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Cleveland Weather: Monday showers

Written By kolimtiga on Senin, 29 April 2013 | 21.08

Today: Mostly cloudy with widely scattered showers. Mid 60s. Wind: SW 5-10 mph.

Monday Night: Gradual clearing & mild. Upper 40s, low 50s. Wind: South 5-10 mph.

Tuesday:  Partly Sunny & Milder. Low 70s.  Wind: South 5-10 mph.

Tuesday Night:  Partly Cloudy & Mild. Low 50s. Wind: South 5-10 mph.

Wednesday: Mostly Sunny & Warm. Mid 70s.

Thursday: Partly Cloudy & Mild. Upper 60s.

Friday:  Partly Cloudy. Near 70.

Saturday: Partly Sunny. Upper 60s.

Sunday:  Partly Sunny. Upper 60s.

WKYC-TV


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Could Haslam be forced to give Browns to federal government?

As the dust settles on the FBI raid of the Knoxville headquarters of Pilot Flying J, the nation's largest truck stop chain, the long wait for the legal fallout has begun.

Laptops have been confiscated by federal agents, secretly recorded conversations have been made public and Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam III, who is the brother of Gov. Bill Haslam, has held three somber press conferences conferences trying to reassure his customers and the public about the integrity of his company.

The case has captivated the local legal community, white-collar crime experts from across the country, professional football fans and the multi-billion-dollar trucking industry. But there can be a lag time of months or even years between an FBI raid on corporate offices and potential criminal charges. That means the most pressing questions regarding the federal investigation of Pilot Flying J may not be answered for quite some time.

Which sales executives, if any, will be indicted for their role in an alleged scheme to defraud trucking companies out of millions of dollars in diesel fuel rebates? How high up the Pilot executive ladder did the rebate scheme go? And what will the federal investigation mean for billionaire Tennessee heavyweight and Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam?

"It's something everybody here is talking about," said Gerard Martin, a Baltimore attorney and former federal prosecutor.

Legal intrigue

When news broke that FBI and IRS agents had raided the Pilot headquarters on April 15, observers quickly began to wonder as to the focus of the investigation. The government was under no obligation, experts say, to release the details of its investigation to the public. Investigators could have built their case and waited until charges were filed to break the news to the public.

But the day after the raid, Haslam held a press conference and said he thought the investigation was about fuel rebates that some trucking companies thought they were owed. He downplayed the issue and said it involved an "insignificant" number of customers.

The press conference created a public relations game that scored the first point for Pilot.

Then, in a highly unusual move, the FBI and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee Bill Killian made the choice to unseal the affidavit for the search warrant of the Pilot headquarters.

The affidavit painted an embarrassing picture of vulgar, foul-mouthed Pilot sales staffers, who unscrupulously singled out "unsophisticated" trucking companies they believed would not notice that their full rebates were not being paid out. Under the program, trucking companies receive rebates based on the volume of fuel they purchase from a Pilot or Flying J truck stop.

Most of the rebates are calculated electronically by computer software, but some were manually calculated by sales executives. According to the affidavit, some executives would intervene before a rebate check was mailed out and reduce the payment actually owed to the customer. The practice was so widespread that national sales director Brian Mosher allegedly gave a workshop to other sales staffers on how to execute the scheme.

But while the affidavit gave a public relations hit to Pilot - Haslam called the details contained in the 120-page document embarrassing - it was not necessary for the government to make the affidavit public. In fact, Nashville attorney Jerry Martin, who recently resigned as the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee so he could enter private practice, said Pilot's attorneys now have a head start on investigating and possibly building a defense against the government's case.

"The unsealing of the affidavit at this early stage in an investigation is unusual. I can't think of any tactical advantage the government gets by doing it," Martin said.

On the other hand, another former federal prosecutor said the move to unseal the affidavit demonstrated confidence by the government in its case against Pilot.

S. Benjamin Bryant, a former West Virginia federal prosecutor, said the fact that such a detailed affidavit was filed indicates prosecutors "have a very comprehensive collection of evidence."

"It shows they are not concerned about the subjects of the investigation knowing what the evidence is," he said. "It suggests they are very comfortable with the evidence."

Possible criminal charges

Legal experts who have studied the case say it is too soon to know what or when criminal charges could come.

In a different customer fraud case that got widespread attention in Nashville, it took about 20 months after an FBI raid for charges to be filed. In that case, federal agents raided the Williamson County headquarters of the Sommet Group in 2009, but it wasn't until early 2012 that the top executive and his wife and his father-in-law were charged.

Mosher and vice president of sales John Freeman were the two sales executives perhaps singled out more than others. Haslam announced that some sales staffers were put on administrative leave, but he didn't identify who they were last week.

The affidavit listed wire fraud, mail fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud as the possible crimes. Mail fraud is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, wire fraud by up to 20 years and conspiracy to commit fraud carries a possible sentence of five years.

"Federal investigations are of course about as serious as it gets for any individual or corporation," Martin said. "It is way to early to speculate about the outcome because, remember, no charges have been filed. The government won't do that until it believes it has evidence necessary to support any specific charges."

Considering his position as a professional sports owner, a top Republican fundraiser and his family ties to the top of state government, Jimmy Haslam III remains the most compelling character in the legal drama. He met Wednesday with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Gerard Martin, a Baltimore attorney and former federal prosecutor, said he and some of his colleagues have been speculating about the possibility that the investigation could lead to a forfeiture order that could give the federal government control of the Cleveland Browns.

Gerard Martin said the affidavit made public in the Pilot investigation indicates that the potential criminal charges against Jimmy Haslam, if proven true, could well lead to a forfeiture order on Haslam's assets, including his ownership interest in the Cleveland football franchise.

"We've been wondering out loud about that possibility," Gerard Martin said. "It could lead to a freeze on all his assets," Gerard Martin said, adding that forfeitures "can be deadly."

He said the use of forfeiture orders was initially tied primarily to drug cases, but has recently expanded to a wide variety of other cases including those involving mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering.

While individual executives could face criminal charges, it is not unusual for the government to pursue criminal charges against an entire company. Such a move would subject Pilot to possible fines and civil penalties.

Mark Cohen, professor of management and law at Vanderbilt said that if the allegations turn out to be true, the company itself could be criminally charged and could face substantial fines and restitution orders.

But Cohen said that the company's liability could be limited if it had procedures and policies in place forbidding the actions described in the affidavit.

Even if company policies barred such schemes, it could still be charged.

"There are plenty of cases where that has happened," Cohen added, adding that companies not only need to have the correct policies, but procedures in place to enforce those policies.

"Did they have a whistleblower policy? Did they perform audits? Those are factors that a court would consider," Cohen said.

He said actions taken by the company to correct any wrongdoing could mitigate the amount of penalties a court would impose.

Comparisons to HCA

Perhaps the most prominent instance of corporate fraud was the 1997 case against HCA/Columbia, the nation's largest health care company. That case, which also began with a federal raid of the HCA corporate offices, ended in the largest fraud settlement in U.S. history of $2 billion.

While investigators focused on HCA CEO Rick Scott, no criminal charges were ultimately filed against him. That didn't stop one former federal prosecutor from heaping blame on Scott, who resigned after the investigation but is now governor of Florida.

In 2010 former assistant U.S. Attorney A.G. Alexander III filmed a political ad blaming Scott for the fraud.

"Companies he created, owned, invested in or controlled systematically defrauded taxpayers," Alexander said of Scott during the 2010 ad. "Rick Scott claims he didn't know. Well the facts and the timeline say different."

While Scott escaped criminal charges, four HCA executives did face criminal charges.

Jerry Martin, the former U.S. Attorney, said that when his office investigated corporate fraud during his stint as the area's top federal prosecutor, it paid close attention to how a company responded once it knew of wrongdoing. Martin was complimentary of Pilot's response since the investigation became public, especially taking efforts to reach out to companies that might have be shorted on their rebate payments because of the scheme.

"When I was U.S. Attorney, we investigated a lot of health care companies," he said. "Those companies almost always had vigorous compliance programs and were undoubtedly full of ethical, honest people. What mattered to me was how the company responded when a problem was exposed. If they wanted to get to the bottom of it and fix it, then that goes a long way. That certainly seems to be the posture of Pilot's leadership now."

---

By: Nate Rau and Walter F. Roche Jr., The Tennessean

Contact Nate Rau at 615-259-8094 or nrau@tennessean.com. Follow him on Twitter @tnnaterau. Contact Walter F. Roche Jr. at 615-259-8086 or wroche@tennessean.com.

WKYC-TV


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Restraining order hearing held in Pilot Flying J investigation

KNOXVILLE -- A court hearing is expected Monday morning involving Browns owner Jimmy Haslam amid the Pilot Flying J investigation.

According to WBIR, our affiliate in Knoxville, a restraining order hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m.

Last week, a Georgia trucking filed a motion for a temporary restraining order against Haslam.

The company wants him to stop contacting potential victims of the alleged rebate scheme involving Pilot Flying J, claiming Haslam is asking customers to sign releases -- giving up their rights to sue.

We're also learning more about what the government claims Browns owner Jimmy Haslam's Pilot Flying J company did to warrant a federal investigation.

The Associated Press says Haslam's team was secretly recorded on how they scammed hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients.

Investigators gave immunity to one former Pilot Flying J employee who laid out how the alleged scheme worked.

If a client questioned the mistake, the report says they were told to blame it on a computer glitch.

It's alleged Haslam was aware of the rebate situation.

WKYC-TV / WBIR


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Seneca County: Two die in Friday crash

Written By kolimtiga on Sabtu, 27 April 2013 | 21.08

SENECA COUNTY -- Two people from Tiffin are dead after a Friday afternoon head-on crash on Route 224 near milepost 19 in Bloom Township.

Authorities say it was around 6:41 p.m. when an eastbound 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck traveled left of center and collided with a 2003 Chevrolet Venture minivan.

Two people inside the Venture, identified as 81-year-old Charlotte Schumm (driver) and 82-year-old Donald Schumm, were pronounced dead at the scene. A third person inside that vehicle, 82-year-old Victor A. Reamer, also of Tiffin was taken by LifeFlight to the University of Toledo Medical Center. The extent of his injuries was not reported.

All three people in the Silverado were also hurt. The driver, 53-year-old Timothy Voress of Lima, was transported via LifeFlight to the University of Toledo Medical Center with undisclosed injuries. His passengers, a 27-year-old man and 13-year-old boy, also of Lima, were taken to Tiffin Mercy Hospital with what authorities say appear to be non life-threatening injuries.

The crash still remains under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time. 

A portion of 224 was closed for approximately four hours while troopers and emergency personnel were on scene.

WKYC-TV


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cleveland Weather: Mostly sunny and warm

Saturday: Mostly sunny skies and very pleasant temperatures. Near 70. Winds: SW 5-10 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear to partly cloudy. Low 50s. Winds: SW 5-15 mph.

Sunday: Cloudy with scattered showers during the late afternoon and evening. Mid 60s. Winds: S 5-10 mph.

Monday: Mostly cloudy with scattered showers.  Mid/upper 60s

Tuesday:  Partly cloudy.  Low 70s

Wednesday:  Partly sunny with isolated rain/storm chances.  Low 70s

Thursday:  Mostly cloudy with scattered rain and storms.  Mid 60s

Friday:  Mostly cloudy with scattered rain and storms.  Low 60s

WKYC-TV


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Truck line discusses alleged Pilot Flying J rebate ripoff

OMAHA, Neb. -- Nestled along the Missouri River and a wide open Midwestern horizon, the city of Omaha, Nebraska, stands out with its big buildings, big steaks, and big trucks. Standing at the convergence of several interstates, the countless transfer trucks navigating through Omaha can cause the ground to shake.

For more than 80 years, Omaha's hauling landscape has featured a family-run force by the name of W.N. Morehouse Truck Line, Inc.

"This goes back four generations," said operations manager Curt Morehouse. "My great-grandfather started it back in 1932. His name was William Newel Morehouse, and that's the "W.N." in the name. He started hauling with ice because they didn't have refrigeration back then."

Today Curt and his older brother Brad have worked their way up through the ranks to run the family business. The company's calling card remains keeping customers' cargo cool with climate controlled trucks.

"We haul a lot of Tyson foods, a lot of chicken a lot of beef. We also haul Miller beer. If you're drinking Miller beer, there's a good chance we hauled it. We also haul medical equipment like syringes that are made of metals that can rust if they are not kept in climate controlled environments."

With around 100 trucks serving 48 states and trailers refrigerated via fuel-powered generators, Morehouse estimates the company spends around $9 million a year on diesel. That makes Morehouse a coveted customer for Pilot Flying J and the fuel company offers perks at the pump to retain their business.

"There's one perk and that is to give you a better price on diesel fuel than the next guy [fuel company]," said Morehouse. "Pilot and other fuel companies come to us and make the best deal they can afford to make. Pilot made a deal with us to have a rebate for a certain amount of pennies for every gallon we buy on the gallon."

Morehouse's drivers do not pay for gas while traveling. Pilot bills the company and directly drafts payment electronically. Morehouse did not receive the rebate in the form of cash back at the end of the month. Instead, the promised rebate was calculated by Pilot and automatically deducted from the total bill.

In a closet at the W.N. Morehouse office, Curt opens an electronics rack loaded with computers, routers, and servers. One of the computers features some specialized software specifically for the trucking industry.

"We plug the formula for the fuel rate we were promised into a computer program we call our fuel optimizer. That computer tracks fuel prices and tells our drivers where the best deal is along the route they are going. The optimizer was sending our drivers to Pilot locations based on the rate we were quoted," said Morehouse.

In late May 2012, Morehouse noticed Pilot had actually been billing him at a higher rate than what was plugged into his fuel optimizer.

"When the two [rates] didn't line up, we've got a problem. I went back and tracked it several years and it was always off by the same amount of $.035 a gallon. I totaled it up and figured Pilot owed us around $146,000," said Morehouse. "I emailed them and they replied with, 'Yeah, there is a problem, but it is not as bad as you thought.' They said it was an accident and it was because we switched sales reps and a computer glitch happened at the same time. It was just an excuse and I took them for what they said."

Pilot did not reimburse Morehouse the full $146,000. Instead the company bargained with him by writing a check for $88,000 and also offering an additional discount on top of the one he was already getting at the pump. This second discount would come as a separate rebate check at the end of the month. Since the summer of 2012, Morehouse received two discounts on fuel: one at the pump and the other in the form of a check.

"And when you get a big check everyone's happy," said Morehouse. "What people did not know was the checks a lot of people were getting were not as big as they should have been."

Morehouse continued to get checks until earlier this month. He said on April 8, the company received an in-person visit from their normal sales rep Kevin Clark. Clark was accompanied by John Freeman, the vice president of sales for Pilot Flying J. Morehouse said during the visit the salesmen recommended a change to "tidy up" the rebate system so that both discounts were given electronically at the pump and the checks would be eliminated.

Exactly one week later on April 15, the FBI raided Pilot Flying J headquarters in Knoxville. Affidavits with transcripts of secret recordings quote Freeman and Clark as participants in an alleged rebate fraud scheme that centered heavily on customers who received rebate checks. The affidavit also claimed Pilot Flying J sales representatives targeted "unsophisticated" clients.

"They absolutely were targeting me and you read that in the affidavit," said Morehouse. "They are talking about how I had an optimizer account, but he said 'the dumb s### never checked it.' I don't think someone is dumb for not checking. I think I was just trusting. I won't do that again. We check everything now."

Morehouse said he immediately started getting calls from others in the trucking industry when the affidavit for the search warrant was unsealed.

"People are calling me and asking what do you think about them calling you unsophisticated. That's what hurt. I mean, money comes and goes and you can't take that with you when you're gone. But your reputation is what really matters. It was also insulting because truckers already have a hard enough time as it is. This was like another insult to the entire industry. I also do not think their categorization was true. I don't think they are correct calling us unsophisticated. After all, we caught them [in May 2012]," said Morehouse. "But once the affidavits came out, it made me think the $88,000 was just what they thought they could give me to make it go away and maybe they really did owe me $146,000."

Since the release of the affidavits, Morehouse also received a call from Pilot Flying J's CEO, Jimmy Haslam.

"Jimmy Haslam called me personally from his cell phone. He told me he was sorry to meet me like this over the phone. He told me without admitting that he or any of his staff had done anything illegal, which I would have done the same thing, he still wanted to make things right."

Jimmy Haslam described the conversation during a press conference on Monday, April 22, as "not cordial" but "a very professional conversation in which he [Morehouse] said I just want you to pay me my damn money if you owe me any. And I said, 'Mr. Morehouse that's more than fair.'"

Morehouse said he and Haslam came to an agreement on fair repayment. Morehouse also said he will continue to buy gas from Pilot because that is what is best for his company's bottom line and his employees in Omaha.

"I don't have any loyalty to them [Pilot] at all. They provide the best price for fuel. As soon as they do not offer the best price for fuel I will go to someone else. If I don't get the best price of fuel, I can't pay my drivers the best wage, I can't pay my mechanics the best wage, and I can't pay my office people the best wage. Are there hurt feelings? Absolutely. Is it going to stop me from doing my job? Not at all."

Morehouse said he also tries to keep things in perspective regarding the Pilot Flying J corporation as a whole.

"It appears there might be 15 or 20 bad apples in the sales department. But Pilot is a huge company and those people are not the ones that matter to me. Jimmy Haslam is not the one that matters to me. The people I care about over at Pilot are the ones who make $10 or $12 dollars an hour and help my drivers. They should not be lost in this conversation because if they make my guys' day better by helping with fuel, giving them a smile and a hot cup of coffee, providing a place to rest and get a hot shower, then they are who we will do business with."

While Morehouse is not applying personal hard feelings towards Haslam or the travel center employees, he definitely holds some personal rancor for those he feels misled him.

"No hard feelings towards Jimmy Haslam. If it comes out later that he absolutely knew about this, I would definitely think less of him and let the justice system take care of him if there is a law that has been broken. The sales reps, that they knowingly did these things on purpose, I'd love to see some people get fired. That is not my decision, but even if a law was not broken what they did was unethical and we do not operate that way," said Morehouse.

Morehouse said as of Friday night, he is still awaiting the check Haslam has agreed to pay. Once the payment is received, Morehouse will consider the situation resolved satisfactorily.

"I do not want to convict anybody. That's not my job. I trust the government and law enforcement to do that. That is the courts' job. I am a business man and so is my brother. We just want to get what is due to us and keep on trucking," said Morehouse.

Jimmy Haslam, who is also owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced several changes earlier this week at Pilot Flying J, including the elimination of the company's manual rebate program that pays customers via check. In the future, the company will provide discounts electronically at the pump.

By Jim Matheny, WBIR


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Meet the Browns first round pick: Barkevious Mingo

Written By kolimtiga on Jumat, 26 April 2013 | 21.08

A player whose name starts with "bark" will now play before the fans of the Dawg Pound.

The Browns have selected Barkevious Mingo from LSU with their first pick (6th overall) in the NFL Draft.

The Browns chose Mingo over Alabama CB Dee Milliner who was still on the board at the time of the pick.  Milliner went three picks later at number nine to the New York Jets.

Mingo skipped his senior year to enter the NFL Draft.

A short time after being selected, Mingo talked to reporters.  He said being drafted was a lifelong dream and he hoped to have a career that would take him to Canton and the Pro Football Hall of Fame one day.

He also told reporters he had a great visit with the Browns and he fell in love with the City of Cleveland.

He also sent out these tweets:

Barkevious Mingo?@keke_mingo

Now on to the next!!! #clevelandbrowns #blessed

 

 

Barkevious Mingo?@keke_mingo

Really want to thank everyone who has ever made an impact on my life From the bottom of my heart thanks you. #trulyblessed #NFLDraft2013

WKYC-TV


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Trucking company angry over Haslam's alleged calls

KNOXVILLE -- Charging that Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam is trying to short-circuit a recently filed class action suit, attorneys for a Georgia trucking firm have asked a Knoxville judge to order the travel center executive to cease contacting trucking firms that may be victims of a rebate skimming scheme.

In a six-page motion filed Thursday in Knox County Circuit Court, lawyers for Atlantic Coast Carriers charged that Haslam's recent contact with the trucking executives "may constitute an improper attempt to coerce parties and witnesses under Tennessee law."

The motion asks the court to issue a temporary restraining order barring Haslam from making further contact with potential victims.

"At issue in this case is the danger that by obtaining releases in such a hurried fashion, defendants are inducing potential class members to waive important rights before they obtain proper legal advice or know the full extent of any damages they have," the motion states.

The filing is the latest development following the April 15 raid by FBI agents on Pilot's Knoxville headquarters. In a 120-page affidavit justifying that raid, which was made public a few days later, an FBI agent described widespread evidence of a scheme by Pilot sales executives to shave promised rebates to trucking companies to boost Pilot's profits and their own commissions.

The filing included transcripts of secretly taped meetings where the sales executives described how the scheme worked and how they could avoid detection.

Attorneys for the Georgia firm cited that affidavit extensively in filing a class action lawsuit earlier this week. Shortly afterward Haslam held a news conference to announce that he had begun contacting the trucking firms cited as victims by the FBI and promising to pay back any money owed them.

In the motion filed Thursday, the lawyer for Atlantic Coast charged that Haslam's calls were an attempt to undermine the class action suit by "obtaining releases and settling claims before the potential class members even know the full extent of their claims."

Even before the motion was formally filed, Aubrey Harwell, the Nashville attorney hired by Pilot to look into the federal allegations, called the witness tampering charges ludicrous. He said the motion was an attempt to punish Haslam for doing "the right thing" and making his customers whole.

But the Georgia attorneys charged that Pilot had no intention of paying back its customers until the charges were brought to light and the class action suit was filed.

"The money wrongfully withheld by defendants for years essentially constituted an interest-free loan from the potential class members," the motion states. As an example, the motion cites the case of one trucking company whose executives reversed themselves after being contacted by Haslam, going from "outspoken critic" to advocate.

Haslam is also the owner of the Cleveland Browns.

By Walter F. Roche Jr., The Tennessean

Gannett / The Tennessean


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Oberlin: Four shot at apartment complex overnight

OBERLIN, Ohio -- A late-night apartment shooting sent four people to the hospital and one man in police custody.

According to the Oberlin Police Department, officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 500 block of West College Streets.

Upon their arrival around 11:30 p.m., officers found four males -- ages 17, 22, 23 and 26 -- with various gunshot wounds.

Police say the injuries, which have been described as non life-threatening, range from a grazing wound to the head, a wound to the arm and wounds to lower extremities.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested, but authorities aren't releasing his name at this time since he has not yet been formally charged.

A 9 mm handgun and eight spent shell casings were recovered at the scene.

Initial investigation, according to police, indicates the shootings may have resulted from an escalating dispute between the alleged shooter and at least one of the victims.

The shooting remains under investigation.

WKYC-TV


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cleveland Browns 2013 Draft Preview

Written By kolimtiga on Kamis, 25 April 2013 | 21.08

(Sports Network) - Cleveland's new management team of team president Joe Banner, general manager Mike Lombardi and head coach Rob Chudzinski has rebooted things in the Forest City.

Rumors say the new regime isn't all that enamored with quarterback Brandon Weeden, one of the team's first round picks from a year ago, so the Browns, who hold the sixth overall pick in the first round, could be in a real wild card in the process.

Norv Turner was hired to take over Cleveland's offense and figures to build around running back Trent Richardson. Defensively Ray Horton was brought in and will likely move to a 3-4 look with ex-Baltimore edge rusher Paul Kruger as the big offseason move.

Just about everything is on the table for Cleveland. The Browns could be in on West Virginal quarterback Geno Smith or they could go the more traditional route and select Alabama corner Dee Milliner to team with Joe Haden. A real threat at tight end as well as depth at linebacker and defensive end is also needed.

There is also the very real possibility Cleveland trades down and both linebacker Jabaal Sheard or defensive line Ahtyba Rubin could be moved to facilitate things.

2012 Record: 5-11

Top Needs: CB, TE, DE, LB

First Three Picks: No. 6, No. 68, No. 104

Number of Selections: 7 (1, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7)

RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2012 - Trent Richardson (RB, Alabama), Brandon Weeden (QB, Oklahoma State); 2011 - Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor); 2010 - Joe Haden (CB, Florida); 2009 - Alex Mack (C, California); 2008 - none; 2007 - Joe Thomas (OT, Wisconsin), Brady Quinn (QB, Notre Dame); 2006 - Kamerion Wimbley (LB, Florida State); 2005 - Braylon Edwards (WR, Michigan); 2004 - Kellen Winslow (TE, Miami-Florida); 2003 - Jeff Faine (C, Notre Dame).

The Sports Network


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pilot Flying J denies witness-tampering accusations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- An attorney representing the Pilot Flying J truck stop chain says charges that the company's CEO is engaging in witness tampering by contacting trucking firms that may have been victims of a rebate scheme are outrageous.

Nashville attorney Aubrey Harwell, who was hired by Pilot after federal investigators raided the company headquarters last week, labeled the witness tampering charges "ludicrous, absurd and simply without any basis in fact."

He said CEO Jimmy Haslam, who is also owner of the NFL's Cleveland Browns, was simply trying to "do the right thing" and reimburse trucking firms if indeed they were shorted on promised rebates. Family-owned Pilot Flying J of Knoxville, Tenn., is the nation's largest truck stop company.

"To translate that into some impropriety is absurd," Harwell said. "If he didn't do that, he'd be criticized."

The charges of witness tampering were leveled by the attorney who filed a class-action suit this week against Pilot on behalf of a Georgia trucking firm, Atlantic Coast Carriers Inc.

Atlantic's attorney Mark A. Tate told WBIR-TV in Knoxville it was "inappropriate and wrong" for Haslam to be contacting the trucking firms named as possible victims in a 120-page affidavit filed in U.S. District Court in Knoxville last week.

Haslam, the brother of Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, had announced in a news briefing that he was contacting the trucking firms to assure them that if they were not given promised rebates, Pilot would make amends.

Tate told WBIR he planned to file a motion in the suit he filed in circuit court in Knoxville asking the judge to issue an order barring Haslam from further contact with the truckers.

In the class-action suit he filed earlier this week, Tate charged that the Georgia company was one of the victims of the alleged rebate scheme in which earned rebates were secretly reduced "to increase Pilot profits and increase commissions of its sales agents."

The suit repeatedly cites the affidavit filed by the FBI last week to justify the search of Pilot headquarters. The affidavit details a series of meetings of Pilot sales executives at which the rebate reduction scheme was discussed. The sessions were secretly recorded by an FBI informant.

Filings in federal court Wednesday list dozens of Pilot files that were seized in the raid.

Atlantic Coast, the complaint states, has been "damaged by Pilot's misrepresentations, concealment, and non-disclosure of the correct rebate amounts."

The seven-page complaint charges that Pilot engaged in racketeering and corrupt practices.

By Walter F. Roche Jr.
The Tennessean

Gannett/The Tennessean


21.08 | 0 komentar | Read More

Local tavern continues search for Jimmy Hoffa's remains

Jimmy Hoffa. Photo by Al Muto, AFP / Getty Images.

OLD BROOKLYN -- It's the story that has become the talk of the town. Are the remains of Jimmy Hoffa inside a local tavern?

As crews began tearing down a basement wall in Wexler's Tavern on Wednesday, workers found 11 bone fragments buried inside.

Cleveland Police took possession of the bones and delivered them to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office to determine if the bones are human.

Photos: Wexler's Tavern search - http://on.wkyc.com/ZQLTJO

Today, crews will continue tearing down the wall as the search for Hoffa's remains continues, which you can watch streaming live here on WKYC.com.

Why is this local tavern suddenly such a focal point in Hoffa's mysterious disappearance? It goes back to Wexler's previous owner who discovered bones wrapped in red-butcher paper inside the wall 25 years ago during a renovation. After notifying police, the bar owner says police told him to discard the bones.

Recently, the tavern's new owner found a matchbook from the Palm Desert Lodge in California when cutting out a panel in the wall. The lodge was dubbed "the house Jimmy Hoffa and the Teamsters built."

That sparked the interest to see if Hoffa's 1975 mysterious disappearance might find a resolution right here in our own backyard.

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Read more about the bar and the search: http://on.wkyc.com/10fcUXl

Day 1 wall dismantling coverage: http://on.wkyc.com/ZP8N5l

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So what do you think? Is it possible Hoffa's remains have been in our area this entire time? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment in the section below or message us @wkyc on Twitter.

WKYC-TV

WKYC-TV


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Akron: Fire crews battling large blaze

Written By kolimtiga on Rabu, 24 April 2013 | 21.08

AKRON -- Firefighters are on scene of a large fire on Hickory Street.

Fire crews were called to Hickory near Silver around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Police call it a huge fire. Residents report seeing smoke from miles away.

A channel 3 news team is headed to the scene.

WKYC-TV


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Cavs make it official: Mike Brown hired as head coach

Mike Brown. Photo by Stephen Dunn, Getty Images.

INDEPENDENCE -- After days of speculation, it's official.

The Cleveland Cavs announced early Wednesday morning that Mike Brown will return as the team's head coach.

A 2:30 p.m. press conference is planned.

Brown, who coached the Cavs from 2005-2010, has been the team's top choice since Byron Scott's firing last Thursday.

"I am more than excited about Mike Brown's return to the Cleveland Cavaliers," majority owner Dan Gilbert says in a press release. "Mike has done nothing but win in this league since he was a first-year assistant many years ago. He is going to instill a much-needed defensive-first philosophy in our young and talented team that is going to serve as our foundation and identity as we continue down the path of building the kind of franchise that competes at a championship level for many years to come."

In five seasons with the Cavs, he compiled a record of 272-138 (.663). He was named the 2009 NBA Coach of the Year by members of the media and compiled a post season record with the Cavs of 42-29 (.592). He led the team to at least the second round of the post season in each of his five seasons, including Cleveland's first ever trip to the NBA Finals in 2007.  

Brown led the Cavaliers to NBA-best records in both 2008-09 (66-16) and 2009-10 (61-21). During those two record seasons, the Cavaliers ranked at, or near, the top of the NBA in the majority of all major defensive and offensive statistical categories.

Brown, 43, most recently coached the Los Angeles Lakers.

He has a career head coaching record of 314-167 (.652), which is the 6th highest winning percentage in NBA history among coaches with at least 400 games coached.  

"I am thrilled to return to Cleveland to coach the Cavaliers," Brown says. "The commitment ownership and management have shown in their efforts to build a successful team and organization is deep and I am excited to lead the team forward," said Brown. "Nothing would mean more to me and my family than to help bring success to this very special community and to all of our committed and loyal fans."

During Brown's six full years as an NBA coach with the Cavaliers and the Lakers, Brown had the 2nd highest winning percentage (.657%) among all NBA head coaches who were at the helm four years or longer.

LeBron James, who played for the Cavs under Brown's leadership, reacted to the possible news telling reporters Tuesday, "I'm happy for him, very happy for him. I think he's a really good coach, very defensive-minded coach."

Brown is a 1992 graduate of the University of San Diego with a degree in business. He played basketball for two seasons at USD after spending two years at Mesa Community College. He attended high school in Germany at Wurzburg American High School. 

He and his wife Carolyn have two sons, Elijah and Cameron, and will reside in Westlake, OH.

Additional facts about Brown's coaching career:

- Brown has won at least one playoff series every full season he has been a head coach in the NBA. 

- Among head coaches who have coached in the NBA 5-years or longer, Brown and Phil Jackson are the only coaches whom have never missed the playoffs in their entire coaching career.

- Brown is the only head coach in NBA history to win the first round of the playoffs every year of his head coaching career (coached five years or longer).

- Brown's teams held opponents to the 4th lowest points per game.

- Brown's teams allowed the 2nd lowest points per game from 3-point shooting.

- Brown's teams had the highest rebound rate (52.3%). This statistic is often cited as a measurement of a team's defense, hustle and intensity.

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland Weather: Wet Wednesday

Today: Rain showers. Windy.  50s to start, falling into the 40s by late morning and staying cool for the rest of the day.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with isolated showers. Upper 30s, Low 40s.

Thursday: Partly sunny with scattered showers and thunder. Low 50s

Friday: Mostly sunny. Upper 50s/low 60s

Saturday: Partly sunny. Mid 60s

Sunday: Partly sunny.  Upper 60s

Monday: Partly sunny to mostly cloudy with isolated showers.  Upper 60s

Tuesday:  Partly sunny.  Perhaps a showers.  Low 70s

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland Weather: Still sunny and warmer

Written By kolimtiga on Selasa, 23 April 2013 | 21.08

Today:  Partly cloudy and milder. Rain showers tonight into Wednesday. Upper 60s/low 70s. Winds: S 10-15 mph

Wednesday: Rain showers. Upper 40s/ low 50s

Thursday: Partly sunny with a few leftover showers. Low 50s

Friday: Partly cloudy to mostly sunny. Upper 50s/low 60s

Saturday: Partly sunny.  Low 60s

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain showers.  Mid 60s

Monday:  Partly sunny.  Upper 60s

WKYC-TV


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Security plans for Cleveland Marathon to be announced

CLEVELAND -- Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald will announce today a security partnership for the upcoming Cleveland Marathon.

We will be streaming FitzGerald's press conference live starting at 10:45 a.m.

The 36th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon will be held Sunday, May 19.

Note: The photos featured in the above gallery are from the 2012 Cleveland Marathon

WKYC-TV


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Broadview Heights: Crash closes I-77 North, 2 dead

BROADVIEW HEIGHTS -- Authorities have closed I-77 North at the Turnpike (I-80) due to a crash near Route 82 in Broadview Heights.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office says at least two people are dead in the crash, which involves multiple vehicles.

Motorists are being asked to use alternate routes as they cannot enter I-77 North at Route 82. Drivers should use Wallings Road or Pleasant Valley Road to access I-77 North.

There's no estimate available on how long the roadway will remain closed.

Check back to WKYC.com for updates.

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland Weather: Milder Monday

Written By kolimtiga on Senin, 22 April 2013 | 21.08

Today: Partly Cloudy & Milder.  High: 60.   Winds: SE 10-15 mph.

Monday Night:  Partly Cloudy & not as Chilly.  Low: 40.  Wind: SE 10-15 mph.

Tuesday: Increasing Cloudiness & Milder.  High: 68.  Wind: South 10-15 mph.

Tuesday Night:  Rain & Thunderstorms.  Low: 40.  Wind: South 15-20 mph.

Wednesday: Rain Showers & a few Thunderstorms.  High: 48.

Thursday: Partly Sunny with a few showers.  High: 52.

Friday:  Partly Cloudy.  High: 58.

Saturday:  Mostly cloudy with a few scattered showers.  High: 61.

Sunday:  Partly Sunny.  High: 65.

I'll keep you updated on twitter through out the day too!  Follow me at:  @holliesmiles

WKYC-TV


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Boston marks one week since marathon explosions

Photo by Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images.

BOSTON -- At 2:50 p.m., the city of Boston will begin on Monday the painful process of emerging from a week of tragedy by falling silent to honor the victims of Boston Marathon bombings and its aftermath.

One minute later, bells will ring out to the mark the moment when the first of two explosions erupted near the finish line in Copley Square and changed the city forever.

Three people were killed and more than 180 injured in the explosions at the finish line of the race. A police officer was killed later during the manhunt for the two suspects.

A private funeral was scheduled for 8 a.m. for Krystle Campbell, a 29-year-old restaurant worker killed in the blasts. A memorial service will be held Monday night at Boston University for 23-year-old Lu Lingzi, a graduate student from China.

On Sunday, a memorial was held in Dorchester for Martin Richard, 8, who was also killed in the initial bombings.

Another memorial is planned later this week for Sean Collier, 26, the police officer at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who was shot and killed.

Many Boston residents headed back to workplaces and schools for the first time since the dramatic bombing brought the city to a standstill. Traffic was building on major arteries into the city Monday morning.

In another sign that the city was getting back on its feet, city officials said they are beginning the process of reopening to the public the six-block site around the bombing.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev,19, one of the suspects, was under heavy guard at a hospital with serious gunshot wounds. His brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, was shot in a gun battle with police Thursday and died of gunshot wounds, the blast from a suicide vest or after being run over by Dzhokhar as he fled the scene.

With the threat gone,"you can feel the relief at home here," Gov. Deval Patrick said Sunday on CBS Face the Nation.

Healing was very much on the mind of those who attended Sunday services throughout the metropolitan area, which had been shut down for most of the week as authorities hunted for the perpetrators of the bombings.

Boston's historic Trinity Church, however, is in the crime scene and could not host services Sunday, but the congregation was invited to worship at the Temple Israel synagogue instead. The FBI allowed church officials a half-hour Saturday to go inside to gather the priests' robes, the wine and bread for Sunday's service.

Trinity's Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd III offered a prayer for those who were slain "and for those who must rebuild their lives without the legs that they ran and walked on last week."

"So where is God when the terrorists do their work?" Lloyd asked. "God is there, holding us and sustaining us. God is in the pain the victims are suffering, and the healing that will go on. God is with us as we try still to build a just world, a world where there will not be terrorists doing their terrible damage."

Yamiche Alcindor and Doug Stanglin, USA TODAY

USA Today / Gannett


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Where was Boston bombing suspect after attack?

The FBI released this image of the second Boston Marathon bombing suspect who is identified as 19-year-old Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev. Photo: FBI.

BOSTON -- We're learning more about what Boston bombings suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was doing in the days following the marathon explosions.

According to several people, he was hiding in plain sight on the campus of the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

A little more than 24 hours after video cameras captured him at the Boston Marathon, Tsarnaev jumped back into a life, seemingly unfazed, classmates say, by the terror attacks he's accused of committing.

"I saw him Tuesday the day after, at the gym, Zach Bettencourt says. "He seemed very nonchalant, he didn't seem like nervous or anything."

Tsarnaev worked out for a while and didn't shy away when Bettencourt brought up the bombing.

"I was basically like these things happen in other countries like Iraq or Afghanistan, and he was like 'Tragedies like this happen all the time and it's sad.'"

Just days before helicopters and SWAT teams descended on the school, Tsarnaev was reportedly seen all over campus.

Students have to swipe their ID to get into buildings, and records show Tsarnaev did just that.

Friends reportedly saw him walking around his dorm. They say he went to an Italian restaurant on Wednesday, hanging out with other intramural soccer players.

"I ate where he ate, I slept like a few feet away from him," one student said. "I've had class where he's had class, like with a terrorist."

CNN


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Prosecutors move quickly to build Marathon case

Written By kolimtiga on Minggu, 21 April 2013 | 21.08

WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration has a range of legal options in the Boston Marathon bombings, and that could include seeking the death penalty against the 19-year-old suspect in the case.

The administration has indicated it intends to move quickly to build a criminal case against Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.

But investigators plan to first question him without informing him of his legal rights to remain silent and have an attorney present.

Several Republican lawmakers are criticizing the administration's approach because it would afford Tsarnaev more rights than he deserves.

The federal public defender for Massachusetts called for the quick appointment of a lawyer to represent Tsarnaev because of serious issues involving his interrogation in the absence of a lawyer.

The Associated Press


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GA trucking company files lawsuit against Pilot Flying J

A Georgia Trucking Company has filed the first lawsuit that 10News is aware of since federal agents raided the Pilot Flying J Corporation on Monday.

Atlantic Coast Carriers in Hazelwood, Ga. requested class action status against the Knoxville-based fuel company. If a judge certifies the request, more companies could be added to the lawsuit.

Affidavits and warrants unsealed Thursday claim that allegedly several of Pilot's employees intentionally defrauded several of its customers through a rebate program. Investigators claim several Pilot employees deceptively withheld diesel fuel price rebates and discounts from customers without their knowledge or approval.

Atlantic Coast Carriers' lawsuit claims Pilot allegedly converted consumer rebate funds to its own use, committed a pattern of racketeering activity that made the plaintiff lose money, and only partially carried out obligations of their contract. The lawsuit states the companies deserve all the money they were promised, punitive damages, and attorneys fees.

In the lawsuit it states, "Atlantic Coast and other similar consumers are entitled to the rebates funds withheld by Pilot pursuant to Pilot's agreements and promises to fully and faithfully pay rebate funds to its consumers."

Atlantic Coast Carriers is not listed in the federal affidavits or search warrants as one of the companies allegedly defrauded.

Pilot Flying J issued a brief statement late Saturday night saying it's reviewing the lawsuit and will act accordingly.

The federal search states not every customer was targeted, just those that were considered "too unsophisticated" to notice that "their agreed-upon discount deal with Pilot was being changed to benefit Pilot."

Pilot Flying J CEO Jimmy Haslam spoke to the media on Tuesday and Friday to address allegations. On Friday, he acknowledged that it's been a rough week for his company, but said his employees are doing a good job working through a tough situation.

He told media outlets that he will not step down from his role during the investigation because quote, "I haven't done anything wrong. . . This company needs leadership right now."

On Tuesday, Jimmy Haslam said they were shocked at what happened on Monday and that the company's number one value is "do the right thing all the time and we believe we've done that."

WBIR-TV


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Cleveland Weather: Bright, Brisk Sunday!

Sunday:  Mostly sunny, but still cool. Mid/upper 40s along the lake shore, low 50s inland. Winds: NE 5-10 mph.

Sunday Night:  Partly cloudy but not as cold. Mid/upper 30s. Winds: ESE 5-10 mph.

Monday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Low 60s. Winds: SE 10-15 mph.

Monday Night:  Partly cloudy & cool.  Low: 45.  Wind: SE 10-15 mph.

Tuesday: Above normal temperatures with rain showers moving in late. Mid 60s.

Wednesday: Cloudy with rain & a few thunderstorms. Near 50.

Thursday: Partly sunny. Mid 50s.

Friday:  Partly cloudy.  High: 60.

Saturday:  Mostly cloudy with scattered showers.  High: 61.

WKYC-TV


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Akron: Professor teaches 'bomb-making' to keep us safe

Written By kolimtiga on Sabtu, 20 April 2013 | 21.08

AKRON -- You don't stop a terrorist on the day of the attack. That's what Dr. David Licate teaches his Homeland Security students at the University of Akron.

You stop a terrorist before the bomb is built.

"There are always signs and signals that are out there that can be detected and that's where you stop a terrorist attack," said Licate, an associate professor of criminal justice, emergency management and Homeland Security.

"These attacks that have been prevented,  it's been an aware individual, an aware business owner or an employee that said, 'hey, listen, there's something suspicious here,'" said Licate.

He wants his students and the rest of us to know the compounds, to be "situationally aware" like with traditional crime. If you see something, say something.

"We feel polite, we're very busy," he said. "We don't listen to that little voice in our heads that says there's something odd here."

"How do you know if they're not going to do something?" said student Kayla Grizer, who hopes to work with the FBI one day.

Chemicals like acetone, peroxides and fertilizer, fuels and acids can all be used to build a bomb.

The Department of Homeland Security's Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program helps private business owners and their employees recognize suspicious behaviors or large amounts of dangerous chemicals. You can learn more about the program here.

Like in Boston, most terrorist bombs are homemade explosives or improvised explosive devices, IEDs. Licate says they provide terrorists the cheapest way to cause major damage.

"You can go on Google and type it how to make a bomb and tell you all the steps right there on Google. It's all out there on the internet," said Adam Daugherty, who is majoring in homeland security. "It's scary how much is public information and can get out there now."

"They are using the internet. They know where to go to get this information," Licate said of potential terrorists. "It's up to the rest of us to be aware of what to look for so we can identify when someone is in need of assistance, when they are disturbed, and might go ahead and use one of these weapons." 

David Coulson, with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, says all levels of the law rely on your input. 

"In addition, the public is highly encouraged to report to law enforcement any threatening statements or behavior by an individual or group. This would include online and social media which is such an active part of our daily lives today," said Coulson in a written statement.

Coulson said since the inception of the Safe Explosives Act in 2002, ATF agents have seen fewer instances where stolen commercial or military explosives are used in homemade explosives.

They have noticed an uptick in the use of commercial grade fireworks in criminal bombings. But smokeless powder, black powder and black powder substitutes have consistently been the filler of choice, possibly because they are not regulated as explosives.

Licate says he's been teaching homeland security since 9/11/2001, and students have becoming increasingly disconnected to the idea of terrorism in the U.S.

Until this week, that is. "It became real for them."

"There's so many resources available," said Rebecca Wrightsman, an emergency management major. "As we become more educated, the bad people, the terrorists, are becoming more educated on other tactics, so we have to stay up to par."

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland Weather: Chilly weekend

Cold and windy weather will be the story today, temperatures lingering in the upper 30s and low 40s and with winds gusting up to 35 mph at times.

Calmer, drier and brighter weather will move in for Sunday and near-normal temperatures are expected for Monday.

Saturday: Partly sunny and breezy.  Scattered snow showers (some mix) lingering east.  Mid 40s

Sunday:  Mostly sunny and slightly warmer (but still well below seasonal averages).  Low 50s

Monday:  Mostly sunny.  Near 60

Tuesday:  Partly cloudy with scattered rain/storm chances late.  Warmer!  Mid 60s

Wednesday:  Mostly Cloudy scattered rain and rumbles likely. Cooler.  Mid 50s

Thursday: Partly sunny.  Low/mid 50s

Friday:  Partly cloudy.  Near 60

WKYC-TV


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Obama: Boston capture closes out a 'tough week'

WASHINGTON -- President Barak Obama and Republicans used their weekly addresses to celebrate the resolve Americans demonstrated after the attack on the Boston Marathon.

Obama says "the world has witnessed one sure and steadfast truth: Americans refuse to be terrorized."

In the Republican address, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina praised the first responders as "amazing Americans, some of whom charged through fences and barricades."

He says they "put their own lives on the line to help others." Both addresses were recorded before yesterday's tension-filled capture of the surviving suspect.

The Associated Press


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Details emerge on 2nd Boston bombings suspect

Written By kolimtiga on Jumat, 19 April 2013 | 21.08

The FBI released this image of the second Boston Marathon bombing suspect who is identified as 19-year-old Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev. Photo: FBI.

The surviving Boston bomb suspect has been identified as Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19, of Cambridge, Mass., a federal law enforcement official told USA TODAY.

Police have identified Tsarnaev's older brother, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, as the other bombing suspect, killed during the manhunt at MIT.

Both suspects have been in the U.S. for at least a year, living as legal U.S. residents in Cambridge, said the official, who declined to be identified because he is not authorized to comment publicly.

The suspects were identified to The Associated Press as coming from the Russian region near Chechnya, which has been plagued by an Islamic insurgency stemming from separatist wars.

An individual by the name of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was a wrestler at the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in Cambridge, Mass. He was named a Greater Boston League Winter All Star in 2011.

Cambridge Rindge and Latin School did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's phone calls. Many Boston-area schools were closed Friday.

In May of 2011, as a high school senior, Tsarnaev was awarded a $2,500 City Scholarship from the City of Cambridge to pursue higher education.

USA Today, Gannett


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Manhunt underway for Boston bombing suspect, one dead

BOSTON -- The city and its suburbs were locked down Friday as the manhunt intensified for the surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombing, hours after the suspect's older brother was killed in a dramatic firefight with police in nearby Watertown, authorities said.

A door-to-door search was underway in Watertown for Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, the brother of the dead suspect, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, law enforcement authorities told USA TODAY.

The brothers are believed to have been in the U.S. for at least a decade, along with along with other family members, a federal law enforcement official said. Their names were not known to law enforcement officials prior to the Boston Marathon bombings, the official said. Authorities are reviewing their possible ties to Chechnya -- an area of Russia plagued by Islamic insurgency -- said the official who was not authorized to comment publicly.

The surviving suspect is believed to be the same man who dropped a backpack laden with explosives at the site of the second explosion. He was pictured wearing a white baseball cap in video images released by the FBI Thursday.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick ordered the entire city of Boston and its surrounding suburbs locked down and its residents to remain in their homes.

"We are asking people to shelter in place," he said.

Massachusetts shut down all mass transit, including buses and trains, in Boston and surrounding suburbs, Kurt Schwartz, director of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency said. Schools were closed and classes canceled at most universities.

Col. Timothy Alben, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, said the first suspect from Monday's bombing was shot by police in a gunfight following a pursuit that began Thursday night in Cambridge and ended a short time later in Watertown. The suspect died at a hospital.

Schwartz asked businesses in Watertown, Newton, Waltham, Belmont, Cambridge and the Alston and Brighton neighborhoods of Boston to remain closed and residents to remain indoors until the suspect is caught. Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau said his town would be closed to traffic.

BREAKDOWN: Timeline: A glance at the search for Boston bomb suspects

"This situation is grave," Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Timothy Alben said. "We are here to protect public safety."

Alben described the second suspect as a light-skinned or Caucasian male with brown curly hair, dressed in a gray hooded type sweat shirt.

"We are concerned about securing the area and making sure this individual is taken into custody," he said. "We believe this to be a terrorist. We believe this to be a man who has come here to kill people."

Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis told reporters the suspect is armed and dangerous.

The manhunt for the marathon bombing suspects turned into hot pursuit at 10:30 p.m., when the two men robbed a 7-11 convenience store on the MIT campus in Cambridge, Alben said. A few minutes later, police found an MIT campus police officer shot multiple times in his car.

The police officer died of his injuries at Massachusetts General Hospital.

A transit police officer, Richard H. Donohue Jr., 33, was reported in critical condition after being shot, police said.

The suspects carjacked a Mercedes SUV, Alben said. Police found the car and the suspects in Watertown, and pursued them into a residential neighborhood where gunfire was exchanged.

Witnesses report hearing between 15 and 50 shots.

Alben said the suspects also threw explosives from the car. Residents, witnesses and media in the area heard at least two large booms.

A Massachusetts law enforcement official, speaking on condition he not be identified by name, said that the suspect who died is thought to be the first suspect in the FBI photos of the alleged bombers, wearing a dark hat.

The Middlesex district attorney's office said in a statement that police responded to reports of an armed carjacking by two males who held a victim at gunpoint for half an hour before the hostage was released uninjured.

MORE: Police converge on neighborhood outside Boston

The Massachusetts State Police issued a Tweet at 3:45 a.m. saying police "will be going door by door, street by street, in and around Watertown'' searching for the at-large suspect.

The state police also advised residents in and around Watertown to stay inside. "Do NOT answer door unless it is an identified police officer,'' the department said.

The events unfolded overnight as the entire Boston metro area was on high alert following Monday's fatal bomb explosions during the Boston Marathon and as the FBI was leading a massive manhunt for suspects. The developments came on a day when the FBI issued photographs of two men that it said it is seeking and were seen in surveillance video carrying backpacks in the marathon race crowd on Monday before the twin explosions.

"I heard sirens, then a ton of gunshots.,'' said Adam Healy, 31, a behavioral specialist for autism who lives less than a mile from the scene. "And then I heard an explosion amid the gunshots. After the explosion, the sky lit up. "

Dan MacDonald, 40, sitting in a second story Watertown apartment, said he first heard sirens, then gunshots.

EXTRA: MIT police killed in campus shooting

"It was about 10 to 15 shots. then there was an onslaught," he said. "There were 25 to 60 shots within 45 seconds. Then the shots stopped and boom. It was like dynamite."

---

By Donna Leinwand Leger, Kevin Johnson, Yamiche Alcindor and William M. Welch, USA TODAY

Contributing: John Bacon in McLean and Gary Strauss in McLean, Va.; Melanie Eversley in Boston

USA Today, Gannett


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Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to step aside?

CLEVELAND -- Reports are swirling that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam may be asked to relinquish control of the team amid a federal investigation of his Pilot Flying J company.

ESPNCleveland.com's Tony Grossi writes that a source "with knowledge of both the legal system and the inner workings of the NFL" says Haslam may be asked to step aside, and if he declined, "the league could suspend Haslam until the investigation is completed."

"They can force him, probably, to transfer his interests to another entity within the family, where he may still have equity holdings but absolutely no involvement in operations," the source is quoted in Grossi's report. "They can remove him from having front-and-center involvement."

The source tells Grossi that Haslam's best choice would be to have a family member oversee the team until further notice.

Federal officials unsealed the search warrants and affidavits used in Monday's raid on Pilot Flying J's headquarters in Tennessee. The documents, a 120-page report and a 55-page affidavit, were the items filed. It's alleged that a rebate fraud scheme at Pilot Flying J occurred with the knowledge of top executives, including CEO Jimmy Haslam.

Pilot Flying J is the nation's No. 1 retailer of diesel fuel, and its customer rebate program with trucking firms is at the center of the investigation.

---

On the web: ESPNCleveland.com - http://www.espncleveland.com/

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland Weather: Really warm Thursday

Written By kolimtiga on Kamis, 18 April 2013 | 21.08

Today: Partly sunny with isolated storms developing.  Warm and quite breezy.  Upper 70s/low 80s

Friday:  Mostly cloudy with rain and storms likely early, then mostly cloudy to partly sunny in the afternoon with scattered showers toward evening.  Windy.  Low 60s early, then falling through the 50s in the afternoon

Saturday: Mostly cloudy to partly sunny.  Cool.  Upper 40s

Sunday: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy.  Mid 50s

Monday:  Partly cloudy.  Low 60s

Tuesday:  Mostly cloudy with scattered rain (thunder possible).  Mid 60s

Wednesday:  Mostly cloudy with scattered rain.  Low 50s

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland celebrates as Superman turns 75

CLEVELAND -- The Man of Steel will have his day in Cleveland.

In honor of Superman's 75th anniversary today,  Mayor Frank Jackson is declaring April 18, 2013 as "Superman Day."

It was April 18, 1938 when Superman, who was created by Glenville-area residents Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, made his first appearance on the cover of DC's "Action Comics" No. 1.

A Superman flag will be raised on the steps of Cleveland City Hall with Superman himself in attendance at 1 p.m. Lights on City Hall and Terminal Tower will be blue, red and yellow and Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport will have cupcakes for travelers and a birthday card for the hero at its recently installed Superman exhibit.

For all of you Superman superfans, suit up in your best hero gear and strike a pose. Then, upload your picture HERE or tweet it to us @wkyc using #SupermanStyle. We will include your image in the photo gallery above.

WKYC-TV


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Up to 15 possibly dead in Texas plant explosion

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

WEST, Texas --  A huge explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, left as many as 15 people dead and 160 injured as the earthquake-level blast sent fire and embers into the air and leveled scores of homes in a four-block area, police said Thursday.

The blast, which rocked the ground with the force of a magnitude 2.1 earthquake, could be felt as far as 45 miles away.

Five to six volunteer firefighters were battling the initial blaze at the plant when the explosion erupted. Not all of them have been accounted for, according to Mayor Tommy Muska.

As a storm front moved into the area, teams were going house to house in this small farming community of 2,800 looking for survivors. First-responders to the West Rest Haven Nursing home, which was heavily damaged, removed 133 residents, many in wheelchairs.

Waco police Sgt. William Patrick Swanton said early Thursday morning that the death toll is only an estimate as search and rescue operations continued in this north-central Texas town 80 miles south of Dallas.

"The injuries that we are seeing are very serious,'' said Glenn Robinson, CEO of Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center. "There are a number of patients that will be going to surgery ... It's a very, very unfortunate situation.''

Robinson said that 10 or 12 of the injured were in critical condition. Two people were in surgery as he spoke and two more were awaiting surgery, he said.

He said an unknown number of people with minor injuries were being treated at a triage center set up by emergency medical personnel at a triage center set up at a nearby high school football field

Swanton says there is no indication the blast, which was felt as far as 45 miles away from this small town of 2,800 people, was anything other than an industrial accident, but that the ATF will be investigating.

The blast and ball of fire that followed reduced a middle school home to rubble and seriously damaged least 50 houses. A 50-unit apartment building was reduced to a "skeleton," according to one state trooper.

Swanton said the scene looked like the aftermath of a tornado, where one house was left standing alongside one that was leveled.

Texas Trooper D.L. Wilson said the damage was comparable to the destruction caused by the 1995 bomb blast that destroyed the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

Muska, the mayor, urged residents to stay indoors as protection from the possibility of chemical fumes in the area, about 20 miles north of Waco in North Central Texas.

Wilson, the trooper, said half the town had been evacuated due to damage or the threat posed by the fumes.

"When that northwind changes, we might have to evacuate the other side of town,'' Wilson said.

Gov. Rick Perry said in a statement that his office was monitoring events. "We have also mobilized state resources to help local authorities," the statement said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of West, and the first responders on the scene."

KWTX.com reported state troopers transported some of the injured to hospitals in patrol cars.

"We've been sending out troopers left and right,'' Moore said.

Of the first 45 patients to arrive at Hillcrest, 25 of them came by private vehicle and 20 by ambulance, Robinson said.

Lucy Nashed, a spokesman for Perry's office, said personnel from several agencies were en route to West or already there, including the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality, the state's emergency management department and an incident management team. Also responding is the state's top urban search and rescue team, the state health department and mobile medical units.

In 2001, an explosion at a chemical plant killed 31 people and injured more than 2,000 in Toulouse, France. The blast occurred in a hangar containing 300 tons of ammonium nitrate, which can be used for both fertilizer and explosives. The explosion came 10 days after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the U.S., and raised fears at the time it was linked. A 2006 report blamed the blast on negligence.

Contributing: Associated Press

The Associated Press


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Top spring steak deal, $35 indoor grill

Written By kolimtiga on Rabu, 17 April 2013 | 21.08

CLEVELAND -- It is considered the best-tasting most cost-effective alternative to the outdoor BBQ. And let's face it, if you live in an apartment or have condo/balcony restrictions (like I do), you can't exactly fire up the grill on a whim. Besides, our grilling weather is severely limited by mother nature.

So the next time you want that BBQ taste from the grill during a rain storm, I have an idea for you!

Over the winter (no surprise), I received many requests for indoor smokeless grills and while the demand has dropped with our spring weather, prices have dropped too. Today is a prime time to buy.

My favorite grill that I've tested is the Restaurant Classics Smokeless Indoor BBQ Grill. Not only do I like the price, but this grill is dishwasher safe! Food cooked on it tastes great and the adjustable thermostat doesn't hurt either.

Today you'll find its lowest recorded price alongside a top steak deal to compliment the bargain.

Want more deals? CLICK HERE to follow me on Twitter.

If you've accessed this page through our iPad app, please visit this page directly through Safari so the coupon links load correctly for you.

Restaurant Classics smokeless indoor BBQ grill

MSRP: $50
Now: $34.99 (price includes shipping)

69% off Omaha Steaks grill packs + free shipping

Was: $127
Now: $39

Includes: 
Two 5 oz. top sirloins 
Four 3 oz. BBQ rubbed chicken breasts 
Two 4 oz. boneless pork chops 
Four 4 oz. Omaha Steaks burgers 
Four 3 oz. gourmet jumbo franks 
One 16 oz. pkg. Omaha Steakhouse® fries

WKYC-TV


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Superman celebration washes over Cleveland

CLEVELAND -- The Man of Steel is about to have his day in Cleveland.

In honor of Superman's 75th anniversary on Thursday, Mayor Frank Jackson is declaring April 18, 2013 as "Superman Day."

It was April 18, 1938 when Superman, who was created by the minds of Glenville-area residents Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, made his first appearance on the cover of DC's "Action Comics" No. 1.

To commemorate the Metropolis man milestone, a Superman flag will be raised on the steps of Cleveland City Hall with Superman himself in attendance at 1 p.m. Lights on City Hall and Terminal Tower will be blue, red and yellow and Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport will have cupcakes for travelers and a birthday card for the hero at its recently installed Superman exhibit.

For all of you Superman superfans, suit up in your best hero gear and strike a pose. Then, upload your picture HERE or tweet it to us @wkyc using #SupermanStyle. We will include your image in the photo gallery above.

WKYC-TV


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KSU president announces retirement plans

KENT -- Kent State University President Lester A. Lefton has announced he will retire effective July 1, 2014.

He has been KSU's president since July 1, 2006.

"I am so proud of where our university is today, and our record-setting performances have exceeded even our own high expectations and captured regional, state and national attention," Lefton said in an email message to university faculty, staff and students this morning. "Kent State is well-positioned for the future, and the academic and physical transformations we have begun - across our campuses and our home communities, most notably, in Kent - will pave the way for an even more exciting future."

Kent State is Ohio's second largest public university.

According to a university release, Kent State enrollment has grown by 25-percent to 42,513 students during Lefton's presidency.

WKYC-TV


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Martin Richard, 8, among the dead in Boston bombings

Written By kolimtiga on Selasa, 16 April 2013 | 21.08

Martin Richard, 8, one of the victims killed in the Boston Marathon bombings. Photo: Boston / KUSA.

BOSTON -- One of the three people killed in Monday's Boston Marathon was an 8-year-old boy from nearby Dorchester, Massachusetts.

Martin Richard was standing near the finish line waiting for his father to complete the race when one of the two explosions took his life.

The third grader was with his mother and sister at the time.

His mother suffered a serious brain injury, his 6-year-old sister lost one of her legs.

Outside their house in Dorchester, a single candle burned overnight with the word "Peace" scribbled on the sidewalk. 

NBC


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Ohio race's organizers huddle on security

State police guard an area near Kenmore Square after two bombs exploded during the 117th Boston Marathon. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images)

CINCINNATI -- Organizers of Cincinnati's upcoming Flying Pig Marathon plan are reviewing security measures in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon explosions.

A previously planned meeting with police Tuesday takes on added urgency with the annual race weekend coming up May 3-5. As many as 33,000 people are expected to take part in downtown Cincinnati for a weekend of races highlighted by the 15th marathon Sunday morning.

The race's executive director, Iris Simpson-Bush, says the race already has extensive security and medical response plans in place, but officials will consider whether additional measures are needed.

Among the Ohioans in Boston for Monday's race were the chief prosecutor for Cuyahoga County and the wife of Ohio's secretary of state. There weren't any immediate reports of Ohioans being among the injured.

DAN SEWELL, Associated Press

Associated Press


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RTA: Rapid station evacuated after device found

CLEVELAND -- RTA says a Cleveland rapid station is being evacuated at this hour after a suspected explosive device was found.

The evacuation is at the East 55th station.  The surrounding neighborhood has also been evacuated.

The bomb squad is en route.

Trains east of Tower City have also been shut down.

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland: Man dies from injuries in overnight shooting

Written By kolimtiga on Senin, 15 April 2013 | 21.08

CLEVELAND -- Police are investigating a homicide on the city's east side.

Police responded to the area of Gruss Avenue near East 127th Place just after 1 a.m for reports of a man shot.

Police say the man was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.

The victim's name has not been released.

It's not clear if police have a suspect.


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Cleveland Weather: Warmer Monday!

Today: Partly cloudy with rain showers and thunderstorm chances during back tonight. Upper 60s/low 70s

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with scattered rain and storms. Low 60s

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with scattered storms.  Low 60s

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with rain and storms. Mid 70s.

Friday:  Mostly cloudy with a chance for showers. Mid 60s.

Saturday: Mostly cloudy. Cool. Mid/upper 40s. 

I'll keep you updated on twitter through out the day too!  Follow me at:  @hollismiles

WKYC-TV


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Tax Day 2013: Last minute tips; few post offices open late

The IRS reports that about 77% of tax returns last year were filed electronically and that this year the majority of people have already filed.

As a result, the following two post offices will be the only ones open late on Monday, April 15.

Cleveland Main Post Office - 2400 Orange Ave --

Open until 10 p.m. At about 3 p.m., the traffic flow in the customer parking will be reversed to accommodate the anticipated increased customer volume.

Curbside collectors will be working until 10 p.m. to accept prepared returns with postage already affixed.

Akron Main Post Office - 675 Wolf Ledges Parkway -

Open until 7 p.m. Customers who mail their returns on April 15 should check with their local Post Office or read the posted times on the collection box to make sure that their tax return will be collected and postmarked before the deadline.

Also, any letters or packages weighing 13 ounces or more must be brought to a Post Office and handed to a postal clerk at the window.

The Internal Revenue Service will accept returns sent via Express Mail or with Delivery Confirmation for those customers who would like verification that their return was delivered.

The IRS accepts the postmark on the envelope as proof of timely filing. As a result, there is not significant enough need for most area Post Offices to remain open beyond normal business hours.

Now, before you even get to rushing towards the nearest open post office, know this.

If you make a mistake on your tax return, it usually takes the IRS longer to process it. The IRS may have to contact you about that mistake before your return is processed.

This will delay the receipt of your tax refund. The IRS reminds filers that e-filing their tax return greatly lowers the chance of errors.

In fact, taxpayers are about twenty times more likely to make a mistake on their return if they file a paper return instead of e-filing their return.

Here are eight common errors to avoid:

  • Wrong or missing Social Security numbers. Be sure you enter SSNs for yourself and others on your tax return exactly as they are on the Social Security cards.
  • Names wrong or misspelled. Be sure you enter names of all individuals on your tax return exactly as they are on their Social Security cards.
  • Filing status errors. Choose the right filing status. There are five filing statuses: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household and Qualifying Widow(er) With Dependent Child. See Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction and Filing Information, to help you choose the right one. E-filing your tax return will also help you choose the right filing status.
  • Math mistakes. If you file a paper tax return, double check the math. If you e-file, the software does the math for you. For example, if your Social Security benefits are taxable, check to ensure you figured the taxable portion correctly.tax booklet carefully.
  • Errors in figuring credits, deductions. Take your time and read the instructions in your tax booklet carefully. Many filers make mistakes figuring their Earned Income Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit and the standard deduction. For example, if you are age 65 or older or blind check to make sure you claim the correct, larger standard deduction amount.
  • Wrong bank account numbers. Direct deposit is the fast, easy and safe way to receive your tax refund. Make sure you enter your bank routing and account numbers correctly.
  • Forms not signed, dated. An unsigned tax return is like an unsigned check - it's invalid. Remember both spouses must sign a joint return.
  • Electronic signature errors. If you e-file your tax return, you will sign the return electronically using a Personal Identification Number. For security purposes, the software will ask you to enter the Adjusted Gross Income from your originally-filed 2011 federal tax return. Do not use the AGI amount from an amended 2011 return or an AGI provided to you if the IRS corrected your return. You may also use last year's PIN if you e-filed last year and remember your PIN.

WKYC-TV


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Back to the table for Strongsville School Board and Teachers Union

Written By kolimtiga on Minggu, 14 April 2013 | 21.08

INDEPENDENCE -- A federal mediator has called another meeting for the Strongsville City Schools Board of Education and Strongsville Education Association. 

The two will attempt to negotiate the end of the two month strike.

The meeting will be held at the Federal Mediation of Conciliation Service regional office in Independence.

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland: Extras wanted for Kevin Costner football film

CLEVELAND -- How would you like to be part of a major motion picture starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner and Denis Leary?

Here's your chance.

Extras of all ages are being sought for "Draft Day" -- a football movie surrounding the Browns franchise, which will be filmed in Cleveland.

Real Style is hosting the open casting call, which takes place Sunday, April 14 from noon - 6 p.m. at the Terry Macklin Event Centre at 6200 Enterprise Parkway in Solon. The line will be cut off at 5 p.m.

All aspiring extras should expect to have two photographs taken during the casting call and be prepared to fill out paperwork for a profile.

Extras placed in the film will be paid.

In addition to everyday people, extras for "Draft Day" also include folks who can portray football fans, football players, coaching staff and team owners.

No acting experience is needed.

Some of the more specific roles that need to be filled include a Caucasian male who is 6'1" and 190 pounds or a Caucasian female at 5'8" and 110 pounds with long brown hair.

IMDB.com describes the film's plot as follows: "The manager of an American football franchise struggles to acquire the number one draft pick for his team."

"Draft Day" the latest flick to shoot in Cleveland on the heels of Marvel's "The Avengers" and the upcoming "Captain America" sequel, which starts lensing in town soon.

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland Weather: Sun and clouds, warmer

Flood warnings continue for some area rivers and will be discontinued as water subsides.

Mostly cloudy to mostly sunny weather is expected across Northeast Ohio today. When clouds move in this morning, they will bring with them the chance for a sprinkle. During the afternoon, we clear out one again and we warm up.

Expected warm, wet and sometimes stormy weather next week.

Sunday: Partly sunny. Mid 50s

Monday: Partly cloudy with rain chances late.  Warmer. Upper 60s/low 70s

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with scattered rain and storms. Low 60s

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with scattered storms.  Low/mid 60s south

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with rain and storms. Upper 60/low 70s.

Friday:  Mostly cloudy with a chance for showers. Cooler. Mid 50s.

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland Weather: Mostly dry and cool

Written By kolimtiga on Sabtu, 13 April 2013 | 21.08

Flood warnings continue for some area rivers and will be discontinued as water subsides.

We'll have a cool and brisk weekend, with a chance for some sprinkles Saturday.

Next week the milder air will make a return, but the rain and thunderstorm chances will come along with it.

Saturday: Partly sunny with a few showers possible. Mid/upper 40s

Sunday: Partly sunny. Mid 50s

Monday: Partly cloudy with rain chances late.  Warmer.  Upper 60s

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy with scattered rain and storms.  Low 60s

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with scattered storms.  Mid/upper 50s north, low/mid 60s south

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with rain and storms.  Upper 60s

Friday:  Mostly cloudy with a chance for showers.  Cooler.  Upper 40s

WKYC-TV


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Amber Alert issued for missing Zanesville Teen has been cancelled

Zanesville, OH -- An Amber Alert was issued for a 17-year-old girl from Zanesville in southern Ohio.

Police say Elizabeth Oakes was recovered. There is no information if someone has been arrested in the case at this time.

The Amber Alert went out when Oakes was last seen on Wheeling Avenue in Zanesville.  The suspect was believed to be driving a gold 1998 Chevy Malibu with the Ohio license plate FO4571.

Oakes was described as being 5'7, 165 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.  She was last seen wearing dark blue maternity shorts, white t-shirt with "Zanesville" on it and flip-flops.

Police are continuing to investigate.

WKYC-TV fff


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Cleveland: Extras wanted for Kevin Costner football film

CLEVELAND -- How would you like to be part of a major motion picture starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner and Denis Leary?

Here's your chance.

Extras of all ages are being sought for "Draft Day" -- a football movie surrounding the Browns franchise, which will be filmed in Cleveland.

Real Style is hosting the open casting call, which takes place Sunday, April 14 from noon - 6 p.m. at the Terry Macklin Event Centre at 6200 Enterprise Parkway in Solon. The line will be cut off at 5 p.m.

All aspiring extras should expect to have two photographs taken during the casting call and be prepared to fill out paperwork for a profile.

Extras placed in the film will be paid.

In addition to everyday people, extras for "Draft Day" also include folks who can portray football fans, football players, coaching staff and team owners.

No acting experience is needed.

Some of the more specific roles that need to be filled include a Caucasian male who is 6'1" and 190 pounds or a Caucasian female at 5'8" and 110 pounds with long brown hair.

IMDB.com describes the film's plot as follows: "The manager of an American football franchise struggles to acquire the number one draft pick for his team."

"Draft Day" the latest flick to shoot in Cleveland on the heels of Marvel's "The Avengers" and the upcoming "Captain America" sequel, which starts lensing in town soon.

WKYC-TV


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Top lawnmower and yard deals this season

Written By kolimtiga on Jumat, 12 April 2013 | 21.08

CLEVELAND -- Today is one hot deal day to buy a lawn mower or stock up on garden supplies.

As temperatures warm across the country, prices on gardening equipment and supplies will ultimately increase. Today, we're at a crossroads with storms, cold and hot weather affecting other parts of the country.

Prices are at their lowest this morning, but it won't be that way for long. Below I've assembled a list of your deal requests paired with the top coupons to lower prices.

My advice: Stock up while you can.

Want more deals? CLICK HERE to follow me on Twitter.

If you've accessed this page through our iPad app, please visit these deals directly through Safari so the coupon links load correctly for you.

$250 off Craftsman 42'' 7-speed riding lawn mower + free store pickup

Was: $1250
Now: $999

$50 off Craftsman high wheel push mower 140cc + free shipping

Was $249.99
Now: $199.99

$50 off Black & Decker 12-amp electric mower + free shipping

Was: $249.99
Now: $199.99

Black & Decker trimmer/edger + free shipping

MSRP: $72.99
Now: $44.99

Smart Sense lawn & leaf bags (39 gallon) for $3.59 + free store pickup

40% off Akro-Mils Stack-A-Pot + free shipping

Was: $64.99
Now: $38.53

Spring plants as low as $1.98 + free store pickup

Was: $4.00
Now: $1.98

$25 off Craftsman weed wacker gas trimmer + free shipping

Was: $94.99
Now: $69.99

WKYC-TV


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Columbus: Budget proposal has language to help Sin Tax vote

COLUMBUS-- Every budget proposal contains big proposals and small amendments.

There is barely-noticed  language in the budget proposal being made by House Republicans that is a "placeholder" for a possible future vote to extend the sin tax in Cuyahoga County.

Greater Cleveland Partnership President Joe Roman confirmed the group worked to get the language included as a needed prelude to a possible vote to extend the county sin tax.

State law now forbids the use of new sin tax dollars for sports stadiums.

The language gives counties discretion to decide to do that.

The sin tax on tobacco and alcohol was used to fund homes for Cleveland sports teams.

All three facilities will have ongoing repair costs.

The Indians, Cavaliers and Browns are working with county and city leaders to decide on a strategy and timetable to ask voters to extend the sin tax for future stadium repair costs.

WKYC-TV


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Akron: Water main repairs underway

AKRON -- Repairs are underway at the site of a massive water main break that flooded an Akron neighborhood.

The city says the repairs on the massive water pipe should be completed by the end of the weekend. But there is concern that the ground surrounding the site may not be stable.

The 36-inch water main burst Thursday night and flooded the area of North Valley and West Market Streets. It's suspected that age played a role in the pipe's failure but no exact cause has been determined.

A boil alert has been put into effect until further notice for West Akron residents as well those in Fairlawn and Copley experiencing low water pressure.

The water flow was stopped around 9 p.m. Thursday night.

Some had to be rescued from their porches due to the high water and the dive team was put on stand-by as a precaution as a result of the torrent of water.

There were reports that some home foundations collapsed due to the water.

Residents will be allowed home at some point today to survey the damage.

WKYC-TV


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Wicked weather causes damage throughout Northeast Ohio

Written By kolimtiga on Kamis, 11 April 2013 | 21.08

CLEVELAND -- Lightning rocked northeast Ohio today, as a series of thunderstorms spoiled the warm weather.

On the west side, it was the Cliff Towers in Rocky River where a bolt charred the roof. They lost power, phones and cable...but the janitor was able to extinguish the fire.

About 70 miles southeast, the Louisville Middle School had class interrupted by a similar loud bang. The strike forced nearly 800 students and faculty members to be evacuated, but everyone made it out safe.

In Parma, it was thick fog causing limited vision on roadways and in Strongsville, it was flooding.

In Chardon, a youth church group gathering witnessed a streak of lightning strike a tree, which fell on power lines, knocking over the pole onto a car.

WKYC-TV


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Top 5 Garden Deals: 50% off plants, mulch, tools

CLEVELAND -- Today is one hot deal day. As temperatures warm across the country, prices on gardening equipment and supplies will ultimately increase. Today, we're at a crossroads with storms, cold and hot weather affecting other parts of the country.

Prices are at their lowest this morning, but it won't be that way for long. Below I've assembled a list of your deal requests paired with the top coupons to lower prices.

My advice: Stock up while you can.

On a side note, today is not a good day to buy a lawnmower. I expect much cheaper prices in the next three days.

Want more deals? CLICK HERE to follow me on Twitter.

If you've accessed this page through our iPad app, please visit these deals directly through Safari so the coupon links load correctly for you.

48% off Trademark Tool 7-in-1 plant care garden tool set + free store pickup

Was: $40.00
Now: $24.99

40% off Akro-Mils Stack-A-Pot + free shipping

Was: $64.99
Now: $38.53

Spring plants as low as $1.98 + free store pickup

Was: $4.00
Now: $1.98

$25 off Craftsman weed wacker gas trimmer + free shipping

Was: $94.99
Now: $69.99

Planters Pride 8.8-pound Miracle Mulch

MSRP: $24.99
Now: $14.99

WKYC-TV


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Cleveland Weather: More Rain, Flood Watches

Periods of rain and thunderstorms will continue today and into Friday morning.  By Friday midday, when the showers will taper off, we could have another 1" to 3" of rain coming to much of the area.

Flood Watches are in place for much of Northeast Ohio today.

Today: Mostly cloudy with rain and storms likely.  Upper 50s/Low 60s

Friday: Mostly cloudy with rain chances early.  Some clearing late day.   Cooler.  Near 55 then falling into the 40s

Saturday: Partly sunny with a few showers possible, especially east. Mid/upper 40s

Sunday: Partly sunny.  Mid 50s

Monday: Mostly cloudy with rain chances. Mid/upper 60s

Tuesday:  Mostly cloudy with chances for showers. Near 63

Wednesday:  Mostly cloudy with a chance for scattered storms.  Low 60s

 

WKYC-TV


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Protect Your Tech: Surge protectors for $13

Written By kolimtiga on Rabu, 10 April 2013 | 21.08

CLEVELAND -- From our recent severe weather to the threat of future spring storms, I've heard from many of you determined to protect your tech.

Today, there's a great opportunity to load up on an overnight deal to protect every valuable outlet in your house.

A simple lightning strike can destroy an entire home entertainment system. I saw one affect my parents years ago and another one months ago end the life of my wife's laptop.

My biggest complaint about surge protectors are the price. Good ones are generally a complete ripoff. My favorite brand (and the most popular in the country) is Monster. Today's deal knocks the Monster Powerprotect 200 down to a price we can all afford.

There are two models for today's deal. One you can find online for about $10 and another more expensive model featuring coax cable protection and two AC power outlets, which is the system I'm referring to. For so many of you looking for a white unassuming power unit to blend in with your wall, today's Monster system is my top pick. You can use this to protect computers, phone systems and, of course, home entertainment systems.

80% off Monster flatscreen Powerprotect surge protector

MSRP: $70
Now: $12.99 (price includes shipping)

**At the time this article was written, Amazon was selling this for $26 and showing an MSRP of $70.31, although this item has obviously never sold for its full suggested retail price.

• Have a damaged electronic that you'd like to sell? Check out buymytronics.com.

• Looking to sell an old Mac? My top pick is sellyourmac.com.

Want more deals? CLICK HERE to follow me on Twitter. [twitter.com/mattgranite]

If you've accessed this article through our iPad app, please visit this page directly through Safari so the coupon links load correctly.

WKYC-TV


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Flats: East Bank developers announces new tenants

CLEVELAND -- Flats East Bank Developers have secured commitments from seven new retail tenants.

The seven new retail tenants include BBR sports bar, The Been Market, Bing Bank dueling piano bar, Constantino's Cafe, East Bank News and Gift, FWD: night club and Panini's Bar and Grill.

These tenants will join Aloft Hotel, Toby Keith's Bar and Grill, Ken Stewart's, Lago, Flipside, and Willeyville.

The project is also home Ernst & Young, Tucker Ellis, CBRE, Northwestern Mutual, Wells Fargo, and Gilbane Building.

The developers of the $500 million Flats East Bank neighborhood are scheduled  discuss the new tenants today and announce a Phase 2 ground breaking within the next few months, subject to financing.

WKYC-TV


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