TODAY'S NEWS: AUGUST 31, 2010

LOCAL NEWS

DUI CRASH ON ROUTE 61 SOUTH

A DUI CRASH HAPPENED ON ROUTE 61 IN NORTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AROUND 3:11PM WHEN FREDERICK LEE SCHNERRING, 55 OF ORWIGSBURG, DRIVING A 1996 FORD F250 FAILED TO RECOGNIZE THE SLOWED TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE AND SLAMMED INTO THE REAR A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY BELONGING TO TAMMY J POST, 49 OF MIDDLEPORT. POST WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER IN POTTSVILLE, AND SCHNERRING WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER EXHIBITING SIGNS OF INTOXICATION.

MAN THROWN FROM MOTORCYCLE AFTER BEING CUT OFF ON ROUTE 443

A MAN WAS THROWN FROM HIS MOTORCYCLE AFTER BEING CUT OFF YESTERDAY AFTERNOON ON ROUTE 443. DARRELL SPOTTS, OF SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, WAS FLOWN BY LIFE FLIGHT AND IS IN SERIOUS CONDITION AFTER HIS YAMAHA YM500 MOTORCYCLE COLLIDED WITH THE BUMPER OF TOYOTA AVALON WHILE TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE ROAD. THE 2003 TOYOTA BELONGING TO WALTER AND PEARL RUSSELAVAGE, WAS TRAVELING EAST AND FAILED TO SEE SPOTTS BEFORE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN INTO A FRUIT STAND PARKING LOT. SPOTTS WAS THROWN FROM HIS MOTORCYCLE AND LANDED 57FEET AWAY ON THE WESTBOUND GRASS BERM. WALTER AND PEARL RUSSELAVAGE SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. NO CURRENT INFORMATION ON SPOTTS’S CONDITION HAS BEEN RELEASED.


FRACKVILLE MAN ARRESTED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

A FRACKVILLE MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR HAVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ON HIS COMPUTER. JOSEPH CHIMAHOSKY OF 215 GERMANVILLE ROAD IS CHARGED WITH 17 FELONY COUNTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN, POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ONE FELONY COUNTY OF CRIMINAL USE OF A COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY. THIS IS AFTER AN ASHLAND-BASED COMPUTER REPAIR COMPANY NOTICED TWO IMAGES OF NAKED CHILDREN, BELIEVED TO BE UNDER 18. THE COMPANY WAS DOING REPAIR WORK ON CHIMAHOSKY’S COMPUTER AND CONTACTED BUTLER TOWNSHIP POLICE. THE COMPUTER WAS SEIZED AND A FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF THE DEVICE BY THE STATE POLICE COMPUTER CRIME TASK FORCE IN WILKES-BARRE. THEY FOUND 17 IMAGES THAT WERE PROBABLE CHILD PORN. CHIMAHOSKY SAID HE INTENTIONALLY VIEWED NUDE INTERNET PHOTOS BY VISITING NUDIST BEACH WEBSITES, AND ALSO ADMITTED TO RECENTLY VIEWING AN IMAGE DEPICTING A CHILD BEING RAPED. HE STATED WOULD VIEW NUDE CHILDREN BECAUSE THEY MADE HIM WISH HE HAD HIS YOUTH BACK.


COUNTY JOBLESS RATE RISES .10% IN JULY

THE COUNTY JOBLESS RATE ROSE SLIGHTLY IN JULY, BY ONLY A TENTH OF A PERCENT. THIS IS DUE TO A JOB LOSS OF 1,000 JOBS FROM JUNE TO JULY, BRINGING THE NUMBER OF JOBS IN THE COUNTY TO 50,800 FROM 51,800. THE COUNTY’S LABOR FORCE ALSO DROPPED FROM 75,200 TO 74,700. ABOUT 500 OF THE LOST JOBS WERE ATTRIBUTED TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS GOING ON SUMMER BREAK, AND 300 MANUFACTURING JOBS WERE ALSO LOST. IN ADDITION TO THESE LOSSES, AT LEAST 100 JOBS WERE DROPPED AS THE RESULT OF THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU WORKERS COMPLETING THEIR DUTIES. THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HAS HOVERED AROUND 11% FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS. THE COUNTY’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE WAS HIGHEST AMONG THE SURROUNDING COUNTIES.


STATE NEWS

EASTON, PA. (AP) - A MAN ACCUSED OF STABBING FOUR PEOPLE TO
DEATH IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA IS SCHEDULED TO HAVE A PRELIMINARY
HEARING TODAY. MICHAEL ERIC BALLARD IS CHARGED WITH KILLING DENISE
MERHI, HER FATHER, HER GRANDFATHER, AND A NEIGHBOR ON JUNE 26TH IN
THE TOWN OF NORTHAMPTON. NORTHAMPTON COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN
MORGANELLI TELLS THE ALLENTOWN MORNING CALL HE PLANS TO SEEK THE
DEATH PENALTY.

BROOMALL, PA. (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN SUBURBAN PHILADELPHIA SAY A
CHARRED BODY WAS FOUND IN A BURNING CAR IN A PARKING LOT NEXT TO AN
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND. FIREFIGHTERS IN BROOMALL SAY RESCUE
WORKERS FOUND THE SEDAN ENGULFED IN FLAMES EARLY YESTERDAY AT
LOOMIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN MARPLE TOWNSHIP.

WHITE OAK, PA. (AP) - OFFICIALS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY A
MAN WORKING ON THE ROOF OF AN APARTMENT BUILDING IS DEAD AFTER
FALLING SIX STORIES. THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE
SAYS ROBERT BARNCORD WAS WORKING FOR A ROOFING COMPANY TO FIX A
CHIMNEY ON THE ROYAL OAK APARTMENT COMPLEX IN THE PITTSBURGH SUBURB
OF WHITE OAK.

WILKES-BARRE, PA. (AP) - OFFICIALS IN LUZERNE COUNTY HAVE VOTED
TO SUE NEIGHBORING LACKAWANNA COUNTY OVER AGREEMENTS INVOLVING THE
SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE YANKEES FRANCHISE. LACKAWANNA COUNTY
OFFICIALS APPROVED 2007 FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS THAT ALLOW A SALE OF
THE FRANCHISE WITHOUT INPUT FROM LUZERNE COUNTY, EVEN THOUGH BOTH
COUNTIES OWN A SHARE OF THE STOCK AND PAID $1 MILLION TO BUY THE
FRANCHISE IN 1986.


NATIONAL NEWS

OBAMA-IRAQ
NEW: OBAMA SPEAKS ON IRAQ TONIGHT

WASHINGTON (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SPEAKS TO THE NATION
TONIGHT TO HERALD THE FORMAL END OF THE U.S. COMBAT MISSION IN
IRAQ.
THE PRESIDENT WILL SAY TONIGHT HE'S FULFILLED A CAMPAIGN
PROMISE.
AHEAD OF THE SPEECH, HE'S THANKING TROOPS AT FORT BLISS, TEXAS,
FOR THE VALOR THEY'VE SHOWN IN IRAQ.
THE SPRAWLING ARMY BASE IN EL PASO, TEXAS, IS HOME TO THE 1ST
ARMORED DIVISION - "OLD IRONSIDES" - AND HAS BEEN PROVIDING HEAVY
ARMOR THROUGHOUT THE SEVEN YEARS OF THE IRAQ CONFLICT.
WITH UNDER 50,000 U.S. TROOPS LEFT, FROM TODAY THEIR ROLE IS NOT
TO LEAD THE FIGHT BUT TO TRAIN IRAQIS AND BACK THEM UP.
AND OBAMA WILL SAY THE IRAQ DRAWDOWN HAS MADE POSSIBLE HIS SURGE
IN AFGHANISTAN, WHERE HE SAYS AMERICA'S SECURITY IS ON THE LINE.
MORE THAN 90,000 U.S. TROOPS HAVE COME HOME ON OBAMA'S WATCH,
AND THE PRESIDENT WILL SAY THEY DID SO RESPONSIBLY.

POLL-ELECTION ISSUES
NEW: AP-GFK POLL: MOST ATTUNED VOTERS TILT TOWARD GOP

WASHINGTON (AP) - A NEW POLL SHOWS THAT AMERICANS WITH THE
STRONGEST OPINIONS ABOUT THE COUNTRY'S MOST DIVISIVE ISSUES ARE
UNHAPPY WITH HOW PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS HANDLING THEM.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS-GFK POLL SHOWS THAT AMERICANS WHO EXPRESSED
INTENSE INTEREST IN NINE OUT OF 15 ISSUES, INCLUDING THE ECONOMY,
UNEMPLOYMENT, FEDERAL DEFICITS AND TERRORISM, ARE STRONGLY OPPOSED
TO OBAMA'S WORK ON THEM.
OPINIONATED AMERICANS APPROVED OF OBAMA'S PERFORMANCE ON JUST
ONE ISSUE: U.S. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES.
IN A DANGER SIGN FOR DEMOCRATS, MOST AMERICANS WHO ARE EXTREMELY
CONCERNED ABOUT 10 OF THE ISSUES SAY THEY WILL VOTE FOR THE
REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE IN THEIR LOCAL HOUSE RACE. ONLY THOSE HIGHLY
INTERESTED IN THE ENVIRONMENT LEAN TOWARD THE DEMOCRATS.

TROPICAL WEATHER
EARL BATTERS CARIBBEAN, THREATENS US EAST COAST

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (AP) - CATEGORY 4 HURRICANE EARL BATTERED
TINY ISLANDS ACROSS THE NORTHEASTERN CARIBBEAN AND COULD BE EVEN
STRONGER BY THE TIME IT HAS A POTENTIAL BRUSH WITH THE U.S. COAST.
IN THE CARIBBEAN, EARL, WITH 135 MPH WINDS, CAUSED FLOODING IN
LOW-LYING AREAS AND DAMAGED HOMES ON ISLANDS INCLUDING ANTIGUA AND
BARBUDA, ANGUILLA AND ST. MAARTEN.
THE STORM'S CENTER PASSED JUST NORTH OF THE BRITISH VIRGIN
ISLANDS ON MONDAY AFTERNOON. BY NIGHTTIME, THE HURRICANE WAS
PULLING AWAY FROM THE CARIBBEAN, BUT HEAVY DOWNPOURS STILL
THREATENED TO CAUSE FLASH FLOODS AND MUDSLIDES IN PUERTO RICO AND
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS BY DRENCHING ALREADY SATURATED GROUND.
NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER METEOROLOGIST WALLACE HOGSETT SAYS
EVEN A TINY CHANGE OF DIRECTION COULD BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE
STORM MAKING LANDFALL IN THE U.S. OR NOT, POSSIBLY BY THURSDAY.

AFGHANISTAN
UPDATE: 4 MORE COALITION TROOPS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - NATO SAYS FOUR AMERICAN TROOPS HAVE
BEEN KILLED IN A ROADSIDE BOMB EXPLOSION IN EASTERN AFGHANISTAN.
TUESDAY'S DEATHS COME AMID A PARTICULARLY BLOODY PERIOD FOR
AMERICAN FORCES IN THE COUNTRY, WITH 18 SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED
SINCE SATURDAY TO BRING THIS MONTH'S TOTAL TO 53. ANOTHER MEMBER OF
THE INTERNATIONAL COALITION WHOSE NATIONALITY HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED
WAS KILLED ON MONDAY.
JULY WAS THE DEADLIEST MONTH FOR U.S. TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN
SINCE THE 2001 INVASION, WITH 66 KILLED.
SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFGHANISTAN HAVE SEEN THE HEAVIEST
FIGHTING. THOSE AREAS ARE ALSO CLOSEST TO THE BORDER WITH PAKISTAN,
WHERE THE INSURGENTS MAINTAIN TRAINING BASES FOR RECRUITS TO BE
LATER INFILTRATED INTO AFGHANISTAN.
THE SPIKE IN DEATHS IN THE THREE DAYS THROUGH MONDAY CAME AS
PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI AGAIN PUBLICLY RAISED DOUBTS ABOUT THE U.S.
STRATEGY IN THE WAR. KARZAI SAYS SUCCESS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED UNTIL
MORE AFGHANS ARE IN THE FRONT LINES AND INSURGENT SANCTUARIES IN
PAKISTAN ARE SHUT DOWN.

NATO-PETRAEUS
NEW: PETRAEUS: TALIBAN RETAIN MOMENTUM IN SOME AREAS

BRUSSELS (AP) - THE TOP U.S. AND NATO COMMANDER IN AFGHANISTAN
SAYS THAT DESPITE RECENT SUCCESSES BY COALITION FORCES, TALIBAN
GUERRILLAS STILL RETAIN THE INITIATIVE IN SOME PARTS OF THE
COUNTRY.
GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS SAYS THAT NATO FORCES HAD REVERSED SOME OF
THE GAINS THE TALIBAN HAD MADE IN RECENT YEARS IN THE SOUTHERN
PROVINCES OF HELMAND AND KANDAHAR AND AROUND KABUL.
BUT IN AN INTERVIEW WITH NATO TV BROADCAST ON TUESDAY, PETRAEUS
SAID "I WOULD NOT SAY WE HAVE REVERSED THE MOMENTUM IN ALL AREAS
BY ANY MEANS."
HE NOTED THAT THE AFGHAN SECURITY FORCES WERE GROWING FASTER
THAN EXPECTED, WITH THE ARMY NUMBERING 134,000 MEN AND THE POLICE
SLIGHTLY MORE.
THE NATO-LED FORCE HAS ABOUT 140,000 TROOPS. TALIBAN GUERRILLAS
ARE ESTIMATED TO NUMBER BETWEEN 25,000 AND 30,000.

ALASKA SENATE
NEW: ABSENTEE AND QUESTIONED BALLOTS TO BE COUNTED

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE RESULTS OF ALASKA'S REPUBLICAN SENATE
PRIMARY COULD BECOME CLEARER TODAY.
ALASKA ELECTION OFFICIALS HAVE MORE THAN 15-THOUSAND ABSENTEE
BALLOTS AND NEARLY 10,000 QUESTIONED BALLOTS TO COUNT IN THE RACE
BETWEEN SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI AND CHALLENGER JOE MILLER.
MILLER HOLDS A LEAD OF LESS THAN 1,700 VOTES.
THE COUNTING COMES AMID CHARGES FROM MILLER'S CAMPAIGN OF
POSSIBLE VOTE TAMPERING
HE'S CALLED FOR ALASKA STATE TROOPERS TO OVERSEE THE COUNTING.
MURKOWSKI SAYS SHE'S ASTOUNDED BY MILLER'S CHARGES.

DRUG WAR-MEXICO
MEXICO SAYS DRUG LORD 'THE BARBIE' CAPTURED

MEXICO CITY (AP) - MEXICO'S ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS AUTHORITIES
HAVE CAPTURED LONG-SOUGHT DRUG KINGPIN EDGAR VALDEZ VILLARREAL,
ALIAS "THE BARBIE."
THE TEXAS-BORN VALDEZ VILLAREAL IS ALLGED TO BE LEADING ONE OF
THE TWO FACTIONS BATTLING FOR CONTROL OF THE BELTRAN LEYVA DRUG
CARTEL.
THE 37-YEAR-OLD HAS BEEN INDICTED IN THE UNITED STATES ON
CHARGES HE DISTRIBUTED THOUSANDS OF KILOS OF CONCAINE IN THE
EASTERN U.S. BETWEEN 2004 AND 2006.
U.S. AUTHORITIES HAVE OFFERED A $2 MILLION REWARD FOR
INFORMATION LEADING TO HIS ARREST.

MOSQUE DEVELOPER
DEVELOPER BEHIND NYC MOSQUE TALKS ABOUT HIS VISION

NEW YORK (AP) - THE DEVELOPER BEHIND AN ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTER
AND MOSQUE PLANNED NEAR GROUND ZERO SAYS IT SHOULD BE KNOWN AS "A
HUB OF COEXISTENCE."
SHARIF EL-GAMAL SAYS IT NEVER OCCURRED TO HIM AN ISLAMIC CENTER
NEAR THE SITE OF THE SEPT. 11 ATTACKS WOULD STIR UP SO MUCH DEBATE.
HE TOLD CBS NEWS IN AN INTERVIEW BROADCAST MONDAY HE DIDN'T HOLD
HIMSELF OR ISLAM "ACCOUNTABLE FOR THAT TRAGEDY."
EL-GAMAL LEADS A GROUP THAT OWNS THE MANHATTAN BUILDING WHERE
THE $100 MILLION CENTER WOULD OPEN.
OPPONENTS SAY THE MOSQUE SHOULD BE MOVED FARTHER AWAY FROM WHERE
ISLAMIC EXTREMISTS ATTACKED ON SEPT. 11, 2001. SUPPORTERS SAY
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM SHOULD BE PROTECTED.
AUTHORITIES SAY THE BROOKLYN-BORN EL-GAMAL WAS ARRESTED A FEW
TIMES IN THE 1990S. THE 37-YEAR-OLD SAYS HE REGRETS MANY THINGS HE
DID IN HIS YOUTH.

COLLEGE AID FOR LOCALS
PRIVATE COLLEGES 'ACT LOCAL' WITH FINANCIAL AID

UNDATED (AP) - MANY PRIVATE COLLEGES ARE SWEETENING FINANCIAL
AID PACKAGES FOR STUDENTS FROM THEIR OWN BACKYARDS.
IT'S AN EFFORT BY THE SCHOOLS TO PORTRAY THEMSELVES AS MORE
AFFORDABLE AND BETTER NEIGHBORS. THEY ALSO WANT TO STAY
COMPETITIVE.
AMONG THE SCHOOLS IS NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, WHICH IS TARGETING
CHICAGO-AREA STUDENTS IN FINANCIAL NEED. NORTHWESTERN IS ALSO
ATTEMPTING TO INCREASE ITS MINORITY SCHOLARSHIPS. ITS "GOOD
NEIGHBOR, GREAT UNIVERSITY PROGRAM" SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE AWARDED
TO 100 INCOMING LOCAL FRESHMEN.
THERE WILL BE NO INCOME CUT-OFF FOR STUDENTS WHOSE FAMILIES SHOW
FINANCIAL NEED. THE MAJORITY WHO QUALIFY WILL RECEIVE ENOUGH AID TO
FULLY COVER THE COST OF NORTHWESTERN'S $40,000 ANNUAL TUITION AND
FEES.

LAWMAKER SCHOLARSHIPS
TEXAS CONGRESSWOMAN ADMITS SHE VIOLATED RULES

WASHINGTON (AP) - A TEXAS CONGRESSWOMAN IS ADMITTING THAT SHE
WRONGLY STEERED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO HER
OWN RELATIVES AND THE CHILDREN OF A STAFF MEMBER.
DALLAS-AREA DEMOCRAT EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON SAID IN A STATEMENT
THAT SHE WAS UNAWARE SHE WAS IN VIOLATION OF ANY RULES GOVERNING
THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION. SHE ALSO SAID SHE WILL
REIMBURSE THE FOUNDATION WITHIN THE WEEK.
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS REPORTED MONDAY THAT 23 SCHOLARSHIPS
JOHNSON HAS HANDED OUT SINCE 2005 VIOLATED THE FOUNDATION'S
ELIGIBILITY RULES.
RELATIVES OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ARE INELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE
SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FROM THE FOUNDATION BECAUSE OF ANTI-NEPOTISM
RULES.
THE AWARDS COULD PROMPT ETHICS REVIEWS.

FACEBOOK RAGE
NEW: MAN ACCUSED OF TORTURING WOMAN OVER FACEBOOK POST

HANFORD, CALIF. (AP) - AUTHORITIES SAY A CALIFORNIA MAN JEALOUS
OVER A MESSAGE ON HIS GIRLFRIEND'S FACEBOOK PAGE TORTURED AND
IMPRISONED HER FOR FOUR DAYS WHILE THEIR CHILDREN WERE IN THE
HOUSE.
KINGS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES ARRESTED 36-YEAR-OLD ANTHONY
LOZANO AT HIS HANFORD HOME OVER THE WEEKEND ON SUSPICION OF FALSE
IMPRISONMENT, KIDNAPPING, TORTURE AND OTHER CHARGES.
SHERIFF'S CMDR. DAVE PUTNAM SAYS LOZANO ACCUSED THE 23-YEAR-OLD
VICTIM OF HAVING AN AFFAIR AFTER HE SAW THE FACEBOOK MESSAGE.
LOZANO IS SUSPECTED OF GRABBING THE WOMAN'S HAIR, DRAGGING HER
AND THREATENING TO KILL HER BEFORE CHOKING HER WITH A ROPE AND A
TOWEL.
PUTNAM SAID THE COUPLE'S CHILD AND ANOTHER CHILD BELONGING TO
THE VICTIM WERE IN THE HOUSE AT THE TIME.
LOZANO REMAINED IN KINGS COUNTY CUSTODY MONDAY EVENING ON
$725,000 BAIL. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF HE HAD AN ATTORNEY.

TODAY'S NEWS: MONDAY AUGUST, 30 2010

LOCAL NEWS

BIKERS COME OUT TO POTTSVILLE FOR A GOOD CAUSE

MORE THAN 100 BIKES WERE PARKED ON NORTH CENTRE STREET IN POTTSVILLE YESTERDAY FOR THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY ROAD HAWGS 3RD ANNUAL BIKE NIGHT. THE EVENT IS A FUNDRAISER, AND EVERY YEAR THE BIKE CLUB CHOOSES A DIFFERENT RECIPIENT. THIS YEAR IT IS HELPING THE 2 YEAR OLD SON OF DOUG AND JILL MURPHY WHO WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A MALIGNANT INOPERABLE BRAIN TUMOR EARLIER THIS YEAR. OVER 300 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE EVENT, WHICH WAS RESCHEDULED FROM LAST WEEKEND DUE TO RAIN. IT IS THE 2ND TIME THE EVEN WAS HELD IN FRONT OF THE YMCA, M&M BAR AND MAROONS. THE BIKE CLUB, NOW WITH 23 ACTIVE MEMBERS, HELD THE EVENT AT THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS LAST SUMMER. IT RECEIVED A LESS THAN ANTICIPATED TURNOUT.

COUNTY STUDENT START HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE

WITH THE START OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR THIS WEEK AND LAST, SOME SENIORS ACROSS OUR AREA ARE ALSO STARTING COLLEGE. THE DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM OFFERED BY PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL GIVES 22 HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FROM 11 DIFFERENT HIGH SCHOOLS THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE COLLEGE COURSES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. THIS SEMESTER HAS SEEN THE HIGHEST ENROLLMENT INTO PROGRAM, WHICH HAS BEEN AVAILABLE FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS. STUDENTS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE PROGRAM PAY ONLY 50% OF THE TUITION AS WELL AS THE STANDARD FEES AND BOOK PRICES. PENN STATE SCHUYLKILL CAMPUS REGISTRAR, ELYCE LYKINS, SAYS THE ECONOMY HAS A LOT TO DO WITH THE INCREASE OF ENROLLMENT. THERE IS ALSO A GUARANTEED SCHOLARSHIP THAT IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM. THE COLLEGE ALSO ALLOWS STUDENTS TO ENROLL IN COURSES THAT CAN BE TRANSFERRED AND COUNTED TOWARDS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS NOT ONLY AT PENN STATE BUT ACROSS THE NATION.

10 HOMES WILL GET A FACELIFT IN GILBERTON AFTER OBTAINING A STATE GRANT

TEN HOMES WILL GET A FACELIFT IN GILBERTON, THANKS TO A STATE GRANT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. OVER THE NEXT YEAR, THE $350,000 GRANT WILL BE USED TO REPAIR AND GIVE A NEW LIFE TO HOMES OWNED BY THOSE WITH LOW TO MODERATE INCOMES. THE FUNDS WILL NOT BE USED FOR ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION; ONLY REPAIRS TO EXISTING STRUCTURES CAN BE PAID FOR THRU THE GRANT. THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN THE SPRING OF NEXT YEAR. THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME GILBERTON HAS OBTAINED THE GRANT, THEY RECEIVE IT EVERY FEW YEARS AND IT HAS HELPED OUT A LOT OF HOUSES THAT WOULDN’T HAVE BEEN UPGRADED OTHERWISE. THERE IS A WAITING LIST ON THE FUNDS, AND ONLY RESIDENTS THAT HAVE LIVED IN THE BOROUGH FOR OVER TWO YEARS CAN APPLY.


STATE NEWS

SCRANTON, PA. (AP) - THE VICIOUS BEATING OF A PENNSYLVANIA
INMATE AWAITING SENTENCING ON A CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE HAS RAISED
TROUBLING QUESTIONS ABOUT PRISON JUSTICE INSIDE A SCRANTON LOCKUP.
NICHOLAS PINTO KEPT A DIARY IN WHICH HE CLAIMED TO HAVE ENDURED
MONTHS OF PHYSICAL, SEXUAL AND MENTAL ABUSE AT LACKAWANNA COUNTY
PRISON.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING A HEAD-ON COLLISION
IN SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA THAT KILLED TWO PEOPLE. TRAFFIC OFFICERS
SAY A SEDAN AND A SMALL SUV WERE INVOLVED IN THE CRASH THAT
HAPPENED YESTERDAY MORNING ON SOUTH 61ST STREET. THEY SAY THE SUV
ROLLED OVER AFTER THE CRASH, AND THE DRIVER OF BOTH VEHICLES WERE
PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE.

KARTHAUS, PA. (AP) - RESCUERS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA SAY TWO
MISSING CANOEISTS HAVE BEEN FOUND. AUTHORITIES TELL WJAC-TV THAT
SEARCH AND RESCUE CREWS IN RURAL CLEARFIELD COUNTY LOCATED THE MAN
AND WOMAN YESTERDAY MORNING AND BOTH WERE REPORTEDLY UNHARMED.
POLICE HAD SAID THE TWO WERE LAST SEEN SATURDAY NIGHT ALONG THE
WEST BRANCH OF THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER IN A RURAL AREA NEAR THE
CENTRE COUNTY LINE.

PITTSBURGH PA. (AP) - A BLIZZARD BABY BOOM COULD BE COMING TO A
HOSPITAL NEAR YOU. THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW REPORTS MANY
HOSPITALS IN THE REGION ARE EXPECTING A JUMP IN THE NUMBER OF
BIRTHS IN LATE OCTOBER AND THE FIRST HALF OF NOVEMBER. LAST
WINTER'S RECORD SNOWFALL LEFT MANY COUPLES STUCK IN THE HOUSE AND A
WESTMORELAND REGIONAL HOSPITAL SPOKESWOMAN SAYS "PEOPLE TEND TO
COCOON" DURING SUCH TIMES.


NATIONAL NEWS

OBAMA
NEW: WAR AND PEACE: OBAMA NEARS PIVOTAL MIDEAST MOMENT

WASHINGTON (AP) - THE MIDDLE EAST WILL CONSUME MUCH OF PRESIDENT
BARACK OBAMA'S TIME THIS WEEK.
OBAMA IS ABOUT TO FORMALLY END THE DIVISIVE U.S. COMBAT ROLE IN
IRAQ AND RESTART TALKS BETWEEN THE ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS.
OBAMA WILL TELL THE NATION TUESDAY NIGHT FROM THE OVAL OFFICE
THAT THE U.S. ROLE IN IRAQ HAS CHANGED FOR GOOD, WITH THE REMAINING
U.S. TROOPS TO PLAY A SUPPORTING ROLE TO IRAQI FORCES.
THE FOLLOWING DAY, OBAMA WILL MAKE HIS LARGEST INVESTMENT OF
POLITICAL CAPITAL TO DATE IN THE DIFFICULT MIDEAST PEACE PROCESS.
HE WILL WELCOME ISRAELI'S PRIME MINISTER AND THE PALESTINIAN
PRESIDENT TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOR INDIVIDUAL TALKS AND A JOINT
DINNER. DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE LEADERS BEGIN THURSDAY.

CLEMENS
NEW: CLEMENS ARRAIGNMENT SET FOR TODAY

WASHINGTON (AP) - SEVEN-TIME CY YOUNG WINNER ROGER CLEMENS WILL
BE ARRAIGNED ON THIS AFTERNOON IN FEDERAL COURT IN WASHINGTON.
THE FORMER PITCHER WILL APPEAR BEFORE U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE REGGIE
WALTON FOR ALLEGEDLY LYING TO CONGRESS ABOUT HIS USE OF STEROIDS.
THE SIX-COUNT FEDERAL INDICTMENT ACCUSES CLEMENS OF OBSTRUCTING
A CONGRESSIONAL INQUIRY WITH 15 DIFFERENT STATEMENTS MADE UNDER
OATH, INCLUDING DENIALS THAT HE HAD EVER USED STEROIDS OR HUMAN
GROWTH HORMONE.
CLEMENS HAS DENIED ANY WRONGDOING.
U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE REGGIE WALTON HAS ISSUED A GAG ORDER
PROHIBITING PUBLIC COMMENTS BY THE PRINCIPLES IN THE CASE THAT
COULD AFFECT THE JURY POOL FOR A POSSIBLE TRIAL.

TROPICAL WEATHER
GROWING HURRICANE EARL THREATENS NORTH CARIBBEAN

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (AP) - HURRICANE EARL, NOW A CATEGORY 2
STORM, SENT HEAVY RAINS AND STRONG WINDS ONTO THE NORTHERN LEEWARD
ISLANDS MONDAY.
HOTELS ARE SHUT TIGHTLY AS TOURISTS SEEK SHELTER INSIDE THEIR
ROOMS.
THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER IN MIAMI SAYS EARL COULD BECOME A
MAJOR HURRICANE DURING THE DAY, PROBABLY WHILE NORTH OF PUERTO RICO
AND THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS.
EARL BECAME A HURRICANE SUNDAY MORNING AND HAS CONTINUED TO GROW
RAPIDLY IN STRENGTH, FUELED BY WARM OCEAN TEMPERATURES OF 86
DEGREES.
FORECASTERS SAY THERE IS A CHANCE THE HURRICANE COULD BRUSH THE
U.S. MID-ATLANTIC REGION TOWARD THE END OF THE WEEK, WITH ITS
CLOSEST APPROACH TO NORTH CAROLINA ON THURSDAY.
IN ANY CASE, THE U.S. EAST COAST IS LIKELY TO SEE POUNDING SURF.
HURRICANE DANIELLE IS GRADUALLY WEAKENING BUT IS STILL BRINGING
DANGEROUS RIP CURRENTS TO THE U.S. EAST COAST.

VETERANS-SLEEP DRUG QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS LOOM OVER DRUG GIVEN TO SLEEPLESS VETS

WASHINGTON (AP) - SOME MILITARY FAMILIES ARE CALLING ON CONGRESS
TO INVESTIGATE SEVERAL DEATHS OF SOLDIERS AND VETERANS WHO WERE
TAKING A POTENT ANTI-PYSCHOTIC CALLED SEROQUEL.
THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS SUFFERING FROM POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS
DISORDER (PTSD) HAVE RECEIVED THE SAME MEDICATION OVER THE LAST
NINE YEARS.
IT'S UNCLEAR HOW MANY SOLDIERS HAVE DIED WHILE TAKING SEROQUEL,
OR IF THE DRUG DEFINITELY CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEATHS. BUT THE DRUG'S
POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS, INCLUDING DIABETES, WEIGHT GAIN AND
UNCONTROLLABLE MUSCLE SPASMS, HAVE RESULTED IN THOUSANDS OF
LAWSUITS.
THE FATHER OF 23-YEAR-OLD MARINE ANDREW WHITE BLAMES SEROQUEL.
WHITE'S FATHER SAYS HIS SON WAS PRESCRIBED MORE THAN 1,600
MILLIGRAMS PER DAY - MORE THAN DOUBLE THE MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED DOSE.
AN INVESTIGATION BY THE VETERANS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT CONCLUDED THAT
WHITE RECEIVED THE PROPER "STANDARD OF CARE."
THE SUCCESS OF ASTRAZENECA'S SECOND-BEST-SELLING PRODUCT HAS
BEEN MARRED BY ALLEGATIONS THAT THE COMPANY ILLEGALLY MARKETED THE
DRUG AND MINIMIZED ITS RISKS.

MED-KIDS' CONCUSSIONS
ER VISITS FOR CONCUSSIONS SOAR AMONG KID ATHLETES

CHICAGO (AP) - EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS FOR TEEN ATHLETES WITH
CONCUSSIONS HAVE TRIPLED IN RECENT YEARS IN A TREND THAT DOCTORS
ARE CALLING DISTURBING.
THE FINDINGS COME IN A STUDY OF 10 YEARS OF NATIONAL DATA.
EXPERTS SAY INCREASING AWARENESS OF HEAD INJURIES IS ONE REASON ER
CONCUSSION REPORTS ARE UP. BUT THE INCREASING INTENSITY OF KIDS'
SPORTS PROBABLY PLAYS A ROLE, TOO.
THE STUDY WAS PUBLISHED ONLINE MONDAY IN THE JOURNAL PEDIATRICS.
THE AUTHORS SAY KIDS WHO SUFFER A HEAD INJURY SHOULD GET MEDICAL
ATTENTION AND NEVER RETURN TO PLAY UNTIL ALL SYMPTOMS, SUCH AS
HEADACHE AND TROUBLE CONCENTRATING, ARE GONE.

ALASKA-OFFICERS KILLED
2 POLICE OFFICERS FATALLY SHOT IN ALASKA VILLAGE

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) - THE ACTING CITY ADMINISTRATOR IN A TINY
SOUTHEAST ALASKA VILLAGE SAYS IT LOOKS LIKE A STANDOFF WITH A MAN
WHO ALLEGEDLY KILLED TWO POLICE OFFICERS WON'T END QUICKLY.
BOB PRUNELLA SAYS AUTHORITIES REALLY WANT TO TAKE 45-YEAR-OLD
SUSPECT JOHN MARVIN JR. ALIVE. HE'S BARRICADED INSIDE HIS HOME IN
HOONAH AFTER ALLEGEDLY KILLING TWO OF THE TOWN'S FOUR POLICE
OFFICERS.
OFFICERS TONY WALLACE AND MATT TOKUOKA DIED AFTER THE SHOOTING
LATE SATURDAY. PRUNELLA DIDN'T KNOW WHAT LED TO THE SHOOTING BUT
SAID IT WAS WITNESSED BY WALLACE'S MOTHER, WHO WAS VISITING FROM
FLORIDA, AND TOKUOKA'S WIFE AND CHILDREN.
STATE TROOPERS HAVE URGED RESIDENTS IN THE SHORELINE COMMUNITY
OF ABOUT 800 TO STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA.

AFGHANISTAN
AFGHAN PRESIDENT CRITICIZES ANTI-TERROR STRATEGY

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI IS CALLING FOR
REVISIONS IN COALITION MILITARY STRATEGY, SAYING THE FIGHT AGAINST
INSURGENTS IS PRODUCING LITTLE MORE THAN CIVILIAN DEATHS.
KARZAI'S SHARP COMMENTS DELIVERED SUNDAY FIT A PATTERN OF
GREATER OUTSPOKENNESS BY THE AFGHAN LEADER AS HE APPEALS FOR
SUPPORT AMONG THE BELEAGUERED AFGHAN PUBLIC.
KARZAI'S STATEMENTS COME AT A TIME WHEN THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION
IS RATCHETING UP PRESSURE ON THE AFGHAN LEADER TO DO MORE TO STAMP
OUT CORRUPTION.
MEANWHILE, OFFICIALS SAY A DISTRICT CHIEF FROM EASTERN
AFGHANISTAN WAS KILLED MONDAY BY A BOMB PLACED IN HIS CAR. IT
EXPLODED AS HE WAS ENTERING A GOVERNMENT COMPOUND TO ATTEND A
MEETING OF PROVINCIAL SECURITY AND POLITICAL LEADERS.
OFFICIALS SAY THEY THINK INSURGENTS HAD APPARENTLY PLANNED FOR
THE BOMB TO EXPLODE INSIDE THE GOVERNOR'S COMPOUND.

RUSSIA-NURSING HOME FIRE
9 DEAD IN RUSSIAN NURSING HOME FIRE

MOSCOW (AP) - RUSSIAN EMERGENCY OFFICIALS SAY NINE ELDERLY
PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED IN A BLAZE IN A NURSING HOME THAT MAY HAVE
BEEN STARTED BY A RESIDENT SETTING HIMSELF ON FIRE.
A SPOKESWOMAN FOR THE REGIONAL EMERGENCIES MINISTRY, DARIA
KOROVINA, SAYS THE FIRE AT THE FACILITY IN TVER INJURED TWO OTHERS
AND FORCED THE EVACUATION OF SOME 480 PEOPLE EARLY MONDAY.
TVER IS ABOUT 120 MILES NORTH OF MOSCOW.
KOROVINA SAID INVESTIGATORS FOUND A CANISTER OF FLAMMABLE LIQUID
IN THE ROOM WHERE THE FIRE STARTED, LEADING TO SPECULATION THE
RESIDENT SET HIMSELF ABLAZE.

INDONESIA
INDONESIAN VOLCANO ERUPTS AGAIN, SPEWING HOT ASH

TANAH KARO, INDONESIA (AP) - AN INDONESIAN VOLCANO HAS ENDED A
400-YEAR BREAK, ERUPTING FOR THE SECOND DAY IN A ROW MONDAY,
SPEWING OUT TOWERING CLOUDS OF ASH AND FORCING THE EVACUATION OF
MORE THAN 21,000 PEOPLE.
SOME AIRPLANES HAD TO BE DIVERTED BECAUSE OF POOR VISIBILITY.
VILLAGERS LIVING ALONG THE SLOPES OF MOUNT SINABUNG IN NORTH
SUMATRA PROVINCE HAVE PACKED UP THEIR BELONGINGS AND HEADED TO
EMERGENCY SHELTERS, MOSQUES AND CHURCHES.
OFFICIALS SAY THEIR ABANDONED HOMES AND CROPS WERE BLANKETED IN
HEAVY, GRAY SOOT, AND THE AIR WAS THICK WITH THE SMELL OF SULFUR.
MOUNT SINABUNG LAST ERUPTED IN 1600, SO OBSERVERS DON'T KNOW ITS
ERUPTION PATTERN AND ARE MONITORING IT CLOSELY FOR MORE ACTIVITY.

TV-EMMYS
EMMY'S HANDED OUT

LOS ANGELES (AP) - "MODERN FAMILY" HAS WON THE EMMY FOR BEST
COMEDY SERIES AND "MAD MEN" WON THE EMMY FOR BEST DRAMA SERIES.
OTHER WINNERS: BRYAN CRANSTON'S PORTRAYAL OF A METH DEALER IN
"BREAKING BAD" AND KYRA SEDGWICK'S ROLE AS A BRASSY DEPUTY POLICE
CHIEF IN "THE CLOSER" HAS EARNED THE PAIR TOP DRAMA SERIES ACTING
EMMY AWARDS.
CRANSTON'S CO-STAR, AARON PAUL, EARNED BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR FOR
THE SERIES.
ARCHIE PANJABI OF "THE GOOD WIFE" WAS HONORED AS BEST
SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA.
EDIE FALCO OF "NURSE JACKIE" AND JIM PARSONS OF "THE BIG BANG
THEORY" WERE HONORED FOR THEIR COMEDY SERIES LEAD ROLES.
ERIC STONESTREET OF "MODERN FAMILY" AND JANE LYNCH OF "GLEE"
WERE HONORED FOR THEIR COMEDY-SERIES SUPPORTING ROLES.
"TOP CHEF" WON BEST REALITY SERIES.
JON STEWART'S "THE DAILY SHOW" WON ITS EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE EMMY
AWARD FOR BEST VARIETY, MUSIC OR COMEDY SERIES.
JIMMY FALLON HOSTED THE 62ND PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS IN LOS
ANGELES.

FARMER'S ALMANAC
NEW: FARMERS' ALMANAC: KINDER, GENTLER WINTER ON TAP

LEWISTON, MAINE (AP) - FOLKS HAMMERED BY RECORD SNOWFALL IN THE
MID-ATLANTIC AND FREAKISHLY COLD TEMPERATURES IN THE SOUTH CAN WARM
UP TO THE LATEST FORECAST BY THE FARMERS' ALMANAC.
THE 194-YEAR-OLD PUBLICATION IS PREDICTING A "KINDER AND
GENTLER" WINTER SEASON FOR MUCH OF THE NATION.
THE MAINE-BASED ALMANAC, WHICH CLAIMS IT CORRECTLY FORECAST THE
MIDDLE ATLANTIC'S MEGA SNOWSTORMS, SAYS IN ITS 2011 EDITION THAT
GOES ON SALE MONDAY THAT IT'LL BE PLENTY COLD BUT NOTHING LIKE LAST
WINTER, WHEN STUNNED IGUANAS FELL FROM TREES IN FLORIDA AND 49
STATES SAW SNOWFALL.
THE FORECAST IS AT ODDS WITH NOAA'S CLIMATE PREDICTION CENTER,
WHICH PROJECTS WARMER-THAN-NORMAL WINTER FOR THE MID-ATLANTIC AND
SOUTHEAST, AND COLDER-THAN-NORMAL WEATHER IN THE NORTHWEST.

Today's News-Saturday, August 28, 2010

The Pennsylvania State Police have served notice to those students returning to area colleges and universities. In a combined effort with Liquor Enforcement Officers, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, and local Police, the target is underage drinking in and around local campuses. Officers plan to meet with administrators and campus enforcement authorities to reduce underage drinking and pre-empt alcohol related problems. Officers also plan to communicate with liquor licensees to promote awareness, improve relations, and reinforce preventing the sale of alcohol to minors. Police remind those underage that the laws will be aggressively enforced with a fine of up to three hundred dollars, up to ninety days imprisonment for the first offense and the loss of their driving privileges for 90 days. For subsequent offenses the penalties are stiffer. Anyone found with providing alcohol to minors will face a one thousand dollar fine and a year in jail for the first offense and this will become part of a person's permanent record. Any questions should be directed to District Office Commander Sgt. Timothy F. Galloway at 484-519-4500 during normal business hours.

Attorneys for the county commissioners and Controller Melinda Kantner will meet with county Judge Charles M. Miller on Sept. 3 for a pre-hearing conference on a writ of mandamus complaint filed against Kantner earlier this week. As reported by the Republican and Herald, the mandamus was filed Monday because, according to the commissioners, Kantner "has refused and continues to refuse" to complete two state-mandated county financial reports. Those reports, as well as an audit of county books, were due July 1. Requests for extensions have twice been denied by a county judge. Kantner has blamed the county's external auditor, Pottsville accountant Sam Deegan, for the delay, while Deegan and many county officials have blamed Kantner. The mandamus - a civil lawsuit which could go to trial if the two sides cannot resolve differences - would force Kantner to complete the reports within 30 days and would also order her to fully cooperate with Deegan and give him whatever financial documents he needs within 30 days.

A federal judge on Friday ruled the ex-girlfriend of Shenandoah's former police chief can testify against him in a civil trial of a claim that he and other police officers murdered a man in 2006 in the borough's holding cell. According to the Republican and Herald, U.S. District Judge John E. Jones III ruled in a 13 page opinion that Angela Pleva should be allowed to testify that Matthew R. Nestor told her that, "Things got out of hand and we killed him," referring to David Vega. However, Jones also ruled that lawyers for Nestor, former Shenandoah police captain Jamie Gennarini and the borough should be allowed to take Pleva's deposition, and conduct any necessary pretrial discovery stemming from it, and that the plaintiffs' lawyers must pay for it. Jones scheduled the trial to begin on April 4 in Harrisburg. Jones ruled that Carlos J. Vega and Genevieve F. Victor, David Vega's parents and the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, knew nothing of the refusal of their former lawyer, John P. Karoly Jr., Allentown, to reveal the statement to the defendants' lawyers, and that his remedy will eliminate any prejudice the defendants might suffer. Nestor and Gennarini face federal criminal charges stemming from their alleged extortion of money from illegal gambling operations in Shenandoah, while Nestor and two other former officers are charged with obstructing the investigation of the fatal beating of illegal Mexican immigrant Luis Eduardo Ramirez Zavala in July 2008 on a borough street. Trial dates have no been set in those cases.

Two Schuylkill County businesses were cited by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for violations of the state liquor laws. Johnny's Tavern, 115 Sunbury St., Minersville, owned by Vito Inc., was cited for allowing a loudspeaker or similar device to be used that made the sound of entertainment able to be heard outside the business on April 4 and June 12. Club 54, 100 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City, owned by Michael L. Thomas, was charged with allowing the same offense at various times throughout 2010. Both businesses can face fines of $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses or up to $5,000 for more serious infractions. They can also have their liquor licenses suspended or revoked and be made to have owners take training to educate them on the requirements of being a licensee.

EASTON, Pa. (AP) - Police say a worker in eastern Pennsylvania was hurt when a truck ran into the cherry-picker he was working in and knocked him out of the bucket. Police say 47-year-old Honey Brook resident Jesse Scott Leslie was hospitalized after the fall at around lunchtime in Palmer Township yesterday.

SINKING SPRING, Pa. (AP) - Authorities in Berks County say an elderly man and his wife have been found dead in their home where a car was left idling in the garage. A relative found John and Jane Schlott's bodies inside their Sinking Spring home yesterday morning. Police weren't sure if the car was intentionally left running.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania officials say they're considering enforcement action after 41 of 74 companies drilling for Marcellus shale natural gas missed an August 15th deadline to report production. The state department of Environmental Protection says it will contact the companies and pursue whatever enforcement necessary it deems necessary.

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic party has filed a complaint with the IRS, claiming a conservative foundation is spending millions on ads in election battleground states such as
Pennsylvania is violating its status as a tax-exempt organization. Americans for Prosperity Foundation began running ads last week. They attack policies but don't mention candidates.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Broadcaster Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally is today on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. Beck, a Fox News personality, says that's just a coincidence. He's calling on thousands to rally. Civil rights leaders are protesting the event.

MIAMI (AP) - Hurricane Danielle continues to diminish out in the Atlantic Ocean but it's still a category 2 storm with 110 mph winds. It's expected to pass east of Bermuda and forecasters warn of dangerous waves and surf there. It's also still expected to bring dangerous rip currents to the U.S. East Coast.

PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - Officials say a gunbattle closed off blocks of a northwestern Pakistani city after captured Islamist militants seized weapons from their guards and took them hostage. The incident happened during an interrogation today in Peshawar.

WASHINGTON (AP) - About 4.5 million older Americans continue to smoke and Medicare is finally catching up to private insurers and offering help. Medicare, which has been providing smoking cessation drugs, is now offering counseling for any beneficiary who's trying to quit. Dr. Barry Straube, the program's chief medical officer, says it's never too late, even for lifelong smokers.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Authorities say no inmates have life-threatening injuries after guards opened fire on a riot at Folsom State Prison in California. Seven inmates were hospitalized and no guards were hurt when about 200 prisoners rioted.

TODAY'S NEWS - AUGUST 27, 2010

LOCAL NEWS

PA HIGHER EDUCATION FOUNDATION APPROVES $5.2M IN NURSING EDUCATION GRANTS FOR 2010-2011

THE PA HIGHER EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED $5.2M IN FUNDING ALLOCATIONS FOR ITS NURSING EDUCATION GRANTS FOR THE 2010-2011 ACADEMIC YEAR. THE GRANTS ARE DISTRIBUTED TO QUALIFYING NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH TO ASSIST IN THE CREATION AND RETENTION OF NEW NURSING STUDENTS. THE GRANT IS PRIMARILY FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS. THE $5.2M WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO 124 ELIGIBLE REGISTERED NURSING AND PRACTICAL NURSING PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT PA TO BE USED AS TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NURSING STUDENTS. THE PHEF NURSING EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM PROVIDES NON-TAXPAYER SUPPORTED FUNDING TO PA’S SCHOOL OF NURSING.


PPL AGREES TO LOWER RATES IN 2011

A SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FILED YESTERDAY WITH THE PA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION WOULD INCREASE PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES OVERALL ANNUAL REVENUES BY ABOUT $77.5 M OR 1.6%, BEGINNING JAN 1, 2011. THE INCREASE WILL ALLOW THE COMPANY TO BEGIN RECOVERING THE COST OF NEARLY THREE YEARS OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS. IN ADDITION, IT WILL IMPROVE THE COMPANY’S ABILITY TO ATTRACT CAPITAL FUNDING FOR ONGOING EFFORTS TO REPLACE AGING INFRASTRUCTURE AND TO MAINTAIN EXCELLENT RELIABILITY FOR CUSTOMERS. THE INCREASE WOULD ONLY AFFECT THE DISTRIBUTION PORTION OF CUSTOMERS’ ELECTRIC BILLS. DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT ¼ OF THE TYPICAL ELECTRIC BILL. THERE’S A VERY GOOD CHANCE THAT LOWER ELECTRICITY SUPPLY PRICES FOR 2011 COULD MORE THAN OFFSET THE PROPOSED DISTRIBUTION RATE INCREASE FOR MANY CUSTOMERS. PPL ELECTRIC UTILITIES HAS INVESTED MORE THAN $960M IN ITS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS. IT PLANS TO SPEND MORE THAN $1.5B ON CAPITAL INVESTMENT THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.


CHILD SAFETY SEAT FITTING EVENT

IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NATIONAL “CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK” SAFETY CAMPAIGN, PSP SCHUYLKILL HAVEN WILL BE CONDUCTING A CHILD SAFETY SEAT CHECK IN LATE SEPTEMBER. CHILD SAFETY TECHNICIANS WILL BE AT THE PERCEPTION TRAINING CENTER ON 1265 W. LAUREL BOULEVARD IN POTTSVILLE. THEY WILL BE INSPECTING THE SAFETY SEATS, MAKING SURE THE THEY ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED. THEY WILL BE AT THE TRAINING CENTER FROM 2-5PM ON SEPT 21 AND 7:30-10:30AM SEPT 22.



STATE NEWS

HERSHEY, PA. (AP) - ORGANIZERS ARE EXPECTING MORE THAN 1,000
PEOPLE AT A SPEECH BY FORMER VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SARAH
PALIN IN HERSHEY. PALIN IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PENNSYLVANIA FAMILY INSTITUTE, AN EVENT THAT
RAISES FUNDS FOR THE 21-YEAR-OLD ORGANIZATION.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - PHILADELPHIA HOUSING AUTHORITY DIRECTOR CARL
GREENE IS ON LEAVE AFTER REVELATIONS THAT THE AGENCY SECRETLY
SETTLED AT LEAST FOUR SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS FILED AGAINST
HIM. FEDERAL AUTHORITIES ARE ALSO AUDITING THE AGENCY AND ITS USE
OF PUBLIC MONEY.

MCCANDLESS, PA. (AP) - ALLEGHENY COUNTY POLICE SAY A SUBURBAN
PITTSBURGH POLICE OFFICER HAS SHOT AND KILLED AN ARMED MAN AFTER
THEY RESPONDED TO A CALL THAT SOMEONE FIRED A SHOT THROUGH A
RESTAURANT'S WINDOW. AN OFFICIAL SAYS POLICE ENCOUNTERED THE MAN
AND ORDERED HIM TO DROP HIS WEAPON. MORTON SAYS THE MAN DIDN'T AND
BEGAN SHOOTING AT AN OFFICER, WHO RETURNED FIRE.

PITTSBURGH (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE ENCOURAGING
PARENTS TO MAKE SURE THEIR CHILDREN'S VACCINATIONS ARE UP-TO-DATE
AS SCHOOL STARTS AMID AN INCREASE IN WHOOPING COUGH CASES.
OFFICIALS SAY MOST OF THE CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THE
PHILADELPHIA SUBURBS.

NATIONAL NEWS

ECONOMY
SNAPSHOT OF ECONOMY ABOUT TO GET A LOT BLEAKER

WASHINGTON (AP) - A REVISION OF U.S. ECONOMIC GROWTH IS DUE
FRIDAY AND IT'S EXPECTED TO SHOW A SERIOUS STUMBLE.
THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT WILL REVISE ITS ESTIMATE FOR ECONOMIC
GROWTH IN THE APRIL-TO-JUNE PERIOD AND WALL STREET ECONOMISTS
FORECAST IT WILL BE CUT ALMOST IN HALF, TO A 1.4 PERCENT ANNUAL
RATE FROM 2.4 PERCENT.
THAT'S A SHARP SLOWDOWN FROM THE FIRST QUARTER, WHEN THE ECONOMY
GREW AT A 3.7 PERCENT ANNUAL RATE. THE CURRENT QUARTER ISN'T
EXPECTED TO BE MUCH BETTER, WITH MANY ECONOMISTS FORECASTING GROWTH
OF ONLY 1.7 PERCENT.
SOME ECONOMISTS BELIEVE THE ECONOMY COULD SLIP BACK INTO
RECESSION.
MANY TEMPORARY FACTORS THAT BOOSTED THE ECONOMY EARLIER THIS
YEAR ARE FADING, INCLUDING THE IMPACT OF THE GOVERNMENT'S $862
BILLION FISCAL STIMULUS PROGRAM.
THAT LEAVES THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PICK UP THE SLACK, BUT
BUSINESSES ARE CUTTING BACK.

GULF OIL SPILL-ECONOMY
OIL CLEANUP BOTH BONANZA AND BUST

UNDATED (AP) - AN ASSOCIATED PRESS ANALYSIS FINDS SOME PLACES
HAVE DONE PRETTY WELL SINCE THE GULF OIL SPILL WHILE OTHERS HAVE
BEEN HIT BY A DOUBLE-WHAMMY.
THE WORST OFFSHORE OIL SPILL IN U.S. HISTORY HAS SPURRED
SOMETHING OF AN ECONOMIC BOOM IN SOME COMMUNITIES WHERE CLEANUP
OPERATIONS ARE BASED.
BUT OTHER AREA'S HAVEN'T BEEN AS LUCKY. THEY'RE TOO FAR AWAY
FROM THE CLEANUP TO SERVE AS A STAGING GROUND FOR MASSES OF
WORKERS, BUT CLOSE ENOUGH TO EXPERIENCE SEVERE LOSSES IN TOURISM,
FISHING AND DRILLING.
SALES TAX REVENUE IN GULF STATES SHOWED A STARK DIFFERENCE, UP
80 PERCENT IN JUNE IN FRONT-LINE CLEANUP TOWNS, BUT DOWN 45 PERCENT
IN TOWNS THAT LOST OUT ON BOTH THE CLEANUP AND TOURIST TRADES.
THE CLEANUP HAS BECOME ITS OWN INDUSTRY, ACCORDING TO SOME
BUSINESS OWNERS IN SOME FRONT-LINE PLACES.

NKOREA-CARTER-PRISONER
BOSTON MAN HELD IN NKOREA DUE BACK HOME TODAY

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - AN AMERICAN RELEASED FROM A NORTH
KOREAN PRISON IS DUE BACK IN BOSTON TODAY, ACCOMPANIED BY FORMER
PRESIDENT JIMMY CARTER, WHO SECURED HIS RELEASE.
CARTER FLEW TO THE NORTH KOREAN CAPITAL, PYONGYANG, THIS WEEK ON
A PRIVATE MISSION TO SECURE A PARDON FOR 31-YEAR-OLD AIJALON MAHLI
GOMES (EYE'-JAH-LAHN MAH'-LEE GOHMS).
THE OFFICIAL KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY REPORTS NORTH KOREAN
LEADER KIM JONG IL GRANTED CARTER'S REQUEST TO "LENIENTLY
FORGIVE" GOMES.
THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT KIM - WHO WAS MAKING A SURPRISE
TRIP TO CHINA THIS WEEK - MET WITH CARTER AS WIDELY ANTICIPATED.
GOMES WAS THE FOURTH AMERICAN IN A YEAR ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING
IN NORTH KOREA, A COMMUNIST NATION THAT FOUGHT AGAINST THE U.S.
DURING THE 1950-53 KOREAN WAR AND DOES NOT HAVE DIPLOMATIC
RELATIONS WITH WASHINGTON.

TROPICAL WEATHER
UPDATE: HURRICANE DANIELLE NOW A MAJOR STORM

MIAMI (AP) - FORECASTS SAY HURRICANE DANIELLE HAS REACHED MAJOR
HURRICANE STATUS AND KEEPS GETTING MORE DANGEROUS.
NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FORECASTERS SAY DANIELLE IS NOW A
CATEGORY 4 STORM WITH MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS OF 135 MPH.
FORECASTERS SAY SWELLS CHURNED UP BY DANIELLE COULD REACH PARTS
OF THE U.S. EAST COAST BY THE WEEKEND AND THAT DANGEROUS SURF
CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED IN BERMUDA, THOUGH THE EYE WILL LIKELY MOVE
WELL EAST OF THE ISLAND.
FARTHER EAST, TROPICAL STORM EARL IS RACING WEST OVER THE
ATLANTIC WITH WINDS NEAR 45 MPH. FORECASTERS EXPECT EARL TO BECOME
A HURRICANE BY EARLY SATURDAY. ANOTHER SYSTEM IS FOLLOWING EARL'S
TRACK AND COULD BECOME A DEPRESSION SOON.
IN THE PACIFIC OFF MEXICO'S COAST, HURRICANE FRANK HAS WINDS OF
85 MPH.

KATRINA-FLOOD PROTECTION
FIVE YEARS AFTER KATRINA SKEPTICISM REMAINS ABOUT FLOOD
PROTECTION IN NEW ORLEANS

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - IN THE FIVE YEARS SINCE HURRICANE KATRINA,
NEW ORLEANS HAS BECOME A LABORATORY FOR DEVELOPING A NEW,
STATE-OF-THE-ART FLOOD CONTROL SYSTEM.
NEW ORLEANS MAYOR MITCH LANDRIEU SAYS THE CITY'S VERY EXISTENCE
MAY BE THREATENED OVER THE NEXT 100 YEARS.
PUMPS INSTALLED AT THE MOUTH OF THE 17TH STREET CANAL HAVE
RAISED THE IRE OF GOVERNMENT WATCHDOGS. CRITICS SAY THEY'LL FAIL IN
A MAJOR STORM.
THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ADMITS THE PUMPS NEED TO BE REPLACED
BUT THAT WON'T HAPPEN UNTIL 2014.
SANDY ROSENTHAL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LEVEES.ORG SAYS THAT
WITHOUT THEM, WATER WILL RISE TO THE TOP OF THE LEVEES, "AND VERY
LIKELY THOSE LEVEES WILL FAIL LIKE THEY DID DURING KATRINA."
SHE ALSO NOTES THAT THE CORPS IS PROTECTED FROM FINANCIAL
LIABILITY SHOULD IT'S FLOOD PROTECTION FAIL.

CAMPAIGN ADS
POLITICAL ADS SURPASS 2006 LEVELS AS ATTACKS MOUNT

WASHINGTON (AP) - SPENDING ON POLITICAL ADS IS ON THE RISE
ACROSS THE COUNTRY, AND ATTACK ADS ARE LEADING THE WAY. CANDIDATES
WHO TAKE THE HIGH ROAD DO SO AT THEIR PERIL.
AS OF THURSDAY, CANDIDATES FOR STATE AND FEDERAL OFFICE HAD
SPENT $395 MILLION ON ADS FOR THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS. THAT'S
COMPARED WITH $286 MILLION AT THIS POINT IN THE 2006 MIDTERMS. MORE
THAN HALF THE ADS HAVE BEEN NEGATIVE.
POLITICAL PARTIES AND OUTSIDE GROUPS BUYING ADS HAVE GONE
NEGATIVE 80 PERCENT OF THE TIME.
THOSE NUMBERS WERE COMPILED BY EVAN TRACEY, WHO TRACKS POLITICAL
ADS AS PRESIDENT OF CMAG, A DIVISION OF KANTAR MEDIA.

PAKISTAN-FLOODS
NEW: U.N.: 1 MILLION MORE DISPLACED IN PAKISTAN FLOODS

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (AP) - A U.N. SPOKESMAN SAYS THE FLOODING
SITUATION IN PAKISTAN IS GOING "FROM BAD TO WORSE."
HE SAYS AID IS BEING DELIVERED FASTER AND FASTER, BUT THE FLOODS
SEEM DETERMINED TO OUTRUN THE RESPONSE.
THE LATEST AREA AFFECTED IS A PART OF SOUTHERN PAKISTAN WHERE A
BLOATED RIVER HAS CRUSHED A LEVEE, DISPLACING AS MANY AS A MILLION
PEOPLE. THE AREA HAS MANY HISTORIC GRAVES, TOMBS AND OTHER SITES
LINKED TO THE MUGHAL EMPIRE THAT ONCE RULED THE SUBCONTINENT.
ACROSS PAKISTAN, THE U.N. SAYS MORE THAN 17 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE
BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY FLOODS AND ABOUT 1.2 MILLION HOMES
HAVE BEEN DESTROYED OR BADLY DAMAGED. MORE THAN 8 MILLION PEOPLE
NEED EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
THE PAKISTANI TALIBAN HINTED YESTERDAY THAT THEY MIGHT ATTACK
FOREIGN AID WORKERS, WHO HAVE BEEN POURING IN TO HELP.

AUSTRIA-SUPERBUG
NEW: AUSTRIA REPORTS 2 CASES OF SUPERBUG GENE

VIENNA (AP) - AUSTRIA'S HEALTH MINISTRY IS REPORTING TWO CASES
OF A NEW GENE THAT ALLOWS BACTERIA TO BECOME A SUPERBUG.
THE MINISTRY SAYS EXPERTS AT THE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY IN THE
SOUTHERN CITY OF GRAZ DETECTED THE GENE, KNOWN AS NDM-1, IN TWO
PEOPLE, BOTH OF WHOM ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN INFECTED IN
HOSPITALS ABROAD.
A STATEMENT FRIDAY SAID A PERSON FROM PAKISTAN WAS RELEASED IN
GOOD HEALTH FROM GRAZ'S UNIVERSITY CLINIC LAST YEAR AFTER
SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT. IT SAID ANOTHER PERSON FROM KOSOVO IS STILL
UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION THERE.
RESEARCHERS SAY THE GENE - WHICH APPEARS TO BE CIRCULATING
WIDELY IN INDIA - ALTERS BACTERIA, MAKING THEM RESISTANT TO NEARLY
ALL KNOWN ANTIBIOTICS.

CHILE-MINE COLLAPSE VIDEO
NEW VIDEO GIVES TOUR OF TRAPPED MINERS' REFUGE

COPIAPO, CHILE (AP) - A NEW VIDEO OF THE 33 MINERS TRAPPED A
HALF-MILE UNDERGROUND PROVIDES THE BEST IMAGES YET OF THE
CONDITIONS IN THE MINE IN NORTHERN CHILE.
THE MEN ARE SHIRTLESS, SOME SITTING AND OTHERS STANDING, AND
APPEAR TO BE SWEATING. MOST ARE SKINNY, SPORT THICK AND UNGROOMED
FACIAL HAIR, AND SHOW PUFFINESS UNDER THEIR EYES.
THE FOOTAGE, RELEASED LATE THURSDAY BY NATIONAL TELEVISION VIA
THE CHILEAN GOVERNMENT, ALSO SHOWS SOME OF THE MEN SPEAKING
INDIVIDUALLY INTO THE CAMERA, THOUGH THE MUFFLED SOUNDS MAKE IT
DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND.
ONE MAN GIVES A GUIDED TOUR, SHOWING WHERE THE MEN MEET AND PRAY
DAILY. HE POINTS OUT THE "LITTLE CUP TO BRUSH OUR TEETH."
AT ONE POINT, THE MINERS ARE SEEN ARM-IN-ARM, SINGING CHILE'S
NATIONAL ANTHEM AND YELLING "LONG LIVE CHILE, AND LONG LIVE THE
MINERS."

BLAGOJEVICH TRIAL
ROD BLAGOJEVICH HEADED FOR RETRIAL WITHOUT BROTHER

CHICAGO (AP) - FORMER ILLINOIS GOV. ROD BLAGOJEVICH'S OLDER
BROTHER DREADED HIS LAWYER'S PHONE CALL.
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH EXPECTED TO LEARN WHEN HE'D AGAIN STAND TRIAL
ALONGSIDE HIS SIBLING. A JURY DEADLOCKED LAST WEEK ON ALL FOUR
CORRUPTION CHARGES AGAINST HIM AND 23 OF 24 CHARGES AGAINST THE
FORMER GOVERNOR.
INSTEAD, HE WAS TOLD PROSECUTORS WERE DROPPING CORRUPTION
CHARGES AGAINST HIM EVEN AS THEY PREPARED TO RETRY HIS BROTHER ON
ALLEGATIONS THAT INCLUDE SCHEMING TO SELL OR TRADE AN APPOINTMENT
TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S OLD SENATE SEAT.
SO ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH IS TAKING HIS LIFE BACK. AND FEDERAL
PROSECUTORS ARE SHARPENING THEIR FOCUS ON THE IMPEACHED ILLINOIS
GOVERNOR.
JUDGE JAMES ZAGEL SAYS ROD BLAGOJEVICH'S RETRIAL WILL START THE
WEEK OF JAN. 4.

BRITAIN-WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES IN ENGLAND JUMP TENFOLD

LONDON (AP) - A NEW STUDY SAYS THE NUMBER OF WEIGHT-LOSS
SURGERIES IN ENGLAND JUMPED MORE THAN TENFOLD FROM 2000 TO 2007.
DR. OMAR FAIZ, A CONSULTANT SURGEON AT ST. MARY'S HOSPITAL IN
LONDON JOINED COLLEAGUES IN MONITORING THE NUMBER OF WEIGHT-LOSS
SURGERIES DONE IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS FROM 2000 TO 2008.
IN 2000, THERE WERE 238 WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES, BUT BY 2007 THERE
WERE 2,543 SUCH OPERATIONS. THE STUDY WAS PAID FOR BY BRITAIN'S
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH RESEARCH.
FAIZ DESCRIBED THE INCREASE IN SURGERIES AS "EXPONENTIAL," BUT
WAS UNSURE IF IT WOULD CONTINUE.
THE STUDY WAS PUBLISHED FRIDAY IN THE MEDICAL JOURNAL, BMJ.
SOME EXPERTS WEREN'T SURPRISED BY THE FIGURES AND SAID THE
OBESITY EPIDEMIC WAS LIKELY TO ACCELERATE THE DEMAND FOR SUCH
STOMACH-SHRINKING SURGERIES IN THE FUTURE.

TODAY'S NEWS, AUGUST 26, 2010

LOCAL NEWS

EMPIRE GROUP TO EXPAND HEADQUARTERS

EMPIRE EDUCATION GROUP HAS SECURED MORE THAN $7M IN FUNDING TO EXPAND ITS CURRENT HEADQUARTERS ALONG RT. 61 IN EAST NORWEGIAN TOWNSHIP. CONSTRUCTION IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY ON THE 30,000SQ FT, 2-STORY ADDITION, WHICH WILL ALLOW EMPIRE TO BRING ITS HOME OFFICE WORKFORCE CLOSE TO 400 EMPLOYEES. THE 18 MONTH PROJECT WILL BE FUNDED THROUGH A VARIETY OF SOURCES, THE LARGEST OF WHICH TAX EXEMPT IS FINANCING MADE POSSIBLE BY THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND FUNDED BY M&T BANK. ALONG WITH THE NEW BUILDING, THE PROJECT INCLUDES PLANS FOR AN EXTENSION OF NEARBY TUNNEL ROAD. THE EXTENSION WILL ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR U-TURNS AT THE INTERSECTION OF TUNNEL ROAD AND RT. 61 JUST SOUTH OF EMPIRE, AS WELL AS U-TURNS AT RT 61 AND ANN ST TO THE NORTH. EMPIRE EDUCATION GROUP CURRENTLY HAS 100 BEAUTY SCHOOLS LOCATED IN 21 STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. EMPIRE IS THE LARGEST, CENTRALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BEAUTY SCHOOL SYSTEM IN NORTH AMERICA.


CRACKER BARREL BREAKFAST WINS TOP SPOT IN ZAGAT COSTUMER SURVEY

THE CRACKER BARREL IN FRACKVILLE ADJACENT TO THE SCHUYLKILL MALL HAS A BREAKFAST THAT IS TOPPING OTHERS RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA. OVER 6,500 REGULAR CHAIN RESTAURANT DINERS SHARED THEIR OPINIONS ON 39 FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS IN A ZAGAT FAST FOOD SURVEY, AND THEY SELECTED CRACKER BARREL AS HAVING THE BEST BREAKFAST. THE FRACKVILLE RESTAURANT CAME IN SECOND LAST YEAR, BUT MADE IT TO THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR 2010. THE ZAGAT SURVEY IS THE THIRD NATIONAL RESEARCH STUDY IN WHICH CRACKER BARREL HAS RECEIVED TOP SCORES THIS SUMMER. IN A JULY STUDY BY THE CONSUMER BRAND METRICS PROGRAM, CONSUMERS RATED THE RESTAURANT AT THE TOP OF THE LIST AMONG 10 FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS IN THE CASUAL AND FAMILY DINING SEGMENTS. IN AUGUST CRACKER BARREL WAS RANKED AS THE NUMBER ONE FAMILY DINING RESTAURANT IN 5 MARKETS NATIONALLY, BY THE RESEARCH FIRM J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES.

DEVICE RESEMBLING BOMB FOUND IN UNOCCUPIED BUILDING IN TOWER CITY

A DEVICE RESEMBLING A BOMB WAS FOUND IN AN UNOCCUPIED BUILDING IN TOWER CITY YESTERDAY. THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY AT 159 WEST GRANDE AVE WAS PERFORMING A CHECK OF THE BUILDING AROUND 2PM WHEN HE STUMBLED UPON THE DEVICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR. THE PSP HAZARDOUS DEVICE AND EXPLOSIVES SECTION WAS SUMMONED TO THE SCENE AS WELL AS STATE AND LOCAL POLICE. THEY DETERMINED THAT THE DEVICE WAS NOT A BOMB, AND ARE CONTINUING TO INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION.

TWO CAR CRASH IN WORK ZONE ON STATE ROAD 125

A CAR SLAMMED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER DURING A WORK ZONE STOP YESTERDAY AFTERNOON NEAR TREMONT. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AT 7:30 YESTERDAY MORNING ON STATE ROAD 125, CLOSE TO STATE HWY 4011. LARRY SMALLWORD, 77, FAILED TO STOP HIS 1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER AND STRUCK THE REAR OF ALLEN WOLF, 34, 2000 CHEVY SILVERADO. WOLF WAS STOPPED, BY A FLAG MAN HOLDING A STOP SIGN, BEHIND SEVERAL CARS WAITING TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE WORK ZONE. BOTH MEN WERE WEARING THEIR SEATBELT AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED.


STATE NEWS

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY PENNSYLVANIA
HAS RECORDED ITS FIRST HUMAN CASE OF WEST NILE VIRUS THIS YEAR. THE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS A 69-YEAR-OLD PHILADELPHIA MAN HAS BEEN
FOUND TO HAVE THE VIRUS. WEST NILE IS SPREAD TO PEOPLE AND ANIMALS
BY INFECTED MOSQUITOES.

WASHINGTON, PA. (AP) - A WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA MAN HAS BEEN
ORDERED TO STAND TRIAL IN A MURDER ALMOST NINE YEARS AGO. IN A
PRELIMINARY HEARING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, RONALD CURRAN OF
ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP WAS ORDERED TO STAND TRIAL ON CHARGES OF
HOMICIDE AND CONSPIRACY IN THE OCTOBER 2001 DISAPPEARANCE OF
29-YEAR-OLD JERRY LEE CUSHEY JR.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S HIGH COURT IS CLARIFYING
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF GUARDIANS TO SEEK LIFE-PRESERVING TREATMENT
FOR THE PEOPLE UNDER THEIR CARE. THE SUPREME COURT SAYS THAT WHEN
INCOMPETENT PEOPLE WHO AREN'T IN A COMA OR IN AN "END-STAGE
CONDITION" ALSO HAVEN'T NAMED A HEALTH CARE AGENT, THEY'RE
ENTITLED TO MEDICAL HELP THAT WILL PRESERVE THEIR LIVES.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A JAPANESE MAN ON A QUEST TO WALK AROUND THE
WORLD HAS STOPPED IN PHILADELPHIA TO GET HIS CART REPAIRED. THE
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS MASAHITO YOSHIDA'S CROSS-CONTINENT
TREK IS ON HOLD WHILE A SOUTH PHILLY BIKE SHOP REPAIRS THE CART
CARRYING HIS TENT AND OTHER POSSESSIONS ON A 3,000-MILE JOURNEY TO
VANCOUVER.


NATIONAL NEWS

NORTH KOREA-KIM JONG IL
NEW: NORTH KOREAN LEADER MAKES SURPRISE TRIP TO CHINA

BEIJING (AP) - TWO TEACHERS IN NORTHEASTERN CHINA SAY NORTH
KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG IL VISITED THEIR SCHOOL IN HIS SECOND TRIP
THIS YEAR TO HIS COUNTRY'S BIGGEST SOURCE OF DIPLOMATIC AND
FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
THE TEACHERS AT THE YUWEN MIDDLE SCHOOL IN JILIN PROVINCE SAID
KIM VISITED THE SCHOOL THURSDAY FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES.
HIS FATHER KIM IL SUNG ATTENDED THE SCHOOL FROM 1927 TO 1930,
ACCORDING TO THE SCHOOL'S WEBSITE. AT THE TIME, YUWEN ATTRACTED A
COHORT OF SOCIALIST-LEANING TEACHERS.
THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT COMMENTED ON THE VISIT BY THE
RECLUSIVE LEADER WHO RARELY TRAVELS ABROAD.
THE SURPRISE TRIP ABROAD COMES AS FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT JIMMY
CARTER MAKES A RARE TRIP TO NORTH KOREA ON A PRIVATE MISSION TO
SECURE THE FREEDOM OF AN IMPRISONED AMERICAN.

IRAQ
NEW: IRAQI POLICE SAY 6 GUARDS KILLED IN AMBUSH

BAGHDAD (AP) - IRAQI POLICE SAY SIX MEMBERS OF A
GOVERNMENT-ALLIED SUNNI MILITIA HAVE BEEN KILLED IN AN AMBUSH BY
INSURGENTS IN EASTERN IRAQ.
THE KILLINGS EARLY THURSDAY IN DIYALA PROVINCE COME A DAY AFTER
A SPATE OF NATIONWIDE BOMBINGS AND SHOOTINGS MOSTLY TARGETING IRAQI
SECURITY FORCES LEFT AT LEAST 56 PEOPLE DEAD.
DIYALA POLICE SPOKESMAN MAJ. GHALIB AL-KARKHI SAID THE
GOVERNMENT-ALLIED FIGHTERS, KNOWN AS SAHWA OR AWAKENING COUNCILS,
WERE DRIVING NEAR THE TOWN OF MUQDADIYAH, ABOUT 60 MILES (90
KILOMETERS) NORTH OF BAGHDAD, WHEN THEIR CAR HIT A ROADSIDE BOMB.
AL-KARKHI SAID FOUR OF THE GUARDS WERE KILLED IMMEDIATELY. HE
SAID GUNMEN THEN SHOT THE SURVIVORS.
THE AWAKENING COUNCILS JOINED WITH U.S. FORCES AGAINST AL-QAIDA
IN 2006 AND HELPED TURN THE TIDE OF THE WAR.

OBAMA-IRAQ
OBAMA TO ADDRESS NATION TO MARK END OF IRAQ COMBAT

VINEYARD HAVEN, MASS. (AP) - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL ADDRESS
THE NATION FROM THE OVAL OFFICE AND ALSO VISIT TROOPS AT FORT BLISS
IN TEXAS ON TUESDAY TO MARK THE END OF U.S. COMBAT OPERATIONS IN
IRAQ.
WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY ROBERT GIBBS MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT
WEDNESDAY.
OBAMA PROMISED IN 2009 TO END THE FORMAL COMBAT MISSION BY AUG.
31, AND EARLIER THIS WEEK THE WHITE HOUSE SAID THE NUMBER OF U.S.
TROOPS STAGED IN IRAQ HAD FALLEN BELOW 50,000.
IRAQ IS SCHEDULED TO ASSUME SECURITY FOR ITS OWN TERRITORY AFTER
NEXT TUESDAY, WITH THE U.S. FALLING INTO AN ADVISORY AND BACKUP
ROLE.
U.S.-LED FORCES ATTACKED IRAQ IN MARCH 2003. MORE THAN 4,400
U.S. TROOPS HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY DIED IN THE FIGHTING.

JAPAN-HIROSHIMA-OBAMA
NOBEL PEACE LAUREATES CALL ON OBAMA TO VISIT HIROSHIMA

TOKYO (AP) - FIVE NOBEL PEACE LAUREATES ARE CALLING ON PRESIDENT
BARACK OBAMA TO VISIT HIROSHIMA LATER THIS YEAR TO RE-ENERGIZE HIS
CALL FOR A WORLD WITHOUT NUCLEAR ARMS.
THE INVITATION CAME IN A LETTER TO OBAMA SIGNED BY FORMER SOVIET
PRESIDENT MIKHAIL GORBACHEV, LECH WALESA (LEHK VAH-WEHN'-SAH) OF
POLAND, FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT FREDERIK WILLEM DE KLERK,
THE PRESIDENT OF EAST TIMOR, JOSE RAMOS-HORTA (ZHAW'-ZEE HAH'-MOHS
HOHR'-TUH), AND FORMER COSTA RICAN PRESIDENT OSCAR ARIAS SANCHEZ.
HIROSHIMA WILL HOST THE 11TH WORLD SUMMIT OF NOBEL PEACE
LAUREATES IN NOVEMBER. OBAMA WAS AWARDED THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE IN
2009.
A VISIT TO THE SITE OF THE U.S. ATOMIC BOMB ATTACK WOULD BE
UNPRECEDENTED FOR A SITTING U.S. PRESIDENT AND HIGHLY
CONTROVERSIAL.
THE WHITE HOUSE HAS SAID OBAMA CURRENTLY HAS NO PLANS TO VISIT
HIROSHIMA, BUT HE IS EXPECTED TO BE IN JAPAN AT AROUND THAT TIME TO
ATTEND ANOTHER SUMMIT MEETING IN YOKOHAMA, JUST OUTSIDE TOKYO.

CABBIE STABBED
FORMER VOLUNTEER IN AFGHANISTAN HELD IN CABBIE ATTACK

NEW YORK (AP) - A COLLEGE STUDENT WHO DID VOLUNTEER WORK IN
AFGHANISTAN IS CHARGED WITH SLASHING A NEW YORK CITY CAB DRIVER
AFTER ASKING HIM WHETHER HE WAS MUSLIM.
A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT ALLEGES MICHAEL ENRIGHT UTTERED AN ARABIC
GREETING AND TOLD THE DRIVER, "CONSIDER THIS A CHECKPOINT,"
BEFORE THE ATTACK TUESDAY NIGHT. POLICE SAY ENRIGHT WAS DRUNK AT
THE TIME.
A JUDGE ORDERED THE 21-YEAR-OLD HELD WITHOUT BAIL ON CHARGES OF
ATTEMPTED MURDER AND ASSAULT AS HATE CRIMES, AS WELL AS POSSESSION
OF A WEAPON.
THE DRIVER, A BANGLADESHI IMMIGRANT, SUFFERED A SERIOUS NECK
WOUND AND CUTS TO HIS FOREARMS, HIS FACE AND ONE HAND.
ENRIGHT'S LAWYER TOLD THE JUDGE HIS CLIENT WAS AN HONORS STUDENT
AT THE SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS WHO LIVES WITH HIS PARENTS IN SUBURBAN
BREWSTER, N.Y.
ENRIGHT VOLUNTEERED FOR INTERSECTIONS INTERNATIONAL, A GROUP
THAT PROMOTES INTERFAITH DIALOGUE AND HAS SUPPORTED PLANS FOR AN
ISLAMIC CENTER AND MOSQUE TWO BLOCKS FROM GROUND ZERO.

DC RALLY-GLENN BECK
NEW: BECK PLANS RALLY ON ANNIVERSARY OF KING'S 'DREAM' SPEECH

WASHINGTON (AP) - GLENN BECK'S RALLY ON THE ANNIVERSARY AND AT
THE SITE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'S FAMOUS "I HAVE A DREAM"
SPEECH IS DRAWING CRITICISM, PROTESTS AND QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS
INTENTIONS.
BECK INSISTS THE EVENT SATURDAY AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL IS NOT
ABOUT POLITICS, EVEN THOUGH BECK AND FORMER ALASKA GOV. SARAH PALIN
WILL ATTEND.
BECK IS A POPULAR FIGURE AMONG TEA PARTY ACTIVISTS AND A
POLARIZING FOX NEWS CHANNEL PERSONALITY. THE EVENT'S WEBSITE SAYS
THE RALLY IS TO PAY TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S MILITARY PERSONNEL AND
OTHERS "WHO EMBODY OUR NATION'S FOUNDING PRINCIPLES OF INTEGRITY,
TRUTH AND HONOR."
IT URGES CITIZENS TO ATTEND AND "HELP US RESTORE THE VALUES
THAT FOUNDED THIS GREAT NATION."
BECK SAYS THE TIMING OF THE EVENT IS MERELY A COINCIDENCE.

ALASKA SENATE
RACE WILL COME DOWN TO ABSENTEE BALLOTS

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) - ALASKA'S REPUBLICAN SENATE PRIMARY
APPARENTLY WILL BE DECIDED BY ABSENTEE BALLOTS.
WITH ALL PRECINCTS REPORTING RESULTS FROM TUESDAY'S VOTING, SEN.
LISA MURKOWSKI TRAILS HER LESSER-KNOWN RIVAL JOE MILLER BY 1,668
VOTES.
BUT THOUSANDS OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS HAVE YET TO BE COUNTED.
THE STATE SENT OUT ABOUT 16,000 OF THEM, AND NEARLY HALF THAT
MANY HAD BEEN RETURNED BY MONDAY. BUT ABSENTEE BALLOTS POSTMARKED
BY ELECTION DAY CAN BE RECEIVED FOR UP TO 10 DAYS AFTER THE
ELECTION, SO THE COUNT OF OUTSTANDING MAIL-IN VOTES WON'T BEGIN FOR
SEVERAL DAYS.
MURKOWSKI IS THE DAUGHTER OF FORMER ALASKA SEN. FRANK MURKOWSKI,
WHO APPOINTED HER TO THE SENATE WHEN HE BECAME GOVERNOR IN 2002.
MILLER IS A WEST POINT GRADUATE WHO SERVED IN THE GULF WAR. HE
WAS ENDORSED BY FORMER ALASKA GOV. SARAH PALIN, CONSERVATIVE TALK
SHOW HOSTS AND THE CALIFORNIA-BASED TEA PARTY EXPRESS.
PALIN TOLD FOX BUSINESS NETWORK THAT ALASKANS "ARE READY FOR
SOME NEW BLOOD."

AFGHANISTAN
MILITANTS KILL 8 POLICEMAN IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - POLICE SAY INSURGENTS HAVE KILLED
EIGHT AFGHAN POLICEMEN IN A RAID ON A CHECKPOINT OUTSIDE THE
NORTHERN CITY OF KUNDUZ.
KUNDUZ PROVINCE POLICE CHIEF ABDUL RAZIQ YAQOUBI SAYS FIGHTERS
FROM CHECHNYA WHO ARE ACTIVE IN THE PROVINCE WERE SUSPECTED OF
CARRYING OUT THURSDAY'S ATTACK.
MORE THAN 10 MILITANTS TOOK PART IN THE AMBUSH, TWO OR THREE OF
WHOM WERE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN WOUNDED WHEN THE POLICE FOUGHT
BACK, YAQOUBI SAID.
THE MILITANTS APPARENTLY HOPED TO STEAL THE POLICEMEN'S WEAPONS
BUT WERE BEATEN BACK BEFORE THEY COULD DO SO, HE SAID.
KUNDUZ HAS SEEN AN INCREASING NUMBER OF ATTACKS ON AFGHAN AND
FOREIGN COALITION FORCES WHO RELY ON A SUPPLY LINE RUNNING SOUTH
THROUGH THE PROVINCE FROM NEIGHBORING TAJIKISTAN.

PAKISTAN-FLOODS
PAKISTAN FLOODS THREATEN 3 TOWNS AS LEVEE FAILS

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (AP) - FLOODING IS NOW ENDANGERING PARTS OF
PAKISTAN THAT HAVE SO FAR BEEN UNTOUCHED BY THE ALMOST MONTHLONG
DISASTER. PAKISTANI OFFICIALS ARE URGING ANYONE LEFT IN THREE
SOUTHERN TOWNS TO EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY AFTER FLOODWATERS BROKE
THROUGH A LEVEE.
MOST OF THE 400,000 PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN THE AREA ARE THOUGHT TO
HAVE EVACUATED ALREADY, BUT THOSE REMAINING WERE WARNED TO FLEE.
THE FLOODS THAT BEGAN ALMOST A MONTH AGO WITH THE ONSET OF THE
MONSOON AND HAVE RAVAGED A MASSIVE SWATH OF PAKISTAN, FROM THE
MOUNTAINOUS NORTH THROUGH TO ITS AGRICULTURAL HEARTLAND.

TROPICAL WEATHER
DANIELLE IN ATLANTIC BECOMES A STRONGER HURRICANE

MIAMI (AP) - HURRICANE DANIELLE IN THE OPEN ATLANTIC HAS GROWN
TO A CATEGORY 2 STORM WITH MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS OF MORE THAN 100
MPH (160 KPH).
IT IS MOVING NORTHWEST AND THE FORECAST TRACK HAS IT HEADING
TOWARD BERMUDA OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS.
ALSO, TROPICAL STORM EARL HAS FORMED IN THE OPEN ATLANTIC OCEAN,
BUT THE SYSTEM IS FAR FROM LAND. EARL HAS MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS
OF 40 MPH (65 KPH) AND IS EXPECTED TO BECOME A HURRICANE BY LATE
FRIDAY.
IN THE PACIFIC, HURRICANE FRANK OFF MEXICO'S COAST HAS MAXIMUM
SUSTAINED WINDS NEAR 80 MPH (130 KPH). THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER IN MIAMI SAID FRANK LIKELY WILL WEAKEN AS IT MOVES AWAY FROM
MEXICO'S SOUTHWESTERN COAST. FRANK IS LOCATED ABOUT 250 MILES (405
KILOMETERS) SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF CABO CORRIENTES, MEXICO, AND IS
MOVING WEST-NORTHWEST.

TODAY'S NEWS - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010

LOCAL NEWS

PLANNED WATER SHUTOFF

SOME WATER CUSTOMERS IN DOWNTOWN POTTSVILLE WILL HAVE THEIR WATER SHUT OFF FOR REPAIRS WEDNESDAY NIGHT. ACCORDING TO THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY, A VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED NEAR THE RAMADA HOTEL, BEGINNING AROUND 10PM THIS EVENING. CUSTOMERS ON CENTRE STREET, BETWEEN UNION AND NORWEGIAN STREETS WILL HAVE NO WATER SERVICE FOR SEVERAL HOURS WHILE THE WORK IS BEING COMPLETED. A WATER BOIL ADVISORY WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR THREE DAYS FOLLOWING THE REPAIRS. SHOULD YOU NEED ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY AT 622-8240.



LAWYERS IN SHENANDOAH HATE CRIME SUIT OBJECT TO JUROR QUESTIONS

THE LAWYERS FOR TWO SHENANDOAH TEENS CHARGED IN THE HATE CRIME SUIT OF AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HAVE OBJECTED TO THE 21 QUESTIONS BEING ASKED TO POTENTIAL JURORS.
WILLIAM FETTERHOFF AND JAMES SWETZ, WHO REPRESENT DERRICK DONCHAK AND BRANDON PIEKARSKY, SAY THE QUESTIONS IMPROPERLY TRY TO INJECT RACE, WEALTH AND POLITICS INTO THE TRIAL. THEY HAVE ASKED SENIOR U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE A RICHARD CAPUTO, WHO WILL PRESIDE OVER THE TRIAL, TO DROP THOSE QUESTION FROM THE QUESTIONNAIRE, WHICH PROSECUTORS SUBMITTED LAST FRIDAY. DONCHAK AND PIEKARSKY’S TRIAL IS SCHEDULED TO START AT 9:30AM ON OCTOBER 4TH IN THE MAX ROSENN U.S. COURTHOUSE IN WILKES-BARRE. THE TWO MEN ARE CHARGED IN THE BEATING DEATH OF LUIS EDUARDO RAMIREZ ZAVALA FROM SHENANDOAH, WHO DIED OF HEAD INJURIES TWO DAYS AFTER BEING ASSAULTED ON JULY 12, 2008.


MINERSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS TEMPORARILY BANNED A CHEERLEADING FUNDRAISER

THE MINERSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT HAS TEMPORARILY BANNED THE CHEERLEADING BOOSTERS FUNDRAISER. THIS HAPPENED ON MONDAY NIGHT’S, SCHOOL BOARD MEETING. THE BOARD SAYS THE BOOSTERS CLUB NEEDS TO COMPLETE A FINANCIAL REPORT BEFORE THEY CAN RESUME BUSINESS. DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT M. JOSEPH BRADY SAID YESTERDAY THAT THE DISTRICT REQUIRES EACH BOOSTER CLUB TO SUBMIT ONE FINANCIAL REPORT EACH YEAR. THE MINERSVILLE AREA CHEERLEADING BOOSTER CLUB HAS YET TO DO SO. BRADY STATED THAT THE CLUB HAS BEEN NOTIFIED TWICE ALREADY ABOUT THE REPORT SUBMISSION. ONCE THE FINANCIAL REPORT HAS BEEN FILED, THE CLUB’S SUSPENSION WILL BE LIFTED.



STATE NEWS

HONESDALE, PA. (AP) - JURORS IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA HAVE
ACQUITTED A VIRGINIA MAN ON ALL COUNTS IN THE MURDER OF A CAMP
COUNSELOR ALMOST TWO DECADES AGO. THE SCRANTON TIMES-TRIBUNE
REPORTS THE PANEL DELIBERATED FOR ABOUT 3 1/2 HOURS LAST NIGHT BEFORE
FINDING JEFFREY PLISHKA NOT GUILTY IN THE 1991 SLAYING OF LAURA
RONNING IN A REMOTE PART OF WAYNE COUNTY.

ALLENTOWN, PA. (AP) - AN ALLENTOWN MAN HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO
LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO KILLING HIS
SISTER-IN-LAW LAST SPRING. KEVIN RAMOS OF ALLENTOWN WAS SENTENCED
YESTERDAY BY LEHIGH COUNTY JUDGE JAMES ANTHONY MOMENTS AFTER
PLEADING GUILTY TO SECOND-DEGREE MURDER IN THE STRANGULATION OF
JENNY FLORES-HERNANDEZ.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - THE LARGEST UNION REPRESENTING WORKERS AT
PHILADELPHIA'S TWO MAJOR DAILY NEWSPAPERS HAS VOTED OVERWHELMINGLY
TO ACCEPT WAGE CONCESSIONS TOTALING ABOUT 6 PERCENT. THE
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS THE PACKAGE ACCEPTED BY THE NEWSPAPER
GUILD PREVENTS LAYOFFS FOR THE NEXT YEAR BUT INCLUDES A 2 PERCENT
PAY CUT AND TWO WEEKS OF UNPAID FURLOUGH.

BETHEL PARK, PA. (AP) - PENNSYLVANIA'S OLDEST RESIDENT HAS DIED
AT THE AGE OF 110. AGNES WETZEL DIED SATURDAY. SHE LIVED IN THE
PITTSBURGH SUBURB OF BETHEL PARK WITH HER DAUGHTER. WETZEL WAS THE
56TH OLDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD ACCORDING TO THE AGE-TRACKING
GERONTOLOGY RESEARCH GROUP.


NATIONAL NEWS

ALASKA SENATE
MURKOWSKI IN CLOSE RACE; MCADAMS WINS DEMOCRATS' CONTEST

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (AP) - REPUBLICAN SEN. LISA MURKOWSKI IS
LOCKED IN A TIGHT RACE TO HOLD ON TO HER SEAT AMID A SURPRISINGLY
TOUGH CHALLENGE FROM A SARAH PALIN-BACKED CONSERVATIVE.
JOE MILLER HELD ABOUT A 1,000-VOTE LEAD WITH APPROXIMATELY
ONE-THIRD OF PRECINCTS REPORTING AS THE DECORATED GULF WAR VETERAN
LOOKS TO PULL OFF ONE OF THE BIGGEST POLITICAL UPSETS OF THE YEAR.
MILLER HAD 51.2 PERCENT OF THE VOTE, COMPARED WITH 48.8 PERCENT
FOR MURKOWSKI.
MILLER SOUGHT TO CAST MURKOWSKI AS BEING TOO LIBERAL AND PART OF
THE PROBLEM IN AN OUT-OF-CONTROL WASHINGTON.
SCOTT MCADAMS, MAYOR OF THE SMALL TOWN OF SITKA, HAS WON THE
DEMOCRATIC SENATE RACE.
ALASKA'S GOP GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY WAS WON BY GOV. SEAN PARNELL,
WHO INHERITED THE JOB FROM PALIN AND WAS CREDITED WITH RESTORING
CALM AFTER HER TUMULTUOUS TENURE.

QUAYLE'S QUEST
NEW: DAN QUAYLE'S SON WINS

PHOENIX (AP) - THE SON OF FORMER VICE PRESIDENT DAN QUAYLE HAS
WON THE GOP NOMINATION IN AN ARIZONA CONGRESSIONAL RACE.
BEN QUAYLE LED THE FIELD OF 10 REPUBLICANS BY NEARLY 5
PERCENTAGE POINTS LATE ON ELECTION NIGHT. HE HAD 23 PERCENT OF THE
VOTE, AND HIS NEAREST COMPETITOR, BUSINESSMAN STEVE MOAK, HAD JUST
UNDER 18 PERCENT.
GOP REP. JOHN SHADEGG IS RETIRING IN THE REPUBLICAN-LEANING
DISTRICT.
THE 33-YEAR-OLD QUAYLE MADE HEADLINES DURING THE CAMPAIGN FOR
HIS RACY POSTS ON A WEBSITE AND HIS AD CALLING PRESIDENT BARACK
OBAMA THE WORST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY.
HE DREW ON HIS FAMILY CONNECTIONS AND RAISED LARGE AMOUNTS OF
MONEY.

ARIZONA SENATE
MCCAIN TO FACE GLASSMAN IN NOVEMBER

PHOENIX (AP) - FORMER TUCSON, ARIZ., CITY COUNCILMAN RODNEY
GLASSMAN HAS WON ARIZONA'S DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR U.S. SENATE,
AND NEXT FACES A MUCH TOUGHER CHALLENGE AGAINST INCUMBENT SEN. JOHN
MCCAIN IN NOVEMBER.
DEMOCRATS CHOSE GLASSMAN ON TUESDAY FROM A FIELD OF FOUR
RELATIVELY UNKNOWN CANDIDATES. GLASSMAN, 32, WAS CONSIDERED THE
FRONT-RUNNER AFTER RAISING MORE THAN $1 MILLION FOR THE RACE,
INCLUDING $500,000 OF HIS OWN FORTUNE.
HE FACES AN UPHILL FIGHT AGAINST MCCAIN, WHO EASILY WON THE GOP
NOMINATION AFTER BEING CHALLENGED FROM THE RIGHT.
MCCAIN FACED AN AGGRESSIVE CHALLENGE FROM J.D. HAYWORTH, TWO
YEARS AFTER HIS TOUGH LOSS IN PURSUIT OF THE WHITE HOUSE. HAYWORTH
ATTEMPTED TO TAP INTO ANTI-INCUMBENT RAGE THAT HAS TAKEN DOWN OTHER
LAWMAKERS THIS YEAR WHILE HAMMERING THE LONGTIME SENATOR ON
IMMIGRATION.

MEDICARE DRUG PLANS
NEW: MORE THAN 3M SENIORS MAY HAVE TO SWITCH DRUG PLANS

WASHINGTON (AP) - AN INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS SAYS 3 MILLION SENIORS
MAY HAVE TO SWITCH MEDICARE DRUG PLANS NEXT YEAR WHETHER THEY LIKE
IT OR NOT.
THE REASON: A NEW EFFORT BY MEDICARE TO TRY TO MAKE IT SIMPLER
FOR CONSUMERS TO PICK PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE.
IT COULD BE AN UNWELCOME SURPRISE FOR SENIORS WHO HADN'T
INTENDED TO MAKE A CHANGE DURING MEDICARE'S OPEN ENROLLMENT SEASON
THIS FALL.
AND IT RISKS UNDERCUTTING PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA'S PROMISE THAT
PEOPLE CAN KEEP THEIR HEALTH PLANS IF THEY LIKE THEM.
THE ANALYSIS BY LEADING RESEARCHERS AT AVALERE HEALTH ESTIMATED
THAT MORE THAN 3 MILLION SENIORS WILL SEE THEIR PRESCRIPTION PLANS
ELIMINATED AS PART OF MEDICARE'S EFFORT TO WINNOW DOWN DUPLICATIVE
COVERAGE AND OFFER CONSUMERS MEANINGFUL CHOICES.

IRAQ
NEW: ATTACKS ON SECURITY FORCES LEAVE 13 DEAD

BAGHDAD (AP) - OFFICIALS SAY A STRING OF ATTACKS TARGETING IRAQI
SECURITY FORCES HAVE LEFT 13 PEOPLE DEAD.
POLICE AND HOSPITAL OFFICIALS SAY THE DEADLIEST ATTACK OCCURRED
IN NORTHERN BAGHDAD WHEN A SUICIDE BOMBER DETONATED AN
EXPLOSIVES-LADEN CAR IN A PARKING LOT BEHIND A POLICE STATION,
KILLING 11 PEOPLE, INCLUDING FOUR POLICEMEN AND SEVEN CIVILIANS.
TWENTY-ONE PEOPLE WERE WOUNDED IN THE ATTACK.
OFFICIALS SAY TWO MORE POLICEMEN ALSO WERE KILLED WEDNESDAY, ONE
IN A CAR BOMBING IN THE NORTHERN CITY OF KIRKUK AND ANOTHER IN A
DRIVE-BY SHOOTING IN WESTERN BAGHDAD.
THE OFFICIALS SPOKE ON CONDITION OF ANONYMITY BECAUSE THEY WERE
NOT AUTHORIZED TO SPEAK TO THE MEDIA.
THE ATTACKS COME AS THE U.S. ENDS COMBAT OPERATIONS IN IRAQ.

AFGHANISTAN
NEW: 2 SPANISH POLICE KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN

MADRID (AP) - SPAIN'S INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS AN AFGHAN POLICEMAN
TAKING PART IN A TRAINING COURSE HAS OPENED FIRE ON HIS
INSTRUCTORS, KILLING TWO SPANISH POLICE OFFICERS AND THEIR
INTERPRETER.
ALFREDO PEREZ RUBALCABA SAYS THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WEDNESDAY
NEAR A SPANISH MILITARY BASE IN WESTERN BADGHIS PROVINCE.
HE SAID SPANISH POLICE RETURNED FIRE AND KILLED THE STUDENT.

IRAN-MISSILE TEST
NEW: IRAN SAYS IT SUCCESSFULLY TESTS MISSILE

TEHRAN, IRAN (AP) - IRAN SAYS IT HAS SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED A
NEW GENERATION OF A SHORT-RANGE SURFACE-TO-SURFACE MISSILE.
IRANIAN STATE TELEVISION SAYS THE THIRD GENERATION FATEH-110
MISSILE WAS SUCCESSFULLY TESTED WEDNESDAY.
STATE TV BROADCAST FOOTAGE OF THE MISSILE BEING FIRED AND THEN
HITTING A TARGET ON THE GROUND.
THE SOLID-FUEL FATEH CAN STRIKE TARGETS UP TO 120 MILES (193
KILOMETERS) AWAY. IRAN HAS HAD THE MISSILE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. FATEH
MEANS "CONQUEROR" IN BOTH FARSI AND ARABIC.
THE REPORT DID NOT ELABORATE ON THE ADVANCES OF THE NEW
GENERATION OF THE MISSILE.

LEBANON-CLASH
NEW: LEBANESE ARMY DEPLOYS IN BEIRUT AFTER CLASHES

BEIRUT (AP) - LEBANESE SOLDIERS AND TANKS HAVE DEPLOYED IN
CENTRAL BEIRUT TO HELP RESTORE CALM TO THE CAPITAL AFTER MEMBERS OF
THE SHIITE HEZBOLLAH GROUP AND A SMALL SUNNI FACTION FOUGHT DEADLY
STREET BATTLES THAT LEFT FOUR PEOPLE DEAD.
ARMY TROOPS STAKED OUT POSITIONS IN TANKS AND CONDUCTED FOOT
PATROLS IN THE BOURJ ABU HAIDER DISTRICT WEDNESDAY, A DAY AFTER
DEADLY GUNBATTLES IN THE STREETS BETWEEN HEZBOLLAH AND THE
CONSERVATIVE AL-AHBASH GROUP.
SECURITY OFFICIALS RAISED THE DEATH TOLL IN THE VIOLENCE TO FOUR
- THREE HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS AND A MEMBER OF AL-AHBASH.
BOTH SIDES SAID IT WAS A PERSONAL DISPUTE THAT ESCALATED INTO A
FIREFIGHT.
RESIDENTS IN THE AREA STEPPED OVER BROKEN GLASS WEDNESDAY AS
WORKERS SWEPT UP GLASS AND BULLET CASINGS.
IT WAS THE WORST CLASHES IN BEIRUT SINCE MAY 2008.

AUSTRALIA-SCHOOL TERROR ASSIGNMENT
TEACHER ASSIGNS STUDENTS TO PLAN TERRORIST ATTACK

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA (AP) - A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IN AUSTRALIA SAYS
A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER WHO ASSIGNED HER CLASS TO PLAN A TERRORIST
ATTACK WAS NOT TRYING TO PROMOTE TERRORISM.
THE YEAR 10 STUDENTS AT KALGOORLIE-BOULDER COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
IN THE STATE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA WERE GIVEN THE ASSIGNMENT LAST
WEEK IN A CLASS ON CONTEMPORARY CONFLICT AND TERRORISM.
PRINCIPAL TERRY MARTINO SAID HE WITHDREW THE ASSIGNMENT AS SOON
AS HE HEARD OF IT.
HE SAYS THE TEACHER "IS RELATIVELY INEXPERIENCED" AND CALLED
THE ASSIGNMENT "WELL-INTENTIONED BUT MISGUIDED."
MARTINO SAYS THE HIGHLY REGARDED TEACHER JUST MADE A MISTAKE AND
UNDERSTANDS THE TOPIC WAS INAPPROPRIATE.
THE SCHOOL DECLINED TO IDENTIFY THE TEACHER, CITING HER PRIVACY,
AND HER NAME ALSO WAS NOT GIVEN IN THE NEWSPAPER REPORT.

TOYOTA-STALLING ENGINES
US AGENCY STEPS UP PROBE OF STALLING COROLLAS

WASHINGTON (AP) - COMPLAINTS OF ENGINE STALLING ON TOYOTA
COROLLA SEDANS AND MATRIX HATCHBACKS HAVE CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF
U.S. SAFETY REGULATORS.
THEY'RE STEPPING UP THEIR INVESTIGATION BUT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
STOPPED SHORT OF ANNOUNCING A RECALL.
THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION IS LOOKING AT
TWO POSSIBLE CAUSES: IMPROPER COATING ON CIRCUIT BOARDS AND A CRACK
IN THE SURFACE OF A GLASS COATING. BOTH COULD HAVE HAPPENED DURING
PRODUCTION OF THE CARS.
THE NEW PROBE, CALLED AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, COVERS 1.8
MILLION COROLLA AND MATRIX CARS FROM MODEL YEARS 2005 TO 2007.
NHTSA SAID IT HAS RECEIVED 163 COMPLAINTS OF STALLING ENGINES IN
THE CARS AS OF LAST WEEK.
A PROBLEM WITH THE COROLLA, ONE OF TOYOTA'S TOP-SELLING MODELS,
WOULD FURTHER EMBARRASS THE JAPANESE AUTOMAKER, WHICH HAS LONG
PRIDED ITSELF ON ITS QUALITY CONTROLS.

TODAY'S NEWS - TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010

LOCAL NEWS

VOLUNTEER FIRE AND AMBULANCE GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

VOLUNTEER FIRE AND AMBULANCE GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010 ARE NOW AVAILABLE. STATE REP. JERRY KNOWLES AND THE COMMONWEALTH FIRE COMMISSIONER ED MANN ARE ENCOURAGING LOCAL FIRE COMPANIES AND AMBULANCE SERVICES TO TRY TO OBTAIN GRANTS THROUGH THE VOLUNTEER AMBULANCE SERVICE GRANT PROGRAM. THERE IS $25 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR THESE GRANTS IN THE STATE, AND THEY CAN BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTION OR RENOVATION OF A UNIT’S STATION, THE PURCHASE OR REPAIR OF EQUIPMENT, DEBT REDUCTION OR TRAINING. THE GRANTS CAP AT $15,000 FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANIES AND $10,000 FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES. GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE FIRE COMPANIES WILL BE CONTINGENT ON THEIR AGREEING TO PARTICIPATE IN AND REPORT INFORMATION USING THE PA FIRE INFORMATION REPORTING SYSTEM. APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED BETWEEN SEPT 7 AND OCT 21. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT REP. KNOWLES WEBSITE.

CRASH ON ROUTE 54 CLOSES ROAD FOR 9 HOURS

A TRACTOR-TRAILER CRASHED YESTERDAY ON ROUTE 54 CLOSING THE ROAD FOR 9 HOURS. IT’S THE SAME PLACE A SIMILAR CRASH OCCURRED LAST WEDNESDAY. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED IN HOMETOWN AROUND 7:10AM YESTERDAY MORNING, WHEN KEVIN SMITH, 20 OF DANBORO, LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK VEERING OFF THE ROADWAY, STRIKING A WOODEN UTILITY POLE AND ROLLING ON IT’S SIDE. SMITH WAS CARRYING A COAL BYPRODUCT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE TO OVERSEE THE REMOVAL OF DIRT ALONG THE ROADWAY WHERE FUEL LEAKED FROM THE TRUCK’S GAS TANK. LAST WEDNESDAY, STEVEN EVANOFSKI ALSO LOST CONTROL OF HIS TRACTOR-TRAILER AND FLIPPED ON IT’S SIDE AFTER VEERING OFF THE ROAD AT THE SAME LOCATION. BOTH MEN WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE UNINJURED. EVEN THOUGH THESE CRASHES HAPPENED IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK AT THE SAME PLACE, POLICE SAY THE HIGHWAY ITSELF ISN’T DANGEROUS IF TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEEDS.

ANIMAL FOOD FACILITY CATCHES ON FIRE IN HIGGINS

MICHAEL’S FOOD INDUSTRIES, AN ANIMAL FOOD FACILITY, CAUGHT FIRE LAST NIGHT. THE CALL CAME IN JUST BEFORE 9PM TO THE SACRAMENTO FIRE COMPANY. HEAVY SMOKE WAS POURING FROM THE BUILDING WITH FIREFIGHTERS GOT TO SCENE. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BY SCHUYLKILL AND DAUPHIN COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS. IT SEEMS THAT MATERIAL CAUGHT FIRE BY A DRYER LOCATED NEAR THE ROOF OF THE FACILITY, WHICH PROCESSES EGG BYPRODUCTS IN THE PRODUCTION OF ANIMAL FOOD. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED.




MEDICAL CONDITION TO BLAME FOR ROUTE 61 CRASH IN ASHLAND

A MEDICAL CONDITION IS TO BLAME FOR A MAN WHO CRASHED HIS CAR ON ROUTE 61 IN ASHLAND YESTERDAY MORNING. JOSEPH MCGINLEY OF 400 N. 19TH STREET WENT OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A UTILITY POLE NEAR THE FORMER QUICK SNACK SHOP, CONTINUED ON AND THEN STRUCK A BRICK ISLAND THAT HOUSES THE SIGN FOR THE FORMER BUSINESS. THE INCIDENT HAPPENED AROUND 11:15AM YESTERDAY. ASHLAND FIREFIGHTERS AND EMS REMOVED MCGINLEY FROM HIS VEHICLE AND HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO SAINT CATHERINE MEDICAL CENTER IN FOUNTAIN SPRINGS. INFORMATION ON HIS CONDITION IS UNAVAILABLE.

WOMAN INJURED IN ROUTE 1010 CRASH

A WOMAN HAS BEEN INJURED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE CRASH THAT OCCURRED ON ROUTE 1010 IN MAHANOY TOWNSHIP EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING. JILL J. FETTERMAN, 38, WAS DRIVING HER 2003 MITSUBISHI MONTERO WHEN SHE FAILED TO ROUND A LEFT CURVE, WENT OFF THE ROAD, ROLLED AND STRUCK AT TREE. THE CRASH HAPPENED AROUND 3:05AM MONDAY MORNING ON POTTSIE HILL. FETTERMAN WAS TAKEN TO SCHUYLKILL MEDICAL CENTER AND TREATED FOR A LACERATION ON HER HEAD. SHE WILL BE CITED FOR DRIVING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS AND NOT DRIVING ON ROADWAYS LANED FOR TRAFFIC.



STATE NEWS

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - A HIGH PROFILE REPUBLICAN IS THROWING HIS
SUPPORT BEHIND DEMOCRAT JOE SESTAK IN PENNSYLVANIA'S U.S. SENATE
RACE. FORMER NEBRASKA SENATOR CHUCK HAGEL IS BACKING SESTAK IN HIS
RACE AGAINST FORMER REPUBLICAN CONGRESSMAN PAT TOOMEY. HAGEL PLANS
TO ANNOUNCE HIS ENDORSEMENT TODAY AT NEWS CONFERENCES WITH SESTAK
IN PITTSBURGH AND PHILADELPHIA.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - REPUBLICAN SENATE CANDIDATE PAT TOOMEY
SAYS DEMOCRATIC HOPEFUL JOE SESTAK SHARES THE BLAME FOR THE
NATION'S CONTINUING ECONOMIC PROBLEMS. THE FORMER CONGRESSMAN
CHARGED THAT LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC POLICIES WHICH SESTAK SUPPORTS ARE
OBSTRUCTING, INSTEAD OF HELPING, THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - GOVERNOR ED RENDELL AND HIS
TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY ARE PRESSING LAWMAKERS TO PROVIDE A
MASSIVE INFUSION OF NEW MONEY FOR ROADS, BRIDGES AND MASS TRANSIT
BEFORE THE TWO-YEAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS. RENDELL WANTS TO TAX
OIL COMPANIES AND INCREASE MOTORISTS FEES TO RAISE ABOUT $1 BILLION
A YEAR.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - BLOGGERS IN PHILADELPHIA ARE UP IN ARMS
ABOUT WHAT THEY'RE CALLING AN UNFAIR TAX. THE CITY'S SO-CALLED
BUSINESS PRIVILEGE LICENSE COSTS $50 A YEAR OR $300 FOR A LIFETIME.
BLOGGERS WHO MAKE MONEY OFF ADVERTISING OR SELL GOODS ON THE
INTERNET MUST PAY FOR THE LICENSE AND PAY TAXES ON PROFITS. SOME
BLOGGERS ARE COMPLAINING THAT THE FEE WOULD IMPINGE ON THEIR FREE
SPEECH.


NATIONAL NEWS

LIRR DISRUPTIONS
DELAYS FORECAST ON NY'S HUGE LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD

NEW YORK (AP) - IT'S PROBABLY NOT GOING TO BE A PRETTY PICTURE
IN THE MORNING FOR PASSENGERS TRAVELING IN NEW YORK CITY AND ITS
SUBURBS ON THE NATION'S LARGEST COMMUTER TRAIN SYSTEM.
THE LONG ISLAND RAIL ROAD SAYS THERE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT
SCHEDULE CHANGES AND DELAYS DURING TUESDAY'S RUSH HOURS AFTER AN
ELECTRICAL FIRE IN A SWITCHING TOWER.
THE FIRE HALTED TRAIN SERVICE FOR FOUR HOURS EARLY MONDAY AND
DISRUPTED THE EVENING COMMUTE.
THE RAILROAD SAYS IT'S LIKELY TO TAKE SEVERAL DAYS TO REPAIR THE
TOWER'S SWITCHING MACHINE AND WIRING. HUNDREDS OF WIRES NEED TO BE
CHECKED FOR POSSIBLE FIRE DAMAGE.
THE FIRE HAPPENED NEAR THE JAMAICA STATION IN QUEENS, A MAJOR
TRANSFER POINT FOR COMMUTERS GOING TO OR FROM MANHATTAN AND
BROOKLYN AND TO VARIOUS LOCATIONS ACROSS LONG ISLAND.
THE RAILROAD CARRIES ABOUT 265,000 DAILY RIDERS.

CARTER-NKOREA
AP SOURCE: CARTER GOING TO NKOREA TO FREE AMERICAN

WASHINGTON (AP) - A SENIOR U.S. OFFICIAL SAYS FORMER PRESIDENT
JIMMY CARTER PLANS TO TRAVEL TO NORTH KOREA TO BRING BACK AN
AMERICAN CITIZEN NOW DETAINED IN THE COMMUNIST NATION.
THE OFFICIAL SAID LATE MONDAY THAT CARTER IS EXPECTED TO DEPART
ON TUESDAY ON A "PURELY HUMANITARIAN MISSION" TO FREE AIJALON
MAHLI GOMES (GOHMS), WHO WAS ARRESTED AND SENTENCED IN APRIL TO
EIGHT YEARS OF HARD LABOR FOR ENTERING NORTH KOREA ILLEGALLY AND
FOR AN UNSPECIFIED "HOSTILE ACT."
THE U.S. OFFICIAL SAID NO AMERICAN OFFICIALS WILL TRAVEL WITH
CARTER.
THE OFFICIAL SAID NORTH KOREA HAD AGREED TO FREE GOMES IF CARTER
CAME TO BRING HIM HOME.
THE OFFICIAL SPOKE ON CONDITION OF ANONYMITY DUE TO THE
SENSITIVITY OF THE SITUATION.
FOREIGN POLICY MAGAZINE FIRST REPORTED THE CARTER TRIP MONDAY.

TROPICAL WEATHER
HURRICANE DANIELLE FORMS IN ATLANTIC

MIAMI (AP) - HURRICANE DANIELLE HAS FORMED FAR FROM LAND IN THE
ATLANTIC WITH MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS OF 85 MPH AND IT'S EXPECTED
TO STRENGTHEN IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.
DANIELLE IS THE SECOND ATLANTIC HURRICANE OF THE YEAR. ON MONDAY
NIGHT, IT WAS ABOUT 1,205 MILES EAST OF THE LESSER ANTILLES
ISLANDS.
FORECASTERS SAY THE STORM COULD BECOME A MAJOR HURRICANE BY LATE
TUESDAY.
MEANWHILE, TROPICAL STORM FRANK HAS WEAKENED SLIGHTLY IN THE
PACIFIC. ITS MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS WERE 50 MPH BUT IT COULD GAIN
STRENGTH AGAIN IN THE NEXT DAY OR SO.
A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR MEXICO'S COAST FROM
ACAPULCO TO PUNTA SAN TELMO.

SOLDIER KILLINGS
GUILTY PLEA AT LEWIS-MCCHORD IN SOLDIER KILLINGS

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASH. (AP) - ATTORNEYS FOR A WOMAN WHO
PLEADED GUILTY TO KILLING TWO FELLOW SOLDIERS AND KIDNAPPING THEIR
BABY ARE EXPECTED TO PRESENT THEIR CASE TUESDAY IN THE SENTENCING
PHASE OF THE WOMAN'S COURT MARTIAL.
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD SPOKESWOMAN CATHERINE CARUSO SAYS THE
GOVERNMENT RESTED ITS CASE IN THE PENALTY PHASE MONDAY EVENING.
IVETTE G. DAVILA PLEADED GUILTY EARLIER MONDAY TO PREMEDITATED
MURDER AND KIDNAPPING TO AVOID A POSSIBLE DEATH PENALTY. SHE FACES
LIFE IN PRISON, BUT THE JUDGE WILL DECIDE WHETHER HER SENTENCE WILL
INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE.
DAVILA IS ACCUSED IN THE MARCH 2008 SHOOTINGS OF STAFF SGT.
TIMOTHY MILLER AND SGT. RANDI MILLER IN THE COUPLE'S PARKLAND HOME.
OFFICIALS SAY DAVILA POURED MURIATIC ACID OVER THE BODIES IN A
BATHTUB AND TOOK THE COUPLE'S BABY GIRL UNHARMED.

BLAGOJEVICH-DAILY SHOW
BLAGOJEVICH APPEARS ON JON STEWART'S SHOW

NEW YORK (AP) - DESPITE GOADING FROM "THE DAILY SHOW" HOST JON
STEWART, FORMER ILLINOIS GOV. ROD BLAGOJEVICH DECLINED TO VOW THAT
HE WOULD TESTIFY IF HE IS RETRIED ON CORRUPTION CHARGES.
BLAGOJEVICH APPEARED ON STEWART'S TV SHOW ON COMEDY CENTRAL ON
MONDAY NIGHT AS PART OF A NEW MEDIA BLITZ AFTER BEING CONVICTED
LAST WEEK OF ONLY ONE CRIMINAL CHARGE. THE JURY DEADLOCKED ON 23
OTHERS.
BLAGOJEVICH CONTINUED TO PROCLAIM HIS INNOCENCE AND TO ATTACK
WHAT HE SAID WAS THE WEAK CASE OF FEDERAL PROSECUTORS.
STEWART REMINDED HIM REPEATEDLY OF HIS EARLIER PROMISES TO TAKE
THE STAND, CHALLENGING HIM TO MAKE GOOD ON THAT BOAST.
IN RESPONSE, BLAGOJEVICH SAID ONLY THAT HE WOULD HAVE A
"CHANCE" TO DO THAT IN A RETRIAL.

ANSEL ADAMS-LOST WORK
ANSEL ADAMS TRUST SUES OVER GARAGE SALE NEGATIVES

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - THE ANSEL ADAMS PUBLISHING TRUST IS SUING A
CALIFORNIA MAN FOR SELLING PRINTS AND POSTERS UNDER THE NAME OF THE
FAMED NATURE PHOTOGRAPHER.
THE CASE, FILED MONDAY IN FEDERAL COURT IN SAN FRANCISCO, IS THE
LATEST SALVO IN A DISPUTE OVER A TROVE OF GLASS NEGATIVES BOUGHT AT
A GARAGE SALE BY RICK NORSIGIAN AND PURPORTED TO BE ADAMS' LOST
WORK.
THE LAWSUIT SEEKS TO STOP NORSIGIAN AND CONSULTING FIRM PRS
MEDIA PARTNERS FROM USING ADAMS' NAME, LIKENESS AND TRADEMARK TO
SELL PRINTS NOT AUTHORIZED BY THE TRUST. THE SUIT ALLEGES TRADEMARK
INFRINGEMENT AND OTHER CLAIMS.
LAST MONTH, NORSIGIAN AND HIS LAWYER, ARNOLD PETER, SAID A PANEL
OF EXPERTS AUTHENTICATED THE WORK AND VALUED IT AT ABOUT $200
MILLION.
PETER SAID THE LAWSUIT IS WITHOUT MERIT AND DESIGNED TO HARASS
HIS CLIENT.

ALABAMA-AMONIA LEAK
NEW: AMMONIA LEAK AT ALA. PLANT SICKENS AT LEAST 120

THEODORE, ALA. (AP) - AN AMMONIA LEAK MONDAY AT A COASTAL
ALABAMA CHICKEN DISTRIBUTION PLANT SENT MORE THAN 120 PEOPLE TO THE
HOSPITAL AND AT LEAST 29 PEOPLE WERE ADMITTED.
PEOPLE WERE TOLD TO STAY INDOORS, BUT ONCE WORKERS STOPPED THE
LEAK, IT WAS SAFE TO GO OUTSIDE BY EARLY AFTERNOON.
INJURIES TO MOST OF THOSE ADMITTED WERE NOT BELIEVED TO BE
LIFE-THREATENING, AND OTHERS WERE TREATED AND RELEASED, MOSTLY FOR
BREATHING DIFFICULTIES.
ONE WOMAN SAYS THE SCARY PART WAS NOT KNOWING WHAT THE CHEMICAL
WAS.
THE LEAK ALSO FORCED WORKERS TO EVACUATE ONE OF BP PLC'S MAIN
STAGING AREAS FOR THE OIL SPILL CLEANUP.
BETWEEN 400 GALLONS AND 800 GALLONS OF AMMONIA LEAKED AT MILLARD
REFRIGERATED SERVICES, WHICH USES AMMONIA IN THE REFRIGERATION
PROCESS FOR CHICKENS THAT ARE FROZEN AND SHIPPED AROUND THE WORLD.

PHILIPPINES-BUS HOSTAGES
NEW: CHINA WANTS ANSWERS AFTER 9 KILLED ON HIJACKED BUS

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (AP) - CHINA SAYS IT'S LOOKING TO THE
PHILIPPINES FOR ANSWERS TODAY ABOUT WHY EIGHT HONG KONG TOURISTS
DIED IN A BUS HOSTAGE INCIDENT.
THE 12-HOUR HOSTAGE DRAMA IN THE HEART OF MANILA ENDED WITH THE
TOURISTS DEAD ALONG WITH THEIR FILIPINO HOSTAGE-TAKER AFTER A DAY
OF BOTCHED NEGOTIATIONS. THE FORMER POLICE OFFICER WANTED HIS JOB
BACK.
CHINA'S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS HIS GOVERNMENT IS "APPALLED" AND
TELEPHONED HIS PHILIPPINE COUNTERPART TO VOICE CONCERN. HONG KONG
RESIDENTS EXPRESSED OUTRAGE AND MEDIA OUTLETS IN THE CHINESE
TERRITORY DENOUNCED PHILIPPINE POLICE AS INCOMPETENT.
THE ORDEAL ENDED IN BLOODSHED ON LIVE TV WITH POLICE STORMING
THE BUS AND KILLING THE GUNMAN.
CHINA HAS DEMANDED A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION.
PHILIPPINE POLICE DEFENDED THEIR ACTION BUT PROMISED TO REVIEW
ALL EVENTS LEADING TO THE DEATHS.

PAKISTAN-FLOODS
NEW: PAKISTAN PRESIDENT: FLOOD RECOVERY WILL TAKE YEARS

ISLAMABAD (AP) - PAKISTAN'S PRESIDENT SAYS RECOVERING FROM
DEVASTATING FLOODS STILL BATTERING PAKISTAN IS A LONG-TERM PROCESS
THAT COULD TAKE AT LEAST THREE YEARS.
THE U.N. ESTIMATES THE FLOODS THAT BEGAN NEARLY A MONTH AGO WITH
HAMMERING MONSOON RAINS IN THE NORTHWEST HAVE AFFECTED MORE THAN 17
MILLION PEOPLE AND KILLED 1,500.
THE WIDESPREAD MISERY CAUSED BY THE FLOODS HAS TRIGGERED WORRIES
ABOUT SOCIAL UNREST, FOOD RIOTS OR EVEN A CHALLENGE TO THE
GOVERNMENT'S RULE BEFORE ITS TERM ENDS IN 2013.
MILLIONS HAVE RECEIVED LITTLE OR NO HELP AND AID OFFICIALS WARN
THAT WIDESPREAD OUTBREAKS OF WATERBORNE DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA
NOW POSE A THREAT.
OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE THE
EQUIVALENT OF ABOUT $230 TO EVERY FAMILY AFFECTED BY THE FLOODS, AS
"INITIAL ASSISTANCE."

PRIMARY ROUNDUP
NEW: ESTABLISHMENT VS. OUTSIDERS IN PRIMARIES

WASHINGTON (AP) - IT'S THE POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT VS. THE
OUTSIDERS IN TUESDAY'S PRIMARIES. AND THE ESTABLISHMENT HAS THE
BETTER ODDS.
REPUBLICAN SENS. JOHN MCCAIN AND LISA MURKOWSKI ARE POISED TO
WIN BITTER PRIMARIES IN ARIZONA AND ALASKA AGAINST TEA-PARTY-BACKED
CANDIDATES.
IN ARIZONA, FORMER REP. J.D. HAYWORTH HOPED ANTI-INCUMBENT
SENTIMENT WOULD HELP HIM RETURN TO WASHINGTON. THE RADIO HOST'S
CHALLENGE TO MCCAIN APPEARED TO FALL FLAT, THOUGH. ONE POLL LAST
MONTH SHOWED MCCAIN, THE 2008 REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE,
WITH A LEAD OF AS MUCH AS 45 PERCENTAGE POINTS.
MCCAIN'S FORMER RUNNING MATE, FORMER ALASKA GOV. SARAH PALIN,
TRIED TO HELP A TEA-PARTY-BACKED CANDIDATE IN ALASKA. BUT NEWCOMER
JOE MILLER IS NOT EXPECTED TO UPSET THE POPULAR MURKOWSKI.

TODAY'S NEWS - MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2010

LOCAL NEWS

COUNTY SCHOOLS RESIST ASKING PARENTS TO BUY SCHOOL SUPPLIES

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY SCHOOLS ARE RESISTING THE URGE TO ASK PARENTS TO PURCHASE SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THIS UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. THOUGH BUDGETS ACROSS THE NATION HAVE COME IN LOWER THAN EXPECTED, THE COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM AND OTHER LARGE DISTRICTS OUTSIDE THE COUNTY HAVE NOT TAKEN ON THIS NATIONAL TREND. PARENTS GETTING THEIR CHILD READY FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR REGULARLY PURCHASES PENCILS, NOTEBOOKS, BOOK BAGS AND CLOTHES. BUT HOW ABOUT DRY-ERASE MARKERS, COPY PAPER, DEODORANT AND TOILET PAPER? THE LISTS BEING ASKED BY SOME SCHOOL DISTRICTS ACROSS THE COUNTY ARE GOING BEYOND NORMAL SCHOOL ESSENTIALS. TEACHERS HAVE ALWAYS FILLED IN THE GAP BETWEEN LOW SCHOOL BUDGETS AND THEIR STUDENT’S NEEDS. THEY OFTEN USE THEIR OWN MONEY TO PURCHASE THE SUPPLIES THEY ARE LACKING IN THEIR CLASS ROOM. EXPOSURES TO THESE SCHOOL SUPPLY CHANGES ARE LOW IN THE STATE, AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE DAVE ARGALL ATTRIBUTES IT THE TO THE COMMONWEALTH’S CONTINUED FOCUS ON EDUCATION.

ORWIGSBURG’S FIRE COMPANY HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW

IT WAS A RAIN OR SHINE EVENT AS CAR ENTHUSIASTS CAME OUT FOR THE 4TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW HOSTED BY ORWIGSBURG’S FIRE COMPANY. THIS SHOW ISN’T JUST FOR CLASSIC CAR OWNERS AND FANS. A WIDE ARRAY OF VEHICLES WERE ON SHOW DURING YESTERDAY’S RAINY MORNING. AMONG THEM WERE A 1952 RED CHEVEROLET TWO-DOOR HARD TOP, 1950 FOREST GREEN FOUR-DOOR CUSTOM FORD, 2005 RED FIRE METALLIC MUSTANG GT 300 5-SP, AND A 1992 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY MINIVAN THAT RUNS EXCLUSIVELY ON METHANE AND WATER. MAX’S CLASSIC CARS AND SCHAEFFER HARLEY-DAVIDSON ARE THE SHOW’S CORPORATE SPONSORS. IN ADDITION TO THE CARS, ORWIGSBURG’S FIRE COMPANY ALSO EDUCATED PEOPLE ON FIRE PREVENTION AT YESTERDAY’S EVENT.

SEARCH WARRENTS EXECUTED FOR 3 MEN IN CONNECTION WITH SUMMER HILL ROAD THEFT.

THREE SEARCH WARRANTS WERE ISSUED FOR NUMEROUS LOCATIONS IN BERKS COUNTY OVER THE WEEKEND IN CONNECTION WITH A BURGLARY IN SOUTH MANHEIM TOWNSHIP. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED EARLIER THIS MONTH AT 1637 SUMMER HILL ROAD. THE SEARCH WARRANTS ALLOWED OFFICIALS TO SEIZE THE ITEMS THAT WERE STOLEN DURING THE AUGUST 12 THE BURGLARY. ONE MAN WAS PLACED UNDER ARREST AT THIS RESIDENCE AFTER HIDING IN A CLOSET. HE WAS ALSO CHARGES WITH POSSESSING 2 BAGS OF COCAINE. THE OTHER SUSPECTS WERE ALSO ARRESTED AT THEIR RESIDENCES, CHARGES ARE PENDING AND THE INVESTIGATION IS STILL ONGOING.


LOCAL ARTISTS BOND TOGETHER TO RAISE MONEY FOR RINGTOWN TEEN NEEDING A LUNG TRANSPLANT

LOCAL COUNTY ARTISTS GATHERED TOGETHER AT HELFER’S GOOD EATS IN SHENANDOAH YESTERDAY TO AUCTION OFF THEIR WORK. THE NEW LUNGS FOR BRITTANY ART SHOW AND AUCTION WAS HELD FOR A YOUNG RINGTOWN TEEN IN NEED OF A DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT. MORE THAN 120 WERE DONATED IN SUPPORT OF THE CAUSE. THEY INCLUDED PAINTINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND VINTAGE HAND-PAINTED CHINA. THE FUNDS RAISED FOR THE 19 YEAR OLD BRITTANY ZELINSKY WILL JOIN THAT OF 2 OTHER BENEFITS FOR HER THIS SUMMER. ONE WAS HELD AT THUNDER ROAD AND THE OTHER WAS A BENEFIT DINNER AT THE RINGTOWN FIRE COMPANY. ZELINSKY GRADUATED FROM NORTH SCHUYLKILL HIGH SCHOOL AND PLANS TO ATTEND MCCANN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY THIS FALL. HOWEVER SHE WAS ADMITTED TO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL A FEW DAYS BEFORE SUNDAY’S FUNDRAISER AFTER RETAINING EXCESS FLUID.


STATE NEWS

EASTON, PA. (AP) - PROSECUTORS IN EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SAY THEY
PLAN TO USE A MAN'S GUILTY PLEA TO SLASHING A FELLOW PRISON INMATE
AS AN ARGUMENT THAT HE SHOULD BE EXECUTED IF CONVICTED OF KILLING A
3-YEAR-OLD BOY. THE EXPRESS-TIMES REPORTS NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
PROSECUTORS HAVE FILED A LIST OF AGGRAVATED CIRCUMSTANCES SEEKING
THE DEATH PENALTY FOR EUGENIO TORRES.

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) - LAWMAKERS, ADVOCATES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
OFFICIALS IN PENNSYLVANIA ARE DEBATING WHETHER JUDGES OR JURIES
SHOULD DECIDE WHEN CRIMINALS LACK THE MENTAL CAPACITY TO BE LEGALLY
EXECUTED. THE HARRISBURG PATRIOT-NEWS REPORTS THE STATE HOUSE
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE LAST WEEK CONSIDERED A SENATE-APPROVED BILL
THAT WOULD LET JUDGES DECIDE THE ISSUE BEFORE A TRIAL.

UNIONTOWN, PA. (AP) - DEFENSE CONTRACTOR BAE SYSTEMS PLANS TO
LAY OFF 124 WORKERS - HALF OF THE WORK FORCE - AT ITS WESTERN
PENNSYLVANIA PLANT BEGINNING IN MID-OCTOBER. THE PITTSBURGH
TRIBUNE-REVIEW REPORTS THE COMPANY IS ATTRIBUTING THE FAYETTE
COUNTY LAYOFFS TO A DECLINE IN MILITARY SPENDING.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A CANDY DISTRIBUTOR BASED IN PHILADELPHIA
SINCE THE CIVIL WAR HAS MOVED TO NEW JERSEY. CASANI CANDY HAS BEEN
LOCATED IN NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA SINCE 2001, AFTER SPENDING A
CENTURY IN OLD CITY. BUT THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTS IT WILL
NOW BE LOCATED IN PENNSAUKEN, NEW JERSEY.


NATIONAL NEWS

GULF OIL SPILL CLAIMS
GULF CLAIMS FACILITY BEGINS OPERATING TODAY

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - THE NEW CLAIMS FACILITY FOR DAMAGES FROM THE
GULF OIL SPILL BEGINS OPERATIONS TODAY AND THE MAN WHO WILL RUN IT
SAYS PAYOUTS WILL BE MORE GENEROUS THAN FROM ANY COURT.
KEN FEINBERG, THE ADMINISTRATOR FOR CLAIMS, SAID SUNDAY IT WAS
HIS IDEA, NOT BP'S, TO REQUIRE THAT ANYONE WHO RECEIVES A FINAL
SETTLEMENT FROM THE $20 BILLION FUND GIVE UP THE RIGHT TO SUE.
FEINBERG ALSO RAN THE GOVERNMENT COMPENSATION FUND CREATED AFTER
THE 9/11 ATTACKS, AND THERE WAS A SIMILAR NO-SUE PROVISION.
HE SAYS YEARS OF COURT BATTLES AREN'T IN ANYONE'S BEST INTERESTS
AND THAT "IF I DON'T FIND YOU ELIGIBLE, NO COURT WILL FIND YOU
ELIGIBLE."
HUNDREDS OF LAWSUITS HAVE ALREADY BEEN FILED BY SPILL VICTIMS.

GRIM SLEEPER KILLINGS
ARRAIGNMENT TODAY IN 'GRIM SLEEPER' KILLINGS

LOS ANGELES (AP) - THE MAN CHARGED IN WHAT'S BECOME KNOWN AS THE
"GRIM SLEEPER" KILLINGS IS SCHEDULED FOR ARRAIGNMENT TODAY IN
CALIFORNIA.
THE SLAYINGS OCCURRED FROM 1985 TO 1988, AND AGAIN FROM 2002 TO
2007. THE 14-YEAR PAUSE LED TO THE KILLER'S NICKNAME OF THE "GRIM
SLEEPER."
LONNIE FRANKLIN JR. IS SUSPECTED OF THE SLAYINGS OF 10 WOMEN.
COURT RECORDS SHOW LOS ANGELES POLICE HAVE SEIZED HUNDREDS OF
ITEMS FROM FRANKLIN'S HOME AND VEHICLES INCLUDING GUNS, AMMUNITION
AND HANDCUFFS.
POLICE SAID LAST MONTH THAT NONE OF THE ITEMS HAVE TIED FRANKLIN
TO THE KILLINGS, BUT DNA AND BALLISTIC TESTS CONTINUE.
HE WAS ARRESTED IN JULY AFTER AUTHORITIES SAID DNA EVIDENCE
LINKED THE MECHANIC TO THE SERIES OF KILLINGS.

KATRINA-DISPLACED KIDS
KIDS DISPLACED BY KATRINA LAG 5 YEARS LATER

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A NEW STUDY FINDS THAT CHILDREN WHO LIVED IN
EMERGENCY TRAILER PARKS OR HOTELS FOR LONG PERIODS AFTER HURRICANE
KATRINA ARE FAR MORE LIKELY TO HAVE SERIOUS EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS.
IN A REPORT BEING RELEASED MONDAY, RESEARCHER IRWIN REDLENER
SAYS AT LEAST 20,000 OF THOSE CHILDREN STILL HAVE SERIOUS EMOTIONAL
DISORDERS OR BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS, OR DON'T HAVE A PERMANENT HOME.
HE SAYS THEY'RE 4.5 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO HAVE SERIOUS EMOTIONAL
DISORDERS THAN CHILDREN FROM SIMILAR FAMILIES IN A NATIONAL STUDY
IN 2004.
PSYCHOLOGIST JOY OSOFSKY HAS WORKED WITH CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS IN
THREE PARISHES HIT HARD BY THE STORM. SHE SAYS IT'S IMPORTANT TO
NOTE THAT CHILDREN IN GENERAL ARE MUCH MORE RESILIENT THAN THOSE
FROM THE EXTREMELY POOR FAMILIES REDLENER IS STUDYING.

VIRGINIA SHOOTINGS
3 DEAD, 4 WOUNDED IN SHOOTOUT IN CENTRAL VIRGINIA

LOUISA, VA. (AP) - POLICE SAY THREE PEOPLE ARE DEAD AND FOUR
OTHERS WOUNDED AFTER A MAN OPENED FIRE AT A RURAL NEIGHBORHOOD IN
CENTRAL VIRGINIA.
THE GUNMAN WAS AMONG THOSE KILLED SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
LOUISA COUNTY SHERIFF'S MAJ. DONNIE LOWE SAID THE GUNMAN BEGAN
SHOOTING AFTER A DISPUTE OVER PROPERTY AND BELONGINGS OUTSIDE OF
THE TOWN OF LOUISA. TWO MEN WERE KILLED AND FOUR OTHER PEOPLE
WOUNDED. ONE HAS LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES.
LOWE SAID THE GUNMAN AND HIS DOG WERE THEN KILLED IN A SHOOTOUT
WITH POLICE. POLICE SAID THE MAN HAD UNLEASHED THE PIT BULL ON
OFFICERS.

PHILIPPINES-BUS HOSTAGES
EX-POLICEMAN IN PHILIPPINES HOLDS TOURISTS HOSTAGE

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (AP) - AUTHORITIES IN THE PHILIPPINES SAY A
DISMISSED POLICEMAN HOLDING HOSTAGES ON A BUS IN MANILA HAS
RELEASED SEVERAL HOSTAGES, INCLUDING THREE CHILDREN.
THE FORMER OFFICER, ARMED WITH AN AUTOMATIC RIFLE SEIZED A BUS
IN THE PHILIPPINE CAPITAL MONDAY WITH 24 PASSENGERS, MOST OF THEM
HONG KONG TOURISTS. HE SAYS HE WANTS HIS JOB BACK.
HIS BROTHER SAYS THE MAN FEELS HE WAS WRONGLY FIRED IN 2008.
POLICE SHARPSHOOTERS TOOK POSITIONS AROUND THE WHITE-BLUE-RED
BUS, WHICH WAS PARKED NEAR A DOWNTOWN MANILA PARK.
NEGOTIATIONS ARE TAKING PLACE TO FREE THE REMAINING HOSTAGES.

AFGHANISTAN
NEW: NATO: BOMBS KILL 2 FOREIGN TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AP) - NATO SAYS ROADSIDE BOMBS HAVE KILLED
TWO MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SECURITY FORCE IN AFGHANISTAN,
INCLUDING ONE AMERICAN.
THE ATTACKS MONDAY CAME IN THE NORTH AND SOUTH OF THE COUNTRY,
NATO SAID. NO OTHER INFORMATION WAS RELEASED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
STANDARD PROCEDURE.
THE DEATHS BRING THE NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL TROOPS KILLED IN
AFGHANISTAN THIS MONTH TO 44, INCLUDING 29 AMERICANS, ACCORDING TO
A COUNT BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS. SIXTY-SIX AMERICAN TROOPS WERE
KILLED IN JULY, MAKING IT THE DEADLIEST MONTH FOR U.S. FORCES IN
AFGHANISTAN SINCE THE 2001 INVASION.
MONDAY'S CASUALTIES FOLLOW THE DEATHS SUNDAY OF FOUR U.S. TROOPS
AMID FIERCE FIGHTING IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN.

PAKISTAN-FLOODS
FLOOD DEFENSES STRENGTHENED IN PAKISTAN

SUKKUR, PAKISTAN (AP) - AUTHORITIES ARE STRENGTHENING
EMBANKMENTS ALONG THE INDUS RIVER TO PROTECT YET ANOTHER CITY FROM
ITS RISING WATER.
FLOODWATERS ARE MOVING SLOWLY SOUTH AFTER LEAVING THOUSANDS OF
SQUARE MILES OF DESTRUCTION IN THEIR WAKE.
THE DISASTER HAS LEFT AROUND SIX MILLION PEOPLE HOMELESS FROM
THE MOUNTAINOUS NORTH TO THE PLAINS IN THE SOUTH, WHERE THE FLOODS
ARE EXPECTED TO DRAIN INTO THE ARABIAN SEA IN THE COMING DAYS AND
WEEKS.
THE LATEST TOWN UNDER THREAT IS SHADAD KOT IN SOUTHERN SINDH
PROVINCE.
LOCAL CHARITIES, THE PAKISTANI ARMY AND INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES
ARE PROVIDING FOOD, WATER, MEDICINE AND SHELTER TO THE DISPLACED,
BUT MILLIONS HAVE RECEIVED LITTLE OR HELP. AID OFFICIALS WARN THAT
WATERBORNE DISEASES LIKE CHOLERA POSE A REAL THREAT.
AID FLIGHTS FROM AUSTRALIA AND GERMANY WERE AMONG THE FIRST TO
HEAD TO PAKISTAN.

KOREAS-TENSION
OFFICIAL: SEOUL NOT CONSIDERING FOOD AID TO NKOREA

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (AP) - AN OFFICIAL WITH SOUTH KOREA'S
UNIFICATION MINISTRY SAYS THERE ARE NO PLANS TO RESUME FOOD AID TO
NORTH KOREA.
THE STATEMENT COMES IN RESPONSE TO THE RULING PARTY CHIEF WHO
QUESTIONED WHETHER THE ASSISTANCE SHOULD RESTART BECAUSE OF RECENT
FLOODING IN THE IMPOVERISHED NORTH.
FOR A DECADE, SOUTH KOREA WAS A MAJOR DONOR OF FOOD TO THE
NORTH, BEFORE PRESIDENT LEE MYUNG-BAK'S CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT
HALTED UNCONDITIONAL ASSISTANCE IN EARLY 2008. LEE'S GOVERNMENT
ALSO CUT NEARLY ALL TRADE WITH NORTH KOREA AFTER MARCH'S DEADLY
SINKING OF A SOUTH KOREAN WARSHIP BLAMED ON PYONGYANG.
THE NORTH'S ECONOMY IS IN SHAMBLES AND THE COUNTRY HAS RELIED ON
OUTSIDE FOOD AID TO FEED MUCH OF ITS 24 MILLION PEOPLE. THE NORTH'S
CHRONIC FOOD SHORTAGE COULD WORSEN AFTER FLOODING FROM AN
OVERFLOWING RIVER NEAR A NORTHWESTERN CITY.

CHILE-MINE COLLAPSE
JOY IN CHILE: 33 MINERS TRAPPED 17 DAYS ARE ALIVE

SANTIAGO, CHILE (AP) - CHILEANS ARE EUPHORIC AFTER LEARNING THAT
ALL 33 WORKERS TRAPPED IN A COLLAPSED MINE FOR 17 DAYS ARE ALIVE
AND WELL.
PRESIDENT SEBASTIAN PINERA SAYS "TODAY ALL OF CHILE IS CRYING
WITH EXCITEMENT AND JOY."
AUTHORITIES AND RELATIVES OF THE MINERS HUGGED, CLIMBED A NEARBY
HILL, PLANTED 33 FLAGS AND SANG THE NATIONAL ANTHEM SUNDAY AFTER A
PROBE SENT SOME 2,000 FEET DEEP INTO THE MINE CAME BACK WITH A NOTE
SAYING "ALL 33 OF US ARE FINE IN THE SHELTER."
ONE OF THE TRAPPED MINERS, MARIO GOMEZ, WROTE "I AM OK THANKS
TO GOD. I HOPE TO GET OUT SOON." BUT RESCUERS SAY IT COULD TAKE
FOUR MONTHS. THEY HAVE TO DRILL A TUNNEL WIDE ENOUGH TO GET THE
MINERS OUT.
CHILE HAS SOME OF THE WORLD'S MOST ADVANCED MINING OPERATIONS.
BUT BOTH THE COMPANY THAT OWNS THE MINE AND THE NATIONAL MINING
SERVICE HAVE BEEN CRITICIZED FOR ALLEGEDLY FAILING TO COMPLY WITH
REGULATIONS.
AMONG HIS EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH AND LOVE FOR HIS FAMILY, GOMEZ
CRITICIZED HIS EMPLOYER IN THE NOTE SAYING "THIS COMPANY HAS TO
MODERNIZE."

UTAH WIND STORM
HIGH WINDS LEAVE 12,000 UTAH HOMES WITHOUT POWER

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - WIND GUSTS OF MORE THAN 75 MPH LEFT ABOUT
12,000 HOMES AND BUSINESS WITHOUT POWER ACROSS NORTHERN UTAH'S
WASATCH FRONT LATE SUNDAY.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER SPOKESMAN DAVE ESKELSEN SAYS POWER WAS
BEING RETURNED TO SOME LOCATIONS, BUT SOME CUSTOMERS COULD BE
WITHOUT ELECTRICITY OVERNIGHT. OUTAGES WERE REPORTED IN SALT LAKE
CITY, RIVERDALE AND BOUNTIFUL.
ESKELSEN SAYS POWER LINES WERE DOWN IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS,
INCLUDING ACROSS INTERSTATE 80, CLOSING TRAFFIC LANES IN BOTH
DIRECTIONS FOR HOURS.
THE SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SUPERINTENDENT TOLD THE
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE THE STORM REROUTED 10 FLIGHTS AND DAMAGED AN
AIRPORT HANGAR AND SEVERAL MOTORCYCLES IN A PARKING LOT.

TAINTED EGGS
COMPANY INVOLVED IN EGG RECALL DEFENDS SAFETY RECORD

WASHINGTON (AP) - A SPOKESWOMAN FOR ONE OF TWO IOWA FARMS
INVOLVED IN A MASSIVE EGG RECALL SAYS THE FIRM IS READY TO
COOPERATE WITH FEDERAL OFFICIALS CONDUCTING AN INVESTIGATION.
IN A STATEMENT, HINDA MITCHELL OF WRIGHT COUNTY EGG SAID THAT
ITS MANAGEMENT HAS ADDRESSED FOOD SAFETY ISSUES "SWIFTLY AND
EFFECTIVELY" WHENEVER THEY HAVE BEEN RAISED IN THE PAST.
MITCHELL ALSO SAID THAT WRIGHT COUNTY EGG, IN SUCH
CIRCUMSTANCES, HAS WORKED WITH "RECOGNIZED OUTSIDE EXPERTS" TO
IDENTIFY AND CORRECT OPERATIONAL ISSUES. SHE SAID THE COMPANY IS
APPROACHING ITS WORK WITH THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION "IN THE
SAME FORTHRIGHT MANNER."
FDA INVESTIGATORS HAVE YET TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE
SALMONELLA OUTBREAKS, BUT IT COULD TAKE MONTHS BECAUSE THE SOURCE
IS HARD TO FIND.