All Entries in the "Across the Wire" Category
Hurricane Watch Posted for Most of NC Coast
U.S. weather forecasters say a hurricane watch has been posted for most of the North Carolina coast to the state’s border with Virginia due to the approach of Hurricane Earl.
The hurricane center warns that if current forecasts are accurate, Earl could trigger dangerous waves and surf in the U.S., wrecking plans [...]
Obama: ‘American Combat Mission in Iraq Has Ended’
U.S. President Barack Obama has announced the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, saying it is time to move forward now that the Iraqi people have the lead responsibility for their security.
In an address to the nation Tuesday, the president paid tribute to the men and women in the armed [...]
Hurricane Earl Intensifies, Could Threaten U.S.
Hurricane Earl has become a powerful (Category Four) storm as it moves away from the Virgin Islands on a path forecasters say could threaten the eastern United States later this week.
The National Hurricane Center in Miami said late Monday that the storm has wind speeds of 215 kilometers per hour. It [...]
Tuesday Marks Formal End of US Combat Mission in Iraq
The United States on Tuesday, August 31 at a formal ceremony in Baghdad will end its combat mission in Iraq and complete the U.S. military’s transition to an advisory and training role in support of Iraqi forces. That effort is to continue until the end of next year, but there are [...]
Mosque Plan Ignites Debate About Religious Freedom, Commemoration of 9/11
(VOA NEWS)—The plan to build an Islamic cultural center containing a mosque two blocks from the site of the September 11, 2001 attacks has triggered a fierce nationwide controversy. The debate says as much about freedom of religion in the United States as the failure to adequately memorialize the site of [...]
Obama Supports Building Mosque Near Scene Of 9/11 Attack
U.S. President Barack Obama says he supports a plan to build a mosque and Islamic cultural center in New York, near the scene of the deadly September 11, 2001 attacks. It was the first time the president has expressed his opinion about the intense controversy.
President Obama spoke Friday night at a White [...]
Obama Signs $600 Million Border Security Bill
U.S. President Barack Obama has signed a $600 million border security bill into law. The law will send more law enforcement agents and equipment to the U.S./Mexico border.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the large infusion of resources at the border will help make the United States more secure.
“The legislation adds [...]
Atlanta Motor Speedway Loses Spring Race
Atlanta Motor Speedway officials on Thursday announced that the facility’s 2011 event schedule will include only one NASCAR racing weekend — Sept. 2-4.
One of the sport’s original superspeedways, the track has played host to two event weekends for 50 years, including the upcoming Emory Healthcare 500 slated for Sept. 5.
AMS president Ed Clark stated, “It’s [...]
U.S. Judge Overturns California Gay Marriage Ban
A U.S. federal judge has struck down California’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Judge Vaughn Walker’s long-awaited decision Wednesday comes nearly two years after voters in the state approved a controversial measure known as Proposition 8, which defines marriage as the union between a man and a woman.
California voters narrowly approved Proposition 8 [...]
BP Claims ‘Static Kill’ Successful
BP says the “static kill” of its ruptured Gulf of Mexico oil well has worked, a big step towards sealing it.
In the procedure, special drilling fluid known as mud is pumped in the well, forcing the oil back down. BP said well pressure was being controlled by the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling mud, which [...]
Obama Reaffirms Iraq Exit Plan
President Barack Obama says the United States is on track to end its combat mission in Iraq by the end of this month, transitioning from a military to a civilian-led effort. In a speech to the Disabled Veterans of America in Atlanta, Georgia, the president praised the sacrifices of American forces in [...]
Arizonans React To Court Ruling As Limited Immigration Law Takes Effect
Residents of the Western U.S. state of Arizona reacted Thursday to a federal judge’s ruling that blocked key parts of a controversial state immigration law.
Judge Bolton temporarily blocked some of the broad powers that the law would have given local police in immigration enforcement, which under the US constitution is a [...]
Plane Crash in Pakistan Kills All 152 On Board
A passenger plane belonging to the private Airblue service was flying from the southern port city of Karachi when it crashed into the hills near the Pakistani capital while trying to land in rainy and cloudy conditions, killing all 152 passengers and crew on board.
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the [...]
US, South Korea Begin Large War Games Off Korean Coast
A large 4-day exercise involving U.S and South Korea forces is under way in the Sea of Japan.
It comes in response to the sinking of a South Korean warship, the Cheonan, four months ago. An international investigation blamed a North Korean torpedo attack for the incident.
The war games off the east coast of the Korean [...]
Obama: Financial Reform Law Key To Economic Recovery
U.S. President Barack Obama says the financial reform bill he signed into law earlier this week is a “key pillar” in his economic plan to bring the country out of recession.
In his weekly address Saturday, Mr. Obama said the new rules require more accountability from Wall Street to Washington.
He said the law, [...]
