CNN 2009-10-12

Pakistani commando stormed the building at the army’s national headquarters, freeing 39 hostages. Two of the militants 1 who have taken those hostages were killed along with three hostages, two other militants blew themselves up and one was captured. The incident began yesterday when militants attacked that headquarters, four attackers, six guards killed in the initial attack.

 Other story at Arizona where a new age spiritual ceremony turned deadly. Police say two people died after a nearly two hours inside a sweatbox. Several others were packed into the setup, which was like sauna. Best selling author, and self-help guru James Arthur Ray, he led this event, but police say he is not cooperating with their investigation 2.

 At least eight Iraqi police officers have been killed in an attack today in the western part of the country. Iraqi interior officials say two car bombs were set off outside police headquarters in the city of Ramadi, which is west of Baghdad. Authorities say the bombings injured 50 others, including civilians 3 and police.

 In Idaho, a deadly crash involving a bus-load of high school band members, the bus veered 4 off and crashed, injured 15 in Idoho. State police say an adult on board died, Affiliate 5 KIFI reporting that victim was a chaperon. More than a dozen students on the bus were hurt, investigators 6 say the driver had some medical conditions that caused that crash.

 President Obama is reaffirming his commitment to make good on campaign promises to the gay community. He spoke 7 at the human rights campaign dinner in Washington last night, the president praised the gay community for making strides in legal rights and reassured 8 the group that he’ll still be there with them in their fight for equality.

 You will see a nation that’s valuing and cherishing these families as we build a more perfect union, a union in which gay Americans are an important part. I’m committed to these goals and my administration will continue fighting to achieve them. There is no more poignant 9 or painful reminder 10 of how important it is, that we do so. Then the loss experienced by Dennis and Judy Shepard, whose son Matthew was stolen in a terrible act of violence 11 years ago. In May, I met with Judy, who is here tonight with her husband. I met her in the oval office, I promised her that we’re gonna pass an exclusive hate crime's bill, a bill named for her son, this struggle has been long, time and again we faced opposition 11, time and again the measure was defeated or delayed, but the Shepards never gave up, they turned tragedy into a unshakable commitment. Countless 12 activists 13 and organizers never gave up, you helped vigils, you spoke out, year after year, congress after congress, the house passed the bill again this week, and I can announce that after more than a decade, this bill is set to pass, and I will sign it into law.