Recent News

President Obama on Boston Marathon Bombings: “American People Refuse to Be Terrorized”

April 16th, 2013 at 9:26 AM
By Rebecca Pierce

'2013 Boston Marathon' photo (c) 2013, Sonia Su - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

In an 11:30 AM ET press conference on Tuesday, U.S. President Barack Obama spoke harrowing and reassuring words regarding Monday's Boston Marathon bombings.

"Given what we now know about what took place," Obama said in his brief statement, "the FBI is treating it as an act of terrorism. Any time bombs are used to target civilians, it is an act of terror."

Analysts took notice on Monday when the President did not use the word "terror." The Commander in Chief went on to say:

"What we don't yet know, however, is who carried out this attack or why, whether it was planned and executed by a terrorist organization, foreign or domestic, or was it an act of a malevolent individual… But we will find out. We will find whoever harmed our citizens and we will bring them to justice."

This statement of confidence and courage is consistent with the White House's message on Monday. The U.S. President, calling Bostonians that helped victims "proud and heroic" and making it known that Americans will be with them every step, set the tone for Americans and authorities moving forward in the attack investigation.

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Boston Marathon Explosions Kill 2, Injure Over 100, Shock the World

April 15th, 2013 at 3:13 PM
By Rebecca Pierce

Two explosives went off within 30 seconds of each other at the Boston Marathon this afternoon just before 3:00 PM. It has been reported that the authorities are treating the investigations of these bombs and third fire at Boston's JFK Library as if they are related, however it is unknown whether they actually are. According the Associated Press, two additional devices were found but did not go off.

The explosion and an eyewitness account can be seen in the video below. Viewer discretion is advised.

ABC news reports, "Clearly this was well planned… To be able to get by the National Guard, clearly someone knew what they were doing."

Police have confirmed that two people died in the explosions. At least 68 people have been admitted to local hospitals with related injuries, but The Boston Globe reports a much higher injury count of over 100, citing local hospitals. Burns and severed limbs are among the worst of the injuries.

Thousands of people gather each year on Patriot's Day for the Boston Marathon, a tradition dating back to the 1890's. This year, over 26,000 people were running the Marathon according to CNN. Thousands had yet to finish the race when the explosions occurred near the finish line.

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Explosions Rock Boston Marathon; 20-30 Reported Injured, Several Fatally

April 15th, 2013 at 12:41 PM
By Dan Benton

Two explosions, which went off in quick succession, injured upwards of 30 people — some fatally — at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday afternoon.

'Boston Marathon Winner Robert Cheruiyot and Deriba Merga on Heartbreak Hill' photo (c) 2010, Rob Larsen - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Several onlookers reported a horrific scene following the explosions, including grave details about the remains of several bodies. The Boston Police Department has not confirmed nor denied that it was terrorism-related, but in response to event, the New York City Police Commissioner has released counter-terrorism vehicles around the five boroughs, focusing on top landmarks.

"Somebody's leg flew by my head," one witness said. "I gave my belt to help stop the bleeding."

Conflicting witness reports suggest the explosives could have been packed in trash cans around the area, while others hint that it was on the middle floors of a local building.

Bomb squad technicians have been called in to investigate the area, with an emphasis being placed on other trash cans and dumpsters.

Additional reports suggest an "Incendiary device"has possibly been found at the JFK Library in Boston.

3:56 PM Update: 10 patients with amputations or missing limbs are in surgery at Boston General.

3:58 PM Update: Vine shares a video of the explosion itself. Viewer discretion is advised.

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Paralympic Star Oscar Pistorius Charged with Murder

February 14th, 2013 at 6:11 PM
By Rebecca Pierce

'Oscar Pistorius wins the 400m T44 final' photo (c) 2012, David Jones - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Oscar Pistorius's girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp was found by police shot to death at Pistorius's home this morning. Pistorius, a Paralympic Champion from South Africa, was arrested and will be held overnight in waiting of a Friday morning bail hearing. 

The athlete had his legs amputated at the knee as an infant, but has become a hero for South Africa due to his ability to overcome obstacles and race in the Olympics. “He was an icon for South Africa,” said Hennie Kotze, one of the coaches who worked with Pistorius at the London Olympics. “It was the way he handled his disability with such character and discipline. It is a big shock for everyone.” Pistorius, 26, won two gold medals and a silver at last year’s Paralympic Games in London, running on carbon-fiber blades and earning the nickname 'Blade Runner.'

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Beijing Stars Bolster Olympic Legacies in 2012

August 17th, 2012 at 5:16 PM
By Gina Talt

'Usain Bolt' photo (c) 2011, Doha Stadium Plus Qatar - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/In London, we saw the return of several stars from the Beijing Games as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps and the American beach volleyball duo of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh all appeared for an encore performance in 2012. In 2008, the four Olympians captured the attention of the world with their breakout performances and have since become the faces of their respective sports. Bolt smashed two world records in the 100m and 200m, Phelps won a record eight gold medals, and the queens of the sand continued to go unbeaten in Olympic play with their second straight gold medal. 

However a lot can happen in four years, even to these athletes who seemed so untouchable at one point. Whether they faced stiffer competition, injuries, or other setbacks, all four have shown in 2012 that they could be vulnerable, creating questions about whether they could rise to the top once again. While they were not nearly as dominate in London as they were in Beijing, the foursome dispelled any doubts surrounding them and once more prevailed on sports’ biggest stage to further cement their Olympic legacies. Let’s take a look at their respective journeys to greatness:

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