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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 31, 2012 6:50:14 GMT -5
Hamilton County Schools' rating under Tennnessee's new assessment model was unremarkable, according to a state report released Monday. The district didn't make the list of the 21 best school systems -- "exemplary school districts" -- or the worst -- "in need of improvement." The report reflects this year's Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program scores for third- through eighth-graders, which showed that more than half of Hamilton County students are still below proficiency in reading and math. Improvements from last year were meager, the report showed. In math, Hamilton increased scores by 4.7 percentage points and in reading scores improved 1.1 percentage points, data show. timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/31/hamilton-schools-show-modest-improvement/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 31, 2012 6:49:45 GMT -5
(WRCB) - The mother of Hannah Barnes, killed last August in a train accident, has filed a $25 million dollar wrongful death lawsuit against the family of the man Hannah was with when she died. Lisa Barnes filed the complaint in Hamilton County Circuit Court last week. The suit names Hennen Restaurant Group LLC, Tim Hennen, Corrine McDonald Hennen, Michael Luhowiak, McDonald Farms LLC, and Norfolk Southern Railway Company as defendants. The 17-page complaint alleges the Hennens provided Hannah Barnes with alcohol at a birthday party at their downtown restaurant. Barnes claims the Hennens knew her daughter was 19-years-old, under the legal drinking age, because she was an employee of the business. www.wrcbtv.com/story/19148713/hannah-barnes-mother-files-25-million-wrongful-death-suit-in-train-deaths
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 31, 2012 6:48:53 GMT -5
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN — The federal lawsuit against Hamilton County over the County Commission's weekly prayers officially was amended a second time on Monday. Plaintiffs Tommy Coleman and Brandon Jones sought to amend their complaint in July after a Hamilton County sheriff's deputy escorted Coleman from a commission meeting. The amendment alleged the removal violated Coleman's Fourth Amendment rights. Though federal Judge Harry S. "Sandy" Mattice said during last week's preliminary hearing that the court is usually liberal about granting amendments to suits early in the process, the county's attorney, Stephen Duggins, objected to it. Mattice asked Duggins to file his brief explaining his opposition by Monday. Mattice said the amendment could be important in his pending decision on whether to grant a preliminary injunction halting the county's prayers until he can rule in the case. timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/30/federal-lawsuit-against-hamilton-county-commission/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 31, 2012 6:48:24 GMT -5
GEORGIA — Many of the heated North Georgia races for sheriff, district attorney, clerk of court and state Legislature could be decided today in the primary on the predominantly GOP ballot. The Catoosa County sheriff's race, the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit district attorney race, and Whitfield and Catoosa County Clerk of Court races are a few of the contests with multiple candidates, all running on a Republican ticket. Other heated races include Whitfield Magistrate Judge Kay Cope's seat, where three candidates are looking to beat the incumbent. And in Walker County, Dr. Paul Shaw is challenging longtime incumbent Bebe Heiskell for the sole commissioner spot. timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/31/731-b4-georgia-voters-go-to-polls-today/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 31, 2012 6:48:02 GMT -5
WARSAW, POLAND — Mitt Romney, on the last leg of his overseas tour, heralded Poland as a beacon for economic liberty and an unwavering ally of the United States in troubled times. Delivering a capstone address in Warsaw Tuesday morning, the Republican presidential candidate highlighted Poland's history emerging from Soviet occupation and breaking loose from Communist doctrine. "In a turbulent world, Poland stands as an example and defender of freedom," Romney said in prepared remarks. Romney praised the European nation for turning away from the "false promise of a government-dominated economy" and embracing free enterprise. www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/31/romney-heads-to-poland-for-final-stop-in-international-tour/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 31, 2012 6:47:38 GMT -5
PALO ALTO — Hot on the heels of more iPhone 5 component leaks, the rumor mill has now churned up a date for the release of both the highly anticipated iPhone 5 and an entirely new device -- the iPad Mini. According to iMore -- and supported by AllThingsD and The Verge -- Apple has picked Wednesday, September 12th as the date that the Cupertino giant will unveil the new iPhone to the world. There's little doubt that a new iPhone is incoming, although we won't know when we'll see it for sure until Apple starts sending out press invites and won't know for sure what new features it will have until we see it in Tim Cook's hand. There are strong claims that suggest the iPhone 5 will feature a 4-inch screen, have a metal backed chassis, feature a shrunken 19-pin dock connector, include NFC technology, and possibly be made of a super-tough amorphous allow called LiquidMetal. www.zdnet.com/iphone-5-and-ipad-mini-to-be-unveiled-september-12-rumor-7000001879/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 31, 2012 6:46:15 GMT -5
CHATTANOOGA — Members of the biker community, along with family and friends, are mourning the loss of a former Chattanooga Police Sergeant. 57-year-old Terry Yates crashed his motorcycle on Highway 153 early Monday morning after clipping the end of a tractor trailer, according to preliminary accident reports. Yates was devoted to his community, family and friends. Members of his bike club want everyone to know how he touched their lives. "It's been a shock ever since we found out," says Randy Randolph. www.wrcbtv.com/story/19150665/biker
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 30, 2012 7:11:47 GMT -5
WASHINGTON – Bill Clinton will have a prominent role in this year's Democratic National Convention, where he is expected to make the economic case for President Obama's re-election bid. The Obama campaign confirmed the former president's appearance late Sunday to Fox News, saying Clinton will argue the U.S. should continue building the economy from the middle class out as per Obama's policies. "There's no one better to cut through on economic issues and lay out the choice in the election because he understands the consequences of the policy differences," an Obama campaign official said. The move gives the Obama campaign an opportunity to take advantage of the former president's immense popularity and remind voters that a Democrat was in the White House the last time the American economy was thriving. www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/29/bill-clinton-to-have-key-role-at-democratic-convention/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 30, 2012 7:10:42 GMT -5
CLEVELAND, TN (WRCB) -- An early Saturday morning police chase in Cleveland ended with a fatal accident after police had called off their pursuit. A Ford van driven by Dennis Orlando Cruz had been pursued by Cleveland Police around 4:00 a.m. but continued to flee at a high rate of speed even after officers had discontinued their pursuit. According to the accident report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Cruz was still driving a high rate of speed northbound on Georgetown Road when he crossed over the center line and struck a Ford Escort in the opposite lane head on. The driver, 46-year-old Holli Hough, was fatally injured in the collision. Her passenger, 34-year-old James Hughes, III, was injured. www.wrcbtv.com/story/19137743/fleeing-driver-charged-with-vehicular-homicide
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 30, 2012 7:10:09 GMT -5
HAMILTON COUNTY, TN (WRCB) -- Expect to see some new faces on Hamilton County's "12 Most Wanted" list soon, as three of the fugitives have been taken into custody in the past week. On Tuesday, Steven Michael Bidwell, 31, was captured. He was wanted on charges of aggravated assault, probation violations on aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault, theft of property, and an original charge of theft. Then on Thursday, Eric Dewayne Lyons, 46, was taken in custody. He had been wanted for violation of the sex offender registry as well as for burglary, vandalism, evading arrest and possession of a controlled substance. And then on Friday, James Andrew Jackson, 29, was arrested. He had been sought on charges of child rape, domestic assault and an earlier charge of criminal trespassing. www.wrcbtv.com/story/19142064/three-local-most-wanted-fugitives-in-custody
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 30, 2012 7:09:34 GMT -5
SAN FRANCISCO — Apple and Samsung are set to square off in the first day of the San Jose federal jury trial today, as the next phase of the heated design and patent row kicks off with huge stakes in the smartphone and tablet worlds. Having failed to reach an amicable settlement in the preceding weeks, both companies have some impressive claims and demands: Apple wants $2.5bn in damages and a block on US sales of phones and tablets, while Samsung has accused its foe (and, ironically, customer) of hypocrisy and trying to stretch its patents to cover a ridiculous range of possibilities. Apple’s argument – laid out in pre-trial submissions over the past week – is that Samsung has knowingly copied the aesthetic design of the iPhone and iPad’s external appearance and its UI. www.slashgear.com/apple-vs-samsung-begins-billions-at-stake-in-federal-court-30240805/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 30, 2012 7:09:07 GMT -5
JERUSALEM — Mitt Romney told Jewish donors Monday that their culture is part of what has allowed them to be more economically successful than the nearby Palestinians, outraging Palestinian leaders who called his comments racist and out of touch. “As you come here and you see the GDP per capita, for instance, in Israel which is about $21,000 dollars, and compare that with the GDP per capita just across the areas managed by the Palestinian Authority, which is more like $10,000 per capita, you notice such a dramatically stark difference in economic vitality,” the Republican presidential candidate told about 40 wealthy donors who breakfasted around a U-shaped table at the luxurious King David Hotel. The reaction of Palestinian leaders to Romney’s comments was swift and pointed. “What is this man doing here?” said Saeb Erekat, a top Palestinian official. “Yesterday, he destroyed negotiations by saying Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and today he is saying Israeli culture is more advanced than Palestinian culture. Isn’t this racism?” www.washingtonpost.com/politics/romney-raising-campaign-cash-in-israel-before-heading-to-poland-final-leg-of-trip/2012/07/30/gJQAjdveJX_story.html
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 30, 2012 7:08:15 GMT -5
LONDON — Looking at the Olympic schedule when it came out, you circled this day as being one of the headliners of the Games with the men's 4x100m relay race and women's gymnastics team competition taking place. But after months of anticipation, it didn't go as planned for Team USA on Sunday. Reigning world gymnastics champion Jordyn Wieber left heartbroken and the French got their payback against the U.S. men's swimming relay team. There were, however, moments of glory in the pool and in shooting. Unexpected drama swept over the North Greenwich Arena Sunday during the first day of the women's gymnastics team competition. The Americans performed admirably on the first day, finishing in first and easily qualifying for Tuesday's final. But all eyes were on who would qualify for the all-around final. With the Americans putting up high score after high score, it became apparent that the competition for the second and final U.S. berth into the all-around final was going to come down to the last event. For months, the build-up had been around a Jordyn Wieber v. Gabby Douglas all-around duel but all of that was dashed when Massachusetts native Aly Raisman landed the routine of a lifetime on floor. Raisman's 15.325 was good enough to have her finish above every other competitor, and meant that one of her best friends and reigning world champion Jordyn Wieber would not advance to the all-around final. www.nbcolympics.com/wrcb/news-blogs/2012/surprising-sunday-best-of-day-2.html
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 30, 2012 7:06:52 GMT -5
SUMMERVILLE, GA — Chattooga County authorities and the EPA won't decide before this morning whether it's safe for residents who live near the site of a monster recycling plant fire to return home. Chattooga Emergency Management Agency Chief Eddie Henderson said Sunday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will monitor the quality of the air in the area overnight and meet today to decide if the evacuation will be lifted. The EPA has been monitoring the air quality since early Saturday morning. Sunday evening, more than 48 hours after the fire began at the plastics recycling plant, Henderson said it was contained and the situation had improved from Saturday. www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/30/evacuation-continues-in-chattooga-plant/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 30, 2012 7:05:55 GMT -5
CHATTANOOGA — A local athlete played a key role in the 2012 Olympics -- first helping to get the London bid and then carrying the final torch at the opening ceremony. Amber Charles is from London, but she is entering her senior year at Tennessee Temple University, where she's captain of the women's basketball team. More than 40 million people watched her carry the final torch at the Olympic opening ceremony. It was an opening ceremony watched by more people than any other in Olympic history. And front and center, with one of the most important jobs, Tennessee Temple University student Amber Charles. www.wrcbtv.com/story/19141934/chattanooga-athlete-is-final-torchbearer-at-london-olympics
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 27, 2012 6:20:18 GMT -5
The longtime mayor of Pikeville, Tenn., is accused of misusing more than $170,000 in taxpayer funds. Greg Johnson, who is in his third term, is free on $10,000 bond after being arrested Wednesday on charges of official misconduct and felony theft in the wake of a monthslong investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Office. Officials at Pikeville City Hall said Johnson had not come into the office on Thursday. City Hall staff also said he has not submitted any correspondence regarding his plans as mayor. Johnson, 50, was first elected to the Pikeville Board of Aldermen at age 19. www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/27/pikeville-mayor-arrested-tennessee-greg-johnson/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 27, 2012 6:19:31 GMT -5
CHATTANOOGA (WRCB) - Temus Terry said he was fired from T-Mobile at Hamilton Place for reporting what he calls "unethical" business practices. "I thought it was a mistake, and so did everyone else," said Terry. "But once other customers started coming in the store with the same story, that's a red flag." He said the complaints started last fall. Customers claimed the store's manager deceived them. "They were saying things were added to their account without their approval," said Terry. www.wrcbtv.com/story/19126537/local-t-mobile-cusoter-people-need-to-know-this-is-going-on
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 27, 2012 6:18:18 GMT -5
HOLLYWOOD, FL — A man who injected a woman in the buttocks with unknown substances during an illegal cosmetic surgery was arrested on Thursday and charged with manslaughter in the woman's death, authorities said. Oneal Ron Morris, 31, of Hollywood, Florida, is known to have injected other women with substances such as bathroom caulk, cement, Super Glue and the tire product Fix-A-Flat, officials with the Broward County Sheriff's Office said. Authorities described Morris as a transvestite who went by the nickname "The Dutchess." According to his arrest affidavit, 31-year-old Shatarka Nuby died in March in Tallahassee from what an assistant medical examiner called "massive systemic silicone migration" due to "cosmetic silicone injections of the buttocks and hips," according to the arrest affidavit. www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/27/us-usa-crime-butt-injection-idUSBRE86Q04Y20120727
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 27, 2012 6:17:35 GMT -5
LONDON — Bells rang out across Britain on Friday to signal the final countdown to the Olympic Games, which open with an exuberant and eccentric ceremony celebrating the nation in an explosion of dance, music and fireworks inspired by Shakespeare's "Tempest". The three-hour showcase created by Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle takes spectators on a journey from Britain's idyllic countryside through the grime of the Industrial Revolution and ending in an explosion of pop culture. Watched by 60,000 people at the main Olympic stadium built in a run-down part of east London and a global audience of more than a billion, the event will have passages described by British Prime Minister David Cameron as "spine-tingling". www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/27/us-oly-wrap-day-idUSBRE86Q0EM20120727
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 27, 2012 6:16:59 GMT -5
CHATTANOOGA — After months of negotiations, Memorial and BlueCross failed to work out a contract deal, leaving BlueCross members out of network with the hospital Aug. 1. Memorial Health Care System has pledged to continue to extend in-network rates to patients despite the lapse of contract. However, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is sending a letter to about 55,000 members who previously have used Memorial to warn them they may pay higher costs. The contract expiration does not affect Memorial physicians, the Chattanooga Heart Institute physicians and Memorial Mission Surgery Center, which have separate contracts with BlueCross. www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/27/memorial-bluecross-deal-falls-apart-chattanooga/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 27, 2012 6:16:38 GMT -5
EAST RIDGE — In a lengthy council meeting, East Ridge officials voted on several items Thursday evening, touching on the tobacco ban and a ban on extended stay motels. First, the council approved purchase of excess land from TDOT to sell to Wolftever for a possible development near Interstate 75. Secondly, the council passed a city-wide smoking and tobacco ban with an amendment for designated smoking areas, mainly city parking lots, but to be determined by the city manager. www.wrcbtv.com/story/19126469/tobacco-ban-passed-in-east-ridge
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 27, 2012 6:15:38 GMT -5
HAMILTON COUNTY — For the next couple of weeks at least, Hamilton County Commissioners may continue to open their meetings with prayers invoking Jesus, God, or another deity or higher power. Federal Judge Harry Sandlin Mattice Jr. has given their lawyers, and those suing to block those prayers, until August 8 to file briefs before he decides whether to order those prayers stopped until the case itself goes to trial. "We're making it (the prayers) more inclusive," Commission Chairman Larry Henry says. "We had it inclusive to begin with, I thought, but evidently we didn't." Commissioners modified the prayer policy July 3, after Hamilton County residents Tommy Coleman and Brandon Jones filed the federal suit, arguing that officially-sanctioned, led prayers are unconstitutional because they violate First Amendment provisions barring an establishment of religion. www.wrcbtv.com/story/19125668/judge-wants-more-info-before-deciding-whether-to-stop-commission-prayers
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 26, 2012 5:49:37 GMT -5
CHATTANOOGA — Three weeks after promising to abstain from "negative" campaign advertising, Scottie Mayfield this week launched an attack ad condemning U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann's voting record -- a record Mayfield praised as recently as May. On July 5, after warning on Twitter "that we'll be attacked on TV soon," Mayfield spokesman Joe Hendrix told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that "Scottie committed to not going negative in any way." But Mayfield is the first 3rd Congressional District candidate to use television to target a rival, and opponents say the dairy executive's latest ad proves he broke a campaign pledge to stay positive. www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/26/scottie-mayfield-attacks-chuck-fleischmann-votes/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 26, 2012 5:48:55 GMT -5
WASHINGTON — Days after the mass shootings in Colorado, guns shifted to the forefront of the presidential campaign as President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney engaged in their most extensive discussions on the issue since the tragedy. Obama, in a speech to an African-American group Wednesday in New Orleans, embraced some degree of additional restrictions on guns. He acknowledged that not enough had been done to prevent weapons from getting into the hands of criminals and pledged to work with lawmakers from both parties to move forward on the matter. Romney said in a television interview that changing the nation's laws would not prevent gun-related tragedies. But he mistakenly said many weapons used by the shooting suspect in Aurora, Colo., were obtained illegally, despite the fact that authorities allege that the firearms used to kill 12 people and injure dozens more were purchased legally. www.newsday.com/news/nation/gun-violence-shifts-to-forefront-of-campaign-1.3861551
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 26, 2012 5:48:03 GMT -5
WASHINGTON — As the Senate headed toward a symbolic vote Wednesday on legislation to extend some of the Bush administration tax cuts, estate tax policy became a focal point of the debate. The Senate Democratic bill would continue the Bush tax cuts through 2013 for households earning less than $250,000 annually but allow them to revert to pre-2001 levels for those above that threshold, following along the lines of a policy backed by President Barack Obama. The measure doesn't address estate taxes, which are set at 35% with a $5 million exemption. If the Bush cuts expire at the end of the year without congressional action, the estate tax would increase to 55%, with a $1 million exemption. www.investmentnews.com/article/20120725/FREE/120729946
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 26, 2012 5:47:32 GMT -5
ANAHEIM, CA — Police maintained a heavy presence on the streets of Anaheim to guard against further violent protests in the wake of the fatal shooting of an unarmed man by officers. The mother of Manuel Diaz condemned the unrest that has roiled the city, saying she did not want them to become her son’s legacy. “I watched as my son took his last breath. I watched as his heart stopped beating for the last time,” Genevieve Huizar said Wednesday, breaking into sobs. “Please, please, please stop the violence. It’s not going to bring my son back, and this is the worst thing any mother could go through.” Her news conference followed a night of protests where as many as 600 demonstrators surged through downtown, smashing shop windows, setting trash fires and hurling rocks and bottles at riot-clad officers who used batons, pepper balls and beanbag rounds. www.washingtonpost.com/national/mother-of-man-slain-by-anaheim-police-condemns-violent-protests-over-shooting/2012/07/25/gJQAkk0EAX_story.html
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 25, 2012 6:18:47 GMT -5
It may have been just an hour of cookies and punch, but a recent reception sponsored by East Ridge city officials for a congressional candidate is drawing questions about how local taxpayer money may be used. About 25 East Ridge employees milled in the lobby of East Ridge's City Hall on July 13, shaking hands and making small talk with Scottie Mayfield, a Republican running for Tennessee's 3rd District seat. The reception took place while employees were on the clock, and about $80 was spent on snacks for the employees. City Manager Tim Gobble insisted that the reception was not meant to be an endorsement and was an attempt to be "hospitable," but other city leaders have said it was an inappropriate use of city funds. www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/25/scottie-mayfield-reception-raises-eyebrows/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 25, 2012 6:18:22 GMT -5
CHATTANOOGA — Eviction looms over a College Hill Courts resident who accused police officers of being verbally abusive and using excessive force and who collected more than 100 signatures on a petition asking for a federal investigation of the housing authority and city police officers. Joyce Hardwick is scheduled to have an eviction hearing at the Chattanooga Housing Authority on Thursday. On April 10 she was charged with disorderly conduct by police after an incident at College Hills. CHA rules stipulate that commission of a crime on or off public housing property by a tenant or relative can be grounds for eviction. www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/25/chattano-college-hill-courts-woman-facing-eviction/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 25, 2012 6:17:24 GMT -5
CHATTANOOGA — Mayor Ron Littlefield and several City Council members were stunned Tuesday night when they found out that not all city employees received an "across-the-board" pay raise. "This is the first I've heard of this situation, so I'll have to see how many people were affected," Littlefield told the council. The issue came up at the conclusion of the council's regular business meeting Tuesday night. Stephen West, steward of Service Employees International Union Local 205 and a city Public Works employee, told the council that those employees who had topped out in their pay grade received no 3 percent raise this year. www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/25/chattanooga-city-workers-not-getting-a-raise/
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Post by CMF Newsman on Jul 25, 2012 6:16:48 GMT -5
GREENLAND — Nearly all of the ice sheet covering Greenland's surface melted over several days in July - something scientists have never seen before. Images from NASA satellites have shown the largest melting since they began watching the area 30 years ago. Even Greenland's coldest and highest place, Summit Station, experienced melting. On average in the summer, only about half of the surface of Greenland's ice sheet naturally melts. On July 8th, 40% of the ice sheet had thawed, but four days later this had jumped to 97%. NASA Son Nghiem said: "This was so extraordinary that at first I questioned the result: was this real or was it due to a data error?" It's not yet clear whether this melting will have an effect on overall volume of ice loss this summer, or sea level rise. www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/18980361
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