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via:metronetworks.com

Radioactivity Released “Directly” Into Atmosphere At Japanese Plant

(Vienna) — More trouble in northeastern Japan today as a spent fuel storage pond caught fire at a nuclear power plant knocked offline by last week’s massive earthquake and tsunami. Japanese officials gave word of the fire early today to the UN nuclear watchdog agency, saying it appeared to have been sparked by a hydrogen explosion. While the fire is now out, officials have also confirmed a release of radioactivity “directly” into the atmosphere from the six-reactor Fukushima [[ Foo-koo-SHEE-mah ]] power plant. The French embassy warned low-level radioactive wind could reach Tokyo within hours.

Officials Say Japan’s Nuclear Crisis Poses No Risk To U.S.

(Undated) — As Japan works to prevent a nuclear meltdown following Friday’s devastating earthquake and tsunami, health officials in the U.S. say the catastrophe is not likely to affect West coast residents. Officials in California, Oregon and Washington spoke out yesterday saying there’s little-to-no risk of radioactive material endangering West Coast residents. Still, many regional residents have flocked to pharmacies to buy potassium iodide tablets. Experts say that’s not necessary.

Investigation Continuing In Death Of Space Shuttle Worker(Cape Canaveral, FL)  –  The federal investigation is getting underway into yesterday’s death of a space shuttle worker at the Kennedy Space Center.  United Space Alliance confirms that 53-year-old James Vanover fell to his death while working on Space Shuttle Endeavour.  Vanover worked at the Cape for 28 years.  He was working as a swing bridge engineer when he was killed.  All work on Endeavour was suspended Monday due to his death.  The space shuttle launch is still tentatively set for April 19th.