Cheat Sheet - Are Gun Accidents Really ‘Very Rare’?

Today: Police: Pistorius's Story Adds Up , Body Found In Kansas City Rubble , Jesse Jackson Jr. Pleads Guilty February 20, 2013 PREVENTION 1. Are Gun Accidents 'Very Rare'? Twenty years ago, Congress passed a low forbidding the use of federal dollars to study gun safety, so statistics on the topic are rare. But based on what we do know, one thing is clear: fatal gun accidents aren't exactly "rare." The Daily Beast's David Frum runs through the available information—and proposes two common-sense gun-safety measures that wouldn't require Congress to do anything at all. Read it at The Daily Beast BLADE RUNNER 2. Police: Pistorius's Story Adds Up In what may prove to be a major setback for the prosecution, the defense presented police testimony in court Wednesday confirming that there were "no inconsistencies" in Pistorius's story detailing the events that led to his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp's death. The double-amputee Olympian insists that he shot and killed Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder. The defense's powerful testimony comes on the heels of a major win for the prosecution earlier in the day, when they presented proof of steroids in Pistorius's bedroom. Witnesses to the fatal Valentine's Day shooting testified that they heard screams at Pistorius's home before the fatal shooting. The Paralympic champion's appearance in court marks the second day of what is likely to be a lengthy, messy battle. Read it at USA Today Blast 3. Body Found In Kansas City Rubble Search crews found a body in the rubble of the Kansas City, Mo., restaurant that exploded last night. The natural-gas detonation at JJ's injured at least 15 other people, at least four critically, and sent flames shooting above the buildings of the downtown shopping district. "It sounded like thunder, but it felt like an earthquake," said witness Tracy Truitt. Due to the smell of natural gas at the restaurant earlier in the evening, JJ's employees had been canceling reservations—causing the restaurant to be relatively empty when the explosion happened. Read it at Kansas City Star Confession 4. Jesse Jackson Jr. Pleads Guilty Jesse Jackson Jr.'s fall from political grace is now official. The former U.S. representative pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving the misuse of more than $750,000 in campaign cash. Jackson was accused of spending campaign funds on Michael Jackson memorabilia, fur capes, and a $43,350 Rolex watch, among other things. His wife is expected to plead guilty this afternoon for filing false tax returns. Jackson spent 17 years in Congress, but he took a sudden and mysterious leave of absence this summer for what was later described as bipolar disorder. As he left the courtroom, Jackson told a reporter, "Tell everybody back home I'm sorry I let 'em down, OK?" Read it at the Chicago Tribune #LIBERALTIPS2AVOIDRAPE 5. Twitter's Rape-Joke Day A conservative blogger set off a Twitter firestorm on Tuesday with the hashtag #LiberalTips2AvoidRape, leaving political junkies duking it out in 140-character bites. The Daily Beast's Caroline Linton talks to the blogger who started the trend—and looks at the GOP's latest attempt to win over women. Read it at The Daily Beast WHOOPS Reporter Sparked 'Friends of Hamas' Rumor About Hagel's paid speech to imaginary group. EVERYONE GETS ONE Drone Makers Target: U.S. Market for domestic use could be lucrative. WELCOME BACK Robin Roberts Returns to 'GMA' After six-month medical leave battling rare blood disorder. TEAM COCO Conan to Host Correspondents' Dinner Second time headlining D.C.'s "nerd prom." DREAM CASTING Wiig, Rogen to Guest on 'Arrested Development' "SNL" alum may play young Lucille Bluth. GET The Cheat Sheet A speedy, smart summary of news and must-reads from across the Web. You'll love the featured original stories on politics, entertainment, and more from The Daily Beast's diverse group of contributors. GET Culture Beast Weekly cultural recommendations from The Daily Beast. Biden's Best Blunders Fresh off the Vice President's profound self-defense advice—'buy a shotgun'—we take a fond look back at his best gaffes. Keep 'em coming, Joe. More Videos Midlife Crisis? Get Bangs! by Abby Haglage Citizens United, Vol. 2 by Adam Winkler Ali Fights Her Dad's Disease by Lloyd Grove

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