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New Photograph Surfaces of Massacre Suspects Arriving in U.S.

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A new photograph of San Bernardino shooters, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, shows the couple arriving in the United States in 2014 at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

In the government photograph stamped July 27, 2014, both Farook and Malik are looking directly at the camera.

Farook, a U.S. citizen, traveled to Saudi Arabia in July 2014 and returned with Malik, authorities have said. The Pakistan-born Malik, who spent much of her life in Saudi Arabia, entered the United States on a so-called fiance or K- visa, which allows a soon-to-be spouse to travel to the United States for a wedding within 90 days.

Their California marriage license became official in August 2014.

Last week, the couple, armed with handguns and assault rifles, burst into a holiday lunch being held for staff of the San Bernardino health department, killing 14 people and wounding 21 others. They were killed in a shootout with police.



Photo Credit: U.S. Government Photo

ISIS Ramps Up Pressure on Taliban in New Video

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Islamic State militants took on Taliban in a new video released Monday, saying the Afghan group's leadership had deviated from the righteous Muslim path, NBC News reported. 

Distributed by ISIS' official Telegram channel, the video comes five days after news emerged that the Taliban's recently installed leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour had been wounded in a shootout with other militants. The Taliban later issued an audio statement it claimed came from Mansour himself, but rumors persist that he is dead.

In the video, a man identifying himself as Abu Yasir Al-Afghani accuses the Taliban of cooperating with Pakistan's spy agency, the ISI — a claim denied by Pakistan — and of protecting shrines deemed un-Islamic by extremist ISIS. He also condemns alleged ties between the Taliban and Iran, which as a Shiite Muslim state is despised by Sunni extremists.



Photo Credit: AP

NAACP to Meet After Police Shooting

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The NAACP in San Francisco will hold a special meeting Monday night urging the community to remain calm after officers shot and killed a stabbing suspect last week.

Mario Woods, 26, was accused of stabbing another man in the shoulder Dec. 2. Police said he was armed with a knife and refused to drop it despite officers' orders. 

San Francisco Police Chief Greg Suhr said his officers first tried to subdue Woods with non-lethal weapons, including a bean-bag gun and pepper spray, to no avail. According to police, officers opened fire when Woods, still holding the knife, appeared to move toward a bus full of people.

Video posted to social media shows five police officers firing at Woods. The police department released a photo of the knife they said he was holding.

NAACP Board Member and Third Baptist Church Pastor Amos Brown said in a statement before Monday's meeting that watching Woods get shot was "all too familiar and painful," but he also urged restraint.

"We cannot and will not allow ourselves to react to this abhorrent event with more violence," he said.

Community tensions boiled over Friday night at a community meeting in the Bayview District, where several members called for Suhr's resignation.

Bayview resident Frank Williams told those gathered Friday the shooting video is hard to watch.

"He got shot like he was at a firing squad. Deplorable," he said.

Williams and dozens of others lined up Friday for a chance to speak to the police chief and commissioners, telling the panel the department needs to implement change from the top down.

"I think we need reform," Williams said. "As far as use of excessive force, I'm not saying police are criminals; I'm saying they're doing what they were told."

Members of the police commission said they plan to review the department's use-of-force policy and procedures.

Suhr said he has contacted a police research forum on the East Coast that is looking into bringing de-escalation techniques used in Europe to the United States. The chief said he wants his department to be part of that process.

Monday's meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the Third Baptist Church at 1399 McAllister Street in San Francisco.



Photo Credit: Jean Elle/NBC Bay Area
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'Charlie Brown' Actor Sentenced

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The man who was once the voice of the “Peanuts” TV cartoon character Charlie Brown will go to prison for making criminal threats.

Peter Robbins, 59, pleaded guilty last month to to threatening the manager of the Laguna Vista Mobile Home Park in Oceanside where Robbins used to live.

Robbins admitted to writing threatening letters from his jail cell. Authorities said in some letters, Robbins offered to pay $50,000 to have San Diego County Sheriff William "Bill" Gore killed.

In court Monday, Robbins asked to withdraw his plea and requested a new attorney. The judge denied that request and sentenced Robbins to four years and eight months in prison.

After several public outbursts during previous court appearances, Robbins told the judge in November he suffers from a mental illness.

"This is what happens when you are bipolar. You behave as if you are on drugs," he said. "I want justice to be served, but I’m mentally ill. ... To stick me three years into a state prison is not benefitting the justice system. I feel I’m entitled to at least a second chance."

Robbins, who began his acting career at age 9, was the voice of Charlie Brown for the iconic television specials "A Charlie Brown Christmas," "It's a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and "A Boy Named Charlie Brown."

The former child actor's legal problems began in January 2013 when Robbins was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border. He later pleaded guilty to stalking an ex-girlfriend and the plastic surgeon who had operated on her. In May 2013, Robbins was sentenced to jail time and ordered to enroll in a residential drug treatment program.

He was also sentenced to five years of probation. Shortly after his release from prison, Robbins was arrested again and charged with violating probation. Robbins has been in jail since late February 2015.

On June 5, during what was supposed to be his sentencing for multiple probation violations, an angry Robbins acted out in court with a profanity-laden outburst, yelling at the judge, "I hope you drop dead of a heart attack."

Most recently, on Sept. 25, Robbins was set again to be sentenced for violating probation but was instead charged with four new felony counts, including making criminal threats against the sheriff.

One of the victims in the case spoke to NBC 7 outside of court and described a sense of relief that the case was over.

"Personally, I think he should have got a lot more time but it is what it is," Patrick Brophy said. He and his wife were property managers at the Laguna Vista Mobile Home Park.

"We're satisfied it's all over."
 



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Mom, Kids Held at Knifepoint

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Three men held a mother and four children at knifepoint and fired a gun during a home invasion in Worcester, Massachusetts, on Sunday night, according to police.

Worcester police have arrested Alex Pleas, 24, of West Mountain Street; Tyrell Dudley, 27, of Murray Avenue; and Anthony Gomes, 28, of Main Street, in connection with the case.

Police said the 27-year-old woman was home with her four children at an apartment on Tower Street when three men broke in through a back door, two of them armed with handguns. Police were called to the scene around 11:50 p.m. Sunday.

A 28-year-old man also lives at the apartment but was not home at the time.

Police said one of the intruders demanded money and other valuables, while the other two men ransacked the apartment. The perpetrators brought the woman and her children to the kitchen and brandished a knife while continuing to make threats and demand money.

One fired a gun while the trio rummaged through the apartment, according to police. The men then fled. Police said no one was hurt.

Police said the investigation led them to execute a search warrant around 6:30 a.m. Monday at Classic Suites and Inn at 181 West Boylston Street in West Boylston, Massachusetts. They arrested three suspects.

Pleas, Dudley and Gomes have all been charged with discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, home invasion and possession of firearm or ammunition without an firearm identification card.

Court and bail information was not immediately available. It's not clear if any of the suspects have hired attorneys who could comment on their behalf.



Photo Credit: Getty Images/File

Former Air Force Pilots Denounce Drone Program

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Three former U.S. Air Force service members say American drone strikes help terrorist groups recruit new members. In an interview with NBC News, one of them called America’s drone program "morally outrageous" and "one of the most devastating driving forces for terrorism and destabilization around the world."

The group of servicemen — who piloted drones for the American military — issued an impassioned plea last month in a letter to President Barack Obama, linking drone strikes to the rise of ISIS and the recent attacks in Paris. 

The Air Force told NBC News in a statement, "Our remotely piloted aircraft operators perform a critically important mission that contributes significantly to national defense and global security." 



Photo Credit: AP
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Cancer Patient Blessed by Pope Dies

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A young Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, cancer patient who was blessed by Pope Francis during his Philadelphia visit, has died.

Family members of 9-year-old Landon Vargas announced his death on their Facebook page:

"It saddens us to have to say this but our precious son Landon, went to live with God Saturday evening. We will miss him dearly but are glad to know he is finally healthy and happy sitting next to our Lord. Landon was an intelligent, funny and loving 9 year old that touched many in his short time. He fought valiantly for 5 years. We don’t know anyone tougher or braver than him," the family wrote.

Landon, who turned 9 on Thanksgiving Day, was scooped up from the crowded sidelines during the pope's Sept. 26 procession to Independence Mall. Pope Francis reached out, gently cupped Landon's head and kissed the frail boy, who wore his Batman T-shirt that day.

Landon's father, a Spanish teacher at William Penn High School, said his son was in a good position that day to see the pope come by, but there was no a guarantee he'd be selected to meet the pontifex.

As the Popemobile approached, Ariel Vargas kept saying, "Bendicelo!" which means "Bless him!" That caught the attention of the pope's security detail as they scanned bystanders.

Landon was diagnosed with cancer on his fourth birthday.

"He's had a long road for the last 5 years and we're running out of options, and this was a good one," his father said the day after Landon was blessed by the pope. "We were praying and hoping that he [Pope Francis] would bless him, and now it's in God's hands."

The Vargas family is planning a celebration of Landon's life on Saturday. You can follow their Facebook page for more information.



Photo Credit: Family Photo
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Suspect in Newtown Home Invasion Also Tied to Violent Car Incident: PD

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A suspect in a Newtown home invasion is also accused of attacking a woman who says she tried to stop him from driving drunk, police said.

A Kettle Creek Lane resident in Monroe called police after she heard loud screaming outside her home that she initially thought were howling coyotes, police said. When she opened her front door,, she discovered a woman calling for help. The resident brought the woman inside as they waited for police and officers learned she was a domestic violence victim.

The woman told police that she and Michael Dziubina, 27, of Newtown, were heading to his house after a party at her friend's home in Shelton and she realized he was drunk. When Dziubina made a wrong turn on Kettle Creek Lane, she commanded him to pull over so she could get out of the car. When he didn't comply, she pulled center console lever for the emergency breaks, turned the car off and took the keys out of the ignition. This angered Dziubina, who cot out of the car, walked to the woman's door, pulled her from the car by her neck and threw her down, police said. Then he used a spare key to start the car and sped off, police said.

He was identified as Dziubina and police confirmed he was later arrested in Newtown in a home invasion.

In that situation, police said they were called to a home on Andras Road in Newtown around 4 a.m. Sunday for reports of gunshots. When they arrived they found the suspect, identified as Dziubina, standing near a broken exterior door with a small pistol in his hand. Dziubina was taken into custody without incident.

Investigation led police to believe that Dziubina fired at the exterior door of the occupied residence to gain entry. In that unrelated case, Dziubina is charged with home invasion, first-degree burglary, first-degree reckless endangerment, unlawful discharge of a firearm and first degree criminal mischief.

As for the Monroe incident, police are working to secure an arrest warrant for Dziubina.



Photo Credit: Newtown Police Department

Teen Arrested After Threat at West Haven High: Pd

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Police have arrested an 18-year-old they say is responsible for the brief lockdown at West Haven High School on Monday after a student received a threat on a personal cell phone, according to police and school officials.

The school was locked down while authorities investigated the threat,  notification on the high school's website. By 8:15 a.m., the lockdown was lifted and the school has resumed its normal schedule.

Later in the day West Haven police arrested Edward McNamara, 18, of West Haven, on charges of breach of peace, threatening and harassment, police said.

"He is responsible for causing this mornings Lockdown at West Haven High School," West Haven police said the department's Facebook page.

As a result of the threat, police and security has been heightened on the high school campus Monday.

"We take all threats seriously and place the safety and security of the entire school community as our top priority," school officials said.

Police held McNamara in custody.



Photo Credit: West Haven Police Department

Teens Accused of Stealing Reptiles in New Haven

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New Haven police arrested three teens who were trying to steal snakes and a turtle from an environmental center.

Officers responded to a burglar alarm at the East Rock Environmental Center on Cold Spring Street just before 4 p.m. on Friday.

The officers saw three teenagers leaving the area, including one climbing out of a broken window of the facility, according to police.

The teens were carrying two ball pythons, a garter snake and a tortoise from the center. One of the suspects had a bag containing a hammer. When asked why he had the hammer, the teen told officers he used it to break windows, according to police.

Police took the juveniles into custody and rescued the reptiles.

The three suspects were charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal trespass and sixth-degree larceny.

Shooters 'Radicalized for Some Time' Before Rampage: FBI

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The couple accused in the mass shooting at a San Bernardino health center had been radicalized "for some time" and did target practice before the rampage left 14 dead and injured 21, the FBI said on Monday.

David Bowdich, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's LA field office, laid out more details during a news conference about the investigation into Wednesday's attack at the Inland Regional Center.

The wide-ranging probe involved interviews with more than 400 people and the collection of over 320 pieces of evidence, Bowdich said. The FBI said it has evidence that both shooters, identified as Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, 27, participated in target practices at ranges across Los Angeles, including one days within of the shooting.

Bowdich also said both subjects had been radicalized and had been for some time, but it's unclear how long ago that occurred and by whom.

Agents are also trying to determine whether the attack was part of a broader plot, and if so, who might have financed it.

The news comes as federal authorities are scrutinizing the backgrounds of the assailants in the San Bernardino shootings to determine how they became radicalized and if they received outside funds to finance the deadliest terror strike on American soil since 9/11.

The Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken the lead in the investigation.

President Barack Obama said Sunday night that the attack had been "an act of terrorism designed to kill innocent people."

Farook and Malik had been married two years and had a 6-month-old daughter, authorities said.

Intelligence sources said Malik posted a statement of allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi just before the killing began, and an ISIS online radio broadcast said Farook and Malik were ISIS supporters.

"Two followers of Islamic State attacked several days ago a center in San Bernardino," media reports quoted the ISIS broadcast as saying. ISIS did not directly take responsibility for the attack, but praised Farook and Malik as "martyrs."

The couple was killed in a gunbattle with police about seven hours after the initial shooting at the Inland Regional Center, which provides treatment for people with developmental disabilities. Investigators found evidence Farook and Malik destroyed their mobile phones the day before the shootings.



Photo Credit: San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department
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Ex-Pediatric Nurse Sentenced for Sex Acts with Infants

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A San Diego pediatric nurse was sentenced to 80 years in prison for performing sex acts on two newborns and videotaping them. During the sentencing, the judge said the nurse was "the worst of the worst." 

Michael William Lutts, 50, a former nurse, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography. He admitted to 15 instances of photographing or videotaping the infants in "sexually explicit situations at both his home and his work place," the U.S. attorney said.

U.S. District Judge John Houston said Lutts was "the worst of the worst" and described what he had done to the two-month-old premature boy and 11-month-old girl "worse than a mass murderer shooting 20 people" because the victims were fragile and easy to victimize. 

“This defendant is a parent’s worst nightmare and a predator to society. He should never see the light of day," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessandra Serano, asking for a sentence of 65 years. "Rehabilitation would be futile.”

As part of his plea agreement, he will not be able to appeal his sentence. 

Judge Houston said he would not recommend any mental health treatment because the "taxpayers shouldn't waste their money on (his) treatment." Houston said he handed down the sentence, giving the man 15 more years than asked for by the prosecution, because he wanted to "send a message to others who conduct this activity under the cover of dark." 

A federal grand jury indictment says around July 24, 2014, he took sexually explicit digital photos of an 11-month-old girl.

He then began performing lewd acts on his prematurely born, 2-month-old foster child on Aug. 4, 2014, the day Lutts received custody of him, officials say. 

Investigators detail graphic incidents in court documents, alleging Lutts touched and manipulated the infant’s genitals while masturbating and filming the abuse. 

Pictures show the hospital tag was still attached to the boy’s leg, according to a complaint. The FBI says the baby can be heard crying through many of the videos.

Agents started tracking Lutts because they believed he was a child pornography distributor. When they served a search warrant to his house, they say they found several hundred pornographic images and videos involving children. Lutts also agreed to give up his College area home, in which many of the crimes took place.

The foster child has since been placed in the care of Child Protective Services.

Kaiser Permanente said Lutts was terminated in September 2014.

Two other men are accused of conspiring with Lutts. A federal indictment says Stephen Schaffner, an ex-counselor, directed Lutts to sexually abuse his foster child and send pictures to him. Bartolomeo Baravella was also arrested on suspicion of planning to kidnap a baby with Lutts. Baravella has been charged with possession of images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.



Photo Credit: FBI

Big Connecticut Cities are Health Food 'Deserts': USDA

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture calls Hartford a “food desert” when it comes to the limited accessibility to healthy foods.

The "deserts" in the state not only include Hartford, but also Bridgeport and New Haven.

“There’s no question we’ve got a lot of work to do to make sure all of our residents no matter what neighborhood they are in to make sure they have access to healthy affordable foods,” Hartford Mayor-Elect Luke Bronin said.

According to an analysis by the Associated Press, no large food retailers have opened supermarkets in Hartford, New Haven or Bridgeport from late 2011 to early 2015. The cities are areas of Connecticut the federal government said needs the stores most.

“I’m healthy enough physically to move around, but some people are limited in their, you know, moving around and access the stores,” David Miller of Hartford said.

For residents of Hartford, there is hope: a smaller grocery store coming to Main Street.

“As part of the promised development around the baseball stadium there is supposed to be a grocery store I hope to hold their feet to the fire and I know they’re working hard to make that happen,” Bronin said.

Large retailers have opened 14 new supermarkets across the state over the last four years. None of them opened in “food desert” cities like Hartford.

“The only option can't be the corner store where too often prices are high and the food isn’t healthy,” Bronin said.

The USDA’s food criteria are based on poverty rates and distance to the nearest supermarket.



Photo Credit: NBC Connecticut

Man Attacked Woman, Then Police at Ansonia Big Y: PD

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Police arrested a man after he attacked a woman in the Ansonia Big Y lobby and customers restrained him until authorities arrived, police said.

Ansonia police responded to Big Y at 404 Main Street at 5:45 p.m. to investigate a report about an altercation in the grocery store foyer.

When police got there, Anthony Tenn, 30, of Ansonia was screaming "at the top of his lungs" and several "good Samaritans" were detaining him. They told police that he assaulted the woman, a 37-year-old Ansonia resident, by grabbing her arms and neck before "shaking her violently," police said.

The victim told police Tenn threatened her.

Police handcuffed Tenn. He then resisted moving as they tried to bring him to the police cruiser and refused to get in, kicking the doors, police said. Officers had to restrain him in the police car and he kicked one of them in the face, according to police. Police restrained him until medical personnel arrived to take him to Griffin Hospital to be evaluated.

The officer kicked suffered minor face injuries. The woman attacked told police her neck and back were injured in the assault.

Police found a pocket knife and two small baggies of a white powder that tested positive to be cocaine during a search of the suspect's property.

Before the attack on the woman, Tenn tried to get into a parked, occupied vehicle parked at Bob's Stores, but the driver and his two kids were able to drive off before he got inside, police said.

Police charged Tenn with second-degree breach of peace, second-degree threatening, third-degree assault, third-degree assault on a police officer, interfering with an officer and possession of cocaine.

Tenn is being held in custody on a $50,000 bond and is due in Derby Superior Court on Dec. 21 at 9 a.m.

Sex Assault Suspect Held Woman in Hotel Room Against Will: PD

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A man is facing multiple charges in a sexual assault at a Newington hotel, police said.

The victim identified Jamie Tirado, 36, of Newington, as the man who sexually and physically assaulted her in a room at the Grantmoor Motel, police said. He also is suspected of threatening and strangling her, as well as holding her in the hotel room against her will.

The woman told police that she tried to call them for help, but the suspect took her phone to intercept her call, police said.

The victim suffered minor physical injuries as a result and was treated at a local hospital. She's since been released.

The motel is located at 3000 Berlin Turnpike in Newington.

Police charged Tirado with first-degree sexual assault, third-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, second-degree threatening, first-degree reckless endangerment, interference with emergency calls and first-degree unlawful restraint.

Authorities are holding Tirado in custody on a $250,000 bond and he was scheduled to be arraigned in New Britain Superior Court on Monday.


Pig's Head Found Outside Philly Mosque

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A gruesome discovery outside a North Philadelphia mosque has sparked a police and FBI investigation.  Nabil Khalil, the manager of the Al Aqsa Islamic Society told police he found the bloody, severed head of a pig outside the mosque around 6 a.m. Monday when he showed up to set up for morning prayer services.

"I don't know if they want to treat us like pigs or we look like pigs or act like pigs," he said.

Surveillance video at the building, which is located on 1501 Germantown Avenue, shows a person inside a red pickup truck driving past the mosque and throwing the pig's head out of the vehicle’s window Sunday night. Police as well as the FBI are investigating the incident and are speaking to witnesses.

"You're always going to be looking over your shoulder," Khalil said.

The Quran forbids the consumption of pork and pig products and describes pigs as unclean.

Khalil told NBC10 Monday's incident wasn't the first time the mosque was targeted. Only a few days after the Paris terror attacks, an unidentified man left a voicemail at the mosque.

"I hope you people are happy about what you did in Paris," the man said. "I'd just like to state for the record that Allah is a piece of pork s***."

Khalil told NBC10 they still never determined who left the voicemail.

"I said a prayer for the guy," Khalil said. "If he was in his right mind he wouldn't be doing this." 

Philadelphia Mayor-elect Jim Kenney released a statement on the incident early Monday evening.

"The bigotry that desecrated Al-Aqsa mosque today has no place in Philadelphia," he said. "The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection has a long history of coming together in the face of challenge. We cannot allow hate to divide us now, in the face of unprecedented difficulties. I ask all Philadelphians to join me in rejecting this despicable act and supporting our Muslim neighbors."

The incident comes less than a week after a shooting in Southern California left 14 people dead and 21 wounded. The FBI said Monday that its investigators believe the attackers, a Muslim husband and wife, were radicalized – confirming earlier reports on the direction of the investigation and a statement from President Barack Obama Sunday night.

Addressing the nation from the Oval Office Sunday, Obama called for Americans to focus its rancor about the attacks on ISIS, not Islam.

"We cannot turn against one another," he said.

But Obama's statement didn't stop Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump from announcing his support for preventing Muslims from entering the country.



Photo Credit: WCAU viewer

Police Help Christmas Tree Farm Stay Open

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Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Manchester is open for business – it was originally set to close this season after the family who owns the farm experienced a tragedy earlier this year.

Lynn Steele and her husband Arthur began growing the trees in 1985, shortly after they got married.
In September, Arthur died after falling off a bulldozer.
The tragedy left Steele with hundreds of trees to care for on her own, along with a broken heart. She was also limited by multiple sclerosis, which leaves her in a wheel chair.
“That was the end of the farm I mean I took the big sign out front and I put a sign out,” said Steele.
“To hear that they weren’t going to be in operation this year because of his passing and because of her physical limitations I figured it was something we might be able to give her a helping hand,” said Dan Doyon with the Manchester Police Department.
Doyon is part of the force’s community policing unit. He was called to Steele’s house a few days before and noticed the “not in business” sign at the farm. Instead, the unit volunteered their Saturday to help make her Christmas tree farm a reality one more time -- 38 of the 300 Christmas trees were sold.
“I kept thinking I know he’s watching this. I know he’s watching this and so happy and thrilled that people are stepping up to help out,” said Steele.
The police department plans to volunteer at the Vernon Street farm every Saturday before Christmas 10- 4 PM to help sell trees.
"It’s absolutely extraordinary. That somebody would do something just for one person," said Steele.

Hartford Police Investigating Fatal Shooting

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Hartford Police are investigating a fatal shooting. 

Police are on scene at Judson St. at Martin St.

Police say one person was found shot at the scene and was transported to the hospital where they died from their injuries.

We have a crew on scene and will bring you more information as it becomes available.

Largest Destroyer Built For US Navy Heads to Sea on Maine's Coast

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The largest destroyer ever built for the U.S. Navy is undergoing sea trials along the Maine coast this week.

Built at Bath Iron Works, the 600-ft, 15,000-ton USS Zumwalt cost about $4.4 billion, and took about a decade to build.

“It’s the toughest looking ship,” said Bath, Maine City Manager Bill Giroux. “I think people are really proud of what this ship can do, and how impressive it looks.”

Hundreds gathered in downtown Bath to watch the Zumwalt depart BIW for sea trials Monday morning. The vessel is expected to stop in Portland Monday night, and return to Bath by Sunday. The goal is to make adjustments to the ship this winter, and deliver it to the Navy next year.

“There’s hardly even words for it, because it’s so state of the art,” said Bath resident Marion Massey.

The Zumwalt is being called the “ship of the future.” Outfitted with the latest in technology and missiles, it is sharp angles and sleek design make it a stealth destroyer, designed to evade enemy radar.

“I think it’s far beyond anything that’s been manufactured to date,” said BIW Engineer Chip Simpson. “It’s a leap ahead.”

But some critics look at the unique design, and question its seaworthiness.

“I just really don’t know how well it’s going to function,” said Lee Frederick, a Bath resident who served decades in the Navy.

It has what’s called a “tumblehome” hull with an inward slope, allowing the ship to pass through waves instead of rising over them.

“These are the highest tech vessels in the world, and we’re building them,” said Giroux. “We hope to keep building them, and we hope the Navy wants more Zumwalts.”

BIW has the contract to build a total of three Zumwalt destroyers.
 



Photo Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS

ISIS Attacks: At Least 525 Killed in Last 2 Months

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ISIS and its sympathizers have killed at least 525 civilians in six attacks over the last two months, NBC News reported.

Since October 10, the group has not gone more than three weeks without being linked to a high-profile terrorist attack.

The bloodshed has touched six countries in the last eight weeks — Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, France, Tunisia and the US, where authorities are still trying to determine the extent of any relationship the San Berardino attackers may have had to the terrorist group.

American counterterrorism officials say that ISIS directed three of the attacks from its territory in Syria and Iraq, while the rest were organized and orchestrated by local sympathizers.



Photo Credit: EFE
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