News Archive - September 22, 2013

Scripps College Honors Ex-Rep. Giffords For Public Service

Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona was honored over the weekend for her service to the public by Scripps College. Her alma mater awarded her the school's highest level of recognition: the Ellen Browning Scripps Medal.

Obama At Navy Yard Memorial: 'Once More, Our Hearts Are Broken'

The president spoke at the memorial for the 12 victims of Monday's shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. While acknowledging the unique grief of the families present, he also called for change to prevent future mass shootings.

Small Syrian Border Town Magnifies Rift Between Rebel Groups

An al-Qaida offshoot has taken Azaz from Western-backed Free Syrian Army fighters, demonstrating the growing power of jihadists. Azaz, an economic gateway between Syria and Turkey, is now cut off.

Crash Stops Cross-Country Charity Bike Ride, Miles From Goal

Cyclist Jacob Landis, who rode more than 10,000 miles to raise money for cochlear implants, will miss out on the final miles of his ride after being hit by a truck Saturday. Landis' goal was to ride to every Major League Baseball stadium; he says he'll still go to the final game on his schedule.

Number Of Virginia Schools Meeting State Standards Down From Last Year

Virginia education officials say new, more rigorous assessment tests drove down the number of schools meeting state standards.

EPA Gives Coal-State Democrats A Chance To Sound Republican

Democrats in coal-producing states will likely use every chance they get to separate themselves from President Obama in voters' minds. The EPA's new power plant rules are just such an opportunity. After all, Obama is about as unpopular in those states as coal is popular.

Metro Lowers Price Of New SmarTrip Cards

New SmarTrip cards are going to cost a little less starting at the beginning of next month.

Funeral Service Held For Former Navy Officer, Following Shootings

Family and friends celebrated the life of a longtime Navy officer who was among the 12 people slain by a gunman at the Washington Navy Yard.

U.S. Helicopter Crashes In Red Sea, With 5 Aboard

A U.S. Navy helicopter has crashed in the Red Sea, carrying a crew of five, the military service says. The status of the crew is not yet known; a search and rescue effort was begun after the crash. "The crash was not due to any sort of hostile activity," the Navy says.

Man Dead After Adams Morgan Bar Fight

A man injured in a brawl at an Adams Morgan nightclub has died of his injuries.

Striking Images, Personal Stories Emerge From Kenyan Mall Attack

Survivors' accounts and photographs provide new detail to the chaos that erupted Saturday. Attackers used grenades and guns to begin a standoff in a Nairobi mall that lasted into Sunday.

Suicide Attack Strikes Church In Pakistan; Dozens Dead

Two suicide bombers struck after a service at the All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, Sunday, killing more than 70 people and wounding more than 120, multiple reports say. The victims are believed to include children.

China's Bo Xilai Is Given Life Sentence For Bribery, Other Crimes

A Chinese court has sentenced Bo Xilai, the former Politburo member who was snared on graft charges, to life in prison. The sentence for offenses that include bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power completes a shocking fall for Bo, who had been a rising star in China's political system.

Nairobi Mall Attack: Civilians Remain Hostages; Dozens Dead

A standoff that began with a shocking attack at a Kenyan mall Saturday is in its second day, with civilians held hostage by gunmen in the upscale shopping center. The authorities say they have isolated the attackers. Red Cross officials report 68 deaths and at least 200 wounded.

The Promises And Pitfalls Of Social Media — For Police

More and more, cops are using social media as a tool to investigate crimes and reach out to their communities. And it's not just a fad of funny tweets or YouTube surveillance videos — some are saying it's becoming a necessary tool for policing.