Powers of Observation

The author of this investigative report about contaminated water in elementary school drinking fountains had to search for and compile data about the lead content in fountains from several elementary schools. They searched for records from the school and for government information to be able to determine whether the lead content in each fountain exceeded the government regulation and to find out the potential effects of different levels of lead.

The reporters used many investigative techniques not dependent on the computer, including methodically observing students, teachers and custodians in the schools themselves and comparing their observations to the records. They also had an expert test the lead content of drinking fountains in several schools rather than assuming the official reports to be correct, allowing them to discover that some school officials had falsified the records.

Source:
KNBC-Los Angeles

Posted by power153 at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A freight train hit another train that had been derailed, causing a pileup of 22 railcars. The cars contained no hazardous materials and there were no injuries, authorities said.

A westbound train headed for Chicago jumped the track around 10 a.m. Sunday, derailing about 11 cars. The second train was eastbound for Cumberland, Md., when it crashed into one or more of the derailed cars. About 11 of its cars also left the tracks. Both trains are owned by the CSX Corporation.

Officials are still trying to determine the cause of the original derailment.

Sources:
Associated Press
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Posted by power153 at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The city of Bloomington may begin requiring demonstration permits in anticipation of the Republican National Convention in September. The suburb has never before had to enact such a requirement, but its many hotels will host delegates and media in the Twin Cities for the convention. The Mall of America may also be a target for protesters.

Bloomington’s city council will vote on the proposed ordinance Monday night. If it passes, the city will require a permit for assemblies on public land involving at least 25 people gathered for a common purpose; for any planned movement of people, animals or vehicles on public streets or walkways that could interfere with traffic or pedestrians; and for certain outdoor gatherings on private property. Public assembly permits would have an $80 base fee.

Sources:
Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Bemidji Pioneer

Posted by power153 at 8:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A cyclone has killed more than 350 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Myanmar. Cyclone Nargis cut electricity to Yangon, the country’s largest city.

The cyclone hit just days before a referendum scheduled for May 10 on a new constitution supported by Myanmar’s military junta. The current government’s response to the disaster, the Associated Press said, could affect the outcome of the vote.

Myanmar has been under military rule since 1962. The current leaders have been in power for two decades. As part of a plan to move toward democracy, the May 10 referendum is to be followed in 2010 by a general election.

Sources:
Associated Press
Al-Jazeera

Posted by power153 at 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Josef Fritzl, a 73-year-old Austrian man accused of imprisoning and abusing his daughter in a cellar, should be treated for mental illness rather than facing a trial, his lawyer said.

Fritzl’s daughter Elisabeth lived for 24 years in the cellar, where she bore her father seven children. Three of the children stayed with her and never before saw the light of day, police said. The crimes were revealed when Elisabeth’s 19-year-old daughter became ill.

Fritzl’s wife, Rosemarie, said she was completely unaware of the situation. Fritzl told her that their daughter had run away from home at the age of 17 and joined a cult. He explained Elisabeth’s children by him as being sent away from the cult. Police say they have no reason to suspect that Rosemarie was complicit in the imprisonment.

Sources:
BBC News
Associated Press

Posted by power153 at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)