D/FW whistleblower was ostracized
By JEFF BRADY / WFAA ABC 8
DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas - A North Texas woman saw the potential for deadly accidents at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and faced the consequences of speaking out.
D/FW is the world's fifth-busiest passenger airport, with more than 60 million arrivals and departures every year. But when veteran air traffic controller Anne Whiteman blew the whistle on potentially-deadly lapses and mistakes, few listened.
"Every time something happened I thought, 'gee, somebody is gonna put an end to this,'" said Whiteman.
But no one did at first, as News 8 reported months ago.
The closest call at D/FW to date happened late last year between a business jet and a passenger plane - a collision averted by seven seconds.
But Whiteman said once she raised her concerns, things got ugly. Friday on Oprah, she talked about being ostracized and threatened.
"I can't work there anymore," Whiteman said.
She endured verbal harassment, practical jokes that put planes in jeopardy, and even what she considers an assault on her life as she drove to work...
"I looked over and saw it was a co-worker," she recalled. "I stopped at a light to let him go ahead, and he waited for me, and as I went down the road he picked up speed and swerved right in front of me to run me off the road."
And still she refused to quit.
Now, federal authorities are listening to Whiteman. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the Department of Transportation have both opened investigations, and she does still have a job at the airport although she's been reassigned.
News from the Lone Star State
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TexasStooge
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A&M officials may face trial
Families try to revive lawsuit over deadly 1999 bonfire collapse
By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
PLANO, Texas – The families of those killed or injured when a bonfire collapsed at Texas A&M University several years ago asked the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday to revive their lawsuit.
Attorneys representing 11 deceased and injured wanted the court to reconsider a lower court's May 2004 decision that dismissed the suit.
The families allege the university failed to oversee the 59-foot bonfire, resulting in a "state-created danger." The judge who dismissed the case in May said the concept of "created danger" did not exist in 1999.
"This is a state-created activity," attorney Steve DeWolf said. "It was intentional and deliberate that they left it in control" of students. He added that university officials controlled where the bonfire was built, approved of the activity and used the bonfire as a recruiting tool.
State Solicitor General Ted Cruz, representing the 12 school officials named in the lawsuit, said the facts do not support such a ruling. He told the three-judge panel that the state did not create the danger because the school did not force participation, students "enthusiastically" worked on the bonfire, there was no deliberate indifference to their lives and the school was dismissed as a party to the lawsuit.
He also said the case did not belong in federal court because it was not a constitutional issue.
The plaintiffs argued Friday that the school officials denied those who worked on the bonfire their "constitutional right of bodily integrity" – the right to be free from injury from the state.
A decision is expected in about two months.
Twelve people were killed and 27 were injured when the bonfire toppled in November 1999. The bonfire was constructed each year and burned on the eve of Texas A&M's game against rival the University of Texas. That year, the stack of more than 5,000 logs collapsed while being built under the supervision of student leaders.
A separate case involving eight of those who died or were injured is also proceeding. The state case was scheduled for trial in September but was postponed because of appeals. Attorneys estimated Friday that the case could go to trial in late 2006 or early 2007. Several defendants in the case have settled for several million dollars.
The bonfire is a longstanding Aggie tradition that began in 1909.
Friday's case was originally to be heard in New Orleans but was moved to North Texas because of flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina.
Families try to revive lawsuit over deadly 1999 bonfire collapse
By JENNIFER EMILY / The Dallas Morning News
PLANO, Texas – The families of those killed or injured when a bonfire collapsed at Texas A&M University several years ago asked the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday to revive their lawsuit.
Attorneys representing 11 deceased and injured wanted the court to reconsider a lower court's May 2004 decision that dismissed the suit.
The families allege the university failed to oversee the 59-foot bonfire, resulting in a "state-created danger." The judge who dismissed the case in May said the concept of "created danger" did not exist in 1999.
"This is a state-created activity," attorney Steve DeWolf said. "It was intentional and deliberate that they left it in control" of students. He added that university officials controlled where the bonfire was built, approved of the activity and used the bonfire as a recruiting tool.
State Solicitor General Ted Cruz, representing the 12 school officials named in the lawsuit, said the facts do not support such a ruling. He told the three-judge panel that the state did not create the danger because the school did not force participation, students "enthusiastically" worked on the bonfire, there was no deliberate indifference to their lives and the school was dismissed as a party to the lawsuit.
He also said the case did not belong in federal court because it was not a constitutional issue.
The plaintiffs argued Friday that the school officials denied those who worked on the bonfire their "constitutional right of bodily integrity" – the right to be free from injury from the state.
A decision is expected in about two months.
Twelve people were killed and 27 were injured when the bonfire toppled in November 1999. The bonfire was constructed each year and burned on the eve of Texas A&M's game against rival the University of Texas. That year, the stack of more than 5,000 logs collapsed while being built under the supervision of student leaders.
A separate case involving eight of those who died or were injured is also proceeding. The state case was scheduled for trial in September but was postponed because of appeals. Attorneys estimated Friday that the case could go to trial in late 2006 or early 2007. Several defendants in the case have settled for several million dollars.
The bonfire is a longstanding Aggie tradition that began in 1909.
Friday's case was originally to be heard in New Orleans but was moved to North Texas because of flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina.
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Students burned at elementary school
Dallas: First-graders sent to hospital after mobile food counter tips over
By TAWNELL D. HOBBS / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Four first-graders were burned Friday morning at Adelle Turner Elementary School when a hot food service counter tipped over, spilling 180- to 200-degree water.
All four were taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital with second- to third-degree burns. A hospital representative said three of the children were in good condition and one was in fair.
The most seriously injured child, a 7-year-old girl, had third-degree burns below her waist after being pinned under the counter, said Dallas school spokesman Donald Claxton.
"She has some pretty significant burns," he said. He said the children's parents were notified.
A fifth student, who was not burned but became upset after seeing the accident, was picked up by her parents, Mr. Claxton said.
The injured students were in the lunch line and had reached the counter, which is on wheels, Mr. Claxton said.
One of the workers had moved away from the counter to put in a new tray of food. Apparently, Mr. Claxton said, the students leaned on the counter or reached over it, and it tipped.
Capt. Jesse Garcia, spokesman for Dallas Fire-Rescue, said the counter has three inserts to hold food trays. Each insert had at least 3 inches of water between 180 and 200 degrees, he said.
He said burn injuries are much more dangerous for children.
"They are much smaller ... and tend to suffer more burns because of their size," he said
Capt. Garcia went into the school after the accident and tested the counter. He said he weighs about 210 pounds, and the counter tipped when he leaned on it. He said the children who leaned on the counter probably weighed about 50 pounds each – enough weight to tip it.
"If you got enough kids, it's understandable it might tip," Capt. Garcia said. "It's a good idea for schools to take note of this incident."
Mr. Claxton said the district is investigating and looking at whether the counter should have been attached to other portable counters. He said he would begin steps to notify other schools to check their counter units.
Parents of other children heard about the accident and headed to the school. Eloyd Avery, who has twin great-grandchildren at the school, arrived by late morning.
"I'm going to check on my babies," she said. "I've got to make sure they're all right."
Staff writer Frank Trejo contributed to this report.
Dallas: First-graders sent to hospital after mobile food counter tips over
By TAWNELL D. HOBBS / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Four first-graders were burned Friday morning at Adelle Turner Elementary School when a hot food service counter tipped over, spilling 180- to 200-degree water.
All four were taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital with second- to third-degree burns. A hospital representative said three of the children were in good condition and one was in fair.
The most seriously injured child, a 7-year-old girl, had third-degree burns below her waist after being pinned under the counter, said Dallas school spokesman Donald Claxton.
"She has some pretty significant burns," he said. He said the children's parents were notified.
A fifth student, who was not burned but became upset after seeing the accident, was picked up by her parents, Mr. Claxton said.
The injured students were in the lunch line and had reached the counter, which is on wheels, Mr. Claxton said.
One of the workers had moved away from the counter to put in a new tray of food. Apparently, Mr. Claxton said, the students leaned on the counter or reached over it, and it tipped.
Capt. Jesse Garcia, spokesman for Dallas Fire-Rescue, said the counter has three inserts to hold food trays. Each insert had at least 3 inches of water between 180 and 200 degrees, he said.
He said burn injuries are much more dangerous for children.
"They are much smaller ... and tend to suffer more burns because of their size," he said
Capt. Garcia went into the school after the accident and tested the counter. He said he weighs about 210 pounds, and the counter tipped when he leaned on it. He said the children who leaned on the counter probably weighed about 50 pounds each – enough weight to tip it.
"If you got enough kids, it's understandable it might tip," Capt. Garcia said. "It's a good idea for schools to take note of this incident."
Mr. Claxton said the district is investigating and looking at whether the counter should have been attached to other portable counters. He said he would begin steps to notify other schools to check their counter units.
Parents of other children heard about the accident and headed to the school. Eloyd Avery, who has twin great-grandchildren at the school, arrived by late morning.
"I'm going to check on my babies," she said. "I've got to make sure they're all right."
Staff writer Frank Trejo contributed to this report.
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TexasStooge
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Osprey ad stirs controversy
By REBECCA RODRIGUEZ / WFAA ABC 8
There is outrage in the Muslim community over an ad for Bell Helicopter's CV-22 Osprey.
The ad, which appeared in the National Journal, depicts troops dropping down from a hovering tilt-rotor aircraft onto a mosque. Bell Helicopter said the ad should have never gone to print in the first place.
But critics said the company's apology is too little, too late. They said the image of troops being dropped onto a mosque in combat has already done its harm.
The image is black-and-white. The message about the CV-22 Osprey , in a stenciled font, is just as stark:
"It descends from the heavens. Ironically it unleashes hell."
"The people who did this ad, they really intended to harm the religion—to alienate this great nation against Islam itself, not against insurgents; it is against Muslims," said Jamal Qaddura of the Dar El-Eman Islamic Center in Arlington.
The ad was sponsored by Boeing and Bell Helicopter and it is part of a national campaign for the CV-22 aircraft, which is a modification of the V-22 designed for special operations forces. Features include an advanced electronic warfare suite and a multi-mode radar which permits flight at very low altitude in zero visibility.
Bell delivered the first CV-22 to the U.S. Air Force in September.
Both companies said the ad—which was produced by an agency in Los Colinas and shot on an old movie set in Dallas—didn't go through the proper channels before it was produced.
"We recognize that some organizations and individuals may have been offended by its content, and regret any concerns this advertisement may have raised," said Bell spokesman Michael Cox.
The ad was pulled from most of the publications in which it was set to run except for the National Journal. Boeing, Bell and the magazine all issued apologies.
But that was not enough for Qaddura. "It is basically an open invitation to harm the Muslim community here. I don't know how you can interpret this any other way," he said. "If this was a cross, or a church, or a synagogue, half of this nation would be after Bell to get them out of business."
Bell said it is evaluating its creative process to make sure something like this can't happen again.
By REBECCA RODRIGUEZ / WFAA ABC 8
There is outrage in the Muslim community over an ad for Bell Helicopter's CV-22 Osprey.
The ad, which appeared in the National Journal, depicts troops dropping down from a hovering tilt-rotor aircraft onto a mosque. Bell Helicopter said the ad should have never gone to print in the first place.
But critics said the company's apology is too little, too late. They said the image of troops being dropped onto a mosque in combat has already done its harm.
The image is black-and-white. The message about the CV-22 Osprey , in a stenciled font, is just as stark:
"It descends from the heavens. Ironically it unleashes hell."
"The people who did this ad, they really intended to harm the religion—to alienate this great nation against Islam itself, not against insurgents; it is against Muslims," said Jamal Qaddura of the Dar El-Eman Islamic Center in Arlington.
The ad was sponsored by Boeing and Bell Helicopter and it is part of a national campaign for the CV-22 aircraft, which is a modification of the V-22 designed for special operations forces. Features include an advanced electronic warfare suite and a multi-mode radar which permits flight at very low altitude in zero visibility.
Bell delivered the first CV-22 to the U.S. Air Force in September.
Both companies said the ad—which was produced by an agency in Los Colinas and shot on an old movie set in Dallas—didn't go through the proper channels before it was produced.
"We recognize that some organizations and individuals may have been offended by its content, and regret any concerns this advertisement may have raised," said Bell spokesman Michael Cox.
The ad was pulled from most of the publications in which it was set to run except for the National Journal. Boeing, Bell and the magazine all issued apologies.
But that was not enough for Qaddura. "It is basically an open invitation to harm the Muslim community here. I don't know how you can interpret this any other way," he said. "If this was a cross, or a church, or a synagogue, half of this nation would be after Bell to get them out of business."
Bell said it is evaluating its creative process to make sure something like this can't happen again.
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TexasStooge
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Automakers depend on State Fair
By TERRY BOX / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - In a world of anonymous "appliance" sedans, Ford's new Fusion boasts a provocative chrome grille and a taut, clean body.
But the Fusion – the most important new car at this year's State Fair of Texas – will need to be more than just another pretty face in the crowd. It's attempting to crack the hyper-competitive midsize sedan segment dominated by Japanese heavyweights Toyota, Honda and Nissan.
"We think we have an opportunity here because while consumers have told us that they want a car they can count on, they also want one that stands out," said Dan Geist, Fusion marketing brand manager. "It's a niche we can fill."
With Ford Motor Co. intent on competing again in midsize sedans – after decades as a leader in trucks – the Fusion has emerged as the company's most significant new car in 20 years, company officials say.
Built on the highly regarded Mazda6 platform, it has drawn positive reviews and should be at dealerships this month.
"This is our ticket back into the car business," said Ben Poore, Ford Division car group marketing manager.
Besides the Fusion, the other major new vehicle at the State Fair will be the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe sport-utility vehicle, a truck critical to embattled General Motors Corp. The auto displays at the fair open today and run through Oct. 23.
The truck, which will be officially unveiled at the State Fair, is the first all-new Tahoe in six years. And the GM assembly plant in Arlington is the lead factory for the Tahoe and will begin building it in December.
The current Tahoe has about a 60 percent share of the full-size SUV segment, and GM is counting heavily on the new truck – with its aerodynamic styling, increased power, better fuel economy and greater refinement – to retain that share.
"We think we will have what it takes to continue to be No. 1," said Carl Hillenbrand, Chevrolet product manager.
Some of the other new vehicles at the fair include:
•The dually version of Dodge's 2006 Ram Mega Cab. For those who prefer their pickups supersized, Dodge is taking its already large four-door Mega Cab and adding optional dual rear wheels that make the truck wider and give it more payload capacity.
•The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The Sport Trac is a Ford Explorer midsize SUV with a small pickup bed on the back. The new model has the Explorer's smoother-riding independent rear suspension, a much stiffer chassis and an optional 4.6-liter V8 with 292 horsepower.
•The Lincoln Zephyr and Mercury Milan, Lincoln and Mercury's versions of the Fusion.
•The 2006 Chevrolet Impala, which has been lightly restyled and is available with a 303-horsepower V8 engine.
•The Saab 9.7X. Based on the Chevrolet TrailBlazer-GMC Envoy, the 9.7X is Saab's first midsize SUV.
Fired up on Fusion
Ford says it expects to sell about 130,000 Fusions, or roughly a third of the volume of the segment-leading Toyota Camry. But based on early interest in the car, some dealers say Ford's sales estimate may be conservative.
For years, Ford dealers in Dallas-Fort Worth have mostly sold trucks. Now, for the first time since the 1985 Taurus, they will have an attractive midsize sedan – and one with a base price of $17,795, lower than comparably equipped Toyotas and Hondas.
"We've been a nonentity in that segment for so long," said Bill Utter Jr., president and general manager of Bill Utter Ford in Denton. "Every sale will be incremental to us."
About three-fourths of Fusion buyers are expected to be current Ford owners. The rest will be conquests from GM, the Chrysler Group and the imports.
The buyers' target demographics: 25 to 39 years old, more than half of them college-educated and with a $60,000 median family income.
But one of the Fusion's biggest initial roles will be to stop defections from Ford, a major consideration as the automaker battles to halt its slide in market share.
"Every year, we're losing around 50,000 people from our products to our competitors' midsize cars," said Mr. Poore, Ford's car group marketing manager. "We're losing Mustang owners, Focus owners, Taurus owners. Fusion is our interceptor."
Jerry Reynolds, managing partner of Prestige Ford in Garland, expects he can sell 30 Fusions a month if he can get them – and Mr. Reynolds' dealership is one of the nation's largest sellers of trucks.
"We haven't had anything in my memory that fits in like the Fusion," he said.
The car is coming to market with a solid pedigree. Inspired by Ford's attention-grabbing 427 concept car, the Fusion is available with a sporty Mazda-derived suspension and an optional 210-horsepower V6.
While it may not yet be the best car in the midsize segment, it's "near the top," said Mike Dushane, online editor of Automobile magazine.
"It will be a slower road to success because Ford has not had any competitive cars in that segment," Mr. Dushane said. "But it's a very good entry."
In many ways, the Fusion is "right on the money," said Wes Brown, an analyst at industry consultant Iceology in Los Angeles.
"Is it good enough to get Camry or Accord buyers to look? Probably not, because Ford is simply not on their shopping lists," Mr. Brown said. "But it does many things well."
Tahoe retooled
Likewise, the 2007 Chevy Tahoe should help rejuvenate slumping GM. With sales of the old Tahoe dropping, GM pushed up the production of the new truck – along with the GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban. Sales of the current Tahoe were down 9.2 percent through August.
Although about the same size as the old Tahoe, the new truck rides on a stiffer frame, absorbs bumps better with a redesigned front suspension and has more precise rack-and-pinion steering.
The interior is vastly improved, with two-tone color schemes, more refined detailing and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel.
In addition, the standard 5.3-liter V8 has been upgraded to 320 horsepower but is expected to offer the best fuel economy in the full-size segment – 20.5 miles per gallon on the highway.
The full-size SUV segment, "on the whole, went through some tremendous growth in years past – more, in fact, than we had anticipated," said Mr. Hillenbrand of Chevrolet.
"We don't see the segment continuing to grow at that rate. But we also don't expect the downturn we're in now to be permanent. We do see some potential growth with the new trucks."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE FAIR OPENING WEEKEND FORECAST via NWS:
Today: <IMG alt="Partly Cloudy" src="http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/52/30.gif" border=0> High: 93°F | Low: 75°F
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BigTex.com - Official State Fair Site
By TERRY BOX / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - In a world of anonymous "appliance" sedans, Ford's new Fusion boasts a provocative chrome grille and a taut, clean body.
But the Fusion – the most important new car at this year's State Fair of Texas – will need to be more than just another pretty face in the crowd. It's attempting to crack the hyper-competitive midsize sedan segment dominated by Japanese heavyweights Toyota, Honda and Nissan.
"We think we have an opportunity here because while consumers have told us that they want a car they can count on, they also want one that stands out," said Dan Geist, Fusion marketing brand manager. "It's a niche we can fill."
With Ford Motor Co. intent on competing again in midsize sedans – after decades as a leader in trucks – the Fusion has emerged as the company's most significant new car in 20 years, company officials say.
Built on the highly regarded Mazda6 platform, it has drawn positive reviews and should be at dealerships this month.
"This is our ticket back into the car business," said Ben Poore, Ford Division car group marketing manager.
Besides the Fusion, the other major new vehicle at the State Fair will be the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe sport-utility vehicle, a truck critical to embattled General Motors Corp. The auto displays at the fair open today and run through Oct. 23.
The truck, which will be officially unveiled at the State Fair, is the first all-new Tahoe in six years. And the GM assembly plant in Arlington is the lead factory for the Tahoe and will begin building it in December.
The current Tahoe has about a 60 percent share of the full-size SUV segment, and GM is counting heavily on the new truck – with its aerodynamic styling, increased power, better fuel economy and greater refinement – to retain that share.
"We think we will have what it takes to continue to be No. 1," said Carl Hillenbrand, Chevrolet product manager.
Some of the other new vehicles at the fair include:
•The dually version of Dodge's 2006 Ram Mega Cab. For those who prefer their pickups supersized, Dodge is taking its already large four-door Mega Cab and adding optional dual rear wheels that make the truck wider and give it more payload capacity.
•The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The Sport Trac is a Ford Explorer midsize SUV with a small pickup bed on the back. The new model has the Explorer's smoother-riding independent rear suspension, a much stiffer chassis and an optional 4.6-liter V8 with 292 horsepower.
•The Lincoln Zephyr and Mercury Milan, Lincoln and Mercury's versions of the Fusion.
•The 2006 Chevrolet Impala, which has been lightly restyled and is available with a 303-horsepower V8 engine.
•The Saab 9.7X. Based on the Chevrolet TrailBlazer-GMC Envoy, the 9.7X is Saab's first midsize SUV.
Fired up on Fusion
Ford says it expects to sell about 130,000 Fusions, or roughly a third of the volume of the segment-leading Toyota Camry. But based on early interest in the car, some dealers say Ford's sales estimate may be conservative.
For years, Ford dealers in Dallas-Fort Worth have mostly sold trucks. Now, for the first time since the 1985 Taurus, they will have an attractive midsize sedan – and one with a base price of $17,795, lower than comparably equipped Toyotas and Hondas.
"We've been a nonentity in that segment for so long," said Bill Utter Jr., president and general manager of Bill Utter Ford in Denton. "Every sale will be incremental to us."
About three-fourths of Fusion buyers are expected to be current Ford owners. The rest will be conquests from GM, the Chrysler Group and the imports.
The buyers' target demographics: 25 to 39 years old, more than half of them college-educated and with a $60,000 median family income.
But one of the Fusion's biggest initial roles will be to stop defections from Ford, a major consideration as the automaker battles to halt its slide in market share.
"Every year, we're losing around 50,000 people from our products to our competitors' midsize cars," said Mr. Poore, Ford's car group marketing manager. "We're losing Mustang owners, Focus owners, Taurus owners. Fusion is our interceptor."
Jerry Reynolds, managing partner of Prestige Ford in Garland, expects he can sell 30 Fusions a month if he can get them – and Mr. Reynolds' dealership is one of the nation's largest sellers of trucks.
"We haven't had anything in my memory that fits in like the Fusion," he said.
The car is coming to market with a solid pedigree. Inspired by Ford's attention-grabbing 427 concept car, the Fusion is available with a sporty Mazda-derived suspension and an optional 210-horsepower V6.
While it may not yet be the best car in the midsize segment, it's "near the top," said Mike Dushane, online editor of Automobile magazine.
"It will be a slower road to success because Ford has not had any competitive cars in that segment," Mr. Dushane said. "But it's a very good entry."
In many ways, the Fusion is "right on the money," said Wes Brown, an analyst at industry consultant Iceology in Los Angeles.
"Is it good enough to get Camry or Accord buyers to look? Probably not, because Ford is simply not on their shopping lists," Mr. Brown said. "But it does many things well."
Tahoe retooled
Likewise, the 2007 Chevy Tahoe should help rejuvenate slumping GM. With sales of the old Tahoe dropping, GM pushed up the production of the new truck – along with the GMC Yukon, Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban. Sales of the current Tahoe were down 9.2 percent through August.
Although about the same size as the old Tahoe, the new truck rides on a stiffer frame, absorbs bumps better with a redesigned front suspension and has more precise rack-and-pinion steering.
The interior is vastly improved, with two-tone color schemes, more refined detailing and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel.
In addition, the standard 5.3-liter V8 has been upgraded to 320 horsepower but is expected to offer the best fuel economy in the full-size segment – 20.5 miles per gallon on the highway.
The full-size SUV segment, "on the whole, went through some tremendous growth in years past – more, in fact, than we had anticipated," said Mr. Hillenbrand of Chevrolet.
"We don't see the segment continuing to grow at that rate. But we also don't expect the downturn we're in now to be permanent. We do see some potential growth with the new trucks."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATE FAIR OPENING WEEKEND FORECAST via NWS:
Today: <IMG alt="Partly Cloudy" src="http://image.weather.com/web/common/wxicons/52/30.gif" border=0> High: 93°F | Low: 75°F
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BigTex.com - Official State Fair Site
Last edited by TexasStooge on Sun Oct 02, 2005 2:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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rainstorm
TexasStooge wrote:D/FW whistleblower was ostracized
By JEFF BRADY / WFAA ABC 8
DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas - A North Texas woman saw the potential for deadly accidents at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and faced the consequences of speaking out.
D/FW is the world's fifth-busiest passenger airport, with more than 60 million arrivals and departures every year. But when veteran air traffic controller Anne Whiteman blew the whistle on potentially-deadly lapses and mistakes, few listened.
"Every time something happened I thought, 'gee, somebody is gonna put an end to this,'" said Whiteman.
But no one did at first, as News 8 reported months ago.
The closest call at D/FW to date happened late last year between a business jet and a passenger plane - a collision averted by seven seconds.
But Whiteman said once she raised her concerns, things got ugly. Friday on Oprah, she talked about being ostracized and threatened.
"I can't work there anymore," Whiteman said.
She endured verbal harassment, practical jokes that put planes in jeopardy, and even what she considers an assault on her life as she drove to work...
"I looked over and saw it was a co-worker," she recalled. "I stopped at a light to let him go ahead, and he waited for me, and as I went down the road he picked up speed and swerved right in front of me to run me off the road."
And still she refused to quit.
Now, federal authorities are listening to Whiteman. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel and the Department of Transportation have both opened investigations, and she does still have a job at the airport although she's been reassigned.
good for her!!
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TexasStooge
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360 reopened after accident
ARLINGTON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Arlington police are investigating an early-morning accident that ignited a 9,200-gallon fuel tanker and closed southbound lanes of State Highway 360 for more than six hours Sunday.
The 18-wheeler exploded at about 4:20 a.m. near the intersection of Avenue J after a collision with another vehicle. No one was seriously injured in the accident, authorities said.
Officials originally closed all lanes of traffic, but all but the southbound lanes were open early Sunday. The southbound side of the highway was re-opened at about 11 a.m.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident. No charges have been filed.
Bryan Titsworth / WFAA ABC 8
Police look on as the tanker burns.
ARLINGTON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Arlington police are investigating an early-morning accident that ignited a 9,200-gallon fuel tanker and closed southbound lanes of State Highway 360 for more than six hours Sunday.
The 18-wheeler exploded at about 4:20 a.m. near the intersection of Avenue J after a collision with another vehicle. No one was seriously injured in the accident, authorities said.
Officials originally closed all lanes of traffic, but all but the southbound lanes were open early Sunday. The southbound side of the highway was re-opened at about 11 a.m.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident. No charges have been filed.
Bryan Titsworth / WFAA ABC 8
Police look on as the tanker burns.
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WeatherEmperor
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TexasStooge
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- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
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Murdered teen had bright future
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The family of a murdered teenager struggled with his sudden death Sunday as investigators searched for the attackers.
Police said someone discovered the body of 18-year-old Joseph Davis around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. He was found in a parking lot in the 2100 block of San Jacinto in downtown Dallas.
No suspects were in custody Sunday night, but the victim's family held out hope that someone would come forward with information for police.
"It just breaks my heart, because he was so young," said Jessie Logan, the victim's aunt. "He had just graduated from high school in May."
Logan and other family members were in pain and disbelief. They said Davis had just moved to Dallas from Mississippi a month ago. He quickly found a job and planned to start college next semester.
But those plans for a bright future ended at the parking lot where Dallas police found the young man's body. He had been beaten to death.
"They could have just stole from him or whatever, but they didn't have to kill him," Logan said, adding a message to the perpetrators: "Whoever you are out there, I hope they catch you and put you away forever."
Davis went to the State Fair with friends and family on Saturday night. They then went to a party hosted at the Adam's Mark Hotel downtown.
After the party, they walked to the parking lot where they were confronted by a large group of men. Family members said the men wore bandanas on their arms and were clapping through the streets before attacking.
"They even beat my other nephew, too," Logan said. "He said he fell to the ground and put his hand over his head and they just kicked him and beat him."
Davis was the only victim who failed to get away. Investigators have few leads on suspects.
"We believe as many as three people," said Dallas police Sgt. Larry Lewis. "There could be more."
Family members believe there are witnesses who have information. "Please come forward, because it's our turn now—but it could be yours next time," Logan said.
By BERT LOZANO / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - The family of a murdered teenager struggled with his sudden death Sunday as investigators searched for the attackers.
Police said someone discovered the body of 18-year-old Joseph Davis around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. He was found in a parking lot in the 2100 block of San Jacinto in downtown Dallas.
No suspects were in custody Sunday night, but the victim's family held out hope that someone would come forward with information for police.
"It just breaks my heart, because he was so young," said Jessie Logan, the victim's aunt. "He had just graduated from high school in May."
Logan and other family members were in pain and disbelief. They said Davis had just moved to Dallas from Mississippi a month ago. He quickly found a job and planned to start college next semester.
But those plans for a bright future ended at the parking lot where Dallas police found the young man's body. He had been beaten to death.
"They could have just stole from him or whatever, but they didn't have to kill him," Logan said, adding a message to the perpetrators: "Whoever you are out there, I hope they catch you and put you away forever."
Davis went to the State Fair with friends and family on Saturday night. They then went to a party hosted at the Adam's Mark Hotel downtown.
After the party, they walked to the parking lot where they were confronted by a large group of men. Family members said the men wore bandanas on their arms and were clapping through the streets before attacking.
"They even beat my other nephew, too," Logan said. "He said he fell to the ground and put his hand over his head and they just kicked him and beat him."
Davis was the only victim who failed to get away. Investigators have few leads on suspects.
"We believe as many as three people," said Dallas police Sgt. Larry Lewis. "There could be more."
Family members believe there are witnesses who have information. "Please come forward, because it's our turn now—but it could be yours next time," Logan said.
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TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
School's formula: math class times 2
Irving ISD: Extra period intended to raise students' TAKS scores
By KATHERINE LEAL UNMUTH / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas – The bell ending first period rang at 9:10 a.m., but none of the 17 students in Adriana McNellie's sixth-grade math class moved.
As other kids clogged the hallways at Austin Middle School, Ms. McNellie's students began their second hour of math with a tricky word problem.
All sixth- and seventh-graders at Austin, except those in the gifted program, must take two periods of math. Principal Cynthia Bean made the change this year to improve math scores on the state's standardized test. Last school year, about 62 percent of Austin students passed the math portion of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.
The extra hour of math means students get only one elective instead of two, such as physical education, Spanish, art or music.
But educators hope that the longer classes will benefit struggling students.
Ms. Bean said she wanted to enrich the entire math curriculum rather than place some students in remedial improvement classes, which makes them feel like they are being punished. Still, about 30 students have no electives because they also take a remedial reading class.
"It sounds so cold that a kid won't have an elective, but the academic instruction is the reason kids are in school," she said. "I think if we focus too much on the electives and not the core curriculum, we're missing out on what we're supposed to be doing."
Several other middle schools in the Irving Independent School District are also offering double periods in math. At Crockett Middle School, all sixth-graders take a math block, and some seventh- and eighth-graders have a math and a reading block.
At Lamar Middle School, about 120 sixth-graders who narrowly missed passing the test in the fifth grade are in a math block. About 59 percent of Lamar sixth-graders passed the math TAKS in 2005.
"There's a thin line between separating them out and not," Lamar Principal Cindy Goodsell said. "You don't want them to feel bad about being separated out."
Each principal uses different strategies. Bowie and Houston middle schools, for example, offer a separate reading or math improvement class with a different teacher until students catch up to their grade level.
Like many other districts in the area, Irving ISD eliminated its block schedule in high schools and middle schools in 2003 and saved about $5.4 million. With block scheduling, students had eight 90-minute periods over two days, instead of seven 55-minute periods a day.
Many principals said they added class time for core subjects during the day this year because students weren't showing up for after-school and weekend tutoring sessions. Often, it was because they had to watch younger siblings or had parents who worked and couldn't get them to and from school.
At Austin, the students know why they're taking two periods of math. Ms. McNellie even writes "TAKS Objectives" on her chalkboard.
"It will help us raise our scores," said Dorothy Alaniz, 12.
Yessica Blanco, 11, said the class is long.
"You get bored at the second period," she said. "But it's fun when we do games."
Ms. McNellie, a first-year teacher, said the extra time helps. Students are able to work more in groups and use class time to do problems with her help rather than do the problems as homework.
"This is one of the reasons why I'm here, because of the block scheduling," Ms. McNellie said. "Sometimes when the word problem is very difficult, we spend a lot of time on it."
Teresa Gonzalez thinks her daughter Karen, 11, needs the extra class.
"She's raised her grade," Ms. Gonzalez said. "Last year, she was being very floja, lazy, about studying."
Sissie Witt said her daughter, Hilary, is performing better on her tests.
"From an educational point of view, I like the double period," Ms. Witt said. "I just wish they could find a way to do it and still give them something fun to do."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Irving ISD - Official Site
Irving ISD: Extra period intended to raise students' TAKS scores
By KATHERINE LEAL UNMUTH / The Dallas Morning News
IRVING, Texas – The bell ending first period rang at 9:10 a.m., but none of the 17 students in Adriana McNellie's sixth-grade math class moved.
As other kids clogged the hallways at Austin Middle School, Ms. McNellie's students began their second hour of math with a tricky word problem.
All sixth- and seventh-graders at Austin, except those in the gifted program, must take two periods of math. Principal Cynthia Bean made the change this year to improve math scores on the state's standardized test. Last school year, about 62 percent of Austin students passed the math portion of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills.
The extra hour of math means students get only one elective instead of two, such as physical education, Spanish, art or music.
But educators hope that the longer classes will benefit struggling students.
Ms. Bean said she wanted to enrich the entire math curriculum rather than place some students in remedial improvement classes, which makes them feel like they are being punished. Still, about 30 students have no electives because they also take a remedial reading class.
"It sounds so cold that a kid won't have an elective, but the academic instruction is the reason kids are in school," she said. "I think if we focus too much on the electives and not the core curriculum, we're missing out on what we're supposed to be doing."
Several other middle schools in the Irving Independent School District are also offering double periods in math. At Crockett Middle School, all sixth-graders take a math block, and some seventh- and eighth-graders have a math and a reading block.
At Lamar Middle School, about 120 sixth-graders who narrowly missed passing the test in the fifth grade are in a math block. About 59 percent of Lamar sixth-graders passed the math TAKS in 2005.
"There's a thin line between separating them out and not," Lamar Principal Cindy Goodsell said. "You don't want them to feel bad about being separated out."
Each principal uses different strategies. Bowie and Houston middle schools, for example, offer a separate reading or math improvement class with a different teacher until students catch up to their grade level.
Like many other districts in the area, Irving ISD eliminated its block schedule in high schools and middle schools in 2003 and saved about $5.4 million. With block scheduling, students had eight 90-minute periods over two days, instead of seven 55-minute periods a day.
Many principals said they added class time for core subjects during the day this year because students weren't showing up for after-school and weekend tutoring sessions. Often, it was because they had to watch younger siblings or had parents who worked and couldn't get them to and from school.
At Austin, the students know why they're taking two periods of math. Ms. McNellie even writes "TAKS Objectives" on her chalkboard.
"It will help us raise our scores," said Dorothy Alaniz, 12.
Yessica Blanco, 11, said the class is long.
"You get bored at the second period," she said. "But it's fun when we do games."
Ms. McNellie, a first-year teacher, said the extra time helps. Students are able to work more in groups and use class time to do problems with her help rather than do the problems as homework.
"This is one of the reasons why I'm here, because of the block scheduling," Ms. McNellie said. "Sometimes when the word problem is very difficult, we spend a lot of time on it."
Teresa Gonzalez thinks her daughter Karen, 11, needs the extra class.
"She's raised her grade," Ms. Gonzalez said. "Last year, she was being very floja, lazy, about studying."
Sissie Witt said her daughter, Hilary, is performing better on her tests.
"From an educational point of view, I like the double period," Ms. Witt said. "I just wish they could find a way to do it and still give them something fun to do."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Irving ISD - Official Site
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TexasStooge
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- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Flu shots now available for some
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Flu season is under way in Texas, and with flu shots are now available in North Texas.
But not everyone is eligible to receive them just yet.
The federal government says supplies of the vaccine are good this year, but it is still shipping in small amounts.
For now, vaccines will be available to:
• People over 65
• Anyone who has a chronic illness like diabetes or asthma
• Caretakers of infants less than six months old
Flu shots should be available to anyone who wants one by next month.
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Flu Shot Information:
Dallas County
Tarrant County
Collin County
DALLAS, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Flu season is under way in Texas, and with flu shots are now available in North Texas.
But not everyone is eligible to receive them just yet.
The federal government says supplies of the vaccine are good this year, but it is still shipping in small amounts.
For now, vaccines will be available to:
• People over 65
• Anyone who has a chronic illness like diabetes or asthma
• Caretakers of infants less than six months old
Flu shots should be available to anyone who wants one by next month.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flu Shot Information:
Dallas County
Tarrant County
Collin County
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rainstorm
TexasStooge wrote:360 reopened after accident
ARLINGTON, Texas (WFAA ABC 8) - Arlington police are investigating an early-morning accident that ignited a 9,200-gallon fuel tanker and closed southbound lanes of State Highway 360 for more than six hours Sunday.
The 18-wheeler exploded at about 4:20 a.m. near the intersection of Avenue J after a collision with another vehicle. No one was seriously injured in the accident, authorities said.
Officials originally closed all lanes of traffic, but all but the southbound lanes were open early Sunday. The southbound side of the highway was re-opened at about 11 a.m.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident. No charges have been filed.
Bryan Titsworth / WFAA ABC 8
Police look on as the tanker burns.
how did it explode?
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TexasStooge
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- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
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Lines begin to form for flu shots
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Flu shots are now available for the first time this season in Dallas and Tarrant counties.
However, the vaccines are being limited right now to people at high risk of complications from influenza.
Even though officials with the Centers for Disease Control say there's plenty of vaccine, health authorities in Tarrant and Dallas counties said last year's shortage made today the busiest start to the flu shot season that they can remember.
At the Dallas County Health Department offices on Stemmons Freeway, waiting rooms were filled to capacity. Jan Keeler was happy to wait, considering last year she got a flu shot just before supplies ran out.
"On the last day," she said.
That's a risk she and hundreds of others aren't taking this year.
"Didn't want to take any chances today, no," said resident Jamie Howard.
The vaccine is being restricted right now to people who really need it. That includes senior citizens over 65, people with chronic illnesses and caretakers of infants under six months old. Others who want the shots will get their chance next month.
Dallas County has recieved only about 3,000 flu shots so far. Tarrant County has gotten about 2,500.
"We'll probably be out of that by Wednesday," said Tarrant County's Ann Salyer-Caldwell.
E.C. Smith guessed as much. That's why he also showed up on opening day.
"I'd rather be safe than sorry," Smith said.
It took Collin County just two days to run out of their initial supply of flu vaccine. At the rate shots were given Monday, Tarrant and Dallas counties will run out in a day or two.
Health department offices open again at 8:00 tomorrow morning.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flu Shot Information:
Dallas County
Tarrant County
Collin County
By JANET ST. JAMES / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - Flu shots are now available for the first time this season in Dallas and Tarrant counties.
However, the vaccines are being limited right now to people at high risk of complications from influenza.
Even though officials with the Centers for Disease Control say there's plenty of vaccine, health authorities in Tarrant and Dallas counties said last year's shortage made today the busiest start to the flu shot season that they can remember.
At the Dallas County Health Department offices on Stemmons Freeway, waiting rooms were filled to capacity. Jan Keeler was happy to wait, considering last year she got a flu shot just before supplies ran out.
"On the last day," she said.
That's a risk she and hundreds of others aren't taking this year.
"Didn't want to take any chances today, no," said resident Jamie Howard.
The vaccine is being restricted right now to people who really need it. That includes senior citizens over 65, people with chronic illnesses and caretakers of infants under six months old. Others who want the shots will get their chance next month.
Dallas County has recieved only about 3,000 flu shots so far. Tarrant County has gotten about 2,500.
"We'll probably be out of that by Wednesday," said Tarrant County's Ann Salyer-Caldwell.
E.C. Smith guessed as much. That's why he also showed up on opening day.
"I'd rather be safe than sorry," Smith said.
It took Collin County just two days to run out of their initial supply of flu vaccine. At the rate shots were given Monday, Tarrant and Dallas counties will run out in a day or two.
Health department offices open again at 8:00 tomorrow morning.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Flu Shot Information:
Dallas County
Tarrant County
Collin County
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TexasStooge
- Category 5
- Posts: 38127
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2003 1:22 pm
- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Legal community overjoyed
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / DallasNews.com
DALLAS, Texas - Word that an esteemed Dallas lawyer and former councilwoman could become the next justice of the U.S. Supreme Court has stirred Texas pride among her many colleagues and friends.
President Bush's Supreme Court nominee most recently has worked for him in Washington, but her Dallas ties run deep: she graduated from Southern Methodist University, served as president of the Dallas Bar and Texas Bar associations, spent time on the Dallas City Council and ran the Texas Lottery Commission.
But she has never served as a judge.
"The legal community in Dallas has every right to be overjoyed," said Will Pryor, a mediator in Dallas who worked with Miers at the Dallas Bar Association. "She's a product of our legal community. We are all grinning ear to ear around here. It's a happy and proud moment."
In 1972, Miers became the first woman hired at Dallas' Locke Purnell Rain Harrell. She was named president in 1996, then became co-manager of Locke Liddell & Sapp of Dallas after it merged with a Houston firm a few years later.
In 1989, she was elected to a two-year at-large term on the Dallas City Council. She did not seek re-election.
Formerly Bush's personal lawyer in Texas, Miers was appointed assistant to the president and staff secretary in 2001. She was promoted to deputy chief of staff in 2003, then became White House counsel in 2004.
Pryor said he almost "fell out of my chair" when he heard Bush's nomination speech referencing a pro bono clinic he started with Miers' help. As president of the Dallas Bar, she helped involved the city's largest law firms. The program since has become a national model for getting legal aid to the poor, he said.
After working with Miers at the Dallas Bar and litigating against her in the courtroom, Pryor said he believes Miers was the best choice the president could make. He lauded her thorough preparation, attention to detail and "her unfailing charm."
"She will be very effective on getting a consensus view," Pryor said. "If you look at everything she's ever done, it's all about getting people together, getting them to line up and row in the right direction. She does this without expressing much of an agenda of her own, and not appearing to try and affect the outcome. She will be just terrific."
State District Judge Merrill Hartman also fondly recalls the support Miers gave to organize pro bono legal aid.
"She came through like a champ," he said. "She got behind us and wrote letters to everybody and the firms came though big time. I was real proud to know her and have her be so responsive and not just give lip service but to hit it and really expand the pro bono activity at a time when we needed it."
Dallas attorney Jerry Clements, who worked with Miers as partners at Locke Liddell, said her practical experience as a trial attorney, fair-mindedness and work ethic will compensate for lack of judicial experience.
"She was the first to arrive and last to leave," Clements said. "I've seen her work two straight days without going home to get a client's matter handled. Even though she could have gotten people who worked under her to stay and do the work, she was there with them. She's so incredibly humble she would never take credit for all the success, but would share it with her team."
From 1995 until 2000, Miers served as chairwoman of the Texas Lottery Commission, a voluntary public service position. Although she was credited with trying to ensure the commission ran fairly and honestly, two executive directors were fired during her tenure. When she resigned unexpectedly in March 2000, the commission was facing the challenge of declining sales and player interest.
Current Commissioner Tom Clowe said he has the highest respect for Miers after serving with her in 1998-99. Although the job was unpaid, Miers was always available to the staff from early morning to late at night, he said.
"She is quiet, very thoughtful, very careful, she's interested in the details and she takes the time to learn what the facts are and then makes up her mind," Clowe said. "It gave me a very good feeling about working with her."
Stewart Thomas, now of Thomas & Dees of Dallas, worked with Miers for seven years at Locke Purnell. He remembers her as a solid trial attorney who listens intently, but who revealed little about herself.
"Whether she's pro abortion or anti-abortion, I have no idea," he said. "It's interesting the fact she's never been a judge. She has a clean slate with no book of opinions for these aides to pore over.
"I do know Harriett honors the law more than anything in the world and that she will guard and protect it. She will bring her own keen judgment to the Supreme Court, which I believe to be sound and in our nation's best interest."
Miers still faces intense confirmation hearings, where senators will try to delve into her closely held beliefs. But in the meantime, phone calls, e-mails and Blackberry messages will be giddily spreading the news: A Dallas native could become the nation's next Supreme Court justice.
"I'm going nuts here, I'm so excited," Pryor said. "All the lawyers in Dallas are calling each other pretending to know Harriet better than the other guy. It's that exciting."
By KIMBERLY DURNAN / DallasNews.com
DALLAS, Texas - Word that an esteemed Dallas lawyer and former councilwoman could become the next justice of the U.S. Supreme Court has stirred Texas pride among her many colleagues and friends.
President Bush's Supreme Court nominee most recently has worked for him in Washington, but her Dallas ties run deep: she graduated from Southern Methodist University, served as president of the Dallas Bar and Texas Bar associations, spent time on the Dallas City Council and ran the Texas Lottery Commission.
But she has never served as a judge.
"The legal community in Dallas has every right to be overjoyed," said Will Pryor, a mediator in Dallas who worked with Miers at the Dallas Bar Association. "She's a product of our legal community. We are all grinning ear to ear around here. It's a happy and proud moment."
In 1972, Miers became the first woman hired at Dallas' Locke Purnell Rain Harrell. She was named president in 1996, then became co-manager of Locke Liddell & Sapp of Dallas after it merged with a Houston firm a few years later.
In 1989, she was elected to a two-year at-large term on the Dallas City Council. She did not seek re-election.
Formerly Bush's personal lawyer in Texas, Miers was appointed assistant to the president and staff secretary in 2001. She was promoted to deputy chief of staff in 2003, then became White House counsel in 2004.
Pryor said he almost "fell out of my chair" when he heard Bush's nomination speech referencing a pro bono clinic he started with Miers' help. As president of the Dallas Bar, she helped involved the city's largest law firms. The program since has become a national model for getting legal aid to the poor, he said.
After working with Miers at the Dallas Bar and litigating against her in the courtroom, Pryor said he believes Miers was the best choice the president could make. He lauded her thorough preparation, attention to detail and "her unfailing charm."
"She will be very effective on getting a consensus view," Pryor said. "If you look at everything she's ever done, it's all about getting people together, getting them to line up and row in the right direction. She does this without expressing much of an agenda of her own, and not appearing to try and affect the outcome. She will be just terrific."
State District Judge Merrill Hartman also fondly recalls the support Miers gave to organize pro bono legal aid.
"She came through like a champ," he said. "She got behind us and wrote letters to everybody and the firms came though big time. I was real proud to know her and have her be so responsive and not just give lip service but to hit it and really expand the pro bono activity at a time when we needed it."
Dallas attorney Jerry Clements, who worked with Miers as partners at Locke Liddell, said her practical experience as a trial attorney, fair-mindedness and work ethic will compensate for lack of judicial experience.
"She was the first to arrive and last to leave," Clements said. "I've seen her work two straight days without going home to get a client's matter handled. Even though she could have gotten people who worked under her to stay and do the work, she was there with them. She's so incredibly humble she would never take credit for all the success, but would share it with her team."
From 1995 until 2000, Miers served as chairwoman of the Texas Lottery Commission, a voluntary public service position. Although she was credited with trying to ensure the commission ran fairly and honestly, two executive directors were fired during her tenure. When she resigned unexpectedly in March 2000, the commission was facing the challenge of declining sales and player interest.
Current Commissioner Tom Clowe said he has the highest respect for Miers after serving with her in 1998-99. Although the job was unpaid, Miers was always available to the staff from early morning to late at night, he said.
"She is quiet, very thoughtful, very careful, she's interested in the details and she takes the time to learn what the facts are and then makes up her mind," Clowe said. "It gave me a very good feeling about working with her."
Stewart Thomas, now of Thomas & Dees of Dallas, worked with Miers for seven years at Locke Purnell. He remembers her as a solid trial attorney who listens intently, but who revealed little about herself.
"Whether she's pro abortion or anti-abortion, I have no idea," he said. "It's interesting the fact she's never been a judge. She has a clean slate with no book of opinions for these aides to pore over.
"I do know Harriett honors the law more than anything in the world and that she will guard and protect it. She will bring her own keen judgment to the Supreme Court, which I believe to be sound and in our nation's best interest."
Miers still faces intense confirmation hearings, where senators will try to delve into her closely held beliefs. But in the meantime, phone calls, e-mails and Blackberry messages will be giddily spreading the news: A Dallas native could become the nation's next Supreme Court justice.
"I'm going nuts here, I'm so excited," Pryor said. "All the lawyers in Dallas are calling each other pretending to know Harriet better than the other guy. It's that exciting."
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TexasStooge
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- Location: Irving (Dallas County), TX
- Contact:
Family prays for missing mom's return
By JIM DOUGLAS / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - The two children of a missing Fort Worth mother said they still pray for her safe return since her mysterious disappearance Sept. 21.
Friends and relatives of Marlene Cooper Nah said she cared too much for her children to just purposefully disappear.
Before she vanished, the mother shared a north Fort Worth apartment with her two young sons. However, this last weekend her friends put her belongings in storage since she hasn't been seen after she sent her children off to school over a week ago.
Ex-husband Ramses Nah said their 5-year-old son is confused, and their 8-year old hurt. He said Nah had not given any signs of wanting to leave before the children left their home that day.
"Every day he asks for his mother," Nah said of the 8-year-old boy. "Every day he tells me how he misses his mother."
A lot of people in the close knit Liberian community said they cared for the 39-year-old mom.
Lifelong friend Tilman Gardner was one of those people. Gardner said Nah left behind her medicine, money, driver's license and social security card.
"Her cell phone was right over here," he said pointing to Nah's kitchen counter. "She left her cell phone right over here.
While Gardner expressed confusion as to why Nah's items were left behind, he also said the mother was depressed the night before she vanished.
She had recently divorced, lost her mother, lost her job and was diagnosed with the painful and sometimes fatal disease lupus.
"All she told me is Tilman, I can't take it," Gardner said. "But she had been saying that over and over again."
Despite Ramses Nah's belief Nah was too weak to drive her own car, Nah's maroon 2002 Toyota 4Runner with Texas plates PJ3JSX was missing.
Police said there was no sign of a crime.
"To understand what's going on right now, is just beyond belief." Ramses Nah said.
Marlene Cooper Nah with her 5-year-old son.
By JIM DOUGLAS / WFAA ABC 8
FORT WORTH, Texas - The two children of a missing Fort Worth mother said they still pray for her safe return since her mysterious disappearance Sept. 21.
Friends and relatives of Marlene Cooper Nah said she cared too much for her children to just purposefully disappear.
Before she vanished, the mother shared a north Fort Worth apartment with her two young sons. However, this last weekend her friends put her belongings in storage since she hasn't been seen after she sent her children off to school over a week ago.
Ex-husband Ramses Nah said their 5-year-old son is confused, and their 8-year old hurt. He said Nah had not given any signs of wanting to leave before the children left their home that day.
"Every day he asks for his mother," Nah said of the 8-year-old boy. "Every day he tells me how he misses his mother."
A lot of people in the close knit Liberian community said they cared for the 39-year-old mom.
Lifelong friend Tilman Gardner was one of those people. Gardner said Nah left behind her medicine, money, driver's license and social security card.
"Her cell phone was right over here," he said pointing to Nah's kitchen counter. "She left her cell phone right over here.
While Gardner expressed confusion as to why Nah's items were left behind, he also said the mother was depressed the night before she vanished.
She had recently divorced, lost her mother, lost her job and was diagnosed with the painful and sometimes fatal disease lupus.
"All she told me is Tilman, I can't take it," Gardner said. "But she had been saying that over and over again."
Despite Ramses Nah's belief Nah was too weak to drive her own car, Nah's maroon 2002 Toyota 4Runner with Texas plates PJ3JSX was missing.
Police said there was no sign of a crime.
"To understand what's going on right now, is just beyond belief." Ramses Nah said.
Marlene Cooper Nah with her 5-year-old son.
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TexasStooge
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Denton residents to foot new jail's repair bill
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
DENTON, Texas - Denton County residents will be asked to foot the bill for repairs to a string of problems uncovered at the new jail that opened in August 2004.
The facility cost nearly $15 million to build, and now some residents want to know why Denton County officials are asking for more money.
A broken sallyport door used for transferring inmates was one of nearly a dozen problems discovered after the new Denton County jail opened.
So, the county hired a firm to study the jail's systems and design. After completing the study, the company released an inspection report with more than $300,000 in recommended repairs that included fire protection, roof drainage and heating and air conditioning.
While some of the repairs are normal wear-and-tear costs, many residents feel much of the costs potentially came from an initial bad construction job.
"They should have done that a long time ago," said resident Barbara Guillion. "I don't know where they're coming up with all these new funds, but I'm not for it."
However, county officials said the warranty period has passed for the repairs, and taxpayers will be forced to foot the bill. But some residents said the problems should be worked out between the county and the contractor.
"I think a decision to make the taxpayers pay would be premature," said resident Kevin Pyle. "We have a right to know exactly what went on first."
Denton County Judge Mary Horn said she had suspicions there were problems with the original construction of the building.
"I had concerns about oversight at the time the construction was going on, but I wasn't a member of Commissioners Court at that time," she said. "So, I have to deal with what is."
But according to Horn, some problems and repairs are expected considering the large size of the 470 bed facility.
New resident Johnny Stalbart said he agrees.
"This kind of stuff happens in my opinion," he said.
County officials plan to work the expense into this year's budget, and the repairs will likely be made in the next few months.
By MARY ANN RAZZUK / WFAA ABC 8
DENTON, Texas - Denton County residents will be asked to foot the bill for repairs to a string of problems uncovered at the new jail that opened in August 2004.
The facility cost nearly $15 million to build, and now some residents want to know why Denton County officials are asking for more money.
A broken sallyport door used for transferring inmates was one of nearly a dozen problems discovered after the new Denton County jail opened.
So, the county hired a firm to study the jail's systems and design. After completing the study, the company released an inspection report with more than $300,000 in recommended repairs that included fire protection, roof drainage and heating and air conditioning.
While some of the repairs are normal wear-and-tear costs, many residents feel much of the costs potentially came from an initial bad construction job.
"They should have done that a long time ago," said resident Barbara Guillion. "I don't know where they're coming up with all these new funds, but I'm not for it."
However, county officials said the warranty period has passed for the repairs, and taxpayers will be forced to foot the bill. But some residents said the problems should be worked out between the county and the contractor.
"I think a decision to make the taxpayers pay would be premature," said resident Kevin Pyle. "We have a right to know exactly what went on first."
Denton County Judge Mary Horn said she had suspicions there were problems with the original construction of the building.
"I had concerns about oversight at the time the construction was going on, but I wasn't a member of Commissioners Court at that time," she said. "So, I have to deal with what is."
But according to Horn, some problems and repairs are expected considering the large size of the 470 bed facility.
New resident Johnny Stalbart said he agrees.
"This kind of stuff happens in my opinion," he said.
County officials plan to work the expense into this year's budget, and the repairs will likely be made in the next few months.
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TexasStooge
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Dogs corner rabid bat at Flower Mound home
By DON WALL / WFAA ABC 8
FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Last week, Jeff Crayton discovered his two dogs, Bonnie and Alicia, cornering a bat in the middle of the day at his Flower Mound home.
It was soon discovered the bat Crayton's dogs surrounded was infected with rabies.
"[It was] hanging from the screen," Crayton said. "[It was] hanging upside down, just like vampire bats do."
Animal control captured the bat, which was similar to a Mexican free-tailed bat. The bat was then sent to a lab where it tested positive for the rabies virus.
Most people don't see bats because they are active at night. But there are millions of them around and they do some good by eating tons of insects. But, they are also known to carry rabies.
Dr. Denise Smith, a veterinarian, said the rabid bat should not cause alarm for Flower Mound residents. Instead, she said it should bring awareness to the community.
"I think people don't understand that they exist everywhere," she said. "You hear rabies, and there's no treatment for it."
Michael Ryan, a Flower Mound spokesman, also said he hopes the rabid bat finding increases alertness among residents.
"...Certainly this serves as a heads up to just use a little bit of common sense when your children or your pets are outside," he said.
While Bonnie and Alicia will be quarantined at home for 45 days, the dogs' rabies shots were fortunately up-to-date.
By DON WALL / WFAA ABC 8
FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Last week, Jeff Crayton discovered his two dogs, Bonnie and Alicia, cornering a bat in the middle of the day at his Flower Mound home.
It was soon discovered the bat Crayton's dogs surrounded was infected with rabies.
"[It was] hanging from the screen," Crayton said. "[It was] hanging upside down, just like vampire bats do."
Animal control captured the bat, which was similar to a Mexican free-tailed bat. The bat was then sent to a lab where it tested positive for the rabies virus.
Most people don't see bats because they are active at night. But there are millions of them around and they do some good by eating tons of insects. But, they are also known to carry rabies.
Dr. Denise Smith, a veterinarian, said the rabid bat should not cause alarm for Flower Mound residents. Instead, she said it should bring awareness to the community.
"I think people don't understand that they exist everywhere," she said. "You hear rabies, and there's no treatment for it."
Michael Ryan, a Flower Mound spokesman, also said he hopes the rabid bat finding increases alertness among residents.
"...Certainly this serves as a heads up to just use a little bit of common sense when your children or your pets are outside," he said.
While Bonnie and Alicia will be quarantined at home for 45 days, the dogs' rabies shots were fortunately up-to-date.
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TexasStooge
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Mob attacks, kills man at celebration
Dallas: Witnesses sought; victim, 18, just 'wanted to hang out'
By JASON TRAHAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Word had gotten around the State Fair of Texas on Saturday that the place to be that evening was the Adam's Mark Hotel for a post-State Fair Classic bash.
But by the time Joseph Anthony Davis Jr., his cousin and uncle made their way downtown, the hotel's ballroom was packed, and more than two dozen off-duty police working the event were turning people away. The other place to be eventually became the sidewalks and parking lots dotting the blocks near the hotel, police said.
But at 2:30 a.m., the party turned to panic at the lot on San Jacinto and Harwood streets as a mob of up to 20 men began what police said was an unprovoked attack on Mr. Davis, who was kicked and punched as about 100 others looked on. The attackers also beat the men's young cousin and uncle, both of whom escaped serious injury.
Mr. Davis died early Sunday at Baylor University Medical Center. He was 18.
"We believe there are witnesses out there," said Deputy Chief Alfredo Saldana, commander of the crimes against persons division. "We want people to come forward."
Police said that even though the victims, and possibly the attackers, were among the downtown throng celebrating after the Prairie View A&M/Grambling game at the Cotton Bowl, the school rivalry did not factor into the melee. The crowd was mixed with people coming out of downtown nightclubs, and Mr. Davis and his relatives did not attend the game, police said.
"We have no information that ties this to either of the two schools," said Sgt. Larry Lewis, a homicide supervisor.
The attackers left in a medium-size, light or powder blue four-door sedan, police said. The car had damage on the driver's side door.
Police likened the slaying to the May 2004 murder of Pierre Malone, a 16-year-old North Garland High School student and football player who was killed outside an overflowing fraternity gathering at Eddie Deen's Ranch on Lamar Street on the south end of downtown Dallas.
Eric Hurt, 17, was sentenced to 35 years in prison this year for that slaying. The shooting was one of several arguments and fights blamed on the large crowd that was not allowed into the packed party.
Mr. Davis' cousin, who didn't want to be identified, said they weren't looking for trouble Saturday night.
"We wanted to hang out," he said. "One of them came up and sat on my uncle's car. The other cat said, 'Do you care?' It wasn't worth it because we didn't want to start anything."
When fists began flying, he and their uncle ran. They thought Mr. Davis was behind them.
A patrol sergeant monitoring the packed streets that night saw men beating the uncle at San Jacinto and Olive streets and broke up that brawl. They helped the man to his feet and walked him back to his car. They found Mr. Davis facedown and bleeding.
Mr. Davis and his cousin came to Dallas a few months ago after finishing high school in Natchez, Miss.
"We wanted to start a new life," said Mr. Davis' cousin, his lip disfigured slightly by fresh stitches. "We didn't think that anything like this would happen."
Shortly after the pair arrived in Dallas and moved in with relatives in Far North Dallas, Mr. Davis quickly landed a job about a block away. He made his intentions to his new employer clear.
"He left the small town for the big town to get a good job and get a good education," said Matt Wood, owner of Grill Doctor at Coit and Belt Line roads, where the young man assembled grills and sold parts. "He was a good employee, a quick learner. This is just tragic."
He said the man's father came to the store Sunday.
"He just wanted to see where his son worked," Mr. Wood said.
Dallas: Witnesses sought; victim, 18, just 'wanted to hang out'
By JASON TRAHAN / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Word had gotten around the State Fair of Texas on Saturday that the place to be that evening was the Adam's Mark Hotel for a post-State Fair Classic bash.
But by the time Joseph Anthony Davis Jr., his cousin and uncle made their way downtown, the hotel's ballroom was packed, and more than two dozen off-duty police working the event were turning people away. The other place to be eventually became the sidewalks and parking lots dotting the blocks near the hotel, police said.
But at 2:30 a.m., the party turned to panic at the lot on San Jacinto and Harwood streets as a mob of up to 20 men began what police said was an unprovoked attack on Mr. Davis, who was kicked and punched as about 100 others looked on. The attackers also beat the men's young cousin and uncle, both of whom escaped serious injury.
Mr. Davis died early Sunday at Baylor University Medical Center. He was 18.
"We believe there are witnesses out there," said Deputy Chief Alfredo Saldana, commander of the crimes against persons division. "We want people to come forward."
Police said that even though the victims, and possibly the attackers, were among the downtown throng celebrating after the Prairie View A&M/Grambling game at the Cotton Bowl, the school rivalry did not factor into the melee. The crowd was mixed with people coming out of downtown nightclubs, and Mr. Davis and his relatives did not attend the game, police said.
"We have no information that ties this to either of the two schools," said Sgt. Larry Lewis, a homicide supervisor.
The attackers left in a medium-size, light or powder blue four-door sedan, police said. The car had damage on the driver's side door.
Police likened the slaying to the May 2004 murder of Pierre Malone, a 16-year-old North Garland High School student and football player who was killed outside an overflowing fraternity gathering at Eddie Deen's Ranch on Lamar Street on the south end of downtown Dallas.
Eric Hurt, 17, was sentenced to 35 years in prison this year for that slaying. The shooting was one of several arguments and fights blamed on the large crowd that was not allowed into the packed party.
Mr. Davis' cousin, who didn't want to be identified, said they weren't looking for trouble Saturday night.
"We wanted to hang out," he said. "One of them came up and sat on my uncle's car. The other cat said, 'Do you care?' It wasn't worth it because we didn't want to start anything."
When fists began flying, he and their uncle ran. They thought Mr. Davis was behind them.
A patrol sergeant monitoring the packed streets that night saw men beating the uncle at San Jacinto and Olive streets and broke up that brawl. They helped the man to his feet and walked him back to his car. They found Mr. Davis facedown and bleeding.
Mr. Davis and his cousin came to Dallas a few months ago after finishing high school in Natchez, Miss.
"We wanted to start a new life," said Mr. Davis' cousin, his lip disfigured slightly by fresh stitches. "We didn't think that anything like this would happen."
Shortly after the pair arrived in Dallas and moved in with relatives in Far North Dallas, Mr. Davis quickly landed a job about a block away. He made his intentions to his new employer clear.
"He left the small town for the big town to get a good job and get a good education," said Matt Wood, owner of Grill Doctor at Coit and Belt Line roads, where the young man assembled grills and sold parts. "He was a good employee, a quick learner. This is just tragic."
He said the man's father came to the store Sunday.
"He just wanted to see where his son worked," Mr. Wood said.
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TexasStooge
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Rules revised for nuisance property
Dallas: Police officials say guidelines intended to be less confrontational
By TANYA EISERER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police officials have retooled the department's procedures for dealing with crime-ridden properties in the aftermath of allegations that Dallas acted unfairly and arbitrarily in enforcing the state's public nuisance law.
"We are trying to add a greater sense of fairness and equity to the process," said First Assistant Chief David Brown after a hearing before the City Council's public safety committee.
Chief Brown, the department's second-highest-ranking commander, presented the changes to the council committee about a week before a state House panel is scheduled to have two days of hearings in Dallas over allegations the city abused the law.
Council members and an official with the local apartment association praised the proposed changes, though some critics said they may not go far enough.
"We think ... [the new process is] a far superior product," said Gerry Henigsman, executive vice president of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, whose group had vehemently complained that the old process was unfair to multifamily property owners.
Last spring, controversy erupted over how the city interpreted a 2003 law that gave cities enhanced powers to crack down on businesses or individuals who tolerated crime on their properties. Critics contended that Dallas used its new powers to penalize people who were making a "good-faith effort" to prevent crime on their properties.
Several days of hearings centering on Dallas' enforcement of the public nuisance law were held in Austin. The hearings resulted in lawmakers passing a bill that mandated that a business owner must "knowingly tolerate the underlying nuisance" and not take reasonable steps to stop criminal violations to be held accountable by the city. In addition, owners' calls to police for help could no longer be used against them in public nuisance suits.
During Monday's meeting, Chief Brown admitted that the old process was too rigid, somewhat arbitrary and didn't give police officials enough leeway in judging whether a particular property posed a crime problem. But he said he believed city procedures complied with the law.
It mandated that three preventable crimes occurring in one year at a property were enough to trigger an investigation by the police Support Abatement Forfeiture and Enforcement Team, or SAFE team. If the team wasn't satisfied that the property owner had done enough to prevent crime on his property, the case would be referred to the city attorney for a possible lawsuit to force the owner to implement changes.
The new process adds additional steps and appears to be designed to take a less confrontational approach with property owners. Other factors will now be taken into account, such as size, occupancy and use of the site and the property's reputation in the community and among police officers. Patrol division commanders – who presumably know more about particular properties in their division – now will be the first line in handling public nuisance cases.
The SAFE team will be reduced from 16 to eight members. The changes are being implemented this week.
"I think it's the right model for us to use," council member Gary Griffith said.
But Dale Davenport, a South Dallas carwash owner who led the fight against the city's handling of the nuisance law, remains skeptical that the changes are anything other than cosmetic.
"I don't trust them," said Mr. Davenport, who was ordered to pay for lighting, fences and around-the-clock security guards on his property after a judge ruled he hadn't done enough to prevent crime. "The proof is going to be in their future actions."
Dallas: Police officials say guidelines intended to be less confrontational
By TANYA EISERER / The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS, Texas - Dallas police officials have retooled the department's procedures for dealing with crime-ridden properties in the aftermath of allegations that Dallas acted unfairly and arbitrarily in enforcing the state's public nuisance law.
"We are trying to add a greater sense of fairness and equity to the process," said First Assistant Chief David Brown after a hearing before the City Council's public safety committee.
Chief Brown, the department's second-highest-ranking commander, presented the changes to the council committee about a week before a state House panel is scheduled to have two days of hearings in Dallas over allegations the city abused the law.
Council members and an official with the local apartment association praised the proposed changes, though some critics said they may not go far enough.
"We think ... [the new process is] a far superior product," said Gerry Henigsman, executive vice president of the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas, whose group had vehemently complained that the old process was unfair to multifamily property owners.
Last spring, controversy erupted over how the city interpreted a 2003 law that gave cities enhanced powers to crack down on businesses or individuals who tolerated crime on their properties. Critics contended that Dallas used its new powers to penalize people who were making a "good-faith effort" to prevent crime on their properties.
Several days of hearings centering on Dallas' enforcement of the public nuisance law were held in Austin. The hearings resulted in lawmakers passing a bill that mandated that a business owner must "knowingly tolerate the underlying nuisance" and not take reasonable steps to stop criminal violations to be held accountable by the city. In addition, owners' calls to police for help could no longer be used against them in public nuisance suits.
During Monday's meeting, Chief Brown admitted that the old process was too rigid, somewhat arbitrary and didn't give police officials enough leeway in judging whether a particular property posed a crime problem. But he said he believed city procedures complied with the law.
It mandated that three preventable crimes occurring in one year at a property were enough to trigger an investigation by the police Support Abatement Forfeiture and Enforcement Team, or SAFE team. If the team wasn't satisfied that the property owner had done enough to prevent crime on his property, the case would be referred to the city attorney for a possible lawsuit to force the owner to implement changes.
The new process adds additional steps and appears to be designed to take a less confrontational approach with property owners. Other factors will now be taken into account, such as size, occupancy and use of the site and the property's reputation in the community and among police officers. Patrol division commanders – who presumably know more about particular properties in their division – now will be the first line in handling public nuisance cases.
The SAFE team will be reduced from 16 to eight members. The changes are being implemented this week.
"I think it's the right model for us to use," council member Gary Griffith said.
But Dale Davenport, a South Dallas carwash owner who led the fight against the city's handling of the nuisance law, remains skeptical that the changes are anything other than cosmetic.
"I don't trust them," said Mr. Davenport, who was ordered to pay for lighting, fences and around-the-clock security guards on his property after a judge ruled he hadn't done enough to prevent crime. "The proof is going to be in their future actions."
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TexasStooge
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FBI raids house in City Hall probe
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - More evidence emerged Tuesday in the expanding FBI investigation stemming from corruption allegations at Dallas City Hall.
Around 7 a.m. in the morning, federal agents raided the home of Darren Reagan, who has been associated with the investigation since day one.
Reagan is the developer of a South Dallas shopping center and the head of the Black State Employees Association.
Federal agents served a warrant on his home in Desoto seeking computers, software and any materials or documents affiliated with the Westcliff Shopping Center that is now in bankruptcy.
But what the FBI got, according to Reagan's attorney, was a computer belonging to Reagan's child, his wife's cell phone and some old computer hardware.
In July, Reagan claimed to have been the victim of a home invasion. Home video cameras captured three men posing as cops serving what turned out to be a bogus search warrant on the same house that was recently searched. They allegedly took about $3,000 worth of goods.
Desoto police said their investigation into that incident has hit a dead end.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Reagan's attorney filed two motions in federal court that asked for the search warrants to be quashed and all of his family members' items returned.
The attorney said he and his client believe the warrant served was overly vague and unconstitutional. He also said the whole FBI inquiry has gone too far.
There was no comment from the FBI.
By BRETT SHIPP / WFAA ABC 8
DALLAS, Texas - More evidence emerged Tuesday in the expanding FBI investigation stemming from corruption allegations at Dallas City Hall.
Around 7 a.m. in the morning, federal agents raided the home of Darren Reagan, who has been associated with the investigation since day one.
Reagan is the developer of a South Dallas shopping center and the head of the Black State Employees Association.
Federal agents served a warrant on his home in Desoto seeking computers, software and any materials or documents affiliated with the Westcliff Shopping Center that is now in bankruptcy.
But what the FBI got, according to Reagan's attorney, was a computer belonging to Reagan's child, his wife's cell phone and some old computer hardware.
In July, Reagan claimed to have been the victim of a home invasion. Home video cameras captured three men posing as cops serving what turned out to be a bogus search warrant on the same house that was recently searched. They allegedly took about $3,000 worth of goods.
Desoto police said their investigation into that incident has hit a dead end.
Late Tuesday afternoon, Reagan's attorney filed two motions in federal court that asked for the search warrants to be quashed and all of his family members' items returned.
The attorney said he and his client believe the warrant served was overly vague and unconstitutional. He also said the whole FBI inquiry has gone too far.
There was no comment from the FBI.
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