Escape by Suicide:Despite a previous attempt, accused sex trafficker and molester of underage girls Jeffrey Epstein was not under suicide watch when he hanged himself in New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center. Epstein had been under observation and underwent daily psychological evaluations …

Scotland: First Minister Alex Salmon is stepping down after losing the independence vote and also resigning as leader of the Scottish National Party. Salmon dedicated his political life to Scottish independence and leaves in disappointment. He said, “For me as …

Middle East: At least six members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas were killed in Israeli air strikes in Gaza. Israel said the strikes were in retaliation for rocket attacks. The region is simmering after the killing of three Israeli …

Ukraine: Russian troops flown in by helicopter seized a natural gas terminal and a village just over the Crimean border inside Ukraine yesterday. There were no reports of shots fired.  Russian-occupied Crimea is voting today on whether to secede from …

Nation: The roadblock is usually in the House, but there’s some doubt this week whether the federal budget compromise will pass the Senate. Some Republican senators are miffed that they were not included in the negotiations between House Republican Paul …

Philippines: An international relief effort is having trouble getting to storm devastated areas of the Philippines. Thousands of people are dead and food and water scarce. The city of Tacloban is essentially leveled.   The Philippine Daily Inquirer quotes a schoolteacher …

Syria: The US military is ready to strike Syria at a moment’s notice, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said yesterday. Air strikes would probably come from ship-based cruise missiles because Syria’s strong air defense could knock down bombers. Softening the political …

 Syria: The UN weapons inspection team came under fire this morning on its way to collect evidence in last week’s suspected gas attack. No one was injured but one of the their vehicles was disabled. The inspectors went on to …