News Bits for Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Officials have determined that the wildfire that has burned over 200 square miles of Los Angeles was started by a human, not a natural event. More investigations are needed to determine a more specific cause for the blaze. Crews are working around the clock to contain the massive blaze. The fire ignited Sunday, August 26 in the Los Angeles National Forest.

Two journalists imprisoned by N. Korea tell their story

After being liberated from incarceration by North Korea, two American reporters are giving more information about how they were captured and imprisoned. Laura Ling and Euna Lee, the two reporters say that they followed their guide into North Korean soil, but were taken by North Korean officers after they were back on Chinese land. Ling and Lee fought hard to remain on Chinese soil, grabbing onto anything that would prevent them from being dragged into North Korean territory. Ultimately, the North Korean soldiers successfully took them into their custody. Ling and Lee were taken March 17 and freed in August after former President Bill Clinton had them pardoned.

Charles Gibson retires from ABC News, Diane Sawyer to fill his seat

After 35 years with ABC News, Charles Gibson will retire at the close of the year. Diane Sawyer will become the new anchor. Currently, Sawyer co-hosts the "Good Morning America" show with Robin Roberts.

Honolulu's plan to penalize smelly bus passengers

Honolulu City Council is seeking a way to remedy the problem of smelly passengers on public busses. One proposed solution is to fine body odor offenders up to $500 or up to 6 months in jail. The bill will be heard on Thursday, September 3.

DJ AM autopsy update

An autopsy of the late Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein shows that he ingested six pills prior to his death. One pill, OxyContin, was still in his throat. The pills have yet to be identified. Drug paraphernalia and prescription pill bottles were discovered in his New York apartment. Friday, August 28, after a friend called 911, DJ AM's body was discovered by paramedics who broke down the apartment door.

Former music industry legend Phil Spector to be transferred to different prison

Phil Spector, convicted murder will be leaving the California State Prison at Corcoran for Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga. Previously, Spector complained about the types of prisoner he was held with at the Corcoran prison and petitioned to be transferred to another facility. He later recanted that petition. Spector will be moved anyway because the Corcoran prison is making space for prisoners in need of mental health treatments.

Judge denies alleged white supremacist's murderer release from jail

James von Brunn, charged with first degree murder for shooting and killing a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum security guard has been denied release from jail. The elderly (age 89) white supremacist, sat from his wheelchair when the judge denied his petition. June 10, Von Brunn killed Stephen T. Johns, the museum security guard. He was indicted on murder changes in July.

7.0 magnitude earthquake strikes Indonesia

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia Wednesday. Officials know that at least thirty three people were killed in the quake as a mudslide engulfed homes. Homes and hundreds of buildings collapsed.

China will approve one dose vaccines

Currently, swine flu vaccines come in two shots. China is on the verge of approving one-dose vaccinations, which would protect the people from the dangerous swine flu in one shot.

Israel-Palestine negotiations resume

Wednesday, Israel and Palestine resumed talks which had been postponed. Israel-Palestine negotiations will tackle major economic and social issues such as the easing of restrictions and blockades in the West Bank so that the Palestinians and grow their economy; and the halting of the ever expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Taliban suicide attack kills Afghan intelligence chief and 22 others

A Taliban suicide attack killed Afghanistan's deputy intelligence chief on Wednesday. Abdullah Laghmani was one of 23 individuals killed in the blast. The loss of Laghmani hurts Afghanistan's military which is fighting against Taliban forces. Laghmani was a close ally of Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan.

References

Fire official: Big LA forest fire human caused

Freed reporters say they were dragged into NKorea

ABC News: Gibson retiring, Sawyer will be anchor

Honolulu seeking to ban 'BO' on buses

AP source: DJ AM autopsy finds pills in stomach

Phil Spector being moved to different prison

Accused Holocaust shooter denied release from jail

Strong Indonesian quake kills 33, flattens houses

China to approve single-dose swine flu vaccines

Israelis, Palestinians resume high-level talks

Afghan spy boss killed in Taliban suicide attack