Elizabeth Edwards Dies After Battle With Cancer
By: David Shepherd (dshepherd@wtwo.com) Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of former North Carolina senator and presidential candidate John Edwards, died Tuesday morning after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 61.
NBC News is reporting, gravely ill with cancer that no longer responded to treatment, Elizabeth Edwards was reportedly not in any pain and was surrounded at home in North Carolina by family and friends, including her estranged husband John Edwards, a former Democratic presidential candidate.
(msnbc.com) — Her death came at 10:15 Tuesday morning, according to a family friend. The scene was described as “very peaceful.”
The friend said, “Elizabeth did not want people to say she lost her battle with cancer. The battle was about living a good life and that she won.”
Family friends provided to NBC News this statement from the Edwards Family.
“Elizabeth Anania Edwards, mother, author, advocate died today at her home in Chapel Hill, surrounded by her family.
“Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth’s presence but she remains the heart of this family.
NEW INFORMATION: The White House released a statement Tuesday night on behalf of the President. It read…
“Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Elizabeth Edwards. This afternoon I spoke to Cate Edwards and John Edwards, and offered our family’s condolences. I came to know and admire Elizabeth over the course of the presidential campaign. She was a tenacious advocate for fixing our health care system and fighting poverty, and our country has benefited from the voice she gave to the cause of building a society that lifts up all those left behind.
In her life, Elizabeth Edwards knew tragedy and pain. Many others would have turned inward; many others in the face of such adversity would have given up. But through all that she endured, Elizabeth revealed a kind of fortitude and grace that will long remain a source of inspiration. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.” – President Obama’s Statement on the death of Edwards.
North Korea Deploys Missiles
CNN is reporting North Korea has deployed surface-to-air missiles on its coast as the United States and South Korea prepare for navy drills Sunday.
Tensions have been high on the Korean peninsula since last week’s North Korean attack against an island in South Korea.
World leaders have been concerned over the escalating situation in that area as North Korea possesses nuclear weapons.
Some government leaders in South Korea have said the region is at the brink of war.
Teen Arrested in Failed Portland Car Bomb Plot
Mohamed Osman Mohamud
By: David Shepherd [dshepherd@wtwo.com] – Saturday, November 27, 2010
Federal prosecutors tell NBC News that a Somali-born teen has been arrested for plotting a car bomb attack at a Christmas tree lighting ceremony in downtown Portland Friday.
Mohamed Osman Mohamud, 19, was arrested after trying to detonate the dud bomb given to him by undercover agents as part of an anti-terror sting.
Court documents show Mohamud was arrested after he dialed a cell phone that he thought would detonate the explosives at Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square as thousands were in attendence for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Witnesses tell NBC News Mohamud yelled, “Allahu Akhbar” and tried to kick agents as the arrested him. He’s charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.
If convicted, he could face up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine.
UPDATE: Official Says South Korea Attack One Step Closer to Brink of War
By: David Shepherd & News Sources [dshepherd@wtwo.com] – Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Photo: MSNBC
UPDATE: South Korea’s President, Lee Myung-bak, says “enormous retaliation should be made to the extent that [North Korea] cannot make provocations again,” after Tuesday’s military attack on the South. He said that an “indiscriminate attack on civilians can never be tolerated.”
Myung-bak called an emergency security meeting shortly after the initial shelling that killed 2 South Korean soldiers and wounded others and the death toll may climb, according to NBC News.
The White House said Tuesday, President Barrack Obama was awakened in the early morning hours and given an emergency briefing on the situation. A spokesman for the President says Mr. Obama plans to speak with the South Korean President.
The White House is strongly condemning the attack saying the United States will honor its alliance obligations to the South.
Peter Beck, a research fellow with the Council on Foreign Relations told NBC News, “[the attack] brings us one step closer to the brink of
South Korean TV showing images of homes burning in the wake of the most aggressive military action against the South since the Korean War ended in the 1950's
war because I don’t think the North would seek war by intention, but war by accident, something spiraling out of control has always been my fear.”
ORIGIONAL STORY: The South Korean island was attacked Tuesday by North Korean artillery shells in one of the most aggressive attacks on the country since the Korean War, NBC News is reporting. The North’s military attack killed 2 South Korean soldiers, wounded 15 others, and set up to 70 houses ablaze, according to South Korean TV YTN.
The news agency is reporting at least 200 shells hit the island of Yeonpyeong. Most of the shells landed on a South Korean military base there. Now, both countries are ready for whatever may come next, vowing to continue to fight if the other doesn’t back down. In Seoul, the South Korean government called the action an “indisputable armed provocation against the Republic of Korea. Making matters worse, it even indiscriminately fired against civilians. Such actions will never be tolerated.”
The statement says the country “immediately and strongly responded to the provocation in accordance with the rules of engagement”and vowed to “retaliate against any additional acts of provocation in a resolute manner.”
North Korea also issued a statement saying the attacks were in response to an incident that stemmed from South Korean military drills, calling them “war maneuvers for a war of aggression.”
AP / Tentions mounting in South Korea after the attack from the North, which claims to have a strong and growing nuclear weapons program.
In Washington, there are fears of escalation with a U.S. Defense official telling CNN that the “hope is that this is just one isolated incident, not an escalation into a different military posture.”
For decades, North Korea has been a concern on the global front for their nuclear program. North Korea possesses nuclear weapons that may be able to reach as far as the United States. Many fear escalation could bring the two nations closer to the brink of nuclear war.
Rare Late November Tornado Touches Down in Illinois, Significant Damage, Injuries
By: David Shepherd [dshepherd@wtwo.com] – Monday, November 22, 2010
Photo: Nicole Bradley
Destruction lies in the wake of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that ripped through parts of the Midwest Monday.
Among the hardest hit, northern Illinois, where there were several reports of tornado touchdowns and significant damage.
News sources are reporting at least three children were hurt in Caledonia, Illinois, when their school
Photo: The Rockford Register-Star
bus was flipped in the severe storms. There have been no reports as to the extent of their injuries.
CNN is reporting Caledonia’s town hall was destroyed when the storms blew through. Elsewhere in the town, at least one home was completely destroyed and power was knocked out to about 500 residents. There was significant damage done to several other homes and businesses in that area.
Severe weather was also reported in Wisconsin where meteorologists from the National Weather Service will have to determine if a tornado touched down there.
Hot Contests: It May Be A Long Election Night
By: David Shepherd [dshepherd@wtwo.com] – Tuesday, November 2, 2010
The “spin machines” are telling voters and candidates this Election Night could be a long one, with so many hotly contested races across the nation.
This election is an important one. The balance of power in Congress will be decided by the voters today. But will we know those results tonight? If candidates mount legal challenges to a result that doesn’t favor them, it could take days or even weeks.
Challenges, re-counts and lawsuits have become a staple part of American politics. But with so much on the line tonight, anxious voters are hoping to have answers as soon as possible.
NBC News is reporting even if there are no legal challenges or recounts, it’s likely that the results of several contests will not be clear on the morning of November 3rd. And there are plausible scenarios in which the balance of power in the Senate — where Republicans must net 10 seats to regain the majority — is not known for days after Election Day.
One of those hotly contested races is for The Senate in Illinois. It’s being called one of the tightest contests in America this year. The
PHOTO: NBC News / Getty Images
Republican candidate is pulling anywhere between a two-and a three-point lead over his Democratic challenger.
In some states, results within a few points of each other would trigger an automatic recount. But under Illinois’ election laws, a candidate can request a recount under certain circumstances but there would be no automatic recount.
As we learned from the Presidential Election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, and from many races that followed, a candidate could take results of a recount they don’t like a mount a lengthy legal challenge.
But do the recounts and all of the legal “bumbo jumbo” leave a bad taste in voter’s mouths? What do you think? Take the on-line poll.
CNN Reporting: Chicago Gay-Friendly Synagogue Target of Thwarted Terror Attack
By: David Shepherd [dshepherd@wtwo.com] – Saturday, October 30, 2010
CNN is reporting a small synagogue dedicated to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in Chicago was one of the two intended targets of Friday’s thwarted terror attacks against Chicago.
The report comes from the synagogue’s co-president. He claims the Or Chadash was notified through a rabbi who claimed the word came from authorities.
No one in the Intellegence field or the government has confirmed these claims. There has been no public release of the exact locations targeted.
CNN reports Chicago FBI spokesman Royden Rice would not confirm or deny that Or Chadash was a target.
“We notified both targets yesterday,” Rice told CNN Saturday. “We always notify potential victims of crime. If they wish to reveal who they are, it’s up to them.”
Explosives Found In Packages In Route to United States
By: David Shepherd [dshepherd@wtwo.com] – Friday, October 29, 2010
NBC News Photo
A terror attack on targets in the United States has been thwarted but law enforcement officials aren’t letting their guard down.
President Barack Obama briefed the country from the White House Press Briefing Room Friday afternoon calling the plot “a credible threat against our country.”
Mr. Obama confirmed earlier reports that packages carrying explosives were found aboard U.S. bound cargo planes in Dubai and the United Kingdom, Friday.
That discovery prompted heightened inspections of cargo plans and trucks in cities across the country.
Terror officials believe al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula was behind the failed attack. The devices were found in
The President said, “Although we are still pursuing all the facts, we do know that the packages originated in Yemen. We also know that al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, a terrorist group based in Yemen, continues to plan attacks against our homeland, our citizens, and our friends and allies.”
Mr. Obama said the packages were being sent to two Jewish places of worship in Chicago.
Synagogues in Chicago are now being warned to be on alert.
The President addressing the nation about the thwarted terror attacks on the United States
The President reminded Americans about the threat we live under. “The events of the past 24 hours underscores the necessity of remaining vigilant against terrorism.”
Following the President’s remarks, White House counterterrorism chief John Brennan took the podium to discuss the situation in more detail. He said the devices were “in a form that was designed to try to carry out some kind of attack”. Clearly, from the initial observation, the initial analysis that was done, the material that was found … was intended to do harm.”
U.S. officials told NBC News the amount of explosives in one of the packages was about five times greater than quantity carried by the would-be Christmas Day bomber. That would make it slightly less than a pound, but that’s a significant amount.
It was unclear how the devices were to be set off.
FedEx and UPS have suspended receiving shipments from Yemen for “the foreseeable future.”
The Long Road to Recovery: A Special Report Part 1
A SPECIAL REPORT By: David Shepherd [dshepherd@wtwo.com] – Wednesday, October 27, 2010
TERRE HAUTE — Reports show Vigo County is in the top 3 counties in Indiana with meth problems. It’s 6 in the state for alcohol abuse.
But some people no longer want to be part of that statistic.
We see time and time again the effects drugs and alcohol can have on individuals, their families and their communities.
Some people are getting a new lease on life. It’s all thanks to the Freebirds residential treatment center in Terre Haute.
Some residents are sentenced to recovery here, others go by choice. But the outcome and the goal is the same.
“I’ve totally changed,” says resident Scott Williams, “and as far as I’m concerned, this place has saved my life.”
Freebirds houses, educates and treats people addicted to drugs or alcohol.
“I got out of jail and I just realized I was done with this and I went through rehab,” Williams said.
While in rehab, Williams found out about Freebirds. His battle with alcohol abuse put a strain on his health and his relationship with his family.
He says, “They want me to come home for visits now. I just went home last weekend and me and my dad went up to the cabin. We never did father / son stuff. I’ve totally changed.”
Stacy Basham discovered she needed a change after years of drug use and jail time. She got help and now works at the facility, helping others with their battles.
“Because of someone believing in what I had to say this time, instead of going back to the Rockville Correctional Facility, I was sentenced to Freebird.”
Now, Stacy credits God, and help from the Freebirds, for her remarkable recovery.
“[God] knew when I was ready and he put this place right here when I needed it.”
Wiping tears of joy from her face, she added, “Is every day great? Yeah, it is!”
Now that you’ve read how successful the program is, how do they do it?
Find out Thursday night on NBC 2 News at 11 and right here on the David Shepherd Newsblog.
Tornadoes & Hurricane Force Winds Rip Through The Midwest
By: David Shepherd [dshepherd@wtwo.com] – Tuesday, October 26, 2010
NBC NEWS PHOTO: Storms cause damage to a home near Chicago Tuesday morning.
A powerful storm system is moving through the nation’s mid-section. A low pressure system is sweeping an intense cold front through the Midwest, with blizzard conditions in the extreme north, destructive winds in the Great Lakes region, and tornadoes from Texas to Kentucky.
In Chicago, forecasters predict the storm could be the most powerful to hit Illinois in over 70 years.
As of Tuesday morning, tornado reports have come in from several states. In Indiana, tornadoes were reported in Kokomo and Wanatah.
A roof was ripped off of a home in Peotone, Illinois. The people were injured there. Forecasters have not confirmed tornadoes yet, however they will be out soon to survey the area and determine what caused the damage.
More than 62,000 customers were without power in Chicago. More than 40,000 reportedly lost power in Indiana.
Hurricane-force winds are being reported this afternoon in northern Illinois and Indiana and through the Dakotas. The eastern Great Lakes are expecting waves to reach 25 feet with fears of beach erosion.
NBC News is reporting 300 flights were canceled at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.
The National Weather Service said the storm is one of the strongest to hit the region in decades.
“We’re expecting sustained winds on the order of 35 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph throughout the afternoon,” Edward Fenelon, a weather service meteorologist in Romeoville, Ill, told NBC News. He said the storm’s central pressure is equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane.
“This is a very different type of event,” Fenelon said. “But that does give an indication of the magnitude of the winds. This isn’t something you see even every year.”
Weather Service Meteorologist Jim Allsopp tells NBC that the storm could be among the worst to hit Illinois in more than 70 years.
Early December Cold Snap Grips the Nation
David Shepherd – Dec. 7Frigid weather is gripping much of the country as far south as Florida.
Fort Lauderdale hit a record low temperature for this date (Tuesday) at 40 degrees. The old record was 42 set in 1841.
The National Weather Service issued hard freeze warnings Tuesday night into Wednesday morning for much of Florida with freeze advisories as far south as Hollywood.
Cold and snow have hit parts of North Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Winter weather advisories are in effect for parts of those states with more snow expected.
IN Voters to Decide Whether Prop. Tax Caps Are Put In Constitution
David Shepherd - Nov. 2Question 1 on the ballot in Indiana asks voters if they support making Property Tax Cap laws part of the state constitution.
Lawmakers expect the proposal to pass, but Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett says the caps are bad for cities who are struggling with the lack of revenue.
The Mayor says more cuts must be made to make up for the loss in revenue from the property tax caps.
Over the past two years, the caps have forced the city to cut more than $5.5-million.Terre Haute is the 7th hardest hit city in the state when it comes to the caps' effects.
"It all sounds good. Everybody wants their taxes to go down," says Bennett. "But people don't realize that the translation is, you pay less, there's less service and people are not going to be happy with that in future years. I've not seen a lot of resistance to it out there and I don't think people really understand the true impact and cities and towns are the hardest hit because you can't raise any new revenue."
One city service that won't be cut this year is the city's leaf pick-up.
Last year, city leaders thought they wouldn't be able to afford to do it this year.
Wednesday, the Mayor said they'll make one pass to pick up the leaves if they are raked out to the curb.
Republic will also continue to collect bagged leaves.The Mayor doesn't know if the city will be able to afford the program next year.
VA Man Accused of Plot to Bomb DC Metro
David Shepherd - Oct. 27A Virginia man, born in Pakistan, was arrested Wednesday for allegedly casing Washington area Metro stations to possibly carry out a bomb plot on the Nation’s Capitol, police sources said.
34-year-old Farooque Ahmed is accused of approaching government employees, he thought were al-Qaida operatives, to join the so called bomb plot on Washington’s Metro.
NBC News has learned the ruse was conducted over the past six months and it allegedly involved Ahmed handing over video of northern Virginia subway stations to the men the thought were connected to the terror group.
Sources say he suggested using rolling suitcases, instead of backpacks, to kill as many people as possible.
Investigators also tell NBC Farooque offered to donate money to al-Qaida.The FBI says the public was never in danger since agents knew what Ahmed was up to. They say he was monitored throughout the entire course of the investigation.
Hundreds Feared Dead in Mexican Mudslide
FROM MSNBC: Hundreds of people were buried in their homes early Tuesday after a rain-soaked mountainside gave way in southwestern Mexico, officials said.
Donato Vargas, an official in Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec reached by phone, said 500 people were missing and that 300 homes were buried after the slide around 4 a.m. local time.
"We were all sleeping and all I heard was a loud noise and when I left the house I saw that the hill had fallen," Vargas said.
"It has been difficult informing authorities because the roads are very bad and there isn't a good signal for our phone," Vargas said shortly before the call dropped.
Reached by the news agency AFP, Vargas added that "we fear that those missing are buried inside their homes because we've already searched nearby areas."
Mr. Colbert Goes to Washington (But Did Congress Get the Joke?)
David Shepherd - Sept. 24It was suppose to be “lol” funny! But I’m not sure members of Congress got the joke.
Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert appeared on Capitol Hill today as a witness on the issue of migrant farm work.The funnyman was invited to speak to the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security by the co-chair
“I certainly hope that my star power can bump this hearing all the way up to C-SPAN One,” Colbert told members of the subcommittee.
Stephen Colbert’s character comes across as a right-wing activist, ready to join the Republicans at any moment (while not confirmed, most think it’s just an act).
“We have to do something” about the plight of farm workers “because I am not going back out there,” Colbert jabbed.
“At this point, I break into a cold sweat at the sight of a salad bar,” he said.
It’s obvious his comments were meant to be taken light-heartedly by the elected officials but, as TV cameras showed glimpses of the committee members, not many seemed amused.
Some chuckled, others laughed out loud, but the majority rolled their eyes and sat expressionless as Colbert ranted on several issues including immigration and the economy.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters she thinks Colbert's appearance was appropriate.
"He's an American. He comes before the committee. He has a point of view. He can bring attention to an important issue like immigration," she said. "I think it's great."
My News Blog
Thank you for checking out my blog. Feel free to browse, comment and participate in my Sound-Off Web Polls.The information in these stories come from several sources from network news to my own sources in Indiana, Washington D.C. and elsewhere.
While many other blogs give the author's point of view on a variety of topics, it's my goal to present the information in an impartial fashion so you, the reader, can form opinions for yourselves.
I'm a firm believer in the old-fashioned style of news where the accurate information is the highlight, not the "If it bleeds, it leads" philosophy.
Again, thank you for checking out the blog and enjoy! I'd love to hear from you. If you have story ideas or ways I can improve the blog, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at dshepherd@wtwo.com.
David Shepherd Wins “Best in General News” Award
I was recently honored to win a Spectrum Award for Best in General News by the Indiana Broadcasters Association for a story I did for NBC 2 WTWO-TV in Terre Haute.
This is my first award from the Broadcasters Association.
I’d like to thank my photographer, Josh Lum, for shooting and editing the piece. Without his stellar work, this award would not have been possible.
Democrats Stump For Last Minute Votes
David Shepherd - Nov. 2Democratic candidates for state office were in Terre Haute Friday stumping for last minute votes.
The candidates for State Treasurer, Secretary of State, and State Auditor greeted supporters.
As the election enters the home stretch, the democrats know they have ground to make up if they want to pull out a win on Tuesday.
Democratic Senate candidate Brad Ellsworth also made a stop in the Valley Friday.
Ellsworth spoke to a group of ISU students at Rhodes Hall.
The Senate hopeful discussed a variety of issues including Cap and Trade and the economy.
Ellsworth says his campaign is in full gear leading up to Tuesday’s election.
"It's going really well. I just left Indianapolis. I was in a room full of people; volunteers that were stuffing walking bags and making phone calls and that's really what it's down to now, is the ground game of who gets the votes out."
Ellsworth is running against Republican Dan Coats and Libertarian Rebecca Sink-Burris in Tuesday’s election.
Residents Flee Erupting Volcano
David Shepherd - Oct. 26The death toll stands at 19 in Indonesia after its most active volcano, Mount Merapi, erupted Tuesday morning; spewing smoke and ash for miles.
NBC News reports one of the dead was a young baby. There were also slew of other injuries.
Terrified villagers fled their homes following Tuesday morning’s eruption.
The death toll is expected to rise.
President’s Approval Drops to All-Time Low
David Shepherd - Sept. 24Democrats are starting to smell blood in the water as new polling shows President Barrack Obama’s approval rating dropping to record lows.
Only 42 percent of Americans approve of President Barrack Obama’s job performance, according to a new CNN / Opinion Research Corporation poll. The poll shows 54 percent of Americans are not satisfied with the administration’s performance.
A sluggish economy and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have taken support for Mr. Obama to an all-time low.
Other democrats, some who are running in November’s mid-term elections, aren’t doing much better.
Congressional Democrats face a nine-point deficit when those polled were asked which party they’ll support in November.Some political analysts say Republicans have a serious shot at picking up the 39 seats needed to re-take control of the House of Representatives (currently held by the Democrats).
Those Democrats may not be asking the President to stump for them any time soon. Only 37 percent of likely voters say they are more likely to vote for a candidate backed by Mr. Obama.
Nearly half of those polled said they’d likely choose a candidate supported by the Tea Party movement, an ultra-conservative base that’s gained growing support in recent months.
The poll also shows the majority of Americans believe Republicans, in general, are more engaged and excited about voting than their Democratic counterparts.
David Shepherd: News Blog 
