North Korean Rocket Launch Successful

North Korea successfully launched their rocket, on Wednesday.

They had recently announced that it might be delayed by a technical glitch and the weather, so the sudden launch caught most of the world by surprise.

Many experts had also been figuring it would take place on the 17th, as that is the anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death.

Most of the world was quick to condemn the launch, which had been warned against.

North Korea has repeatedly said the rocket launch's purpose was to put an Earth observation satellite into orbit, but the world doubted that.

The international community generally thinks it was a test of a long range missile, working towards greater weapons capabilities.

Oregon Mall Shooting Leaves 3 Dead

A shooting at an Oregon mall left three dead and one in critical condition, on Tuesday afternoon.

The shooter walked into the Clackamas Town Center, in Portland, with a rifle.

He proceeded to the food court, said "I am the shooter", and opened fire, then with his last bullet, shot and killed himself.

His clip of bullets left two dead and a teenage girl critically wounded.

Fifteen year old Kristina Shevchenko has since been upgraded to serious condition and is expected to make a full recovery.

When police arrived they searched the entire mall, to ensure that there were no other shooters.

Wednesday morning, police identified the shooter as twenty-two year old Jacob Taylor Roberts, who stole the gun from a friend.

Investigators are trying to find a motive in the shooting, but it appears totally random.

Preview: Man of Steel

For the first time in my life, I'm excited for a Superman film.

That's how good the trailer for Man of Steel is.

Of course that's being made by Christopher Nolan doesn't hurt it at all.

From the trailer we can see that Clark/Superman is figuring out just who he will be, and this movie will shape him.

"You just have to decide what kind of man you want to be when you grow up, Clark. Whoever that man is, is going to change the world."

We are also clearly looking at the beginning of a series, not a single movie.

Henry Cavill plays Clark Kent and Superman, in this latest remake.

With Russel Crowe playing Jor-El and Kevin Costner playing Jonathan Kent, this Superman has quite the father's to live up to.

Diane Lane portrays Martha Kent and Amy Adams will be playing Lois Lane, while Michael Shannon has the part of the antagonist General Zod.

Man of Steel hits theaters June 14, 2013.

Massive Gas Explosion in West Virginia

A massive gas explosion occurred in Sissonville, West Virginia, around 12:40 EST.

Four houses were destroyed in the explosion and it's resulting fire, and five others were damaged.

Amazingly there were no deaths or serious injuries, only a couple needed treatment due to smoke inhalation.
Firefighters were able to put out the fire around 14:00.

Interstate 77 is shut down, for about a mile, in both directions, as the fire was actually running across the freeway.

In the aftermath it's clear that the freeway itself was damaged by the flames and heat.

Officials are investigating the cause of the explosion.

Aldersgate Methodist Church, in Sissonville, is set to work as a shelter, over night, for those who lost their homes.

Second Preview: The Lone Ranger

The second preview for The Lone Ranger has come out, and it tells us a lot more.

Tonto, tells us that the Lone Ranger is a spirit walker, and can not be killed.

Well at least that's what Silver, yes the horse, told Tonto.

Silver also seems to climb trees, as Tonto says, "There's something very wrong with that horse."

After settling their differences, Tonto and the Lone Ranger agree to "ride for justice", something they both clearly seek.

When the Lone Ranger balks at wearing a mask, but Tonto tells him, "There comes a time when good man must wear mask."

It's rather obvious, from the trailer, that we can expect a lot of action, with a bit of humor from the movie.

The Lone Ranger is set to hit theaters July 3, 2013.

Denver Hazmat on Scene of Toxic Substance

Denver Hazmat has responded to an apartment on the 1500 block of Pearl St.

Emergency workers blocked off the area earlier Tuesday morning, causing Pearl and Colfax to be closed.

Police originally responded to the call of a toxic substance.

Two police officers have been taken to Denver Health Medical Center and are being treated for possible exposure to mercury sulfate.

UK and Others Consider Aiding Syrian Rebels as Canada Announces Contingency Plans

An international coalition has begun discussing training and arming the Syrian rebels.

France, Jordan, Qatar, Turkey, the UAE, and the UK held the meeting, in London.

Also discussed was aiding the rebels by adding foreign naval and air power to protect them.

One thing they agreed upon, was that there would be no foreign troops put on the ground, something the US, Russia, and China have been adamant about.

The powers seek a quicker end to the nearly twenty-two month long conflict, which has killed at least fifty thousand people.

Canada announced a contingency plan in case the Syrian civil war does begin to involve chemical weapons.

While Canada says it will never send ground troops or airplanes, they are prepared to help in other ways.

They are now set to send disaster response teams, who could do simple things such as provide clean water, as well as specialized teams who've trained for biological, chemical, and radioactive attacks.

Political Clashes Leave Two Dead in Guinea

Clashes between rival political factions in Guinea left two dead.

Dozens more were injured in the city of Gueckedou, as government supporters and opponents went into open fighting.

For the last few days there had been protests against the city's military governor, who is accused of abusing his power.

Gueckedou is also the home to one of the nation's top political opposition leaders.

Guinea's government is trying to organize elections, but the opposition says that the electoral body is biased, and fears that any election would be rigged.

Hickenlooper Signs Declaration Making Marijuana Legal

Monday afternoon, Governor John Hickenlooper signed a declaration that made marijuana legal, in Colorado.

Hickenlooper, who had opposed the bill, had until January 5 to sign the declaration, but waited until Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler certified that the amendment had indeed passed.

Marijuana is not completely legal in the state, there are still many restrictions upon it.

Possession of up to an ounce or ownership of up to six plants is now permissible.

Smoking it in public remains illegal, as does selling it for non medial purposes.

As marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, any possession on federal land, such as parks, military bases, courthouses, etc., is still punishable with jail time.

Governor Hickenlooper also setup a twenty-four member task force made up of a wide variety of backgrounds, from all sides of the issue.

The task force will have the job of deciding various issues such as how to tax marijuana's usage, setting up a regulatory framework for the distribution of the product, and other legal discussions facing hemp.

RNC’s New Initiative to Grow the Party and Win Elections

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman, Reince Priebus, has launched an initiative focused on enlarging the Republican Party and improving future GOP campaigns.

Known as the Growth and Opportunity Project, it will be chaired by five Republican leaders who will begin by reviewing past practices and making recommendations. The recommendations will involve the following key areas:

1) Campaign mechanics and ground game
2) Messaging
3) Fundraising
4) Demographic partners and allies
5) Third party groups
6) Campaign finance issues
7) Presidential primaries
8) Lessons learned from Democratic campaign tactics

Additionally, the coalition will extend its network out to hundreds of individuals, including RNC Members, grassroots activists, donors, elected officials, community leaders and other influential partners. The goal of this outreach is to gain insight designed to help the GOP develop a solid future path.

The Growth and Opportunity Project is co-chaired by five prominent Republican leaders:

• Henry Barbour, National Committeeman from Mississippi

• Zori Fonalledas, National Committeewoman from Puerto Rico

• Glenn McCall, National Committeeman from South Carolina

• Sally Bradshaw, Veteran senior strategist in Florida and national politics

• Ari Fleischer, Former White House Press Secretary

This panel will report their findings to Chairman Priebus along with recommendations for a long-term Republican strategy. “The Growth and Opportunity Project will recommend a plan to further ensure Republicans are victorious in 2013, 2014, 2016 and beyond,” Chairman Priebus said. “I’ve appointed a talented group of individuals to study eight key areas, and I look forward to working with these outstanding Republicans as they conduct rigorous analysis and engage in important conversations. The work of the Growth and Opportunity Project will be critical as we move forward as a Party and take our message to every American.”

Viewed as a great opportunity for the GOP to strengthen its cause for the coming years, the committee is optimistic that its goals will be realized.