Wikinews Shorts: March 21, 2012
A compilation of brief news reports for Wednesday, March 21, 2012.
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Iraq bombings cause security concerns for Arab summit
A series of car bombings in Iraq left around 50 dead and more than 200 wounded on Tuesday. Seven of Iraq's 18 provinces were attacked. The attacks were described as coordinated although no group behind them has been identified.
The bombings raise safety concerns ahead of next week's Arab League summit meeting. In response, Iraqi officials will declare a holiday beginning Sunday that will run through April 1 in Baghdad, allowing restriction of traffic around the summit meeting area.
Sources
- Sahar Issa. "Bombings in Iraq kill 50, heighten security concern for planned Arab summit" — The Miami Herald, 20 March 2012
- Mohammed Tawfeeq. "Dozens killed in widespread attacks on Iraq invasion anniversary" — CNN News, 20 March 2012
Mexico damaged by quake
Mexican authorities continue assessing damages from yesterday's earthquake. Around 800 homes were damaged in the town of Igualapa, Guerrero, and close to the epicenter in the south. The number of injuries totaled eleven so far but no deaths have been reported. Most of the injuries were reported in Oaxaca, which borders Guerrero. Mexico's government has sent out helicopters to assess damage and set up shelters for residents in need.
Yesterday's incident was measured by the U.S. Geological Survey as a 7.4 magnitude quake, which makes it one of the strongest since 1985.
Related news
- "Magnitude 7.4 earthquake strikes Mexico; no fatalities reported" — Wikinews, March 21, 2012
Sources
- "Hundreds of houses collapse after strong earthquake hits Mexico" — CNN, 20 March 2012
- Katherine Corcoran (AP). "7.4 quake shakes south Mexico, 100s of homes damaged" — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 20 March 2012
Apple officials scorch iPad 3 concerns
Consumer Reports revealed through testing that Apple’s iPad 3 can reach a sizzling 116 degrees Fahrenheit, or 46 Celsius. The new iPad was found to operate hotter than the previous versions. Apple Computer did not agree that its product was overheating. The company said the latest iPad runs within a normal range and would warn users if it passed its limit, but the company declined to state what that range was.
Apple’s forums house several consumer concerns about the new iPad overheating. Some debated whether to return the product.
Sources
- Agam Shah. "Apple denies new iPad overheating concerns" — Computerworld, 20 March 2012
- Jeremy A. Kaplan. "New Apple iPad hits 116 degrees, Consumer Reports says" — Fox News, 20 March 2012
Moto2 Wraps up final pre-season test at Jerez
Taltrans Racing rider Claudio Corti made his way to the top of the time sheets with a blazing 1’41.983 on the third and final day of testing at Jerez circuit. The Italian Moto2 rider was just .004 ahead of Thomas Lüthi of Interwetten Paddock GP who was fastest the first two days. All riders except Scott Redding (7th), Randy Krummenacher (21st), Gino Rea (23rd), and Elena Rosell (33rd) ran their fastest times today.
The test at Jerez was the first to feature the official Moto2 engine, and the last chance for an official practice before the first race in Qatar April 5-8.
Sources
- "Corti ends final pre-season Test at Jerez fastest" — MotoGP/FIM, 21 March 2012
- "Jerez II Moto2 test times - Wednesday (Final)" — Crash.net, 21 March 2012
NFL Fines New Orleans Saints for "bounties"
Head coach for the New Orleans Saints American football team Sean Payton has been suspended for the entire 2012 season and the team fined US$500,000 for operating a bounty program to injure opponents in games. Gregg Williams, the former defensive coach who is now with the St. Louis Rams, has been suspended indefinitely, and will have his status reviewed at the season's end.
The team will lose it's second round draft picks for the 2012 and 2013 season. General Manager Mickey Loomis was suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games of the 2012 season, the National Football League (NFL) said. The assistant head coach was also suspended for six games without pay.
The NFL is currently receiving class action law suits from former players for multiple injuries.
Sources
- Michael Martinez. "NFL fines New Orleans Saints for putting 'bounties' on opponents" — CNN, 21 March 2012
- "NFL hammers Saints for bounties" — ESPN, 21 March 2012
