Zimmerman Is Acquitted Of Murder And Manslaughter Charges

SANFORD, Fla. — George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot an unarmed black teenager, igniting a national debate on racial profiling and civil rights, was found not guilty on Saturday of the second-degree murder of Trayvon Martin.  He also was acquitted of manslaughter, a lesser charge.

After three weeks of testimony, the six-woman jury rejected the prosecution’s contention that Mr. Zimmerman, 29, had deliberately pursued Mr. Martin, 17, because he viewed the hoodie-clad teenager as a criminal and instigated the fight that led to his death.

Mr. Zimmerman said he shot Mr. Martin on Feb. 26, 2012, in self-defense after the teenager knocked him to the ground, punched him and slammed his head repeatedly against the sidewalk.  In finding him not guilty of murder or manslaughter, the jury agreed that Mr. Zimmerman could have been justified in shooting Mr. Martin because he feared great bodily harm or death.

The jury, which has been sequestered since June 24, deliberated 16 hours and 20 minutes over two days.

Read more:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/14/us/george-zimmerman-verdict-trayvon-martin.html?_r=0

A Guide To Pittsburgh’s 10 Guinness World Records

Editor’s note:  Just for fun on this gloomy Saturday 🙂

An argument started it all.  The year was 1951 and Hugh Beaver, then-director of Guinness Breweries, was fighting with a friend in an Irish pub over what species was the fastest bird in Europe.  He realized how many pub-brawls must have been started over unknown facts — and the Guinness Book of World Records was born.

Today there are more than 50,000 records, all thoroughly documented and searchable on GuinnessWorldRecords.com.  Earlier this month at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the Anthrocon convention tried to add a record for largest parade of humans in fursuit costumes.

This feat is far from the first Pittsburgh has seen on its turf.  Set your sports teams, sandwiches and golden bridges aside.  Here’s a new set of claims to fame Pittsburghers can be proud of:

1. Highest insured hair

Steelers safety and Head & Shoulders shampoo spokesman Troy Polamalu‘s legendary locks made history in 2010 when Proctor & Gamble insured them for $1 million.

Read more:  http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/a-guide-to-pittsburghs-10-guinness-world-records-695261/#ixzz2YwMpFsOv

Downtown York Benefits From Tourism Spike During Gettysburg 150 Events

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting York County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

York, PA – When a wave of tourists descended during the recent 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, it sent a ripple effect through nearby economies.  Some of those visitors’ dollars ended up in downtown York.

People escaping overcrowded restaurants and shops at the event epicenter gave a boost to York businesses during what is typically a quiet holiday week, said David Albright, chef and owner of The Left Bank Restaurant and Bar at North George Street.

“The numbers have definitely been higher,” Albright said.

After fielding a high volume of advance bookings, the Yorktowne Hotel called in additional staff for Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the July 4th week.

Read more:  http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_23649056/downtown-york-benefits-from-tourism-spike-during-gettysburg

5 Arrested In Wilkes-Barre Drug Raid

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Luzerne County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WILKES-BARRE — Five people were arrested in a drug raid on Charles Street on Friday.

Wilkes-Barre police, with assistance from state police Troop P Vice Unit and Pennsylvania State Parole, initiated an investigation Friday into drug trafficking and prostitution in South Wilkes-Barre, according to a press release from city police.

As a result of the investigation, police obtained a search warrant for 171 Charles St.  While searching the premises, officers arrested Vanessa Gamble, 35, and Herbert Williams, 34, both of 171 Charles St.; Lauren Lizza, 24, of Throop Street, Scranton; Ryan Novick, 26, of Schuyler Avenue, Kingston; and Fabian Thomas, 30, of Hollenback Street, Plains Township.

Read more:  http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/673262/5-arrested-in-W-B-drug-raid

Latest Phase Of Downtown Streetscape Project More Than Halfway Done

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Luzerne County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WILKES-BARRE — The sun beat down on the newly poured concrete sidewalks outside Mimmo’s Pizza, and inside Mark Bronsburg thought about the winter.

Construction workers have been toiling in the heat and humidity to dig up the old walkways as part of the latest phase of the downtown Streetscape project and replace them to smooth the way for people going around Public Square.

Bronsburg looked forward to an easier job shoveling snow without jamming a shovel against an upraised sidewalk paver.

He’s among the business owners around the Square who’ve been waiting for improvements to be made to match those on the opposite side.  He’s also willing to put up with short-term inconveniences.

Read more:  http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/669883/Latest-phase-of-downtown-Streetscape-project-more-than-halfway-done

Troopers Investigate String Of Break-Ins In Eastern Berks

Map of Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States with township and municipal boundaries (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

State police at Reading are investigating a rash of burglaries in eight townships they cover in eastern Berks County.

In recent weeks there have been burglaries in Alsace, Ruscombmanor, Earl, Oley, Rockland, Pike, District and Hereford townships, Trooper David C. Beohm said.

Some occurred during daylight hours.

“People can help us by paying attention to their neighbors’ properties,” Beohm said.  “If they see a strange car in a neighbor’s driveway, give us a call and we’ll go out and check it out.

Read more:  http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=492805

Ex-Reading Fire Chief Says Hostile Environment Sparked Resignation

A 1947 topographic map of the Reading, Pennsylvania area. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Former city Fire Chief David W. Hollinger resigned because of what he called a hostile work environment and a pattern of “intimidation, stalking behavior, harassment and threats” from the firefighters union and his own first deputies, according to his resignation letter.

“I now regard this position untenable and must consider the health and safety of my family and resign my position,” Hollinger said in the letter delivered Monday to Mayor Vaughn D. Spencer.  A copy was obtained by the Reading Eagle.

Reached Thursday afternoon, Hollinger said he has hired an attorney.

“A fire chief, like a police chief, takes a hit, but it should never spill over to one’s family,” Hollinger said.

Read more:  http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=492902