Renewed call for assault-weapons ban: Still reeling from the murder of a police officer with a Chinese-made SKS rifle, local officials are pushing on Congress to reinstate the federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2004. While this particular weapon would not fall under the federal ban, Gov. Rendell, Mayor Nutter and Police Commissioner Ramsey all believe its use in the recent murder illustrates a need for stronger regulations. [Inquirer]

Preaching to the choir: Vice President Dick Cheney checked in on a government check-printing plant in Northeast Philadelphia yesterday to ballyhoo the refund headed for many taxpayers’ bank accounts. The gist of his speech? These checks you’re printing will help you pay for the gas it takes for you to get to work to print these checks — it’s like the circle of life. [6 ABC]

Saving face: Social networking site Facebook has signed a deal with Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware law enforcement officials that will make their corner of the web safer and more appropriate for child and teenage users. The site will block and report any mention of pornography, incest, pedophilia and other crimes that people have, disturbingly enough, created fan groups about. [KYW]

Sent to the principal’s office: The vice principal at Gateway Regional Middle School in Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, was caught stealing prescription meds from the school nurse. He has not yet been formally charged, but has been placed on administrative leave without pay. He’s also going to need a new pharmacy to provide him with drugs to alleviate his rambunctiousness. [Inquirer]

This entry was posted on Friday, May 9th, 2008 at 12:03 pm and is filed under 12:30 Report. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted by Stephanie Twining on 5/9/08 in 12:30 Report