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Mayor Filner Wrapping Up Rehab

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Embattled Mayor Bob Filner has completed his two-week therapy program, the San Diego City Attorney confirmed on Friday.

San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith said the mayor entered rehab one week before expected and has nearly completed the program.

Filner's camp said the mayor will officially complete his therapy program on Saturday.

"Upon completion of the treatment program, Mayor Filner is planning to continue therapy sessions on an outpatient basis. Mayor Filner is taking personal time next week," a spokesperson with the mayor's team said.

Also on Friday -- on the orders of the mayor’s Chief of Staff -- some locks inside the mayor’s office were changed, Goldsmith confirmed. He would not disclose how many locks were changed, but did say he agreed with the move.

The new locks were added to some offices as part of the ongoing investigation, though further details were not released.

In a press conference on Jul. 26, Filner announced he would enter a two-week “intensive therapy” program to correct his behavior beginning on Aug. 5. He said he would return to work on Aug. 19.

SPECIAL SECTION: Mayor Under Fire

In the Jul. 26 press conference, Filner acknowledged that his "failure to respect women, and the intimidating contact, is inexcusable."

Filner has been under fire for weeks regarding accusations of sexual harassment. Numerous women have come forward claiming they were victims of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and unwanted advances at the hands of the mayor.

Those victims include his former employee Irene McCormack Jackson, who has filed a lawsuit via prominent attorney Gloria Allred.

McCormack Jackson was the first victim to go public, claiming Filner often asked her to have sex with him, would hold her in the now-infamous “Filner Headlock” and once told her she would do a better job if she worked without panties.

The growing list of additional victims who have come forward with sexual harassment claims involving Filner include Laura Fink, Morgan Rose, Joyce Gattas, Patti Roscoe, Ronne Froman, Sharon Bernie-Cloward, Lisa Curtin, Michelle Tyler and Katherine Ragazzino.

READ: Key Players in the Filner Scandal
 



Photo Credit: Getty Images

6-Year-Old Girl Saves Mom's Life

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Alyssa Capelli isn’t the typical 6-year-old girl.

“My daughter is a very old soul,” said Alyssa’s mother, Melinda Chiappine. “Always very intuitive and she knows exactly how you’re feeling by looking at you. A lot of children don’t have that ability.”

It’s that ability that helped save the 32-year-old Hammonton, New Jersey woman’s life. Chiappine and her daughter came back to their home Saturday morning after eating breakfast. Chiappine made a phone call shortly before 10 a.m. Suddenly, everything went black.

“I cannot tell you what happened or when I passed out,” Chiappine said. “I was completely unconscious. I felt like I was in a movie and I did not feel like myself, it was the wildest feeling."

By the time Chiappine came to about ten minutes later, she was on the floor surrounded by police officers and paramedics. They wouldn’t have been there however, if not for her daughter. After hearing her mother fall and finding her unconscious on the floor, Alyssa immediately called 911.

“According to the call, she said ‘My mom won’t wake up,’” Chiappine said. “They asked where we lived and she gave them our address. I had taught her how to do that multiple times.”

Chiappine, who is anemic, say she’s fainted before, but had never gone through anything like what she went through on Saturday.

“Nothing like that has ever happened to me before where I had collapsed and had no recollection of anything,” she said. “I didn’t understand what was going on. I didn’t even know how old I was. I didn’t know my name.”

There is one thing however, that Chiappine says she immediately remembered.

“I kept asking for my daughter,” she said. “That was the only thing I was able to get out.”

Chiappine was taken to the hospital where she underwent several blood transfusions. When she returned home on Tuesday, she asked her daughter to show her where she found her. Her daughter’s answer amazed her.

“Mom, it doesn’t matter how I found you or what happened,” Alyssa replied. “All that matters is you’re here with me now.”

“Were you scared?” Chiappine asked.

“Mommy, I couldn’t be scared,” Alyssa said. “I had to be brave.”

It wasn’t the response one would expect from a 6-year-old girl. But as Chiappine said, her daughter is an old soul. 

“That’s just something she has in her,” Chiappine said. “I can’t teach her that part.”
 



Photo Credit: Melinda Chiappine

San Diego Kidnap Suspect's Vehicle Found in Idaho

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A reported sighting of a murder suspect and the teenager believed to have been abducted has narrowed a six-state Amber Alert to a rural community in Idaho known as the River of No Return Wilderness.

San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore announced Friday that officials have recovered the vehicle of James Lee DiMaggio and have focused their search near Cascade, Idaho, approximately 80 miles north of Boise and roughly 400 miles from the Canadian border.

DiMaggio, 40, of Boulevard and Hannah Anderson, 16, of Lakeside are the subjects of an Amber Alert issued Monday. Hannah and her brother Ethan were originally believed to have been abducted after their mother was found dead in a house fire. On Friday, officials positively identified Ethan as the second victim in that fire.

Now, officials say it appears Hannah Anderson may be with DiMaggio willingly.

On Wednesday, a horseback rider ran into a man and a teenager near Morehead Lake. The horseback rider had a brief conversation with the two but saw no reason to be alarmed. He told officials they appeared to be hikers or campers, which are common in the area.

The man and teenager had backpacks and a tent the rider said. They were spotted twice entering and exiting a campground about six to eight miles from where the vehicle was discovered.

When he encountered the suspect and the teenager, the horseback rider was not aware of the Amber Alert.

Andrea Dearden, acting Public Information Officer for Valley County, Idaho, said the man contacted the Amber Alert tip line Wednesday evening. That tip was shared Thursday with investigators.

Officials discovered the vehicle linked to DiMaggio on Friday covered in brush with the license plates removed about 15 miles northeast of Cascade. Officials were able to identify the vehicle through the VIN number.

Authorities believe DiMaggio may have homemade explosives. Sheriff Gore said no explosives have been found in the vehicle so far, however Idaho officials say they have not been able to get inside the car to investigate.

Dearden said the car is still in the wilderness area where it has been secured until experts can arrive to attempt to search the interior.

A search team of 12 people are on the ground using satellite phones, horses or all-terrain vehicles and helicopters from the Idaho Air National Guard Dearden said.

“It is treacherous terrain. It is back country. It is wilderness area,” Dearden said.

When asked to describe the search area, Dearden could only estimate it at dozens of miles.

Teams have been stationed at multiple access points around the wilderness area to monitor anyone coming or going.

Officers with local law enforcement, Idaho State police, the FBI, the U.S. Marshal’s service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have all joined in the search. Some investigators will be sent from San Diego to assist.

Gore was confident Hannah Anderson will be returned safely to San Diego.

“She was alive on Wednesday and we hope that law enforcement will find them up in the mountains there and return them safely,” said Gore.

Gore said as far as they know, Hannah did not look like she was being held against her will. 

According to Dearden, the horseback rider told officials the conversation with the pair was odd but not alarming. There was nothing done or said to cause him to think he needed to help the teenager.

Brother's body identified

Hannah's younger brother was also listed in the Amber Alert, but DNA tests revealed the boy died along with his mother.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department Friday night confirmed that a second body found in the burned-out home is that of 8-year-old Ethan Anderson.

Initially, investigators believed the boy was also traveling with DiMaggio and Hannah. He was described as 4-foot-11, weighing 65-pounds, with sandy blond hair.

Before Friday night's confirmation, family members – including the children’s father Brett Anderson – had implied that Ethan was found dead in a house fire with his mother Christina Anderson on Monday.

Investigators confirmed a child’s charred body was found inside the burned out home in Boulevard.

Due to the condition of the body, Ethan's identity was determined using DNA analysis of his bone marrow, the sheriff's department said.

Records have confirmed that Anderson has only two children, Ethan and Hannah.

Just as friends and family have been holding vigils and praying for Hannah, they’ve also been praying for Ethan, calling the young boy a great kid with lots of friends who love him.

Friends have also said Ethan and Hannah had a strong sibling bond, with little fighting and lots of love between them.

As a family, friends say the Andersons were very happy and seemingly had a great relationship.

Fiery Boulevard homicide scene

Emergency personnel were called to the 2000-block of Ross Avenue in the unincorporated community of Boulevard east of San Diego around 8 p.m. Sunday for a structure fire.

DiMaggio's log cabin-style home and detached 3-car garage were fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters called in sheriff's deputies when they recovered a body on the property.

Once crews were able to bring in a bulldozer on Monday, they recovered a second body and several weapons burned in the fire. They also recovered the body of a dog.

Officials have not released how Christina Anderson and the unidentified child were killed. They also have not identified a possible motive.

Christina's father, Christopher Saincome, said his daughter went to visit DiMaggio's home to say goodbye before he moved to Texas.

Hannah Anderson attended El Capitan High School in Lakeside where friends said they believed she was abducted against her will. They described DiMaggio as having a crush on the 16-year-old girl.

Close friend of the family

DiMaggio was close friends with Christina Anderson, her ex-husband Brett Anderson and their children for years.

He recently worked at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla.

Court records show that he filed for divorce in 2003. His ex-wife told an NBC Station in Seattle that she was shocked to learn the news since DiMaggio has been best friends with the family for such a long time.

She said he served in the Navy but showed no signs of PTSD during their marriage.

Officials say DiMaggio is an experienced outdoorsman with skills to survive in the wild. It's not known what history he may have in the state of Idaho officials said.

He purchased camping supplies shortly before allegedly burning the house investigators said.

As for a motive behind the murder, arson and kidnapping crime spree, Sheriff Gore said they don't have one just yet.

"We all have come up with a theory but really it is speculation and we wont know until we get Hannah and DiMaggio back here for further questions," he said.

After five days, FBI agents and local law enforcement agencies expanded the Amber Alert to include, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and Idaho.


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Photo Credit: AP

Flooding in Litchfield County

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Streets in several towns in Litchfield County were flooded after heavy rain covered parts of the state on Friday.

Flooding was reported in Torrington, New Hartford and Colebrook, according to Litchfield County Dispatch.

In Torrington, Jim Bascetta used his truck to pull a stalled car out of flood waters on Winthrop Street.

"A girl drove in thinking it wasn't that deep and the car stalled, so my son and I came back to the house and grabbed a chain and went down and pulled her out," said Bascetta.

Along Brook Street in Torrington, Kelly Mosher's backyard and garage flooded.

"I want to cry, but I can't because the kids see you upset and then they get upset," said Mosher.

And on Torringford Street in Torrington, Brenda Wilson returned from her chemotherapy treatment to find the bridge in her driveway washed out. 

She says the problem has happened before and believes increased development is to blame.

"The bridges were completely washed out, the water was rushing, and there was no way I could get in," said Wilson.  "I can't be dealing with this all the time.  Something's gotta be done."

Wilson called a contractor to fill in the holes, and further repairs are still needed. 

During the storm, the National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for parts of Litchfield, Hartford, and Tolland counties.

SEE THE INTERACTIVE RADAR

If you see flooding or severe weather in your town, share it with us by sending your photos to shareit@nbcconnecticut.com.

The weekend looks much better. See the full forecast here.



Photo Credit: Brian McKenna/Instagram

Firefighters Make Progress Against Silver Fire

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The Southern California wildfire that prompted an emergency declaration continued to burn in the San Jacinto Mountains on Saturday, consuming nearly 30 square miles of terrain.

California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency Friday for Riverside County in the wake of the Silver Fire, a blaze that has claimed nearly 30 structures -- most of them homes -- over 19,000 acres.

At least 10 firefighters and one civilian have been injured in the blaze, authorities said.

Evacuation orders for the areas of Snow Creek, Cabazon, Mt. Edna and Poppet Flats were lifted Friday evening as fire crews had the fire 70 percent contained, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

More than 1,840 firefighters were battling the blaze amid the strong wind gusts, but cool temperatures helped control the flames as it headed east toward Palm Springs on Friday, clouding the resort town with smoke.

Highway 243 was still closed north of Poppet Flats to Wesley Street in Banning.

An animal evacuation center was established at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 581 South Grand Ave. in San Jacinto.

Boulder Basin and Black Mountain Campgrounds on Black Mountain Road have been closed through Aug. 15., and evacuation orders were issued for for Marion Mountain Campground, Fern Basin Campground, Dark Canyon Campground -- and for the the Marion Mountain and Seven Pines hiking trails.

Residents in the following areas were told to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities: Lake Elsinore, Perris Valley, Hemet/San Jacinto Valley, Banning Pass, Coachella Valley and Temecula Valley.

Anywhere that residents can see or smell smoke from the wildfires was also included in the warning, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The Silver Fire broke out about 2 p.m. Wednesday in the foothills of the San Jacinto Mountains about 90 miles east of Los Angeles. Five firefighters and one civilian were injured in the blaze.

Photos: Viewer Images | More Fire Images | Send Us Your Fire Photos

As the fight against the Silver Fire continued, crews fully contained the 1,383-acre Falls Fire burning about 5 miles west of Lake Elsinore.

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Photo Credit: Viewer Image

Pilot in Fatal Crash Believed to Be Washington Resident

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The plane that crashed into two homes in East Haven causing as many as 6 deaths was registered to a Washington state resident with a history of flying.

The family of Bill Henningsgaard was informed yesterday that a plane registered to his name crashed Friday morning. Henningsgaard resides in Medina, Wa.

According to Henningsgaard's family, Bill was on a tour of East Coast colleges with his teenage son Max. The family says that New Haven was a planned stop on their tour.

The Henningsgaards left Washington state on Monday, spent one night in Wisconsin then headed East.

In 2009, BIll Henningsgaard was flying with his then 84-year-old mother when an engine went out in his plane, forcing him to make an emergency  landing in the Columbia River just west of Astoria, Oregon.

Henningsgaard and his mother were forced to walk on the planes wing and jump into the water and swim to a nearby boat for safety.

The family is waiting for the National Transportation Safety Board and the fire Marshall to identify the remains of the deceased.

 

Woman Wakes Up, Finds Intruder On Top of Her

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Charges were filed against a man who tried to sexually assault a 54-year-old Chicago woman earlier in the day while she slept in her Gold Coast home.

Deandre Minor, 28, faces one count of attempted criminal sexual assault with bodily harm, robbery and home invasion/sex offense, according to police.

Authorities said the woman was woken up by a man on top of her at about 3:20 a.m.

The woman's son, who was also in the home on the 1200 block of North Stone Street, heard the struggle and went to her rescue, police said.

The son chased the attacker, who police said was partially clothed, out of the apartment. The man was arrested as he was exiting the building.

Neighbors suspect the man got into the building through a door that wasn't locked properly and went floor by floor of the nine-story building looking for a victim.

A doorman is on duty each evening but leaves at 10 p.m., residents said.

But that's changing.

"The building is going above and beyond now. There's a 24-hour doorman and new locks, a security system and the whole thing," said a man who wished to be identified only as Doug.

The incident is the latest in a recent string of violent crimes in the normally quiet, affluent neighborhood.

Burned Body Is Young Brother of Missing Girl

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Five days into a multistate Amber Alert for a teenage girl in "grave danger," San Diego officials confirmed that the second body found in a burned-out home is that of the missing girl's 8-year-old brother.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department Friday night confirmed that a second body found in the burned-out home is that of Ethan Anderson, whose 16-year-old sister Hannah remained still missing, believed to have been abducted by family friend James Lee DiMaggio.

Initially, investigators believed the boy was also traveling with DiMaggio and Hannah. He was described as 4 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 65 pounds, with sandy blond hair.

Due to the condition of the body, Ethan's identity was determined using DNA analysis of his bone marrow, the sheriff's department said.

Before Friday night's confirmation, family members – including the children’s father Brett Anderson – had implied that Ethan was found dead along with his mother, Christina Anderson, in DiMaggio's home Monday.

Emergency personnel were called to the 2000 block of Ross Avenue in the unincorporated community of Boulevard east of San Diego about 8 p.m. Sunday for a structure fire. DiMaggio's log cabin-style home and detached three-car garage were engulfed in flames.

The bodies of an adult, child and dog were found in the charred rubble.

DiMaggio, 40, is accused of killing Christina and Ethan Anderson, then abducting Hannah Anderson. Detectives have not released the cause of death.

DiMaggio's blue Nissan Sentra was found Friday in a rural community in Idaho known as the River of No Return Wilderness.

The sedan -- the description of which has been published in nationwide media reports -- was found covered in brush with its license plates removed about 15 miles east of Cascade, Idaho, approximately 80 miles north of Boise and roughly 400 miles from the Canadian border.

DiMaggio and Hannah have been spotted near Morehead Lake, officials said Friday. A horseback rider had a brief conversation with the pair, but saw no reason to be alarmed. He told officials they appeared to be hikers or campers, which are common in the area.

Initially, investigators believed Ethan was also traveling with DiMaggio and Hannah.

Friends and family have been holding vigils for Ethan, calling the young boy a great kid with lots of friends who love him.

Friends have also said Ethan and Hannah had a strong sibling bond, with little fighting and lots of love between them.

As a family, friends say the Andersons were very happy and seemingly had a great relationship.

Officials have not released how Christina Anderson and her son were killed. They also have not identified a possible motive.

"We all have come up with a theory but really it is speculation and we wont know until we get Hannah and DiMaggio back here for further questions," San Diego County Sheriff William Gore said.

Christina's father, Christopher Saincome, said his daughter went to visit DiMaggio's home to say goodbye to the family friend before he moved to Texas.

Hannah Anderson attended El Capitan High School in Lakeside, where friends described DiMaggio as having a crush on the 16-year-old girl.

A memorial fund has been set up to help the family with burial costs.

Go to WePay and search for "San Diego Anderson Family Support Fund."

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Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alan McNabb

3 Men Narrowly Dodge Erratic Driver, Escape Crash

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A parking lot surveillance camera captured three men barely escaping a crash as a car sideswiped a vehicle next to them, denting a concrete wall. Patrick Healy reports from Pomona for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9, 2013.

Woman Wakes Up, Finds Intruder On Top of Her

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Woman's son heard commotion, chased attacker out of building on 1200 block of North Stone Street. Natalie Martinez reports.

Man in Critical Condition After Car Trunk Explodes

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A man was seriously burned early Saturday morning after his car caught on fire.

Police said a man pulled into a gas station on Golden Beach Road in Mechanicsville, Md., shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday and filled up two portable gas tanks. He put the tanks in his trunk and drove away.

Shortly thereafter, the driver noticed his trunk was on fire and stopped his vehicle. Police said he opened his trunk to try to stop the fire and an explosion occurred.

Police said the man survived, but was very badly burned. He was flown to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition.
 



Photo Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia

Veteran Kicked Off Boardwalk Because of Service Dog

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A disabled U.S. Army veteran, who served our country for 19 years, says he was kicked off the North Wildwood, New Jersey, boardwalk Thursday night, simply for having his service dog by his side.

Jared Goering served 1 tour in Iraq, 2 in Afghanistan, and spent 19 years as an active member of the Army. Jared said, "I served from 1993 to 2012." He then told NBC40 he couldn't sleep Thursday night because he felt so disrespected by a North Wildwood police officer.

Goering said, "Just like any veteran with disabilities with a service dog, to come back and be harassed and shown no respect, it upset me - it really bothered me. I was up most of the night thinking about it."

A North Wildwood police officer issued Jared and his wife a summons because he had a dog on the boardwalk.

“I expected to get more respect from him because of the jobs that we both have to do,” Goering said.

"He mockingly asked if all veterans get service dogs," said Jared’s wife, Sally Goering, “his dog is medically necessary and he is a service dog."

In 2009, Jared was serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle was blown up by IEDs, twice, within 36 hours. Now, Jared uses his 3-year-old service dog, Gator, short for Navigator, to help him walk, and to get up and down stairs.

Jared explained, "I also suffer from PTSD, severe anxiety, depression - and my dog plays a big part in my life. His main purpose is mobility but he also helps me with all my emotional problems from combat."

Jared and his wife Sally say the incident occurred on the 26th street North Wildwood boardwalk. The Goering family said, even after showing the officer the dog's service identification card, he still issued them a summons and kicked them off the boardwalk.

Sally said, "We want the public to be aware that there are different types of disabilities and

Northwood Wildwood Police say Goering notified a shift Sergeant shortly after he received the summons from the officer. The shift Sergeant then took the summons and filed for a dismissal. The incident is being investigated by the Internal Affairs supervisor, according to police.

"The City of North Wildwood and the North Wildwood Police Department have always proudly supported military veterans and continue to support all branches of the military. The Police Department is comprised of some military veterans and parents of active military who are presently serving in the armed forces. This police department looks forward to and participates in all the military special events throughout the year. The North Wildwood Police Department has always respected and appreciated the sacrifices of all those who serve our great nation," according to a statement released Saturday.

The mayor of North Wildwood says they will issue a formal apology, if appropriate, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Original story here: http://bit.ly/13qVnP6



Photo Credit: NBC40.net

Candlelight Vigil Held in Honor of Plane Crash Victims

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Hundreds came out to Margaret Tucker Park in East Haven to show their support and love for two families brought together by tragedy.

A community pulled together embracing Joann, the mother of two who lost both daughters when their home was hit by a plane Friday morning.

Saturday night they remembered 13-year-old Sade Brantley and one-year-old Madisyn Mitchell. A close family friend described Sade as the light of the household.

"She always had a zest for knowledge and life and was a sheer pleasure to know. And Madisyn was such a happy baby. With her short life she brought happiness to everyone," said Elanda Rubirosa, who has known the family for more than 30 years.

The scene on Charter Oak Avenue has quieted down, but the two homes hit still reveal the horrifying moment when four lives were lost. The pilot, 54-year-old William Henningsgaard, and his 17-year-old son Maxwell of Medina, Washington were on an East Coast college tour.

The Chief Medical Examiner's Office revealed the cause of death for all four to be blunt force trauma.

Stuffed animals and candles are now placed in front of the home as neighbors stopped by to express their sorrow.

But it's impacted more than just an East Haven community as those who never knew the family arrived from miles away to attend the vigil and pay their respects. They hope their presence can bring some small comfort to a mother left broken.

"She's holding up the best that anyone in the situation could be. It's unimaginable," said Rubirosa.
"We will be with you. We will support you in prayer and action as the days, weeks, and months go on," said Father Tom Sievel of St. Vincent De Paul Church.

The governor released a statement saying in part, "Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families tonight who are suffering from grief and loss."
 
 

12,000 Pounds of Veal Recalled

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More than 12,000 pounds of boneless veal products distributed to wholesalers in New York and California have been recalled.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced that United Processing LLC recalled the 12,600 pounds of veal products Friday.

The USDA says they may be contaminated with strains of E. coli. The boneless veal was produced on June 17, 18, 24, 28 and 29, and distributed in 60-pound boxes.

The USDA says the firm inadvertently shipped the products after government regulators became aware of the possible contamination during an inspection.

A representative of United Processing LLC didn't immediately return a call for comment.

The USDA says the company hasn't received any reports of illnesses.

People infected with E. coli can experience dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Birthday Party Turns Fatal in New Haven

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A young man celebrating his birthday was shot to death inside a club in New Haven early Sunday morning.

New Haven police patrolling the parking lot next to the Cheetah Club at 169 East St. heard a single gun shot come from inside the club around 1:23 a.m.

Police ran inside as club patrons spilled out into the parking lot. The club had been hosting a hip hop party.

Once inside, officers found Torrance Dawkins, of Waterbury, suffering from a single gun shot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Dawkins had turned 22 on Saturday and was celebrating his birthday.

Police are still looking for a suspect. Officers spoke with several hundred club patrons and say they received some very helpful information.

Anyone with information is asked to speak with detectives by calling 203-946-6304 or 203-946-6316.

 


Dallas College Turns Football Field Into Urban Farm

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What was once Paul Quinn College’s football field is now a farm providing fresh fruits and vegetables in Dallas.

"My goal is to spread the word of organic growth," Andrea Bithell, the manager of the two-acre "We Over Me" farm said.

For the past few weeks she's been hosting urban farm classes for the community. 

Saturday's class taught students how to build, maintain and provide habitats for honeybees, as well as how to prepare a chicken dish. 

"It’s a very beautiful experience to see unfold—when they plant the seed and a few months later they get to harvest arugula or they get to harvest a cucumber," Bithell said.

One of the farm's goals is to offer access healthy food to the neighborhood surrounding the college.

"To pick a tomato and take a bite of out an heirloom organic tomato, there's nothing like that, it's invigorating," Bithell said.

The three-year-old farm is maintained by Paul Quinn students.

Not only do the students and the community reap the benefits, but the farm has big clients like Legends Hospitality Management that provides food for Cowboys stadium.  All the profits go back to the farm.

"We see this as an incredibly worthy model and our type on how we would like to see urban agriculture go in our city," Susan Pollard, a beekeeper at the farm said.

The next class will be held on August 24, the cost is 45 dollars. For more information, click here.

Missing San Diego Teen Found Safe, Suspect Killed

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After six days of a widespread Amber Alert and with the help of more than 200 state and federal law enforcement officials, missing San Diego teenager Hannah Anderson was found safe and the man accused of abducting her, James Lee DiMaggio, is dead, San Diego County officials said Saturday.

DiMaggio, 40, of Boulevard was shot and killed at 4:20 p.m. PT Saturday north of Morehead Lake in the Idaho backcountry. 

Three U.S. Marshals flying a plane above the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area spotted a tent Saturday morning. They called in FBI SWAT and Hostage Rescue Team to move in on the campsite.

Few details were released by the FBI on how DiMaggio was killed. San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore said he was shot and killed by an FBI agent.

Gore said the 16-year-old Lakeside teenager appeared to be in good shape and that her father, Brett Anderson, was expected to travel to Idaho to reunite with his daughter.

"He's elated that we found his daughter alive," added Gore.

UPDATE: Hannah's Family Calls DiMaggio's Death "Fitting"

DiMaggio is suspected of killing Hannah's mother, 44-year-old Christina Anderson, and her 8-year-old brother Ethan Anderson, both of Lakeside. Their bodies were found on DiMaggio's property east of San Diego where a log-style cabin and detached garage burned to the ground Sunday.

Investigators say DiMaggio recently purchased camping equipment, which leads them to believe he had planned the events that unfolded this week.

Amber Alerts were launched in six states - California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Idaho - with millions of residents on the lookout for a blue Nissan Versa with California license plates.

The vehicle was eventually discovered Friday in the very rugged terrain of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness covered in brush.

The Versa was towed Saturday from where it was found about six to eight miles from where a horseback rider reported seeing DiMaggio and Hannah Wednesday.

San Diego detectives and an FBI evidence response team will process the Versa evidence as well as the campsite, which officials called a crime scene.

Hundreds of searchers used helicopters, horses and all-terrain vehicles to search about 300 miles for any sign of the pair.

FBI Special Agent from the Salt Lake City division Mary Rook said special agents with an FBI hostage rescue team saw Hannah and DiMaggio at a campsite north of Morehead Lake.

Shots were fired, and DiMaggio was killed.

Officials could not reveal whether agents fired on the suspect or whether the suspect returned fire, as that portion of the investigation was pending.

“Our team faced a very challenging situation,” said Rook. “Our teams worked tirelessly to find Hannah.”

Rook said with Hannah safe, law enforcement would work with the teenager and her family to get them the resources they need to move forward and recover from this ordeal.

“Hannah is safe, and that was our first priority,” said Valley County Sheriff Patti Bolen, adding that she was proud of the way law enforcement came together to resolve this case and bring an end to the widespread Amber Alert.

Valley County acting Public Information Officer Andrea Dearden said Hannah appeared to have no physical injuries when she was recovered by FBI agents, and said law enforcement was relieved she was found safe.

“We wanted it to end safely, we wanted her home,” she added.

Earlier on Saturday, officials in Idaho meticulously searched the rugged, backcountry terrain near Cascade and Morehead Lake for Hannah and DiMaggio.

On Friday, crews searched the area on foot and horseback, given that there was no accessibility in the remote region for vehicles.

TIMELINE: Fire, Missing Teen Lead to Widespread Amber Alert

By noon, investigators with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department had reached DiMaggio's vehicle.

An Idaho explosives team had conducted an initial search of the vehicle overnight. No explosives were found.

Investigators initially believed DiMaggio could be armed with homemade explosives, and may have rigged the vehicle with explosive devices as well.

NBC 7 was the only camera crew to follow a caravan of forensic experts, including an FBI Evidence Response Team into the rugged area. It was located about 40 miles from Cascade - a long road, about a 90 minute drive. 

San Diego sheriff’s officials said DiMaggio had an “unusual infatuation” with Hannah, according to NBC News.

Marissa Chavez, 15, a friend of Hannah's, told The Associated Press that a couple of months ago she witnessed DiMaggio tell Hannah he had a crush on her and would date her if they were the same age.

“She was a little creeped out by it. She didn’t want to be alone with him,” Chavez told the AP.

Complete coverage:

 



Photo Credit: Artie Ojeda/ NBC 7

Woman Beaten While Taking Out Garbage

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Police in Schaumburg, Chicago, are searching for two men suspected of beating a 30-year-old woman while she was taking out her trash at an apartment complex Friday.

The woman was taking her garbage to a dumpster in an apartment complex in the 1100 block of North Knollwood Drive around 1:45 a.m. when she was confronted by two offenders who beat her, police said.

Police said she was attacked from behind, pushed to the ground, punched in the head and kicked in the ribs before she was knocked unconscious in the beating.

When she woke up, the attackers were gone, officials said.

The woman was treated at a local hospital for cuts and bruises and although she had torn clothing, police are not sure if the intent was sexual assault.

The suspects are described as mixed race or Hispanic men, between 25 and 28 years of age, police said.

The first suspect was described to be between 6-feet and 6-feet, 2-inches tall, with a medium build and was wearing blue plaid shorts and a white sleeveless T-shirt.

The second suspect was described to be between 6-feet, 3-inches and 6-feet, 6-inches tall with medium-to-heavy build and curly hair. He also had a tattoo on the right side of his neck and had a white pitbull dog with a dark spot on one eye, clipped ears and a tail. The dog may be named Dueces, according to a community alert issued by the Schaumburg Police Department.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call (847) 882-3534.



Photo Credit: Schaumburg Police

2 Shot Along Chicago Public Schools Safe Passage Route

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Two people were shot, one of them fatally, in an attack along one of the Chicago Public Schools safe passage routes Saturday, police said.

The shooting took place around 6:45 p.m. near 29th and State Streets when a gunman opened fire on two people along the street.

Police said a 54-year-old man and a 25-year-old man were critically injured in the shooting and taken to John H. Stroger Hospital.

The 25-year-old man suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the arm and a graze wound to the stomach and remained in the hospital Sunday morning.

Ralph McNeal, 54, was later pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.

"He was just a fun person," said McNeal's sister Meredetise Wilson. "That person took something away from us. When it hits home it's sad, it's just so sad."

The incident happened just one day after CPS officials released a map of the safe passage routes thousands of students will take when school starts in a couple weeks.

According to Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office, the routes were chosen through months of input from community members, teachers, principals, students, parents and police.

The city says 600 newly hired safety workers in yellow vests will be positioned along the routes around closing schools and welcoming schools at arrival and dismissal times.

Police Supt. Garry McCarthy said community policing officers have signed up nearly 1,800 volunteers to help be the eyes and ears along routes as well.

Chicago Police released a statement after the shooting that read in part:

"Ensuring the safety of our children is everyone's top priority. Kids have been walking through challenging areas for years and through the Safe Passage program, in partnership with the community, we will continue to help kids focus on their studies instead of their safety."

Safety remains a concern for parents who say they don't know who these Safe Passage workers will be or how they will protect thousands of students walking through dangerous neighborhoods to get to their new schools.

"Whoever said it's a safe passage evidently don't live in the area," said McNeal's niece Ronnissa Laster. "More countless accounts can happen to these kids too. Who's to say it's not going to happen two weeks from now when these kids go back to school?"

According to the mayor's office, Safe Passage work has been ongoing, including demolishing 14 buildings and cleaning up more than 200 vacant lots and thousands of graffiti markings, but all city departments will be involved including police and community volunteers.

Hundreds of new workers will begin their training next week to be ready for Aug 26 th the first day of school.

Some area residents say the shooting was an isolated incident and that the area is safe for children.

"It's safe," said Maria Pendleton whose lived near 29th and State Streets for 22 years. "It used to not be, but now they have remodeled it, they have security everywhere so children are pretty safe."
 

From Jersey to LA: Friends Spread Human Trafficking Awareness

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Two best buddies from Norristown, Pennsylvania, decided it was time to do something big in life.

Jay Atlas, 23, and childhood friend Shannon Sprowal, 21, mapped out a walking route from Atlantic City to Los Angeles to bring attention to the horrors of human trafficking. 

Atlas was inspired "to do something" after learning about the End It Movement while fellowshipping among 60,000 students at the Passion Conference in Atlanta, Ga., earlier this year.

"We thought it would just be an epic adventure. Canned beans and pitch a tent with a fire. But, hasn’t been that," said Atlas last week. 

The pair left Atlantic City on July 15 with just $21 in their pocket and 50 lbs. of gear on each of their backs. 

"It’s been really humbling to have left with so little and to be helped by complete strangers along the way. We are men of faith so we like to think God will provide," Atlas said.

The brothers, as they call themselves, are carrying perishable food, a tent, a red sharpie and an "End Human Trafficking" sign. They travel about 30 miles per day and plan to reach Los Angeles by the end of October.   

They've coined their coast to coast trip -- the Long Road to Freedom. They stay close to main roads but avoid roads without sidewalks. They are using Route 30 as their main pathway.

They use the red sharpie to put X's on the hands of people they meet who join them in spirit and their mission to end trafficking.  

For the past three weeks, they've had at least one meal a day and have found somewhere to sleep.

"I’m loving it and embracing the hobo life. I’ve met more nice people than I thought that existed," said Sprowal. "We are not hopping freight trains, at least not yet."

Rosemarie Whiteley, Atlas' mother, drove them to Atlantic City mid-July and fed them at a boardwalk diner before saying goodbye. 

"They always talked about doing something big, something important," said Whiteley. "They felt this is something they could do. They have feet so they could walk. They didn’t have money, so they could walk."

Like any mom would, Whiteley has worried about their well-being and whether they've had enough water on the trip. She's suppressed her anxiety knowing they are doing something good and keeps up with their status updates on Facebook. 

"I'm scared to death. I'm concerned about them traveling safely throughout the country," said Whiteley. "I cried all the way home (after dropping them off)."

Atlas was surprised how friendly people have been. They did have one bad experience in Everett, Pa., which stemmed from a man harassing them and yelling racist slurs outside a gas station. The ordeal ended with a state police officer telling them they should keep moving along on their trip.

Whiteley shared that both boys are biracial and has concerns for them traveling across the U.S. following the Trayvon Martin case and George Zimmerman verdict. 

Ohio was a turning point.

"Out here in Ohio it’s been wonderful," said Atlas. "After crossing the mountains, everything else is flat. We go for so much longer. I’m not really tired any more, kind of getting used to it."

Once making it to Cleveland, the pair met the mother of Gina DeJesus, one of three woman held captive for a decade by Ariel Castro. Fate stepped in and Atlas was able to enter the courtroom for Castro's sentencing, witnessing history.

"It was amazing to see it all unfold. It reaffirmed my decision to do the walk and continue my efforts to end human trafficking and domestic violence," said Atlas.

As of Friday, they've traveled approximately 600 miles and made it to Woodburn, Indiana. 

Sprowal says he's proud to say he's slept in a dumpster. One night their tent collapsed and it was raining so the two crawled into a recycling bin for cover.

"I can do nothing for the rest of my life and I will always have a story for my grandkids," he said.

The adventures of Atlas and Sprowal have gained an audience of well-wishers. 

Joann Gail Moyer wrote on Facebook,  "I know being in a dumpster is probably not the greatest but you are really showing how far you are willing to go for a great cause! Keep your heads up!"

When Whiteley gets paid she sends the duo Moneygrams via Walmart to make sure they are fed. Good samaritans they've met and those following their journey online have aided them along the way. Just this week, Lynn Bedwell of Lansdown arranged for a Walmart in Defiance, Ohio to give them a meal and new shoes as they walked into town. 

"I'm really proud of both of them. I wish that more kids were encouraged to do the right thing. There really are good kids out there," said Whiteley.

The Long Road to Freedom Facebook page grew to more than 7,000 followers in its third week. Commenters posted to Atlas and Sprowal asking them to walk through their towns. 

Gina Anderegg Samm wrote:  "I live in Belleville IL. You can stop in for dinner, shower, laundry and a place to sleep. I am just outside of St. Louis MO. I'll email you my info."

Charles Jennings shared: "Each of you guys should wear a cape.... like a true superhero."

Atlas said people keep asking what they can do. All we need is prayer, he insisted. 

In addition, the two are directing supporters to donate to the End the Movement campaign. So far, $5,000 has been raised as a result of their efforts. 

When they arrive in St. Louis next week, they plan to pause and conduct a "27hr Stand For Freedom" demonstration, which calls for an hour on their feet for each million people still in bondage. More to come on their Facebook page.

How are they getting home? Sprowal said they planned to take a bus back but may just walk. 

"We may just continue this and not stop walking until we are tired," said Atlas.

 Also on NBC10.com:

Judge Recuses Self in '83 Hitchhiker Murder Hearing

NJ Judge to Hear Gay Marriage Case on DOMA Ruling

Retro Retailer Cites Pittsburgh as Reason for Growth

Disabled Veteran Kicked Off Boardwalk Because of Service Dog


Contact Sarah Glover at 610-668-5580, sarah.glover@nbcuni.com or follow @skyphoto on Twitter.



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