 miners could see the light of day sooner than anticipated. Three drills are being utilized to rescue the miners, and hopes are high after one of the drills dug through 50m of rock in a single day. The rescue is expected to be complete in about two weeks.
Times Square plotter 'planned second bomb attack'
Pakistani-born U.S. citizen, Faisal Shahzad, clarified his original plan to set off another bomb after his first attempt to blow up Times Square on 1 May. The 30 year old openly admitted his intentions of waging an attack in the U.S. and glorified his "brothers'" involvement in the 9/11 attacks. After pleading guilty to 10 charges of weapons and terrorism in June, Shahzad will not be receiving any mercy during his trial on 5 October.
MSU study: Hunt would cut Montana wolf population in half
BILLINGS- The fate of Gray Wolves looks dismal if Montana chooses to pass a proposal that would allow the animals to be hunted. The Gray Wolves of the Northern Rockies are currently an endangered species, and granting the proposal would wipe out nearly half of the population in one season. Coming from a study of almost 22 years, a thorough analysis of what harm this could do to the species and overall ecosystem in Montana needs to happen.
MEAGHER COUNTY MONTANA- An investigation is taking place after one man was shot and killed, another man injured with stab wounds and 70 dogs were found near the scene. The dogs have been transported to the Humane Society in Helena. The man shot was hoarding over 140 dogs on his property. Many of the dogs have inbreeding disorders. http://www.kpax.com/news/deadly-incident-in-meagher-county-leaves-70-dogs-homeless/
New Video of of man convicted of Times Square bomb plot
US---Faisal Shahzad admitted that he had plans for another bomb in Times Square when the first one failed earlier this year. The bomb he planned to detonate 2 weeks later came with a video that has now been released to the american public. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11440511
Ecuadorian President at high risk of being killed after contreversial statements
ECUADOR---Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador, was tear gassed after accusing the opposing political party of a coup attempt. Correa later claimed to have been kidnapped by angry police officers while at the hospital seeking treatment for gas inhalation. Ecuadorians through out the state are in uproar. Road blocks in Ecuadors large cities have been erected. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11447519
Congress approves $19 billion for NASA but layoffs loom.
$19 billion was given to NASA to fund a new mission. The money extends the life of the space station and the shuttle program by 5 years. Even though the bill passed NASA still plans to layoff 1,200 workers friday. http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/30/congress.nasa/index.html
Australian officials on hunt for whale rider
A man climbed aboard a southern right whale in Australia. These whales rest near shore during their migration. A picture was taken of the man and the authorities refuse to release it because it is part of the investigation. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/09/27/australia.whale.rider/index.html?npt=NP1
Tanker truck crashes on U.S. 12, spilling fuel alongside Lochsa River
A missoula driver was cited with inattentive driving after his tanker truck carrying 7,500 gallons wrecked. The truck crashed into the hillside and falling rocks ruptured the tank. The fuel has not spilled into the river yet and officials are positive they will be able to control the spill. http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_0eb1bb38-ccc1-11df-bc75-001cc4c03286.html
Kim Jong-il's youngest son, Kim Jong-un, has been promoted to four-star general. North Korea experts say this is likely a sign that he will succeed his father. Source: NY Times
Emanuel's Departure Set; Replacement Is Longtime Aide
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will formally step down on Friday in order to run for mayor of Chicago. President Obama is expected to name senior adviser Pete Rouse as Emanuel's temporary replacement. Source: NY Times
Incoming UM President Engstrom announces leadership changes
Newly-named University of Montana President Royce Engstrom spoke at the school on Tuesday, announcing the changes he intends to make as president. Source: The Missoulian
New images of North Korea's heir apparent Kim Jong-un In North Korea Kim Jong-il has promoted his 3rd son, Kim Jong-un to the high raking commission as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party. Kim Jong-ill has yet to name a successor, and Kim Jong-un has been joining his father on diplomatic trips to China. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11441504
U.S. Issues New Rules on Offshore Drilling The interior department has put several new safety and spill regulations into effect regarding offshore oil drilling. The new rules are intended to prevent another incident like the one that occurred this summer involving British Petroleum. These new policies also addressed a procedure to follow if anther spill does occur. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/us/01drill.html?_r=1&ref=us
Baucus, Tester vote against bill to punish companies moving jobs overseas Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester both democrats from Montana joined with republicans on Tuesday to block a bill that punishes companies for downsizing jobs overseas. Both voted against the bill because the bill would cause an increase in the federal deficit, and the bill offered a tax break to companies that brought jobs back from over seas. http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_e83db8c0-cc49-11df-a96e-001cc4c03286.html
Washington - Scientists have discovered a new planet capable of supporting life. Gliese 581g is approximately 20 light-years away, and on a fixed rotation with its sun (meaning one side of the planet is in constant light, while the other is in constant darkness). According to scientists, gravity on Gliese 581g should be similar or slightly greater than that of Earth, and capable of sustaining an atmosphere. Average surface temperature would likely be between -24 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100929/sc_afp/usastronomyplanet_20100929210707
New York - A student's apparent suicide has been linked to Twitter comments and a virtual "sex tape" captured by his roommate. Tyler Clementi left his cell phone and wallet on the George Washinton Bridge, after leaving updating his Facebook status to "jumping off the gw bridge sorry." The day before, Clementi's roommate Dharun Ravi had taken a video of Clementi having sex using a remotely-accessed webcam, then posted the footage on the internet. Ravi and his friend Molly Wei are both being charged of two counts of Invasion of Privacy, and face a maximum of five years in prison. http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/30/new.jersey.student.suicide/index.html?hpt=T1
Missoula - Neurosurgeon Carter Beck spent the weekend in jail due to an out-of-date car tag, while his patients were forced to wait. Beck said the police officers in question conducted themselves in a skillful and professional manner, but complains that this degree of overzealous law enforcement is unnecessary for Missoula, MT. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_60922ccc-cac2-11df-bcd3-001cc4c03286.html
Conflicts between humans, bears subject of next City Club Missoula City Club Missoula hosts "Bear-Human Conflict" presented by Jerod Merkle on Monday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park, 200 S. Pattee St. http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_7df8316c-d1b6-11df-9f65-001cc4c03286.html
Report Slams Administration for Underestimating Gulf Spill WASHINGTON — The Obama administration failed to act upon or fully inform the public of its own worst-case estimates of the amount of oil gushing from the blown-out BP well, slowing response efforts and keeping the American people in the dark for weeks about the size of the disaster, according to preliminary reports from the presidential commission investigating the accident. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/science/earth/07spill.html?_r=1&ref=us
UK says Yemen embassy car was targeted (CNN) -- The British ambassador to Yemen said Thursday the embassy car attacked in Sanaa a day earlier was probably targeted because it was a diplomatic vehicle. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/10/07/yemen.violence/index.html
Rescuers expect to reach Chilean miners by Saturday 88 days after being trapped while working 33 miners will finally be reunited with family. Rescue workers said that they have been supplying the miners with food and water through a small bore hole. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/10/07/chile.trapped.miners/index.html?npt=NP1
Awarded nation's highest honor, soldier said he felt 'lost,' 'angry' Sal Giunta was awarded the first medal of honor since the Vietnam War. His actions during an ambush in 2007 in Afghanistan were deemed worthy of the Nation's most prestigious award. He will be presented the medal next month at the White House. http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/06/medal.of.honor.giunta/index.html
Missoula high school dropouts share stories to help graduation initiative Graduation Matters is a Committee that oversees graduation rates in Missoula and they are looking for new ways to help kids graduate. Some high school dropouts have offered a helping hand this week. Ex-students gave their opinion to staff members of a McArthur Consulting, a Missoula firm that is also helping the comittee. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_ae8e294e-d1ca-11df-8a64-001cc4c03286.html
Double Bombing Hits Karachi Shrine - What appears to be a suiside bombing killed 7 people and injured 65 in Pakistan. The attack was on a Sufi Shrine in Pakistan's main port city of Karachi. It was the first ever attack on the shrine, three months after and attack on sufi shrines in the city of Lahore, which left at least 42 people dead.
New York Asks to Bar Use of Food Stamps to Buy Sodas
Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York asked for federal permission to ban the use of food stamps on sugared beverages. He hopes this will help our nations ongoing obesity problem. Some think this will help due to our nations large rise in food stamp users.
Convicted Missoula killer released after high court reversal, witness' silence
In 2004, a group of men beat Stephen Rodriquez to death in order to pawn his boots off for $15. William John Matt, the ringleader, was supposed to receive 100 years in federal prison with no chance of parole. On Tuesday, District Judge Doug Harkin ordered his release.
Puerto Rico police held in huge FBI anti-drugs sting
The discovery of Puerto Rican police involvement in 125 separate drug transactions is “the biggest police corruption investigation in the history of the FBI.” 750 FBI agents were sent to help round up the suspects involved in the drug smuggling, which included prison guards and soldiers. Of the 120 people charged, 70 are Puerto Rican police officers. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11489547
University of Montana bee scientists may have found cause of Colony Collapse Disorder
Researchers from the University of Montana and United States Army have identified two potential causes of the Colony Collapse Disorder. “Colony collapse” has depleted 20-40 percent of bee colonies in the U.S. since 2006, and the fate of honeybees could be in jeopardy. Bee autopsies show that a certain fungus-virus relationship is detrimental to bees and is playing a major role in their extermination. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_145a34ee-d1a7-11df-a3b1-001cc4c03286.html
Hungarian Towns Begin Cleanup of Nightmarish Red Sludge
A sludge reservoir containing hazardous waste broke Monday, painting four nearby villages with burnt red mud. The alkaline-caustic sludge results from processes in aluminum factories and is toxic for humans. So far, the flood of goo has left four dead and over 100 people with serious burns. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/world/europe/07hungary.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=world
A lady from Missoula is facing felony charges after tearing down artwork from a Art Museum in Loveland Colorado. The painting portrayed Jesus involved in a sexual act
European intellegence officials and Pakistani dimplomats are claiming that Obama exagerated terrorism threats in western Europe. They believe his motive was to slow the likely political gain Republicans will have in the congressional election next month.
The Democratic Repubican of the Congo has been arrested after being accused of leading an attack in which 300 villagers were raped. The extent of the rapes were shocking even by standards in the eastern Congo. Margot Wallström, the UN special representative for sexual violence in conflict called the arrest of Mayele a victory for justice.
France's law banning Islamic face coverings called burqas, in public places, passed its last legal hurdle Thursday. The law passed both houses of the French legislature early this year by a large margin. The law is expected to take place in the spring. Wearing a niqab or burqa is punishable by 150 euros or citizenship course punishment. Forcing a woman to wear either item is punishable by a year in prison or a 15,000 euros. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/07/france.burqa.ban/index.html?hpt=T1
12 men were imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit
12 men spent 18 months to 26 years in prison for crimes they did not commit. The new book "Tested: How Twelve Wrongly Accused Men Held Onto Hope" tells there stories. Eyewitnesses put some of them in prison. The charges vary anywhere from murder to sexual assualt. Thanks to DNA evidence, most of the men were proven innocent before they finished their sentences. Some of those men spent over 20 years behing bars before being released after proving their innocence. Ultimately, they were all freed. http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/07/wrongly.imprisoned/index.html
Convicted Missoula killer released
William John Matt was sentenced to 100 years in prison without the possibily of parole for killing Steven Rodriguez in 2004. Rodriguez was beaten by 3 people and tossed into a ditch under the Madison Street Bridge. The attackers took his firefighter boots and pawned them for booze money. Matt was accused of being the ringleader. A 2008 Montana Supreme Court ruling ordered that Matt get a new trial. The 4-3 ruling said Matt's constitutional right to present all critical stages of his trial was violated. Tuesday, his murder charge was dropped. He will instead serve 10 years in prison for robbery with 6 years of credit he has already served. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_bbe9b1d8-d096-11df-8ca4-001cc4c03286.html
1: University of Montana bee scientists may have found the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder. Using high-tech army equipment, a group of bee scientists including two Missoula natives has started to uncover the reasons for Colony Collapse disorder, an epidemic killing much of the bee population. Link: http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_145a34ee-d1a7-11df-a3b1-001cc4c03286.html
2:President Obama plans to veto a bill that would allow intra-state foreclosure documents. It was a pocket-veto that has sprung much conflict between parties. Link:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/business/08mortgage.html?_r=1&hp
3: The International Monetary Fund has made warnings towards nations involved in a "currency war." Conflict between countries has occured as nations such as the US and Europe scold China for the cheap value of their currency. Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11496300
Hungary – A sludge reservoir on a branch of the Danube river burst on Monday, releasing red toxic sludge into the river. Four people have been killed already by the toxic slurry, and Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has declared the affected villages a write-off, as the torrent of polluted sludge has made the area uninhabitable. The sludge initially came from an aluminum factory up river.
Pennsylvania – A plane bound for Bermuda was evacuated at Philadelphia International Airport after one of the three people loading the plane failed to produce identification and vanished. The plane was unloaded and bomb-sniffing dogs were called in, but no explosives were found. Police are still looking for the unidentified individual. One law enforcement official said, “This could be a suspicious person or it could be nothing.”
Missoula – Convicted killer John Matt had his sentence changed when a key witness refused to testify. Matt had been convicted of murdering Steven Rodriguez in 2004, and had been sentenced to 100 years without parole. The conviction was overturned in 2008 and a new trial was required. Now, Matt's sentence is a mere 10 years, including the three years and ten months he's already spent in prison. Rodriguez' family is understandably furious.
U.S. Believes Arab States Won’t Scuttle Mideast Talks
The Obama administration believes that they have convinced other Arab states to not break-down the Middle East peace talks. The Israeli government has still refused to freeze Jewish settlements, a move that would cause Palestinians to walk away from the table. The U.S. is now applying pressure in order to convince Israel to extend its freeze.
Cuts in Government Led U.S. Economy to Lose 95,000 Jobs
With important midterm elections approaching the Democratic Party took a big hit when it was announced 95,000 people would be losing jobs. The majority of these people will be government employees and part time census workers. Of the loss in government jobs, 77,000 of them came from census employees. These staggering numbers have enormous implications as they show what many thought was a slowly growing job market to actually be slowing down, currently.
Symposium held as Montana Constitution rewrite vote approaches
Leaders sat down at the University Center in an attempt to hash out some suggested changes for the Montana Constitution. The 1972 constitution mandates a rewrite option on the ballot every 20 years, so this November is the chance to remodel the state constitution if it’s found unsuitable. Those on the panel discussed issues like the “clean and healthful environment” clause, privacy rights, and same-sex rights. Even then though, most expect Montanans to not vote for a rewrite this November.
What's a TOP story? It should be one that has implications for more than just those directly involved, or that in some way deals with matters of public policy. Be prepared to explain how your choices fit into those categories.
The first human was injected with embryonic stem cells in Atlanata, Georgia. There are no other details about the patient except that he or she is a paraplegic. This very controversial trial is the first human embryonic stem cell trial in the world. The hope is that the stem cells will repair damage to the spine and maybe reverse paralysis. The main purpose of the trial at this point is to study the safety of such a procedure. http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/11/first-human-injected-in-human-embryonic-stem-cell-trial/?iref=allsearch
U.S. concerned about China's military tone
The Pentagon is worried about the increasingly tense relationship with China's military. The 2 sides met for the first time since they suspended talks last winter. China has grown tired of the U.S. spying and selling weapons to Taiwan. The new generations under Commander Cao view the United States as the enemy more than the elders. China has been reported to be constructing its first aircraft carrier as well as a antiship ballistic missile base in China's Gaungdong Province. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/world/asia/12beijing.html?ref=us
Universtiy of Montana plans to built a biomass boiler to heat and light campus
The University of Montana plans to build a $16 million wood-fired biomass boiler on the east side of campus. It will be the largest industrial-sized biomass gasification operation in the state and is expected to cut the campus' natural gas consumption by 70 percent. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service granted UM $180,00 on Friday for the project. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_8c5ff1ba-d5ba-11df-becd-001cc4c002e0.html
Afghan Official Confirms Moves Toward Taliban Talks
Both American and NATO officials confirmed that the Taliban has agreed to preliminary steps towards peace talks. Hamid Karzai has long been asking the Taliban to participate in the Afghani government and Pakistani leaders feel it necessary to include the Taliban in a peaceful Afghanistan. With Obama’s plan to withdraw troops by 2011 some are speculating this is an alternate bid to achieve peace in Afghanistan, one prompted by troop withdrawal rather than a shift in Taliban policy.
Unexpected Turns for Suit Over ‘Don’t Ask’ Rule A federal judge in California overturned the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy of the US Military and ordered the armed forces to stop enforcing the rule. Log Cabin Republicans had introduced the suit many years ago and are now starting to reap the benefits of their work. Robert Gates, for the Pentagon, is expected to defend the policy, even in the face of President Obama’s expressed plans for repealing the rule. The ruling is expected to be repealed to the supreme court, while others are attempting to get a law moved in Congress.
Obama administration reverses Bush policy on bull trout habitat
In repealing Bush presidency policies, the Obama administration opened up thousands of miles of waterways for protecting for bull trout protection. This came at the chagrin of many industry leaders because the policy shift would make it tough to approve logging, mining and livestock grazing across a large swath of federal land in the West. Bull trout protection was brought to head by two local organizations, Friends of the Wild Swan and Alliance for the Wild Rockies, who had originally petitioned the Clinton administration to protect the char via the Endangered Species act.
Iran's Leader Praises Hezbollah Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke Thursday to a crowd of about 10,000 and gave his support to Hezbollah. Iran has long supported and helped train Hezbollah in their efforts against Israel. President Ahmadinejad called for Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth. The United States voiced their disapproval for his visit, calling it a provocation. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/world/middleeast/15lebanon.html?_r=1&ref=world
U.S. Aids Taliban to Attend Talks on Making Peace The United States is allowing senior Taliban officials to move in order to attend peace talks in Kabul. These talks would be a huge step in scaling back the U.S.'s involvement in Afghanistan. Even with these talks coming up, General David Patraeus still hopes to execute all U.S. political and military goals in Afghanistan. Some are weary to make talks with the Taliban as some believe they have little to gain from peace, because they feel they can outlast the Unites States' presence there. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/world/asia/14nato.html?ref=us
U.S. Supreme court won't hear appeal of Canadian man on death row Ronald Smith, a 52 year old Canadian man who was convicted in 1983 of murdering two Browing men, was denied an appeal by the Supreme court. Canadian officials have requested clemency for Smith, but Governor Schweitzer has yet to make a decision. Smith will be sent to Kalispell where he will be sentenced and then have 10 days to file an application for clemency. http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_29322bd2-d784-11df-bdce-001cc4c03286.html
U.S. Aids Taliban to Attend Talks on Making Peace BRUSSELS — United States-led forces are permitting the movement of senior Taliban leaders to attend initial peace talks in Kabul, the clearest indication of American support for high-level discussions aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan, senior NATO and Obama administration officials said http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/world/asia/14nato.html?_r=1&ref=us
Tester optimistic about federal funds to link Cregg Lane, Wyoming Avenue U.S. Sen. Jon Tester got a close look Wednesday at the way a $1.825 million earmark would be a boon for Missoula commuters - and the Old Sawmill District. On an afternoon tour of the site, the Montana Democrat said he is optimistic - albeit not certain - this year's bid for the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Act appropriation will succeed. The funds would help link Cregg Lane to Wyoming Avenue. http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_9f4bd0cc-d74b-11df-91a7-001cc4c03286.html
French Strikers Block Refineries PARIS — Strikes against pension changes in France continued Thursday, with the focus shifting from transport — where services were improving — to oil supply, as most of the country’s refineries remained blocked by striking workers. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/world/europe/15france.html?ref=world
International: The 33 miners that were trapped in a Chilean mine were all rescued Wednesday October 13. The miners were all relatively healthy after their two month entrapment but were taken to the hospital to recover. One miner was treated for mild pneumonia. The miners were rescued one at a time by a tiny metal capsule slightly wider than a man’s shoulders. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0925972620101014
National: On Tuesday a federal judge in California told the Military to stop enforcing the law that prohibits openly gay men or women from serving in the armed forces. The policy has been in effect for 17 years. According to the New York Times the Justice Department is expected to appeal the ruling. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/us/14cabin.html?_r=1&ref=us
Local: The University of Montana announced this week that it plans to install an industrial sized woody biomass boiler on campus. The biomass gasification plantlant would be installed next to the existing heating plant and cost $16 million. According to the university forest slash and beetle kill would replace 70percent of the natural gas used to heat campus. http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_f8bf5bc4-d74b-11df-9c8a-001cc4c03286.html
1:The Frenchtown school board voted Tuesday night to sever their ties with a family planning organization after concerns had been voiced about the effectiveness of the organizations website. Link: http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_f923d472-d74c-11df-afdd-001cc4c03286.html
2: All fifty states are beginning to make inquiries into the methods of bankers and financial tycoons and their approach to home foreclosures. The nations general attorney is leading the effort. Link:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/business/14foreclosure.html?ref=us
3: All 33 miners that were trapped in the mines in Chile were saved in an elaborate rescue. The Chilean President announced that the inhumane working conditions that the miners endured will never be re-created. Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/latin_america/
WASHINGTON – Federal judge Virginia Phillips just passed a worldwide injunction effectively ending Don't Ask Don't Tell, barring gays in the military from being discharged and halting any investigations into suspected personnel. President Obama is pushing to repeal this decision, and Congress is considering a bill that also could overturn the measure. Gay soldiers and service-members are being advised to be cautious about coming out yet, as the Obama administration still has the opportunity to appeal.
CHILE – The 33 miners trapped in a cave-in for 69 days are finally free and safe. The last miner, shift boss Luis Urzua, is being hailed as the man who kept the group alive and in high spirits during their time in the depths. After the cave-in, Urzua was the one who doled out jobs to keep the men active and distracted. He was also the first to make contact with the surface, and he volunteered to be the last man to the surface.
FRENCHTOWN – The Frenchtown school board has severed its relationship with Planned Parenthood, who used to offer (FOR FREE) sexual education presentations on sexually transmitted diseases and birth control. Several “concerned parents” voiced concerns about Planned Parenthood's involvement, and most of the community that spoke in favor of ousting them seemed convinced that Planned Parenthood was in the business of making money on abortions, saying that “they do it by giving out low-dose birth control pills and defective condoms.”
International: Violence erupted between police forces and youths in the French city of Lyon on Wednesday as youths protested French President Nicilas Sarkozy’s plan to resolve the countries pension deficit. Bellescour Square in Lyon and protests continue to plague the country as a vote on Sarkozy’s plan continues to draw closer.
National: US officials have confirmed a plan to sell $60 billion in military arms, jets, and helicopters to Saudi Arabi. According to the US state department the weapons are critical in Saudi Arabia’s defense against threats including Al-Queda. The weapons delivery will be spread over a period of about 15 to 20 years.
Local: The Bighorn Sheep herd in the Rock Creek Drainage appears to have survived a bout of pneumonia that swept through the area last winter and had officials with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks worried. In the past two Saturdays officials with FWP have counted nearly 60 sheep each outing. All hunting has been eliminated in areas affected by the illness but the numbers of sheep observed are encouraging to Wildlife Manager Mike Thompson. “At least we know we have the nucleus of a herd to build on,” Thompson said.
University of Montana enrollment tops 15,000 for first time
ReplyDeleteUM announced its fall student count at 15,642, 721 more than last year, and the largest increase in the past 2 decades. It is the third year in a row that UM has seen an enrollment increase. It is also a record for the number of full time students, at 13,367.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_7b4f48ce-ca59-11df-8c2d-001cc4c03286.html
U.S. Tries to Make it Easier to Wiretap Internet
Defense officials want Congress to require all services that enable communications, including email encrypting cell phones like Blackberry, social networking sites like Facebook, and peer-to-peer messaging programs like Skype, to be technically capable of complying if served with a wiretap order. The bill raises fresh questions about balancing security needs and privacy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/27/us/27wiretap.html?_r=1&ref=politics
North Korean Ruling Party Promotes Son of Kim Jong-il
The youngest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has been appointed to two key party positions. Kim Jong-un, Jong-il's third son, was promoted to vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Worker's Party and to its central committee. The move is being seen as a gradual transfer of power from Jong-il, who has been reported to be in poor health.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11431415
Pakistan Halts NATO Route to Afghanistan in Response to Attack
ReplyDeletePakistan closed its most important border crossing for NATO resupply trucks, in a retaliatory move against an early NATO involved conflict. According to the ISI, NATO troops were acting in self-defense when insurgents fired on their helicopter. The closed route is the primary vein for resupply for NATO operations in Afghanistan. The closure adds even more tension to an already stormy climate and also will be a major obstacle in Obama’s evaluation of operations in Afghanistan in a few months.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/world/asia/01peshawar.html?ref=world
A.I.G. Reaches Deal to Repay Treasury and Fed for Bailout
A.I.G. reached an agreement with the federal government to pay back the $46 billion it received as bailout funds in 2008. The company agreed to have all debt paid off by March 2011, and expects to pay $20 million out of its own pocket and then turn over the 92.1 percent government stake over to investors.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/business/01aig.html?hp
Incoming UM President Engstrom announces leadership changes
Royce Engstrom, the newly appointed UM president, announced fall changes at a press conference in Turner Hall. Perry Brown, the dean of the CFC, will serve as interim provost in Engstrom’s place while Jim Burchfield will temporarily step in in his place. Also, Arlene Walker-Andrews, who serves as associate provost for undergraduate education and policy, will have an expanded role that includes another title: special assistant to the president for accreditation. These shifts will all take place when Engstrom officially assumes the presidency Oct. 15.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_ea59766e-cb84-11df-ad74-001cc4c002e0.html
U.S. Sanctions 8 Iranian Officials for Crackdown
ReplyDeleteThe U.S. government has blacklisted 8 Iranian officials for beating, arresting and even killing anti-government activists in wake of last year's heavily protested Iranian elections. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that the reason for the delayed reaction by the U.S. was so that the proper evidence could be accumulated against the individuals and to not further anger Iran while in nuclear negociations with them. The blacklisting means the individuals on the list cannot travel to the U.S. or conduct business there.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/world/middleeast/30sanctions.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper
U.S. Issues New Rules on Offshore Drilling
In wake of the BP oil spill fiasco, the U.S. has imposed new rules on offshore drilling in hopes of preventing future incidents. These new sanctions include governing blowout preventers, safety certification, well design, and emergency response and worker training. These rules will take effect immediately once the current freeze on offshore drilling ends sometime in November. The oil companies are not necessarily happy about the news rules, but say they expected them and feel they can be met, at a cost. They fear that they may have to furlough workers while waiting for the freeze to end.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/us/01drill.html?ref=us
Missoula Prostitution Ring Suspects Deny Charges
Richard Carpita and Anthony Brazington both pleaded not gulity to three charges each of promotion of prostitution. They are accused of using Craigslist to solicit prostitution of teenage girls, ranging from 16 to 19 years old. The girls would allegedly exchange money and drugs, and have sex with male clients in the Missoula area. The suspects are detained in Missoula County Jail at the moment.
Spencer Gliko
ReplyDeleteMinnesota sex offender charged with promoting prostitution in Missoula
A Minnesota sex offender was charged with failing to register as a sex offender and promoting prostitution. He allegedly set up three appointments for his "Girlfriend" to meet with clients. When a meeting was intturrpted by the girls mother, the man started crying and said, "Please don't tell my wife."
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_c3b10366-cc46-11df-bdad-001cc4c002e0.html
U.S. Issues New Rules on Offshore Drilling
In response to the recent oil spills in the gulf, the U.S. Government has decided to put new rules into effect. These rules include a safety team that has been trained, a governing blowoff safety valve, and new well design. The government hopes this will prevent further disasters from happening in the future.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/us/01drill.html?_r=1&ref=us
Mudslide in Mexico Less Severe Than Feared
Reports on Tuesday suggested that an estimate of 1,000 people had been killed in the recent mudslides in Mexico. However, after search and rescue teams arrived, they reported only 11 people missing. Luckily this natural disaster was much smaller than expected.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/world/americas/30mexico.html?ref=world
Apryl Webster
ReplyDeleteBaucus, Tester vote against bill to punish companies moving jobs overseas
HELENA – The two U.S. senators of Montana, Max Baucus and Jon Tester, were amongst four Democrats that joined together with the Republicans on Tuesday to block a bill from Democratic leadership that would have punished U.S. companies that ship jobs overseas. Baucus said, the bill would “put our companies at a competitive disadvantage when selling our products overseas, potentially costing American jobs, not saving them.”
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_e83db8c0-cc49-11df-a96e-001cc4c03286.html
Pentagon destroys thousands of copies of Army officer`s memoir
WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense lately purchased and damaged thousands of copies of the Army Reserve officer`s memoir in an attempt to safeguard state secrets. The DoD decided to purchase copies of the first printing, containing info which could cause damage to national security, spokeswomen Lt. Col April Cunningham of the Pentagon Said. From single words and names to whole paragraphs, blacked out lines show throughout the book`s 299 pages.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/09/25/books.destroyed/index.html?npt=NP1
Drilling plans off Cuba stir fears of Impact on Gulf
HOUSTON – Just five months after the BP oil spill, a fed. Moratorium prohibits new deepwater drilling in the American waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Under federal law, the drilling is banned near the coast of Florida. Next year a Spanish company will have drilled new wells just 50 miles from the Florida Keys which is in Cuba`s sovereign waters. As of right now, the Cuba`s oil industry is served almost exclusively by non- American companies.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/world/americas/30cuba.html?src=me&ref=world
Stephanie Hansen
ReplyDeleteIncoming UM President Engstrom announces leadership changes
Story
Royce Engstrom named University of Montana's 17th president
In the stately Dell Brown Room of Turner Hall, on a quintessentially beautiful fall day, the soon-to-be-anointed president of the University of Montana called a gathering to celebrate the season of change that is under way on campus.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_ea59766e-cb84-11df-ad74-001cc4c002e0.html
North Korea Releases First Photo of Kim’s Heir
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean state media released a photograph on Thursday of Kim Jong-un, the son and presumed heir of the ailing dictator, Kim Jong-il, the first verified image of the young man as an adult.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/world/asia/01korea.html?_r=1&hp
'100 percent' chance for life on newly found planet?
Gliese 581g may be the new Earth.
A team of astronomers from the University of California and the Carnegie Institute of Washington say they've found a planet like ours, 20 light years (120 trillion miles) from Earth, where the basic conditions for life are good.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/30/100-percent-chance-for-life-on-newly-found-planet/?hpt=C2
Roper steps in for injured Montana QB Selle
ReplyDeleteAfter getting a rotary cuff injury in the game against Sacramento State, Andrew Selle will not be able to QB for the University of Montana. Justin Roper, one of the co-quarterbacks, will take Selle’s place.
http://missoulian.com/sports/college/montana/football/article_3d4d0512-cb84-11df-8154-001cc4c03286.html
Obama aide Rahm Emanuel “will run for Chicago mayor”
Rahm Emanuel will make an announcement on Friday about his stepping down as Chief of Staff to run for mayor of Chicago. He has always aspired toward becoming mayor. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11428979
New images of North Korea’s heir apparent Kim Jong-un
Kim Jong-un, son of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, has been seen in images recently released. The only other pictures of him have been grainy childhood images. Many speculate that he will be his father’s successor. Also, North Korea and South Korea began diplomatic talks for the first time in 2 years.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11441504
Phil Straub
ReplyDeleteWolf hunt could half population
An MSU study indicated that the proposed wolf hunt in the Northern Rockies could cut the MT population in half. The current plan is to give out 180 wolf tags this season.
Emanual to step down
Rahm Emanual has announced his resignation, and will step down as White House Chief of Staff on Friday. He cites a possible bid for Mayor of Chicago as his rationale.
Kim Jong-Un possible N. Korea successor
Kim Jong-Un, son of current N. Korea Head of State Kim Jong-Il, is a likely successor for his father's position. The aging dictator is confirmed ill, and has began his search for a successor.
Adam Breen
ReplyDeleteExecutions being delayed in some states
A nation wide shortage of anesthetics is delaying executions across the country. The scarcity of thiopental sodium has postponed execustions in several states and may force many others to delay executions as well. There is talk about using other drugs in place of thiopental, but prisoners are calling it unconstitional. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/us/30drug.html?_r=1&ref=us
Ecuador declares a state of emergency
National police physically attacked the president, Rafael Correa on Thursday in Quito, the nation's capital. The attack is said to be over the cancellation of bonuses and promotions. Ecuador has delcared a one-week state of emergency and put the military in charge of security. The military said it will support the president and stand up for Ecuador's democratic institutions.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/09/30/ecuador.violence/index.html
Sex offender from Minnesota charged with promoting prostitution in Missoula
Terrence Tyrell Edwards, 28, has been charged with promoting prostitution on Wednesday as a woman's mother and brother tried to stop her from turning a trick at his request. He has also been charged with failing to register as a sex offender. Police said he has a long criminal history, and they did not know where he was living until the mother and brother pointed them to a room at the South Gate Inn on Brooks Street. Bail is set a $250,00.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_c3b10366-cc46-11df-bdad-001cc4c002e0.html
Chile Mine rescue hopes raised
ReplyDeleteAfter nearly two months underground, the 33 miners could see the light of day sooner than anticipated. Three drills are being utilized to rescue the miners, and hopes are high after one of the drills dug through 50m of rock in a single day. The rescue is expected to be complete in about two weeks.
Times Square plotter 'planned second bomb attack'
Pakistani-born U.S. citizen, Faisal Shahzad, clarified his original plan to set off another bomb after his first attempt to blow up Times Square on 1 May. The 30 year old openly admitted his intentions of waging an attack in the U.S. and glorified his "brothers'" involvement in the 9/11 attacks. After pleading guilty to 10 charges of weapons and terrorism in June, Shahzad will not be receiving any mercy during his trial on 5 October.
MSU study: Hunt would cut Montana wolf population in half
BILLINGS- The fate of Gray Wolves looks dismal if Montana chooses to pass a proposal that would allow the animals to be hunted. The Gray Wolves of the Northern Rockies are currently an endangered species, and granting the proposal would wipe out nearly half of the population in one season. Coming from a study of almost 22 years, a thorough analysis of what harm this could do to the species and overall ecosystem in Montana needs to happen.
ALEXANDRA SCHWIER
ReplyDelete1 man killed, 1 injured and 70 dogs homeless
MEAGHER COUNTY MONTANA- An investigation is taking place after one man was shot and killed, another man injured with stab wounds and 70 dogs were found near the scene. The dogs have been transported to the Humane Society in Helena. The man shot was hoarding over 140 dogs on his property. Many of the dogs have inbreeding disorders.
http://www.kpax.com/news/deadly-incident-in-meagher-county-leaves-70-dogs-homeless/
New Video of of man convicted of Times Square bomb plot
US---Faisal Shahzad admitted that he had plans for another bomb in Times Square when the first one failed earlier this year. The bomb he planned to detonate 2 weeks later came with a video that has now been released to the american public.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11440511
Ecuadorian President at high risk of being killed after contreversial statements
ECUADOR---Rafael Correa, President of Ecuador, was tear gassed after accusing the opposing political party of a coup attempt. Correa later claimed to have been kidnapped by angry police officers while at the hospital seeking treatment for gas inhalation. Ecuadorians through out the state are in uproar. Road blocks in Ecuadors large cities have been erected.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11447519
John Surratt
ReplyDeleteCongress approves $19 billion for NASA but layoffs loom.
$19 billion was given to NASA to fund a new mission. The money extends the life of the space station and the shuttle program by 5 years. Even though the bill passed NASA still plans to layoff 1,200 workers friday.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/30/congress.nasa/index.html
Australian officials on hunt for whale rider
A man climbed aboard a southern right whale in Australia. These whales rest near shore during their migration. A picture was taken of the man and the authorities refuse to release it because it is part of the investigation.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/09/27/australia.whale.rider/index.html?npt=NP1
Tanker truck crashes on U.S. 12, spilling fuel alongside Lochsa River
A missoula driver was cited with inattentive driving after his tanker truck carrying 7,500 gallons wrecked. The truck crashed into the hillside and falling rocks ruptured the tank. The fuel has not spilled into the river yet and officials are positive they will be able to control the spill.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_0eb1bb38-ccc1-11df-bc75-001cc4c03286.html
Kim's Son Is Elevated Before North Korea Meeting
ReplyDeleteKim Jong-il's youngest son, Kim Jong-un, has been promoted to four-star general. North Korea experts say this is likely a sign that he will succeed his father.
Source: NY Times
Emanuel's Departure Set; Replacement Is Longtime Aide
White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will formally step down on Friday in order to run for mayor of Chicago. President Obama is expected to name senior adviser Pete Rouse as Emanuel's temporary replacement.
Source: NY Times
Incoming UM President Engstrom announces leadership changes
Newly-named University of Montana President Royce Engstrom spoke at the school on Tuesday, announcing the changes he intends to make as president.
Source: The Missoulian
New images of North Korea's heir apparent Kim Jong-un
ReplyDeleteIn North Korea Kim Jong-il has promoted his 3rd son, Kim Jong-un to the high raking commission as vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party. Kim Jong-ill has yet to name a successor, and Kim Jong-un has been joining his father on diplomatic trips to China.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11441504
U.S. Issues New Rules on Offshore Drilling
The interior department has put several new safety and spill regulations into effect regarding offshore oil drilling. The new rules are intended to prevent another incident like the one that occurred this summer involving British Petroleum. These new policies also addressed a procedure to follow if anther spill does occur.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/01/us/01drill.html?_r=1&ref=us
Baucus, Tester vote against bill to punish companies moving jobs overseas
Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester both democrats from Montana joined with republicans on Tuesday to block a bill that punishes companies for downsizing jobs overseas. Both voted against the bill because the bill would cause an increase in the federal deficit, and the bill offered a tax break to companies that brought jobs back from over seas.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_e83db8c0-cc49-11df-a96e-001cc4c03286.html
Washington - Scientists have discovered a new planet capable of supporting life. Gliese 581g is approximately 20 light-years away, and on a fixed rotation with its sun (meaning one side of the planet is in constant light, while the other is in constant darkness). According to scientists, gravity on Gliese 581g should be similar or slightly greater than that of Earth, and capable of sustaining an atmosphere. Average surface temperature would likely be between -24 and 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100929/sc_afp/usastronomyplanet_20100929210707
New York - A student's apparent suicide has been linked to Twitter comments and a virtual "sex tape" captured by his roommate. Tyler Clementi left his cell phone and wallet on the George Washinton Bridge, after leaving updating his Facebook status to "jumping off the gw bridge sorry." The day before, Clementi's roommate Dharun Ravi had taken a video of Clementi having sex using a remotely-accessed webcam, then posted the footage on the internet. Ravi and his friend Molly Wei are both being charged of two counts of Invasion of Privacy, and face a maximum of five years in prison.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/30/new.jersey.student.suicide/index.html?hpt=T1
Missoula - Neurosurgeon Carter Beck spent the weekend in jail due to an out-of-date car tag, while his patients were forced to wait. Beck said the police officers in question conducted themselves in a skillful and professional manner, but complains that this degree of overzealous law enforcement is unnecessary for Missoula, MT.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_60922ccc-cac2-11df-bcd3-001cc4c03286.html
Stephanie Hansen
ReplyDeleteConflicts between humans, bears subject of next City Club Missoula
City Club Missoula hosts "Bear-Human Conflict" presented by Jerod Merkle on Monday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park, 200 S. Pattee St.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_7df8316c-d1b6-11df-9f65-001cc4c03286.html
Report Slams Administration for Underestimating Gulf Spill
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration failed to act upon or fully inform the public of its own worst-case estimates of the amount of oil gushing from the blown-out BP well, slowing response efforts and keeping the American people in the dark for weeks about the size of the disaster, according to preliminary reports from the presidential commission investigating the accident.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/science/earth/07spill.html?_r=1&ref=us
UK says Yemen embassy car was targeted
(CNN) -- The British ambassador to Yemen said Thursday the embassy car attacked in Sanaa a day earlier was probably targeted because it was a diplomatic vehicle.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/10/07/yemen.violence/index.html
John Surratt
ReplyDeleteRescuers expect to reach Chilean miners by Saturday
88 days after being trapped while working 33 miners will finally be reunited with family. Rescue workers said that they have been supplying the miners with food and water through a small bore hole.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/10/07/chile.trapped.miners/index.html?npt=NP1
Awarded nation's highest honor, soldier said he felt 'lost,' 'angry'
Sal Giunta was awarded the first medal of honor since the Vietnam War. His actions during an ambush in 2007 in Afghanistan were deemed worthy of the Nation's most prestigious award. He will be presented the medal next month at the White House.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/06/medal.of.honor.giunta/index.html
Missoula high school dropouts share stories to help graduation initiative
Graduation Matters is a Committee that oversees graduation rates in Missoula and they are looking for new ways to help kids graduate. Some high school dropouts have offered a helping hand this week. Ex-students gave their opinion to staff members of a McArthur Consulting, a Missoula firm that is also helping the comittee.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_ae8e294e-d1ca-11df-8a64-001cc4c03286.html
Spencer Gliko
ReplyDeleteDouble Bombing Hits Karachi Shrine
- What appears to be a suiside bombing killed 7 people and injured 65 in Pakistan. The attack was on a Sufi Shrine in Pakistan's main port city of Karachi. It was the first ever attack on the shrine, three months after and attack on sufi shrines in the city of Lahore, which left at least 42 people dead.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/world/asia/08pstan.html?ref=world
New York Asks to Bar Use of Food Stamps to Buy Sodas
Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York asked for federal permission to ban the use of food stamps on sugared beverages. He hopes this will help our nations ongoing obesity problem. Some think this will help due to our nations large rise in food stamp users.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/nyregion/07stamps.html?src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB
Convicted Missoula killer released after high court reversal, witness' silence
In 2004, a group of men beat Stephen Rodriquez to death in order to pawn his boots off for $15. William John Matt, the ringleader, was supposed to receive 100 years in federal prison with no chance of parole. On Tuesday, District Judge Doug Harkin ordered his release.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_bbe9b1d8-d096-11df-8ca4-001cc4c03286.html
Puerto Rico police held in huge FBI anti-drugs sting
ReplyDeleteThe discovery of Puerto Rican police involvement in 125 separate drug transactions is “the biggest police corruption investigation in the history of the FBI.” 750 FBI agents were sent to help round up the suspects involved in the drug smuggling, which included prison guards and soldiers. Of the 120 people charged, 70 are Puerto Rican police officers.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11489547
University of Montana bee scientists may have found cause of Colony Collapse Disorder
Researchers from the University of Montana and United States Army have identified two potential causes of the Colony Collapse Disorder. “Colony collapse” has depleted 20-40 percent of bee colonies in the U.S. since 2006, and the fate of honeybees could be in jeopardy. Bee autopsies show that a certain fungus-virus relationship is detrimental to bees and is playing a major role in their extermination.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_145a34ee-d1a7-11df-a3b1-001cc4c03286.html
Hungarian Towns Begin Cleanup of Nightmarish Red Sludge
A sludge reservoir containing hazardous waste broke Monday, painting four nearby villages with burnt red mud. The alkaline-caustic sludge results from processes in aluminum factories and is toxic for humans. So far, the flood of goo has left four dead and over 100 people with serious burns.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/07/world/europe/07hungary.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=world
Kalispell woman destroys Colorado artwork
ReplyDeleteA lady from Missoula is facing felony charges after tearing down artwork from a Art Museum in Loveland Colorado. The painting portrayed Jesus involved in a sexual act
http://www.kpax.com/news/kalispell-woman-arrested-after-vandalizing-controversial-atrwork/
Exagerating terror threats for political gain
European intellegence officials and Pakistani dimplomats are claiming that Obama exagerated terrorism threats in western Europe. They believe his motive was to slow the likely political gain Republicans will have in the congressional election next month.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/07/barack-obama-terror-threat-claims
Rebel Commander arrested after 300 rapes
The Democratic Repubican of the Congo has been arrested after being accused of leading an attack in which 300 villagers were raped. The extent of the rapes were shocking even by standards in the eastern Congo. Margot Wallström, the UN special representative for sexual violence in conflict called the arrest of Mayele a victory for justice.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/06/congo-rape-arrest-mayele
Adam Breen
ReplyDeleteFrance legally bans burqas
France's law banning Islamic face coverings called burqas, in public places, passed its last legal hurdle Thursday. The law passed both houses of the French legislature early this year by a large margin. The law is expected to take place in the spring. Wearing a niqab or burqa is punishable by 150 euros or citizenship course punishment. Forcing a woman to wear either item is punishable by a year in prison or a 15,000 euros. http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/07/france.burqa.ban/index.html?hpt=T1
12 men were imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit
12 men spent 18 months to 26 years in prison for crimes they did not commit. The new book "Tested: How Twelve Wrongly Accused Men Held Onto Hope" tells there stories. Eyewitnesses put some of them in prison. The charges vary anywhere from murder to sexual assualt. Thanks to DNA evidence, most of the men were proven innocent before they finished their sentences. Some of those men spent over 20 years behing bars before being released after proving their innocence. Ultimately, they were all freed. http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/07/wrongly.imprisoned/index.html
Convicted Missoula killer released
William John Matt was sentenced to 100 years in prison without the possibily of parole for killing Steven Rodriguez in 2004. Rodriguez was beaten by 3 people and tossed into a ditch under the Madison Street Bridge. The attackers took his firefighter boots and pawned them for booze money. Matt was accused of being the ringleader. A 2008 Montana Supreme Court ruling ordered that Matt get a new trial. The 4-3 ruling said Matt's constitutional right to present all critical stages of his trial was violated. Tuesday, his murder charge was dropped. He will instead serve 10 years in prison for robbery with 6 years of credit he has already served.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_bbe9b1d8-d096-11df-8ca4-001cc4c03286.html
1: University of Montana bee scientists may have found the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder. Using high-tech army equipment, a group of bee scientists including two Missoula natives has started to uncover the reasons for Colony Collapse disorder, an epidemic killing much of the bee population.
ReplyDeleteLink: http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_145a34ee-d1a7-11df-a3b1-001cc4c03286.html
2:President Obama plans to veto a bill that would allow intra-state foreclosure documents. It was a pocket-veto that has sprung much conflict between parties.
Link:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/business/08mortgage.html?_r=1&hp
3: The International Monetary Fund has made warnings towards nations involved in a "currency war." Conflict between countries has occured as nations such as the US and Europe scold China for the cheap value of their currency.
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11496300
Hungary – A sludge reservoir on a branch of the Danube river burst on Monday, releasing red toxic sludge into the river. Four people have been killed already by the toxic slurry, and Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, has declared the affected villages a write-off, as the torrent of polluted sludge has made the area uninhabitable. The sludge initially came from an aluminum factory up river.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/oct/07/hungary-sludge-spill-reaches-danube
Pennsylvania – A plane bound for Bermuda was evacuated at Philadelphia International Airport after one of the three people loading the plane failed to produce identification and vanished. The plane was unloaded and bomb-sniffing dogs were called in, but no explosives were found. Police are still looking for the unidentified individual. One law enforcement official said, “This could be a suspicious person or it could be nothing.”
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/10/07/philadelphia.airport.security/index.html?hpt=T2
Missoula – Convicted killer John Matt had his sentence changed when a key witness refused to testify. Matt had been convicted of murdering Steven Rodriguez in 2004, and had been sentenced to 100 years without parole. The conviction was overturned in 2008 and a new trial was required. Now, Matt's sentence is a mere 10 years, including the three years and ten months he's already spent in prison. Rodriguez' family is understandably furious.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_bbe9b1d8-d096-11df-8ca4-001cc4c03286.html
U.S. Believes Arab States Won’t Scuttle Mideast Talks
ReplyDeleteThe Obama administration believes that they have convinced other Arab states to not break-down the Middle East peace talks. The Israeli government has still refused to freeze Jewish settlements, a move that would cause Palestinians to walk away from the table. The U.S. is now applying pressure in order to convince Israel to extend its freeze.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/08/world/middleeast/08mideast.html?_r=1&ref=world
Cuts in Government Led U.S. Economy to Lose 95,000 Jobs
With important midterm elections approaching the Democratic Party took a big hit when it was announced 95,000 people would be losing jobs. The majority of these people will be government employees and part time census workers. Of the loss in government jobs, 77,000 of them came from census employees. These staggering numbers have enormous implications as they show what many thought was a slowly growing job market to actually be slowing down, currently.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/09/business/economy/09jobs.html?hp
Symposium held as Montana Constitution rewrite vote approaches
Leaders sat down at the University Center in an attempt to hash out some suggested changes for the Montana Constitution. The 1972 constitution mandates a rewrite option on the ballot every 20 years, so this November is the chance to remodel the state constitution if it’s found unsuitable. Those on the panel discussed issues like the “clean and healthful environment” clause, privacy rights, and same-sex rights. Even then though, most expect Montanans to not vote for a rewrite this November.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_5d9631a0-d295-11df-a967-001cc4c002e0.html
What's a TOP story? It should be one that has implications for more than just those directly involved, or that in some way deals with matters of public policy. Be prepared to explain how your choices fit into those categories.
ReplyDeleteAdam Breen
ReplyDeleteFirst human injected with embryonic stem cells
The first human was injected with embryonic stem cells in Atlanata, Georgia. There are no other details about the patient except that he or she is a paraplegic. This very controversial trial is the first human embryonic stem cell trial in the world. The hope is that the stem cells will repair damage to the spine and maybe reverse paralysis. The main purpose of the trial at this point is to study the safety of such a procedure. http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/11/first-human-injected-in-human-embryonic-stem-cell-trial/?iref=allsearch
U.S. concerned about China's military tone
The Pentagon is worried about the increasingly tense relationship with China's military. The 2 sides met for the first time since they suspended talks last winter. China has grown tired of the U.S. spying and selling weapons to Taiwan. The new generations under Commander Cao view the United States as the enemy more than the elders. China has been reported to be constructing its first aircraft carrier as well as a antiship ballistic missile base in China's Gaungdong Province.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/world/asia/12beijing.html?ref=us
Universtiy of Montana plans to built a biomass boiler to heat and light campus
The University of Montana plans to build a $16 million wood-fired biomass boiler on the east side of campus. It will be the largest industrial-sized biomass gasification operation in the state and is expected to cut the campus' natural gas consumption by 70 percent. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service granted UM $180,00 on Friday for the project.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_8c5ff1ba-d5ba-11df-becd-001cc4c002e0.html
Afghan Official Confirms Moves Toward Taliban Talks
ReplyDeleteBoth American and NATO officials confirmed that the Taliban has agreed to preliminary steps towards peace talks. Hamid Karzai has long been asking the Taliban to participate in the Afghani government and Pakistani leaders feel it necessary to include the Taliban in a peaceful Afghanistan. With Obama’s plan to withdraw troops by 2011 some are speculating this is an alternate bid to achieve peace in Afghanistan, one prompted by troop withdrawal rather than a shift in Taliban policy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/world/asia/15nato.html?ref=world
Unexpected Turns for Suit Over ‘Don’t Ask’ Rule
A federal judge in California overturned the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy of the US Military and ordered the armed forces to stop enforcing the rule. Log Cabin Republicans had introduced the suit many years ago and are now starting to reap the benefits of their work. Robert Gates, for the Pentagon, is expected to defend the policy, even in the face of President Obama’s expressed plans for repealing the rule. The ruling is expected to be repealed to the supreme court, while others are attempting to get a law moved in Congress.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/us/14cabin.html?ref=us
Obama administration reverses Bush policy on bull trout habitat
In repealing Bush presidency policies, the Obama administration opened up thousands of miles of waterways for protecting for bull trout protection. This came at the chagrin of many industry leaders because the policy shift would make it tough to approve logging, mining and livestock grazing across a large swath of federal land in the West. Bull trout protection was brought to head by two local organizations, Friends of the Wild Swan and Alliance for the Wild Rockies, who had originally petitioned the Clinton administration to protect the char via the Endangered Species act.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_3a0395f0-d62f-11df-8558-001cc4c002e0.html
Iran's Leader Praises Hezbollah
ReplyDeleteIranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke Thursday to a crowd of about 10,000 and gave his support to Hezbollah. Iran has long supported and helped train Hezbollah in their efforts against Israel. President Ahmadinejad called for Israel to be wiped off the face of the earth. The United States voiced their disapproval for his visit, calling it a provocation.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/world/middleeast/15lebanon.html?_r=1&ref=world
U.S. Aids Taliban to Attend Talks on Making Peace
The United States is allowing senior Taliban officials to move in order to attend peace talks in Kabul. These talks would be a huge step in scaling back the U.S.'s involvement in Afghanistan. Even with these talks coming up, General David Patraeus still hopes to execute all U.S. political and military goals in Afghanistan. Some are weary to make talks with the Taliban as some believe they have little to gain from peace, because they feel they can outlast the Unites States' presence there.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/world/asia/14nato.html?ref=us
U.S. Supreme court won't hear appeal of Canadian man on death row
Ronald Smith, a 52 year old Canadian man who was convicted in 1983 of murdering two Browing men, was denied an appeal by the Supreme court. Canadian officials have requested clemency for Smith, but Governor Schweitzer has yet to make a decision. Smith will be sent to Kalispell where he will be sentenced and then have 10 days to file an application for clemency.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_29322bd2-d784-11df-bdce-001cc4c03286.html
U.S. Aids Taliban to Attend Talks on Making Peace
ReplyDeleteBRUSSELS — United States-led forces are permitting the movement of senior Taliban leaders to attend initial peace talks in Kabul, the clearest indication of American support for high-level discussions aimed at ending the war in Afghanistan, senior NATO and Obama administration officials said
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/world/asia/14nato.html?_r=1&ref=us
Tester optimistic about federal funds to link Cregg Lane, Wyoming Avenue
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester got a close look Wednesday at the way a $1.825 million earmark would be a boon for Missoula commuters - and the Old Sawmill District.
On an afternoon tour of the site, the Montana Democrat said he is optimistic - albeit not certain - this year's bid for the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Act appropriation will succeed. The funds would help link Cregg Lane to Wyoming Avenue.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_9f4bd0cc-d74b-11df-91a7-001cc4c03286.html
French Strikers Block Refineries
PARIS — Strikes against pension changes in France continued Thursday, with the focus shifting from transport — where services were improving — to oil supply, as most of the country’s refineries remained blocked by striking workers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/15/world/europe/15france.html?ref=world
International:
ReplyDeleteThe 33 miners that were trapped in a Chilean mine were all rescued Wednesday October 13. The miners were all relatively healthy after their two month entrapment but were taken to the hospital to recover. One miner was treated for mild pneumonia. The miners were rescued one at a time by a tiny metal capsule slightly wider than a man’s shoulders.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0925972620101014
National:
On Tuesday a federal judge in California told the Military to stop enforcing the law that prohibits openly gay men or women from serving in the armed forces. The policy has been in effect for 17 years. According to the New York Times the Justice Department is expected to appeal the ruling.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/us/14cabin.html?_r=1&ref=us
Local:
The University of Montana announced this week that it plans to install an industrial sized woody biomass boiler on campus. The biomass gasification plantlant would be installed next to the existing heating plant and cost $16 million. According to the university forest slash and beetle kill would replace 70percent of the natural gas used to heat campus.
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_f8bf5bc4-d74b-11df-9c8a-001cc4c03286.html
1:The Frenchtown school board voted Tuesday night to sever their ties with a family planning organization after concerns had been voiced about the effectiveness of the organizations website.
ReplyDeleteLink: http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_f923d472-d74c-11df-afdd-001cc4c03286.html
2: All fifty states are beginning to make inquiries into the methods of bankers and financial tycoons and their approach to home foreclosures. The nations general attorney is leading the effort.
Link:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/14/business/14foreclosure.html?ref=us
3: All 33 miners that were trapped in the mines in Chile were saved in an elaborate rescue. The Chilean President announced that the inhumane working conditions that the miners endured will never be re-created.
Link:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/latin_america/
WASHINGTON – Federal judge Virginia Phillips just passed a worldwide injunction effectively ending Don't Ask Don't Tell, barring gays in the military from being discharged and halting any investigations into suspected personnel. President Obama is pushing to repeal this decision, and Congress is considering a bill that also could overturn the measure. Gay soldiers and service-members are being advised to be cautious about coming out yet, as the Obama administration still has the opportunity to appeal.
ReplyDeletehttp://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101012/ap_on_re_us/us_gays_in_military
CHILE – The 33 miners trapped in a cave-in for 69 days are finally free and safe. The last miner, shift boss Luis Urzua, is being hailed as the man who kept the group alive and in high spirits during their time in the depths. After the cave-in, Urzua was the one who doled out jobs to keep the men active and distracted. He was also the first to make contact with the surface, and he volunteered to be the last man to the surface.
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/10/14/last-miner-out-hailed-as-shift-boss-who-kept-group-alive/?utm_medium=twitter&hpt=T2
FRENCHTOWN – The Frenchtown school board has severed its relationship with Planned Parenthood, who used to offer (FOR FREE) sexual education presentations on sexually transmitted diseases and birth control. Several “concerned parents” voiced concerns about Planned Parenthood's involvement, and most of the community that spoke in favor of ousting them seemed convinced that Planned Parenthood was in the business of making money on abortions, saying that “they do it by giving out low-dose birth control pills and defective condoms.”
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_f923d472-d74c-11df-afdd-001cc4c03286.html
International:
ReplyDeleteViolence erupted between police forces and youths in the French city of Lyon on Wednesday as youths protested French President Nicilas Sarkozy’s plan to resolve the countries pension deficit.
Bellescour Square in Lyon and protests continue to plague the country as a vote on Sarkozy’s plan continues to draw closer.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69J4HI20101020
National:
US officials have confirmed a plan to sell $60 billion in military arms, jets, and helicopters to Saudi Arabi. According to the US state department the weapons are critical in Saudi Arabia’s defense against threats including Al-Queda. The weapons delivery will be spread over a period of about 15 to 20 years.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11587348
Local:
The Bighorn Sheep herd in the Rock Creek Drainage appears to have survived a bout of pneumonia that swept through the area last winter and had officials with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks worried. In the past two Saturdays officials with FWP have counted nearly 60 sheep each outing. All hunting has been eliminated in areas affected by the illness but the numbers of sheep observed are encouraging to Wildlife Manager Mike Thompson.
“At least we know we have the nucleus of a herd to build on,” Thompson said.
http://missoulian.com/news/local/article_c2851b4a-dbfe-11df-9fc1-001cc4c002e0.html