Beyond The Hedges

10/28/10 7:00pm

National

Attempted Terrorism in D.C.

Pakistan-born American citizen Farooque Ahmed was arrested on Wednesday for trying to help supposed militants plan the bombings of multiple subway stations in the Washington D.C. area. Ahmed conducted research and attempted to provide material aid to individuals whom he thought were terrorists. It was later revealed that the "terrorists" were actually F.B.I. agents involved in an undercover operation. If he is convicted he could face up to 50 years in prison.

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Source: The New York TimesFirst spaceport and runway opens in New Mexico

Last Friday, the world's first spaceport and runway opened in New Mexico. The endeavor was primarily funded by Sir Richard Branson, a British billionaire aiming to commercialize space travel with his company Virgin Galactic. During the ceremony, Virgin Galactic's VSS Enterprise aircraft did a flyby carrying SpaceShip Two, the vehicle that will take paying tourists to space on three-hour flights at the cost of $200,000 each. According to Branson, more than 300 people have already reserved their seats, and the first flight could happen in nine to 18 months.

Source: BBC

International

Indonesian tsunami and volcanic eruption

On Monday night, Indonesia's Mentawai Islands were struck by a 10-foot tsunami, a result of a powerful earthquake in the region. At least 113 people were killed by the tsunami. Relief and rescue attempts have been delayed by foul weather and powerful waves. Mount Merapi had been spewing hot ash since the Tuesday, the day after the Mentawai Islands were hit with the tsunami. Multiple eruptions from Merapi killed 25 people and wounded another 15.

Sources: NY Times and San Fernando Valley Sun

GlaxoSmithKline to Pay $750 million

British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline will pay $750 million to settle civil and criminal charges against the distribution of defective products like tainted baby ointment. In total, it has sold 20 types of drugs that were made in a contaminated Puerto Rican plant. The company's former quality manager, Cheryl D. Eckard, revealed these illegal processes after being fired when she expressed initial concerns. Federal prosecutors said that an investigation is still underway regarding individual guilt and suggested that, in addition to hefty fines, more serious consequences will result for all parties involved.

Source: The New York Times

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