Steve Green Dead

A former U.S. Army soldier was pronounced dead last Saturday. He was convicted 5 years ago for the rape  and murder of a 14 year old Iraqi girl, and the murder of her family. He killed her mom, dad, and 6 year old sister. The crimes took place in a village about 20 miles south of Baghdad. He was then convicted of his crimes about 3 years after they took place. He died two days after his suicide attempt in his cell. He died from hanging. He was the last of 5 soldiers from the 101st airborne division to be convicted for the crimes and trying to cover them up.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/18/us/soldier-steven-green-suicide/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

Refusing to serve same sex couples

In Kansas house bill 2453 protects religious individuals, groups, and businesses that refuse services to same sex couples. The states house passed it with a vote of 72-49. The house is republican dominated. The bill will then go on to the senate for a vote. Gay marriage is banned in Kansas, but lawmakers think its still necessary to create the bill. The bill protects business owners from being sued for refusing service to same sex couples and for not recognizing their marriages or committed relationships as valid.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/13/us/kansas-bill-same-sex-services/index.html?hpt=us_c2

New Orleans Mayor guilty of bribery

Ray Nagin the ex mayor of New Orleans was thought to be a good man when he led the city through the worst natural disaster of its history. He was convicted wednesday after he was found guilty of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and other favors. The main clients he was accepting the bribes from where businessmen. He was convicted on 20 of the 21 counts against him. Nagin left office in 2010. Nagin received checks, cash, wire transfers, personal services, and free travel. The businessmen were trying to get contracts and favorable treatment from the city. He faces up to 20 years, but his lawyer said he would likely get 14 to 17 years instead. He accepted more than 200,000 dollars in bribes.  
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/12/justice/louisiana-nagin-convicted/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Firefighters and Roller Coasters

Fifteen people were rescued by firefighters on Wednesday from a roller coaster. The roller coaster got stuck at the Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. All the passengers involved were reported to be OK. The Tampa Fire Rescue posted a picture of the rescue effort on twitter. The passengers were on the Cheetah Hunt roller coaster, the longest coaster in the park. It has a total length of about 4,400 feet. The riders were stuck on the coaster for more than a little over three hours in the rain. The cause for the ride malfunctioning wasn't immediately clear.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/12/us/florida-roller-coaster/index.html?hpt=us_c2