Former NBC Chicago Executive Dies

Ed Planer, who served as news director at NBC Chicago during the 1970s, died Saturday in Atlanta at the age of 82.

The New York native began his career at WDSU-TV in New Orleans two decades before making the move to Chicago in 1972.

During his four years at WMAQ, he hired Jane Pauley, Greg Gumbel and Pat O'Brien. All went on to become well-known television personalities.

Planer left the station in 1976 and headed to New York, where he worked as a producer for NBC's TODAY program before taking on a roles as an executive vice president and later as the head of all European news-gathering operations.

He left the network in 1988, returning to Chicago to work in journalism roles at Northwestern University and Columbia College.

The same year he wrote a novel, "Shattered Images," which was based on television news.

Planer died at a hospice center in Atlanta. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marilyn Levy Planer; as well as three children and four grandchildren.

Private funeral services were held Monday.

Officer Wrongly Accused in "Honeybee" Shootings Sues for $10M

A south suburban police officer arrested and charged a year ago as the "Honey Bee Killer" --

who went on a two-state shooting spree and killed one man -- has filed a federal lawsuit seeking more than $10 million for false arrest.

Lynwood Officer Brian Dorian filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Chicago on Thursday, naming Will County Sheriff Paul Kaupas, State’s Attorney James Glasgow and a sheriff’s detective as defendents.

The suit claims Dorian's Oct. 7, 2010 arrest was based on information that was coerced and influenced from one of the victims who was running from the killer. The victim gave a physical description of the gunman and the truck used in the shootings, which did not match Dorian, the suit said.

The killer, later believed to be slain robber Gary Amaya, shot two men in Beecher and a third outside Lowell, Ind., in October 2010. A 45-year-old man in the Beecher attack was killed.

But the victim was unduly influenced by sheriff’s officers and the Will County state’s attorney to speculate that Dorian was the gunman, the suit alleges.

Dorian told officials he was on his home computer at the time the attacks took place, the suit said. On Oct. 13, 2010, charges were dropped and Dorian was released from the Will County Detention Center, the suit said.

The six-count suit claims false arrest and imprisonment, conspiracy and malicious prosecution. It seeks a jury trial and more than $5 million in compensatory damages, more than $5 million in punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs.

A spokesperson for the Will County Sheriff’s office was not immediately available for comment.

Full Coverage: Brian Dorian

Charges Filed in Hotel Felix Homicide

First-degree homicide charges were filed Thursday in connection with the slaying of a woman at Chicago's upscale Hotel Felix earlier this week.

Christopher Love, 23, of the 2400 block of North Lincoln Avenue, was charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of prostitution/soliciting for a prostitute.

Sarai Michaels, 31, a mother of five children, was found stabbed to death in a room at the hotel, at 100 W. Huron St., early Tuesday morning.

Love is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

Walgreens Launches Refill-by-Text System

Walgreens wants to take some of the pain out prescription refills.

The Deerfield-based company recently announced a new system that alerts customers of prescription refills via text message.

The drug store says the "Refill Reminder Text Alerts" notifies patients when existing prescriptions are due for refill. Users just respond with "refill" and the prescription will be filled and ready for pick up.

Walgreens said there is no cost for the service for mobile and smartphone users other than standard rates under wireless carriers.

The company believes text messages are not just about using current technology, it is also a way to improve medication adherence rates.

"Tools and personalized services that can help patients remain compliant with their prescription regimens can be effective in lowering health care costs and improving patient care," said Cheryl Pegus, Walgreens Chief Medical Officer.

This is the next step for Walgreens after enabling mobile users to order refills by scanning barcodes on a prescription bottle in a feature called "Refill by Scan."

Pharmacy patients can sign up for mobile text reminders at any Chicagoland Walgreens or online at >.

Officer Shot in the Thigh

A Chicago police officer was shot on the far south side Thursday night.

The officer was shot in the thigh at East 132nd Street and South Langley Avenue at about 9:15 p.m., said police spokesman Daniel O’Brien.

"It does not appear life threatening at this point," a police source said.

The officer is said to be in fair condition at Advocate Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Clean-Up of Zuccotti Park Sets Up Occupy Wall Street Showdown

The owner of the private park where Wall Street protesters are camped out gave them notice Thursday that after it power-washes the space it will begin enforcing regulations, which prohibit everything from lying down on benches to storing personal property on the ground.

The protesters' response was to plan a demonstration for an hour before they are supposed to evacuate Zuccotti Park while it is cleaned with power washers Friday morning. They believe the effort is an attempt to end the protest, which triggered a movement against unequal distribution of wealth that has spread across the globe.

Protest spokesman Patrick Bruner sent an email to supporters Thursday asking them to join the protesters at 6 a.m. Friday to "defend the occupation from eviction."

The owner, Brookfield Properties, earlier handed out a notice to protesters saying they would be allowed back in the park after the cleanup if they abide by park regulations.

The notice lists regulations including no tents, no tarps or sleeping bags on the ground, no lying on benches and no storage of personal property on the ground. All those practices have been common at the park, where protesters have lived, slept and eaten for nearly a month.

"They're going to use the cleanup to get us out of here," said Justin Wedes, 25, a part-time public high school science teacher from Brooklyn. "It's a de facto eviction notice."

Police officers escorted representatives of the company as the notices were passed out to demonstrators.

The notice from Brookfield Properties stated that the 12-hour, section-by-section cleaning is slated to begin at 7 a.m. and is part of daily upkeep, and that conditions have deteriorated in recent weeks because that upkeep was put on hold by the protesters.

There was a scramble of activity Thursday afternoon as demonstrators began cleaning the park themselves. Part of the plaza was blocked off with red tape. Within that area, protesters scrubbed benches and mopped stone flooring. Some people even replanted flower beds.

The self-organized sanitation team even hired a private garbage truck to pick up discarded curbside garbage and announced a storage area at the corner of the park.

Protester Dylan O'Keefe, an unemployed 19-year-old from Northampton, Mass., was tying red tape marked with the word "danger" around trees.

"We're trying to clean the entire park, mobilizing everyone," O'Keefe said. "We don't want anyone to get hurt."

The regulations are not new — they existed prior to the occupation — but they have not been enforced until now. Because the park is private property, police will not make arrests unless Brookfield requests assistance and laws are broken.

Brookfield confirmed Thursday that the notices were passed out to demonstrators, but spokeswoman Melissa Coley would not comment on how the regulations would be enforced.

"As sections of the park are cleaned, they will reopen to the public," Brookfield said in an emailed statement. "All are welcome to enjoy the park for its intended purpose as an open neighborhood plaza, in compliance with posted rules."

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said police will stand by during the cleaning and ensure it proceeds peacefully.

"After it's cleaned, they'll be able to come back, but they won't be able to bring back the gear, the equipment, sleeping bags," Kelly said. "That sort of thing will not be able to be brought back into the park."

Deputy Mayor Cas Holloway said in a statement Wednesday that the protest has "created unsanitary conditions and considerable wear and tear on the park." He said Brookfield sent a letter to police asking for help to clear the park.

The protest, known as Occupy Wall Street, has sympathetic groups in other cities which each stage their own local rallies and demonstrations: Occupy Boston, Occupy Cincinnati, Occupy Houston, Occupy Los Angeles, Occupy Philadelphia, Occupy Providence, Occupy Salt Lake, and Occupy Seattle, among them.

Several protests are planned this weekend across the U.S. and Canada, and European activists are also organizing.

NJ Teacher Criticized for Facebook Comments

Officials in a New Jersey school district are investigating claims that a high school teacher who advises a prayer group posted remarks on her Facebook page that described homosexuality as ``perverted'' and said it "breeds like cancer."

    

Attorney John Paragano saw posts by teacher Viki Knox before they were removed and alerted the Union Township school district.

   

Paragano, who argued the teacher should be dismissed, said Knox objected to a school display celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month. Union Chief School Administrator Patrick Martin told The Associated Press Thursday that the district is investigating.

    

"We're taking it very seriously and taking all appropriate action," he said. Martin declined to comment on Knox's employment status, citing personnel privacy rules.

    

A message left Thursday for Knox at the main office of Union High School, where she is a teacher, was not returned.

    

Paragano said he gave school officials a copy of Knox's Facebook page after he'd been contacted by a parent.

    

On Knox's Facebook page, she called homosexuality "a perverted spirit that has existed from the beginning of creation" and a "sin" that "breeds like cancer."

 

Officials from gay rights groups said that although Knox's alleged anti-gay views are protected by the Constitution, she has a responsibility as a teacher to be a role model for students.

    

"Educators have a responsibility to nurture their students as they develop into young adults _ and that includes making sure they feel supported and know that there is nothing wrong with being LGBT," Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said in a prepared statement. "Her alleged public rant is irresponsible and sends a dangerous message to her students."

    

Garden State Equality issued a statement questioning Knox's ability as a teacher to enforce the state's new anti-bullying law. The law was signed in January and is considered among the toughest in the country for its requirement that schools have anti-bullying policies.

    

The law was adopted after the suicide last year of Tyler Clementi, a Rutgers University freshman whose roommate is accused of using a webcam to spy on his intimate encounter with another man.

    

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey defended Knox's First Amendment right to make the comments but said the school system also has the right to investigate whether she is performing her job in accordance with school policies and anti-bias laws.

 

 Some students at Union High School supported the teacher's rich to her opinion.

 

"At least she didn't come out and say it in class," said Sirena Smith, a senior. "Being how she put it on Facebook, I don't think it's that big a deal."

 

Tashawna Dunmore, a sophomore, added "I don't think it was wrong, because we have freedom of speech."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roommate Charged in UES Murder

The roommate of a man found dead Thursday morning in his Upper East Side apartment has been arrested.

 Police charged Shaun Dyer, 46, with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. 

 

The body of the victim, who has not been identified, was discovered by marshals on Thursday who came to evict him from the apartment on East 62nd. 

 

Marshals could not get into the apartment at first because a blood-covered pit bull, named Bones, blocked the entrance. They had to call in Animal Care & Control, who tranquilized the dog.

 

 

 

 

Sharpie, Steady Hand Fix Student's Offensive Hairline

An East Texas boy says administrators used a permanent marker to color in a line shaved into his hair in order to comply with the school's dress code.

Sheldon Williams, who attends Marshall Junior High School, said he's had the same hair style for a long time and never had problems.

KSLA-TV reports the student handbook bans designs shaved into the hair.

Williams said he was told that he could only have one part in his hair, not two. Relatives of Williams said they should have been contacted before anything was done to the child's hair Monday.

School administrators said Tuesday they regret not calling the boy's parents and will come up with a different way to deal with hair designs.

Marshall is 140 miles east of Dallas.

Ump Favortism Lowers Minority Pitcher Performance, Pay: Study

Sabermetrics fans will love this.

A study released last month by Southern Methodist University makes the argument that racial discrimination between umpires and pitchers in Major League Baseball lowers the performance of minority pitchers, and their salary.

One of the study's authors, SMU assistant professor of finance Johan Sulaeman, said the research group used 3.5 million observations, or pitches, between 2004 and 2008 to determine if there is a bias against minority pitchers by white umpires.

The study compares the game called by the umpires against the results of video evidence recorded by MLB to illuminate the bias.

"We look at pitch-by-pitch information. For each pitch, we know what happened to the pitch. Is it a ball? Is it a strike? Is it a swinging strike? Is it a called strike?" Sulaeman said. "For some parts of the analysis, we also look at the location of the pitch using the technology that's now available ... so if you watch a game you can see whether the ball's in the strike zone."

According to researchers, the study revealed that strikes are called less frequently if an umpire and pitcher are of different races, but only in cases where games aren't monitored by cameras that record pitches and their location -- a common practice today in the MLB to ensure effective umpiring.

It further indicates that if minority pitchers are aware of the bias, and if the umpire is of a different race, the pitchers may throw more pitches over the middle of the plate since they don't think they'll get the strike call near the outside of the zone. Conversely, if white pitchers are aware of the bias, they may throw more to the edges rather than in the middle of the plate anticipating a more forgiving strike zone from a white umpire.

The study alleges that the bias creates a lack of productivity for the minority pitcher who tries to throw safer strikes in a smaller strike zone while it creates an increased level of productivity for a white pitcher who enjoys a wider, more forgiving strike zone. In both cases, wages may be affected as one pitcher is perceived to throw more strikes than the other and, therefore, unfairly judged to be a better pitcher.

"In all likelihood, this bias is subconscious and that's why, when they're [the umpires] being monitored, they don't show the bias anymore. If the performance measures [strikes vs. balls] are biased then we can see wage discrimination without realizing that it's there, because we're gonna say, 'Well, the minority pitchers are worse, that's why they're getting paid less.' That's not true, because, now the performance measures themselves are biased," Sulaeman said. "Even if we do interview the umpires, there's no way that we can figure it out."

After all, what umpire would admit to giving pitchers who share his race a more favorable strike zone?

Either way, those days are gone.  The use of cameras to make umpires more accountable has been in use in every major league park since Opening Day 2009. According to the data, accountability removes the bias.

Read the study here.

NBC 5's Justin Hinton contributed to this report.

Man Mauled by Pit Bulls Reunited With Hero Cop Who Rescued Him

A Glendora police officer was reunited Thursday with a man he saved from a vicious pit-bull attack.

"Thank you, thank you so much for saving my life," said 67-year-old Milford Fonza, who was attacked while on his daily walk Monday.

"No problem," said Glendora Police Officer Matt Fenner.

Fenner was at the end of his shift, at 4 a.m. Monday, when he spotted a bloody struggle between Fonza and two dogs.

"I saw someone needing help and I stepped up and I helped them," Fenner said. "I saw Mr. Fonza grab the wall in an attempt to get away. The dog pulled him off. At that point, I made the decision I was not going to let that dog bite him again if I could help it."

Fenner rammed one dog with his patrol car. He then shot and killed the other after it turned on him.

"I just thank God that Officer Fenner was there to save my life. I knew if I didn't get help, I was going to die. I was at the end of my rope. My arm was broke. I was bleeding profusely. I had no more strength," said Fonza, a retired Compton fire chief.

"I've been in many situations, many fires, burning buildings, brush fires, never been in anything that was more horrifying than the incident I had on Monday," said Fonza.

"Feels good to see him and he looks a lot better today," said Fenner.

Fonza's daughter fought back tears and called Fenner a hero as she handed him a bouquet of flowers.

The Glendora Police Department gave the retired fire chief a new walking stick. Fonza is still recovering from a broken shoulder and several deep bites on his body.

Glendora police believe they've located the owner of the dogs that attacked Fonza. The person is cooperating with police.

The owner was unaware the dogs had gotten out and had reported them missing.

Some Glendora officers have asked the chief to redefine the term "pit maneuver." The suggestion brought some humor to a frightening event.

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California's Comeback on Brown's Agenda

Governor Jerry Brown is no stranger to comebacks, having returned to the state's highest office after an extended absence.

Today he's likely to be asked about his ability to guide California toward its own comeback at the Milken Institute’s 13th annual state of the state conference at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

Brown is scheduled to go one-on-one with Michael Milken, the institute’s chairman in a wide-ranging conversation about how California can overcome its economic challenges.

Job creation and the state’s 12 percent unemployment rate, the second highest in the nation, are likely to dominate the discussion.

The conference comes on the heels of a study released Wednesday by the Milken Institute, which found that contrary to widely held beliefs, “skilled workers are not fleeing California."

After examining labor flows to and from all 50 states, the study, titled “What Brain Drain?” found that between 2000 and 2009, California’s “skill outflow,” defined as the number of skilled workers leaving the state, averaged 2.2 percent a year, one percent less than the rest of the nation.

Brown is also expected to discuss about the Dream Act, legislation he signed into law Saturday, allowing illegal immigrants to apply for state-funded scholarships and financial aid at state universities.

California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Henry Cisneros are among the panelists scheduled for the all day conference.

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Racist Slurs Scrawled on Santee School

A vandal has been arrested for writing derogatory words and slogans, including racist slurs, on windows and doors at West Hills High School in Santee, according to district officials.

The alleged crime happened at around 4 a.m. Thursday at the school on Mast Blvd., according to Catherine Martin from the Grossmont Union High School District. It was cleaned up by 9 a.m.

There were no specific threats to students and classes were not interrupted, Martin said.

A minor was taken into custody, according to school officials. The suspect was not a student at West Hills High, Martin said.

Ladd and Buff Return

While the return of the Winnipeg Jets is something of a story tonight, the one most Hawks fans are interested in would be Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien returning to Chicago for the first time since their departure.

Obviously, any member of the 2010 Cup team is going to get a hero's welcome, and well they should. Most Hawks fans will remember their names for their whole lives. I know I will.

Maybe they'll both start. If not, there will be a huge roar when they each hit the ice for the first time, which is always a moment to appreciate. Both have found success in Atlanta and will hope to repeat it in Manitoba. Ladd more so than Buff, but not by a huge margin.

Ladd dwarfed his career high in points last year and goals, with 59 and 29 respectively. This was a result of playing top line minutes and a host of power play minutes for the first time in his career. This also speaks to a lack of talent at forward for the Jets, as most would consider Ladd a second or third line player. Ladd will always have a place in Hawks fans hearts because of his grit and two-way game, as well as his pretty hilarious battle with the Canucks Ryan Kesler. Those kind of personal rivalries always spice up a game, and the two of them going back and forth in 2010 kept the pulses racing.

Byfuglien is a little more divisive of a figure. Because of his goofy personality and large size, he was a favorite among a large swath of fans. Some saw him as a lazy winger who didn't live up to his potential and only came up as a Bum Slayer in a couple playoff games. The Thrashers/Jets sidestepped this a bit and moved him back to defense. Hawks fans were nearly at civil war as Buff piled up the points in the first half of last year. But the league caught on and limited his offense and exposed his defense. Which means there's hardly any of the latter. But that's ok, he cashed in a rich new deal before his game went off where the buses don't run.

Still, it'll be a thrill to see them both back on the UC ice. And that's about all the Jets have going for them tonight. They're in the middle of a rebuild, and will get by on the excitement of having hockey back in Winnipeg with their fans. Their defense has holes, their forwards can't score regularly. So will go with nostalgia tonight.

N. Texas Trio Busted Buying Guns For Cartel: ATF

Three North Texas men who were arrested this week after buying 27 machine guns for a Mexican drug cartel also were interested in purchasing “bazookas, missile launchers, and grenades,” according to a federal criminal complaint.

Bryan Campbell, 38, of Lewisville, Jose Armando Riqueno-Hilario, 28, of Farmers Branch, and Augstin Reyes-Benitez, 23, whose hometown was not listed, were arrested Tuesday by agents of the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, or ATF.

An ATF agent said the investigation started last month when someone in law enforcement received information from a confidential source that Campbell wanted to purchase a large number of high-caliber rifles.

The source gave Campbell the phone number of an undercover agent posing as an arms trafficker, according to the criminal complaint.

Campbell called the agent and said he was interested in buying fully-automatic firearms to send to the Mexican Mafia or a drug cartel.

The men paid the agent $26,980 for the weapons, the ATF said.

“Campbell stated his associate(s) was also interested in acquiring bazookas, missile launchers, and grenades,” the complaint said.

Attorneys for the three men either couldn’t be reached or did not return calls seeking comment.

The arrests are the latest in recent months of North Texans accused of running guns to violent Mexican drug cartels.

Details Emerge on Seal Beach Shooting Suspect

Post-traumatic stress disorder and a bitter custody battle may have been factors that triggered a 41-year-old suspect to go on a shooting rampage that left eight people dead in the worst mass shooting in Orange County history.

Complete coverage of the Seal Beach massacre



Scott Evans Dekraai, 41, a former tugboat crewman who served in the military, is being held on suspicion of murder after the massacre at the Salon Meritage in Seal Beach Wednesday afternoon.

Dekraai had worked on tugboats, sportfishing vessels and barges for several years.

In 2007, Dekraai witnessed a tragic tug boat accident when a deckhand, 26-year-old Piper Cameron, was crushed after a rope attached to a barge snapped, according to the Orange County Register. Dekraai had tried to help but suffered a broken leg, which he nearly lost. As a result, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and became permanently disabled.

Prior to the accident, Dekraai was locked in a bitter custody battle over their son Dominic with his ex-wife, Michelle Fournier, who was among those killed.  The two were married in Clark County, Nev., early in 2003, and he filed for divorce in Los Angeles County in 2007.

He was in court Tuesday, seeking sole custody of their son, but a court-ordered report recommended against it. In court papers, Dekraai claimed he was concerned for the safety of their son because Fournier frequently drank and put him "in dangerous situations."

But Fournier claimed that Dekraai suffers from "significant mental impairment" and became unstable and physically abusive during their marriage, documents said.

His disability left him with a lot of time and money on his hands, Fournier said in the papers, and he spent "almost all of his waking hours" trying to take full custody of their child.

"He wants to paint me as an uncaring selfish drunk, but it certainly isn't me," Fournier said.

On at least one prior occasion, police were sent to Dekraai's house because he called 911 and advised that he was either going to kill himself or someone else, documents said.

Fournier claimed Dekraai had been prosecuted and pleaded guilty to assault and battery after he "beat the living daylights out of his stepfather," documents said.  Dekraai  underwent 52 weeks of anger management.

Fournier also claimed that Dekraai became unstable and physically abusive to her during their marriage. He was "almost manic" when it came to decisions about their son and asked the court to decline his request for more time with the boy.

Friends and co-workers were astonished to hear that Dekraai may have been involved in the brutal shootings. Many described him as a friendly, outgoing, and likeable guy. He was a devoted dad and often played catch with his son in the yard of the home.

"I'm like, no, not this neighbor, no way, he's the nicest guy ever,'' said neighbor Stephanie Malchow, who attended Dekraai's wedding when he married his current wife three years ago.

"I had no idea anything like this would come from Scott," said neighbor Clayton Cornhall. "He was always a nice guy."

On the day of the shooting, Dekraai appeared to target his ex-wife, who was among those working at the busy the salon, witnesses said.

"This wasn't a random act of violence. The suspect knew his intended victim," said Police Chief Tim Olsen.

Dekraai was detained about a half-mile from the scene during a traffic stop. Witnesses said police recovered several guns from the truck.

Police said Dekraai did not resist arrest.

 

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Know Your Enemy: The Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are a familiar opponent for the Bears, having played the NFC North (and once central) rival 100 times. This season, the Vikings are 1-4, and have a reputation for blowing leads. What else do you need to know about this team in purple?

AP's Shot at a Record: There might be some sad history on Sunday night if the Bears allow Adrian Peterson a rushing touchdown. If he gets one, he'll tie Walter Payton's record. As one of the league's best backs, he already has 6 TDs and 498 yards.



McNabb's new home: Donovan McNabb landed in Minnesota after things didn't quite work out in Washington. While they went with some washed-up Bear, McNabb struggled at first in Minnesota. He has steadily improved and usually plays well against the Bears.



Guy with a Mullet Is Streaking: If Jared Allen gets a sacks this week -- HA! If! -- his consecutive games with a sack streak will move to eight. Considering that Jay Cutler is on a 27-game getting-sacked streak, it's probably safe to say that Allen's streak will live on.



Special to Special Teams: With Percy Harvin on the field, Devin Hester won't be the only threat to return a punt or a kickoff for a touchdown. He has four returns for a score. He has missed practice because of a rib injury but is expected to play on Sunday.

Punter with a Personality: Chris Kluwe has a solid punting and Twitter game. He talks about video games and football and all kinds of stuff that will liven up your timeline.



Coming home: No matter how long they've been coaching for other teams, it's still weird to see Leslie Frazier's scowl and Mike Singletary's scary eyes on the other sideline. Their tenure with the '85 team ensures that they will always be Bears. Donovan McNabb starred at Mt. Carmel High School on the South Side and once made my brother badly miss a tackle.

Transportation Sec'y LaHood to Serve Just One Term

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a former Illinois Republican congressman, will leave the Obama administration at the end of the president's current term.

LaHood was asked about his intentions at a media luncheon Thursday, said spokeswoman Jill Zuckman. She said he gave no reason for his decision and hadn't discussed his intentions with President Barack Obama.

LaHood was congressman for 14 years until retiring in 2008, and a top aide to former House Minority Leader Bob Michel before that.

He had a reputation in Congress as a moderate who tried to foster greater cooperation between Democrats and Republicans. While those skills made LaHood an attractive Cabinet choice, he has become better known as a plain-speaking advocate for safer driving and job-creating transportation projects.

Earlier this week, White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley -- the son and brother of former Chicago mayors -- announced that he'd also leave his post when the president's term ends.

Jurors Hear Wiretaps With Levine on Stand

Jurors hearing the trial of a longtime Illinois powerbroker on Thursday listened to secretly-recorded FBI wiretaps describing backroom deals to squeeze a movie producer for a political contribution.

The wiretap recordings played Thursday morning are from witness Stuart Levine's phone. Levine is on the stand for the second day.

Prosecutors are seeking to prove William Cellini tried to extort Thomas Rosenberg, the producer of "Million Dollar Baby," for a $1.5 million campaign donation to Rod Blagojevich.

Audio: Cellini, Levine Phone Call: May 12, 2004 | Transcript

Cellini denies conspiring with Levine and others to squeeze the executive by threatening to withhold state pension funds from his investment company.

Levine sat on the Teachers' Retirement System board controlling that money. He talks in 2004 on the wiretaps, which are the first FBI wiretap recordings played at Cellini's trial so far.

New York Times to Cut Newsroom Jobs

The New York Times says it will eliminate up to 20 newsroom positions as part of a cost-cutting measure.

    

The Times said Thursday that it will seek newsroom buyout volunteers.

    

Executive Editor Jill Abramson said no newsroom employee would be laid off.

    

The Times also said it would seek additional savings in its business units.

    

The company cited a deteriorating advertising climate for the move.

 

Driver Flipped License Plate to Save Toll

 A Virginia truck driver used a device that could have come from a James Bond movie to try to get out of paying the $65 toll to cross the George Washington Bridge into New York City, police say.

Nelson Vaquiz of Beaverdam, Va., was arrested on charges of using a cable in his truck cab to flip up his front license plate while going through a gateless toll lane on Interstate 95 without a toll transponder, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said Thursday. Vaquiz had also bent up his rear plate so it couldn't be read by cameras, police said.

Truck drivers have complained about steep toll increases that the Port Authority says it needs to finish building the new World Trade Center. By 2016, a five-axle truck will have to pay $105 to cross the bridge.

Some drivers zip through the gateless express lanes while obscuring their license plates so the Port Authority cannot track them down and bill them. These toll cheats cost the Port Authority $14 million in 2009 and 2010.

"Our police department takes this very seriously and are on the lookout for such maneuvers," Port Authority spokesman Ron Marsico said. "Hopefully this will serve as a lesson."

Vaquiz went through the E-ZPass lane on the New Jersey side of the bridge with a truck carrying pipes at 6:35 a.m. Saturday, police said.

A Port Authority police officer saw Vaquiz's license plate drop back into place and ordered the driver to pull over, but he did not stop, Marsico said. Other officers forced him to stop before he could go over the bridge, Marsico said.

Police impounded the truck. Vaquiz, 36, was charged with theft of service, possession of burglar tools and eluding arrest. He was released on bail.

Calls to his business phone in Beaverdam were not answered.

The arrest was first reported by the New York Post.

The Port Authority says traffic over its Hudson River crossings has plummeted because of the economy and it needs the additional money to complete the new World Trade Center and to make upgrades to its bridges and on-ramps.

On Sept. 18, cash tolls for a five-axle truck rose from $40 to $65, and they will continue to rise gradually to $105 on Dec. 6, 2015.

Spy hero James Bond used an Aston Martin sports car with revolving license plates in the 1964 film "Goldfinger." Some websites sell retractable license plate holders for "off-road use" for as little as $75.

 

Tugboat Capsizes in Hudson River, At Least One Person Still Unaccounted For

A tugboat capsized in the Hudson River Thursday afternoon.

 

The FDNY say they have received reports of one person in the water, with another unaccounted for.

 

The tugboat was drifting southbound near Pier 81.

 

Please stay with NBCNewYork.com for more updates on this breaking news story.

 

Suspect in Wesleyan Killing Chooses Bench Trial

A man charged in the shooting death of a Wesleyan University student chose on Thursday to have a three-judge panel hear his murder trial.

Stephen Morgan of Marblehead, Mass., is charged in the May 2009 killing of 21-year-old Johanna Justin-Jinich of Timnath, Colo., in a bookstore cafe near the school's campus.

Morgan, 30, appeared in court Thursday wearing a tan prison-issued shirt and pants and his legs were shackled. His hair and beard were close-cropped.

As his parents looked on from the small audience, he answered "yes" and "yes, your honor" several times as Judge Susan Handy asked him if he understood the rights he was giving up by choosing a three-judge panel over a jury.

Handy, who is expected to be the lead judge on the panel, scheduled the trial over six non-consecutive days beginning Nov. 30 and ending Dec. 14. More days would be scheduled if needed.

After the brief appearance, Morgan's lawyer, Richard Brown, explained his client's decision.

"Our concern is ... that it may be difficult for a jury panel to put their emotions aside and decide the case," Brown said.

"This is a very difficult case," he continued. "It's a tragedy. There's no question about it. The family (Justin-Jinich's family) suffered a great loss."

Brown is expected to mount a defense that Morgan suffers from a mental disease or defect. Such defendants often choose three-judge panels because of the complex legal issues.

Police say Morgan killed Justin-Jinich two years after she filed a harassment complaint against him when they attended New York University.

Justin-Jinich was working at The Red and Black Cafe inside Broad Street Brooks in Middletown, when Morgan allegedly walked in wearing a wig and shot her several times.

The shooting caused a scare on the Wesleyan campus over two days. After the shooting but before Morgan's arrest the next day, police found his journal in his car and announced that Morgan wrote about killing Justin-Jinich, going on a shooting spree and targeting Jews.

Morgan surrendered without incident the next night about 10 miles away at a Meriden convenience store.

At the hearing Thursday, Handy explained to Morgan that he could be committed to the state mental hospital for criminals for up to 75 years and possibly longer if the judges find him guilty of murder and accept his insanity defense. If the judges find him guilty but reject the insanity defense, Morgan would face 25 years to 75 years in prison.

Unlike a jury, the three judges would not have to be unanimous in their verdict on the murder charge. The presiding judge on the panel would decide alone whether Morgan was guilty or innocent of the two remaining charges: intimidation by bias and carrying a pistol without a permit.

The state's chief court administrator will name the members of the three-judge panel.

Guilty Verdict for Second Defendant in Conn. Home Invasion Trial

A Connecticut man has been convicted of killing a woman and her two daughters during a gruesome 2007 home invasion in which family members were tied up, molested, doused in gas and left to die in a fire.

Joshua Komisarjevsky was found guilty Thursday of capital felony killing and other charges. The same jury will later decide whether he should be sentenced to death or life in prison.

His co-defendant, Steven Hayes, was sentenced to death last year after he was convicted of raping and strangling Jennifer Hawke-Petit and killing her daughters, who died of smoke inhalation.

The crime in the affluent New Haven suburb so unsettled the state that it bolstered efforts to retain the death penalty and led to a newly defined crime of home invasion.

Poll: Virginians Satisfied With State - But Not U.S.

Virginians are more satisfied with the way things are going in the Commonwealth compared to the rest of the country, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released today.

In addition, nearly every statewide elected official and the legislature also got a positive rating, including republican Gov. Bob McDonnell who remains wildly popular among voters. Sixty-two percent approve of the way he’s handling the job compared to 22 percent who disapprove.

"By more than 3-1, Virginians are happy with what's going on in the state compared to the country and this optimism shows in their views of state politicians. All statewide elected officials, and even the State Legislature, get thumbs up for their job performance," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling institute. "In these tough times that is pretty remarkable.”

Among the Quinnipiac poll's other findings, a majority of Virginia voters oppose the notion of tolls on I-95 to raise funds for road improvements. Fifty-two percent think it’s a bad idea, however, 60 percent would favor increasing rolls rather than raising gasoline taxes.

"Virginians aren't hot on the idea of tolling portions of Interstate-95, but they sure like the idea of tolls better than higher gas taxes," said Brown. "In these days of political polarization, it's worth noting that there are very little differences among Democrats, Republicans or independents on this issue."

Father Charged in 3-Year-Old Son's Death

A northwest side Chicago father was charged Thursday in connection with the death of his son.

Jovanni Tufele, 23, of the 5100 block of West Ainslie Street, was charged with one count of first degree murder. His son, Jayden Tufele, 3, died Monday afternoon after being taken by his parents to Children's Memorial Hospital.

Police were told the boy suffered from bleeding on the brain, retinal hemorrhages and fractures to his ribs. Doctors also noted two older rib fractures that were healing.

Detectives on Wednesday said they took Jovanni Tufele and the boy's 19-year-old mother in for questioning.

The Department of Children and Family Services are investigating the possibility the baby was abused by his parents, but so far they haven't found any history between the department and the family.

Authorities say there are no other children living inside the home.

Jovanni Tufele is expected to make a court appearance on Friday.

How to Take Full Advantage of a Chamber of Commerce Membership

Perhaps because there has never been a Schoolhouse Rock song about what it is chambers of commerce exactly do, it's tough to act like it's a sexy topic.

But as an entrepreneur, there are plenty of reasons why your ears should perk up when hearing about the topic. CoCs are invaluable resources that can you help your business reach their full potential -- but in areas like Central Lakeview, membership had been embarrassingly low. Or at least, that was the case before Gus Isaacson stepped in about a year and a half ago as the executive director of the Central Lakeview Merchants Association. In that relatively short time span, Isaacson has managed to triple membership. So, you could say he knows what he's talking about.

I gave Isaacson a call to talk about the challenges Lakeview faces, how business owners can stand out, and why chambers of commerce are secretly kinda sexy.

What advice would you give to potential chamber of commerce members?

Gus Isaacson: We're a member-based organization. And it was there for 12 years, and I've been there a year and a half. I noticed that their membership was only 59 businesses. There's about 400 businesses in the neighborhood, so that's a very small portion. The first thing we did was make it a priority to get people to join the chamber of commerce and merchant's association. I told the staff that it's our responsibility in the office to make ourselves relevant. We do so many great things, but if people don't know what we do then they don't want to join us.

Why was that number so low? Lack of interest? Lack of marketing on your part?

Gus Isaacson: I think there's a lack of connection with the whole neighborhood. There wasn't any cohesiveness with everyone. One of the first things we did was put up 400 street-pole banners in the neighborhood and branded ourselves a little bit more. When you become a member to our organization, $195 for the year, we will give you a complimentary street-pole banner with your company's logo on there. We started with that angle and tried to do events differently than they've been done in the past.

We try to make them more and more business-friendly, and get the business owner connected with it. One of the things we did was a QR directory, where you can scan it and actually see the business owner. It's a one-minute video clip. You can connect the business owner's face with their business.

Those numbers you mentioned, where there's 59 out of 400 or so, is that ratio unique to Lakeview or is that pretty much the case citywide in terms of membership?

Gus Isaacson: No, most chambers have 200-300 members. In Central Lakeview, I have Wrigley Field, which is one of the biggest assets in the neighborhood. Plus it's so heavily dense with businesses, bars, and nightlife, and everything else.

Once you've convinced them to become a member, what are some benefits they maybe forget to reap or don't know about?

Gus Isaacson: We've given plenty of seminars on customer service. There are so many of these networking groups, so I asked for a business consultant to give a talk on etiquette and networking, to teach people, because they go and don't know if they should offer their business card, if they should be eating or drinking, or where should my business card be on my body, where should I hold my food, if someone's boring how they should dismiss them and move on... so these seminars were very, very helpful. I got a lot out of it. The business owners got a lot out of it.

Plus we have a PR firm, which most merchant's associations don't have. The relevancy of them is quite high. I think we've had 31 of our business owners on TV. There's nothing more I can do to for a business than feature them on TV, or in print, or on radio. It's a good shot in the arm of confidence to hang in there and to keep doing what they're doing.

Where on your body should you keep your business card?

Gus Isaacson: For men, it's above the waist. Yeah, which makes sense after you hear that. It should never be in your pockets. You should always present so when you hand it to them they can read it, and if you have to take notes, never write it on their card -- it shows disrespect. You shouldn't exactly be quick to hand yours out. Sometimes they'll ask for yours but you have to see what the mood is. It should be more than an exchanging of business cards because the card is a connection to you and your time and your value. You want to be discriminatory of who exactly you give it out to.

And if you're a woman?

Gus Isaacson: Usually in the purse.

I thought you were kidding about that, but these are actual details with unwritten rules?

Gus Isaacson: I didn't know, either. You know, one drink, have only one alcoholic drink, and make sure it's in your left hand so you can shake with your right. Never try to shake a woman's hand. She is to extend her hand first.

In the bigger scheme of things, what are some other common mistakes you see business make?

Gus Isaacson: Well there are those A-frame sandwich board frames that businesses put on the sidewalk? Sometimes I get a business calling asking where they can get one and whether there's a permit for it. The city last week started to go out and enforce a $500 fine for them. I printed up a letter and my staff and myself went to 47 businesses giving them a head's up that first of all this is an illegal practice. There's no ordinance against them. Years ago it was a $200 fine, and now they're raising it, and the city is getting more aggressive about bringing more revenue in. For a small business, $500 is a huge fine for a first-time offender for this. Most of the businesses didn't even know they were an illegal practice. You see them on the sidewalk and you assume everyone can have them.

When there are issues like that and the businesses themselves can't resolve it, how can you guys help?

Gus Isaacson: We have a connection with the city in our department that often gives us head's up. That's how we reach out to our businesses ahead of time.

Do business owners generally have a good sense of what they can ask for help on?

Gus Isaacson: There isn't too many struggles we have in Central Lakeview. Most of our business owners are pretty savvy, adaptable to the environment, and the changing tastes of the consumers. The census came out recently and our alderman was pretty quick to point that we have the same amount of people living in Lakeview in the last 10 years whereas the city overall is losing people.

For you personally and for your organization, what are some big goals or initiatives you're hoping to accomplish?

Gus Isaacson: We're looking to relate to the businesses and be more observant of what they need from us and what the owners find value in, and not coming from our opinions from within our office. Rosie O'Donnell started her show on Monday so we sent a small message out saying maybe we'd put a gift basket together and if a business owner wants to donate something and they're around we'll take their item or business card. So we went from 10 businesses to 20 to 30 to 40 to 81 businesses that brought stuff into our office.

Did you get a Wieners Circle hot dog in there?

Gus Isaacson: Very nice! Very nice! But no. We outgrew the basket and got a wagon, and then we outgrew the wagon, so we bought a kayak and we stuffed the kayak with all 81 of these gifts. There were T-shirts, mugs, and gift certificates for $500, $200 from frozen yogurt. The value was over $5,000. But that's something where the business owners showed me that they think this is important. Rosie just moved into our neighborhood in Lakeview. She's starting a show with Harpo Productions and we'd like to say hello and reach out to her.

We rented a van, called Harpo, and they couldn't believe it. We put this 10-foot kayak in the van and it'll be interesting to see this week what transpired from all that. I thought maybe 10 or 15 businesses would put something together or say something, but it's those types of things that show what's important to them.

What are some challenges you guys are currently facing?

Gus Isaacson: We have certain industries that are difficult to highlight or support. There are so many dentists and salons, or banks, how do you get them impressed? We took out half-page ads in Time Out and put our business owners in them. We did it free of charge. This month we're doing dentists. It gives business owners some connection to the neighborhood and makes their faces known. It's a little bit of advertising and free press and a little more upscale than the typical picture of a tooth that they put their name under. A lot of them never knew each other and didn't even think of each other as competitors. After the photo shoot they all stayed and talked to each other and grabbed a beer. It was interesting the camaraderie we were able to give them.

You mentioned Time Out, and the QR thing you mentioned earlier is pretty cool, but it all makes me wonder: How does everything going online impact chambers of commerce? Are you guys able to adapt quicker than the media has?

Gus Isaacson: That's a very good question. I'm in the 44th ward, which is Alderman Tom Tunney. I make a point to show him exactly what we're doing in our office so he has some relevancy. There's a lot of disconnect sometimes between the alderman and the chamber of commerce or the merchant's association, which is the same thing. I identified that telling him what's going on in his neighborhood, so he understands it and supports it when a business moves in, he tells them to check out Central Lakeview. It's another advertising thing for me.

I showed him the QR directory and he's like, "What is this?" So I showed him Mike Lufrano from the Cubs, and he's talking about how they've been in the neighborhood for 135 years, and it was a great one-minute video. We have so many businesses that have been through so many decades of business that I didn't realize how long they've all been around.

Family Filing Wrongful Death Lawsuit in DC9 Death

The family of a man who died in an alleged altercation with an owner and employees of DC9 nightclub will file a wrongful death lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court Friday.

The multimillion dollar civil suit comes almost a year after the death of Ali Mohammed.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue charges, saying Mohammed died from health issues, not trauma to his body. There was insufficient evidence to try the accused, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Rain Pulls 15 Percent of State from Exceptional Drought

The map colors depicting the Texas drought have brightened somewhat as good rainfall pulled about 15 percent of the state out of the most severe drought stage.

The U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday shows 73.1 percent of the state in the exceptional range, down from 87.9 percent last week.

The National Weather Service estimated an average of about 2 inches of rain fell across a large swath of parched Texas the past week.

The state is in its worst single-year drought. Agriculture has lost $5.2 billion, a figure expected to rise. Lakes and rivers are drying up and water suppliers have implemented restrictions.

The Aug. 2 map was the last time the most severe stage was as low, when about 73.5 percent was in exceptional drought.

Earthquake Rattles Baja California

An earthquake about 30 miles from Ensenada shook Baja California Thursday morning at about 9 a.m.

The 4.3 magnitude quake struck about 77 miles from Tijuana, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Several San Diego residents reported feeling the quake, but most responses came from Baja California.

 

AA, Pilot's Union Close to Deal: Sources Say

The Alllied Pilots Association says that over the last couple of days there have been "some significant moves" with American Airlines at the bargaining table. 

In fact, the union leadership believes they may have some details of a potential deal ready to send out to members on Friday.

 

Greg Overmann, a union spokesperson, said, "We are continuing to bargain. We are hard after it, and our goal is to get a deal done soon."

 

All of this comes after what one union official described as, an "emergency summit meeting" over the weekend, involving union leaders and AMR CEO Gerard Arpey.

 

The union describes that meeting as a "very frank discussion" about the company's situation and the negotiations with the pilots.  Bankruptcy rumors and AMR's upcoming 3Q earnings release next week seem to be motivating both sides to pick up the pace of the conversations.

 

Over the last several weeks, both sides have been meeting at an undisclosed location in Texas, to see if they could make progress. 

 

The union has called it's board of directors back to town early this weekend (in advance of a meeting planned for next week). 

The board will be in Fort Worth Saturday to examine the details of a deal, if one is reached between now and then, or to get an update on the progress.

Last Month Was Pa.'s Wettest September

The National Weather Service says last month was Pennsylvania's wettest September on record.

    

Hydrologist Charles Ross at the agency's State College office said Thursday that's based on records going back 117 years.

Rain from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee set off flooding throughout eastern Pennsylvania on a scale not seen since Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Thousands of homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed.

But the rainfall was good news for some parts of the state.

On Thursday, the state Department of Environmental Protection says it lifted a drought watch declaration that had been in effect in Cameron, Elk, McKean and Potter counties in northwestern Pennsylvania.

 

 

Low Cost Home Repairs

Looking for a place where you can improve your home without breaking the bank? Building Materials Exchange is a Philadelphia organization that helps eligible consumers make minor modifications and repairs to their home without spending their life’s savings.

According to the organization’s own website, “BME, a division of Impact Services, is a non-profit clearinghouse for surplus and salvaged building materials”. You can find refurbished items like windows, doors, paint and a variety of styles in décor. Contractors and community members donate goods to Building Materials Exchange, which refurbishes items for sale to families that qualify and/or other nonprofit organizations at a low price.

Lucy DeJesus says she has saved thousands of dollars over the past several years. “You go to stores and it’s expensive, and you go there [and] everything’s cheap.”

Owner John Macdonald has been behind this venture for twenty years. “You know, we can help [people] make it a little better and as long as they have the opportunity that creates hope for themselves with an improved housing situation that’s what we’re trying to do”. If you would like to make some home improvements and want to see if you qualify, contact  215-423-3613 or stop by the warehouse. In order to qualify customers must be a home owner in Philadelphia, show proof of home ownership, proof of income and a valid photo I.D. For a one person household, income should not exceed 43,600 dollars annually. They are open Monday through Friday 9am-4pm and located at 111 West Erie Ave. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140.

Sex Offender Arrested Trying to Shower in Fairfax High School

Police locked up a convicted sex offender after he tried to shower at a northern Virginia school.

According to officers, the suspect walked into the Fairfax High School around 9 a.m. on October 12.  The man, identified as 59-year-old Zemar Melgerai of Santa Monica, California, "accosted" staff members at the school, asking to use a shower.

Fairfax police arrived, and the man was taken into attention.  Megerai has been charged with being a convicted sex offender on school grounds.

Bond was set at $3500.

Ship Wake Damages Salem Co. Homes

Some homeowners along the Delaware River in Salem County, New Jersey are busy repairing damage to their properties after a wake from a passing ship slammed ashore earlier this month.

According to Today's Sunbeam, the Liberian-registered ship Cap Irene sailed downriver on Saturday, October 1 around 1:30 in the afternoon, creating a large wake that hit the shore, damaging properties.

One homeowner told Today's Sunbeam it was like "a mini tsunami." Another homeowner said the wave ripped up deck boards and damaged siding on his house.

The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies are investigating the incident. 

Waste-to-Energy Plants Worse Than Coal: Report

A new study says waste-to-energy plants that turn garbage into electricity are more polluting than coal-fired power plants.

The Environmental Integrity Project produced the report, which it plans to release Thursday. The group says Maryland, which has three plants operating or under development, is rapidly becoming the nation's capital for waste-to-energy.

The group says its data shows the state's two largest incinerators create more pollution per hour of energy generation  than each of the state's four largest coal-fired plants. The plants are Baltimore's Wheelabrator incinerator and the Montgomery County Resource Recovery Facility in Dickerson. A third incinerator has been proposed near Frederick.

Environmental groups have criticized a decision by Gov. Martin O'Malley earlier this year to support enhanced incentives for waste-to-energy, saying it will hurt recycling efforts.

The Architect for the Capitol recently announced the Capitol building would start burning its waste for energy as well.

Kelly: Protesters Won't Be Able to Bring Sleeping Bags Back Into Park After Cleanup

Occupy Wall Street protesters will not be allowed to bring their sleeping bags back into Zuccotti Park after they leave for a city-ordered cleanup of the premises Friday morning, NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said Thursday.

Mayor Bloomberg appeared at the park Wednesday evening to inform protesters that cleaning crews will be dispatched there at the end of the week.

Kelly said cleanup crews will enter the park at about 7 a.m. Friday and the clean-up process will take place in four-hour intervals.

He also said protesters will not be able to bring their sleeping bags, among other items, into the park once they are allowed back in, which may hamper their ability to weather the elements amid an anticipated cold front expected to roll through the area.

The commissioner also said Brookfield Properties, which owns the park property, distributed letters to protesters describing some of the new guidelines.

Meanwhile, witnesses said Bloomberg's demeanor was cheerful when he strolled through the park with his security detail Wednesday night, though he didn't stop to speak to many protesters. 

The plan to clean the park comes after another day of anti-Wall Street demonstrations, including this march to the office of J.P. Morgan Chase. Four protesters were arrested. Charges were not announced.

FULL OCCUPY WALL STREET COVERAGE

Walmart May Move Into Shirlington Neighborhood

Get ready Walmart shoppers. The big box store may come to Shirlington.

 

Arlington County Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman told News4 a developer is trying to acquire industrial land near Four Mile Run and South Shirlington Road for the purpose of building a Wal-Mart.

           

Zimmerman said the world's largest retailer has yet to approach the county with any plans for the land.

But whatever project is proposed, it needs to fit in with the surrounding community which includes the busy WOD bike trail, Zimmerman said.

 

Trumpet Player Removed from UD Game

A controversy is brewing after security officials removed and handcuffed a University of Delaware fan from Delaware Stadium on Saturday for playing a trumpet in the stands during a Blue Hens football game, according to Delaware Online.

Other fans booed as security officials escorted 31-year old Matt Delaney from the grandstand in the third quarter of Delaware's 21-0 win over William & Mary.

Security officials said they asked Delaney to stop playing several times, before they removed him from the stadium.

Delaney was later handcuffed and taken to UD police headquarters. He was not charged.

Some angry fans left their seats in protest, according to Delaware Online, and that led to confrontations between fans and police.

One long-time fan told Delaware Online Delaney has been a fixture at UD games, playing his trumpet after a big play or a score for 15 years.

Summer-Like Feel Moves Out as Rainy, Cool Weather Moves In

If you didn't stop to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather that graced the tri-state earlier this week, you may not have another chance for awhile.

Today will feature a mostly cloudy sky with nothing more than a couple of brief showers and some spotty drizzle.

The cloud cover could thin in spots to make it a little brighter, with temperatures climbing well into the 60s to around 70 if we see any sun at all this afternoon. 

Overnight showers may be common, but not concerning.

The overall weather pattern is expected to be a bit unsettled into Friday evening, with showers and maybe an isolated thunderstorm or two pounding the area as a cold front approaches and swings through later in the day and evening.

A gusty northwest wind will follow for Saturday into Sunday, with drier weather returning.

Both days will feature at least partial sunshine with daytime highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s to near 50.

Man Arrested for Wissinoming Hit and Run

Police arrested a man for an alleged hit and run that took the life of a 46-year-old woman.

On the morning of September 29, Joyce Kenny was struck by a 1993 GMC pick-up truck as she crossed the street on Torresdale Avenue and Fraley Street in the Wissinoming section of Philadelphia.

Witnesses tell USA LOCAL NEWS that they watched the vehicle flee the scene.

Police located the truck a short time later on Milnor Street near Comly Road. Around the same time, the owner of the vehicle, Angel Roque, 28, reported it stolen.

Authorities went to Roque's home on the 48-hundred block of Devereaux Avenue where they took several people in for questioning. It turns out Roque was the one responsible for Kenny's death, according to police.

He was arrested on Wednesday and charged with homicide by vehicle, driving under the influence, tampering with evidence, false reports and other related offenses.

Kenny was a Department of Veterans Affairs employee for the Philadelphia Regional Office and Insurance Center for 28 years. She served veterans and their beneficiaries as a claims assistant in the Insurance Claims Division.

"She was a beautiful person, she was a good person," said Phil Gillice, a friend of Kenny. "She would do anything for you."

Teen Settles in Crowe Case Lawsuit

One of three plaintiffs wrongfully accused of murdering 12-year-old Stephanie Crowe has agreed to a settlement, according to court documents obtained by the North County Times.

Aaron Houser agreed to settle for an undisclosed amount of money in a lawsuit against four Escondido police officers, an Oceanside police officer, and a psychologist, the paper reported.

The case began on the morning of Jan. 21, 1998, when the Crowes' grandmother found the dead girl in her Escondido bedroom.

Investigators quickly focused on Stephanie's brother, 14-year-old Michael Crowe, noting that their suspicion was aroused when they noticed him emotionlessly playing a handheld video game while the rest of the family grieved the morning his sister's body was discovered.

Soon after, investigators implicated Michael's friends, Aaron Houser and Joshua Treadway.

The three boys were repeatedly interrogated over many hours until Crowe and Treadway confessed.

A judge later found that those confessions were made by scared teens worn down by what the appeals court described as "hours of grueling, psychologically abusive interrogation."

Michael Crowe is still suing over the matter. Trial is set to begin Oct. 31.

Treadway dropped out of the lawsuit several years ago.

Betty White is 'Still hot!'

The 89 year-old pop culture queen has again captured the attention of fans with an out-of-the-box project thats an ad for a life settlement company and benefits one of White's favorite charities, the LA Zoo.

White along with bodybuilders, plenty of cheesecake and White music video co-star British singer Luciana were on display at the Abbey night club Tuesday for the premiere of the video.

It shows White sounded by those bodybuilders and she proclaims she is 'still hot.'

"It's a switch for me I will tell you, but it's fun and they gave me these nice young men to work with that are built like little brick houses," said White.

The video is part of the marketing campaign originally designed to reach seniors through social media, but executives say when we heard the song, the project snowballed.

The remix now not only brings awarewness to "Lifeline," a life settlement company based in Atlanta, Ga, but also supports one of Betty’s favorite charities, the Los Angeles Zoo.

“The project brings new exposure to Luciana, supports one of Betty’s favorite charities and creates awareness for life settlements,” said Stephen Terrell, co-founder of Lifeline, in a release from the company.

French Prosecutor Drops DSK Rape Case

The Paris prosecutor's office has dropped an investigation into a French writer's claim that Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the French diplomat accused of sexually assaulting a maid in a Manhattan hotel room, tried to rape her for lack of sufficient proof.

The prosecutor's office said Thursday that Strauss-Kahn admitted to sexual aggression against writer Tristane Banon but that it is too late to prosecute for that charge, because the incident in question happened in 2003.

Banon says that Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her during an interview for a book. Strauss-Kahn called the claim imaginary.

Strauss-Kahn quit his job as head of the International Monetary Fund after a New York hotel maid, Nafissatou Diallo, accused of attempted rape earlier this year. Prosecutors later dropped that case. 

East Dallas Times Blogger, NBCDFW Writer Dead at 55

Bruce Felps, the writer, editor and publisher of EastDallasTimes.com who also wrote commentary  for NBCDFW.com passed away early Thursday morning, according to his sister via the CaringBridge.org page set up for him by his sister:

In Loving Memory of Bruce Felps

Bruce Michael Felps passed away this morning at approx. 6:24 am. He was in no pain and it was a completely peacefully passing.

Even though we were expecting this outcome, it is never easy. I am still in shock.

I will keep you posted on memorial service plans. Thank you everyone for your thoughts, prayers and love for Bruce.

Felps, 55, suffered a brain aneurysm October 5 and remained in a coma at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas until Thursday morning.

The prayers of NBCDFW and NBC 5 are with Bruce and his family.

More: CaringBridge.org Bruce Felps Journal Updates, Bruce Felps on Facebook

Ambassador Plot Suspect Had Lots of Cash: Friend

A long-time friend of a former Texas used car dealer charged in a plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia's ambassador in the United States said Wednesday that his friend told him in August that he was making a lot of money for not very much work.

Manssor Arbabsiar, known as "Jack" to his friends, brushed away his friend's questions about the source of his good fortune when he stayed at Tom Hosseini's apartment with another college friend in the Iranian provincial capital of Sarandaj around Aug. 18-19. Hosseini said Arbabsiar had "$20,000 to $30,000 cash always in his pocket."

"I said, `What kind of business? Maybe I learn too.' He said `No, next year, a couple years down the road, then I'm going to make you a millionaire too,"' Hosseini said.

Arbabsiar, 56, was being held without bail in New York for his role in the alleged plot to kill Saudi diplomat Adel Al-Jubeir. The U.S. Justice Department contends Arbabsiar and another man working for the Iranian government tried to hire a purported member of a Mexican drug cartel to carry out the attack with a bomb while Al-Jubeir was at a restaurant. Arbabsiar is a U.S. citizen who also holds an Iranian passport.

According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in New York, the plot was revealed by an informant inside the world of the Mexican drug trade.

Around Corpus Christi, where Arbabsiar had lived for more than a decade, friends expressed shock that the man they knew as a jokester who liked to make money and have a good time was somehow wrapped up in the plot.

"This guy doesn't have a brain to say no to something," Hosseini said. "Maybe somebody offered good money. ... He didn't know what was going to happen."

Before attending what was then known as Texas A & I University in Kingsville, Arbabsiar lived in Oklahoma, where he tried to learn English, Hosseini said. He said his friend never mastered the language and couldn't read it. Arbabsiar studied civil engineering in Kingsville but did not finish, he said.

Arbabsiar liked to party and go out with women, Hosseini said. On one such occasion in 1981, he and Hosseini went out to a club in Houston, where they were jumped by several guys outside, Hosseini said. Arbabsiar was stabbed repeatedly, spent six months in the hospital and still carries a prominent scar on his left cheek, Hosseini said.

Hosseini said Arbabsiar's first wife left him because he was so disorganized.

He and his second wife, Martha Guerrero, moved into a single-family home in Corpus Christi in 1989. Within the last few years, she moved to the Austin suburb of Round Rock. She told reporters overnight that Arbabsiar didn't live there with her and that he used the address only to obtain a driver's license.

Calls to the home went unanswered Wednesday. But Guerrero said in TV interviews she believes the charges against Arbabsiar are false.

"I cannot for the life of me think that he would be capable of doing that," Guerrero told KVUE in Austin. "He was at the wrong place at the wrong time, I'm sure of that and I know that his innocence is going to come out."

Another relative later said the FBI told the family not to talk to reporters.

Over the years, Arbabsiar owned various used car lots around town and ran a wholesale used car business. He opened a gyro and kebab restaurant in the local mall. After a while, he sold it and made some money, said Mitchel Hamauei, who met Arbabsiar through mutual friends more than a decade ago.

Hamauei last saw Arbabsiar about a year ago while he was in the area visiting his son at college. He stopped in at Hamauei's deli for a sandwich and some cigarettes.

"He was a real happy go lucky guy," Hamauei said. "He doesn't seem that he could mastermind a plan like that. He's not that spiteful or deceitful. It's way out of character for him."

"He wasn't a radical, he was just a man trying to make a dollar."

Texas Tea Party Wants Immigration Measure Revived

A coalition of Texas tea party supporters is calling on Gov. Rick Perry to revive legislation that gives police broader powers to ask people they detain about their citizenship status.

Perry made the issue an emergency item, seemingly fast-tracking it toward passage, during the Texas legislative session.

The House passed a version during the regular session, and the Senate passed one amid a special session later in the summer. But Democratic opposition kept those from becoming law.

Perry and supporters say it will help police fight crime committed by illegal immigrants. But opponents, including law enforcement chiefs in Texas' largest cities and immigrant rights activists, say it will allow rogue officers to target Hispanics.

Tea Party activists have called an Austin news conference Thursday to again express their frustration.

FEMA Trailers Arrive for Bastrop Wildfire Victims

The government has started providing trailers to families needing housing after their homes burned during Central Texas wildfires.

The first temporary housing units arrived this week in Bastrop County, courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

FEMA spokesman Ray Perez said Wednesday that the trailers will be available for up to 18 months.

More than 1,500 homes were destroyed during wildfires that began Labor Day weekend in the Bastrop area, about 30 miles east of Austin.

Eligible residents need to apply to be considered for FEMA housing assistance. Two- and three-bedroom trailers are available.

Trolley Crashes Into Car Left by Drunk Driver

Officials continue to investigate a trolley and car accident in Delaware County.

It happened around 5 a.m. on 1400 Edgewood Road near the Beechwood/Brookline Station in Haverford Township.

A police source says Brian Manning, 29, of Haverford Township, drove his car onto the tracks along SEPTA's route 100 Norristown High Speed Line before abandoning the vehicle. It was then struck by a trolley.

24 people on the trolley suffered minor injuries after the crash.

Manning later returned to the scene where he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and 26 counts of reckless endangerment. He will be arraigned in court Thursday afternoon.

SEPTA is advising passengers on the Norristown High Speed Line to board all trains on the inbound platforms between West Overbrook and Wynnewood Stations.

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Bus Crashes into Tree Near Rock Creek Park

An out-of-control tour bus crashed into a tree in Northwest D.C. Thursday morning.

The bus was traveling downhill on Tilden Street heading into Rock Creek Park.

The driver lost control of the vehicle, sending the charter bus into the center median, where it crashed into a tree.

An ambulance was called to the scene, but there were no injuries to passengers or the driver.  The impact smashed in the vehicle's front end and cracked the driver's window.

A sign on the side of the bus read "Capitol Entertainment Services," a local charter bus company.  The company's website says that renting a 47 passenger coach bus costs $100 an hour, with a five hour minimum.

Police Say Woman Called Ex 1,000 Times in 3 Months

A Houston woman has been charged with felony stalking after being accused by police of calling her ex-boyfriend more than 1,000 times and sending him more than 700 emails within a three month period.

Police say Toni Jo Silvey also used a tire iron and later a sword to shatter several of the windows of her ex-boyfriend's Houston home.

The Houston Chronicle reports she is accused of egging his house several times and posting pictures of herself bragging about it on her Facebook page.

Police say the 49-year-old woman also created an Internet persona called "woundedpoeticsoul" and started a blog detailing the end of her relationship with her ex-boyfriend.

Court records show Silvey remained jailed late Wednesday after being arrested on Tuesday.

Silvey's attorney declined comment.

San Diego Swelters in Record-Breaking Heat

Toasty temperatures are in store for San Diego County Thursday.

People along the coast will see between 80 and 90 degree heat. Inland communities will see triple-digit heat, according to meteorologist Jodi Kodesh.

With record-breaking heat and Santa Ana conditions, the weather is ripe for wildfires.

Fire crews responded to a small fire near the San Diego Safari Park in Escondido Wednesday. The park, formerly known as the Wild Animal Park, was not threatened.

A three acre fire also burned Wednesday evening off Highway 94 near the Border Patrol Check point in the Otay lakes area.

CAL Fire is in a heightened state of alert with extra people on staff just in case disaster strikes.

Mayor Sanders is asking for San Diegans to be vigilant about creating 100 feet of defensible space around their homes.

“It's not only common sense, it's the law,” said Sanders earlier this week.

"Holiday Bandit" Expected to Plead Guilty

The elusive Ukranian-born "Holiday Bandit" who officials believe robbed at least nine banks in the tri-state area during last year's holiday season is expected to plead guilty before a judge today.

Mirat Mikhaylich is scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Robert Levy this afternoon. He was arrested in Queens in March after eluding authorities for months.

Officials believe he amassed an estimated $80,000 in a series of holiday-season heists. In one robbery, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound thief even managed to vanish as cops arrived and helicopters searched from above.

Investigators found Mikhaylich after a 2007 Gold Toyota Camry, believed to be stolen by the suspect a day earlier, was found on 91st Avenue in Queens.

Officials believe Mikhaylich was on his way to rob another bank because they found a print-out of directions from his apartment in Jamaica to a Sovereign Bank he'd hit one time before, authorities familiar with the investigation said.

At the time, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Janice K. Fedarcyk said the arrest "should serve as a stark reminder to anyone who wishes to brandish a weapon, rob a bank and put the lives of innocent civilians at risk: we will find you and bring you to justice."

Investigators said Mikhaylich - who they believe is a heroin user - was arrested a day after robbing another bank in Edison, N.J.

"Overwhelming Loss" in Seal Beach Shooting Rampage

Mourners gathered at a vigil Wednesday night to remember loved ones killed after a gunman burst into a busy Seal Beach hair salon and opened fire in a shooting rampage that killed eight people and critically wounded a ninth victim.

Previous Article: 8 Dead in Seal Beach Shooting

"You could be somewhere, innocently, just getting your hair done or your nails done," said Scott Youngren, who attend the vigil. "Before you know it, it's over."

Another vigil is planned for Thursday.

Investigators remained at Salon Meritage early Thursday as they continued to process evidence nearly 12 hours after the massacre, which left bodies scattered throughout the salon. Authorities have not identified any of the victims, and police are still notifying the victims' family members.

"The coroner's office is finishing identifying the victims and making all the family notifications," Sgt. Steve Bowles said early Thursday.

Just a few minutes after the shooting, police arrested 42-year-old Scott Dekraai (pictured) about a half-mile from the salon. Witnesses told NBC4 the man was wearing a protective vest and that police removed weapons from the pickup he was driving.

"He did not resist or provide any problems for our officers," said Bowles.

Dekraai appeared to target his ex-wife, who was working at the salon, witnesses said.

The salon owner, Randy Fannin, is believed to be among the deceased. The family released a statement late Wednesday:

"Our family is struggling to not only make sense of Wednesday's events, but also doing our best to process the overwhelming loss we've all experienced."

The salon was full of customers at the time of the shooting, witnesses said.

"There was like a 'pop pop'... and my receptionist screamed out, 'He just shot that man' and we all went into the bathroom and called 911,'' said Kimberly Criswell, who owns a salon two doors away and knew many hairstylists at Salon Meritage. "I'm sure I've lost some friends today.''

One man and five women were pronounced dead at the salon. One man and one woman died after they were transported to a hospital. One woman remained in critical condition early Thursday.

Six bodies were found inside the salon. One victim was found outside the building.

Police are still attempting to determine the sequence of events.

A service for the victims was conducted late Wednesday at SeaCoast Grace Church in Seal Beach. Kari Salveson, of Los Alamitos, said salon employee Michelle Dekraai, the alleged gunman's ex-wife, made visits to the salon special.

Michelle Dekraai and her ex-husband were involved in a bitter custody dispute over their son, Salveson said.

"She could gab away," Salveson said. "She was one of those girlfriends you could never get enough of. She made you smile and she made you laugh."

Police Continue to Investigate Motive

Authorities have yet to detail a motive for the shooting, but friends of the salon owner and other employees said Scott Dekraai (pictured) was the ex-husband of a stylist who worked there. 

"There may be something to the motive as to a relationship with somebody in the salon, that is our assumption," Bowles told the Associated Press. "There are some significant charges he's facing. We want to vertify all the facts."

After Scott Dekraai's arrest, officers went to a house on Melody Lane in nearby Huntington Beach. Crime scene tape was placed around the house, which is registered to Scott Dekraai.

Dekraai's Huntington Beach neighbors described him as outgoing and always welcoming to visitors. He often played catch with his son in the yard of the home.

His next-door neighbor told the Associated Press she last saw him Tuesday morning as she was leaving for work.

"I'm like, no, not this neighbor, no way, he's the nicest guy ever,'' said neighbor Stephanie Malchow, who attended Dekraai's wedding when he married his current wife three years ago.

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22,000 Sign Petition Against Confederate Flag License Plate

More than 22,000 people have signed petitions against a proposed Confederate flag license plate for Texas.

The Austin American-Statesman reports the petitions were offered Wednesday in Austin.

The governing board of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles could decide on the plate in November. Board members had no comment Wednesday.

The specialty plate has been proposed by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, which is an ancestral history group. Supporters have also raised free speech issues.

Critics include Gary Bledsoe with the NAACP, who says the Confederate flag is as offensive as a swastika and creates fear and intimidation. Another official with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Yannis Banks, says the flag represents slavery and hate.

30 Girls Assault 15-Year-Old in Jersey City: Report

A mob of young girls attacked a 15-year-old girl as she walked through a Jersey City park last week and stole her cell phone, according to police reports obtained by NJ.com.

Someone called police about a big, unruly group near the park just before 10 p.m. Friday. When cops arrived, they found the 15-year-old victim, bloodied and beaten, reports NJ.com.

The girl told authorities she and her cousin had been walking through the park when the group attacked her and stole her cell phone.

The victim's mother told police that she managed to get her daughter's cell phone back from one of the girls in the mob.

No further details were immediately available.

 

Jackson, Cruz Lift FC Dallas to Playoff Berth

Jackson and Daniel Cruz each scored to lift FC Dallas to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night, clinching a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs.

The loss put the Fire on the verge of missing the playoffs. They can still match New York and Houston with 43 points by winning their last two starts. Chicago would still be behind on the goal differential tiebreaker.

Dallas controlled the flow of the game from the start, and the pressure paid off with Jackson's goal in the 41st minute. He took a long pass from Ugo Ihemelu, beat Fire defender Jalil Anibaba and left-footed a low shot past goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

Cruz made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute, putting a bicycle kick past Johnson. That became the game-winner when Chicago's Sebastian Grazzini beat Dallas keeper Kevin Hartman with a curling 16-yard shot in the 86th minute.

Client First Thought Salon Shooting Was Prank

Every hair-dressing station was full at Salon Meritage Wednesday when a gunman burst through the door and began shooting, sending terrified customers diving for cover in the upscale salon tucked just blocks from the beach in this quaint seaside town. The shooter then stepped outside, shot a man sitting in a truck in the parking lot and sped off.

Six women and two men died. Their identities were not officially released but owner Randy Fannin was among the dead, his niece, Tami Scarcella, told the Los Angeles Times.

A woman who was wounded in the rampage remained in critical condition Thursday, police said.

Sgt. Steve Bowles told reporters the woman was still hospitalized but was showing some improvement. Her name was not released.

A woman who gave her name only as Cindy told the Orange County Register that she was in the salon, having her hair colored, when the gunman came in, went up to a woman stylist and fired.

At first, the customer said she thought it was a Halloween prank.

Then the man shot a woman who was having her hair shampooed, and then shot the salon owner, who was coloring Cindy's hair, she said.

"I just kept hearing boom, boom, boom, boom," she said. "I ran out. I didn't see his face. I just saw the gun in his hand and him shoot (everybody)."

Cindy said she ran next door to another business, where she went into the bathroom, closed the door and turned out the light.

"There was like a 'pop pop' ... and my receptionist screamed out, 'He just shot that man' and we all went into the bathroom and called 911," said Kimberly Criswell, who owns a salon two doors away and knew many hairstylists at Salon Meritage. "I'm sure I've lost some friends today."

Police arrested 42-year-old Scott Dekraai about a half-mile from the scene. He did not struggle, police said.

The gunman appeared to have worn body armor and had several guns, police and witnesses said.

Police did not release a motive for the shooting. However, court records and acquaintances said he and his ex-wife, Michelle Fournier Dekraai, of Huntington Beach, who worked at the salon as a licensed cosmetologist, had been locked in a bitter custody battle over their son since he filed for divorce in 2007.

It was unclear whether Fournier was among those killed.

Dekraai was seeking full custody but a court-ordered review recommended against that, John Cate Jr., the attorney for Michelle Dekraai, told the Orange County Register.

Dekraai appeared for a court hearing in the case on Tuesday but it was merely a scheduling meeting, Cate said.

"Obviously, I saw no indication" that he was violent, the attorney said.

Lydia Sosa, a hairstylist who left two years ago to work at a new business with her friend, said the gunman's ex-wife spoke often of her relationship problems.

"They had been having bitter problems for years and I guess he just went in there and started shooting," Sosa said.

It was the worst mass shooting in Orange County history since July 12, 1976, when custodian Edward Allaway killed seven people and wounded two others at California State University, Fullerton. Allaway was convicted of murder but later found to be insane.

In all, one man and five women died at the salon, one man and one woman died after being transported to a nearby hospital.

Glenn Zachman, who owns a video news-gathering service, said he arrived at the scene of the arrest shortly after police and saw they had placed plastic bags over the man's hands to preserve possible gunshot residue.

The man, in handcuffs, was placed in a patrol car and taken away about two-and-a-half hours after the shooting. A new white pickup truck that was believed to be his was parked on the modest residential street with its doors open.

The man was cooperative when officers, working from a description of the shooter, stopped him near the salon, Bowles said.

Shortly after he was arrested, police arrived at a house on Melody Lane in nearby Huntington Beach and escorted two women to a white car and then roped off the house with crime scene tape. The house is registered to Scott Dekraai.

Kari Salveson of Los Alamitos, who attended a service for the victims at SeaCoast Grace Church in Seal Beach, said she had known Michelle Dekraai for more than 10 years.

She said Michelle Dekraai made her every visit to the salon special.

"She could gab away. She was one of those girlfriends you could never get enough of. She made you smile and she made you laugh," Salveson said.

In Huntington Beach, people were shocked to learn that one of the friendliest men in the neighborhood had been arrested for the shootings.

Dekraai's neighbors described him as an outgoing man who invited them over for pool parties at the house he'd lived in for about six years. They said he doted on his son, playing catch with the boy in his yard.

Neighbors said they were aware Dekraai was in a custody battle with his ex-wife over their son, who neighbors said is 7 or 8 years old.

"It was a very difficult battle and he was trying to get more time" with his son, said Jo Cornhall, who lives across the street from Dekraai.

Next-door neighbor Stephanie Malchow, 29, said she was shocked when she saw the photo of the stocky man with thinning hair being detained by Seal Beach police.

"I'm like, no, not this neighbor, no way, he's the nicest guy ever," Malchow said.

Dekraai married his current wife two or three years ago in his backyard, said Malchow, who attended the wedding.

"He seemed very happy, he was just so happy he found someone new who loved his son," she said.

Dekraai walked with a limp after a tug boat accident that killed a fellow tug boat operator about two miles off the coast in 2007. Cornhall said he uses a brace for his leg.

Seal Beach has seen just one other homicide in the past four years, and Bowles said Wednesday's killings were the greatest tragedy to ever strike the seaside town.

The downtown is dotted with salons, restaurants, antique shops and boutiques clustered just blocks from a beach and pier popular with teenagers and young families. Many residents live and work within walking distance of the ocean and many businesses cater to Leisure World, a gated retirement community a few miles away that is home to 9,000 people.

"It's like Mayberry in the middle of Los Angeles," said Doyle Surratt, lead pastor of SeaCoast Grace Church. "We're small and all the kids go to school together."