Moose Jaw MP to introduce new DNA bill
Moose Jaw M-P Ray Boughen is expected to propose a new bill in the House of Commons this week. It would allow for the creation of a national database of DNA from missing persons – to help identify human remains. Melanie Alix has been a supporter of the creation of such a database. Her son, Dylan Koshman vanished in 2008. Alix says police took DNA samples from both her and her husband, but that they weren’t accessible to law enforcement agencies in other provinces.
Soldier facing child pornography charges to appear in court
An Alberta soldier will be back in court facing an array of child pornography charges stemming from an incident in Saskatchewan. Police in Swift Current alerted Cold Lake RCMP after they were alerted to images believed to have been sent by a Cold Lake man. His name is not being released to protect the identity of the alleged victim, who is believed to be a family member. He is facing several charges including sexual assault and distribution of child pornography.
Gabrielle Giffords to resign from US congress
More than a year after the shooting that nearly took her life, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has announced she will resign this week from the House of Representatives. The news, posted on her Facebook page says she is stepping down to concentrate on her recovery. In that statement Giffords says:
“I don’t remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice.” She says, “I’m getting better. Every day my spirit is high. I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country.”
Giffords was shot in the head last January outside a supermarket in Tucson, Arizona. Six people were killed that day, 13 others, including the Congresswoman were injured. A special election will be held to fill out the remainder of her term.
Europe’s economy under the microscope – still
A decade after the Euro was instated as a common currency for many countries in Europe, it is in crisis. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is set to delivers speech on 10 years of euro currency Monday. Also this week Germany’s Ifo Institute will release a monthly index of business confidence it the country. It’s a closely watched indicator for Europe’s biggest economy and could mean more now that France has had its credit rating downgraded. The Czech government will vote on a loan to the International Monetary Fund as part of the EU efforts to get a grip on its expanding debt crisis.
Academy Award Nominees to be announced
Movie lovers will learn who is up for Hollywood’s most coveted awards at the end of February. The Oscar nominees will be announced in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The silent film “the Artist” was a big hit at the Golden Globe and is also expected to be nominated for several Academy Awards. The 84th Oscars will be handed out February 26. Billy Crystal will host the show.
Comments