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Missing Mom Discovered on the Web

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A random stroke of good luck helped a Florida boy reunite his father with his mother who went missing in November and had been presumed dead, thanks to a YouTube video.

Evan Olsen, 10, said he was on YouTube with a friend and randomly clicked on a video of YouTube sensation Brooke Roberts feeding the homeless on Los Angeles' Skid Row when he recognized his mother.

"Now that I've found my mom, I'm the happiest kid alive," said Evan.

Evan told his dad, Eddie Olsen, who jumped out of the shower and confirmed that it was Evan's mother, who is homeless. Eddie Olsen and Evan’s mother were in a relationship when they had Evan.

"He hugged me tighter than he's ever hugged me in his life and I could feel all those past days disappear," Eddie said of his son.

Eddie emailed Roberts, 19, who said he initially thought the email was a joke, but wound up scouring Skid Row with Eddie and Evan in search of Evan's mom this week.

"I'm still in shock," Roberts said. "I wake up every day and ask, 'was it a dream?'"

After hours of searching, Eddie found his ex-girlfriend, but while she recognized him, she didn’t want to return to Florida with them. She suffers from schizophrenia.

Eddie gave her clothes, letters from Evan and other family members, paid for a hotel room and a cellphone to stay in contact with the family.

Eddie returned to Florida, while the mother remained on Skid Row, he said.

Eddie said he would like for her to return and get the medication she needs.

Evan is hopeful.

"I know that she wants to come back and come home," said Evan, who also started a gofundme page. "I know that she would love to do that.”

He said he talks with her by phone every night before going to bed.

Eddie credits Roberts with helping make the connection.

"There's no way I could ever repay what he's done for me," he said.

Roberts feels blessed.

"I'm still in contact with Eddie every single day and we're still crying on the phone," said Roberts.



Photo Credit: Photo Courtesy of Brooke Roberts

New Orleans Jazz Clarinetist Pete Fountain Dead at 86

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Clarinetist Pete Fountain, whose Dixieland jazz virtuosity and irrepressible wit endeared him to his native New Orleans and earned him decades of national television fame, died Saturday of heart failure. He was 86.

Benny Harrell, Fountain's son-in-law and manager, said Fountain was in hospice care in New Orleans when he died early Saturday.

With his ready wit and infectious laugh, Fountain was the epitome of the New Orleanian who knew how to "let the good times roll." He was well known to television fans through his appearances on the Lawrence Welk and Johnny Carson shows. Even his blues had a happy note.



Photo Credit: AP

Southington Man Seriously Injured in Bristol Crash

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A Southington man was seriously injured in a Bristol motorcycle crash early Saturday morning.

Bristol police said they responded to the area of 647 Willis Street around 12:50 a.m. When they arrived they found a 51-year-old man suffering life-threatening injuries. The victim was transported to a nearby trauma center.

The Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction team was called to investigate. Preliminary findings suggest the motorcycle was traveling north on Willis Street, lost control as it came around a curve, left the roadway and struck a utility police. No other vehicles were involved.

The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact Bristol police at (860) 584-3032.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

State Police Investigate Hit-and-Run Crash in Norwalk

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Connecticut state police are investigating after a hit-and-run crash that happened on Interstate 95 in Norwalk early Saturday morning.

The Norwalk fire department confirmed they responded to reports of a person struck by a vehicle on I-95 north near exit 15 around 12:30 a.m.

Fire officials said the victim was outside his vehicle, a box truck, watching it get hooked to a tow truck when a vehicle veered into the breakdown lane. The victim, identified as a 22-year-old, was transported to Norwalk Hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the offending vehicle fled the scene, striking the tow truck in the process, according to the fire department.

Anyone with information should call Connecticut State Police Troop G at (860) 696-2500.



Photo Credit: Norwalk Fire Department

New Haven Public Schools, WYBC Host Back to School Rally

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New Haven Public Schools and WYBC hosted a Back to School Rally for students and families Saturday.

The purpose of the event, which was at Hillhouse High School, is to prepare students for the coming school year. Hundreds of new backpacks and school supplies were passed out while families enjoyed a range of activities like Zumba and relay races.

"It's very important for New Haven to do this for the residents.  There is a lot of low income people, you know even people who have jobs today are struggling so we can use all the help that we can get and we really appreciate it," said New Haven resident Rose Jackson.

Organizers also provided families with information on health and dental care and on-site immunizations.

Dozens of community organizations and several corporate sponsors were also involved in the event.

"The Back to School Rally is a time for our parents and students to collect all the resources they need to return to school ready to learn and equipped to succeed," said Superintendent Garth Harries in a press release. "It's a community event to promote partnerships and show the district's commitment to the success of the families of this community."



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Twitter Mulls US Men's Basketball Blowout of China

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The 57-point demolition of China on Saturday was the U.S. men's basketball team's biggest margin of victory in an opening game of the Olympics since the Dream Team beat Angola by a whopping 68 in 1992.

There really wasn't any doubt about this one as Team USA, led by Kevin Durant's 25 points, cruised past a Chinese squad it defeated twice in recent exhibition games by a combined 99 points.

No surprises, no drama.

That gave the Twitterverse plenty of time during the game to come up with some clever ways to describe the blowout they were witnessing live on the NBC Sports Network. 

The results? Well, you be the judge:



Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images
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New Haven Police Host Gun Buyback

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The New Haven police department collected over a hundred firearms at a gun buyback event Saturday.

Police partnered with the Injury Free Coalition for Kids of New Haven and Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Program for the event. The program is meant to get the weapons off the streets.

The program started in 2012 and police estimate around 600 guns have been turned in since they started hosting the buyback events.

Attendees are invited to turn in a working firearm in exchange for American Express or Stop & Shop gift cards. No questions are asked and individuals who turn in weapons are not asked for identification.

Police collected 85 handguns, 38 long-guns and four assault weapons at today's event.

"This by far today has been our most successful single gun buyback. This is probably forty, fifty guns over what we ever taken in on a single gun buyback event," said Officer David Hartman of the New Haven police department.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Propane Dryer Caused Vernon House Explosion: Investigators

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Fire investigators have determined that a propane dryer is what caused a powerful explosion that destroyed a Vernon home Thursday afternoon.

Fire officials said a leak in a line that supplied a propane dryer in the basement of the home led to the explosion.Officials are not sure what caused the propane to ignite, but believe the explosion was accidental. 

Seven people were inside the home when the explosion occurred. All the victims are expected to survive, but four remain hospitalized, one in critical condition.

East Street was closed for several days while officials investigated. It reopened late Saturday afternoon.

Vernon Public Schools are collecting donations for the victims, several of whom are students. The family is also working with a local charity to collect donations.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

At Least 14 Hospitalized Following San Francisco Quinceañera

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Emergency responders rushed to the scene of a Quinceañera party in San Francisco to treat 14 people, all of whom were then taken to the hospital in "moderate condition" for ingesting an unknown substance.

Of the 14 people, seven are minors. One 9-year-old is in critical condition. Police ruled out a HAZMAT situation, and sources said that it seemed as if a "watermelon candy substance" could be to blame.

The birthday celebration was being held at the Women's Building, where several community and social service events are held. The San Francisco Fire Department asked that people try and avoid that corridor of 18th Street and Valencia.

People taken to the hospital reported heart palipitations, rashes and shortness of breath, according to officials. One woman leaving the building told NBC Bay Area reporter Christie Smith that those who got sick had a foamy-type substance coming from their mouth.

"It appears this is a candy substance, but that has to be vetted and verified," said Jonathan Baxter of the San Francisco Fire Department.

 Anyone who knows anything or has any symptoms is asked to call the police.



Photo Credit: NBC Bay Area

Pistorius Treated for Injuries in Prison

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Convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius was treated for injuries he suffered in prison, NBC News reported. 

Pistorius told prison staff he fell out of bed and injured himself, Singabakho Nxumalo, a spokesman for South Africa's Department of Correctional Services, told NBC News. Nxumalo would not disclose the nature of his injuries.

Nxumalo told NBC News the former Paralymic champion was taken to the Kalafong hospital in Pretoria on Saturday and was returned to prison later in the day. 

Reuters reported that Pistorius was treated for minor injuries to his wrist, but NBC News was not able to verify that report. 

The double-amputee was sentenced to six years in prison in July for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.



Photo Credit: Phil Magakoe/AP

Syrian Refugee Crowned 'Wine Queen' in German Town

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A Syrian refugee has been crowned “wine queen” by the German town of Trier, NBC News reported. 

Ninorta Banho, 26, is the first asylum seeker chosen to represent a wine-growing region in the Mosel region. The honor is traditionally given to local young women from local families. 

The practice of choosing a wine queen dates back to the early 20th century when selected women wear traditional dirndl dresses. 

"I want to show that Germany is a welcoming country and that the Germans are very hospitable and work towards integrating refugees quickly and successfully," Banho told German broadcaster Deutsche Welle at her crowning ceremony in Trier. 

Banho was chosen by winemakers who wanted to dispel anger aimed at refugees in Germany. The country took in 1.1 million migrants in 2015.



Photo Credit: AP

U.S. Archer Looks Quite a Bit Like Leonardo DiCaprio

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No, that's not Leo with a bow and arrow.

American archer Brady Ellison helped Team USA win the silver medal in Rio for the second Olympics in a row. But Ellison's skills with a bow wasn't what targeted him for a mention as a Twitter "moment" this Games.  

Instead it was the Olympian's shared resemblance to Leonardo DiCapario. 

"Leo DiCaprio enjoying some time off from acting to play archery in the Rio Olympics," read one message. 

Ellison, who lives in his home-state Arizona after years of training in Chula Vista, California, is a star in his own right. He is the first recurve archer in history to win three World Cup titles.

The now third-time Olympian helped the U.S. archery team secure its silver in London before repeating the feat in Rio on Saturday. South Korea took the gold. 

Individual play resumes on Monday with Ellison set to compete again on Tuesday. 

"I feel good and it is definitely the least nervous that I have ever been at the Games," he said, TeamUSA.org reported. "I am excited, pumped up and looking for a medal.”

The real Leo has not commented on his Olympic doppelgänger. 



Photo Credit: Getty Images, AP
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Hartford Police Arrest Suspect in Craigslist Robberies

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Hartford police have arrested a man accused of robbing two people after setting up a meeting on Craigslist.

Derrick Britt, 23, of Hartford is charged with criminal attempted robbery, criminal attempted larceny and carrying a pistol without a permit.

Police said on August 1 and 2 two separate street robberies were reported. Each victim reportedly responded to a Craigslist ad for a Playstation4 and set up a time and location to meet with the seller at 40 Annawan St. The victims communicated with the seller via text message. When each victim arrived, they were robbed at gunpoint.

According to police, detectives texted with the suspect and agreed to meet at 40 Annawan St to buy a Playstation 4. On Friday, police set up surveillance in the area and an undercover officer went to the location, to meet the suspect.

The suspect, Britt, met with the detective and tried to flee when he saw the other officers. He was arrested and police seized a .380 caliber handgun in his possession.

Police said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.

The Hartford police department offers its public parking lot as a safe location for Craigslist transactions.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Hartford Police Investigate Beacon Street Stabbing

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Hartford police are investigating a stabbing on Beacon Street Sunday morning.

Police said a male victim was stabbed in an apartment at 38 Beacon Street with a knife around 6:50 a.m. The victim was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery and is listed in stable condition. He has not been publicly identified.

A friend of the victim witnessed the incident, police said. That friend reported that the suspect took a knife from a duffel bag and shouted "you've ruined my life," while stabbing the victim in the abdomen.

According to police, the suspect is a tall male in his 30’s between six-foot-two and six-foot-five, wearing all blue clothing. It appears the suspect knew the victim.

The Major Crimes Division is investigating.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Pro-Trump Super PAC Ad Targets Clinton on Wealth

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A new ad attacking Hillary Clinton by the super PAC supporting Donald Trump will begin airing Monday, NBC News reported. 

The ad accuses Clinton of profiting from decades of political connections. 

"A foundation was created and money started to roll," a narrator says in the ad, part of a $3 million buy by pro-Trump group Rebuilding America Now. "The Clintons are now worth an excess of $100 million dollars," the ad continues. 

The ad capitalizes on Clinton’s own comments when she promoted her memoir in 2014, in which she said she and former President Bill Clinton left the White House nearly broke at the end of his presidency. 

This summer, the super PAC released an ad juxtaposing Clinton’s defense of her private email server with her husband’s infamous denial of infidelity with then-White House intern Monica Lewinsky.



Photo Credit: AP
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Kaine Says He & Clinton Will be 'Transparent' on Emails

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Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine found himself having to answer questions about Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server, NBC News reported. 

In an interview on "Fox News Sunday" last week, Clinton claimed FBI director James Comey found her answers on the controversy "truthful" and "consistent" with her past public statements. 

During an appearance on “Meet the Press,” Kaine said he thought "Chris Wallace and Hillary were sort of talking past each other last week." 

"She was saying what Director Comey acknowledged to be true, that when she spoke to the FBI ... the FBI thought her answers in that setting were truthful. Chris might have been asking her a different question." 

"I am not presumptuous enough to start thinking about how I'm going to do things after November,” Kaine said when asked if he and Clinton would be more transparent in the White House.



Photo Credit: AP

Jim Furyk Breaks PGA Tour Record

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Jim Furyk set a course record at the Travelers Championship on Sunday, finishing his first nine holes in 27 shots. 

The score ties the 46-year-old American for the second-best nine holes in PGA Tour history, behind only Corey Pavin, who shot a 26 on the front nine at U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee in 2006. 

The previous nine-hole record at the TPC River Highlands course was a 28, shared by three golfers who did it on the course's back nine. 

The previous best front-nine score was a 29, a feat accomplished by six golfers since the course in Cromwell began hosting the Connecticut PGA Tour stop in 1984. 

Furyk also made a birdie on the 10th hole and was at 8-under par for the tournament, seven shots behind third-round leader Daniel Berger, who tees off later Sunday.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rocky Neck, Squantz Pond State Parks at Capacity

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Parking at Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme is at full capacity and the park is closed to new visitors as of 1:50 p.m. Sunday, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The parking areas at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield also reached capacity Sunday.

For more information on state parks visit the DEEP website.



Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com

Teen Shoots at Uber Driver

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A 16-year-old teen fired several shots at his Uber driver's car following an argument over social media posts, San Diego Police said. 

The incident happened late Saturday night at after 10 p.m. when a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old called an Uber to pick them up in Mission Beach. 

The driver came and picked up the teens, dropping them off at a home in San Diego's Valencia Park neighborhood, police said. 

When the teens got out, the 16-year-old realized he left his phone in the Uber and called the driver. The driver agreed to return the teen's phone after he finished driving the new passenger he had just picked up. 

The new passenger went through the teen's phone and saw he was talking badly about the driver. They began posting on social media about it, according to SDPD. 

When the driver returned the teen's phone, the two got in an argument over the social media posts, police said. 

Eventually, police said, the driver drove away. As he left, the 16-year-old fired several shots, police said. 

The bullets shattered some of the car's windows, police said.

A representative for Uber told NBC 7 San Diego they have been in contact with the driver involved and are thankful he is okay. 

The 16-year-old was arrested a short time later. He has not been identified. 

The incident is under investigation. 

No other information was immediately available.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Among Both Visitors and Staff, National Park Service Looks to Grow Diversity

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The National Park Service is working to diversify visitors to parks -- and staffers -- across the country, NBC News reported.

As the National Park Service celebrates its centennial this August, the agency is turning its focus to making sure both visitors and staff are more diverse. The National Park Service had record high attendance last year — 307 million visitors, to be precise — but fewer than 20 percent of those attendees were minorities.

This is a stark contrast from the country's actual makeup. According to Census data, minorities comprise nearly 40 percent of the nation.



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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