Prison Riot in Brazil Leaves 18 Dead
Rival gangs at the Pedrinhas prison initiated a vicious riot in which at least 18 inmates have been reported dead.
The rebellion started after inmates forcefully took one of the guards' guns. This guard and five others were then taken hostage. One guard has been released from the hospital and the others were unharmed.
Security forces were eventually able to retake control from the inmates. Violent riots like these happen frequently in Brazil, a country with an overcrowded prison system. At one point in the Pedrinhas riot, victims were reportedly decapitated and thrown out by cellmates.
Inmates were adamant about receiving better living conditions. The Pedrinhas prison was built to house 2,000 inmates and is currently holding 4,000.
Pedrinhas prison is located in Sao Luis, the capital of the Brazilian state of Maranhao.
Homeland Security Announces New Bans
A United States air cargo ban has been extended to include Somalia and Yemen. The change comes after last month's failed bomb plot.
Director of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano met with officials in Yemen to discuss enhancing security. This signals that the ban could be lifted at some point in the future.
Somalia was included, as it has become a haven for al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic militants.
Ink and toner cartridges on passenger flights are also being handled differently. After bombs were found hidden in cartridges, the U.S. will no longer allow any printer cartridge over 16 ounces on a passenger flight.
High-risk cargo will also be receiving additional screening, and parcels must be certified to have come from a verified shipper.
Buffalo to get first look at Palin's TV show
Sunday night is the premiere of Sarah Palin's new television series on TLC, but Buffalo residents won't have to wait any longer.
The series "Sarah Palin's Alaska" will be shown Wednesday at the Regal Theaters Walden Galleria. The screening, courtesy of TLC, will begin at 7 p.m.
Buffalo is one of only eight markets in the U.S. that will be presented with this sneak peak.
The show is to focus on Palin, her family, and their life in Alaska. There has already been controversy about the television series influencing any presidential prospects that Palin has.
Tickets for the event must be reserved online, as walk-up guests without tickets will not be admitted.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
