Moses Lake, WA: Cops Rescue Handcuffed Inmate After Dog Paddle Escape Attempt

“When we got back to shore, he looked me right in the face and said, ‘You just saved my life, thank you.’” ~ Sgt. Ken Jones

India: Another Human Stampede

During a Hindu Festival in Himachal Pradeshat, as organizers were handing out free food and clothes, a crowd control fence collapsed causing panic, sparking a  human stampede and leaving at least 145 people dead, including 40 children.

USA: House Rep Charles B. Rangel Hangs Head in Shame, Quits Chairmanship

Under investigation for tax evasion, New York Representative Charles B. Rangel stepped down Wednesday as chairman of the House’s powerful tax-writing committee.

Uganda: Monstrous Landslide Wipes Away Three Bududa Area Villages

Tarsis Kabwegyere, the minister for relief and disaster preparedness, said they recovered 90 bodies and more than 300 people were still missing and presumed lost.

San Francisco: Protesters Angry at Fare Increases Stage “March Against Muni”

“Union marchers outnumbered the March Against Muni by at least 2 to 1, and by the end of the night — after a largely one-sided public debate on the steps of City Hall — March on Muni’s organizers declared the drivers their friends, and insisted ‘everyone is on the same side here.’” ~ “S F Appeal” (Twitter from the march)

Fierce Storm “Xynthia” Hits France, 51 Killed, Many Homeless, Injured

“It is a national disaster, a human drama with a terrible death toll.” President Nicolas Sarkozy

Monumental Quake Devastates Chile

“It is still not possible to fully quantify the effects of this catastrophe.” ~ President Michelle Bachelet

United States Senator Blocks Aid Bill Extension Vote, Says “Tough Shit!”

Senator Jim Bunning (Republican – Kentucky) continued to block Senate passage of a one-month extension of government benefits, including unemployment benefits, COBRA health care benefits and the Medicare Doctor fix.

North Waziristan: Punjabi Taliban Leader, Five Others Killed by Drone Attack

Qari Zafar, from Karachi, headed the Badar Mansoor organisation whose members are mostly militants from Punjab.

US Announces Plans for New $1billion “Crytal Cube” Embassy in London

“We will replace our current embassy, which has become over-crowded, does not meet modern office needs and required security standards, and after 50 years is showing signs of wear and tear.” ~ Louis Susman