10 October 2011

1 Woman Dead, 1 Critical After Car Falls in Creek

One elderly woman is dead and another in the hospital after their car fell into Pennypack Creek in Northeast Philadelphia.

It happened Monday afternoon near Algon Avenue and Krewstown Road.

Police say the woman was traveling south on Krewstown Road when she plowed through a fence and down the embankment.

The car fell 50 feet before crashing into the water.

One woman in her 70s died during the crash. Crews were able to rescue another woman in her 70s however. She was taken to Torresdale Hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Former Local Basketball Standout Killed in Romania

Former Local Basketball Standout Killed in Romania

A Connecticut man who was playing professional basketball in Romania was fatally beaten in a bar there and Romanian officials have detained a suspect in the slaying.

Chauncey Hardy, 23, of Middletown, Conn. played for Xavier High School in Manhattan and then went on to play for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

"This is a terrible tragedy and we are saddened as a university and as a basketball program," Sacred Heart  basketball coach Dave Bike said in a statement. "This is not just about a basketball player, but the person as well. It transcends what happens on a basketball court. We feel tremendous sadness and loss for Chauncey's family and those who were close to him."

Hardy's suspected killer, Ionut Adrian Tanasoaia, surrendered to police in Romania early Monday. He is accused of beating up Hardy in a bar in the southern Romanian city of Giurgiu on Saturday night.

Hardy was punched after he playfully put his cap on a woman's head, prosecutors said. They added that the woman's boyfriend objected to the gesture, and Hardy tried to show he didn't understand Romanian. Tanasoaia then allegedly punched Hardy on the chin and he fell to the ground.

Hardy died shortly after undergoing surgery in a Bucharest hospital on Sunday. He had sustained severe head injuries and was in a coma when he was admitted to the hospital.

"We are concerned by the violent circumstances surrounding the death of this U.S. citizen, and will pay close attention as the investigation progresses," the public diplomacy department of the U.S. Embassy said in an email to The Associated Press.

Hardy played for CSS Giurgiu in southern Romania.

Hardy arrived in Romania in August after playing basketball at Sacred Heart from 2006 through 2010 and helping lead the Pioneers to back-to-back appearances in the Northeast Conference Championship game in 2007 and 2008.

Hardy had his best scoring season as a junior, averaging 11.3 points with 101 assists helping lead SHU to the playoffs for the third-straight season. During his senior season, Hardy became the 29th player in school history to reach 1,000 points for his career.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of a fine young man who had his life cut short at such a young age while he was overseas doing something he loved," stated C. Donald Cook, Executive Director of Athletics.

 

Deer Runs Into Sprint Store

Deer Runs Into Sprint Store

A store in Wayne, Pa. had an unwelcomed visitor on Monday.

A deer ran into the Sprint Store in the Gateway Shopping Center on 285 Swedesford Road, according to the store’s manager Jeremy Johnson.

No word yet on whether the animal was captured or if anyone was injured.

Two Chilean Miners to Speak at Smithsonian

Two Chilean Miners to Speak at Smithsonian

Fans and admirers stopped to take pictures and say hello to Chilean miners Luis Urzua and Esteban Rojas outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History on Sunday.

The two are among the 33 miners rescued after a mine collapse in Chile last year.

Urzua and Rojas were at the museum Sunday visiting an exhibit memorializing their two-month underground ordeal. "Against All Odds: Rescue at the Chilean Mine" has mementos on display including a small bible, a pair of dusty boots, a hard hat and even the famous capsule that carried the men out of the mine.

But visitors were even more amazed to see the miners themselves. "We... saw the sign that the capsule was here, so we wanted to make it a point of coming in here to see it, but we didn't expect to see the captain of the mining crew here. I expected to see a glow around him, very cool," said Leslie Cosenitne, who was visiting from North Carolina.

Urzua, known for being the group's leader, is credited for aiding in the miners' rescue by keeping them calm underground. He was the last man to be rescued, and said he was born again the moment he was freed from the mine.

"I think God kept us alive for a reason and this experience is part of humanity, because not only did Chileans see it but the whole world saw it... and everyone wants to know something about our hope and how we thrived," Urzua said in Spanish.

For 17 days, nobody knew whether the miners were dead or alive. The group rationed their food, uncertain when or if help would arrive.

According to a diagram of the San Jose mine on display at the exhibit, the men were more than 2,500 feet underground. That's the same distance as five Washington monuments stacked on top of each other.

The men say they simply did what they had to do to survive. "We followed orders and we respected everyone's opinion so that nobody would feel like they were in desperation," Rojas said. "It was a terrible situation, but we controlled that and that's why we are where we are."

Rojas had three family members in the mine with him, and he's perhaps best-known for proposing to his girlfriend immediately after being freed. The two are now married.

Urzua and Rojas will speak at a workshop on leadership this Tuesday, Oct. 11 (4:30-6 p.m.) at the Museum of Natural History's Baird Auditorium. Registration is required, but open to the public. You can register online here or by calling 202-633-3030.

Another special event Tuesday (7-9 p.m.) will include a premiere of the documentary film "Chilean Mine Rescue" and an appearance from the filmakers and a Smithsonian Channel exec. Tickets are free; you can register here.

Both men said they hope their experience will show the world that in a dark place, it's important to never stop searching for the light at the end of the tunnel -- whether literally or figuratively.

Dr Pepper Ten: 'No Women Allowed'

Dr Pepper Ten: 'No Women Allowed'

Dudes don't drink diet.

That's the idea behind Dr Pepper Ten, a 10-calorie soft drink Plano-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group is rolling out on Monday with a macho ad campaign that proclaims "It's not for women."

The soft drink was developed after the company's research found that men shy away from diet drinks that aren't perceived as "manly" enough.

To appeal to men, Dr Pepper made its Ten drink 180 degrees different than Diet Dr Pepper. Ten has calories and sugar unlike its diet counterpart. Instead of the dainty tan bubbles on the diet can, Ten will be wrapped in gunmetal grey packaging with silver bullets. And while Diet Dr Pepper's marketing is women-friendly, the ad campaign for Ten goes out of its way to eschew women.

 Check out the new ad below:

Fire Spreads Through Egg Harbor Condos

Fire Spreads Through Egg Harbor Condos

Crews are battling a fire in Egg Harbor Township.

The blaze began at the Country Place Condos on 8 Country Cedar Place.

Officials say it spread through the roof of multiple condo units.

No word yet on any injuries or what caused the fire.

 

Obama Visits Wounded at Walter Reed

Obama Visits Wounded at Walter Reed

President Barack Obama spent time with wounded service members at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., Monday afternoon.

Obama has occasionally visited service members wounded in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. He visited the National Naval Medical Center in February and made a trip to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in June, before the center was renamed and moved to its current location.

Monday's visit comes as the U.S. enters its 10th year of war in Afghanistan.

Obama has announced plans to end the U.S. combat mission there by the end of 2014. Steps are also under way to bring all U.S. troops home from Iraq by the end of this year.

Teterboro Near-Misses Blamed on Air Traffic Controller, Pilot Errors

Teterboro Near-Misses Blamed on Air Traffic Controller, Pilot Errors

Errors by air traffic controllers and a jet pilot led to three planes nearly coming into each other's flight paths over Teterboro Airport last fall.

That's the conclusion of a report by the National Transportation Safety Board.

A corporate jet took off from the northern New Jersey airport last Oct. 20, but turned back due to a faulty fuel indicator light.

The report released last week found that air traffic controllers at Teterboro and at a regional control center in New York gave contradictory or incorrect instructions to the jet and two approaching Cessnas that nearly put the planes on a collision course.

The report faulted the jet's pilot for overshooting the runway on its return.

A spokesman for air traffic controllers at Teterboro didn't immediately return a message Monday.

Scientists Question Government's 2001 Anthrax Attacks Conclusion

Scientists Question Government's 2001 Anthrax Attacks Conclusion

Three scientists said they're preparing a research paper questioning the government's conclusion that an Army microbiologist at Fort Detrick in Frederick was the sole perpetrator of the 2001 anthrax attacks.

The paper is scheduled for publication next month in the Journal of Bioterrorism & Biodefense, Louisiana State University epidemiologist Martin Hugh-Jones said.

The article raises questions about the chemical composition of the anthrax that Hugh-Jones said must be answered before the case can be closed.

The head of a National Academy of Science committee that reviewed the FBI's work said the article points out connections that deserve further consideration.

A Justice Department spokesman said his agency stands by its findings that Bruce Ivins made and mailed the anthrax-filled letters that killed five people and sickened 17 others.

Jersey City Merchants Fight Plans to End Bus Service

Jersey City Merchants Fight Plans to End Bus Service

Merchants along a busy main street in Jersey City are fighting plans to end bus service there. 

Bus company Red and Tan Lines announced it will end all bus service on Central Avenue after Nov. 6, citing declining ridership. It said it was unable to no longer make a profit on the run.

"It's a death penalty," Michael Yun of Garden State News said, emphasizing mass transportation as a critical issue for his community. 

For Daniel Aguirra of Lodi, N.J., it means an end to his commute by car to the neighborhood, where he currently parks and then rides the bus to Manhattan.

Aguirra said he frequently picks up food after work, or shops at the Central Avenue stores instead of going to Wal-Mart.

Once the buses stop running, "I have no reason to come here," Aguirra said.

Merchants have put up a banner that stretches across the street urging people to ride the bus.

But they admit their nemesis is the jitney bus.

The private buses are for the most part unregulated, and merchants say they skim off regular bus customers during rush hours and mostly ignore Central Avenue during the business day and at night.

"The real bus will still run the rest of the day," said Gary Solomon, whose family has owned a floor-covering store on Central Avenue for more than a hundred years.

A spokeswoman for Mayor Jerremiah Healy said her boss is writing a letter to NJ Transit, asking the agency to use its own buses on Central Avenue to replace the soon-to-disappear Red and Tan Line buses.

Follow Brian Thompson on Twitter @Brian4NY

Occupy SD Transforms into Tent City

Occupy SD Transforms into Tent City

Occupy San Diego has moved into the Civic Theater outdoor space downtown – and they’re starting to get comfortable.

The movement that began as an angry cry against corporate greed has turned into a gathering of frustrated San Diegans living in small tent city, with 97 dwellings and growing. Occupy SD supporters aren’t necessarily roughing it – they have access to food, entertainment and medical care.

While typical hygienic needs, such as bathrooms or showers, are hard to come by in the immediate area the Occupy SD group has plenty to offer its supporters. Food is being provided by donations from local businesses, while one woman made fresh squeezed orange juice to hand out to campers.

A community medical tent is set up to assist anyone with health issues. The group has basic medical needs, such as band aids or over the counter medicine. Located immediately next door to the people’s clinic is the “comfort tent” which has clean towels, water and snacks.

Supporters seeking arts and entertainment can check out a book at the group’s small library which is comprised of a few books on a movable cart. There’s also a giant Monopoly game for those wishing to enjoy a board game.

The small garden outside one tent may be a testament to how long the group plans on staying. Lettuce, tomatoes and herbs were planted inside plastic containers and old coffee cans in hopes of growing something other than a movement.

For basic needs, organizer Kali Katt said people living in the downtown area have helped with bathrooms and showers. Additionally, a map has been set up to guide tent dwellers to the nearest facility.

Inspiration for supporters came in the form of a tree just outside the main tent area. The colorful branches sparkle as the group’s beacon of hope. Small paper hearts tied with string contain inscriptions of the supporters’ hopes for the movement.  “Jobs that pay a decent salary,” one heart-shaped wish shows. The wishes varied from “Destroy capitalism” to “Forgive student debt” and “I wish to legalize weed.”

While it is unsure whether officials will step in, Katt said the campers plan to occupy the area “indefinitely.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication Plans Coming Together

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication Plans Coming Together

The schedule for Sunday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication is coming together.

President Barack Obama will speak during the 11 a.m. hour, syndicated columnist and TV analyst Roland S. Martin tweeted Monday. Though the dedication begins at 9 a.m., Sunday’s events also will include a pre-program beginning at 8 a.m.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, civil rights leaders and members of King’s family also are expected to participate.

Reserved seating will be available for the dedication party. It will be standing room only with no tickets required for the public.

The dedication, originally scheduled for Aug. 28, the 48th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, was postponed due to Hurricane Irene. Sunday is the 16th anniversary of the Million Man March on the National Mall.

The memorial sits on the National Mall adjacent to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial near the Tidal Basin and between memorials honoring Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. It includes a 30-foot-tall sculpture of King and a 450-foot-long granite wall inscribed with 14 quotations from the civil rights leader chosen by a panel of scholars.

Missing Ashes of Wife Returned to Highland Man

Missing Ashes of Wife Returned to Highland Man

The ashes of a Highland man's deceased wife were returned Monday after they were stolen just a few days before her memorial service.

Arthur Pauly said he arrived home at about 8 p.m. Sunday to discover the urns and ashes were missing. His wife died about two weeks ago, Pauly said.

A neighbor returned the urns and ashes late Monday morning, but deputies continue to investigate and have not made any arrests.

A memorial for Ann Pauly is scheduled for later this weekend.

Electronics, a golf putter, jewelry boxes and other items also were stolen from the residence.

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Gary Native Killed in Afghanistan

Gary Native Killed in Afghanistan

A U.S. solider from Gary, Ind., died Saturday after a firefight in Afghanistan.

Army Ranger Spec. Ricardo Cerros Jr., 24, was killed in Logar Province after insurgents attacked his unit. This was his first Afghanistan deployment, according to Northwest Indiana Times. Cerros was the only casualty of the firefight.

Cerros Jr. lived in Gary as a small child before moving to Salinas, Calif., with his father. His mother still lives in the Brunswick neighborhood of Gary. Many of Cerros' relatives remain in Northwest Indiana.

Cerros joined the army with hopes of becoming a pilot. He was assigned to be a specialist with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment and Joint Base Lewis-McChord Wash.

The family said Cerros Jr. was "happy-go-lucky" and passionate about his military service. The family plans to retrieve his body Monday afternoon in Delaware and hopes to bury him in Gary.

The army released a statement Monday calling Cerros a warrior. "Spc. Ricardo Cerros was an incredible talented and a well-respected member of this battalion," said Lt. Col. David Hodne in the statement. "We will honor his service to our country and never forget his sacrifice."

Cerros Jr. is survived by his parents, Ricardo Cerros Sr. and Marguerite Cuevas, stepmother, Deborah Cerros, and siblings.

 

Water Main Break Diverts Traffic Near SDSU

Water Main Break Diverts Traffic Near SDSU

A water main break in the College area caused the street above it buckle Monday causing thousands of gallons of water to flood Montezuma Rd.

The break happened just after 11 a.m. near the corner of Yerba Santa Dr. and Montezuma Rd.

The break is near the entrance of Alvarado estates, less than a half-mile from San Diego State University.

Traffic is being diverted from the area.

This is the second water main break in just a week. Right now, a large hole sits at the intersections of Campus Point Dr. and Campus Point Ct., just north of Scripps Memorial Hospital. A water main break caused a sinkhole after a break in a rusty 30-inch storm drain pipe under the street.

The main break caused employees at a nearby business park to be sent home Thursday afternoon, since water in the building was shut down.

Construction to repair the hole was slated to start on Monday.

 

Escondido Man Jailed for Felony Hit-and-Run

Escondido Man Jailed for Felony Hit-and-Run

An Escondido man is behind bars after allegedly ramming his Hyundai Sonata into a Ford Aerostar killing his backseat passenger and then fleeing the scene of the accident.

Police arrested Joshua Milton Goldbaum, 27, at his home Saturday morning after connecting him to the fatal accident, the North County Times reports.

The accident happened early Saturday morning near Bear Parkway and San Pasqual Road, California Highway Patrol Officer Jim Bettencourt told the NCT.

Goldbaum's passenger in the Sonata, a 21-year-old Vista woman, died at the scene.

"He left the woman in the back seat, who was deceased and apparently his friend," Bettencourt said. The deceased name was not available.

Another passenger in the Sonata was transported to Palomar Hospital with major injuries, that appeared to be non-life threatening.

Goldbaum is charged with felony hit-and-run, felony driving under the influence, being under the influence of a controlled substance and being a drug addict driving a motor vehicle.

Bettencourt said the last charge is rarely used.

"It's something someone could be charged with if they've had problems with substance abuse in the past," Bettencourt said.

The accident is still under investigation.

Quinn Proclaims it Ideas Week in Illinois

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn likes to sign things.

So it makes sense that he'd like to proclaim things as well.

Monday he proclaimed "Ideas Week" in Illinois at the start of the first ever Chicago Ideas Week, an innovative speaker series event that features thought leaders from various industries. 

“Illinois is proud to be home to some of the brightest minds in science, technology, business and education,” said Governor Quinn, who was joined on stage at the Museum of Contemporary Art by former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Ideas Week organizer Brad Keywell, said. “It only makes sense that the best minds in the world should come together here to develop innovative ideas and technologies that will help create the jobs of today and tomorrow to move our economy forward."

Quinn wasn't the only one to laud the Ideas Week event. Daley introduced the event as a perfect institution for this generation of Chicagoans.

"This generation is a great generation," Daley said. "The things you're going to accomplish are going to be completely different than the last century, because you're going to be much better than the last century. Chicago Ideas Week brings forward all your ideas."

The week-long celebration of ideas will take place at some of Chicago’s most prominent landmarks and will feature more than 150 key figures in business, science, health, technology, journalism, the arts, sports and government. Former President Bill Clinton, Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City and Kasim Reed of Atlanta are among the featured speakers.

“This week provides a world-class platform that is designed to showcase our state as a center of innovation and entrepreneurship," said Keywell, creator of Chicago Ideas Week. ”We are thrilled by the support we've received from both the city of Chicago and Illinois state government leaders for this celebration." 

Quinn's press release after the announcment, made clear the governor is all too happy to help along the Ideas Week idea because it lines up with other initiatives of his.

Last week Governor Quinn launched the Advantage Illinois program to provide Illinois businesses and entrepreneurs with access to the capital they need to start new companies and expand existing business. Advantage Illinois will leverage $78 million in federal funding that will allow businesses to bring innovative ideas and new products to market and accelerate job creation and economic growth in Illinois. Earlier this year, the Governor created the Illinois Innovation Council with the goal of keeping Illinois on the cutting-edge of the global economy.

Notre Dame Switching from Sheepskin Diplomas

The value of a University of Notre Dame diploma is going down.

Not the value of the school's education, just the value of the diploma. Starting in January, all diplomas issued to graduates will be paper rather than the sheepskin ones issued by the university most of the last century, according to the South Bend Tribune.

Associate university registrar Chuck Hurley says the school is switching for two reasons.

He says about 200 students a year recently have been requesting paper diplomas because of animal welfare concerns. He also says the company that printed Notre Dame's diplomas is getting out of the sheepskin business.

It won't affect law school graduates. Those diplomas have always been printed on paper. Hurley says he doesn't know why.

Kanye West Visits Occupy Wall Street

Kanye West Visits Occupy Wall Street

Kanye West caused a stir Monday when he visited the Occupy Wall Street headquarters in Lower Manhattan.

West showed up with Russell Simmons as the protest headed into its fourth week.

Mayor Bloomberg said on Monday that the protesters, who have established a headquarters in a plaza downtown, will be allowed to "express themselves" as long as they obey the laws.

Bloomberg commented in response to a question Monday at the Columbus Day Parade.

The mayor was asked how much longer he thinks the month-long protest will continue. Bloomberg said he had "no idea."

He added that if the protesters do something illegal "we're going to do what we're supposed to do — enforce the laws."

On Friday, a caller on Bloomberg's weekly radio show complained about "incivility" and noise at the protesters' encampment in Zuccotti Park.

Bloomberg replied that the city was trying to deal with such issues while protecting "everybody's rights."

Police Kill Two Pit Bulls After Fire Captain Attacked

Police Kill Two Pit Bulls After Fire Captain Attacked

A Glendora police officer killed two pit bulls that were mauling a 67-year-old retired Fire Captain Monday.

Retired Pasadena Fire Captain Milford Fonza was attacked while he was on a morning walk in the 1600 block of South Sunflower Avenue about 4 a.m., according to Glendora police Lt. Tim Staab.

The "relentless'' attack by the dogs was in progress when Glendora police Officer Matt Fenner drove up to the scene, Staab said.

"Due to the quick actions of Officer Fenner, the man was saved from further serious injury and possibly death,'' Staab said.

Fonza told police that he had tried to fight off the animals for nearly four minutes with his wooden walking stick, but the stick broke in half.

Fonza said he kept trying to poke the dogs with the broken stick but was 'running out of gas' and his legs began to give out.

"He said he wouldn't have been able to fight off the two dogs much longer. He stated the two dogs were 'relentless,' and he believed the two dogs were going to kill him," Staab said.

When Fenner arrived on the scene, he saw Fonza trying to pull himself up over a wall in an attempt to escape, but the dogs pulled him back down.

"As Officer Fenner drove up, one of the dogs circled around out into the street to attack the man again, and Officer Fenner intentionally hit the dog with his police car in an attempt to stop the attack," Staab said.

Fenner radioed for help and got out of his car to help the man, who was still being attacked by the first dog, Staab said.

When Fenner got out of his car, the first dog turned and advanced upon him, and he shot the animal, fatally wounding it, Staab said.

The second dog limped away, and an arriving officer followed it onto the grounds of a nearby elementary school, where it was contained until animal control officers arrived and tranquilized it, Staab said. The dog died at a veterinary clinic.

Fonza was hospitalized with injuries that included puncture wounds to his face, arms, torso, legs and groin, and a separated or broken shoulder.

The dogs were not wearing tags, and authorities were looking for their owner.

 

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Autopsy for Vernon Hills' 15-year-old Delayed

Autopsy for Vernon Hills' 15-year-old Delayed

The suspicious death Saturday of a 15-year-old Vernon Hills girl is still under investigation, police said. An autopsy for the teen will be delayed until Tuesday because of the Columbus Day holiday.

Police and paramedics found the girl "unresponsive" Saturday morning at her Vernon Hills home, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The girl was pronounced dead at 11:39 a.m. Saturday at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Officials have yet to release a preliminary cause of death and hope the autopsy will help determine what happened.

Officials have not released the girl's name until the cause of death is determined.

Multiple People Shot in Newark

Police in Newark, N.J., say at least six people have been wounded after gunfire erupted Monday afternoon.

No fatalities have been reported.

The shootings took place in the Kemsco Village housing complex, a series of two- and three-story brick houses separated by walkways in the city's North Ward.

A woman sitting on her front steps — who asked not to be identified — says she was outside washing her car around 1 p.m. when she heard "15 or 20 shots" and ran inside. She says shootings are not common in the complex.

It wasn't immediately clear what sparked the shootings. And details on the victims, their injuries or what types of weapons were used were not disclosed.

Allen, One of the Best Burbs to Retire

Allen, One of the Best Burbs to Retire

For some of you retirement may be years away but for others not so much and there is a city right here in North Texas that is getting good marks for one of the best places to retire.

According to Forbes.com Allen is one of the top US suburbs for retirement.

Forbes cited the low cost of living, low crime rate and what it called a favorable "Texas tax climate" in the list of what's good about the city. But the one drawback, which we don't have to tell you, is below-average air quality.

The median home price of about $200,000 is also a plus for the city, but it wasn't the only Texas city on the list.

The Houston suburb of Friendswood also made the list because the cost of living is below the national average. And according to Forbes, the price of a home may dip below $200,000 because of the area is near the Johnson Space Center and there have been major changes in the space program.

The close proximity of hospitals also played a part in the list.

Chicken Scratch Stops Man From Robbing Bank: Cops

Chicken Scratch Stops Man From Robbing Bank: Cops

A New Castle man’s lack of penmanship skills may have cost him a big score, according to police.

On Saturday around 2:50 p.m., police say Thomas Love, 40, entered the WSFS Bank in the Crossroads Shopping Center in New Castle.

Roads allegedly approached the bank teller and presented a demand note written on a deposit slip.

Police say the teller couldn’t understand what Love had written, handed it back to him and asked him to rewrite it. Love then fled the bank empty-handed.

Delaware State Troopers and New Castle County Police soon arrived at the scene where they received a description of the suspect.

An officer soon located Love near New Castle Avenue and Rodney Drive and took him into custody. No one was injured during the incident.

Love is charged with attempted robbery and was committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on $2000 cash bond.

Crews Search for Missing Fisherman

Crews Search for Missing Fisherman

Police are searching for a missing Delaware County fisherman.

James Coghlan, 63, of Folcroft, left on Friday to go fishing at Montgomery Park. He hasn’t been seen since then. Coghlan’s daughter-in-law Chrissy McFalls claims he suffers from seizures.

Police say one man found Coghlan’s tackle box and returned it to his home on Taylor Drive.

Crews began searching at 933 Taylor Drive in Montgomery Park, Coghlan’s normal fishing spot. 

Police say Cadaver dogs hit scents on two locations but found nothing. Rescuers are currently searching the water.

Rose Parade Royal Court Named

Rose Parade Royal Court Named

The royal court for the 2012 Rose Parade was announced Monday morning in Pasadena.

The seven court members were chosen from 34 finalists. More than 1,000 teens applied.

  1. Morgan Devaud (18, La Canada High School)
  2. Stephanie Hynes (18, Maranatha High School)
  3. Cynthia Louie (17, La Salle High School)
  4. Kimberly Ostiller (17, Flintridge Preparatory School)
  5. Drew Washington (16, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy)
  6. Hanan Worku (17, Pasadena High School)
  7. Sarah Zuno (17, Benjamin Franklin High School)

"We could not be more proud of the seven young ladies that will be representing the Tournament of Roses as the 2012 Royal Court," said Amy Wainscott, chair of the Queen and Court Committee.

One of the young women will be named queen on Oct. 18.

"When it's all over, a Rose Queen and six Rose Princesses will reign over the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game," according to parade organizers.

Last year, Evanne Elizabeth Friedmann of La Canada High School served as Rose Queen.

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Pre-Gamer: Bears at Lions

For so long, the Lions were the doormat of the NFC North, but this season has been different. They are 4-0 and actually favorites to win over Chicago on Monday night. That's the first time that has happened since 2005.

What do you need to know going into the game?

He's back! Chris Harris has missed the Bears last three games with a strained hamstring, but he is expected to play on Monday night. Considering how the Bears have struggled at safety, this is welcome news. He wrote a blog post just to say how much he can't wait, and his wife upped the ante. For every forced fumble, interception or fumble recovery that his husband causes in October, she will donate $1,000 to a breast cancer charity.

How will the offensive line hold off Suh? Between injuries and play-related decisions, the Bears have again failed to keep together a coherent offensive line. Though they played very well against the Panthers, they will have to deal with Ndamukong Suh and the frightening Lions D.

Comeback kids: Absolutely no lead is safe against the Lions. They engineered comeback wins against the Cowboys and Vikings, so the Bears cannot let up at any point in the game.

Stopping Megatron: Oh, Calvin Johnson. He is the reason that the Lions came within inches of beating the Bears in the opener last season, and he is one of the best receivers in the league this season. Stopping him is job one for the secondary.



Coming home
: Rashied Davis, who was one of the Bears special teams leaders for six years, will face his former team for the first time. It's also the first time that Roy Williams and Mike Martz are visiting Detroit together since being reunited in Chicago. Williams had his best receiving season under Martz in Detroit.

Goin' streaking: The Lions have won eight games in a row, dating back to last season. Their last loss? To the Bears on Dec. 5 in Detroit.

History lesson: The Bears have an all-time record of 93-64-5 against the Lions, making them the team the Bears hold victories over Detroit than any other team in the NFL.

Injury report: The Bears will again be without Earl Bennett and Gabe Carimi, as well as Corey Wootton. The back-up defensive end broke his hand in practice last week. Davis, who was looking forward to playing the Bears, won't play because of a foot injury. Jason Fox and Eric Coleman will also miss the game.

Follow Grizzly Detail on Twitter for Monday Night Football talk and more Bears news.

Former Episcopal School Teacher Pleads Guilty

Former Episcopal School Teacher Pleads Guilty

A former Episcopal School of Dallas teacher accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault of a child Monday.

John Nathan Campbell, 35, received 10 years probation and will have to register as a sex offender.

The other charge of improper relationship with a student was dropped.

Campbell resigned from the school just days after the relationship was exposed in November 2009.

When Campbell walked into the court room Monday, it was the first time the victim, known only as Jane Doe, and he had seen each other since the relationship was discovered by police.

"Her whole body was shaking," according to Jane Doe's attorney Charla Aldous.

In an emotional victim impact statement, the victim who is now 18, said, "Because of you I had to grow up so much faster than everyone else. I understand now that you tricked me and manipulated me… You were in a position of authority and you abused it horribly."

Campbell showed no reaction and  did not comment after the sentencing. "He feels remorse. He wished that if he had to do it over again, obviously we would not be here today," his attorney Mark Nancarrow told reporters.

Campbell has a new job and is not sure whether he will stay in North Texas, according to Nancarrow.

As part of his plea agreement, he has promised to never seek another teaching job again.

Jane Doe's family was disappointed Campbell did not go to jail but felt justice was served according to their attorney

"He’s a convicted felon and he's a registered sex offender so I'm grateful for that," Aldous said.

In September, the former student and her parents were awarded $8.5 million in compensatory damages and another $700,000 in punitive damages in their civil lawsuit against the school.

When the relationship was discovered, the girl was asked to leave the school in a move the school said was in her best interest. The parents then filed a civil suit against the school, claiming it didn't do enough to protect their daughter from the relationship.

The jury found that the school was not liable for failing to prevent the relationship but was grossly negligent in how it handled the incident when the relationship was discovered.

Lawyers for the school said they plan to file an appeal.

DFW Ranked Among Most Dangerous Airports by Travel and Leisure Magazine

DFW Ranked Among Most Dangerous Airports by Travel and Leisure Magazine

A report by Travel and Leisure magazine has ranked Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport among the most dangerous in the country when it comes to runway safety.

DFW airport, the only Texas airport to make the list, ranked 10th with a score of 2.86 from 61 runway incidents in the last 5 years.  See the ranking here.

The publication compared 35 of the busiest commercial airports in the country and weighed certain instances on the FAA's Runway Safety Support, namely those which could have resulted in a catastrophic collison against those that had only significant potential for a collison.

The airport then listed the Top 20 airports.

In the report, Travel and Leisure cited a 30-day period in 2008 where the airport racked-up 10 near-misses.

San Diego HS Football Star Sidelined with Injury

San Diego High School's star quarterback is recovering Monday after a gruesome injury on the football field on Friday night.

Khari Kimbrough was looking for an open receiver when he decided to tuck the ball and run to pick up yards, when he was tackled by an opposing player.

Here's where it gets hairy.

Paramedics from an ambulance on stand-by at the game rushed over to help, but apparently did not have the equipment need to treat the injury and their ambulance's battery was dead. Someone on the field rushed to their SUV and drove it onto the field to try to jump start the ambulance, but with no success.

Eventually school officials called 911 and San Diego Firefighters rushed to the school, but only after Kimbrough lay in pain on the open field for 30 minutes.

Kimbrough is one of the best players in the County with scholarship interest from Nevada and Fresno State.

After hearing threats coming from the sidelines and from people in the stands referees decided to postpone the game.

No word on when and if the game will be replayed.

1 Dead, 5 in Hospital After Hotel Fire

1 Dead, 5 in Hospital After Hotel Fire

One man is dead and five others in the hospital after a fire at a Whitehall Township hotel.

The blaze happened Sunday morning around 7 a.m. at the Blue Fox Hotel on North Coplay Road, according to the Morning Call.

The Morning Call reports that Melvin Keyser, 55, died shortly after escaping the burning hotel. Five other people were also hurt though their injuries are not life threatening.

Ten residents of the complex are currently homeless. Witnesses say some of them were forced to squeeze out of second and third story windows and jump onto a roof. They also say one woman was seen exiting a fire escape only in her underwear.

Investigators and fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire though they say it began somewhere near the ceiling of the first floor and the floor of the second floor, according to the Morning Call.

The fire is not considered suspicious.

 

Delco Father Shot, Killed by Elderly Neighbor

Police say a 72-year-old man is responsible for the shooting death of a Delaware County father early Monday morning.

The man's 23-year-old step-daughter was also shot.

The shooting happened around 6 a.m. on the 900-block of Sylvania Avenue in Ridley Township.

Authorities say that 42-year-old Scott Robbins was being picked up by a co-worker for his job at Metropolitan Fire and Sprinkler when his 72-year-old neighbor, Jim Dellavecchia, came outside and began shooting. He fired 10 to 15 shots, hitting the victim several times before his step-daughter, Kristen Snow, came outside to see what was going on.

The neighbor shot her as well before returning to his home on 9th Street.

Both were rushed to Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

Robbins was pronounced dead around 8:30 a.m., according to police.

Snow, who sustained serious injuries, underwent surgery and is fighting for her life.

Police say the neighbors had been fighting all summer and that they had visited the homes frequently. They believe that shooter was tired of the noise that was made while his neighbor’s shed was being built and finally snapped.

Dellavecchia was taken into custody following the shooting. Police say that he purposely rammed his head into his cell wall and has since been moved to Crozer to be treated.

"It's scary. I was in bed this morning, that's what woke me up. Scared the living daylights out of you," neighbor Matt Hagerty.

The victim's wife was not home at the time of the shooting.

Earthquake Town Mineral Virginia Wins Alan Jackson Concert

Earthquake Town Mineral Virginia Wins Alan Jackson Concert

The silver lining of being the epicenter of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake?

You just might get a free country music concert.

On Monday, Mineral, Virginia was declared the host of a free Alan Jackson concert.

Mineral received more than 31,000 votes in the competition sponsored by eventful.com. Kansas City was in second place and Minot, N.D., was third.  The date of the concert will be announced later.

Mineral Vice Mayor Bernice Wilson-Kube tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch that the contest has been a welcome distraction from the 5.8-magnitude earthquake's frequent aftershocks.

The last two shocks came on October 9, when tremors of 2.1 and 2.4 shook Virginia.

 

Now Everyone Knows You're a Mavs Fan

Now Everyone Knows You're a Mavs Fan

If you've always wanted to let the world know you are a Dallas Mavericks fan, now you can with the help of your four wheels.

That's right today (Monday) you can now "cheer from your bumper" with a brand new Dallas Mavericks Texas license plate.

According to My Plates, the Mavs held-off on the plates so one very important addition could be made, the text, 2011 NBA Champs.

The plate was actually designed in the spring before the playoffs and then was released for some public comment. 

You spoke and the Mavs listened because many of those polled wanted the plate to say something about the championship.

You can buy the plate starting Monday and it will take about three weeks for processing. Now all the next plate needs to say is repeat, that is if we have an NBA season this year.

Conservative Writer Patrick Howley Claimed He Infiltrated Protest Group at Air and Space

Conservative Writer Patrick Howley Claimed He Infiltrated Protest Group at Air and Space

A writer for conservative publication American Spectator claims to have "infiltrated" the protest group that rallied in Freedom Plaza this weekend and tried to gain entrance to the Air and Space museum.

Patrick Howley said he did it to write a blog entry.  In his October 8 story, Howley boasts he was the only one among the small protest group that actually made it through the museum's doors. 

His description of events describes a writer actively injecting himself into a story he purports to be covering.  Howley writes he masqueraded as a protester "for journalistic purposes," in order to find out if the protest movement was "dangerous." 

Howley writes:

 

"But as far as anyone knew I was part of this cause -- a cause that I had infiltrated the day before -- and I wasn't giving up before I had my story. Under a cloud of pepper spray I forced myself into the doors.

 

After sneaking past the guard at the first entrance, I found myself trapped in a small entranceway outside the second interior door behind a muscle-bound left-wing fanatic and a heavyset guard. The fanatic shoved the guard and the guard shoved back, hard, sending this comrade -- and, by domino effect, me -- sprawling against the wall."

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was forced to close early on Saturday, when a scuffle broke out between approximately 100 protesters and the museum's guards. Some of the protesters later said they had gone to the museum to protest an exhibit on unmanned drones.

Smithsonian spokesperson John Gibbons told the AP that the protesters attempted to enter the museum carrying political signs when they were intercepted by security, and some were pepper-sprayed.  D.C. Fire reported treating a dozen people with irritated eyes at the scene, but with no serious injury.

In his blog post, Howley, listed as an assistant editor, heaps scorn on the other members of the protest:

"But just as the lefties couldn't figure out how to run their assembly meeting (many process points, I'm afraid to report, were left un-twinkled), so too do they lack the nerve to confront authority. From estimates within the protest, only ten people were pepper-sprayed, and as far as I could tell I was the only one who got inside the museum."

 

However, other members of the protest group posted photos that seem to contradict this account.  One picture posted at the website >appears to show other protesters inside the museum, unfurling a banner from the museum's second floor.

Howley concludes his piece a final chest-thumping paragraph, in which he describes the pride he felt for getting pepper-sprayed.  Praising the guards, he wrote, "I deserved to get a face full of high-grade pepper."

You can read his journalistic account of Saturday's events here.

 

Groupon Watch: Breast Milk Donations

Groupon Watch: Breast Milk Donations

Groupon’s offering deals on breast milk in Indiana - well, not really.

Its philanthropic arm, G-Team, set up a deal to help connect premature babies with those who want to donate breast milk.

In other news, a Berlin company emulates Groupon and may give it a run for its money in Europe, and Groupon’s doing better this quarter, according to new Yipit data to be released today.

Read more:

  • Groupon’s G-Team arm helps preemies through donated breast milk. (Time)
  • Berlin company Madvertise rivals Groupon. (Wall Street Journal)
  • LivingSocial has issued just under $143 million in stock. (ZDNet)
  • Groupon third quarter billings said to be up 14%. (Wall Street Journal)
  • Today’s Deal: $5 for $10 Worth of Ice Cream and Café Treats at Bobtail Ice Cream
 

Thousands Cross Finish Line for Army 10-Miler

Thousands Cross Finish Line for Army 10-Miler

Congratulations to the thousands of dedicated runners who completed the Army 10-Miler in Arlington this weekend.

Tesafaye Alemayehu, 27, crossed the line first in 47 minutes and 51 seconds. He was part of a team honoring David Wynne Francis; an Army vet who died last month.

The first woman to finish was Tezata Dengera. Her time was 56 minutes and 35 seconds and 76th overall.

With 30,000 runners registered, the Army 10-miler is considered the third largest 10-miler in the world.

Proceeds from the Army 10-Miler go to MWR, Morale, Welfare and Recreation. The military organization offers leisure services to service members and their families.

 

Securing and Keeping Sponsorships: Guest

Securing and Keeping Sponsorships: Guest

Several positions I’ve held in marketing and public affairs -- which included control over national sponsorship budgets -- put me in the position to receive some of the best -- and worst -- event sales pitches.

The ability to make an event a success is an art, which is why proven sponsorship salespeople are in high demand. But not everyone can afford to hire an experienced fundraiser. So, here are a few tips that may help net you a sponsorship, or at least will prevent you from making a potential sponsor cringe.

DO your homework on the company. Try to find out any new initiatives or visibility/reputation challenges they may be facing and come prepared to share how your sponsorship opportunity can help them reach their goals.

DON’T send your request for sponsorship to the wrong person, or misspell the prospective sponsor's name or include the wrong title. These irritating mistakes are easily avoidable by calling the company or doing a quick Google search to confirm the accuracy of your information.

DO have a package ready with details (costs, benefits, etc.), past successes (attendance, demographics, positive attendee feedback), and current and past corporate supporters. People who called and pitched over the phone and didn’t have a detailed package available when requested made me to question their professionalism.

DON’T make this personal. During sales calls, I’ve had people cry, attempt to guilt trip me, or share their tales of woe. This was my company’s money, not mine, and it was my responsibility to secure high ROI on any sponsorship.

DO remain flexible. Your sponsorship package is a starting point for negotiations, so be ready to do the dance of give and take and think outside the box in order to close the deal. If the company does not have dollars available, don't forget to ask for product or other in-kind assistance, which can, sometimes, be a bit easier to approve.

DON’T threaten to go over my head or go behind my back to my boss. I was hired in this position because of my ability to make savvy decisions, and any good leader will send you right back to me. After pulling a stunt like that, what do you think your chances are for “yes” next year?

DO assign someone to your sponsors that is responsive, great with problem solving, and adept at treating them like VIPs during the event. That means they can assure seating is assigned, wristbands and other credentials are readily available, and introducing attendees to high ranking officials, celebrities, and other notables without being prompted. Challenges pre- and during events are how many sponsorships are lost.

DO send a results report to sponsors after the event. This is helpful for their reporting and increases your chances of a “yes” next year. A handwritten thank-you note and nice picture of the sponsor with any notables that attended (or perhaps with their team) also goes a long way.

Jetta Bates-Vasilatos is founder of Twist Communications and a life stylist with 10+ years of award-winning consumer engagement/strategic planning experience for luxury and global brands like BMW and Coca-Cola. She also serves as an on-air correspondent and writer with a focus on luxury and experiential tourism, lifestyle, sustainability, and personal finance (how to be chic yet savvy). Jetta has appeared on stations such as WCIU-TV, KBS-TV(Korea), ABC-7, CLTV and KBC-TV (Kenya), writes for national print publications such as Essence, Recommend, Ebony and HomeStyle Design and is the host of the Jettasetting segment on WVON radio.

Visit her website jettasetting.com, find real-time tips on her Facebook page, or follow her on Twitter: @jettaset.

3 U of Chicago Students Robbed at Gunpoint

3 U of Chicago Students Robbed at Gunpoint

University of Chicago students were given warnings by police Monday after three students were robbed at gunpoint Sunday night in two separate incidents.

At about 11:35 pm, two students walking at East 57th Street and South Dorchester had their cellphones taken by a male armed with a handgun, the school said.

About 30 minutes later, three males, one armed with a gun, robbed a student sitting in the Main Quadrangle on campus. The suspects took the student's cellphone and book bag before fleeing, the school said.

None of the victims was injured in the robberies.

Police are reviewing video footage for potential evidence. It is unknown whether the robberies were connected.

Lego Now Taking Threadless' Crowdsourcing Lead

Lego Now Taking Threadless' Crowdsourcing Lead

Okay, so "crowdsourcing" isn't exactly a buzz word anymore -- it's now a time-tested and savvy approach to marketing potential new products to your audience. But that doesn't make it any less surprising when a ubiquitous, older company suddenly embraces the approach.

Case in point: Lego, the makers of those stackable block toys, has just unveiled its crowdsourcing product platform.

It's called Lego Cuusoo, which is Japanese for "imagination" or "wish," and is named that because the model was pilot tested in Japan for the last three years. Even though it comes to us from across the other side of the world, it still works pretty much the same as what we're used to associating with crowdsourcing over here: Hatch an idea, and if it gets enough supporters (10,000, in this case), Lego will mass produce it for sale. Even though Lego only offers 1 percent of the total net sales on your design, that's still better than nothing.

That said, there do seem to be a few key differences in terms of user submissions on this side of the globe and what was coming out of Japan. Whereas Japanese Lego enthusiasts have had their designs of manned-research submarines like the Shinkai 6500 produced for sale, we have markedly different tastes over here: Though it's still a seafaring vessel, a Lego Love Boat somehow lacks the same kind of dignified panache. But hey, that's what makes crowdsourcing so fun anyway: Seeing what people come up with. Then again, all Legos are kinda the same when they're suddenly underfoot: painful.

Check out Lego Cuusoo at its official site.

How Rahm Can Really Become "The Boss"

On Sunday’s Meet The Press, host David Gregory introduced Mayor Rahm Emanuel as “the boss.” Gregory needs a lesson in Chicagoese. Strictly speaking, the mayor is not the boss. The chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party Central Committee is the boss. (Party head Joe Berrios’s underlings actually refer to him as “the boss.”) Richard J. Daley earned the nickname “boss” because he was both mayor and Democratic Party chairman -- the last politician to hold both offices.

Emanuel is not yet officially the boss, but he could be. To get there, he first has to become a ward committeeman. Which might be a good idea, because doing so could settle a nasty political fight in his ward. In February, Ameya Pawar, a 30-year-old political virgin, upset the 47th Ward machine by defeating by the handpicked successor of former alderman Eugene Schulter. Schulter, who is also committeeman of the “Fighting 47th,” was unhappy about losing his influence. In a newsletter to his constituents, Schulter wrote that he is still “equally committed to helping you maintain access to local city, county, and state services – just as I was when I served as your alderman.”

Asked to comment on Schulter’s newsletter, Pawar told the Chicago News Cooperative that “someone should remind him that he isn’t the alderman any more.”

Ordinarily, that someone would be the current alderman. But as we said, Pawar is a political virgin. During his campaign, he vowed not to seek the committeeman’s office. Most alderman are also committeemen, because it quashes just these sorts of rivalries, but good-government types think that holding both jobs looks like bossism. Paul Rosenfeld, a Pawar ally, is running for committeeman, with the endorsement of Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (who is also 4th Ward committeeman.)

As the most prominent politician in the 47th Ward (he now has his house back), Emanuel could settle this dispute by running for committeeman himself. Once he’s on the central committee, which is comprised of 50 ward and 30 township committeemen, he could take over the chairman’s gavel from Berrios, whose nepotism and cronyism is an embarrassment to the party.

Then we’ll be able to call him “boss.”

What Jackson Doctor Did Not Tell Detectives

The more than two-hour long interview given by LAPD to Dr. Conrad Murray is getting much attention now that most of it has been played at his trial. What is perhaps more significant to the outcome than what Murray said, is what he did not say.

It is perhaps not surprising that Murray's account is largely self-serving, describing his efforts to help his megastar patient Michael Jackson, whom Murray tells investigators he considered his "friend." During the interview Murray, recounted his concerns about the medications he was giving Jackson, the precautions he took to avoid over-medicating, and the desperate efforts he made to resuscitate Jackson.

The police interrogation is noticeably lacking in hard questions. That is no fault of detectives Scott Smith and Orlando Martinez. When Murray's attorneys offered the interview at a Marina del Rey hotel, it had been only two days since Jackson's death and weeks before the coroner identified an overdose of the surgical sedative propofol as the principal cause of death.

But Murray left out events that his jurors have now heard described by witnesses under oath.  You can be sure prosecutors will pounce on this in closing arguments.

Perhaps most glaring is Murray's omission of the 46 minutes his cell phone was in use during the hour before he discovered Jackson not breathing.  In fact, the prosecution has presented evidence Murray was actually in a phone conversation with one of his mistresses at the moment of the shocking realization.

Sade Anding testified that about five minutes into their conversation, Murray abruptly dropped off the call.  That would have been about 11:56 a.m. on the morning of June 25, 2009.  Chef Kai Chase testified that it was 12:05 to 12:10 p.m. when Murray came down the stairs asking her to get help.

Yet, Murray made no mention to detectives of any cell phone calls. In his account, Murray described administering 25 mg of propofol to Jackson in a three-minute infusion about 10:45 a.m. then watching him for some time, 15 minutes or more, to make sure Jackson was safely asleep and the effects of the propofol had worn off.

Murray said he left Jackson's bedside only long enough to go to the bathroom and was away no more than "two minutes" when he returned to find Jackson not breathing.

It will be difficult for the defense to argue that Murray was in the room monitoring Jackson during those phone calls, as if Murray -- having been up all night with Jackson, and after nine-plus hours having finally gotten him to sleep -- would risk waking him up again by talking on the phone.

Murray's second major omission -- at least, compared to other testimony -- is his failure to mention the improvised arrangement for Jackson to receive a continuous intravenous drip of propofol. Alberto Alvarez testified that when summoned to Jackson's bedroom, he saw an IV bag with a vial of medication inside and upside down so it would drain out. 

Coroner's investigator Elissa Fleak later described finding an IV saline bag with a nearly empty 100ml vial of propofol. Such a vial contains a 1,000mg of propofol, implying that Jackson received a dose that was 40 times as large as Murray said, and also infused continuously, thereby requiring continuous monitoring. 

This explains the determined cross-examination of Fleak by Murray defense attorney Ed Chernoff, trying to undercut Fleak's credibility, and persuade jurors she may have been wrong about finding the propofol vial inside the IV bag.

The third significant Murray omission also is in comparison with the Alvarez testimony.  Alvarez told jurors that after entering Jackson's bedroom, Murray had him hold open a bag for Murray to fill with vials of medication and other medical items from Jackson's room, and then to put that bag into another.  The conclusion the prosecution wants jurors to reach is that Murray was trying to hide evidence and cover-up.  The prosecution can point to his interview with police.  In it, Murray made no mention of having Alvarez help him collect items from the room before paramedics arrived.

A number of attorneys following the case have opined that Chernoff made a major mistake allowing Murray to talk with detectives, providing a narrative for the prosecution to pick apart.

But others see benefits for the Murray defense.

"They're loving this tape, because it's humanizing Dr. Murray," said Dermott Givens, a defense attorney not involved in the case, but following it as an analyst for USA LOCAL NEWS. 

Givens said the recording provides a counterpoint to what jurors had heard up to this point.

"They've heard just like all of us about how Dr. Murray is this quack doctor who's just out for the money.  And now they're hearing the other side of that:  that this is a doctor who cared about his patient and had a good relationship with his patient up to the time of death," Givens said.

Givens also noted that Murray provided foundation for the defense scenario that while Murray was out of the room, Jackson gave himself the dose that proved fatal.  Murray told detectives that Jackson once asked him if he himself could push the plunger of the syringe to self-administer the propofol.  Murray recalled Jackson telling him other doctors let him do that.

Murray said he told Jackson, "No." 

Perhaps best of all for the defense, the recording enables Murray to put forth his scenario without exposing himself to cross-examination.  

As now scheduled, the rest of the interview will be played in court when trial resumes on Day 10 Tuesday.  The already released transcript reveals minimal issues of controversy in the final, yet-to-be-played portion.  If nothing else, it reinforces the defense's position that Murray was a caring doctor. 

The jury will hear Murray recall speaking with Jackson's children at the UCLA Medical Center after their father was pronounced.  In Murray's telling, not only was he trying to comfort the children.  They were also trying to comfort him. 

Murray recalled Jackson's daughter Paris telling him, "I know you tried your best."

Follow USA LOCAL NEWS for the latest LA news, events and entertainment: Twitter: @USA LOCAL NEWS // Facebook: USA LOCAL NEWS

CTA Cuts 200 Positions to Save $22M

In the face of a $277 million 2012 budget, the Chicago Transit Authority is eliminating 200 jobs.

The positions include some jobs already scratched in July, as well as a mix of layoffs and vacancies, said CTA president Forrest Claypool. "A number of" senior-level positions also were cut, he said.

Claypool hinted at "hard decisions" last week as he noted the agency's neglected infrastructure and the $554 million it borrowed in the past four years, despite a fare hike in 2009 and cuts in 2010.

These cuts will save the CTA about $22 million annually, he said.

“As the CTA prepares to close one of its worst budget deficits in recent memory, it is incumbent upon us to find ways to do more with less,” Claypool said Monday in a statement.

Claypool reiterated that about 70 percent of the CTA’s budget is labor costs, and the agency's union contracts are set to expire at the end of the year.

Also changed are the CTA's sick and vacation policies to save about $15 million over the next six years, Claypool said. Changes include cutting birthday and anniversary days off for non-bargained employees, as well as axing the floating holidays policy.

Sick time will be accrued at half a day per pay period to earn 13 sick days a year instead of six months leave, he said. Vacation days will be capped at 25 instead of 35 days, and employees will no longer be able to buy back unused days.

Pay for unused vacation days after an employee leaves the company also will be capped at 25 days after December 31, 2012, instead of up to 88 days. 

“I also look forward to working with our labor leaders to find common sense, rational and fair solutions that reduce our labor costs while providing stable employment for their members," Claypool said. "It is time for everyone to step up so we can put CTA on solid financial ground.”

Who to See at Chicago Ideas Week

Who to See at Chicago Ideas Week

Bill Clinton, Warby Parker, Thomas L. Friedman, GrubHub, Michael Bloomberg, PayPal, Sandra Day O’Connor, Pandora ...

In the next seven days more than 100 speakers and big thinkers from forward-thinking companies, initiatives and beyond descend on Chicago to pick each other's brains and discuss innovation as part of Chicago Ideas Week.

With so much knowledge and a limited time to soak it up, here are some of the biggest-ticket items to catch Monday-Sunday.

Mayors from Chicago, Atlanta and New York City kick things off from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Oriental Theatre to discuss what makes American cities great. Mayor Rahm Emanuel joins Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Mayor Kasim Reed, New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman and TIME Magazine managing editor Richard Stengel to chat.

On Tuesday, former President Bill Clinton commands Chase Auditorium from 10-11 a.m. for a one-on-one talk with Stengel.

Education is the topic on the docket from 3-4:30 p.m. Saturday at University of Chicago's Ida Noyes Hall, where Justice Sandra Day O’Connor joins a panel about revolutionizing how we think about academic success.

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian is a featured panelist from noon-1:30 p.m. Saturday at the DuSable Museum to discuss global community development.

On Sunday, Dr. Sanjay Gupta and actress Fran Drescher, president of Cancer Schmancer, will discuss what's next in healthcare from noon-1:30 p.m. at Museum of Contemporary Art.

Do you think too many kids go to college? Four people, including PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, debate the topic one way or another from 6:45-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Venue Six Ten at the Spertus Center.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg. For many, many more great speakers and to see them streaming live, head to nbcchicago.com and search Chicago Ideas Week.

 

Long Island Rodeo Rider Killed by Bull in NJ

Devotees of Mexican-style rodeo are mourning the loss of a young rider who organizers say was of one of the most well-known stars on the East Coast circuit.

Rodeo organizers say 24-year-old Rigoberto Flores of Brentwood, N.Y. was killed at a rodeo in Bridgeton, N.J. when he was thrown and fatally injured by a bull on Sunday.     

Flores was known to his fans as "El Andariego'' or "The Wanderer of Izucar Matamoros, Puebla,'' the city in the Mexican state of Puebla where he was from.

He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital in Vineland.     

Rodeo organizer Jesus Santiago says they are busy are planning a memorial rodeo tribute to raise money for Flores' pregnant wife and young daughter.    

Long Island's Brookhaven Lab Halts Radiological Operations After Radiation Release

Brookhaven National Lab on eastern Long Island has halted radiological operations following a Sept. 28 incident where radiation was released.

The lab said in a statement that "no health or environmental impacts are expected" as a result of the release of a small amount of radiation.

The statement was issued Friday and first reported Monday by Long Island Business News.

The lab said the incident involved the movement of radiological material. Low levels of radiation were detected on two workers, a parking lot and in an employee's vehicle.

A comprehensive review of all radiological policies, procedures, practices, and training programs was under way.

The Brookhaven lab in Upton is run by the U.S. Department of Energy. It conducts research in physical, biomedical and environmental sciences, as well as in energy technologies and national security.

TCU to Make 'Big Announcement' Monday

TCU to Make 'Big Announcement' Monday

Officials with Texas Christian University said Monday morning they will have a major announcement later in the day.

That announcement is expected to be that they will join the Big 12 in 2012 instead of the Big East.

The Big 12 issued a public invitation to the university last Thursday. TCU trustees are scheduled to meet Monday, when they will discuss and likely accept the school's invitation to join the Big 12 Conference.

A press conference has been called for 6 p.m. at the Cox Banquet Room of the Kelly Center on the TCU campus.

Should TCU move, they'll have to pay the Big East a $5 million exit fee. If they had been a member, they would have had to give a notice of 27 months.

The TCU Horned Frogs football team finished No. 2 in the country last year after a 13-0 season and a Rose Bowl win over Wisconsin. TCU is currently in the Mountain West Conference.

Crews Destroy Offices Where Doc Raped Kids

Crews Destroy Offices Where Doc Raped Kids

Demolition began Monday morning at the offices of a former Delaware pediatrician convicted of raping and sexually abusing his young patients.

On October 5, items were removed from Dr. Earl Bradley's offices on Delaware Route 1 in preparation for the demolition.

The demolition officially began Monday morning at 8 a.m. and is expected to last until the afternoon.

Bradley was sentenced last month to 14 life sentences without parole for 14 counts of first-degree rape. Bradley also was sentenced to 164 years in prison for multiple counts of assault and sexual exploitation of a child.

Bradley was arrested in Dec. 2009 after a 2-year-old girl complained to her mother that the doctor had hurt her during an office visit.

All of the alleged victims, including one boy, were caught on more than 13 hours of homemade video recordings, some dating to 1998, that were seized from Bradley's office and home.

Investigators seized dozens of homemade videos of the rapes and abuse from an outbuilding at the Lewes complex, where Bradley had lured patients with promises of treats and toys.

“No one should have to look at those buildings and be reminded of the crimes that happened inside, especially not the victims and their families,” said Attorney General Beau Biden.

“We made sure that Bradley will never be able to harm another child. Now our focus remains ensuring that the victims, their families and the community have every resource and service they need to heal, for as long as they need them. This community deserves to see any visual reminders of these horrible crimes erased from existence.”

Schumer Calls for LIRR Rider Bill of Rights

Schumer Calls for LIRR Rider Bill of Rights

New York's Sen. Charles Schumer wants the Long Island Rail Road to establish a "commuter bill of rights'' to better inform passengers about service disruptions.      

Schumer said at a press conference in Mineola on Monday that better communication is needed.      

His proposal comes after a series of service disruptions in the past year. Last month, thousands were stranded when a lightning strike knocked out Jamaica station's signal system.      

The bill of rights would be similar to one for the airline industry.      

He wants a better notification system on service disruptions. He wants a standard time for how long passengers should be expected to sit on stranded trains.

When it happens, the LIRR should provide basic provisions, like water.      

A LIRR spokesman said the railroad will work on improvements.      

 

Farmers to Raise Homeowner Rates by 10 Percent in 2012

Farmers to Raise Homeowner Rates by 10 Percent in 2012

Farmers Insurance plans to raise homeowner premiums by 10 percent in 2012, the Houston Chronicle reports.

The rates would go into effect on March 16 for 350,000 customers who have either a Texas Family Home Policy or a Next Generation Home Policy.

The insurer also plans to add discounts of 4 to 5 percent for customers who have both cars and homes covered by Farmers.

The move is necessary because the company said they have lost over $250 million in Texas over the past three years, not including claims from Hurricane Ike or the wildfires in Bastrop County.

Farmers raised home insurance rates nearly 4 percent in March of this year, the paper reported.

The increase was filed last Friday with the Texas Department of Insurance.

State Farm announced last month they were planning to raise rates by about 10 percent this month.

Va. Governor Bob McDonnell Seeks Federal Aid for Tropical Storm Damage

Va. Governor Bob McDonnell Seeks Federal Aid for Tropical Storm Damage

Gov. Bob McDonnell is seeking federal disaster aid for residents in Fairfax and Prince William counties affected by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee.

“The heavy rain from Tropical Storm Lee caused catastrophic damage to neighborhoods and businesses in Fairfax and Prince William counties,” said Governor McDonnell in a release.  “Federal assistance is critical in helping people who suffered significant losses.”

McDonnell said Monday that heavy rains and flooding destroyed or caused major damage to more than 100 homes and businesses in the two counties. He has requested a federal disaster declaration to help residents recover from the damage.

McDonnell also is seeking federal aid to help all Virginia localities reduce the impact of future disasters.

Two Arrested After Robbery at La Mesa Park

Two Arrested After Robbery at La Mesa Park

San Diego police reported that two male transients were arrested after robbing a man inside a park in La Mesa, Saturday night.

John Allen Bass and Jamar Brown, both 24-years-old, were taken into custody and booked on charges related to a robbery that occurred inside Collier Park, located at 4401 Palm Avenue, police said.

The incident happened at about 7:40 p.m. when the male victim was sitting on a park bench and was approached by the suspects, according to a media release.

One suspect reportedly sat down next to the victim and demanded his backpack. When the victim refused, the suspect attempted to take the item, police said.

A struggle ensued, though the victim was able to keep his property away from the suspects.

As the victim attempted to leave the park, the second suspect allegedly demanded the victim’s cell phone, at which point the suspect pulled the victim's bike away from him.

After the second suspect threatened the victim, the man left the park and called police.

Responding officers found both suspects near the park a short time later and the victim identified the two before receiving his property.

The victim wasn't injured during the incident.

 

Jerry Brown Bans Automatic Alcohol Sales

Jerry Brown Bans Automatic Alcohol Sales

Starting next year, buying alcohol in California will no longer be a passive affair.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law Sunday banning alcohol sales at automated checkout counters.

Starting Jan. 1, 2012, all alcohol sales in California must go through a human cashier. The thought is the measure will cut down illegal alcohol sales to underage buyers.

The measure has the full backing of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and by law enforcement groups.

But the bill has also come under criticism by some groups who say it is just a push by grocery workers' unions to protect their jobs.

 

Quinn Breaks Ground on Englewood Rail Flyover

Quinn Breaks Ground on Englewood Rail Flyover

One of the region's worst rail bottlenecks is getting a makeover.

Gov. Pat Quinn broke ground Monday on the Englewood Flyover, a $133 million project that is expected to reduce commuter delays and create nearly 1,500 jobs.

The flyover will create tracks for the 78 daily Metra Rock Island District commuter trains and more than a dozen Amtrak trains, separating them from the numerous freight trains that pass slowly through the pinch point every day.

Metra says the current conflict creates 7,500 hours of delay for Metra passengers every year.

Quinn was joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray Lahood and U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin to break ground at the project made possible by the governor's Illinois Jobs Now! program and the federal recovery act.

 

The Game of the Week for Oct. 14 Is...

The Game of the Week for Oct. 14 Is...

After hundreds of votes, the teams who will be featured in NBC 7 San Diego's Game of the Week this week are Steele Canyon and Granite HIlls!

NBC 7 San Diego's Megan Tevrizian will show us what makes the two schools special when she profiles the competitors each Thursday and Friday on NBC 7 San Diego News in the Morning.

Then, the night of the game, we’ll feature the action on NBC 7 San Diego News at 11.

Congratulations to both teams!

Click here to see the choices for our Game of the Week on Oct. 21.

Each week, we'll post a poll with three potential high school matchups from around the county to determine the NBC 7 San Diego Game of the Week.

Beginning Monday morning at 6 a.m. you can vote for the game you'd like to see featured on NBC 7 San Diego News at 11.

The winning school will be announced on NBC 7 San Diego News in the Morning the following Monday.

Participants can vote once a day and can share the poll with friends through Facebook.

Voting closes each Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

PETA Protesters Take on Army at Washington Convention Center

PETA protesters are taking on the armed forces this week at the Washington Convention Center.

Wearing monkey masks, the Virginia-based animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is taking a stand against what they call cruel procedures involving primates conducted by the U.S. Army.

"We're here to urge the military and particularly the Army to stop poisoning monkeys," said Justin Goodman, a PETA spokesperson.

According to PETA, the Army injects monkeys with a chemical overdose as part of a training lesson demonstrating the effects of a nerve agent attack.  PETA says that in most countries, other militaries use a human simulator for the demonstration.  The animal rights group said that it is only at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland where monkeys are still used for this purpose.

This week, the Association of the United States Army holds its annual meeting at the Washington Convention center.  Thousands of personnel will be in attendance, and PETA hopes to grab their attention.  The group says that several retired service members have pledged support for their campaign.

AUSA spokesperson told News4's Tracee Wilkins that the organization supports PETA's right to free speech.  The AUSA did not offer a specific response to PETA's claims.

However, regarding PETA's claims of animal cruelty, AUSA did not have any comment.

 

D.C. Hosts World Chili Eating Championship

The Taste of D.C. festival offered the best food the District has to offer.

People could enjoy burgers, hot dogs, beer, or anything else to satisfy their rumbling stomachs.

But some wanted to eat chili. Lots and lots of chili.

Sunday was the 2011 World Chili Eating Championship, and the best competitive eaters in the world gathered to see who could eat the most chili in six minutes.

Joey “Jaws” Chestnut was the winner, eating more than two gallons and establishing a new world record.

Alexandria’s own Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas placed fourth in the competition.  She only ate 10 pounds of chili, a little more than a gallon.

Ben’s Chili Bowl sponsored the event, cooking more than 30 pounds of chili for each contestant.