News Briefs

"Golden Girls" Actress dies Peaceful in HomeA family spokesperson for Beatrice (Bea) Arthur announced April 25 the star of the classic television shows "Maude" and "The Golden Girls," passed away at her home. Arthur was best known for her deep-voiced, feministic portrayal on "Maude" in the 70's and as the loveable, demanding daughter, Dorthy, on "The Golden Girls." Arthur appearances on the modern program "Curb your Enthusiasm" and on the 70's hit show, "All in the Family," where she would irritate the classic television icon, Archie Bunker, with her liberal views. She was also the recipient of a Tony Award for the musical production, "Mame."  Arthur is survived by her sons and two granddaughters. She was 86 years old.
 

New Flu Virus May Cause Possible Epidemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland announced April 25 that a new strain of the 1976 feared "swine flu" has erupted in the heart of Mexico and is spreading rapidly. The strain has killed nearly one-hundred people in Mexico since this past weekend, according to both Reuters and CNN. The WHO has issued a Global Health Emergency and has hinted at signs of a global pandemic. As of April 27, over forty cases have been reported in the United States, however no deaths have been noted.  The WHO called the outbreak a  "public health event of international concern." As of now, there are no travel restrictions or border closures. However, many countries are taking severe caution with travelers and have pledged to quarantine anyone showing signs of the virus.


Shooting at Hampton University Campus

Officials at Hampton University in Hampton say that an 18-year-old Richmond man shot two older gentlemen and then himself this past Saturday at Hampton University. The shooting sent all three men to the hospital. According to Fox News, no campus students were injured. Spokeswoman Yuri Milligan said that the police believe the suspect is a former student and one of his victims is a night manager of Harkens Hall on campus. The motive for the 1 am shooting is unknown. Campus residents, staff and faculty were all notified about the incident via e-mail and text alerts. Hampton University is a private school with 5,700 students. The shooting is still under investigation.


South Carolina Wildfire is Biggest in Nearly 30 Years

Residents of North Myrtle Beach, in Horry County S.C., are living through the worst wildfire many of them have ever witnessed. The fire, which began from a runaway yard debris fire, has scorched nearly 35 square miles in the heavily populated area just in time for the spring tourist season. Yahoo News reports there are no injuries thus far in the battle to save the area from a total inferno. Route 17, a crucial nerve in Myrtle Beach's transportation grid was nearly shut down as fire approached "restaurant row" and the countless hotels along the waterfront view. As of April 26, the fires were 86 percent contained.


Religious Video Game Outrages Islamic Group

A new online video game, entitled "Faith Fighter," now gives players an opportunity to play as Jesus, Buddha, the Prophet Muhammad, and a number of other Hindu gods. However, not everyone sees the product's message as fun and games. The Organization of the Islamic Conference is calling for the game to be removed from the Internet. An OIC spokesman said that the "game would serve no other purpose than to incite intolerance." The game's creator, Mollesindustria, said that the game is "misunderstood" and is a "satire of the Danish Muhammad cartoons," which were published in 2005 and created massive violence in India. Islamic law prohibits any physical depiction of the prophet Muhammad.