News Bits: Top Stories and US Politics

Louisiana: 3 killed in shooting

Dennis Carter Sr. of Louisiana shot his wife, pregnant daughter-in-law, son, and grandson (age 2). As police officers attempted to pull him over, Carter Sr. shot and killed himself. Amber Carter, the shooter's daughter-in-law survived and later gave birth prematurely.

2,000 WA State Univ. students report swine flu symptoms

Approximately 2,000 Washington State University students reported symptoms of swine flu. Lab tests confirmed that the swine flu virus is present on the campus.

Rapper Ludacris gives away 20 cars in contest

Sunday, famous rapper Ludacris worked with an Atlanta car dealership to give away 20 used cars in a contest involving approximately 4,000 contestants. Contestants were required to submit an essay describing why they needed a vehicle.

Los Angeles fire 51 percent contained

The Los Angeles wildfire is 51 percent contained, after destroying 78 homes and scorching 246 square miles of forest. Sept 15, firefighters expect to have the blaze totally contained.

U.S. Politics

Obama administration on government insurance option

Sunday the Obama administration vocalized the importance of government insurance in the proposed health care overhaul. The administration was unwilling to say that it was a requirement for the Supporters of the health care overhaul hold that including government insurance is essential. On the other hand, Republicans oppose a public plan as it will be in competition with private insurance companies. Wednesday, President Barack Obama is scheduled to address Congress in a speech on the proposed health care plan.

US airstrike could lead to conflict with Germany

The United States airstrike on Afghanistan Friday may lead to conflicts between Germany and the United States. The U.S. seems to be distancing itself from the decision to follow through on the attack. The airstrike, which killed approximately 70 people, was ordered by Germany. According to German officials, Taliban soldiers who overtook two tankers posed a significant risk to German troops.

U.S. troops accused of unauthorized invasion of Afghan hospital

United States troops in Afghanistan are being accused of raiding an Afghan hospital. Early Monday, the Swedish Committee for Afghanistan charity accused troops of an unauthorized invasion of the hospital. U.S. military officials are conducting an investigation.

Cincinnati: President Obama's speech offers tribute to labor Monday

President Barack Obama showed his gratitude for union members in a speech he delivered in Cincinnati on Monday. In his speech, President Obama expressed his displeasure at the current number of unemployed men and women and offered words of encouragement, ensuring that he was dedicated to seeing the labor market regain its footing.

Obama will address students nationwide Tuesday

Tuesday, President Barack Obama will address students nationwide in an address aimed at encouraging students, to remain dedicated to fulfilling their responsibilities. The speech, which has come under fire from some who feel that the President is "pitching his arguments too aggressively", will be delivered on Tuesday from an Arlington, Virginia school.

References

2-year-old, 3 others dead in La. murder-suicide

2,000 students at U.S. university report swine flu symptoms

Rapper Ludacris gives away cars to contest winners

Crews gain on deadly Los Angeles -area-wildfire

Bottom line on public insurance plan gets blurry

U.S.-German rift over Afghan deaths case

Charity: US troops stormed through Afghan hospital

Obama thanks labor for hard-won rights at work

Obama exhorts kids to pay attention in school