Today's News-Tuesday, December 29, 2009

THE CENSUS BUREAU WILL SET UP 20 QUESTIONAIRE ASSISTANCE CENTERS ACROSS SCHUYLKILL COUNTY NEXT YEAR. APPROVED BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS LAST WEEK, THE FIRST CENTER WILL BE SET UP IN THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE NEXT MARCH AND WILL BE OPEN THREE HOURS EACH DAY. THE BUREAU IS STILL SEEKING OTHER LOCATIONS FOR THE REMAINING 19 CENTERS IN PLACES SUCH AS LIBRARIES AND MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS ACROSS THE COUNTY. THE GOAL IS TO MAKE SURE RESIDENTS FILL OUT THEIR CENSUS FORMS CORRECTLY. CENSUS FORMS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED AT THESE CENTERS.

THE SCHUYLKILL MALL WILL BE HOLDING H1N1 FLU VACCINES ON JANUARY 8TH AND 9TH. THE CLINIC WILL BE HELD FROM 8 TO 4 EACH DAY IN THE SCHUYLKILL MALL COMMUNITY ROOM. APPOINTMENTS ARE URGED AND CAN BE MADE AT WWW.H1N1INPA.COM UNDER WHAT'S HOT OR BY CALLING 877-PA HEALTH, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY 7AM TILL 7PM, AND WEEKENDS FROM 9AM TILL 5PM. THE VACCINATION IS AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO WANTS IT. ITS FREE.

THE VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST IN MAHANOY CITY HAS BEEN CITED FOR SEVERAL LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS. THE CHARGES INCLUDE SELLING OR GIVING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO A VISIBLY INTOXICATED MALE AND POSSESSING OR OPERATING GAMBLING DEVICES OR PARAPHERNALIA WILL BE BROUGHT BEFORE AN ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE PENALTIES.

CALIFORNIA, PA. (AP) - A PSYCHOLOGY PROFESSOR WHO HEADS THE FACULTY UNION AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA SAYS THE SCHOOL'S PRESIDENT DENIED HER PROMOTION BECAUSE OF HER GENDER. THE UNIVERSITY ISSUED A STATEMENT MONDAY ON BEHALF OF PRESIDENT ANGELO ARMENTI JR., DENYING ANY WRONGDOING AND CALLING PROFESSOR LINDA
TOTH'S FEDERAL LAWSUIT AND "UNFOUNDED ATTACK."

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT IS CHANGING THE WAY OFFICERS HANDLE DOMESTIC ABUSE CASES. THERE HAS BEEN AN UNEXPECTED SURGE IN DOMESTIC HOMICIDES, EVEN AS THE CITY'S OVERALL HOMICIDE RATE HAS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY. AN UPDATED POLICE DIRECTIVE WILL NOT BE READY UNTIL AFTER THE NEW YEAR, BUT THE FOCUS
WILL BE ON BETTER COLLECTION AND USE OF INFORMATION.

READING, PA. (AP) - OFFICIALS HAVE VOTED TO APPROVE TAKING OUT A $3.25 MILLION LOAN AS PART OF A $10 MILLION MAKEOVER OF FIRSTENERGY STADIUM, HOME OF THE READING PHILLIES. THE WORK WILL GET UNDER WAY IN THE FALL. THE MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM WILL REPAY THE $3.25 MILLION LOAN, UNDER THE AGREEMENT APPROVED MONDAY BY CITY COUNCIL.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - OFFICIALS AT THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART IN PITTSBURGH WANT TO DISPLAY A BALLET CURTAIN DESIGNED BY SALVADOR DALI THAT HAS BEEN IN STORAGE SINCE IT WAS DONATED TO THE MUSEUM 33 YEARS AGO. THE CURTAIN IS MORE THAN 26 FEET HIGH AND MORE THAN 49 FEET WIDE. IT DEPICTS A STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS THE MINOTAUR AND THESEUS.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION REVIEWS THE NATION'S SECURITIES POLICIES, THE TOP REPUBLICAN ON THE HOUSE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE SAYS THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO DO A BETTER JOB OF TELLING AMERICANS ABOUT THE THREAT FROM TERRORISM. ON CBS' "THE EARLY SHOW," MICHIGAN CONGRESSMAN PETE HOEKSTRA ALSO SAYS THE U.S. NEEDS TO EMPLOY THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO DEAL WITH THE THREAT.

SAN'A, YEMEN (AP) - YEMEN SAYS IT HAD NO INFORMATION FROM U.S. AUTHORITIES THAT WOULD HAVE WARRANTED PUTTING UMAR FAROUK ABDULMUTALLAB ON A WATCH LIST. HE'S THE NIGERIAN MAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO ATTACK A U.S. AIRLINER ON CHRISTMAS DAY. YEMEN'S INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS THE COUNTRY WILL TIGHTEN CONTROLS ON STUDENT VISAS. ABDULMUTALLAB HAD BEEN IN YEMEN ON SUCH A VISA EARLIER THIS MONTH.

TEHRAN, IRAN (AP) - IRANIAN SECURITY FORCES ARE ARRESTING MORE OPPOSITION ACTIVISTS TODAY. THE LATEST ROUNDUP INCLUDES THE SISTER OF NOBEL PEACE LAUREATE SHIRIN EBADI AND A RELATIVE OF OPPOSITION LEADER MIR HOSSEIN MOUSAVI. MEANWHILE, TEHRAN IS ACCUSING THE U.S., BRITAIN AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES OF FOMENTING VIOLENCE.

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (AP) - PAKISTANI AUTHORITIES ARE TRYING TO CALM SECTARIAN TENSIONS IN THE COUNTRY'S LARGEST CITY. THOUSANDS ARE GATHERING IN KARACHI TODAY FOR THE FUNERALS OF SOME OF THE 43 PEOPLE KILLED WHEN A SUICIDE BOMBER ATTACKED A SHIITE MUSLIM PROCESSION YESTERDAY. THAT SET OFF RIOTING THAT LEFT MARKETS AND STORES ABLAZE. OFFICIALS ARE BLAMING "MISCREANTS" FOR THE VIOLENCE, NOT THE SHIITES.

NEW YORK (AP) - JOHNSON & JOHNSON IS EXPANDING A VOLUNTARY RECALL OF TYLENOL ARTHRITIS CAPLETS. THE COMPANY SAYS IT'S RECEIVED REPORTS OF A MOLDY SMELL THAT CAN CAUSE NAUSEA AND STOMACH PAIN. THE RECALL INVOLVES ALL LOTS OF THE ARTHRITIS PAIN CAPLET 100-COUNT BOTTLES WITH THE RED EZ-OPEN CAP. JOHNSON & JOHNSON SAYS IT WILL
MOVE PRODUCTION TO A NEW FACILITY AND REINTRODUCE THE MEDICINE BY JANUARY.

NEWS 12.28.09
LOCAL

UNIDENTIFIED SUSPECTS BROKE INTO A TRACTOR TRAILER AT WHITE OWL MANOR OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND. APPROXIMATELY 100 GALLONS OF DIESEL FUEL WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH BELONGS TO JOHN LATSHAW JR OF MAHANOY CITY. THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING. CONTACT THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE OF FRACKVILLE WITH ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS THEFT.

THREE HISPANIC MALES FORCED THERE WAY INTO A HOME IN GIRARDVILLE WITH A KNIFE AROUND 10 OCLOCK LAST NIGHT. TERRY BOEHM OF 213 B STREET HAD PROPERTY STOLEN. THE SUSPECTS LEFT ON FOOT HEADING WEST ON B STREET. THE MALES WERE IN THEIR LATE 30’S AND WEARING DARK CLOTHING.

CONGRESSMAN TIM HOLDEN WILL HOLD 2 PRESS CONFERENCES TODAY ANNOUNCING FEDERAL FUNDING. SCHUYLKILL HEALTH SYSTEMS ON SOUTH JACKSON STREET IN POTTSVILLE WILL HOST THE FIRST AT 1:30PM. THE CONGRESSMAN WILL ANNOUNCE SECURED $500,000 FEDERAL FUNDING FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THAT WILL BE USED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IMPROVEMENTS. HE WILL ALSO BE SPEAKING AT THE TAMAQUA COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON E. BROAD STREET IN TAMAQUA ANNOUNCING $200,000 FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE THAT WILL USED FOR DOWNTOWN AND SCHOOL AREA CAMERAS AND LICENSE PLATE SCANNER.

UNKNOWN PERSONS BROKE INTO AN UNOCCUPIED TRAILER OFF CHAPEL DRIVE IN PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP OVER THE WEEKEND. THE TRAILER WAS BEING RENOVATED AT FIDLER COURT TRAILER PARK. SUSPECTS BROKE IN THROUGH THE DOOR AND MADE OFF WITH SEVERAL POWER TOOLS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION REGARDING THIS BURGLARY IS TO CONTACT THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN.

PA NEWS

MEDIA, PA. (AP) - EMERGENCY WORKERS IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA PULLED TWO PEOPLE OUT OF A RAIN-SWOLLEN CREEK AFTER THEIR CAR WENT OFF THE ROAD ON SATURDAY. MIDDLETOWN FIRE CHIEF RIC TULL SAYS A 14-YEAR-OLD ESCAPED THE VEHICLE BY CLIMBING OUT A WINDOW AND CLUNG TO A LOG UNTIL RESCUERS REACHED HER. THE GIRLS MOTHER WAS EXTRICATED FROM THE CAR AND PULLED TO SAFETY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - ED RENDELL IS A SMALLER MAN THAN HE USED TO BE - 56 POUNDS SMALLER, TO BE EXACT. BUT HE VOWS TO REMAIN A WEIGHTY POLITICAL FORCE IN HIS FINAL YEAR AS GOVERNOR. RENDELL SAYS HE WILL PRESS FOR A TAX ON NATURAL-GAS DRILLING AND ANOTHER BOOST
IN EDUCATION SPENDING NEXT YEAR - EVEN AS MAJOR NEW FINANCIAL PRESSURES ARE EXPECTED TO MOUNT.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - POLICE IN PITTSBURGH ARE USING A SIGN-LANGUAGE INTERPRETER IN THEIR INVESTIGATION OF AN ATTEMPTED ROBBERY AND SHOOTING OF TWO DEAF MEN. INVESTIGATORS SAY THE VICTIMS TOLD THEM THE SUSPECT FORCED THEM INTO AN ALLEY EARLY SUNDAY, THEN SHOT ONE MAN IN THE LEG AND THE OTHER IN THE BUTTOCKS AND BACK OF THE HEAD.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - SOUTH AFRICAN POET AND FORMER POLITICAL PRISONER DENNIS BRUTUS HAS DIED. HE WAS 85. BRUTUS' PUBLISHER SAYS HE DIED IN HIS SLEEP AT HIS HOME IN CAPE TOWN ON SATURDAY. EXILED FROM SOUTH AFRICA IN 1966, BRUTUS LATER MOVED TO THE UNITED STATES AND TAUGHT LITERATURE AND AFRICAN STUDIES AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH.

NEW YORK (AP) - JON GOSSELIN'S LAWYER SAYS THE REALITY TV START'S NEW YORK CITY APARTMENT WAS RANSACKED WHILE HE SPENT CHRISTMAS WITH HIS CHILDREN IN PENNSYLVANIA. ATTORNEY MARK JAY HELLER SAYS GOSSELIN CAME HOME TO FIND SLASHED FURNITURE AND
CLOTHING AS WELL AS A SMASHED FAMILY-HEIRLOOM VASE. HE SAYS THE CULPRIT ALSO LEFT A NOT BUT WOULDN'T DISCLOSE WHAT IT SAID.

NATIONAL

LONDON (AP) - BRITAIN SAYS THE MAN ACCUSED OF TRYING TO BOMB A U.S. AIRLINER ON CHRISTMAS DAY WAS PLACED ON A U.K. WATCH LIST AFTER HE WAS REFUSED A STUDENT VISA. HOME SECRETARY ALAN JOHNSON ADDS THAT INVESTIGATORS ARE LOOKING INTO WHETHER UMAR FAROUK
ABDULMUTALLAB (OO'-MAHR FAH-ROOK' AHB-DOOL'-MOO-TAH'-LAHB) WAS RADICALIZED IN BRITAIN. ABDULMUTALLAB RECEIVED A DEGREE IN ENGINEERING AND BUSINESS FINANCE FROM UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
LAST YEAR.

WASHINGTON (AP) - AS AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE THE NIGERIAN MAN WHO ALLEGEDLY TRIED TO BLOW UP A NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT FROM AMSTERDAM TO DETROIT ON CHRISTMAS DAY, ANOTHER COUNTRY IS ENTERING THE PICTURE. NIGERIAN AVIATION AUTHORITIES SAY THE TICKET UMAR FAROUK ABDULMUTALLAB USED CAME FROM A KLM OFFICE IN GHANA. HIS FAMILY SAYS THE MAN CUT COMMUNICATIONS WITH THEM WHEN HE LEFT NIGERIA TO STUDY ABROAD.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - AFTER A PAIR OF FALSE ALARMS ON FLIGHTS INTO DETROIT AND PHOENIX SUNDAY, OFFICIALS ARE REPORTING ANOTHER INCIDENT ON A FLIGHT INTO SALT LAKE CITY. THEY SAY AN INTOXICATED PASSENGER CAUSED A DISTURBANCE ABOARD THE DELTA FLIGHT FROM SEATTLE, AT ONE POINT KNOCKING ON THE PILOTS' CABIN DOOR. THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION SAYS THE MAN IS BEING HELD FOR QUESTIONING.

JERUSALEM (AP) - A U.S. OFFICIAL IS CALLING IT ANOTHER BLOW TO MIDDLE EAST PEACE EFFORTS. ISRAEL'S HOUSING MINISTRY SAYS IT PLANS TO BUILD NEARLY 700 NEW APARTMENTS IN EAST JERUSALEM. PALESTINIANS CLAIM EAST JERUSALEM AS THE CAPITAL OF A FUTURE STATE, WHILE THE JEWISH STATE CLAIMS THE ENTIRE CITY AS ITS ETERNAL CAPITAL.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - AGRICULTURE HELP LINES AND FARMER SUPPORT GROUPS SAY THEY'RE FIELDING A LOT MORE CALLS FOR HELP THIS YEAR. ONE NEW YORK GROUP SAYS ITS REQUESTS ARE UP BY 50 PERCENT. MANY OF THE CALLS ARE COMING FROM DAIRY FARMERS WHO ARE STRUGGLING BECAUSE THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE SELL THEIR MILK FOR WHAT IT COSTS TO PRODUCE

BREAKING NEWS

***WATER BOIL ADVISORY***

The Schuylkill County Municipal Authority has issued a water boil advisory. Due to a water main break in the Race Street Section of Pottsville, customers are encouraged to boil their water until December 30th. The areas effected are in the City of Pottsville along Laurel Boulevard and West Market Street from Third Street to 12th Street and all points in between.

Today's News-Saturday, December 26, 2009

MAR LIN MAN FOUND WITH CHILD PORN

A 41-year-old Mar Lin man surrendered Thursday to face charges of having child pornography on his computer. According to the Republican and Herald, William E. Hunter Jr. was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Charles V. Moran, Pottsville, on 20 counts of sexual abuse of children-possession of child pornography, all felony offenses. Hunter was arrested by state police Cpl. Paul Smith stationed at Troop L headquarters in Reading and charged in connection with incidents that began on Nov. 30, 2008, when a person on the Internet was using a screen name of "bhunter_005" to trade images of child pornography. A check with the Internet service provider and the Internet IP address in use showed Hunter to be the person online, Smith said. The investigation continued and resulted in a search warrant being served at Hunter's home on Oct. 30 to retrieve the man's computer system. Smith said a computer was retrieved from a family room of the home and during the execution of the warrant, Hunter agreed to answer any relevant questions. After being read his Miranda warnings and signing a waiver, Smith said, the man admitted having naked pictures of children on his computer. Hunter also admitted that the day prior, Oct. 29, was the last time he was on the Internet viewing pictures of naked children, Smith said. The trooper said he analyzed Hunter's computer and found 154 image files of children under 18 and three movie files containing images of naked children under 18. Hunter was released after posting $5,000 set by Moran, who said a preliminary hearing on the charges will be scheduled in the near future. A date originally selected for the hearing had to be changed because it conflicts with the schedule of Hunter's attorney.

DUI PATROLS TO BE CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT THE WEEKEND

The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced that Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted today and Sunday along routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 1002, 309, 443, 895, 125,25, 924, 54 and other roads in Schuylkill County. Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call, toll-free, 888-UNDER21 to report underage drinking.

WAL MART SECURITY NETS THREE ARRESTS

A 19-year-old Mahanoy City man was arrested by Saint Clair police and charged with retail theft stemming from an incident at Wal-Mart on Tuesday and Wednesday. Police said Jacob Potter was arraigned and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post 10 percent of $5,000 bail. Police said that Potter tried to steal an XBox video game around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday but dropped the item and fled in a vehicle north on Route 61 after being followed by store security. Then, around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday police said Potter again went to the store and this time left with a Sony Playstation 3 valued at $349. Police tracked down the owner of the vehicle and eventually went to Potter's home where they saw a Nintendo Wii game console on top of a television set. During an interview police said Potter admitted stealing the Playstation 3 but said he did not know what happened to it, police said, adding that the man also admitted stealing the Wii that was on top of the television set on Tuesday, also from Wal-Mart. The total value of both items is $580.88, police said. Two Shenandoah women were charged in connection with an incident at Wal-Mart about 1 p.m. Wednesday. Police said they charged Michelle M. Miller and Ashley L. Miller with one count each of retail theft and receiving stolen property. Michelle Miller was detained and placed in Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, on a detainer for violating her probation while Ashley Miller was released and will receive citations in the mail. Police said store security stopped the women after observing them place items inside their purses and also into an empty box that they re-taped. The value of the items inside the purses totaled $42.50 while the items inside the box were valued at $247.94, police said. Both women will have to appear before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

THREE INJURED IN TWO CHRASHES ON ROUTE 61 CURVE THURSDAY MORNING

Two seperate incidents injured three on Route 61 near "Dead Man's Curve" on Thursday. Authorities said Tara Martinez, 30, was headed south on Route 61 at 6:50 a.m. in a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo when she lost control around a right turn and hit a guiderail, police said. Her vehicle was towed from the scene and the severity of her injury was not known, police said. Later that morning, Police said Kimberly A. Link was headed south on Route 61 in a 2007 Pontiac G8 at 9:44 a.m. when she lost control around a right curve and her vehicle struck a guiderail. Link and a 14-year-old female passenger were injured and taken to a local hospital, police said.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - State health officials are planning swine flu vaccination clinics at 33 locations across Pennsylvania for anyone who wants to receive it. The state Department of Health said the clinics are Jan. 8-9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. People who want to attend must make an appointment. Vaccinations are free and voluntary. To make an appointment, go to www.h1n1inpa.com or call 877-724-3258. Health Secretary Everette James says flu activity is declining in the state, but cautions there is the potential for another wave. Doses of the vaccine are still available through some schools, doctors and other private providers.
　
SUNBURY, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania judge is suing over a decision to cut about $600,000 from his budget. Northumberland County President Judge Robert Sacavage is suing the county. He says the budget cut will force him to cut at least six jobs and will prevent him from running the courts properly, endangering public safety. Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Kurt Masser say they're prepared to defend their position in court. Chairman Frank Sawicki says he wants to reach a settlement. Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts spokesman Art Heinz says the development isn't surprising considering the current economic situation.

WASHINGTON CROSSING, N.J. (AP) - After months of financial uncertainty, a Pennsylvania company has donated $400,000 to ensure that George Washington continues crossing the Delaware River each Christmas. Thousands turn out every year to watch the annual re-enactment of Washington's 1776 crossing of the Delaware River in a surprise attack on British forces. But the re-enactment was imperiled by government budget cuts that have closed a visitor center on the Pennsylvania side. Besides the money, Lockheed Martin also pledged a five-year commitment of volunteer support from 13,000 employees for park maintenance and operations. Other fundraising campaigns included an auction to win a seat in the lead boat for the re-enactment.
　
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's highest court is upholding a decision to throw out a state rule that required coal-fired power plants to cut mercury emissions beyond federal standards. The state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini was correct when he called the rule unlawful, invalid and unenforceable. The 2007 rule was challenged by Allentown-based PPL Corp., which owns two coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania. The administration of Gov. Ed Rendell fought industry resistance for approval of the rule, which made Pennsylvania the first major coal-mining state to attack mercury. However, a federal judge last year required mercury to be restored to a list of hazardous pollutants that Pennsylvania state law prohibits it from regulating.

WALLINGFORD, Pa. (AP) - A suburban Philadelphia teenager has been suspended for wearing a Santa Claus suit to school. Michael Hance says he told his principal that he planned to wear the suit to Strath Haven High School and hand out candy canes. The 18-year-old senior says the principal told him that wasn't a good idea because it would be a distraction. But he wore the suit anyway, with regular clothes underneath in case he was asked to take it off. He got nabbed a few minutes after he walked into his first class on Tuesday. The district says in a statement Hance was suspended for the day for "defiance of authority." Hance says the school could have just given him a detention.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's rodent-infested Capitol cafeteria was not inspected for four years, despite a law requiring annual checks for health and sanitation. Auditor General Jack Wagner said Thursday that he received assurances in 2005 that the Agriculture Department would inspect it. He says his auditors later received false assurances that the department was inspecting it regularly. Agriculture Department press secretary Justin Fleming says the agency is looking into whether it gave false assurances or not. An inspection last week found evidence of a severe rodent infestation, which is considered an imminent health risk. The ground-floor cafeteria is now closed and is not expected to reopen until January. It is a popular coffee and lunch spot for statehouse visitors and employees.

ROMULUS, Mich. (AP) - Passengers headed to the U.S. are being frisked before being allowed to board flights at Amsterdam's Schiphol (SHIP'-hohl) airport. The procedure was put in place after a Nigerian passenger allegedly attempted to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight as it approached Detroit yesterday. Fellow passengers subdued the man.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House is calling yesterday's failed attempt to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight and act of terrorism. It's put in place stricter security measures on airline travel. Meanwhile counterterrorism officials are trying to assess the threat from the explosive mixture the suspect managed to get past security and tried to detonate.

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - A reformist Web site in Iran says opposition supporters have been clashing with security forces in central Tehran. The site says forces including the Revolutionary Guard and a paramilitary group confronted demonstrators today, breaking the windows of cars that were honking horns in protest.

LEGAZPI, Philippines (AP) - Scientists say magma continues to build up in the Philippines' lava-spilling Mayon volcano and that a hazardous eruption remains possible. There's been a decline in earthquake activity but volcanologists are warning evacuated residents not to be lulled into a false sense of security.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The field of possible AFC playoff teams has narrowed by one. The Tennessee Titans' hopes evaporated when they lost to San Diego last night in Nashville, 42-17. The Chargers are the AFC West champs and clinched a first-round bye with the win.

Today's News-Christmas Day 2009

Pa. high court backs ruling on mercury pollution

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's highest court is upholding a decision to throw out a state rule that required coal-fired power plants to cut mercury emissions beyond federal standards. The state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Commonwealth Court Judge Dan Pellegrini was correct when he called the rule unlawful, invalid and unenforceable. The 2007 rule was challenged by Allentown-based PPL Corp., which owns two coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania. The administration of Gov. Ed Rendell fought industry resistance for approval of the rule, which made Pennsylvania the first major coal-mining state to attack mercury.
However, a federal judge last year required mercury to be restored to a list of hazardous pollutants that Pennsylvania state law prohibits it from regulating.

HEALTH CARE-CORBETT

Top Pa. prosecutor probes federal health care deal

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett is looking into the constitutionality of a provision in a federal health care reform bill that lightens Nebraska's funding burden. Spokesman Kevin Harley said Thursday that Corbett and seven other Republican state attorneys general are discussing the matter. The provision in question would require the federal government to pick up Nebraska's full tab for an expansion of Medicaid, a health care program for the poor and disabled. Corbett says all other states, including Pennsylvania, are required to pay those expenses, and it would be unfair for them to foot the cost of Nebraska's Medicaid recipients. The bill passed the U.S. Senate on Thursday morning.
Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson secured the special provision. He voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

CAPITOL CAFETERIA-RODENTS

Auditor: Pa. Capitol eatery uninspected since 2005

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's rodent-infested Capitol cafeteria was not inspected for four years, despite a law requiring annual checks for health and sanitation. Auditor General Jack Wagner said Thursday that he received assurances in 2005 that the Agriculture Department would inspect it. He says his auditors later received false assurances that the department was inspecting it regularly. Agriculture Department press secretary Justin Fleming says the agency is looking into whether it gave false assurances or not. An inspection last week found evidence of a severe rodent infestation, which is considered an imminent health risk.
The ground-floor cafeteria is now closed and is not expected to reopen until January. It is a popular coffee and lunch spot for statehouse visitors and employees.

YMCA-CARBON MONOXIDE

CO poisoning reported at YMCA in northeastern Pa.

CARBONDALE, Pa. (AP) — Nine people at a northeastern Pennsylvania YMCA have been taken to hospitals with possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Emergency workers responded to the YMCA in Carbondale around 10 a.m. Thursday after people there started reporting feeling nauseous and lightheaded. Lackawanna County's emergency management director, Robert Flanagan, says nine people were then taken to area hospitals. Their conditions have not been released, but Flanagan says the injuries are not believed to be serious. He says the fire department, the gas company and contractors are trying to determine the source of the fumes.
Carbondale is about 115 miles north of Philadelphia.

CHRISTMAS EVE THEFT

Woman takes purse with $5,000 from Pa. Wal-Mart

DICKSON CITY, Pa. (AP) — Police in northeastern Pennsylvania say a woman walked off with a purse that contained about $5,000 in cash on Christmas Eve. Police released an image from surveillance video Thursday in hopes of identifying the woman who took the purse from a bench inside a Wal-Mart store in Dickson City. In addition to cash, police say the purse contained various credit cards, passports and birth certificates. Dickson City is just outside Scranton, a little more than 100 miles north-northwest of Philadelphia.

CHRISTMAS CASH

Police: Pa. bar robber desperate for Xmas cash

MIDLAND, Pa. (AP) — Police say a man desperate for cash to buy his children Christmas gifts has been jailed on charges of robbing a western Pennsylvania tavern. Online court records don't list an attorney for 37-year-old Darryl Foster, of Midland, who remained in the Beaver County Jail Thursday. Midland police say Foster wore a mask, a hooded sweat shirt and gloves when he grabbed money from a register and demanded a bag of money from a safe at the Riviera Lounge about 1:20 a.m. Wednesday. Police found Foster by following footprints in the snow. Police say the suspect told them he was "going crazy, and had no money for his children for Christmas because he could not find a job." Foster allegedly stole $985, at least some of which police recovered.

ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING

Feds say W.Pa. father of twin victim is fugitive

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Federal marshals say a suburban Pittsburgh man has fled to Vietnam to avoid trial on charges that his 9-year-old son accidentally shot and killed his twin brother.
Authorities have charged 67-year-old Michael Lanese, of Upper St. Clair, with flight to avoid prosecution. Investigators say Lanese flew to Vietnam in September and plans to marry there to avoid prosecution in Allegheny County. Lanese didn't show up for his Oct. 13 trial on involuntary manslaughter and other charges for allegedly not securing his weapons. One of the boys fatally shot the other at home on Oct. 18, 2008 while Lanese was reading a book. The United States doesn't have an extradition treaty with Vietnam, but Lanese could be extradited if he's found in a country that does have a treaty.

MISSING WOMAN FOUND

Dismissal upheld of long-missing Pa. woman's suit

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A federal appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a western Pennsylvania woman who ran away as a teenager and lived with a school security guard for a decade. In a ruling Wednesday, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a federal judge's ruling that the statute of limitations for Tanya Kach to sue expired two years after she turned 18 in 1999. Kach was 14 when she ran away to live with Thomas Hose, then 37, in McKeesport. Kach resurfaced in 2006 and says he kept her against her will. Hose is serving five to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual assault and other charges. In April, Kach reached a confidential settlement with Hose's former security company.

OFFICER SHOT DEAD-FUND

Police set up memorial fund for slain Pa. officer

PENN HILLS, Pa. (AP) — A suburban Pittsburgh police department has set up a Fallen Heroes Fund to raise money for a monument and financial aid for some local high school graduates.
Thirty-two-year-old Penn Hills officer Michael Crawshaw was shot and killed responding to reports of an armed robbery and murder at a home Dec. 6. Thirty-two-year-old Ronald Robinson, of Pittsburgh, has been ordered to stand trial on charges he killed the officer and a man at the home. Donations will be used to build a monument to Crawshaw. But his family also wants to fund financial aid for Penn Hills High School graduates who plan to major in psychology or social work in college. Crawshaw had a degree in social work and a minor in psychology.

ODD-SANTA SUIT SUSPENSION

Pa. student suspended for wearing Santa suit

WALLINGFORD, Pa. (AP) — A suburban Philadelphia teenager has been suspended for wearing a Santa Claus suit to school. Michael Hance says he told his principal that he planned to wear the suit to Strath Haven High School and hand out candy canes. The 18-year-old senior says the principal told him that wasn't a good idea because it would be a distraction. But he wore the suit anyway, with regular clothes underneath in case he was asked to take it off. He got nabbed a few minutes after he walked into his first class on Tuesday. The district says in a statement Hance was suspended for the day for "defiance of authority." Hance says the school could have just given him a detention.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican says it will review its security procedures. This, after a woman who'd been involved in a 2008 security breach jumped a barrier in St. Peter's Basilica during Christmas Eve Mass last night and knocked down the pope. He wasn't hurt, and continued with the Mass.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Hours after he was knocked down at the start of Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Benedict has delivered his traditional Christmas Day blessing. He looked tired and unsteady, but otherwise fine. The Vatican says the pope's busy Christmas schedule remains unchanged.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Forecasters are warning of blizzard conditions into this evening in parts of the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Highways in the East are expected to be covered with ice. And the South is supposed to see some gusty thunderstorms.

KABUL (AP) — A NATO spokesman calls it a "horrible act" that "exploits" a young American soldier. The Taliban have released a video showing the only known U.S. serviceman in captivity in Afghanistan -- Bowe Bergdahl of Idaho. In the video, he denounces the U.S. conduct of the war there and U.S. relations with Muslims. Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban more than five months ago.

WYTHEVILLE, Va. (AP) — More details are emerging about the man accused of holding three people hostage for eight hours in a Virginia post office this week. The St. Petersburg Times says Warren Taylor was released in 1998 from a Florida prison after serving four years for shooting his ex-wife. He was also convicted of lewd and lasciviious behavior with a child.

Today's News-Christmas Eve 2009

Key dispute over Pa. casino bill said to be solved

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Top Pennsylvania legislators apparently have resolved a key disagreement holding up casino gambling expansion. Two people briefed on a telephone conversation Wednesday among legislative leaders say the group agreed on a provision that would allow new applicants for Pennsylvania's last remaining resort casino license. The agreement also would possibly create another license in 2017. The legislation would also legalize table games at slot-machine casinos in an effort to raise revenue for the cash-strapped state.
Otherwise, Gov. Ed Rendell is warning that he will lay off state employees beginning Jan. 11.
The bill still must pass the Legislature. But House Gaming Oversight Committee Chairman Dante Santoni says the deal is designed to get the bill passed before layoffs happen.

SENATOR INVESTIGATED

Lawyer: Grand jury investigating Pa. senator

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pennsylvania state senator has hired a high-profile criminal defense lawyer who says detectives have searched her office and seized computers. Defense lawyer Jerry McDevitt told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Wednesday night that Allegheny County detectives searched Sen. Jane Clare Orie's office Friday as part of a grand jury investigation. McDevitt says detectives with a warrant seized computers assigned to office staff, several laptops and the office computer server. He says Orie's own computer was left behind. McDevitt says the investigation apparently began a day before the November election. He says an intern at the Republican senator's district office complained to the district attorney's office that political calls were being made there on behalf of state Supreme Court nominee Joan Orie Melvin, the senator's sister. Orie Melvin was elected to the state's highest court.

RENDELL-STATE BUDGET

Rendell to pursue shale tax, school funding hike

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Ed Rendell will press for another increase in public school funding and a tax on natural gas production when he presents his last state budget in February.
But the Democrat wouldn't say Wednesday whether he will use his final year in office to try to head off a fiscal "tsunami" that he warns is headed toward Pennsylvania after his term ends.
After he leaves office, he estimates the state will need to close a revenue gap of $4.5 billion to $5.5 billion, or more than 15 percent of this year's approved budget. That's to replace the temporary federal stimulus dollars distributed to help states through the recession and to meet an anticipated increase in public employee pension obligations.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER-BRIBE

Pa. judges pick new county commissioner

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) — Judges in a northeastern Pennsylvania county have chosen a successor to a county commissioner who resigned last week and agreed to plead guilty to accepting a bribe. Luzerne County judges decided Wednesday to name Thomas Cooney as the successor to Greg Skrepenak. Cooney, of Jenkins Township, got four votes. Three other hopefuls got one vote each. Sixty-eight people applied to serve out his term and the judges narrowed the list down to 14 finalists earlier Wednesday. Judges interviewed those finalists, then deliberated in private before voting. His lawyer has said Skrepenak accepts responsibility for his actions but declined further comment.

JUDGE SUES COUNTY

Pa. judge sues county over budget cuts

SUNBURY, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania judge is suing over a decision to cut about $600,000 from his budget. Northumberland County President Judge Robert Sacavage is suing the county. He says the budget cut will force him to cut at least six jobs and will prevent him from running the courts properly, endangering public safety. Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Kurt Masser say they're prepared to defend their position in court. Chairman Frank Sawicki says he wants to reach a settlement. Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts spokesman Art Heinz says the development isn't surprising considering the current economic situation.

HISTORIC INN FIRE

NE Pa. apartment building near historic inn burns

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. (AP) — An apartment building next to a historic northeastern Pennsylvania inn caught fire, but residents were able to get out safely. Fire officials in Bloomsburg told the Press Enterprise of Bloomsburg that the building caught fire just before 8 p.m. Wednesday night. Fire officials told the newspaper people inside were able to get out on their own, but a cat was rescued by a firefighter. Fire Chief Hugh Gross said he was not immediately available to give more information when reached by The Associated Press. Initial reports said the building that caught fire was the Irondale Inn, a historic bed and breakfast that bills itself as having served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. But the fire was actually at an apartment building next to the inn.

EVANGELICAL-DISORDERLY CONDUCT

Mass. court affirms conviction of evangelical

BOSTON (AP) — A Massachusetts court has upheld the disorderly conduct conviction of a Philadelphia-based evangelist who refused to obey repeated police orders to stop using a megaphone during Salem's large annual Halloween celebration. Repent America director Michael Marcavage had appealed an order to pay a $200 fine and $50 to the Victim-Witness Fund in connection with the 2007 incident. He claimed that police ordered him to stop using the megaphone because of the content of his speech, not any public safety concerns. The 30-year-old Marcavage argued that his state and federal constitutional protections were violated.
But the Supreme Judicial Court disagreed, ruling on Wednesday that Marcavage failed to prove that the actions of police were connected with the content of his speech.

TRIPLETS HURT

1 charge dropped in Pa. dead-toddler case

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Prosecutors have dropped an aggravated assault charge against a Pittsburgh man accused of injuring his girlfriend's 2-year-old triplets, one of whom died.
Allegheny County district attorney's office spokesman Mike Manko says 20-year-old Anthony George is still charged with endangering the welfare of a child. But the aggravated assault charge was dropped Wednesday for lack of evidence. George was baby-sitting his girlfriend's triplets at their home Nov. 29 when they suffered the injuries. George told police that the girls were injured in a "domino effect" when all three toddlers fell down the stairs. Doctors say Kaiyah Beck, who died at a hospital, suffered a head injury that isn't consistent with a fall down the stairs.

CAPITOL CAFETERIA-RODENTS

Pa. shuts 2nd Capitol complex eatery, 5 snack bars

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania officials are temporarily closing a second cafeteria and five snack bars in the state government complex in Harrisburg in a precautionary move prompted by the discovery of rodent droppings in the Capitol's main cafeteria. Department of General Services spokesman Ed Myslewicz said Wednesday the cafeteria in the Keystone office building next to the Capitol and snack bars operated by the Bureau of Blind and Visual Services in five other buildings will remain closed until at least Jan. 5. Myslewicz says the additional closures were not prompted by the discovery of any problems like the excessive rodent droppings found scattered throughout the Capitol cafeteria's equipment and cabinets. Philadelphia-based Aramark Corp. runs the Capitol cafeteria and is working with state workers to clean it up.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As expected, the Senate has passed President Barack Obama's landmark health care overhaul by a vote of 60-39. The bill extends medical insurance to 30 million Americans. It requires nearly everyone to buy insurance and prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — It's a stormy day in the nation's midsection. The worst of the storm is heading northeast across the region, bringing heavy snow, sleet and rain to a large swath of the Plains and the Midwest. A foot or two of snow is possible in some areas by Christmas Day.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stock futures are pointing to a modestly higher opening today. New reports on unemployment and durable goods orders are expected to show the economy is continuing its recovery. Overseas markets also are higher. The U.S. market will close early for the Christmas holiday.

WYTHEVILLE, Va. (AP) — Residents of the small Virginia town of Wytheville will try to get back in the holiday spirit after a hostage standoff gripped the town all day yesterday. A disabled man held three people inside the post office for more than eight hours. He surrendered to police after freeing the hostages unharmed.

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A 9-year-old boy is back with his natural father today. Sean Goldman was brought into the U.S. consulate in Rio de Janeiro today by several of his Brazilian relatives after Brazil's chief justice upheld a lower court's ruling that ordered Sean returned to his father, David Goldman of Tinton Falls, New Jersey. The decision ended a five-year custody battle.

Today's News-Wednesday, December 23, 2009-UPDATED 7AM

DONCHAK AND PIEKARSKY PLEAD NOT GUILTY

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE HAS DENIED BAIL FOR TWO SHENANDOAH TEENS CHARGED WITH A HATE CRIME IN THE DEATH OF A MEXICAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT. EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD BRANDON PIEKARSKY AND 19-YEAR-OLD DERRICK DONCHAK PLEADED NOT GUILTY TUESDAY IN FEDERAL COURT IN WILKES-BARRE. THEY WERE ARRAIGNED ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JULY 2008 BEATING DEATH OF 25-YEAR-OLD LUIS RAMIREZ. JUDGE MALCHY MANNION HAS DENIED THEM BAIL AND SAID THEY ARE DANGERS TO THE COMMUNITY. A JURY PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED THE TEENS OF THE MOST SERIOUS STATE CHARGES, ANGERING HISPANIC LEADERS AND CIVIL-RIGHTS GROUPS. GOV. ED RENDELL ASKED THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE CIVIL RIGHTS CHARGES. THREE POLICE OFFICERS WERE CHARGED LAST WEEK WITH OBSTRUCTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO RAMIREZ'S DEATH.

HAVEN WOMAN CHARGED WITH STEALING

A SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WOMAN IS CHARGED WITH STEALING FROM A POTTSVILLE WOMAN WHOM SHE SERVED AS A HEALTH AID. POTTSVILLE POLICE SAY THAT A COUNSELOR FROM THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ATTENDANT HEALTH CARE PROGRAM REPORTED THAT 65 YEAR OLD LOUISE FERRARO HAD CHARGES MADE FROM HER CREDIT CARD ACCOUNT. SIX PURCHASES WERE ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN MADE BY 46 YEAR OLD KATHY STUMP, WHO WAS A HOME HEALTH AIDE FOR FERRARO. APPARENTLY, THE CREDIT CARD WAS TAKEN FROM FERRARO, AND USED FOR 6 TRANSACTIONS. FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT STUMP ALSO ALTERED A CHECK PAYABLE TO HER. STUMP WAS ARRAIGNED ON THEFT, RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY, FORGERY AND OTHER COUNTS, AND RELEASED ON $20 THOUSAND DOLLARS UNSECURED BAIL.

REDUCE THE SIZE OF STATE GOVERNMENT

A PUBLIC HEARING MAY BE SCHEDULED TO TALK ABOUT REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE STATE LEGISLATURE. SENATE BILL 1160, SPONSORED BY SENATOR DAVE ARGALL, WOULD ELIMINATE 50 HOUSE AND 5 SENATE SEATS. WHILE THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY REPUBLICAN ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS IS NOT A NEW ISSUE, TAKING A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO GRADUALLY REDUCE THE SIZE OF GOVERNMENT MIGHT BRING MORE SUPPORT FROM MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE:

ARGALL DOWNSIZE

ARGALL SAID THAT ITS NOT RIGHT TO ASK OTHER PARTS OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO CUT, WHEN THE LEGISLATURE ISN'T MAKING AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THEIR COSTS AS WELL. THE MEASURE HAS BEEN REFERRED TO THE SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE FOR ITS REVIEW.

STANDOFF IN TAMAQUA

HOURS OF NEGOTIATION BETWEEN A TAMAQUA MAN AND POLICE YESTERDAY ENDED WITHOUT INCIDENT. AN APPARENT DOMESTIC DISPUTE ON PINE STREET WAS REPORTED AROUND 10:15AM, AND THE UNIDENTIFIED MAN HELD A KNIFE TO HIS OWN THROAT, WHILE NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUED WITH POLICE. REPORTS SAY THAT AREA SCHOOLS AND DAYCARE CENTERS WERE LOCKED DOWN DURING THE THREE HOUR STANDOFF. LOCAL AND STATE POLICE WERE ABLE TO BRING THE INCIDENT TO CONCLUSION, AND THE MAN TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION.

WBRE TO OPERATE BUREAU IN SOUTHERN LUZERNE COUNTY

A WILKES BARRE TV STATION HAS OPENED A NEWS AND SALES BUREAU IN HAZLETON. WBRE-TV'S BUREAU IS LOCATED AT THE WYLN BUILDING ON EAST 10TH STREET, AND WILL SERVE LUZERNE, CARBON, SCHUYLKILL AND COLUMBIA COUNTIES, AND WILL ENHANCE THE NEWS COVERAGE IN THOSE AREAS, ACCORDING TO STATION OFFICIALS.

ST GEORGE'S STEEPLE REMOVED

A MARKED CHANGE IN THE LANDSCAPE OF SHENANDOAH TOOK PLACE YESTERDAY AS THE STEEPLE AT ST. GEORGE'S CHURCH CAME DOWN. THE HISTORIC CHURCH IS BEING DEMOLISHED, CITED AS A PUBLIC SAFETY HAZARD BY THE DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN. THE CHURCH, CLOSED IN 2006 AS PART OF CATHOLIC CHURCH CONSOLIDATIONS, HAS BEEN AT THE CENTER OF A COURT BATTLE BY PARISHONERS TO SAVE THE EDIFICE, THE OLDEST LITHUANIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH IN AMERICA.

ARGUMENT IN EAST NORWEGIAN

STATE POLICE ARE CHARGING TWO PEOPLE WITH SUMMARY VIOLATIONS AFTER AN INCIDENT EARLY THIS MORNING. TROOPERS REPORT THAT A WOMAN WAS REPORTEDLY ROAMING AROUND NUDE IN THE PARKING LOT AT PINE VIEW ACRES, AND THEN APPEARED AT A NEIGHBOR'S RESIDENCE ASKING FOR A PLACE TO STAY. MARGARET HOSSLER WAS REPORTED TO BE DRUNK, AND HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ARGUMENT WITH HER BOYFRIEND, WILLARD HOOVEN. HOSSLER APPARENTLY BECAME BELLIGERENT WHILE POLICE WERE THERE, AND REFUSED TO COOPERATE. HOSSLER IS CHARGED WITH HARASSMENT AND PUBLIC DRUNKENESS AND HOOVEN CHARGED WITH HARRASSMENT. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED BEFORE MIDNIGHT.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GRAND JURY WITNESSES SAY PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER TODD EACHUS (EE'-CHUS) DIRECTED CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES BY LEGISLATIVE EMPLOYEES AND RAISED CAMPAIGN FUNDS FROM INSIDE THE STATE CAPITOL. TRANSCRIPTS OBTAINED BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ALLEGE CONDUCT SIMILAR TO THAT FOR WHICH 25 OTHERS HAVE BEEN CHARGED CRIMINALLY IN A STATE PROBE.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOV. ED RENDELL SAYS HE NO LONGER IS CONFIDENT THAT LEGISLATORS WILL FINISH A CASINO-EXPANSION BILL THAT CAN DELIVER MORE REVENUE TO THE CASH-STRAPPED STATE. HE REPEATED HIS WARNING THAT HE WILL HAVE TO CUT SPENDING AGAIN IF HE DOESN'T GET A BILL BY JAN. 8.RENDELL SAYS THAT WILL MEAN LAYING OFF AT LEAST 1,000 STATE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO'VE BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH PENNSYLVANIA'S NEW RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW IN ITS FIRST YEAR SAY THEY'D LIKE TO SEE SOME CHANGES. ISSUES THAT HAVE ARISEN INCLUDE THE HIGH COST OF VERY LARGE REQUESTS AND WHETHER TO HANDLE RECORDS DIFFERENTLY IF THEY'RE GOING TO BE USED FOR COMMERCIAL REASONS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - ON CHRISTMAS DAY, HOME BUILDER THOMAS FISCHER WILL BE GIVEN PERIOD GARB AND TAKE A SEAT IN THE LEAD BOAT FOR THE ANNUAL RE-ENACTMENT OF WASHINGTON'S 1776 CROSSING OF THE DELAWARE RIVER. FISCHER, OF NEWTOWN, SAYS HE IS THRILLED TO HELP RECREATE THE EVENT THAT TURNED THE TIDE OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL HAS ONE MORE 60-VOTE HURDLE TO OVERCOME TODAY IN THE SENATE. SENATORS WILL LIKELY APPROVE LIMITING DEBATE ON THE FULL BILL SETTING THE STAGE FOR A FINAL VOTE ON THE SENATE BILL TOMORROW. THE FINAL VOTE WOULD ONLY REQUIRE A SIMPLE MAJORITY.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA (AP) - AN AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT FROM MIAMI OVERSHOT A RUNWAY IN JAMAICA WITH THE NOSE OF THE PLANE ENDING UP
JUST 10 FEET FROM THE SEA. AUTHORITIES SAY 44 PEOPLE WERE HOSPITALIZED INCLUDING FOUR IN SERIOUS CONDITION. THE PLANE CARRIED MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE.

DENVER (AP) - PARTS OF COLORADO AND SOUTHERN UTAH COULD BE UNDER MORE THAN A FOOT OF NEW SNOW TODAY AS A FAST MOVING STORM THREATENS TO DISRUPT HOLIDAY TRAVEL. CHRISTMAS DAY COULD SEE THE STORM IN THE PLAINS STATES AND BLIZZARD WARNINGS ARE LIKELY ON CHRISTMAS EVE IN KANSAS.

GENEVA (AP) - NEGOTIATIONS WITH RUSSIA ON A NEW ARMS TREATY WILL EXTEND INTO NEXT YEAR. THE UNITED STATES HAS CONFIRMED THAT IT WILL BE UNABLE TO CLINCH A DEAL THIS YEAR ON A SUCCESSOR TO THEIR EXPIRED NUCLEAR ARMS CONTROL AGREEMENT. A STATEMENT SAYS THE TWO SIDES HOPE TO "FINALIZE" THE NEW TREATY NEXT MONTH.

FORT COLLINS, COLO. (AP) - THE PARENTS WHO PULLED OFF THE BALLOON BOY HOAX IN HOPES OF LANDING A REALITY TV SHOW FIND OUT TODAY IF THEY'LL GET ANY JAIL TIME AT THEIR SENTENCING. RICHARD AND MAYUMI HEENE ALSO FACE THE PROSPECT OF PAYING TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN RESTITUTION. AN INVESTIGATOR WANTS TO FORBID THE COUPLE FROM PROFITING FROM THE ACT.

BREAKING NEWS

PA. TEENS PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO HATE CRIME CHARGE

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A JUDGE SAYS A PENNSYLVANIA TEEN CHARGED WITH A HATE CRIME IN THE DEATH OF A MEXICAN IMMIGRANT IS A DANGER TO THE COMMUNITY. JUDGE MALACHY MANNION DENIED BAIL FOR 19-YEAR-OLD DERRICK
DONCHAK, CITING THREE DISCIPLINARY INFRACTIONS HE HAS INCURRED WHILE BEHIND BARS. DONCHAK AND 18-YEAR-OLD BRANDON PIEKARSKY BOTH PLEADED NOT GUILTY AT AN ARRAIGNMENT TUESDAY IN WILKES-BARRE ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JULY 2008 BEATING DEATH OF 25-YEAR-OLD LUIS RAMIREZ IN SHENANDOAH. A JURY HAD PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED THE TEENS OF ALL SERIOUS STATE CHARGES IN THE CASE, ANGERING HISPANIC LEADERS AND CIVIL-RIGHTS
GROUPS. THE DECISION PROMPTED PENNSYLVANIA GOV. ED RENDELL TO ASK
THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE CIVIL-RIGHTS CHARGES AGAINST THE
TEENS.

PA. TEENS PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO HATE CRIME CHARGE

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - TWO EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA TEENAGERS HAVE PLEADED NOT GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO A HATE CRIME IN THE DEATH OF
AN ILLEGAL MEXICAN IMMIGRANT. EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD BRANDON PIEKARSKY AND 19-YEAR-OLD DERRICK DONCHAK WERE ARRAIGNED TUESDAY IN WILKES-BARRE ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JULY 2008 BEATING DEATH OF 25-YEAR-OLD LUIS RAMIREZ IN SHENANDOAH. A JURY HAD PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED PIEKARSKY AND DONCHAK OF ALL SERIOUS STATE CHARGES IN THE CASE, ANGERING HISPANIC LEADERS AND CIVIL-RIGHTS GROUPS. THE DECISION PROMPTED PENNSYLVANIA GOV. ED RENDELL TO ASK THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO PURSUE CIVIL-RIGHTS CHARGES AGAINST THE TEENS. THREE SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS WERE CHARGED SEPARATELY LAST WEEK WITH OBSTRUCTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO RAMIREZ'S DEATH.

Today's News-Tuesday, December 22, 2009-UPDATED 6:45AM

PIEKARSKY, DONCHAK TO BE ARRAIGNED TODAY

POTTSVILLE, PA. (AP) - TWO SHENANDOAH TEENAGERS ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN FEDERAL COURT TUESDAY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE BEING CHARGED WITH A HATE CRIME IN THE DEATH OF AN ILLEGAL MEXICAN IMMIGRANT. EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD BRANDON PIEKARSKY AND 19-YEAR-OLD DERRICK DONCHAK WILL BE ARRAIGNED IN WILKES-BARRE ON CHARGES STEMMING FROM THE JULY 2008 BEATING DEATH OF 25-YEAR-OLD LUIS RAMIREZ IN SHENANDOAH. A JURY HAD PREVIOUSLY ACQUITTED PIEKARSKY AND DONCHAK OF ALL SERIOUS STATE CHARGES IN THE CASE, BUT FEDERAL AUTHORITIES PURSUED THE SERIOUS CIVIL-RIGHTS CHARGES AGAINST THE TEENS. THREE SHENANDOAH POLICE OFFICERS WERE CHARGED SEPARATELY LAST WEEK WITH OBSTRUCTING THE INVESTIGATION INTO RAMIREZ'S DEATH.

ROBBERY, ASSAULT SUSPECT IDENTIFIED

STATE POLICE HAVE IDENTIFIED A POTTSVILLE MAN WHO ASSAULTED A DRUMS MAN LAST WEEK AT A MINERVILLE DRUG STORE. WE TOLD YOU FRIDAY THAT THE MAN, NOW IDENTIFIED AS 21 YEAR OLD JAMES MARCONIS JR., ENTERED RITE AID DRUG STORE AT KINGS VILLAGE, HUFFED FROM TWO CANS OF COMUPTER AEROSOL AND ASSAULTED WILLIAM DEVERS, WHO TRIED TO STOP MARCONIS. TROOPERS RELEASED MARCONIS' IDENTITY YESTERDAY.

POTTSVILLE MAN FACING CHARGES IN DOMESTIC INCIDENT

A POTTSVILLE MAN IS LOCKED UP IN THE COUNTY PRISON AFTER HE REPORTEDLY ASSAULTED HIS GIRLFRIEND OVER THE WEEKEND. POTTSVILLE POLICE REPORT THAT 54 YEAR OLD RALPH CASTELLANO AND HIS 39 YEAR OLD GIRLFRIEND, MARNEY SLATER, WERE INVOLVED IN AN ARGUMENT AT THEIR NORTH CENTRE STREET HOME. CASTELLANO ALLEGEDLY CHOKED SLATER, AND IS CHARGED WITH SIMPLE ASSAULT.

HOMETOWN WALMART THIEVES SOUGHT

TWO LUZERNE COUNTY MEN ARE BEING SOUGHT IN CONNECTION WITH A HEIST AT THE HOMETOWN WALMART OVER THE WEEKEND. THE TWO MEN, 21 YEAR OLD SHANE PACEWICZ AND 34 YEAR OLD ROBERT CROMER, OF PLAINS, WERE IDENTIFIED BY SECURITY VIDEO. RUSH TOWNSHIP POLICE REPORT THAT THE MEN ENTERED THE STORE, TOOK LAPTOP COMPUTERS AND NINENTDO DSI'S FROM THE STORE, PUT THEM INTO A BOX WITH A TOY AND PAID THAT PRICE, PLUS ALSO PURCHASED A DVD. WARRANTS ARE OUT FOR CROMER AND PACEWICZ FOR THE THEFTS.

FEDERAL MONIES FOR DEFENSE RELATED PROJECTS

PENNSYLVANIA'S U.S. SENATORS HAVE ANNOUNCED FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SEVERAL DEFENSE RELATED PROJECTS IN NORTHEAST PA, INCLUDING SCHUYLKILL COUNTY. THE MONIES HAVE BEEN APPROPRIATED IN THE DEFENSE BILL PASSED BY CONGRESS. HART METALS IN TAMAQUA WILL GET $1.6 MILLION DOLLARS TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCT A SMALL ATOMIZER TO PRODUCE ALLOY POWDERS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT MILITARY COMPONENTS.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA SAYS 96 PERCENT OF CITY STREETS HAVE SNOW CLEARED WELL ENOUGH TO DRIVE ON. THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE ROMAN CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA SAY PUBLIC AND CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WILL OPEN AS SCHEDULED TODAY AFTER A DAY OFF DUE TO THE SNOW.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - JUDGES IN A NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA COUNTY HAVE GOTTEN 68 APPLICATIONS FROM PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SERVE THE REMAINDER OF THE TERM OF A COUNTY COMMISSIONER WHO RESIGNED. GREG SKREPENAK, WHO RESIGNED YESTERDAY AS A LUZERNE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, HAS AGREED TO PLEAD GUILTY TO ACCEPTING A BRIBE.

HAGERSTOWN, MD. (AP) - ALLEGHENY ENERGY INC. OF GREENSBURG, PA. AND AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER CO., OF COLUMBUS, OHIO ARE PLANNERS OF A MULTISTATE, HIGH-VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINE CALLED PATH. THEY ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY THAT THEY HAVE REFILED THEIR STALLED APPLICATION IN MARYLAND AND ASKED TO WITHDRAW THEIR APPLICATION IN VIRGINIA.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS IS PLANNING TO SEND 2,000 INMATES TO FACILITIES IN OTHER STATES TO LESSEN CROWDED CONDITIONS IN STATE PRISONS. A PRISON SYSTEM SPOKESWOMAN SAYS THAT WITHIN TWO MONTHS THE INMATES WILL BE SHIPPED TO CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN MICHIGAN AND VIRGINIA.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - A CONTROVERSY HAS BEEN RESOLVED IN WILKES-BARRE, PA. OVER THE DISPLAY OF RELIGIOUS HOLIDAY SYMBOLS IN A PUBLIC SPACE. LUZERNE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REMOVED THE CRECHE AND MENORAH FROM THE COURTHOUSE LAWN LAST WEEK AFTER RECEIVING AN OBJECTION FROM THE ACLU AND AMERICANS UNITED FOR SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE.

EATONVILLE, WASH. (AP) - A PAIR OF SHERIFF'S OFFICERS ARE IN HOSPITAL AFTER ANOTHER SHOOTING IN THE TACOMA, WASH., AREA. ONE IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AND THE OTHER SERIOUS. THE SUSPECTED SHOOTER IS DEAD. AUTHORITIES SAY THE OFFICERS WERE RESPONDING TO A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CALL, WHEN ONE OF TWO BROTHERS FIGHTING IN THE HOUSE OPENED FIRE ON THEM.

WASHINGTON (AP) - ONE TEST VOTE DOWN, TWO TEST VOTES TO GO BEFORE THE SENATE DECIDES ON PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL. THE SECOND TEST VOTE COMES THIS MORNING, WITH 58 DEMOCRATS AND TWO INDEPENDENTS EXPECTING TO PROVIDE THE 60 VOTES NEEDED TO ADVANCE THE BILL. A FINAL VOTE IS PLANNED FOR THURSDAY.

WASHINGTON (AP) - A POLL SUGGESTS THAT PEOPLE'S OPINIONS AND FEARS ABOUT HEALTH CARE HAVEN'T CHANGED MUCH THIS PAST YEAR. A SURVEY BY THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION FINDS THAT A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE BELIEVE HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL IS IMPORTANT FOR RECHARGING THE ECONOMY. ONE IN FOUR SURVEYED SAY THEY FEAR THEY MIGHT LOSE THEIR HEALTH COVERAGE IN THE NEXT YEAR.

KABUL (AP) - AFGHAN PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI SAYS HE HAS ASKED THE INTERIOR MINISTRY TO INVESTIGATE THE KILLING OF ONE OF HIS RELATIVES. THE 18-YEAR-OLD WAS SHOT TO DEATH IN OCTOBER. THE NEW YORK TIMES THIS WEEK QUOTED RELATIVES AS SAYING THE KILLING WAS VENGEANCE FOR A SO-CALLED HONOR KILLING ALLEGEDLY COMMITTED BY TEEN'S FATHER THREE DECADES AGO.

STERLING, ILL. (AP) - THE FIRST PUBLIC HEARING IS SET FOR TODAY ON PLANS TO TRANSFER ALLEGED TERRORISTS FROM GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA, TO ILLINOIS. ABOUT 50 PEOPLE ARE SCHEDULED TO TESTIFY BEFORE A STATE PANEL IN THE SMALL COMMUNITY OF STERLING IN THE NORTHWESTERN PART OF THE STATE. SUPPORTERS AND OPPONENTS BOTH PLAN RALLIES.