Primary Source News

Strauss-Kahn Released without Bail

2011-07-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Dominique Strauss-Kahn was released without bail today as prosecutors presented evidence that undermines the victim's credibility. Documents submitted by prosecutors show that she: admitted to lying to a grand jury about what she did immediately after the alleged sexual assault, lied about having been gang-raped in Guinea to seek political asylum, and falsely claimed someone else's child as her dependent on her tax forms. The charges currently stand.

New Orleans Police Tried in Danziger Bridge Case

2011-06-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

According to Associated Press:

"Twelve jurors and four alternates were picked Thursday to hear the case against five current or former police officers charged in the deadly shootings of unarmed residents on a bridge in Hurricane Katrina's chaotic aftermath.

Opening statements for the federal trial — the centerpiece of a sprawling Justice Department probe of alleged police misconduct in New Orleans — were scheduled to start Monday.

The jury of seven men and five women was selected from a pool of roughly 70 people after two days of questioning, mostly behind closed doors.

Five former officers already have pleaded guilty to participating in a cover-up involving the fatal shootings of two people and wounding of four others on the Danziger Bridge after the 2005 storm's landfall.

Four other officers were indicted last year on charges stemming from the shootings, while two police investigators were charged in the alleged cover-up.

One officer is accused of fatally shooting a mentally disabled man, 40-year-old Ronald Madison, in the back on the west side of the bridge before a sergeant stomped on him. Prosecutors say the same sergeant, armed with an assault rifle, fired on wounded and unarmed people lying on the ground. Seventeen-year-old James Brissette was shot and killed on the east side of the bridge.

All of the officers on trial are accused of participating in a cover-up that allegedly included a plot to plant a gun, fabricate witnesses and falsify reports."

NBC Report including original NBC footage of event:

The NOPD Report on the Danziger Bridge Shooting (ProPublica)

Pulitzer Prize winning reporter: "My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant"

2011-06-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Former Washington Post writer Jose Antonio Vargas has revealed in a long personal account for the New York Times that he has been living illegally in the United States for 18 years.

Over the past 14 years, I’ve graduated from high school and college and built a career as a journalist, interviewing some of the most famous people in the country. On the surface, I’ve created a good life. I’ve lived the American dream.

But I am still an undocumented immigrant. And that means living a different kind of reality. It means going about my day in fear of being found out. It means rarely trusting people, even those closest to me, with who I really am. It means keeping my family photos in a shoebox rather than displaying them on shelves in my home, so friends don’t ask about them. It means reluctantly, even painfully, doing things I know are wrong and unlawful. And it has meant relying on a sort of 21st-century underground railroad of supporters, people who took an interest in my future and took risks for me.

Last year I read about four students who walked from Miami to Washington to lobby for the Dream Act, a nearly decade-old immigration bill that would provide a path to legal permanent residency for young people who have been educated in this country. At the risk of deportation — the Obama administration has deported almost 800,000 people in the last two years — they are speaking out. Their courage has inspired me.

There are believed to be 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. We’re not always who you think we are. Some pick your strawberries or care for your children. Some are in high school or college. And some, it turns out, write news articles you might read. I grew up here. This is my home. Yet even though I think of myself as an American and consider America my country, my country doesn’t think of me as one of its own.

Obama announces troop drawdown in Afghanistan

2011-06-23T00:29:00.000-07:00

Citing recent victories against Al-Qaeda and a "position of strength" enjoyed by US forces in Afghanistan, US President Barack Obama announced that beginning in July, troops would begin withdrawing from Afghanistan.

He said that 10,000 US troops would leave Afghanistan by the end of this year, and 33,000 by the end of next summer, depleting Obama's 2009 "surge." Troops would continue to leave Afghanistan "steadily" until the completed transition to Afghan security forces would be complete by 2014.

Suspected Mexican drug lord arrested

2011-06-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Suspected drug cartel leader Jesus Mendez Vargas was arrested by Mexico federal authorities in the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes. Vargas is believed to be the head of the notorious cartel La Familia, and is known by "El Chango" or "the monkey".

Photo from official government of Mexico web site.

Mexican Security Spokesman Dr. Alejandro Poiré gave a statement on the arrest, calling the arrest a major victory in the government's efforts against the cartels, and predicting the end of La Familia.

Fatal plane crash in Russia

2011-06-21T02:31:00.000-07:00

A passenger plane crashed in northwest Russia, killing many of the passengers on board. Video of the aftermath of the accident.

NATO acknowledges strike in Tripoli caused civilian casualties

2011-06-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

NATO released a statement from Lieutenant-General Charles Bouchard that airstrikes in Tripoli, Libya had experienced a technical failure and hit an incorrect target, causing civilian casualties.

The aftermath of the bombing was broadcast on Libyan TV.

Video of the airstrikes on June 19.

Crowds gathered after the bombing and the bodies of children were pulled from the rubble. (WARNING - Graphic)

Other civilians were pulled from the wreckage as well.

Video of the aftermath in daylight, after the fire had been extinguished.

Unions protest legislation in New Jersey

2011-06-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Unions in Trenton, New Jersey are protesting legislation that would require government workers to increase their contributions to pensions effectively limiting collective bargaining.

Chris Shelton, vice-president of the Communications Workers of America District 1 compared New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to Adolf Hitler in a speech attacking the governor for trying to legislate, rather than negotiate, collective bargaining.

Democratic leadership in the New Jersey Legislature has reached a compromise with Christie on the controversial proposal. Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney said that the legislation will still allow collective bargaining, within the confines of the financial limitations set by the proposed legislation. "We had in this legislation before the sunset a local option, which allows you to bargain and negotiate as long as you came up with the savings that this health care proposal came up with," he said.

Riots in Vancouver

2011-06-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy Mark Donovan's Flikr.

Following the Vancouver Canucks's loss to the Boston Bruins in game seven of the NHL Stanley Cup finals, rioting broke out in Vancouver. Stores were looted, cars were smashed, and some were beaten by angry mobs.

Rioters smashing a car were confronted by a lone individual who demanded they stop. "This is our city. What the fuck are you doing," he asked.

Another man who attempted to stop rioters from smashing storefronts was badly beaten. (Beating begins at 3:15, WARNING - graphic video.)

Minister Farrakhan on Libya

2011-06-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday there was a press conference at the UN Plaza Hotel in which Minister Louis Farrakahn, former Attorney General Ramsey Clark, former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, and Viola Plummer spoke about Libya.

Students in Chile Protest

2011-06-16T01:50:00.000-07:00

Students in Chile are protesting for more education reform and a voice in determining education policy.

Chicago Protests CFO Summit

2011-06-16T01:21:00.000-07:00

Thousands gathered in Chicago to protest a CFO summit at the Hyatt Regency. The summit was a meeting of executives from corporations such as: McDonald's, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, IBM, Motorola, Hyatt, and Walgreens.

2011 Chicago CFO Executive Summit

Migrant Workers Protest in Zengcheng

2011-06-16T01:03:00.000-07:00

Migrant workers are protesting in Zengcheng. The protests began after a pregnant woman, Wang Lianmei, was allegedly pushed to the ground in front of a supermarket while trying to selling goods.

Vietnamese Protested China in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh Sunday

2011-06-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

Vietnamese protests resulted from maritime disputes between China and Vietnam in the South China Sea.

Protests in Greece

2011-06-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Protests are taking place in Greece amid a massive financial crisis. Standard and Poor recently lowered Greece's credit rating to CCC, indicating that their government may be close to default. Amid these protests, the Prime Minister George Papandreou has offered to step down.

Journal 'Blood' Publishes "Evidence for the cure of HIV infection by CCR5∆32/∆32 stem cell transplantation"

2011-06-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

The Journal 'Blood' has published an article entitled, "Evidence for the cure of HIV infection by CCR5∆32/∆32 stem cell transplantation" based on stem cell treatment used on Timothy Ray Brown.

"Evidence for the cure of HIV infection by CCR5∆32/∆32 stem cell transplantation"

Wisconsin Supreme Court Overrules Circuit Court Allowing Enactment of Anti-Collective Bargaining Legislation

2011-06-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court of Wisconsin overruled an order of the Circuit Court for Dane County, in which Circuit Judge Maryann Sumi issued a temporary restraining order preventing publication of the law by Secretary of State Doug LaFollette.

California ruling overturning same sex marriage ban upheld

2011-06-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

A ruling by Chief U.S. District Judge James Ware upheld an earlier ruling overturning Proposition 8, an amendment to the California Constitution banning same sex marriage. The ruling was challenged by Prop 8 supporters because Chief Judge Vaughn Walker was in a long-term same sex relationship. Ware said that the nature of Walker's homosexuality did not preclude him from being able to make an impartial decision on the legality of same sex marriage bans. "The presumption that Judge Walker, by virtue of being in a same-sex relationship, had a desire to be married that rendered him incapable of making an impartial decision, is as warrantless as the presumption that a female judge is incapable of being impartial in a case in which women seek legal relief," Ware wrote in the decision.

Prop8Decision

US diplomatic cables reveal international community supported disputed elections in Haiti

2011-06-14T01:43:00.000-07:00

Diplomatic cables recently released by Wikileaks reveal that the United States and international community supported elections in Haiti realizing that they were problematic and excluded opposition parties. In a June 23, 2009 cable a US ambassador reported that Haiti had recently seen historically low parlaimentary elections, with only one or two ballots cast at some polling stations.

Most estimated voter turnout at or below the eleven percent registered during the first round of elections April 19, a phenomenon attributable in part to low interest in these purely legislative elections and modest voter education efforts by Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council (CEP). Observers reported that many polling stations in the Port-au-Prince area at the 4:00 PM closing time had only one or two ballots cast in addition to those of the pollworkers and pollwatchers.

It attributed the low turnout to the exclusion of opposition parties on the ballot, and death threats warning voters to stay away from the polls.

The exclusion of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's Fanmi Lavalas party from these elections may have also modestly reduced turnout, especially given that flyers threatening prospective voters again circulated before the second round of balloting. The week before the election, MINUSTAH detected at least two leaflets on the streets warning voters to stay home on election day and threatening them with death should they venture out. One of the leaflets warned voters that the ballots had been printed in Mexico (note: by law, they are printed in Haiti) where they had been impregnated with the deadly swine flu virus.

A December 4, 2009 cable revealed a meeting discussing upcoming Haitain presidential elections between representatives of the United Nations, European Union, Spain, Brazil, and the US. They agreed to support the elections despite the decision to exclude former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's opposition party Fanmi Lavalas once again. The European Union ambassador was quoted saying, "the international community has too much invested in Haiti's democracy to walk away from the upcoming elections, despite its imperfections." The story was broken by Haiti Liberte, who were granted an advance look at the Wikileaks documents.

All agreed that Preval and the CEP would not to go back on their decision to exclude Lavalas and others. The EU representative noted that the international community has too much invested in Haiti's democracy to walk away from the upcoming elections, despite its imperfections. Ambassador Merten argued for meeting with the CEP and Preval to hold them accountable for the transparency of the electoral process, and then supporting a robust election observation effort that will put additional pressure on the GOH to conduct a transparent election. The EU opined that Preval would not respond to donor pressure, and advocated instead going directly to the media to express donor dissatisfaction with the exclusion of Lavalas and calling for the GOH to be more transparent in the conduct of these elections than they have been up until now.

Miami police shooting caught on video, police threaten witnesses

2011-06-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

After a chase through Miami streets, police cornered a car at 4AM on Memorial Day and opened fire. This video shows an overhead shot of the incident.

A nearby witness captured the incident on his cell phone, and was confronted and chased by police, threatening him with lethal force. Towards the end of the video the witness is trying to escape in his car and police can be seen pointing firearms.

National Archives Releases Pentagon Papers

2011-06-13T12:41:00.000-07:00

Forty years ago today, the NY Times began publishing the Pentagon Papers provided by Daniel Ellsberg. Today, the National Archives has released the Pentagon Papers.

Pentagon Papers from the National Archives

The photo below shows Ellsberg being arrested at Marine Corps Base, Quantico in March 2011 for protesting the detainment of Bradley Manning. Bradley Manning is a US Army Soldier who was arrested for allegedly providing classified information to WikiLeaks.

Protest in Somalia

2011-06-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Protests against the resignation of Somalia's Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed killed Interior Minister Abdishakur Sheik Hassan.

Syrian Protests

2011-06-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

Despite violent government crackdowns, protests continue in Syria.

Turkey has welcomed Syrian refugees, below is a photo of a Syrian refugee camp in Turkey.

Bahrain Protests

2011-06-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

The government has lifted martial law in Bahrain and thousands protest for government reforms.

Japanese Protest Nuclear Energy in Tokyo

2011-06-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Video of police execution in Pakistan sparks public outrage

2011-06-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

Television reporters in Karachi, Pakistan captured this video of police officers shooting an unarmed man they had detained, and then watching him bleed out without immediately offering assistance. WARNING: Extremely graphic video

Al Qaeda deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri eulogizes Osama Bin Laden

2011-06-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

In a 28 minute video released to the Internet Wednesday morning, Al Qaeda deputy Ayman al-Zawahiri, suspected to have taken over the terrorist network following the death of Osama Bin Laden, eulogized Bin Laden and vowed revenge against the United States. Bin Laden was killed during a May 1 raid on his compound in Pakistan by US Navy Seals. The FBI has a standing reward of $25 million for information leading to the capture of Zawahiri.

Solar Flares

2011-06-08T14:19:00.000-07:00

NASA's Solare Dynamics Observatory (SDO) has released pictures and videos of the solar flare that took place on June 7, 2011.

SDO Video

SDO Composite Video

Aftermath of heavy NATO airstrikes in Libya

2011-06-08T00:20:00.000-07:00

President Muammar Gaddafi spoke on Libyan State Television refusing to step down.

US President Barack Obama appeared with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and took questions from the press. When asked about Libya, Obama said, "Chancellor Merkel and I share the belief that Gaddafi needs to step down for the sake of his own people."

Yemeni President Injured

2011-06-04T01:37:00.000-07:00

Protests continued in Yemen on Friday. Yemen's Deputy Information Minister reports that Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh was wounded in a rocket attack on the presidential palace.

Update: President Salah issued a radio statement before leaving for Saudi Arabia for medical treatment.

Despite Internet takedown, massive protests throughout Syria

2011-06-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

Some of the largest protests yet erupted throughout Syria today, and thousands poured into the streets to call for an end of the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Demonstrations in Kubani.

Demonstrations in Idlib.

Demonstrations in Hauran.

There were reports of shootings by government enforcers in Homs.

The protests have gone on despite that most of the country's Internet infrastructure, widely used to organize protests, has been shut down. Google reported that none of its services are currently available in Syria, Google's official Twitter account reported that these services were blocked.

John Edwards indicted on campaign finance charges

2011-06-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

MSNBC has provided an copy of the grand jury's indictment. Former Senator John Edwards is accused of conspiring with wealthy campaign donors to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial assistance to support his mistress and a child born as a result of his extramarital affair. The same donors were involved in covering up other personal expenses for Edwards that had raised uncomfortable questions in the media during his 2008 presidential campaign, including the costs of Edwards' haircuts. One donor is quoted in the indictment stating that they would assist Edwards by paying for all future haircuts, a method of helping Edwards without government intervention.

The timing of your telephone call on Friday was "witchy." I was sitting alone in a grim mood - furious that the press attacked Senator Edwards on the price of a haircut. But it inspired me - from now on, all haircuts, etc., that are necessary and important for his campaign - please send the bills to me.... It is a way to help our friend without government restrictions.

Edwards attorney, Gregory Craig, argued that the contributions were not used for the purposes of campaigning, and were therefore not illegal and should not be treated as campaign contributions. "In the history of the federal election campaign law, no one has ever been charged, either civilly or criminally, with the claims that have been brought against Senator Edwards today. This is an unprecedented prosecution," he said.

Rare tornadoes strike in Massachusetts

2011-06-01T21:17:00.001-07:00

Tornadoes blew through western and central Massachusetts, hitting the city of Springfield particularly hard.

Downed trees disrupted traffic and destroyed buildings throughout Springfield.

Governor Deval Patrick declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts and called in 1000 National Guard troops to help with relief. He also confirmed at least one fatality and many injuries.

President Obama visits tornado ravaged city of Joplin, Missouri

2011-05-29T22:49:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama visited the town of Joplin, Missouri, promising a national relief effort in the wake of devastation by massive tornadoes. Obama spoke at a memorial service for victims of the tornadoes.

May 26 bombings in China and Turkey

2011-05-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

According to local media, three explosions went off within half an hour on Thursday morning in the southern city of Fuzhou in Jiangxi province of China (around 9:15 AM local time). The bombs, two of which were car bombs, seemed to target government buildings. Two people were killed and seven were injured in the attack.

Getty Images

A video shot after one of the explosions, from Austin Ramzy at Time blogs

A bomb was detonated in central Istanbul, Turkey, Thursday morning at approximately 9:15 local time. Eight people are reported injured, including one police officer. The bomb seems to have been placed in a trash bin near a shopping center in the borough of Etiler.

Reuters images

This morning's bombings are unlikely to be connected.

President Obama addresses the British Parliament

2011-05-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

Tornadoes tear through US midwest for two days

2011-05-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

Major storms were sighted in Oklahoma on May 24.

Small tornadoes were also spotted in Missouri on May 25.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses US Congress

2011-05-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

In a visit to the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress, commenting on President Obama's remarks last week that Israel should return to its 1967 borders, with some mutually agreed upon land swaps. "As President Obama said, borders will be different than 1967. Israel will not return to 'indefensible' borders," Netanyahu said, adding, "It's absolutely vital that a Palestinian state be demilitarized."

A full transcript of the speech by the Washington Post.

Heaviest NATO strikes yet hit Tripoli

2011-05-23T23:56:00.000-07:00

Bombs could be seen flashing in the center of Tripoli, Libya for about thirty minutes around 1AM May 24.

Supreme Court Orders California to Reduce Inmates by More than 30,000

2011-05-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Supreme Court today voted 5-4 today to uphold the decision of a federal three-judge court that requires California to reduce its prison population due to overcrowding and inadequate health care services.

Tornado destroys Joplin, Missouri

2011-05-23T04:27:00.000-07:00

A tornado (level around 8-9) touched down in the city of Joplin, MO last night around 6 PM. At least 89 people have been reported dead and the governor (Jay Nixon) and President Obama have declared a state of emergency in the city.

photo credit: Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press

video by thomasstout25

Obama at 2011 AIPAC Policy Conference

2011-05-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

President Obama spoke to the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee today regarding his recent policy announcements regarding the Middle East. In his speech, he said:

No vote at the United Nations will ever create an independent Palestinian state, and the United States will stand up against efforts to single Israel out at the United Nations or in any international forum. Israel's legitimacy is not a matter for debate.

Since my position has been misrepresented so many times let me reaffirm what 1967 borders with mutually agreed swaps means. By definition it means that the parties themselves, Israelis and Palestinians, will negotiate a border that is different than the one that existed on June 4th, 1967. That's what mutually agreed upon swaps means.

Spanish protests move to Italy

2011-05-21T20:48:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the recent protests across Spain, plaza occupations are also being organized in Italy (twitter tag #italianrevolution). Below are photographs from the Piazza di Spagna in Rome on May 21, 2011 (taken by @danidelpino, flikr).

Protests go on in Spain despite potentially breaking assembly law

2011-05-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

Police warned protesters gathered in Puerta del Sol in Madrid that it is illegal to hold a demonstration the day before an election, but protests continued unabated. Crowds waited in silence at midnight Saturday morning and cheered as their protest crossed the early morning threshold and became a potentially illegal gathering.

English manifesto of the protest organizers.

Proposals by the protest organizers, in Spanish.

Despite the official ruling that the protests were illegal, to avoid any serious confrontation the Board of Elections ruled that the protests in Puerta del Sol would be allowed to go on. (Spanish PDF)

Another large rounds of protests in Syria is met with violence as police open fire on demonstrators

2011-05-21T01:27:00.000-07:00

Widespread protests throughout Syria turned violent again today. Large crowds gathered to march in Homs.

Crowds also gathered in Hama.

In Damascus, protesters were attacked by police and taken into custody.

Demonstrators were fired on by government forces, some were killed in Homs. (WARNING - GRAPHIC)

Demonstrators were also killed in Idlib. (WARNING - GRAPHIC)

Nuclear site construction in Pakistan and North Korea

2011-05-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) has published reports that show satellite images of a fourth plutonium production reactor in Pakistan and construction at a North Korean nuclear site.

Plutonium Production Reactors in Khushab, Pakistan

Construction near the Yongbyon Nuclear Center in North Korea

Links for the ISIS reports:

Pakistan Doubling Rate of Making Nuclear Weapons: Time for Pakistan to Reverse Course

New Satellite Imagery of Construction at North Korean Nuclear Site

Japan's GDP drops 3.7% in first quarter of 2011

2011-05-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

Source: Japan Cabinet Office

Obama calls on Israel to return to 1967 borders, "The dream of a Jewish and democratic state cannot be fulfilled with permanent occupation."

2011-05-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Speaking at the State Department on the Middle East, including statements on Libya, Syria and Iran, President Barack Obama said that to ensure a lasting peace, Israel should return to its 1967 borders. This has long been a change that Israeli leadership has been unwilling to execute.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly released a statement dismissing Obama's statement and asking for a retraction, citing promises made in 2004 by President Bush that Israel would not have to withdraw to those borders.

Israel appreciates President Obama’s commitment to peace. Israel believes that for peace to endure between Israelis and Palestinians, the viability of a Palestinian state cannot come at the expense of the viability of the one and only Jewish state.

That is why Prime Minister Netanyahu expects to hear a reaffirmation from President Obama of U.S. commitments made to Israel in 2004, which were overwhelmingly supported by both Houses of Congress.

Among other things, those commitments relate to Israel not having to withdraw to the 1967 lines which are both indefensible and which would leave major Israeli population centers in Judea and Samaria beyond those lines.

Those commitments also ensure Israel’s well-being as a Jewish state by making clear that Palestinian refugees will settle in a future Palestinian state rather than in Israel.

Without a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem outside the borders of Israel, no territorial concession will bring peace.

Equally, the Palestinians, and not just the United States, must recognize Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people, and any peace agreement with them must end all claims against Israel.

Prime Minister Netanyahu will make clear that the defense of Israel requires an Israeli military presence along the Jordan River.

Prime Minister Netanyahu will also express his disappointment over the Palestinian Authority’s decision to embrace Hamas, a terror organization committed to Israel’s destruction, as well as over Mahmoud Abbas’s recently expressed views which grossly distort history and make clear that Abbas seeks a Palestinian state in order to continue the conflict with Israel rather than end it.

New audio recording by Osama bin Laden

2011-05-19T00:16:00.000-07:00

As-Sahab released a new 12 minute 30 second audio recording by Osama bin Laden on Jihadist message boards yesterday.

Below is the full 12:38 audio recording.

Four foreign journalists freed in Libya

2011-05-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

Four foreign journalists were released from detention in Libya today, having been imprisoned for weeks to stand trial for entering the country illegally, according to Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim al-Gaddafi. They were moved to Tripoli and are free to leave the country.

They are Clare Morgana Gillis and James Foley from the United States, Manuel Varela from Spain and Nigel Chandler from Great Britain.

Dominique Kahn-Strauss resigns

2011-05-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

The Managing Director of the IMF resigned.

Kahn-Strauss was arrested on May 15 in New York City and charged with sexual assault.

International Criminal Court (ICC) evidence against Gadaffi

2011-05-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is the evidence submitted to ICC judges seeking the issuance of arrest warrants for Muammar Muhammad al-Gaddafi, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, and Abdullah Al Sanousi.

The prosecutor for the ICC requested that judges issue arrest warrants for Gadaffi and issued a press conference on May 16.

NATO has been bombing significant military targets in an attempt to disrupt Gadaffi's government as rebels have made significant gains in western Libya.

President Obama sanctions Syria

2011-05-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

President Obama issued an Executive Order today blocking property (sanctioning) of senior officials of the government of Syria. The links to the executive order and a letter to congress about the order are found below:

Executive Order

Letter to Congress

Massive protests held across Spain

2011-05-17T23:20:00.000-07:00

Protesters calling for electoral reform, an end to war, and to reduce corporate influence in government turned out in Spain, organized and informed by social media.

Twitter user Lidia Green provided photos from Murcia.

The protests consisted of students, unions and the unemployed, and filled Madrid's main square, “Puerta del Sol.”

Photos of Barcelona protests: Photo 1 | Photo 2

Police have violently subdued protesters in Madrid.

NATO hits major government buildings in Tripoli, Libya

2011-05-17T03:28:00.000-07:00

NATO bombed Ministry buildings at Al-Jumhuriya Avenue in Tripoli. (WARNING - GRAPHIC)

Major General John Lorimer, a British military spokesman, explained the action on Twitter.

Last night RN Tomahawk missiles and RAF aircraft attacked intelligence agency buildings used by Colonel Qadhafi's Executive Protection Force

The facilities that were struck lay at the heart of the apparatus used by the regime to brutalise the civilian population.

One of the facilities which was hit is known to play a significant role in the collection of information by Colonel Qadhafi's secret police.

The other facility which was hit was a headquarters for the External Security Organisation, commanded by Abdullah Sanussi.

The Executive Protection Force acts as the bodyguard for the inner circle of the regime, and is also entrusted with other sensitive tasks.

Vehicles at the base have been identified as having been involved in the bloody suppression of public demonstrations in Tripoli on 4 March

This action demonstrates both NATO's commitment and its ability to reach out and strike directly at Qadhafi's instruments of repression.

As ever, the utmost care was taken in targeting, with every measure taken to avoid innocent civilian casualties.

UPDATE: UK military also released this video of the attack.

Space shuttle Endeavour takes off in its final launch

2011-05-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

The space shuttle Endeavour rocketed into orbit in its final mission as NASA winds down the space shuttle program. NASA has released video of mission control during the launch sequence.

Spectators gathered around the launch site at Cape Canaveral to catch a glimpse of the penultimate shuttle launch.

Twitter user Stefanie Gordon spotted the shuttle from a passing aircraft and took this picture.

International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Press Release

2011-05-16T16:32:00.000-07:00

Luis Moreno-Ocamp, Prosecutor of the ICC, issued a press release stating that today the Office of the Prosecutor presented to judges evidence of its investigation into the crimes committed in Libya, and is requesting the Court to issue arrest warrants for Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar Gaddafi, Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, and Abdullah Al Sanousi.

Here is the text of the Prosecutor's press release.

IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn Arrested in NYC

2011-05-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn was arrested in New York City for alleged sexual assault. A member of the Socialist Party in France, many speculated that he would challenge Nicolas Sarkozy for president in next year's election.

ABC News has published the full criminal complaint against Strauss-Kahn. (PDF)

Protesters Breach Israeli Border at Golan Heights

2011-05-15T15:49:00.000-07:00

Palestinians protest to mark the anniversary of the creation of Israel

2011-05-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

Palestinians protested throughout the West Bank and Israel, marking May 15, the anniversary of the creation of the state of Israel.

In Tel Aviv, Palestinians flags flew overhead a large march through Israel's second most populous city.

A major traffic accident is under investigation as a suspected terror attack.

Photos of the aftermath of the accident.

Protests at checkpoints in Jerusalem turned violent, such as this demonstration in East Jerusalem.

Another violent protest at a checkpoint between Jerusalem and Ramallah.

Army Corps of Engineers prepares to open Louisiana floodgates bracing for major Mississippi River flooding

2011-05-14T13:38:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: Floodgates are now open.

Spokesmen for the Army Corps of Engineers spoke on the dangers facing Louisiana and warned that many would be evacuated in the coming days.

The crest is currently in Arkansas, where residents confront flooding that could risk their homes as the area becomes saturated. In Clarendon, Arkansas one resident took video of seep water coming from the ground throughout their neighborhood.

Major bombing strikes northwest Pakistan

2011-05-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

A major suicide bombing attack on Pakistani military recruits hit in Shabqadar, Pakistan on May 13.

Earthquake rocks southern Spain

2011-05-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit southern Spain on May 11, causing extensive damage to the city of Lorca.

USGS report on the quake.

Statement from the family of Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-11T00:41:00.000-07:00

The New York Times has released a statement from the family of Osama Bin Laden, specifically Omar Ossama Binladin and Osama Bin Laden's other children, demanding evidence that their father is truly dead, and questioning the legality of executing Bin Laden while he was unarmed.

If he has been summarily executed then, we question the propriety of such assassination where not only international law has been blatantly violated but USA has set a very different example whereby right to have a fair trial, and presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of law has been sacrificed on which western society is built and is standing when a trial of OBL was possible for any wrongdoing as that of Iraqi President Sadam Hussein and Serbian President Slobodan Miloševic'. We maintain that arbitrary killing is not a solution to political problems and crime's adjudication as Justice must be seen to be done.

The statement went on to condemn their father's politics and any violence committed by their father, but also condemned the United States actions. It stated they would seek legal action against the US through the United Nations and the International Criminal Court.

Failure to answer these questions will force us to go to International forum for justice such as International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice and UN must take notice of the violation of international law and assist us to have answers for which we are lawful in seeking them. A panel of eminent British and international lawyers is being constituted and a necessary action may be taken if no answers are furnished within 30 days of this statement.

President Obama calls for immigration overhaul

2011-05-10T20:20:00.000-07:00

Speaking today in El Paso, Texas, US President Barack Obama called for a massive overhaul of the nation's immigration system. Calling the current system "broken", he said that reform is an "economic imperative" and his plan would raise middle class wages. In addition to increasing border security, Obama proposed a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, a thirteen year process that would involve criminal background checks, learning English, and priority given to immigrants who legally applied for residency.

Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., who chairs the House subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement, responded in a statement to Obama's remarks, and said that no plan that offered amnesty to illegal immigrants would pass Congress.

“Providing a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, as the President called for again today, without requiring illegal immigrants to return to their countries of origin and apply for legal status, is amnesty.

“Amnesty will not pass Congress, Mr. President. It is unfair to the 26 million American workers who are unemployed or underemployed and it is unfair to those who are waiting to legally immigrate to the United States.

“Conservatively, seven million people are working in the United States illegally. Instead of focusing on creating jobs and getting 26 million Americans back to work, the President’s proposal would give millions of illegal immigrants the opportunity to work legally in the United States, attract more illegal immigrants looking for the same opportunity, and take more jobs from American workers.”

Libyan rebels push government forces out of Misurata, NATO air strikes continue

2011-05-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

Libyan rebels advanced from Misurata today, pushing forces loyal to ruler Muammar Muhammad al-Gaddafi away from the city's borders. Rebels combed the area of the city to quash the last pockets of resistance and secure the area under rebel control.

Fighting has gone on in the region for weeks, and in recent days the rebels have been under tank fire from government forces. (WARNING - GRAPHIC)

Fighting has raged on despite a month of NATO air strikes on government targets. NATO released a statement today detailing the government targets that have been hit by its forces:

Key Targets hit 08 May: In the vicinity of Zintan: 4 Ammunition Storages. In the vicinity of Ajdabiyah: 1 Command & Control Node. In the vicinity of Misurata: 5 Rocket Launchers, 1 Self-Propelled Artillery Piece, 1 Truck-Mounted Gun, 3 Buildings hosting active shooters. In the vicinity of Hun: 26 Ammunition Storages, 16 Vehicle Storages. In the vicinity of Brega: 8 Military Vehicles. In the vicinity of Al-Aziziyah: 2 Ammunition
Storages. In the vicinity of Tripoli: 2 Military Operational Facilities

Twitter reports indicate there are NATO strikes in Tripoli tonight, including from ITV News' China Correspondent Angus Walker.

@anguswalkeritv Angus Walker
Unable to investigate rumours of uprising in Tripoli tonight - not allowed to leave hotel - but that's another bomb - windows shaking

@anguswalkeritv Angus Walker
#Libya more sounds of gunfire tonight could be firing in the air after at least four air strikes tonight

Libyan government spokesman Moussa Ibrahim al-Gaddafi commented on the NATO strikes and rumors of an uprising currently happening in Tripoli.

Protests in Yemen end in shootings by security officers

2011-05-09T01:01:00.000-07:00

Yemen erupted into protests, going into the evening in the south western city of Ta'izz.

Protesters also marched through the capital of Sanaa.

In Ta'izz, the crowd was fired on by Yemeni security forces. (WARNING: GRAPHIC)

Several demonstrators were killed in the shootings. (WARNING: GRAPHIC)

Muslims and Christians clash in Cairo

2011-05-08T15:38:00.000-07:00

Egypt's capital has erupted in violence as mobs of Muslims and Christians clashed in the streets. Several buildings were set ablaze, including Churches and apartment buildings.

A photo album of the clashes and aftermath provided by the Washington Post.

US releases videos of Osama Bin Laden found in his compound

2011-05-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Pentagon released five videos of Osama Bin Laden found in his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. One video shows Bin Laden watching himself on television.

The rest are rehearsals and pieces of communications where Bin Laden speaks to the camera directly.

Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3 | Video 4

Massive protests throughout Syria in "day of defiance"

2011-05-06T17:03:00.000-07:00

There were large marches in the Syrian capital of Damascus.

In Kafr Shams:

Though the demonstrations seemed to be largely peaceful, there were some confrontations with Syrian authorities, such as this incident in the western city of Hama where demonstrators were teargassed and gunfire can be heard.

Videos are from this Syrian YouTube channel, which has been closely covering the recent protests.

Al Qaeda confirms death of Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

Al Qaeda confirmed via an Internet statement the death of Osama Bin Laden at the hands of US forces today, which was posted on militant Islamic forums, including Shumukh al-Islam, a long time conduit for information from Al-Qaeda.

Translated from Arabic, Shumukh al-Islam currently links to a "Statement on the epic parents, and the death of the lion of Islam, Sheikh Osama bin Laden," however most of the forum's content is limited to subscribers.

CNN has provided a PDF screenshot of the original Arabic statment as well as an English translation provided by SITE Intelligence, a US based terrorist monitoring group.

The statement said that despite Bin Laden's death, Al Qaeda would continue its battle against the United States, and called on allies in Pakistan to remove the United States from its borders.

"Congratulations to the Islamic Nation on the martyrdom of their devoted son Osama,

Even when the Americans managed to kill Osama, they managed to do ONLY that by disgrace and betrayal. Men and heroes only should be confronted in the battlefields but at the end, that’s God’s fate. Still we ask, will the Americans be able thru their media outlets, their agents, their instruments, soldiers, intelligence services and their might be able to kill what Sheikh Osama lived for and was killed for? How far! How impossible! Sheikh Osama didn’t build an organization that will vanish with his death or fades away with his departure.

The statement was reportedly written on May 2, before Al Qaeda was aware of the ultimate fate of Bin Laden's body, and the statement demanded its return to his family.

Moreover, we warn the Americans of any injustice to be made to the corpse of Sheikh Osama, God's mercy be upon him or that he will be mistreated in any despicable manner and this warning includes the mistreatment of any member of the sheikh's honorable family whether they are dead or alive and that the bodies must be handed over to the families because any inappropriate treatment will open the doors of double evil and you will only be blaming yourselves for your own deeds. We call upon all Muslims to do their duty in enforcing this right.

Pakistan foreign secretary emphasizes need for positive US relations moving forward, questions legality of US raid

2011-05-06T00:13:00.000-07:00

In a press briefing, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir stressed the need for Pakistan and the United States to have positive relations going forward, but also emphasized Pakistan's sovereignty and questioned the legality of the US action that killed Osama Bin Laden.

Transcript of Bashir's remarks.

Bashir emphasized the need for positive relations between the US and Pakistan, and dismissed the notion that relations had become strained in the days following the death of Bin Laden.

I think the notion that Pakistan-US relations have nose-dived, this is not quite our understanding. Pakistan considers its relations with the United States as of high importance and significance. We have been strategic partners and we have a process which is called the strategic dialogue process. I have recently been to Washington and Ambassador Marc Grossman was here on Monday. We have had excellent exchange of views that touched on all issues. Both in Washington DC, at the State Department, with the National Security Council, I think we have been able to get the trajectory reaffirmed and more importantly agreed to work the trajectory of our cooperation in the right direction.

He went on to explain in detail the Pakistani military response to the raid, saying they were not aware of the helicopters in their airspace until one of them crashed. He said that immediately after the raid was over, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff was contacted first by Admiral Mullen, and later President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari was contacted by US President Barack Obama, who also stressed Pakistan's sovereignty.

I can share with you that as soon as the operation was over Admiral Mullen called the Chief of Army Staff around 3 o clock Pakistan time. He told him that they have conducted the operation and had succeeded in this operation. Arranging that call also took some time because they need to get a secure line and it gets time to do so. There were matters that were raised by Admiral Mullen and among them of course it was the American side that pointed out the sovereignty issue. I want to mention this particularly because it is not only our concern but even the Americans are really concerned about this issue. I am not saying legal or illegal but it is a global issue and we need to work it out in the best interest of international peace and security. Subsequently President Obama telephoned our President and there was a brief conversation in which the President said that OBL and Al Qaeda had declared war against Pakistan and have been responsible for so many deaths of innocent people all over the country.

He went on to question the legality of the raid, but stopped short of declaring it illegal.

That if it is in Pakistan's national interest we could go and bomb the territory of any other state. I think no sensible person anywhere in the world would endorse such a point of view. Can you think of a NATO member state bombing another NATO member country? So it has to be seen objectively. We are not saying that what would be the most important instrument. We do however recognize that the dispensations already decreed by the Council, the UN and the principles of the UN Charter, the declaration of human rights are the dictates of justice ought to be respected by everybody including Pakistan.

(But are you suggesting that it's illegal?)

I am not saying whether it is legal or illegal. It is for the jurists and the historians to judge and decide. There are many people within the US even who are now debating this issue.

Flood waters approach Memphis, Tennessee

2011-05-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

A growing flood on the Mississippi River that has already prompted the US Army Corps of Engineers to destroy a levee in Missouri, reached Memphis, Tennessee today, and waters rose onto Riverside Drive, between Union Avenue and Beale Street.

Waters also rose at nearby Mud Island.

Pictures from Osama Bin Laden compound in Abbottabad WARNING--GRAPHIC

2011-05-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

From Reuters

Surveying the damage in the Fukushima nuclear plant

2011-05-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

For this footage, reportedly taken April 29, Tokyo Electric Power Company used robots to observe the damage in the Fukushima nuclear plant, which has been leaking radiation since a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami off the shores of Japan on March 11.

A Japanese journalist approached the Fukushima power plant with a Gieger counter to measure the radiation levels.

Aside from the potential dangers from the malfunctioning reactor, Japan continues recovery from the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

US Attorney General Eric Holder says that killing Bin Laden was legal

2011-05-04T16:52:00.000-07:00

During questioning by Rep. Dan Lungren (R-California) before the House Judiciary Committee May 3, US Attorney General Eric Holder said that he believed the US military action that killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan was legal. He also said that he was not sure whether the information that led to finding Bin Laden was gathered through "enhanced interrogation techniques" but that even if such tactics were used, that would not make the operation that killed Bin Laden illegal.

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf on the Bin Laden operation

2011-05-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

Musharraf criticizes the US violation of Parkistan's sovereignty and says the idea that the war against terrorism is over is "a very very simplistic view."

Bin Laden will released by Al Anbaa

2011-05-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

Kuwaiti newspaper Al Anbaa has released the will of Osama Bin Laden. The document orders his wives not to remarry and asks his children not to pursue Jihad (translation and origin not authenticated).

Al Anbaa site
Google Translated

Pakistan denies knowledge of Bin Laden's location and US operation to kill Bin Laden, warns that such unilateral actions are unacceptable

2011-05-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

In a statement by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government of Pakistan has denied any knowledge of the location of Osama Bin Laden prior to his death at the hands of US forces, and denied any collaboration with the US in the operation that led to Bin Laden's death. It also said that US forces did not use Pakistani air bases launching the mission, and that Pakistan was not informed of the US operation. While calling the death of Bin Laden "an important milestone in fight against terrorism," the statement goes on to say that such unilateral operations within Pakistan's borders is unacceptable:

Notwithstanding the above, the Government of Pakistan expresses its deep concerns and reservations on the manner in which the Government of the United States carried out this operation without prior information or authorization from the Government of Pakistan.

This event of unauthorized unilateral action cannot be taken as a rule. The Government of Pakistan further affirms that such an event shall not serve as a future precedent for any state, including the US. Such actions undermine cooperation and may also sometime constitute threat to international peace and security.

Pakistan, being mindful of its international obligations, has been extending full and proper cooperation on all counter terrorism efforts including exchange of information and intelligence. Pursuant to such cooperation, Pakistan had arrested several high profile terrorists.

The Government of Pakistan and its Armed Forces consider support of the people of Pakistan to be its mainstay and actual strength. Any actions contrary to their aspirations, therefore, run against the very basis on which the edifice of national defence and security is based. Pakistan Army and intelligence agencies have played a pivotal role in breaking the back of Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations in Pakistan as well as around the World. Most of the successes achieved by the US and some other friendly countries have been the result of effective intelligence cooperation and extremely useful military support by Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan and its security forces have resolved to continue their fight against terrorism till people of Pakistan can live in peace and security.

US suspected Pakistani security was assisting Osama Bin Laden, according to Wikileaks documents

2011-05-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

A confidential cable from the US embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan related a December 11, 2009 meeting with State Committee for National Security (GKNB) Deputy Chairman for Counterterrorism General Abdullo Sadulloevich Nazarov. Nasarov described the terrorists threats facing Tajikistan, and suggested that Pakistani security was aiding Osama Bin Laden in escaping capture by US forces:

"We would have destroyed them long ago" Nazarov said, if other countries didn't manipulate terrorist groups for "geopolitical goals." For instance, in Pakistan Osama Bin Laden wasn't an invisible man, and many knew his whereabouts in North Waziristan, but whenever security forces attempted a raid on his hideouts, the enemy received warning of their approach from sources in the security forces.

Guantanamo detainee records for Sabar Lal Melma allege that he was involved in moving Afghanis out of Afghanistan and into Pakistan, and was aided by Pakistani security.

Protests in Pakistan against the US raid that killed Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Karachi:

Quetta:

Anti-government protests in Yemen

2011-05-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

Sanaa, May 2:

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh condemns the killing of Osama Bin Laden on Al-Manar TV

2011-05-03T00:25:00.000-07:00

Intentional destruction of Missouri levee

2011-05-02T21:42:00.000-07:00

The Army Corps of Engineers detonated explosives on a Mississippi River levee to relieve flooding in nearby Cairo, Illinois.

Aerial view of the area taken April 28:

Rocket attacks on rebels and civilians in Libya

2011-05-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

From Misurata, Libya

April 28:

April 29:

May 1:

Fighting continues in Syria

2011-05-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Firefights in Deraa April 29:

Demonstrators were killed in Al-Rastan on April 29:

On May 2, the situation in Al-Rastan remained tense:

Osama Bin Laden's secret compound

2011-05-02T12:01:00.000-07:00

Images have been revealed of Osama Bin Laden's compound in Pakistan, which was raided by US forces in the early morning on May 1. Bin Laden was killed and his body taken into custody by the US military.

Inside Bin Laden's compound:

More video obtained by CBS News of the exterior and surrounding areas of the compound the morning after the raid.

Video of fires burning during the raid, and more footage of the surrounding area the next day from the Associated Press:

United States announces military strike in Pakistan has killed Osama Bin Laden, body in US custody

2011-05-01T23:59:00.001-07:00

President Obama's announcement from the evening of May 1:

Official transcript of Obama's remarks.

The operation was live Tweeted by Pakistani IT consultant Sohaib Athar, @ReallyVirtual.

@ReallyVirtual: Helicopter hovering above Abbottabad at 1AM (is a rare event).

@ReallyVirtual: The abbottabad helicopter/UFO was shot down near the Bilal Town area, and there's report of a flash. People saying it could be a drone.

Crowds gathered at the White House to celebrate the announcement:

Crowds also gathered at the former site of the World Trade Center in New York City:

Aftermath of bomb in Marrakech, Morocco

2011-04-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

A bomb destroyed a cafe in Marrakech on April 28.

Uganda Protests

2011-04-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye flies out of Entebbe airport to Nairobi today to seek medical treatment.

Protesters are rioting in Kampala, Uganda today in response to rising fuel and food prices.

Besigye is sprayed with tear gas while in his vehicle and arrested in Uganda. He has been arrested several times in the past week. The following video shows an arrest that took place during a "walk to work" protest on April 28, 2011.

An interview with Dr. Kizza Besigye on April 20, 2011.

The President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni vows, "There will be no demonstration in Kampala". It also shows Besigye being arrested near his home on April 18, 2011.

President Obama surveys storm damage in Alabama

2011-04-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Obama gave these remarks in Tuscaloosa:

Syrian protester speaks to the world

2011-04-29T01:39:00.000-07:00

Police, protesters battle in Syria

2011-04-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

Izraa, Syria:

Aftermath of Alabama Tornadoes

2011-04-28T23:20:00.000-07:00

Tuscaloosa, Alabama:

Tornadoes continue across southern United States

2011-04-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

Tuscaloosa, Alabama:

4-27-11 Tornado Tuscaloosa, Al from Crimson Tide Productions on Vimeo.

Bridgeport, Alabama:

UN Security Council Meeting on Syria

2011-04-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

United Nations Security Council members hold a meeting discussing Syria. An agreement could not be reached to sanction Syria for its handling of recent unrest.

Obama releases long form birth certificate

2011-04-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama released his long form birth certificate today, after years of controversy because only a short form had been previously released. This is the PDF of the long form document from Whitehouse.gov.

Obama made comments about the release from the White House briefing room:

Tornadoes in Arkansas

2011-04-27T02:49:00.000-07:00

Damage after the storm was over:

Wikileaks - The Guantanamo Files

2011-04-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Wikileaks is currently in the process of releasing 779 secret files on Guantanamo Bay prisoners.

For example, here is the file on Al Jazeera journalist Sami al-Hajj, who was cleared of the allegations against him and released over a year ago.

Wikileaks claim the files demonstrate the United States was aware of the innocence of dozens of Guantanamo detainees.

Video from Guantanamo Bay interrogations released in 2008:

University of Florida Student Arrested, Tasered at John Kerry Speech

2007-09-18T13:13:00.001-07:00

While Senator John Kerry was giving a speech at the Universtiy of Florida, police attempted to remove 21 year-old Andrew Meyer after he asked Senator Kerry "were you a member of the same secret society as George Bush?" After he demanded to know "what did I do?" repeatedly and tried to evade police he was wrestled to the ground and tasered.

This video shows a bit more of the questioning and the initial confrontation with police: