Newser Story Index from June, 2007
Welcome to the Newser Story Index. Here you find stories written by Newser writers and editors, assembled with supporting photos and videos from the files of the news story.
Mogul's Interest In Journal Is No Passing Fancy
New York Times
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Jun 25, 2007 8:16 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Rupert Murdoch's bid for Dow Jones may have seemed to come out of nowhere, but the Australian media mogul has had his eye on the Wall Street Journal for years. In three decades in the States, Murdoch has made his mark in news, entertainment, and, of course, politics. The Times takes the measure of an impressive set of tentacles.
Captors Threaten to Kill Kidnapped BBC Reporter
Guardian (UK)
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Jun 25, 2007 7:15 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A newly released video shows kidnapped BBC reporter Alan Johnston wearing an explosive belt that his captors say will be detonated if a rescue attempt is made. The video deflates hope that Hamas would be able to negotiate Johnston's release after taking control of the chaotic Gaza strip. Johnston's family has released a statement saying that they are...
Wildfire Guts Homes Near Tahoe
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 25, 2007 6:16 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A rapidly spreading wildfire, just outside South Lake Tahoe in northern California, has destroyed 165 structures and ravaged 2000 acres of heavily wooded land, the Los Angeles Times reports. Hundreds more buildings are threatened and nearly a thousand people have been evacuated from nearby communities. There are no injuries reported so far.
Brown Vows to Lead New Era
BBC
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Jun 25, 2007 5:22 AM CDT
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Vowing to "heed and lead the call of change," Gordon Brown yesterday took the reins of Britain's ruling Labour Party before stepping into his new role as prime minister Wednesday. Brown is expected to loosen the close ties to Bush foreign policy that marked the Blair era and grew increasingly unpopular with the British public.
Murdoch Close on Journal Deal
New York Times
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Jun 25, 2007 4:54 AM CDT
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Rupert Murdoch appears close to a deal that could pave the way for his takeover of Dow Jones' Wall Street Journal —a coup that seemed out of the question weeks ago, the New York Times reports. The deal is designed to safeguard the newspaper's editorial independence from Murdoch, who has a reputation for sensationalism.
Elizabeth Edwards Backs Gay Marriage
San Francisco Chronicle
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Jun 25, 2007 4:47 AM CDT
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Elizabeth Edwards became the first potential White House resident yesterday to support gay marriage at an event kicking off San Francisco's Gay Pride Parade. Edwards declared she's "completely comfortable" with the idea, even though her husband isn't, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. John Edwards supports civil unions, but opposes...
Lebanon Bomb Kills Six UN Soldiers
Reuters
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Jun 25, 2007 4:46 AM CDT
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A car bomb killed six members of a Spanish UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon yesterday, in the first attack in a year on peacekeepers there. No one claimed responsibility for the bombing near Khiyam, but observers suspect Fatah al-Islam, the same al-Qaeda-spawned Sunni group that battled Lebanon at the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp last...
States Crack Down on Illegals
Washington Post
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Jun 25, 2007 4:40 AM CDT
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States frustrated by Washington's inaction on illegal immigration are taking matters into their own hands with a record number of proposals that prevent immigrants from getting jobs, finding housing and benefiting from social services, the Washington Post reports. At least 1,100 state immigration bills have been proposed, more than double last year's...
US Beats Mexico in Gold Cup
Hole Card Blog
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Jun 25, 2007 4:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Two second-half goals, including a milestone for striker Landon Donovan, lifted the US over Mexico for its fourth straight CONCACAF Gold Cup, the soccer championship for North and Central America. Donovan's 60th-minute penalty shot gave him 34 career goals for the home team, tying Eric Wynalda's record. The teams did not shake hands after the match.
Tuna Shortage Triggers Sushi Crisis
New York Times
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Jun 25, 2007 4:21 AM CDT
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Plummeting supplies of tuna have become a recipe for disaster in Japan, where sushi lovers eat 60,000 tons of the fish a year. Desperate chefs are experimenting with increasingly bizarre sushi substitutes, including deer and even horse, the New York Times reports. But sushi without tuna in Japan is like American baseball without hotdogs.
Rod Beck Found Dead at 38
San Francisco Chronicle
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Jun 25, 2007 4:00 AM CDT
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Rod Beck, a closer with the Giants, Cubs, Red Sox, and Padres who nailed down 286 saves, died yesterday in his home in Phoenix at 38. Police do not suspect foul play. Beck led a colorful life, drinking and carousing with fans after games; his final season was cut short by rehabilitation for substance abuse.
Coffee's Perks Not in the Caffeine
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 25, 2007 3:59 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Scientists have long championed coffee's health benefits, but a series of recent studies is waking them up to the fact that caffeine has nothing to do with it. Regular consumption of coffee or tea can provide protection against cancer, diabetes and heart disease, but researchers say other chemicals are responsible.
How Firstborns Get Smarter
New York Times
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Jun 24, 2007 9:58 PM CDT
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In the wake of the study released last week on intelligence and birth order, parents and social scientists are scrambling to explain why firstborns score an average of three IQ points over subsequent children. Theories range from the role older children play as tutors to younger sibs to the notion that adding a child may diminish the family’s ...
Cicadas Are Almost Gone
Chicago Tribune
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Jun 24, 2007 8:01 PM CDT
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The Brood XII cicadas have almost finished their every 17 year breeding frenzy. And what a mess and odor they are leaving in their wake. Chicago Tribune writer Ted Gregory describes the odor of dead cicadas as "somewhere between rotting raccoon and cut grass."
iPhone Lust Spreads North
Anchorage Daily News
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Jun 24, 2007 7:37 PM CDT
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Technophiles who've been describing the iPhone as "cool" may not realize that residents of the coolest state want the gadget, too—and they don't much care that AT&T doesn't offer service in Alaska. An enterprising Anchorage Daily News reporter spells out the borderline-unethical details, which begin with getting your hands on...
Jesse Jackson Arrested at Gun Shop Protest
Chicago Tribune
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Jun 24, 2007 7:32 PM CDT
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Rev. Jess Jackson and Fr. Michael Pfleger were arrested for blocking the door of Chuck's Gun Shop in Riverdale, a suburb abutting the southern edge of Chicago. They and others were there protesting the ready availability of guns next to a crime-plagued part of the city, which bans the sales of guns.
AG Defends 10-Year Sentence for Teenage Sex
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Jun 24, 2007 6:22 PM CDT
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In Thurbert Baker's own words: "As attorney general, it is my responsibility to follow the laws of Georgia as they are written, not how some may wish they were written." Baker was defending, in an opinion piece in the Altanta Journal-Constitution , his prosecution of a Georgia teenager who was sentenced to 10 years for engaging in oral...
Israel Frees Up Palestinian Funds
Washington Post
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Jun 24, 2007 4:52 PM CDT
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In a show of support for Mahmoud Abbas, Israel will release about half of the tax revenue withheld from the Palestinian government since 2006. The Israeli parliament authorized the unfreezing of some $350 million today, making the release of the rest of the funds contingent on the progress of the moderate pro-Western regime Abbas has set up in the...
Ballerinas Dance Into History
Associated Press
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Jun 24, 2007 3:16 PM CDT
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Two of the dance world's biggest names took their leave this weekend as Alessandra Ferri and Kyra Nichols sashayed into retirement in touchingly similar fashion—onstage with their young children in a hail of cheers and flowers. Nichols, 48, bowed out after 33 years with New York City Ballet; Ferri, 44, had been with American Ballet Theatre since...
Barack Bashes Right for 'Hijacking' Faith
New York Daily News
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Jun 24, 2007 2:23 PM CDT
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Barack Obama assailed right-wing evangelical leaders yesterday, accusing them of "hijacking" faith and politicizing religion, the Daily News reports. Addressing the national conference of the United Church of Christ, he criticized "so-called leaders of the Christian right" for demonizing Democrats and convincing Americans that...
Fans Flock to Carell Flick, Two by Two
Variety
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Jun 24, 2007 2:11 PM CDT
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Steve Carell rode an ark to the top of the weekend box office, where "Evan Almighty" racked up $32.1 million to take the top spot in its first week in release. That the heavily advertised follow-up to blockbuster "Bruce Almighty" seized the No. 1 spot was no shocker; the surprise of the weekend was the supernatural thriller "1408."
Immigration Bill Fans, Foes Take to Airwaves
Associated Press
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Jun 24, 2007 1:19 PM CDT
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This week's debate over the immigration bill, which is headed for a nail-bitingly close Senate vote, started on the Sunday talk shows. The improbable coalition behind the legislation—which President Bush supports—faces a tough job, Jeff Sessions made clear. The Alabama Republican vowed to "use every effort to slow this process down...
And the 'Winner' of the Who Gets Paris Contest Is...
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 24, 2007 12:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Nobody else wanted her. So Larry King got the honor of being the first to interview Paris Hilton following her release from jail next week. After being spurned by the three major networks who were asked for large sums of money for the interview, Hilton finally got a deal done with King. Total price: $0.
EU Leaders OK New Treaty
BBC
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Jun 24, 2007 11:48 AM CDT
(Newser) -
EU negotiators pulled an all-nighter and the German chancellor played a risky game of chicken with Poland en route to reaching an agreement on a treaty that will govern the 27-nation body. The deal resurrects much of the ill-fated 2005 constitution while streamlining bureaucracy and introducing a top foreign-policy position intended to beef up the...
Ohio Cop Charged With Killing Mother of His Child
The Repository
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Jun 24, 2007 11:35 AM CDT
(Newser) -
The body of Jessie Davis, who had been missing for eight days, was found in an Akron park Saturday afternoon. Bobbie L. Cutts, the father of her two year old and the father of an unborn child due in July who had contacted police just prior to the discovery, was immediately arrested and charged with two counts of murder.
Chemical Ali Is Sentenced to Hang
Associated Press
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Jun 24, 2007 10:31 AM CDT
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The Iraqi commander known as Chemical Ali was sentenced to hang today for ordering the use of chemical weapons to wipe out whole Kurdish villages, killing some 180,000 people, two decades ago. Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam Hussein, and two others found guilty of war crimes by the Iraqi High Tribunal said they were acting on orders...
Wills & Kate Courting Again
Daily Mail (UK)
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Jun 24, 2007 9:28 AM CDT
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Hold your breath. The second in line to the British throne, Prince William, and erstwhile girlfriend Kate Middleton are back together -- sort of. And while they are seeing each other again, Kate is said to be holding out for the promise of a ring before she gets serious again.
Cheney: A Law Unto Himself?
Time
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Jun 24, 2007 8:25 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Vice President Cheney is refusing to comply with an executive order to compile classified documents used by his office. Cheney's theory is that because he has a limited role in the Senate – President he can break ties – he has immunity from executive orders.
High-Tech Towers Could Seal Border
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 23, 2007 10:01 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A series of towers equipped with high-tech cameras now being tested along the Arizona-Mexico border could be the first step towards a "virtual border" for the US, the Los Angeles Times reports. The system, being tested in the busiest corridor for illegal immagrants entering the country, could obviate the need for physical barriers.
Bush Preps for Exit Strategy on Surge
New York Times
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Jun 23, 2007 9:00 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Bush administration has commissioned a slew of reports that could help it justify an end to the troop surge later this fall, the New York Times reports. Three months before Gen. Petraeus's planned report on the efficacy of the troop increase—expected to recommend a continuation of the surge—Bush and Co. are lining up others who will...
Docs Close to Stamping Out Guinea Worm
New England Journal of Medicine
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Jun 23, 2007 1:42 PM CDT
(Newser) -
In a campaign led by Jimmy Carter, world public health authorities have decreased the incidence of guinea worm disease (formally known as dracunculiasis) from 3.5 million cases in 1986 to just over 25,000 in 2006. Guinea worm is a parasite transmitted through water to humans that causes excruciating pain when its larvae emerge from the skin.
Summer of Love Turns 40
PBS
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Jun 23, 2007 8:58 AM CDT
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Thousands of young people, dubbed hippies, came to San Franciso beginning in June 1967 to celebrate what became known as the Summer of Love. And to "turn on, tune in, and drop out." PBS' American Experience reprises that summer, born of utopian ideals, and ending in housing and food shortages drug problems and sexually transmitted...
NBC Cancels $1M Deal With Ex-Con Heiress
New York Post
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Jun 23, 2007 8:30 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Paris Hilton got jilted by NBC yesterday, the New York Post reports. The peacock network reneged on its reported $1-million offer for her first apres-jail interview after executives got cold feet. Then they decided they didn't even want the "Today" show interview for free. And none of the other networks would touch the heiress on the rebound.
Top 10 Real Estate Markets
Sperry van Ness
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Jun 23, 2007 8:24 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Riverside/San Bernadino, CA Orange County, CA Las Vegas, NV Orlando, FL San Jose, CA
Karzai Chides NATO on Civilian Casualties
BBC
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Jun 23, 2007 8:00 AM CDT
(Newser) -
"Extreme use of force" and "reckless operations" are killing Afghan civilians, an indignant President Karzai charged yesterday, saying the failure of NATO and US troops to coordinate with their Afghan counterparts is to blame. Correspondents estimate that more civilians have died this year in actions by foreign allies than from...
Elwood Named Ugliest Dog
Associated Press
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Jun 23, 2007 7:31 AM CDT
(Newser) -
A 2-year old mixed breed, Chinese Crested and Chihuahua, dog named Elwood won top honors as the world's ugliest dog at the Marin-Sonoma County Fair. Elwood's owner, Karen Quigley was delighted with the outcome. This was Elwood's second try at the title. No word on whether Karen and Elwood will appear again next year.
EU Members Spar Over Constitution
BBC
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Jun 22, 2007 7:34 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Disagreement is widespread at the European Union summit meeting in Brussels, where the main goal is to produce a new treaty governing the 27-country group. The French have tamped down language about free-market competition, the Brits don't want certain provisions to be legally binding, and the Poles are angling for more voting power, BBC News...
Atlantis Detours, Lands in Calif.
Associated Press
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Jun 22, 2007 7:28 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The Atlantis space shuttle landed in California this afternoon, touching down at Edwards Air Force Base after weather forced a 1-day delay and a detour from Florida. The craft's signature twin sonic booms reverberated from San Diego to Los Angeles before the shuttle glided to a stop in the Mojave Desert, returning from its 2-week mission with seven...
Singapore Airlines Sends Airbus Skyward
Bloomberg
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Jun 22, 2007 6:45 PM CDT
(Newser) -
With a $3.78 billion order from Singapore Airlines as the Paris Air Show wrapped up today, Airbus regained the lead over archrival Boeing, Bloomberg reports. The carrier ordered 20 new A350s from the world's largest maker of commericial aircraft, bringing the total of the company's record number of firm orders to $61.7 billion.
Questions Dog Longtime Giuliani Friend
Salon
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Jun 22, 2007 6:13 PM CDT
(Newser) -
A Catholic priest who was best man at Rudy Giuliani's first wedding, performed his second marriage, and presided at his parents' funerals is on the payroll of the candidate's consulting firm—and suspended from his pastoral duties because he has been accused of sexually abusing children. Salon looks at the relationship and what it says about the...
Mobile Servers Save Energy, Add Capacity
Bloomberg
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Jun 22, 2007 5:30 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Sun Microsystems has a solution for the booming demand for network space, and as a bonus, it lowers energy use: packing servers into steel shipping containers that can be parked wherever they're needed. It's called Project Blackbox, and Sun says it reduces power consumption by 20%. The giant 20-foot boxes sell for $500,000 a pop.
Mortgage Worries Drive Markets Down
Bloomberg
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Jun 22, 2007 4:45 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The major exchanges plummeted today, wrapping up a week of seesawing during which the Dow and the S&P 500 lost about 2% and the Nasdaq fell 1.4%. Even Bear Stearns' announcement that it will bail out a hedge fund entangled in subprime loans couldn't stop the bleeding. The Dow ended the day at 13,360.26, down 185. 58, or 1.4%.
Fallen Firefighters Mourned
Associated Press
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Jun 22, 2007 4:24 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Thousands of firefighters from across the country gathered today for a memorial ceremony honoring their nine colleagues who died Monday battling a blaze in Charleston, SC. Their chief shared humorous stories about the men, adding a personal touch to a formal affair. A column of firetrucks snaked through the streets before the service, and bagpipes...
Neither NY Mayor Is White House Worthy
New Republic
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Jun 22, 2007 3:39 PM CDT
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Deeming New York City "several light years away from the heart of America," New Republic writer Michelle Cottle assaults the qualifications of Mayors Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg to be president. Cottle calls Rudy's leadership style the "pugilistic, divisive, f-you approach" and Mike "the perfect presidential candidate...
Secretive Veep Won't Give Up Documents
Washington Post
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Jun 22, 2007 2:53 PM CDT
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For the past 4 years, Dick Cheney's office has declined to file reports on classified information in its possession, flouting an executive order. When pressed, the VP's staff recently proposed abolishing the oversight office, reports the Washington Post . Says the chair of the House committee that released a chronology of the dispute yesterday:...
CIA Set to Let Skeletons Out of Closet
Washington Post
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Jun 22, 2007 2:08 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The CIA is about to release secret records of its illegal activities from the '50s to the '70s, reports the Washington Post . Known as the "family jewels," the long-sought documents detail assassination attempts, kidnappings, wiretaps, drug tests on civilians, monitoring of journalists (including muckraking columnist Jack Anderson), and...
Bombs Force Troops to Hoof It
Los Angeles Times
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Jun 22, 2007 1:06 PM CDT
(Newser) -
Roadside bombs are now so powerful and plentiful in Baghdad that US soldiers are leaving their vehicles behind and patrolling on foot. Militant-planted explosively formed penetrators, or EFPs, can blow through the strongest Humvees and tanks, and the decision to "dismount" from the vehicles is coming from both commanders and front-line troops,...
Student at Wheel Charged in Halberstam Death
San Jose Mercury News
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Jun 22, 2007 12:29 PM CDT
(Newser) -
The student who drove the car in which journalism icon David Halberstam was killed will be charged with vehicular manslaughter, the San Jose Mercury News reports. Kevin Jones, 26, a UC Berkeley journalism student, allegedly ran a red light to turn left and collided with an oncoming car. He faces up to a year in jail if convicted.
NBC Win$ Battle to Chat Up Paris
New York Times
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Jun 22, 2007 11:36 AM CDT
(Newser) -
NBC seems to have beaten out ABC in a bidding war for the first TV interview with post-jail Paris Hilton, although both networks and the Hilton family officially deny that money changed hands. Paris will come clean to Meredith Vieira rather than family pal Barbara Walters, the Times quotes anonymous ABC execs saying, unless an offer materializes...
Airbus Soars in Orders at Air Show
International Herald Tribune
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Jun 22, 2007 11:19 AM CDT
(Newser) -
Airbus tallied 425 orders at the Paris Air Show this year, helping to dispell its also-ran status in the aircraft industry in recent years. Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline, Air France-KLM, and Aeroflot all made significant commitments to Airbus aircraft. The company hopes its bulging order book will instill confidence in current and potential customers.
