News On The Go: January 23, 2013
1. After a very close race, the parliamentary election in Israel ended in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s favor. His party, the Likud Party, emerged as the largest faction. The results of the election will play a key role in Middle Eastern peace prospects.
2. The Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade was passed 40 years ago as of Tuesday, but opponents of the decision continue to ask the Supreme Court for more limitations. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed one of the toughest series of anti-abortion measures in his first two years in office. Brownback, a Republican, said he would continue his fight against abortion despite President Obama’s comments supporting the right to choose. The president said, “Government should not intrude on our most private family matters, and women should be able to make their own choices about their bodies and their health care.”
3. Beyoncé’s performance of the national anthem at President Obama’s inauguration might have been lip-synced, according to Marine Corps Spokesman Capt. Gregory Wolf. Wolf said he is not certain whether Beyoncé’s vocal performance was live or pre-recorded; however, the Corps issued a statement Tuesday saying the Marine Band was advised not to play live because there was no opportunity for Beyoncé to rehearse with them.
4. A shooting at a Texas community college near Houston left three people wounded Tuesday. Students at the Lone Star College System campus said they first heard gunshots around 12:30 p.m. Harris County Sheriff’s Department said the authorities have a suspect in custody, but no further information has been released.
5. A Zumba instructor in Maine is being accused of using her studio as a front for a prostitution ring. The trial of Mark Strong Sr. started Tuesday. He faces 59 misdemeanor counts, including conspiring with Zumba instructor Alexis Wright. Strong helped Wright open her studio by co-signing he lease and loaning her money. Police said Wright videotaped many of her encounters without her clients’ knowledge and kept records suggesting the sex acts generated at least $150,000 over 18 months. Both Strong and Wright have pleaded not guilty.
6. The United Nations Security Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning North Korea’s rocket launch in December. The council said it plans to impose new sanctions because the rocket launch is considered to be part of a program to develop ballistic missiles. The council has demanded in the past that North Korea abandon all nuclear weapons programs. Even China approved of the resolution, the first time in four years China has agreed to implement sanctions against North Korea.