This is Saturday's edition of -- The Pulse.
Number five -- An advisory panel is asking the FDA to put tighter restrictions on hydrocodone. It is an ingredient found in many prescription painkiller drugs, such as vicodin, and if the FDA approves the recommendation it would label hydrocodone as a drug with high abuse potential. Drugs like oxycodone and morphine are already classified under this label.
Number four -- Norovirus is on the rise. In layman's terms it is a stomach bug, but it packs a punch. Hand sanitizers cannot kill the virus, so washing your hands and wiping down surfaces with a bleach-based solution is your best bet. There is not a vaccination right now for the norovirus and there is no way to treat it, so prevention is the only way to keep from getting sick.
Number three -- A controversial anti-gay bill put to a vote in Russia. The proposed law would ban "homosexual propaganda" among minors and make all public events or dissemination of information about the gay community punishable by fines of up to $16,000. The results were 388 votes in support of the law, one vote against, with one abstaining. After two more readings, the bill will have to be signed by President Vladimir Putin.
Number two -- A violent riot in a Venezuelan prison reportedly leaves more than 50 dead. Officials said they are evacuating Uribana Prison and taking inmates to other facilities. The penitentiary service minister said armed inmates attacked national guard soldiers, who were inspecting the prison. Uribana houses about 1,400 prisoners, but was built to hold only 850.
Number one -- The online hacking group Anonymous, hijacked the website of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and replaced it with a threatening note, YouTube video and a list of files named after U.S. Supreme Court justices. The hackers said they have infiltrated several government computer systems and copied secret information and are threatening to release the data. The groups claims their actions are in retaliation for the death of internet activist Aaron Swartz, who committed suicide on January 11th. Family and friends said his death came after he was"hounded by federal prosecutors." The FBI said it is aware of the situation and is investigating.
