Luesse Lot

Obituary Analysis
New York Times: Ronald Tavel, Proudly Ridiculous Writer, Dies at 72
March 29, 2009

For an analysis of an obituary, I looked in the New York Times and found an piece on Ronald Tavel, a playwright and screenwrtier, who died.

Overall, the New York Times seemed to follow a pretty standard format for the obituary, with a few minor touches and differences. The sources for the story include Tavels only survivor, his brother Harvey Tavel; and Callie Angell, curator of the Andy Warhol Film Project; and that was it. The article was superfluous with information about Mr. Tavel, but I could only identify those two sources being referenced. As far as the lead, I thought it was pretty standard. The lead said his name, his importance and prominence, and where and when he died. The second sentence of the lead said his age and where he had lived, which was bit unique. The lead I think was very effective. If I had a limited amount of time, I would have been able to read that lead and be aware of this prominent writer's death, why he was prominent, and what happened; the crucial things I need to know. The obituary differed from a resume as it spoke in the past tense and not only listed his achievements, but implied and discussed what he leaves behind and the affect his work has had, as well as the other obvious components that make it an obituary. It had his achievements, a chronology, a lead, and discussed his only immediate survivor early in the article, all the basic components of an obituary. This was a quality example of standard obituary for the most part.

New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/27/theater/27tavel.html

Posted by luess004 at 11:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Twenty-two people were killed and another 132 wounded in a soccer stampede at a World Cup qualifying match on Sunday in the Ivory Coast, authorities said, reported the New York Times.

Fans pushed against eachother and sparked a panic that evolved into a stampede at the Houphouet-Boigny arena in the West African country's city of Abidjan, said Interior Minister Desire Tagro, according to the New York Times.

The BBC says a wall collapsed under the weight of the supporters, causing the fans already in to try squeeze into the stadium to panic.

''They started pushing to get in because the match was about to start and each and every one of them wanted to get in,'' said Tagro on state television, reported the New York Times.

Some 36,000 people were in the stadium for the where Ivory Coast beat Malawi 5-0. It was packed for the return of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who scored twice, reported the BBC's John James.

The BBC reports that one of their correspondents said the authorities tried desperately to control the panicking crowd, firing tear gas into the crowds to control the fans.

The New York Times reports that there have been many stampedes at Africa's stadiums, whose outnumbered and under equiped security forces 'are often unable to control the voluminous crowds'.

BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7971140.stm
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/03/29/world/AP-AF-Ivory-Coast-Stampede.html

Posted by luess004 at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rick Wagoner, the chairman and chief executive of General Motors, resigned Sunday at the request of the White House, a government official confirmed, reported the BBC.

Wagoner, leader of the ailing automaker, said he would step down immediately after serving as G.M.'s CEO since 2000, reported the New York Times.

His resignation come as 'part of a broad agreement with the Obama administration to funnel more government aid to the ailing auto giant', according to people close to the decision, reported the New York Times.

President Barack Obama is readying outline terms over additional aid to GM as well as Chrysler, who is also struggling, reported the BBC.

The BBC reports that Chrysler is requesting an additional $5 billion, and GM another $16.7 billion. The two firms have already received $17.4bn (£14.4bn) in bail-outs.

GM had no comment on the resignation, but said that it would issue a statment after the President reveiled the details of his rescue plans for the American auto industry, reported the New York Times.

In an interview with CBS, Obama said the firms must do more to justify further aid, saying "they're not there yet", reported the BBC.

"We think we can have a successful US auto industry," said the President, reported the BBC. "But it's got to be one that's realistically designed to weather this storm and to emerge - at the other end - much more lean, mean, and competitive than it currently is."

The president’s task force is expected to announce more short-term aid for G.M. and Chrysler, but with stricter rules on the money as well as a deadline on getting concessions from union workers and creditors, reported the New York Times.

GM plans to cut some 47,000 jobs, and Chrysler another 3,000, while cutting some car models. The BBC reports that cuts will take place by the end of 2009, and represents the largest work-force reduction announced by a US firm in the current recession.

New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/business/30auto.html?hp
BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7971202.stm

Posted by luess004 at 10:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A gunman killed seven patients and one nurse when he opened fire in a Carthage, North Carolina nursing home Sunday morning, reported CNN.

The armed man killed eight people before he was wounded in a gun fight with a police officer. Three others were wounded, including a police officer and a visitor, said Carthage Police Chief Chris McKenzie, reported CNN.

The shots and violence began at around 10 a.m. at Pinelake Health and Rehab, a one-story brick nursing home, reported the New York Times.

The Associated Press identified the patients killed as Louise Decker, 98; Lillian Dunn, 89; Tessie Garner, 88; John Goldston, 78; Bessie Hendrick, 78; Margaret Johnson, 89; and Jessie Musser, 88. All were residents. The nurse was identified as Jerry Avant Jr., 39, reported the New York Times.

The gunman was identified as 45-year-old Robert Stewart, who was apprehended and is in custody. Stewart was not an employee of the nursing home and did not appear to be a relative of any of the victims, reported CNN. No possible motive is known at this time.

A witness told CNN that Stewart was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and other weapons. He faces eight counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony assault on a police officer, and other charges are pending, said Moore County District Attorney Maureen Krueger, according to CNN.

Justin Garner, the officer who reportedly stopped Stewart, "acted in nothing short of a heroic manner" and probably prevented the carnage from being worse, said Krueger, reported CNN.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/29/nursing.home.shooting/index.html
NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/30/us/30shooting.html?_r=1&hp

Posted by luess004 at 10:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Hopkins Royals, the No. 4 ranked team in the nation, captured the Class 4AAAA state title Saturday at Target Center with a 69-59 victory over Osseo, reported the Pioneer Press.

The Royals cap an undefeated season, 31-0, with their final win of the season Saturday. It was their fourth title in eight years.

Royce White lead the Royal's balanced offensive with 20 points as his future coach and University of Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith watched from the sideline, according the Pioneer Press.

Hopkins forward Mike Broghammer added another 11 points and 13 rebounds, while D.J. Peterson and Marvin Singleton combined for 13 points off the bench, reported the Star Tribune.

Both the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press said that the Hopkins team takes its place as one of the best boys basketball team in Minnesota history, and the debate could be made that they are the best.

"I think we gave fans a team to remember, a season to remember,'' said senior center Mike Broghammer to the Pioneer Press. Broghammer is a Notre Dame recruit.

It was predicted and expected by fans and experts that Hopkins, with four Division I players on their roster, would take the championship, despite receiving criticism for bringing in four of its starters from other areas.

"It's a little bit of a relief that it's over,'' said Hopkins coach Kenny Novak Jr., reported the Pioneer Press. "It's been an interesting year. We've got some great kids that worked really hard, but they've had a target on their backs all year basketball-wise."

"I think everything that was said brought us together," Lockett said to the Star Tribune. "And we finished it off."

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/preps/42070032.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUeyD8_o8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/ci_12021422?source=most_viewed

Posted by luess004 at 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Red River dropped below 40 feet Sunday in Fargo, the lowest level since Thursday, reported the Star Tribune.

The flooded river slowly declined nearly a foot throughout the day after peaking at 40.82 feet on Saturday.

"Amen. It's a great feeling," said Kyle Norman, a Moorhead resident fighting the floods, to the Star Tribune. "We have said we're going to fight this thing and win and we did."

Despite the good news, The Pioneer Press reports that Fargo already is up against a big test this week as a storm approaches bringing a half-foot of snow and strong wind gusts that could put stress and potentially break the already-strained levees that residents have quickly constructed all week.

Some 1,000 volunteers flocked to the Fargodome at North Dakota State University to help build up reserves of sandbags while the city used an aerial effort of dropping one-ton sandbags onto dikes to disturb the river's violent current, reported the Star Tribune.

The river broke under a dike at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning and flooded buildings on a 5-acre high school campus in north Fargo, according to the Star Tribune.

"The campus is basically devastated. They fought the good fight. They lost and there's nothing wrong with that," said Mayor Dennis Walaker, reported the Pioneer Press. "Those things will continue to happen. I guarantee it."

"They made a gallant effort," Principal Morgan Forness told KFGO radio, reported the Star Tribune. "They gave it everything they had, and just couldn't contain it. It came to the center of the campus, and now, it's inundating all of the buildings."

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/42076177.html?elr=KArksDyycyUtyycyUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Pioneer Pres: http://www.twincities.com/ci_12023821?nclick_check=1

Posted by luess004 at 9:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

British Reality TV star Jade Goody died Sunday morning after a public struggle with cervical cancer, reported CNN.

Goody, 27, was a dental technician whose appearance in British "Big Brother" continued into a career as a full-time celebrity, reported the New York Times.

Goody died in her sleep at her home in Essex around 4 a.m., with her newly wed husband, Jack Tweed, and her mother Jackiey Budden by her bedside.

Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister, said he was "deeply saddened" by Goody's death.

"Her family can be extremely proud of the work she has done to raise awareness of cervical cancer which will benefit thousands of women across the U.K. Every death from cancer is a tragedy and my thoughts go out to her two sons, husband and family at this time," Brown said in a statement, reported CNN.

Jane Goody was diagnosed with cervical cancer in August of 2008 and given only weeks to live, where after she earned more than$1 million by selling the media rights to her wedding, according to the New York Times.

“I’ve lived my whole adult life talking about my life,” she told an interviewer from her hospital bed, reported the New York Times. “I’ve lived in front of the cameras. And maybe I’ll die in front of them.”

Goody leaves behind two sons, Bobby, 5, and Freddie, 4, by former boyfriend and TV host Jeff Brazier, reported CNN.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/03/22/jade.goody.dies.obituary/index.html
NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/23/world/europe/23webgoody.html?_r=1&ref=world

Posted by luess004 at 11:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seventeen people, children among them, died Sunday in a plane crash in Montana, reported the BBC.

The single-engine plane had been coming from Oroville, California, where it refueled and departed for Montana. The plane crashed just 500 feet from the runway at the airport in Butte, Montana, killing all 17 people aboard, reported CNN.

"There were some adults and children on board," said Police Chief Kirk Trostle, of the Oroville area, reported CNN. He noted this when the passengers had gotten out and stretched while the pilot refueld the plane.

The plane was originally headed for Bozeman, Montana, but the pilot had rerouted the flight plan to go to Butte. Early reports show that the pilot did not declare an emergency on the plane before it crashed, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Mike Fergus, reported CNN.

"We think that it was probably a ski trip for the kids," Mr Fergus said to the BBC.

Martha Guidoni said she and her husband witnessed the crash, where they "watched this plane just take a nosedive."

The plane was a Pilatus PC-12 Swiss-made turboprop aircraft, built in 2001 reported CNN.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/22/montana.plane.crash/index.html
BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7958383.stm

Posted by luess004 at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A fourth police officer died Sunday as a result of shootings that occurred Saturday in Oakland, California, according to a police spokesman, reported CNN.

John Hege, 41, was pronounced dead about noon Sunday at Highland Hospital where he was on life support, Oakland police spokesman Jeff Thomason said, reported CNN.

Hege was one of four police officers shot and killed Saturday after a man was pulled over in a traffic stop and later battled SWAT at a nearby apartment.

Lovelle Mixon, 26, was the gunman who was shot and killed Saturday in a gunfight with SWAT. Police said Mixon had extensive criminal history, and had violated his parole for assault with a deadly weapon with a warrant out for his arrest, reported the New York Times.

Police said that Mixon shot two motorcycle officers after being pulled over around 1 p.m., killing one and wounding the other. He then fled to a nearby apartment, where after a hunt through the streets of Oakland, police found him and busted into him apartment. Mixon shot and killed two more officers with an assault rifle, before he was shot dead by police, reported the New York Times.

The officers killed were Sgt. Mark Dunakin, 40, Officer John Hege, 41, Sgt. Ervin Romans, 43, and Sgt. Dan Sakai, 35. The killings mark one of the worst days in the Oakland Police Department's history, reported the New York Times.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/22/california.officers/index.html
NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/22/us/22oakland.html?_r=1&ref=us

Posted by luess004 at 5:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bloomington native Cole Aldrich earned a triple-double in Kansas' victory over Dayton at the Metrodome on Sunday, reported the Star Tribune.

In his homecoming weekend in Minneapolis, Aldrich's triple-double was the first in six years of NCAA tournament play, according to the Pioneer Press.

Aldrich put up 13 points, 20 rebounds, and a career-high 10 blocks in third-seeded Kansas' 60-43 victory over No. 11 seeded Dayton, reported the Star Tribune.

"I've been blocking shots since I was a little kid," said Aldrich to the Star Tribune, who grew up just a few miles away in the suburb of Bloomington. "I was 6 foot in fifth grade. I had a little height advantage, or what have you. That's the one thing I try to do if guys get beat. I just try to go up there and block 'em."

It was the first triple-double since Dwayne Wade recorded one for Marquette in 2003 against Kentucky, also at the Metrodome, reported the Pioneer Press. Aldrich's performance is only this sixth of its kind in tournament history.

Sherron Collins, the Kansas' star guard, led the Jayhawks (27-7) with 25 points.

The 6-foot-11 sophomore center helps the defending champion Kansas advance to the Sweet 16 Midwest Region semifinals next Friday in Indianapolis, where they will face the winner of the Southern California-Michigan State game.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/41655757.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUnEy3L_nEh:DiiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11972642?nclick_check=1

Posted by luess004 at 5:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

President Barack Obama signed an executive order today that will grant a one-year extension to the temporary legal status of 3,600 Liberian immigrants, reported the Pioneer Press.

The order comes just ten days before the March 31 deportation deadline, and allowed thousands of Liberians a sigh of relief.

More than 1,000 of those Liberians granted the extension reside in Minnesota. The state is home to one of the largest Liberian communities in the country, more than 30,000 total, mostly in Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center, according the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press.

"The Liberian community has become an important part of the social fabric of Minnesota — they are our neighbors and our coworkers," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn, reported the Pioneer Press. "While Liberia continues to be unstable, it is important that Liberians who are here legally are able to continue to call Minnesota home. This extension will allow us to continue our pursuit of a more permanent solution."

Those granted the temporary legal status were fleeing a violent civil war that started 20 years ago, and now have established and developed lives in communities in Minnesota and all around the country, reported the Star Tribune.

Advocates for the Liberians hope that the extension will allow time for an agreement and decision to be made to allow the Liberians to stay permanently.

Supporters also say that although conditions have improved in Liberia, it is still a "perilous environment with high unemployment and inadequate infrastructure and electricity" among other problems, reported the Pioneer Press.

"Without an extension, families would have been torn apart, businesses would have closed and communities would have suffered," said Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn, reported the Pioneer Press. "Additionally, Liberia remains a country scarred by civil war and is simply not ready to absorb thousands of new residents."

Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11960832?nclick_check=1
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/east/41595947.html?elr=KArksUUUycaEacyU

Posted by luess004 at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Analysis: Event Coverage
Article: 'Watchmen' stars eagerly await release (CNN)

The article I covered for my analysis of event coverage is an advance on the release of the film 'Watchmen' this past week.

The sources in the story are all from people very connected and involved with the film. The sources come from multiple actors, stars, and producers of the film. The story is focused around these sources and their quotes, with the details, topics, aspects and facts of the movie weaving between them. The sources provide quotes, insight, and inside looks at the film before it is released.

The angle was well crafted. A big theme behind the making of this movie is the difficulty of adapting the graphic novel, said to be the best graphic novel ever created, as well as 'unfilmable', to the big screen. So there was much anxiety and many questions as to how it would come out. The angle therefore takes the idea of the advance, effectively builds anticipation for the release, and attempts to address this issue and controversy over whether the the film will be a successful adaptation of the critically acclaimed graphic novel. That is the reporters angle, and he crafts it well because of all the quotes from actors and people directly involved in the film, with quotes giving insight as to how they think the film did and their belief and hopes that the film did a good job. It also has extra interest because of all the contact and interaction with the actors and stars, which always draws people.

In the end, the reporter did everything but create a listing. Its nothing less than a full story. You forget that it even is a listing on an event, and get committed to the story of the article, but find yourself with the details of the event (like in a listing) properly deposited in your brain at the end of the article. I think it was an excellent advance.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/05/watchmen.stars/index.html?iref=newssearch

Posted by luess004 at 11:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

'Watchmen' weighs in at the top spot in the box office with $55.7 million in ticket sales, reported the Star Tribune.

'Watchmen'', Director Zach Snyder's graphic novel adaptation of a team of twisted superheroes, becomes the 2009's largest grossing film so far after its opening weekend. CNN also reported that the film premiered in more theaters (3,611) than any other R-rated movie in history.

No one is failing to notice however that 'Watchmen's' $55.7 millions comes up short of Snyder's previous graphic novel film '300', which earned some $70.9 million its opening weekend.

Dan Fellman, head of distribution for "Watchmen" studio Warner Bros., said it was unfair to compare the two films, according to the Star Tribune.

"They're two different movies," Fellman said Sunday. "This is a movie that runs two hours and 45 minutes. That really only leaves the exhibitor with one showing a night. If you have an 8 o'clock show, the next show is at midnight. So with essentially one show a night, I think this is outstanding."

CNN reported that the film's audience declined over the weekend after pulling in strong numbers opening night and day. After $25.1 million Friday, 'Watchmen' only pulled in $19 million Saturday and $11.5 million Sunday.

The graphic novel film faced no other sizable competition at the box office, with Tyler Perry's 'Madea Goes to Jail' earning $8.8 million and 'Taken' garnering another $7.5 million.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/08/boxoffice.ew/index.html
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/movies/40923422.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUsr

Posted by luess004 at 11:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Two British soldiers were killed execution-style and four others wounded in Northern Ireland on Saturday night reported CNN.

Police said Sunday the attack was "an attempt at mass murder", while Prime Minister Gordon Brown condemned the attacks as "evil and cowardly", and that "the whole country is shocked and outraged."

A Dublin-based newspaper received a call supposedly from the Real IRA, claiming responsibility for the attack at Massereene army base, reported the BBC.

The soldiers were shot as pizzas were delivered to their base to the base, Detective Chief Superintendent Derek Williamson of the Police Service of Northern Ireland said Sunday, reported CNN.

Two other soldiers and two pizza delivery men were also wounded with serious injuries, a police spokeswoman said.

Williamson said the two gunmen had automatic rifles and fired an initial volley of shots, then after moving forward, proceeded to fire a second round at people lying on the ground before fleeing in a car driven by a third person.

The dead soldiers were both in their early 20s and were scheduled to leave for Afghanistan in a few days, according to the BBC.

The soldiers are the first British troops to be killed in Northern Ireland in 12 years, since Lance Bombardier Stephen Restorick was killed by an IRA sniper in 1997.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/03/08/northern.ireland.shooting.british/index.html
BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/7930995.stm

Posted by luess004 at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

President Barack Obama is expected to lift restrictions on government funding for new stem cell lines on Monday, reported the BBC.

Officials say that Obama will revoke the ban by executive order on Monday, indicating a major change in U.S. policy since former President George Bush banned the use of any government money to fund research on human embryonic stem cell lines.

The debate has always been between scientists, which say the stem cell research would lead to major medical breakthroughs, and religious groups which oppose the research.

The Star Tribune reported that the president's overturning will make a major declaration that science — not political ideology — would guide his administration. The BBC reported a similar message, saying it would make clear that his administration wants scientific research to be free from political interference. It will also satisfy a campaign promise.

"We've got eight years of science to make up for," said Dr. Curt Civin to the Associated Press, whose research allowed scientists to isolate stem cells and who now serves as the founding director of the University of Maryland Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. "Now, the silly restrictions are lifted."

It is also thought that the timing of the announcement and the order is to allow enough time for health officials to create research guidelines before a deadline for government stimulus money runs out.

BBC:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7929690.stm
Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/40929702.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUsT

Posted by luess004 at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Minnesota's highest court on Friday denied Democrat Al Franken's reguest to be certified as the winner of U.S. Senate Election, reported the Star Tribune.

The Minnesota Supreme Court said that Franken's certification must await a final resolution to the lengthy recount trial and possible appeals. It was 5-0 decision ruling that Franken was not entitled to be certified until the legal debate has made its way through the state courts.

Franken as had a 225 vote lead over Republican Norm Coleman ever since the recount ended two months ago, and argues that that should be enough to seat him in the Senate.

"We conclude that neither state nor federal law requires issuance of a certificate of election before the election contest is completed," the Supreme Court wrote in a unanimous opinion Friday, reported the Pioneer Press.

Without the election certificate, it'd be very difficult, if not impossible, to seat Franken in the Senate. But the Pioneer Press says that if the Franken's legal team wins one more argument, he could get the certificate soon.

Franken's attorney Mark Elias argued that Coleman had failed to prove that enough absentee ballots had been rejected for him to win.

"Whether it is nine, whether it is 19, whether it is 99, it is far fewer than 225," Elias said to the Star Tribune.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/senate/40850567.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsl
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/politics/ci_11853364

Posted by luess004 at 9:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An Apple Vallye woman remains in critical condition Sunday after being struck in a hit-and-run Friday afternoon, reported the Pioneer Press.

Joan Levasseur, who is deaf, was crossing the intersection at Cedar Avenue and 153rd street when she was hit around 9 p.m. The 26-year-old was hit by what police described as a large neutral to light colored van with possible front end damage, reported the Star Tribune.

The vehicle never stopped and fled the scene. LeVasseur was brought to Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, and was later transferred to Hennepin County Medical Center, according the Pioneer Press.

Levasseur suffered severe head trauma and brain injuries, along with fractures in both legs, a fractured pelvis, a broken right hand and lacerations to her face family members said, reported the Pioneer Press.

Police are receiving several tips, but no arrests have yet been made, said Apple Valley Sgt. Joe Shaw, reported the Star Tribune.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/40922827.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr
Pioneer Press: http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_11866385?nclick_check=1

Posted by luess004 at 6:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Two NFL players are among four boaters that are reported missing off Florida's Gulf Coast, said an agent for one of the players Sunday, reported CNN.

Detroit Lions defensive end Corey Smith and Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper are two of four that have been missing since Saturday when their boat disappeared in the waters off Clearwater, Florida.

The players were on a fishing trip aboard a 21-foot vessel that left Clearwater pass Saturday morning, but did not return as expected, reported the New York Times. A helicopter and a 47-foot boat were used by crews to search a 750-square mile area west of Clearwater Pass on Sunday according to the New York Times.

CNN reports that the Coast Guard said it was directing an extensive search Sunday for the boaters.

The Coast Guard dispatched a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat, HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, C-130 Hercules fixed-wing planes and a Cutter Crocodile to search 750 square miles west of Clearwater Pass, reported CNN.

Smith is currently a free agent with the NFL, and played defensive end for the Detroit Lions last season. The two other people on board were Nick Schulyer and Will Bleakly the Coast Guard told the New York Times.

CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/03/01/florida.missing.boaters/index.html
New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/03/01/sports/AP-Missing-Boaters-NFL.html?_r=1&hp

Posted by luess004 at 4:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seven people were robbed in five seperate incidence early Sunday in South Minneapolis reported the Star Tribune.

Minneapolis police are investigating a link between five robberies committed by two suspects said to be in their 20s who were armed with a gun. The holdups occured between 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m. Sunday, police spokesman Sgt. William Palmer told the Star Tribune.

The robberies occured by the two suspects driving up to victims in a car and robbing them after threatening them with a gun. Police do not know whether the threats occured inside or outside of the vehicle, as well as whether there were verbal threats involved, or if simple brandishment of the gun was used.

No one was hurt, Palmer told the Star Tribune, but said, "Anytime a gun is involved, we're concerned."

The victims had cash, cell phones, wallets, purses and clothing stolen from them, reported the Star Tribune. The robberies occured all over south Minneapolis in mostly residential areas, from near Richfield to southeast Minneapolis near the Mississippi River at Franklin Avenue.

Police had not released further information, saying that the robbery unit had not looked at the cases as of Sunday afternoon. Palmer said it is too early to say whether the robberies are linked, which is usually unlikely to have mulitple robberies linked in one night.

The Pioneer Press did not cover this story as of Sunday evening.

Star Tribune: http://www.startribune.com/local/40506827.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUac8HEaDiaMDCinchO7DU

Posted by luess004 at 3:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)