New Zealand Earthquake Leaves 65 Dead
A 6.3-magnitude earthquake devastated the New Zealand city of Churchchrist on Tuesday, leaving at least 65 people dead. Prime Minister John Key said this may be New Zealand's darkest day.
Churchchrist, New Zealand's second-largest city, was hit by the earthquake around lunchtime when the city was at its busiest. Damage is expected to be worse than September's earthquake, which had an epicenter further away from the city than Tuesday's disaster.
TV reports have shown scores of collapsed buildings, and some have described the scene as reminiscent of a war zone. The spire of Churchchrist Cathedral, one of the city landmarks, is now laying in the street among tons of other debris.
All power and communication services have been reported down, and streets are flooded after a number of water mains burst. The suburbs of Lyttelton and New Brighton have been labeled "unliveable."
Officials are expecting the death toll to rise as rescue crews search through the debris. The earthquake is New Zealand's worst natural disaster since 1931, when 256 people were killed following an earthquake in the city of Napier.
Hijacked Americans Killed By Somali Pirates
The four Americans that were kidnapped last week have been found dead aboard their yacht. The yacht was sailing off the coast of Oman when it was boarded by Somali pirates.
The yacht S/V Quest was owned by Scott and Jean Adam, who had been sailing in the craft since 2002. The other passengers on board were Phyllis Mackay and Bob Riggle.
The yacht was hijacked on Friday and was being trailed by U.S. military to monitor the situation. U.S. Navy negotiators had been working with the pirates when they heard shots fired on the vessel. U.S. Navy sailors attempted first aid on the hostages but were too late.
Upon boarding, the U.S. Navy killed two of the pirates and captured another 13. The pirates' stories differ from those of the U.S. Military. The pirates claim that the yacht was fired upon first and hostages were killed in retaliation.
Maritime piracy has been an increasing problem in recent years. Somalia has not had a functioning central government since 1991, leaving the coasts free for pirates to patrol and take in yacht and cargo passengers for ransom.
New Sabres Owner Introduced
Terry Pegula was announced as the new owner of the Buffalo Sabres at a news conference on Tuesday. Pegula has taken the position after the departure of B. Thomas Golisano. He will be the fourth owner in Sabres franchise history.
At the conference, the team introduced Ted Black as the new president and alternative governor. Black has worked for the cable sports network FSN Pittsburgh and also served as vice president of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1998 to 2008. The Sabres also announced Ken Sawyer as their senior advisor.
Pegula, 59, has been a Sabres fan since the 1970s and was a season-ticket holder from 1980 to 1998. He has also spent time living in Olean and Orchard Park.
Pegula, a Pennsylvania native, has been involved with sports in the past. Last year he donated $88 million to his alma mater, Penn State University, to help establish a Division I hockey team.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
