National and Cornell Headlines: Osama bin Laden is Dead, Big Red Bikes Starts and More
May 4, 2011 —National:
Osama bin Laden is Dead: In case you haven’t heard, Osama bin Laden was killed in a raid conducted by US Navy Seals according to a surprise announcement by President Obama Sunday night. Osama was found in Pakistan. The announcement was met with joy by many Americans, who gathered to show their support outside the White House, at Ground Zero, and in Collegetown.
A big question that faced the White House and the CIA was whether to release pictures. Many Americans from officials to family members of those killed in 9/11 want the pictures released for proof. The Taliban has also announced it will not believe he is dead until they see proof or have it confirmed by sources close to Osama. However, the White House says the photos are gruesome and could be seen as inflammatory. In the end, President Obama decided not to release the pictures, which was announced in a CBS interview today.
As a result of bin Laden’s death, the President’s approval ratings have seen a significant boost, although many are still not happy with his handling of the economy.
As an interesting side note, many TV personalities and political commentators have been confusing Obama and Osama because of the one letter difference. For example, MSNBC reporter Norah O'Donnell tweeted "Obama shot and killed" before realizing her mistake and deleting the post. The mix-ups have been going on before Osama’s death and have been made by the late Senator Ted Kennedy and probable presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
Royal Wedding: Before the announcement of Osama’s death the big story was the Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday. People from all over the world tuned in to see her stunning Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress revealed. The wedding also broke tradition because Kate is a commoner. The wedding went smoothly.
Gas Prices: If you’re getting ready for a long car trip home be warned of high gas prices. Although there has been some release after the announcement of Osama’s death, gas prices average $3.96 a gallon nationwide. It is expected $4 will be the norm by the end the week. However, experts feel prices will slowly drop over the next few months.
Cornell:
Big Red Bikes: Getting a bike to ride to class has now become easier. After three years of planning, 20 bikes were available outside Uris Library today. The bikes can be checked out at Uris’s circulation desk. A helmet is provided. The bike must be returned before Uris closes. Before being able to rent a bike, users must register with Sparks Mobility, www.bigredbikes.cornell.edu. This allows user who damage or fail to return bikes to be held accountable. The website also shows how many bikes are available at any given time.
Fall Creek Oil Spill: More oil has been found to have been spilled into Fall Creek. The oil originates from an old oil tank buried in the parking lot of 726 University Ave, the Arts and Sciences Alumni offices. The oil was first reported in the creek in early April. It is believed to be caused by runoff from heavy spring rains. Cornell’s handling of spill due to acquisitions of not reporting it. However, Cornell says it reported the leak at 726 University Ave in March and didn’t need to issue another report when oil was found in the creek.
From Wake Up Cornell 5-4-11
by Jennifer Schlesinger