B-Squared News: Bray's Blog

Computer Reporting Analysis

2010-04-25T20:54:24Z

I did a story from nicar.org entitled, 'Failures in electronic record systems may pose danger to patients." It was basically a short little blurb about how Food and Drug Administration finding failures in electronic medical record systems that actually may have caused death or serious injury to patients. I am not really sure how the reporter used computer assisted reporting, I assume he just had to look through all the records and some of the hospitals systems to figure out how they work. Actually I am not really sure how you could possibly not use computer-assisted reporting with anything. You are always going to have to use a computer to do background research for a story, for example I have to use it to get into the MN legislative library and pull out the legislation for alcohol use at TCF Bank Stadium, and to do other various background research on the topic. I guess I just don't realy understand what this analysis is asking me to do.

American Expatriates Giving Up Citizenship for Lower Taxes

2010-04-25T20:42:42Z

The Federal Register reports that more American expatriates are giving up their U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency status because of frustration over taxes and banking problems, the New York Times said.
The government publication that records this stuff shows that 502 expatriates gave up their citizenship in the last quarter of 2009, however, this is a small part of the 5.2 million American expatriates the State Department estimates live abroad.
A Chicago native living in Melbourne, Australia told Time that he loves his country and did not make the decision lightly of happily, but he felt he had no other choice. He was granted citizenship in Australia two years ago.
Cutting ties with America is an irrevocable action, and many expatriate advocate groups are encouraging citizens abroad to do so.

Financial Overhaul Bill Near Passage

2010-04-25T20:30:04Z

Democrats and Republicans appear to be working together and closing in on finishing a bill that would overhaul America's financial regulatory system. The ranking senator on the banking committee said they were "very close" to agreeing on important pieces of the legislation, the New York Times said.
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd told NBC's "Meet the Press" that they were continuing talks through the weekend on the legislation. The bill would essentially prevent future taxpayer bailouts of financial firms, Reuters said.
Republicans are expected to block the bill unless they can reach an agreement by then. Democrats say that if Republicans block the bill on Monday, it will just delay the legislation rather than kill it. Democrats need at least one Republican to vote for the bill so they can get the required 60 votes needed to start debate.

6 Dead in Head-On Crash; Alcohol May Be Involved

2010-04-25T20:18:29Z

A total of 6 people were killed Sunday morning when a car filled with teenagers and smelling of alcohol hit an SUV head on, the Star Tribune said.
A 16-year-old Isanti girl was behind the wheel of the car and is in serious condition at the Hennepin County Medical Center. The girl had received her license less than three weeks prior to the accident. Lt. Eric Roeske told Kare 11 News that she was the only survivor.
Roeske said the car was a 1998 Grand Am and it hit a 2000 Oldsmobile Bravada which burst into flames upon impact. The two people that were in the SUV were killed, but police say they have not been able to identify them due to the fire.
The Pontiac was carrying a 17-year-old boy from Cambridge who was not wearing a seat belt, a 15-year-old girl who also was not wearing a seat belt, and another 16-year-old boy who was not wearing a seat belt. All are dead. Police say that is was illegal for the girl to be driving the car that late at night, and that she had an illegal amount of people in the car as well.

Woman Killed, Husband Wounded in St. Paul Robbery

2010-04-25T20:08:40Z

A St. Paul woman was fatally shot and her husband shot and wounded in a robbery Sunday morning, the Star Tribune said. The 27-year old husband was admitted to Regions Hospital with a leg wound and is expected to survive.
Police received a 911 call about the robbery, and found the woman dead inside upon arrival, Kare 11 said.
No arrests have been made and the police do not know of any suspects. Investigators are still trying to figure out what the motive for the crime was.

Two Top-Level Al-Qaida Leaders Killed in Raid

2010-04-20T01:53:02Z

According to U.S. and Iraqi officials, two leaders of the al-Qaida movement were killed in an air strike on Saturday, UPI said.
The top commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, Gen. Ray Odierno, issued a statement identifying the dead as Abu Ayyub al-Masri, the leader of al-Qaida in Iraq, and Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, believed to have led al-Qaida's Iraqi affiliate, the Islamic State of Iraq. The two bodies were found dead in a ditch.
The death of al-Masri could cause havoc in a connection between the leaders of al-Qaida and the radical Sunni Muslim group, however, the Miami Herald says the identity of al-Baghdadi is not 100 percent clear.
If his identity is confirmed, the deaths of these two men, Vice President Joe Biden said they are, "potentially devastating blows," but also important to Biden, "is this action demonstrates the improved security, strength and capacity of Iraqi security forces." Biden is quoted as saying that the Iraqi army led the operation.
An American soldier was killed during the operation and three others were injured when their helicopter crashed during the raid. The U.S. military stated that the aircraft was not brought down by enemy fire, and it is investigating the cause of the crash, the Miami Herald said.

Flyers Beat Devils in First Round of Playoffs

2010-04-19T03:41:08Z

Daniel Carcillo, usually regarded as not much more than a fighter, scored a huge overtime goal Sunday night to lift the Philadelphia Flyers over the New Jersey Devils in overtime, the Associated Press said. The goal was set up by Mike Richards at the right post before passing it across the crease to Carcillo, leaving the net wide open on the left side for the winning goal, the NHL said.
"I'm still kind of shaking," Carcillo said. "It was huge. It was awesome. Everybody dreams of a goal like that."
Former Minnesota Wild player Brian Rolston scored a power-play goal in the second period from a feed from Kovalchuck and tied the game.
The Flyers lead the series 2-1, and will play the Devils again Tuesday night

Security Tightens in Bangkok Before Protest

2010-04-19T03:34:10Z

The Thai military has placed about 1,500 troops along a Bangkok road where a protest is expected to take place on Monday morning, CNN said. The protesters are demanding that the prime minister dissolve the government, have new elections, and leave the country so that they can form a democracy.
The protesters are group of people called, "Red Shirts," led by Nattawut Saikua, who announced that the group will hold a protest on Tuesday near the road. The group is named after their red clothing. The road which will be the location of the protest is where offices of some of Thailand's largest companies are located. It is considered a financial center.
The troops are "vowing to punish protesters if they march there," reaffirm fears of more violence. Last week 24 people died in clashes with the government, Reuters said

Toyota to pay $16 Million Dollar Fine

2010-04-19T03:25:56Z

Toyota is expected to pay over $16 million dollars in government penalty fees, the Star Tribune said. The fine, which is the largest government penalty ever issued to a car manufacturer, was issued after Toyota waited four months before informing the government of sticking gas pedals. The US Department of Transportation said it was going for the maximum civil penalty of $16.375 million dollars earlier this month, My Sinchew said. The Japanese auto giant declined to report what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called, " dangerous stick pedal defect...despite knowing the potential risk to consumers."
Toyota has recalled over 8 million cars worldwide, for several different defects.

Coon Rapids Marine Found Dead in Barracks

2010-04-19T03:15:28Z

A 20-year-old marine from Coon Rapids was found dead in his barracks Wednesday, Kare11 said. The marines have identified the man as Lance Cpl. Daniel W. Sweeney. He was found in his barracks in North Carolina, where he was assigned as an AV-8B aircraft mechanic, the Star Tribune said. He had been in the marines for 19 months. His death is under investigation.

Couple Dead in Columbia Heights Shooting

2010-04-19T03:07:22Z

A Colombia Heights man shot and killed his wife, and then himself in a parking lot of an Asia Chow Mein Restaurant Saturday morning, WCCO said. The police say that the couple was leaving the restaurant when the man pulled out a gun and shot his wife in broad daylight, and then took his own life. The Star Tribune said that the man shot his wife after he found out that she had plans to leave him. Neighbors said that the two had frequent arguments, but the shooting was a complete shock. Neither of the two have a criminal background.

Pawlenty Late on Census Form

2010-04-12T04:00:11Z

Census forms were due April 1st, but Gov Pawlenty has yet to fill his out, the Pioneer Press said. The Governor has two residences, one in Eagan, and the Governor's mansion in St. Paul, but he says that he will eventually fill out a form for his Eagan residence. Pawlenty joked on his radio show Friday morning that census workers are going to come after him. Fox News said that citizens are required by law to fill out census forms and mail them back. Census workers will visit homes that fail to fill out the required forms.

Mickelson Wins Masters

2010-04-12T02:50:41Z

Phil Mickelson won his third Master's Tournament at Augusta National on Sunday with his wife and children by his side, the New York Times said. Mickelson is the fifth golfer in history to win three green jackets. Mickelson's wife, Amy, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and Mickelson chocked back tears during the presentation ceremony, saying, "we've been through a lot this year." The Star Tribune said that Amy had not been to a gold course since her diagnoses, and had stayed in bed for most of the last week. Tiger Woods came in fifth place.

Washburn Football Player Hopes for Full Recovery

2010-04-07T03:58:53Z

Six weeks ago, Montrell Wade, Washburn Senior High football star was shot in the face. Today, his mother says he hopes to return to the field, Kare 11 said.
Wade was recently moved out of the intensive care unit, after having half his skull removed. Kare 11 said bits of bone and bullet fragments are still lodged in his brain.
Wade was awaken from a medically-induced coma two weeks ago, and has since been able to give one-word answers to questions and make hand gestures. On Wednesday, he will undergo another surgery to replace his skull.
Doctors say he is a "remarkable case of survival," and his family calls him a miracle.
The shooting, said to be accidental, happened on Feb. 20 at Wade's uncle's house, where he and friends were said to have been playing with a gun, when it went off, shooting Wade, Fox 9 News said.
Wade's uncle, Andrew Moore, said he opened his door and the other kids ran. That's when he saw Wade on the floor bleeding.
Police say they are still actively investigating the incident.

Duke Wins NCAA Championship in Thriller

2010-04-07T03:38:15Z

The Duke Blue Devils surprised no one with their win over the Butler Bulldogs in the NCAA Tournament's National Championship Game Monday night, ESPN said. What did surprise people, however, was the unexpected run made by the Bulldogs, and the fight they put up in the championship game.
Duke took the title with a score of 61-59 in what Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski called "a historic game, a benchmark game," Yahoo! News said, but Butler never made it easy, shaving a five-point deficit to just one, and almost won it.
Butler forward Gordon Hayward threw a wild, half-court shot at the buzzer for the win, that hit the backboard, then the rim, and just barely missed the net, securing Duke's victory.
The win marks the end to one of the most surprising and memorable NCAA Tournaments ever. There were huge upsets, close games, and underdogs gaining bids to the tournament that many believed would never get there (like the Gophers).
Butler, with 4,200 students enrolled at the private school, is the smallest school to ever play in the NCAA Tournament Championship Game. This win is Duke's fourth national title.