News Bits for Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Heinze Jr. is lone suspect in murder of 8 family members

Police are keeping quiet about the type of weapon used to beat 8 members of a Georgia family to death. Police suspect that Guy Heinze Jr., age 22, worked alone in the murder of eight of his family members, including his father. Clint Rowe, a member of Heinze family, believes that Heinze could not have killed all eight victims, including some adult men, alone.

Dutch Prince and Princess visit NY, trace Henry Hudson's voyage

Four hundred years after Englishman Henry Hudson sailed up what is now called Hudson River, two members of Dutch royalty, Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima visited New York. In memory of his great journey, the couple took to the air to follow Henry Hudson's path up the river.

KY football coach takes players to church revival; upsets player's parents

Dannie Ammons and his wife are upset that their 16-year-old son's football coach took him on a field trip to a church. Their son was baptized at the church without their knowledge. Scott Mooney, a football coach at Breckinridge County High School in Kentucky took his football players on an optional field trip to his Baptist church revival. Ammons, a Catholic, was unaware that the optional field trip entailed a religious service and baptism.

2,500 at Washington State Univ. have swine flu symptoms

Approximately 2,500 people at Washington State University have reported symptoms of swine flu. To keep the flu at bay, administrators are passing out free flu kits. At this time, none of the 2,500 students having swine flu symptoms have experienced serious complications requiring hospitalization.

CA utility suggests shutting off electricity in 60K homes to prevent wildfires

San Diego Gas & Electric has proposed shutting off electricity to 60,000 homes when weather is windy and dry to prevent wildfires. Some fear that this method is risky since it would shut down many important items such as telephones or medical devices. The California Public Utilities Commission will hold a vote Thursday.

U.S. Politics News

Plan to fine Americans without health insurance $4,000

Tuesday, a plan that would fine Americans nearly $4,000 for failing to purchase a health insurance plan made its way through Congress. Democrat Senator Max Baucus of Montana proposed the plan. President Barack Obama's strong push for a government health insurance plan was shot down as concerns that the government plan would complete with private health insurance companies.

Evidence of fraud leads UN commission to order Afghan recount

Afghanistan was ordered to recount ballots from its August 20 presidential election after a U.N commission discovered evidence of fraud. Afghan officials report that current Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai received 54 percent of votes in the election.

Obama delivers speech to students Tuesday

President Barack Obama delivered a speech to students across the country Tuesday. In his speech, the President encouraged students to remain dedicated to class work and to assume responsibility for their academic careers. Numerous conservative groups accused President Obama of trying to brainwash children. Consequently, some schools did not air the President's speech and some parents kept their children home from school.

Obama to deliver health care speech Wednesday

Wednesday, President Obama will deliver a speech to the nation about his proposed health care reform plan. With this speech, Obama hopes to reactivate the health care reform dialogue.

Sotomayor welcomed into Supreme Court

Justice Sonia Sotomayor was welcomed into the Supreme Court Tuesday in a ceremony where she re-took the oath. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were present for the ceremony.

References

Police: Suspect alone beat 8 to death in Ga. home

Dutch Royals visit NY 400 years after Henry Hudson

Ky. Mother upset by football player son's baptism

Swine flu hits Washington State Univ.

Calif. utility proposes novel wildfire tactic

Fines proposed for going without health insurance

Afghan recount ordered because of fraud charges

Obama's back-to-school speech inspires some kids

Obama 'fired up' for health care speech Wednesday

Sotomayor takes her place on high court bench