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Moody’s Threatens Multiple States’ Credit Ratings

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NEW YORK (CBSMiami.com) – Moody’s Investor Services has fired another shot across the bow of both the federal government and individual states. Tuesday afternoon, Moody’s put five states on review for a downgrade of their credit ratings.

Moody’s said the states were put on review as part of an announcement made July 13 that put the federal government’s credit rating on review for a possible downgrade if the government doesn’t strike a deal to raise the national debt limit.

Florida managed to stay off the list, but several states around the Sunshine State were not as lucky.

If the U.S. credit rate is downgraded by one notch or more, the five states: South Carolina; Tennessee; Virginia; New Mexico; and Maryland, would likely be downgraded at the same time.

Moody’s cited high federal employment and Medicaid exposure as the reasons behind putting the states on review for a downgrade.

Another ten states: Alaska; Delaware; Georgia; Indiana; Iowa; Missouri; North Carolina; Texas; Utah; and Vermont, were also analyzed, but in Moody’s view, those states can all withstand the credit rating of the federal government being downgraded one notch.

Moody’s said the review will affect approximately $24 billion of general obligations and related debt.


Fla. Had Good Year In Lowering Unemployment, Comparatively

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TALLAHASSEE (CBS4)- Florida had the second best year among all the states in terms of reducing unemployment over the last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported this week.

Florida was behind only New Mexico in lowering its official jobless rate from 11.9 percent in November 2010 to 10 percent last month, the BLS said. New Mexico’s jobless rate dropped 2.1 percentage points from 8.6 to 6.5 percent.

Right behind Florida was Michigan, which lowered its rate 1.6 percentage points to 9.8 percent and West Virginia, which saw a 1.7 percentage point drop to 7.9 percent.

Also, the 98,100 jobs that Florida added over the year was third in the nation, behind only California and Texas.

Still, Florida is just one of eight remaining states with double digit unemployment, though the situation is better than in Nevada, at 13 percent, and California at 11.3 percent. North Dakota has the lowest jobless rate, 3.4 percent.

Gov. Rick Scott talked about the state’s success in a radio appearance Wednesday morning.

“We’ve got to get more jobs in the state, but this has been a great year” the governor said during an interview with WFLA Radio in Tallahassee.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service of Florida contributed material for this report)

Something Extra: Enough With The Conspiracies

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MIAMI (CBS4) – Left-wing conspiracies, right-wing conspiracies: I pretty much don’t believe in any of them.

Yesterday, on a Sunday morning talk show, the contoversial liberal TV personality Keith Olbermann came up with a hare-brained conspiracy theory.  Despite much evidence to the contrary, he implied right-wing oil speculators had somehow driven gas prices to lows when President Obama was inaugurated and then driven them up now in order to make him lose the election.

Then there are those on the right just won’t let go of the birther conspiracy, insisting the President was not born in the US, despite not having any credible evidence to support that.

A shocking number of people believe the U-S government either knew in advance about the nine-eleven attacks or was somehow involved in the collapse of the World Trade Center towers.

A bunch of others think the military has successfully hidden a UFO and aliens found in Roswell, New Mexico for sixty-five years.

And half a century and countless investigations later, many people refuse to believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone when he assassinated President Kennedy.

In my experience, people are terrible at keeping secrets.

In all these cases, lots of people would have to have kept lots of secrets for lots of years even when they could have made lots of money by talking.  Not a chance.

Ricotta Cheese Recalled Over Listeria Fears

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WASHINGTON (CBS4/AP) — Federal officials say ricotta cheese shipped to some Florida retail stores and restaurants is tainted with listeria bacteria and is responsible for 14 illnesses and at least one death.

The imported Italian ricotta salata cheese distributed by Forever Cheese, Inc., of New York is linked to illnesses in 11 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Forever Cheese issued a recall of one lot— 800 wheels of ricotta salata, or roughly 4,800 pounds — on Monday.

In addition to Florida, the cheese was distributed in California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington between June 20 and August 9.

Jeff DiMeo of Forever Cheese said the recalled Frescolina brand ricotta salata cheese is from one batch manufactured in Italy’s Puglia region but would not name the Italian company that manufactured it. The Food and Drug Administration confirmed listeria was present in an uncut sample of cheese from that batch.

Most people who consumed the cheese would not know where it came from because it was distributed in large wheels for retailers or restaurants to break down into smaller servings or packages. Ricotta salata is a salty, white cheese made from pasteurized sheep’s milk. It is not the same as soft ricotta cheese sold in tubs and used to make lasagna.

DiMeo said he would generally advise his customers not to hold on to the cheese for more than 30 days. The CDC, however, said the ricotta can have up to a four-month shelf life, so some consumers may still have it in their homes.

The company and the government advised consumers who may still have the cheese to ask retailers where it came from or just throw it out to be safe.

Listeria is rare but deadlier than well-known pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli. It is most dangerous to pregnant women, the elderly and others with compromised immune systems.

It was not immediately clear how many deaths were caused by the listeria outbreak. The CDC said listeriosis contributed to “at least one” of two deaths in New York and Nebraska but did not elaborate. A spokeswoman for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said Wednesday the department is investigating a death linked to the listeria and a spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Health said the same strain had contributed to the death of a woman in her 80s.

A third deceased person in Minnesota was infected with listeriosis linked to the cheese but that is not thought to be the primary cause of the person’s death, a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Health said.

Three people from Maryland reported becoming ill from the strain of listeria linked to the ricotta. One person each from California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia also reported an illness. Two of the illnesses were in newborn babies, the CDC said.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Five Things: FGCU First 15 Seed In Sweet 16 And Pac 12 Exceeds Its Seeds

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By Andrew Kahn

To measure the unpredictability of this year’s NCAA Tournament, consider two items that didn’t make this column: Gonzaga, a 32-win team on a 15-game win streak, didn’t survive the first weekend, and Harvard, a 14 seed, won its first ever Tournament game, knocking off New Mexico, the best team in a very competitive Mountain West. The following are the highlights from the four wildest days on the sports calendar—flagrant foul graphic not included.

FGCU first 15 seed in Sweet 16

It’s easy to go back to Florida Gulf Coast’s 12-point win over Miami on Nov. 13 and wonder why you didn’t consider the Eagles in your bracket. But remember, this team didn’t even win its conference, losing to Lipscomb (twice) and East Tennessee State. On top of that, FGCU was given a 15 seed—only five times had a 15 seed won an NCAA Tournament game. None of that matters now, as the Eagles, out of the Atlantic Sun, are the first 15 seed to reach the Sweet 16. They did so by dominating the second half against both Georgetown and San Diego State, while unleashing several highlight-reel dunks. The state of Florida is well represented in the Sweet 16, as the University of Florida and Miami also advanced.

Big Ten on the big stage

The Big Ten was the best conference in college hoops this season, and while a single-elimination tournament is not the best way to prove that, the league has risen to the occasion. Four teams—Indiana, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan—are in the Sweet 16. The Buckeyes survived the first weekend for the fourth straight year, as Aaron Craft’s three with .5 seconds left against Iowa State was the closest thing to a buzzer beater so far. Indiana also needed some big plays down the stretch to beat Temple. The two Michigan schools dominated the opening rounds but will be underdogs on Friday. Minnesota, an 11 seed, and Illinois, both won their openers, while Wisconsin was the only Big Ten team that didn’t win a game.

Pac 12 exceeds its seeds

Slighted on Selection Sunday, the Pac 12 can be proud of its performance in the Big Dance. While it hasn’t had the success of the Big Ten, Oregon, a 12 seed, and Arizona, a 6, are both still alive; Cal also won a game as a 12 seed. It wasn’t all sunny for the conference: Colorado and UCLA both lost in the first round, and the Bruins’ early exit led to Ben Howland’s firing.

La Salle sails into Sweet 16

In every season of its three-year history, a team has gone from the “First Four” to the Sweet 16. La Salle is the latest example; the 13 seed Explorers handled Boise State on Wednesday and then beat Kansas State and Ole Miss, each by two points. La Salle wasn’t a popular pick entering the Tournament. It appeared the Explorers may have peaked in January when they beat Butler and VCU in consecutive games. Since those wins, they hadn’t beaten any of the Atlantic 10’s Tournament teams and lost in the first round of the conference tourney. Tyrone Garland’s difficult layup with 2 seconds left gave them the win over Ole Miss. Ninth-seeded Wichita State awaits in the Sweet 16.

Lack of buzzer beaters

Last year’s NCAA Tournament didn’t include any buzzer beaters and featured just one overtime period. Given the craziness of this year’s regular season, many expected Big Dance drama. While there have been a lot of unexpected outcomes, there hasn’t been a true buzzer beater or any overtime periods. Among the missed shots at the buzzer that would have changed an outcome or forced overtime: St. Mary’s vs. Memphis; Kansas State and Ole Miss vs. La Salle; and Butler vs. Marquette.

Andrew Kahn is a contributor to CBS Local who has written for ESPN the Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. He writes about college basketball and other sports at http://andrewjkahn.com. Email him at andrewjkahn@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter at @AndrewKahn.

Lawmakers Wooing Space Companies

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SAN FRANCISCO (CBSMiami/AP) — Florida has played a major role in the United States’ space program for decades, but with private ventures ready to take people to space, other states are vying to attract space companies.

California lawmakers are debating a bill now in Sacramento that would insulate manufacturers of spaceships and parts suppliers from liability should travelers get injured or killed on a voyage, except in cases such as gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Last year, the state enacted a law that shields space tourism companies such as Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic from similar lawsuits.

“We’re still in the fledgling part of space flight and space travel, and we need people to be able to take a risk,” said California Republican Sen. Steve Knight, who introduced both state bills.

Several other states — including Texas, Florida, Virginia, and New Mexico — have passed similar laws, hoping to lure newcomers to the more than $200 billion commercial space flight industry.

California’s latest bill faces opposition from several lawmakers who say the state should not relax its standards since tourists should expect the ships they use to ascend to the heavens are safe. But space tourism companies say the protection is necessary if the state wants to attract and retain the industry’s business.

“Someday, something is going to crash and burn,” said Kathleen Allen, a professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Southern California who researches and advises new space companies. “The question is: Are we going to be able to say that’s a price we pay to stretch and explore and go beyond our current limits?”

Edwin Sahakian dreamed of flying in space since he watched Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon almost 45 years ago. Sahakian, 50, a trucking company owner from Glendale, Calif., is one of more than 600 people who have collectively paid about $75 million to embark on a trip in space with Virgin Galactic.

Leaving the planet is worth the risk, he said. Without incentives like limiting the ability of customers and family members to sue, he said the opportunity would never be open to him.

“I’m not under the impression that it’s as safe as flying on an airliner or anything remotely like that,” he said. “But I do feel like it’s the safest way to go to space right now.”

In April, Virgin Galactic’s space ship completed its first powered flight, as its rocket engine burned for 16 seconds, propelling the ship to an altitude of 55,000 feet as it broke the sound barrier. The company expects to conduct flight testing this year and send people into space soon thereafter.

Other companies are also working to launch people beyond the earth’s atmosphere. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX is already ferrying cargo to the International Space Station. Last year, SpaceX signed an agreement with Nevada-based Bigelow Aerospace, which is designing inflatable space stations for research and maybe even tourists. SpaceX and other companies will provide the transportation — like airlines — and Bigelow the place to stay.

Regulatory and economic incentives play a big role in where companies choose to do business, said Andrew Nelson, the chief operating officer of XCOR, which is pursuing space tourism and hoping to conduct flight tests for its Lynx spaceship this year.

Last year, the company — which operates at Mojave Air and Spaceport in Southern California — announced it would place a research and development center and corporate headquarters in Midland, Texas, which offered economic incentives and an attractive regulatory environment, including shielding XCOR’s suppliers from lawsuits.

Nelson said the company passed over Virginia, Florida, Oklahoma and California. XCOR expects the facility will create jobs and boost the local economy by millions of dollars. He said since California doesn’t shield the company’s supply chain and could not offer economic incentives, XCOR ruled the state out despite its talented workforce. The company will still have a smaller operation at Mojave and would consider doing more in the state if Knight’s bill is enacted.

In April, New Mexico enacted a law shielding parts suppliers and manufacturers of space transport companies from liability as an incentive for Virgin Galactic and others to launch spaceships from Spaceport America, which the state had already spent more than $200 million financing.

At a California senate committee hearing in May, several senators expressed concern over shielding manufacturers and suppliers from lawsuits, saying customers should assume the equipment functions correctly and should have redress if it doesn’t.

The bill’s opponents say protection against liability is unnecessary because it would be outweighed by California’s historical ties to the aerospace industry and its well-educated workforce. Knight said he is trying to work out a compromise with the bill’s opponents by January.

Both supporters and opponents of Knight’s bill agreed developments in the space industry — possibilities include mining asteroids or placing a human colony on Mars — present exciting, uncharted possibilities.

“Everybody would like to see a big goal that got the whole country behind like we did when we went to the moon. That was an exciting time, those people who remember it would like to see that again,” Allen said.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

More Lenient Lice Policies May Bug Some Parents

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WASHINGTON (CBSMiami/AP) – Many remember that, as a kid, when a classmate had lice, they had to go home and not return until the lice was gone. But certain schools in some states, like Florida, are changing that policy—meaning students with lice can stay in school.

Sending children with lice and nits, or lice eggs, home is usually protocol as a means of preventing lice from spreading to classmates. But, designed to help keep children from missing class and shielding them from embarrassment, the policy has shifted in some schools.

Also, often customary regarding  lice as well, schools will send notes home to let parents know that a child in class had lice so that they could be on the lookout for lice on their own children.

Schools in Florida are adopting the more lenient lice policy, as well as schools in Tennessee, California, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina and Nevada.

Common Head Lice BERLIN - JUNE 22:  Two head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) crawl on a piece of paper after having been removed from the hair of a little boy June 22, 2007 in Berlin, Germany. Summer weather in Central Europe typically brings with it cases of head lice in schoolchildren.    (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Common Head Lice BERLIN – JUNE 22: Two head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) crawl on a piece of paper after having been removed from the hair of a little boy June 22, 2007 in Berlin, Germany. Summer weather in Central Europe typically brings with it cases of head lice in schoolchildren. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

“Lice is icky, but it’s not dangerous,” said Deborah Pontius, the school nurse for the Pershing County School District in Lovelock, Nev. “It’s not infectious, and it’s fairly easy to treat.”

Some questions and answers about head lice and the new policies.

Q: WHAT ARE LICE AND WHO GETS THEM?

A: Lice are tiny grayish-white bugs that infest a scalp, sucking bits of blood every few hours. Lice don’t jump or fly. They crawl. They are not a sign of poor hygiene.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there are 6 million to 12 million head lice infestations each year in the United States among children 3 to 11 years old. While itchy and unpleasant, health experts say lice don’t spread disease and are not a health hazard.

Q: IF THEY’RE NOT A HEALTH HAZARD, WHY ARE KIDS SENT HOME?

A: Schools and parents feared that children in close quarters would spread lice to one another.

Q: WHY THE CHANGE IN POLICY?

A: Itchy children probably had lice for three weeks to two months by the time they’re sent to the nurse, Pontius says.

Classmates already would have been exposed. There’s little additional risk of transmission, she says, if the student returns to class for a few hours until the end of the day, when a parent would pick up the child and treat for lice at home.

Pontius also doesn’t send lice notes. “It gets out who had lice,” she says, and there’s no need to panic parents. Parents with elementary school-aged kids should check their children’s hair for lice once a week anyway, she says. If they are doing that, then there’s really no need for the notes.

Q: WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY?

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines in 2010 to adopt a “do not exclude” infested students recommendation for schools dealing with head lice. It has long encouraged schools to discontinue “no-nit” policies. The itty-bitty nits — which can often be confused with dandruff — cement themselves to the hair shaft, making removal difficult.

The National Association of School Nurses revised its position the following year. In its guidance, the association said children found with live head lice should remain in class but be discouraged from close direct head contact with others and said the school nurse should contact the parent to discuss treatment.

The association doesn’t have figures on how many schools have adopted less restrictive policies. Policies vary by state and often by school district.

Q: HOW DO PARENTS FEEL?

A: Letting kids with untreated lice remain in class doesn’t sit well with some parents.

“I’m appalled. I am just so disgusted,” says Theresa Rice, whose 8-year-old daughter, Jenna, has come home from her Hamilton County, Tenn., school with lice three times since August.

“It’s just a terrible headache to have to deal with lice,” says Rice. To pick out the tiny nits and lice from Jenna’s long blond hair is a four-hour process. Add to that all the laundry and cleaning — it’s exhausting, she says. Rice had to bag up her daughter’s treasured stuffed animals, which remained sealed for weeks even after Jenna was lice-free.

Jenna’s school implemented a new policy in the past year that allows children with untreated lice to go home at the end of the day, be treated and then return to school. The policy, the district said, complies with the guidelines of both the Tennessee Department of Education and the CDC.

Q: WHAT DO OTHERS THINK?

A: The National Pediculosis Association in Massachusetts opposes relaxing bans on lice and says the updated policies spread the bugs. Pediculosis means infestation of lice.

“The new lice policy throws parental values for wellness and children’s health under the bus,” says Deborah Altschuler, head of the Newton-based group. “It fosters complacency about head lice by minimizing its importance as a communicable parasitic disease.”

The association says lice treatment shampoos are pesticides that are not safe for children and not 100 percent effective. The group instead urges parents to screen regularly and use a special comb to manually remove lice and nits from a child’s hair.

The CDC says the nits are “very unlikely to be transferred successfully to other people” — and many schools have dropped their no-nit policies. But supporters of no-nit rules, such as the National Pediculosis Association, say the eggs will hatch new lice and need to be removed before a child is considered lice-free.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Lawmakers Seek To Roll Out A Red Carpet For Filmmakers

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – Blockbuster proposals that would double and triple the pool of incentives for those who want to create both big- and small-screen magic in Florida now sit before lawmakers.

Less than a week after a measure (HB 983) was introduced in the House to provide $1 billion in tax credit to film and television production efforts in Florida, the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee released a proposal (SPB 7056) on Monday that offers $300 million in tax credits.

Under both measures, the money would be spread out over six years.

The Senate proposal also moves the state’s Office of Film and Entertainment from the Department of Economic Opportunity to Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private business recruitment organization.

The Legislature had allotted $296 million for incentives when a prior funding program was launched in 2010.

However, the money was quickly doled out. No new funding was allocated last year. And Gov. Rick Scott didn’t include any additional money for the industry in his recommended spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

When the Senate committee discussed the funding during an October meeting, Chairwoman Nancy Detert, R-Venice, said the idea behind the bill would be to offer something that is easy for the industry to understand, works in conjunction with film-school efforts in Florida and has a set end date.

“We’re never going to be the state that puts in the most money,” Detert said. “We’re going to be the state that puts in dependable money, with a verifiable process and is something that is fair.”

In moving the agency, the office would be renamed the Division of Film and Entertainment, and require the appointment of an industry insider to serve as the state’s film commissioner.

Critics questioned the move of the agency, which they contend has allocated past tax credits on a first-come, first-serve basis rather than on the potential return on investment.

“Privatizing the film office does not increase transparency or ensure this program operates with more fiscal responsibility,” Dan Krassner, executive director of Integrity Florida, a nonpartisan group, said Monday. “Lawmakers should require online disclosure of this program’s tax credit awards on the DEO incentives portal. This program needs more openness and accountability, not less.”

Film Florida President Leah Sokolowsky told the committee during the October meeting that competition from Georgia and other neighboring states have made it tougher to sell Florida to film and digital media production companies.

“They now have 11 studio, bricks-and-mortar projects … that are breaking ground outside of Atlanta because of the investment they made,” Sokolowsky told the committee.

With Florida pushing to increase tourism to 100 million visitors a year, Sokolowsky also made a point of highlighting the impact of film and television production on the Sunshine State’s tourism efforts.

“Shows that portray Florida … they’re free advertising with other people’s money for our state,” Sokolowsky said. “They show the best of the best of everywhere in the state.”

She added that the recently concluded show Breaking Bad, “even when the content is questionable to some,” drew tourists to New Mexico.

“They want to see where great stories are told,” Sokolowsky said.

Film Florida notes that the Burn Notice, which ended a seven-season run on USA Network last September, was estimated to have a promotional value of $170 million a year by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Last July, the Governor’s office noted in a release that the 2011 family drama Dolphin Tale added $17 million in revenue to the state, created jobs for nearly 1,300 Floridians, and “as a result of this film, attendance at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium quadrupled to about 750,000 annual visitors last year, with 300,000 of those visitors traveling from out of state.”

Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, said with the bulk of past film and television incentives going to the Orlando and South Florida regions, a challenge will be to have future incentives entice production crews to locate outside those areas.

The Senate committee proposal sets aside 20 percent of the annual credits for production crews using “underutilized” counties, where less than $500,000 in incentives had been made in the prior two years.

The House effort offers a 10 percent tax credit for production in “underused” counties which are identified as those “other than Miami-Dade, Broward, and Orange counties.”

The Senate committee is scheduled to address the proposal on March 3.

“The News Service of Florida’s Jim Turner contributed to this report.”


More US Girls Now Getting Cervical Cancer Vaccine

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NEW YORK (AP) — More teen girls are getting a controversial cervical cancer vaccine but the increase isn’t much of a bump, the government reported Thursday.

Last year’s rise follows a couple of years when the girls’ HPV vaccination rate was flat and health officials worried that it wouldn’t budge. For girls ages 13 to 17, the rate is now up to about 38 percent of girls, from 33 percent.

“It was better than nothing. But we really need to do better moving forward,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The vaccine protects against human papillomavirus, or HPV. The sexually transmitted bug can cause cervical cancer, genital warts and other illnesses.

A three-dose series of HPV shots was introduced in 2006. The government recommends the vaccine for girls ages 11 and 12 because it works best if given before a teen starts to have sex.

Some have worried that taking a child for the vaccination implied green-lighting sexual activity. But health officials have tried to push doctors and parents to see it as just another disease-prevention measure for pre-adolescents, like the recommended shots against meningitis and whooping cough. It takes time for new vaccines to become widely used, but the HPV vaccine has lagged behind other shots.

There’s some good news: Campaigns in Illinois, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico and South Carolina paid off with increases last year of at least 12 percentage points for girls who got at least one dose, the CDC reported.

Nationally, vaccination rate increases were larger for boys. About 35 percent got at least one dose last year, up from 21 percent in 2012. The three-dose number doubled to 14 percent, from 7 percent.

The government only began recommending the vaccine for boys in 2011, and the increases mirror those seen in girls five years earlier. It’s not clear if the trend will flatten out after the early rush — like it did for girls.

The CDC numbers come from a random phone survey of parents of about 18,000 adolescents, followed by a check of medical records. But many declined to be in the survey and it’s possible that those who agreed to participate were more likely to embrace HPV vaccinations. That could make the actual HPV rates lower than the CDC report suggests, Schuchat said.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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Report: Florida Sees Biggest Rise Of Residents In US Illegally

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) —A report released Tuesday shows Florida saw the biggest increase in illegal immigrants.

The report from the Pew Research Center says between 2009 and 2012, some 55,000 new immigrants in the country illegally came to the Sunshine State.

That brings the total in Florida to an estimated 925,000. The increase in Florida highlights a broader shift from the West and Southwest.

Other states that saw sharp rises: Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico saw the biggest declines.

Florida’s agriculture, construction and hospitality industries have long attracted those in the country illegally. So too has South Florida’s thriving legal immigrant population.

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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State Investigators: Hollywood Man Sold Sick Puppies Nationwide

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HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) – The Florida Department of Agriculture is accusing a Hollywood man of selling sick bulldog puppies to more than a dozen people nationwide in a scheme that the state says netted the man more than $20,000.

Victor Chemerisov is locked up in the Broward County Jail on one count of organized scheme to defraud and 10 counts of creating a forged veterinary certificate showing the animals were healthy. He has a bond of $350,000.

Christine Ramelli, of New York, said she is one of Chemerisov’s victims. Ramelli said she purchased Hazel – an English bulldog from Chemerisov through his online business – www.lovablebulldogs.com – in August at a cost of $2,450. Ramelli said that as soon as Hazel arrived, the animal was sick with pneumonia.

“She was hospitalized two separate times for a total of 13-14 days so that’s how we get to $9,000 (in veterinarian bills),” she told CBS4’s Carey Codd.

CLICK HERE To Watch Carey Codd’s Report 

Ramelli said Hazel has recovered, is still angry that she and others were duped by Chemerisov.

“He’s obviously a jerk and a bunch of words that you can’t use on television,” Ramelli said.

Ramelli sent CBS4 News a copy of the veterinary certificate that she received with Hazel, which she believed proved that Hazel was healthy. Instead, investigators said the document was a fake. According to investigators, they tried to trace the company that sold the puppies here in South Florida but they kept coming up with bogus addresses, including one non-existent address in Hollywood in the middle of a lake.

In 2004, WCBS in New York reported that Victor Chemerisov bilked 11 people out of more than $10,000 by taking money for puppies he never delivered and the station reported that Chemerisov was investigated for selling sick puppies to a bunch of the people.

Deawn Valenica in Texas said she fell in love with bulldog pup Mikey after seeing him for sale online on Chemerisov’s website. But Valencia said what she received, after paying more than $2,000, was a sick dog with pneumonia.

“I told my husband, ‘something’s wrong with him. He’s not ok,'” she said, remembering her first thought when Mikey arrived at their home.

Valencia said that Mikey spent 30 minutes in her house and the rest of his 7 days of life in an animal hospital before being dying from pneumonia.  She said she and her family spent thousands on vet bills but are more upset that this animal suffered and never got to meet her excited kids.

“We had to explain to them Mikey did come home but he was sick and we explained to them that we had to take him to the doctor and make him better,” she said.

Valencia said she contacted Chemerisov for another dog or a refund but never got a response.

Most of the victims told investigators that they knew Chemerisov as either “Ray” or “Charles.” They also said that when they contacted him for a refund or another dog they found that communication largely stopped. The websites Chemerisov is accused of operating are no longer active.

Marcy Teague, of New Mexico, said she bought Duchess Noelle online from Chemerisov and the dog was sick from the beginning with a heart condition. Teague said she had to put Duchess Noelle down several months later after she began having seizures and other issues.

“She lost control of all body functions and suffered for about three and a half hours before we had to make the final decision,” Teague said. “I lost a member of my family. She was with me every day. She slept beside me every night. She was like velcro on my pant leg.”

Teague wants Chemerisov punished.

“There really are no words to describe what this person has done and how he’s affected so many families,” Teague said.

CBS4 News contacted several of the 13 victims and a few of them told CBS4 News they take some responsibility for what happened because they bought their dogs online without visiting the breeder and without doing as much homework as they should have.

Chemerisov is expected to go before a judge on Friday morning.

RELATED CONTENT:

Survey: US Gas Prices Fall 27 Cents Per Gallon

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — Now is the time to fill up at the tank. The average price of regular gasoline nationwide is $2.20 – that’s a 27-cent drop per gallon over the last three weeks.

Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg says it’s the lowest in more than five years and more drops are possible, although probably not as steep.

Lundberg said Sunday that lower crude oil prices are driving prices down, along with an abundant oil supply.

The highest-priced gas in the Lower 48 states was found in San Francisco, at $2.66 a gallon. The lowest was in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at $1.76 a gallon.

California’s lowest average was in Sacramento, at $2.42 a gallon.

The average price for midgrade gas in the U.S. is $2.44. For premium it’s $2.61.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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Florida Gets Chunk From UPS Settlement

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) — A multi-million dollar settlement has been reached with UPS in a lawsuit claiming bad delivery practices.

On Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the $4 million settlement with the company, considered the world’s largest package delivery service.

The settlement resolves allegations that UPS employees overcharged government employees on certain transactions.

According to the lawsuit, the UPS employees recorded false delivery times on packages sent by governmental customers using their next day delivery services. It also says the customer would then get charged premium pricing when the packages had not be delivered on time.

The lawsuit also claims certain UPS employees would use exception codes that weren’t applicable to excuse the late deliveries like weather emergencies even though it was a sunny day. This meant customers were not able to get a refund for the late deliveries.

Florida’s chunk of the settlement is more than $375,000 meant to be considered a reimbursement for the overcharges.

As part of the settlement, UPS also had to start training, monitoring and compliance programs for its employees in order to address any delivery issues or policy violations.

Other states taking part in the settlement include California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, the Commonwealths of Massachusetts and Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the cities of New York and Chicago.

5 US Destinations For A Winter Honeymoon

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After months of wedding planning followed by a ceremony celebrated with friends and family, newlyweds deserve some quiet time together on a romantic honeymoon. While summer is often the most popular time of year for weddings and honeymoons, a romantic winter getaway can be equally as memorable, and oftentimes more affordable. Regardless if the preference is lounging on white sandy beaches or snuggling next to an open fire when it’s cold outside, couples have a multitude of choices for that perfect winter getaway. Here are five U.S. destinations to consider for that unforgettable winter honeymoon.
Kauai
www.gohawaii.com/kauai

There are a number of reasons why many honeymooners and vacationers favor the Hawaiian Islands as a winter destination. Some may visit to get away from gloomy winter weather on the mainland while others come for romantic resorts surrounded by enrapturing natural beauty. While the Big island of Hawaii, Oahu and Maui are the most popular choices for a romantic getaway in paradise, the island of Kauai is far less touristy and perhaps the most ideal setting for a dream Hawaiian honeymoon. Known as the Garden Island, Kauai Is consistently mentioned as one of the world’s best islands from leading travel review sites like Travel+Leisure, U.S. News Travel and Forbes. The oldest and westernmost of the main islands of Hawaii, Kauai is home to dozens of romantic hotels and high-end resorts, such as the St. Regis Princeville ResortKoa Kea Hotel and ResortGrand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa and even more affordable yet intimate spots like the Courtyard Marriott Kauai at Coconut Beach. For fine dining, honeymooners have multiple options for a romantic candlelit dinner on the island, such as Tidepools at the Grand Hyatt, Red Salt at Koa Kea, Oasis, Wahooo Seafood Grill and Gaylord’s Restaurant at the Kilohana Plantation. Lastly, a sunset dinner cruise, traditional luau, a couple’s spa treatment or simply a walk on the beach are all romantic activities to consider for couples during their fabulous honeymoon stay.

Mallory Square, Key West (credit: Randy Yagi)

Mallory Square, Key West (credit: Randy Yagi)


Key West, Florida
www.fla-keys.com

Although Florida’s dry season typically lasts from late October through April, it can get very chilly during the winter months in certain sections of of the Sunshine State. But along the Florida Keys at the southernmost portion of the continental U.S., it almost never rains in winter and temperatures average in the mid-70s. While there are many intimate destinations throughout the chain of tropical coral islands such as Key Largo and Islamorada, Key West offers the largest and most diverse collection of romantic overnight accommodations, from glamorous resorts to whimsical beachside cottages. Some of the most spectacular hotels feature private beaches, such as as the Southernmost Beach Resort, Casa Marina and The Reach, but many other hotels like Hyatt Key West Resort, Parrot Key Hotel and Ocean Key Resort are equally as impressive. For fine dining in Key West, honeymooners may wish to celebrate at places like Latitudes, Santiago’s Bodega, Hot Tin Roof or Michaels Restaurant.

Related: Best Honeymoon Destinations On The East Coast

The Lone Cypress (credit: Randy Yagi)

The Lone Cypress (credit: Randy Yagi)


Monterey Peninsula
www.seemonterey.com

Even in winter, it’s difficult to find a more romantic honeymoon destination than the beautiful Monterey Peninsula along California’s rugged Central Coast. Featuring a number of extravagant resort hotels, fine dining, spectacular oceans views and even flourishing wineries, this area is filled with endless lodging possibilities for honeymooners. All of the top resorts and hotels offer a honeymoon or romance package, which typically include exceptional amenities like a champagne dinner for two, a couple’s massage and a signature bottle of wine. Suggested places to stay include Bernardus Lodge and Spa, Carmel Valley Ranch and Quail Lodge in the Carmel Valley, the Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, and L’Auberge Carmel and Doris Day’s Cypress Inn in Carmel-By-The-Sea, consistently named one of the world’s most romantic cities. Similarly, the extraordinary dining experiences can be found at multiple places in the area, with recommendations like Aubergine, Casanova, Le St. Tropez, Lucia and Rocky Point Restaurant. Lastly, couples planning a honeymoon in this region should not overlook Big Sur, less than an hour’s drive from Carmel. World-renowned for its stunning coastal vistas, Big Sur offers a number of romantic places to stay, most notably Ventana Big Sur and Post Ranch Inn, both widely considered among the best hotels in the world.

La Capilla de Oro, El Dorado Hotel (credit: Randy Yagi)

La Capilla de Oro, El Dorado Hotel (credit: Randy Yagi)


Santa Fe, New Mexico
www.santafe.org

With a host of romantic hotels, world-class cuisine, a laid back and friendly atmosphere and Ski Santa Fe just minutes away, Santa Fe can easily serve as the perfect setting for a truly romantic winter honeymoon. America’s oldest capital city is also a remarkably affordable destination in comparison to most other popular honeymoon destinations across the country, especially during the colder months when cozy in-room fireplaces are in peak demand. La Posada de Santa Fe, Hacienda and Spa at Hotel Santa Fe, Inn and Spa at Loretto and El Dorado Hotel and Spa are among the many stunningly beautiful and romantic places to stay, each featuring unique structures as magnificent examples of Native American and Spanish Colonial architectural styles. For couples seeking a more secluded honeymoon getaway, Four Seasons Rancho Encantado is another exceptional choice, located about 10 miles north of downtown Santa Fe. The fabulous Chef’s Table at the Four Seasons’ Terra Restaurant, presented by the talented James Beard Award-nominated chef Andrew Cooper, can be an amazing culinary experience for newlyweds. But there are several other phenomenal restaurants within this unique culinary destination as well, such as owner-chef Matt Yohalem’s IlPiattoLuminaria Restaurant, headed by celebrated chef Marc Quiñones; Old House Restaurant and Eloisa, at the Drury Plaza Hotel, led by John Rivera Sedlar — once named one of the top 10 chefs in America.

Vail, Colorado
www.colorado.com/vail

With majestic mountains, snow-covered evergreen trees and picturesque villages, romantic winter destinations can be found throughout the Rocky Mountain State. While couples might be first drawn to Aspen or other enchanting places for a Colorado honeymoon, the town of Vail always seems to be at or near the top, and is more affordable than its leading competitor more than 100 miles away. Home to one of the largest ski resorts in North America, Vail has all of the look and feel of a classic alpine village, complete with European-styled chalets, unique boutique stores and spellbinding beauty. Despite having a population of just over 5,300, Vail offers a wealth of romantic hotels and fine dining establishments. Among the finest places to stay for honeymooners include Vail Cascade Resort and Spa, Tivoli Lodge, The Sebastien and perhaps the most photographed hotel in town, Arrabelle at Vail Square. For a romantic dining experience, newlyweds have a number of local places known for their intimate settings and extraordinary cuisine, such as Sweet Basil, Atwater on Gore CreekMatsuhisa Vail — led by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa — Swiss Chalet with its Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list and the celebrated French restaurant La Tour.

Related: Best Romantic Getaways Close To San Francisco 

Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he received a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com

7 Most Photogenic Cities In The US

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It’s not necessary to be a professional photographer to take remarkable digital images. With the prevalence of smartphones, tablets and digital cameras, people from all walks of life just need a suitable subject or landscape to take that one-of-a-kind photograph. Still, some American cities are so exceptional for photography lovers — one might simply call it camera-ready — with an abundance of wonderful and exciting photo opportunities. Here are just seven of the most photogenic cities in America.

Charleston, South Carolina

Graced with cobblestone streets, antebellum buildings and breathtaking landscapes, Charleston is often described as America’s most beautiful city. Yet with so many enticing photo opportunities, the biggest challenge for the first-time visitor might be where to begin in this historic South Carolina destination. While enjoying the sights independently clearly has its own rewards, another great way to see the best of Charleston is with an organized tour, such as Charleston Strolls, Bulldog Tours or even a carriage tour. Either way, the first day of a trip should include a visit through the historic downtown area for such landmark attractions as St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Heyward Washington House, Nathaniel Russell House, City Market and Waterfront Park. First-time visitors should also not miss the opportunity to take photos at one of the historic plantations, such as Boone Hall Plantation and Magnolia Plantation, featuring one of the most beautiful gardens in the country.

Related: Romantic Springtime Destinations In The US

Waikiki Beach (credit: Randy Yagi)

Waikiki Beach (credit: Randy Yagi)

Honolulu-Waikiki, Hawaii

The Honolulu-Waikiki area is just one of several captivating destinations within the Hawaiian Islands that are truly camera-ready. The capital of Hawaii is home to some of the world’s most photographed landmarks such as the Diamond Head crater and Waikiki Beach. Although most every visitor will take home at least one digital image of these two iconic attractions, Honolulu offers so many other fascinating photo opportunities both above and below the sea. With the use of an underwater camera, visitors can create unforgettable pictures of native marine life at popular snorkeling places like Hanauma Bay, or even off the coast at Turtle Canyon with a tour group. Back on terra firma, visitors can explore other recommended places for photos such as Iolani Palace, Manoa Falls, Ala Moana Beach, Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and Hawaii’s top attraction, the USS Arizona Memorial.

Lone Cypress (credit: Randy Yagi)

Lone Cypress (credit: Randy Yagi)

Monterey-Carmel, California

California’s Central Coast is often thought to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth, especially along the rugged coast in Big Sur. While there are several spots along the Pacific Coast Highway for gorgeous landscape photos, a more versatile spot is further north in the Monterey Peninsula. With spectacular ocean views of unrivaled natural beauty, the combined communities of Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and Carmel have drawn amateur and professional photographers for years. Perhaps the most recognized image of the Monterey-Carmel area is of The Lone Cypress along the 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. Yet, this beautiful area yields all sorts of other opportunities for photos, such as Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel Mission, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Carmel Valley wineries, Point Lobos — the “crown jewel of the California state parks system” — and whale watching trips from Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf.

Statue of Liberty (credit: Randy Yagi)

Statue of Liberty (credit: Randy Yagi)

New York City, New York

As the world’s most photographed city, New York offers endless opportunities for snapshots and selfies. Obvious landmarks like the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square and Statue of Liberty often appear in a traveler’s digital scrapbook. But what may surprise many visitors is that the most photographed attraction is actually the Guggenheim Museum in Manhattan’s Upper East Side next to Central Park. Other notable spots for picture taking include Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Coney Island, Grand Central Station, the flagship Apple Store, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Rockefeller Center. Lastly, as America’s largest city, New York also offers a number of hidden treasures for photo opportunities, such as the Grand Central Whispering Gallery, Bethesda Terrace, Tudor Village on Pomander Walk, the High Line, the Pneumatic Tubes inside New York Public Library and, for members only, the Frick Bowling Alley and the subway station under City Hall.

Stern Grove, San Francisco (credit: Randy Yagi)

Stern Grove, San Francisco (credit: Randy Yagi)

San Francisco, California

With iconic landmarks like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco offers multiple picture postcard moments. But the City by the Bay offers so much more than snapshots of The Rock and the world’s most photographed bridge. Of course, there are several other obvious spots, like the Painted Ladies, the crooked street, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Palace of Fine Arts. But slightly outside the norm are many hidden and not-so-hidden treasures for even more photos, such as the Janis Joplin Tree, Musée Mécanique, Camera Obscura and Eagle Point Labyrinth. Other notable suggestions include The Bay Lights, Coit Tower, Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths and, for Star Wars fans, the Yoda Statue at Lucasfilm.

Santa Fe (credit: Randy Yagi)

Santa Fe (credit: Randy Yagi)

Santa Fe, New Mexico

As America’s oldest capital city, Santa Fe truly lives up to its nickname as The City Different. Founded more than 400 years ago, Santa Fe is a city truly rich in history, diverse cultures, natural beauty and a striking blend of architectural styles like Spanish Colonial and Pueblo Revival. All of these elements contributed to the city being named as one of the best places to photograph by Popular Photography in 2015, and it is destined for a repeat appearance this year. The gorgeous city of Santa Fe has a wealth of intriguing places to photograph such as America’s oldest church, the fascinating Loreto Chapel with its miraculous staircase, St. Francis Cathedral and magnificent hotels like the El Dorado Hotel, Loreto Inn Hotel, Hotel Santa Fe and La Posada de Santa Fe. Visitors should also set aside time to visit outside the city for more photo opportunities, including the open-air Santa Fe Opera House, Santa Fe Botanical Garden and the Santa Fe National Forest, particularly for enchanting winter scenes and in the fall when the leaves of aspen trees turn golden in the fall.

Savannah, Georgia

Georgia’s oldest city is also unquestionably the most beautiful. With images of live oak trees adorned with mesmerizing Spanish moss and stately historic homes, there literally seems to be an amazing photograph waiting to be captured with every turn of the corner in Savannah. As one of America’s best walking cities, many of the most beloved landmarks can be enjoyed on foot, particularly in spots like the Historic District, Forsyth Park, the towering Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery, whose Bird girl statue is forever immortalized in the 1994 novel, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” Much like Charleston, Savannah’s nearby plantations like Wormsloe State Historic Site offer extraordinary landscaping and several photo opportunities to last a lifetime.

Related: Explore The South: Sights To Behold In America’s Southern Region

Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he received a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com


Shootout Leaves Officer & Suspect Killed In New Mexico

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (CBSMiami/AP) — A police officer who authorities say attempted to chase down a 38-year-old felon with three active arrest warrants was fatally shot by that suspect Friday after an exchange of gunfire in a southern New Mexico town.

Police Officer Clint Corvinus was fatally shot while pursuing a suspect in Alamogordo, New Mexico, Sept. 2, 2016. (ALAMOGORDO POLICE DEPARTMENT)

Police Officer Clint Corvinus was fatally shot while pursuing a suspect in Alamogordo, New Mexico, Sept. 2, 2016. (ALAMOGORDO POLICE DEPARTMENT)

The suspect, Joseph Moreno, also was killed in the morning shootout near a trailer park in Alamogordo, police said at a news conference. The desert town of about 31,000 people is home to the White Sands National Monument and Holloman Air Force Base.

Police identified the slain officer as Clint Corvinus, a four-year veteran who graduated from high school in Alamogordo. Authorities said he is survived by his parents, girlfriend and an 8-year-old daughter.

“I am again so very saddened to see that yet another courageous law enforcement officer has been killed in the line of duty,” Gov. Susana Martinez said in a statement. “The violence against our police officers has to end, and we must do everything we can to stand up for those who put their lives on the line every single day to protect us.”

Corvinus’ death marks the second fatal shooting of a police officer in a rural area of the state in less than a month. Three weeks ago, authorities said an Ohio fugitive gunned down Officer Jose Chavez during a traffic stop in Hatch, a village about 100 miles west of Alamogordo that’s known for its green chile crop.

The suspect in that shooting, Jesse Hanes, was taken into custody after a dramatic car pursuit, a carjacking and the shooting of a bystander whose car Hanes stole, police said.

The case and other recent events have led to renewed calls from Martinez, a Republican and former prosecutor, to reinstate New Mexico’s death penalty. Lawmakers repealed it in 2009 before Martinez took office.

The governor said she would back legislation for capital punishment when the Legislature convenes in January.

In the last legislative session, prior attacks on police — including the May and October 2015 shooting deaths of officers in Albuquerque and suburban Rio Rancho — galvanized a largely unsuccessful push by Republicans in the state Legislature for several crime measures, including one that aimed to make targeted assaults on officers punishable under the state hate crimes statute.

Within hours of the shooting Friday, Rep. Nate Gentry, an Albuquerque Republican and the state’s House Majority leader, issued a statement that called for laws that “put — and keep — the violent criminals who terrorize our communities behind bars.”

Flags were flown at half-staff at the Alamogordo police department after the shootout and mourners left flowers outside the building as law enforcement and members of the state’s congressional delegation issued statements in support of the fallen officer’s colleagues and families.

Corvinus, on patrol as a field training officer Friday morning, was with another officer when they encountered Moreno. He led the officers on a foot pursuit in an alley before gunfire erupted, state police said.

Moreno, who state police say was armed, was pronounced dead at the scene. Corvinus, 33, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:18 a.m., police said.

State Police said in a statement that Moreno had a lengthy criminal history that included arrests for armed robbery, aggravated burglary, and multiple counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Online court records showed he was scheduled for trial in December on drug charges. His outstanding warrants stemmed from charges related to drug trafficking and driving with a suspended license.

A booking photo from the city of Alamogordo showed Moreno with dramatic facial tattoos, including one across jaw that resembled the teeth of skeleton.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

$165 Million Stolen Painting Found Behind Bedroom Door

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CBS Local — The curious case of a stolen painting recovered in New Mexico continues to baffle investigators who are trying to figure out who stole it over 30 years ago.

The Willem de Kooning masterpiece turned up in a Silver City antique shop in August after it was swiped from the University of Arizona’s Museum of Art. The painting, called “Woman Ochre,” has been valued at $165 million.

The painting’s wild ride through the southwest started on Black Friday in 1985 when a couple reportedly distracted a security guard at the Arizona museum and cut the famous work out of its frame.

“Staff that worked here at the time still haven’t recovered from the feeling of loss,” current curator Olivia Miller told KRQE.

The piece wasn’t seen again until a recent estate sale, where the multi-million-dollar painting was found hanging behind a bedroom door in New Mexico. Not knowing it was a de Kooning original, the Manzanita Ridge Furniture and Antique Shop bought the painting for just $2,000.

“It was recognized by one of our customers,” said co-owner Buck Barns said.

The painting’s former owners, Rita and Jerry Alter, had both passed away and their possessions were reportedly being auctioned off by the couple’s nephew. Once the painting’s true origin was revealed, the FBI began to investigate how the Alters got their hands on a $165 million piece of art.

According to Mr. Barns, the Alters may have actually been the same couple who stole the painting 32 years ago in Arizona. “There were some FBI composite sketches done back, I think it was 32 years ago of what the people looked like… Yes, they do look very similar,” Barns told KRQE reporters.

Another new clue into the couple’s possible double-life is a short story written by Jerry Alter. The tale reportedly described two people who stole a jewel and hid it for their own personal view, much like the painting behind their bedroom door.

The FBI is still looking into who the true thieves may have been. Willem de Kooning’s “Woman Ochre” is now back in Arizona’s Museum of Art.

“It’s closure for an injustice that happened 30 years ago,” said the museum’s Registrar Kristin Schmidt.

Atheists Put Up Highway Billboard Calling Church ‘Fake News’

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CBS Local — A national Atheist group has put up a controversial new billboard just in time for the holidays in New Mexico. American Atheists (AA) bought the giant road sign in Albuquerque, which has a simple message for believers: “Just skip church, it’s all fake news.”

The organization claims the New Mexico city was the perfect place for the sign because of the large number of residents allegedly leaving organized religion.

“We want to go places where we think the conversation just needs to be poked a little bit. Where there’s a community out there for folks who are leaving religion and Albuquerque has that,” AA’s Nick Fish told KRQE.

Locals who saw the giant sign while driving along Interstate-25 had mixed reactions to the anti-church message.

“I think it’s terrible because Christmas is almost here for one thing and that’s not the way I wish to celebrate the holidays,” Connie Lindsay told KRQE reporters. “I myself am an atheist so gonna have to concur with that,” Devon Gutierrez countered.

Nick Fish called his group’s fake news declaration, “a great way for us to in kind of a lighthearted way start those conversations and get people talking.” American Atheists will also be adding similar billboards to roads in Texas and Oklahoma. AA reportedly plans to leave them up through December.

Storied Philmont Boy Scout Ranch Cancels Hikes Due To Wildfire

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NEW MEXICO (CBSMiami/CNN) – Boy scouts across South Florida and the rest of the country are disappointed to learn that a wildfire has forced the storied Philmont Boy Scout Ranch to cancel its back-country hikes through July 14.

The Philmont Scout Ranch, in northern New Mexico, draws generations of Boy Scouts who arduously train for its rugged trails and peaks, every summer.

But officials there announced the “difficult decision” to cancel treks that were scheduled for June 8 (Friday) through July 14.

It was not immediately clear how many scouts and leaders will be affected.

“The safety of our youth participants, volunteers and staff is a priority for everybody at Philmont Scout Ranch and the Boy Scouts of America,” the ranch said on its website. “While efforts continue to extinguish the fire currently burning in the backcountry, the anticipated damage and inability to access the affected areas makes it currently impossible to host backcountry programs.”

“Until the fire is extinguished, the areas are inspected and the damage assessed, it is impossible to definitively state when those programs will resume,” the statement said.

No residences have been lost to the Ute Park Fire, but 14 Philmont outbuildings burned late last week. Staff preparing for the treks were evacuated Friday.

The 36,000-acre wildfire was 23% contained by late Monday. While conditions were more favorable for the 500 men and women tackling the blaze, critical fire weather and smoky conditions are expected in coming days, officials said.

Philmont officials said they were notifying crews. They hope the backpacking treks resume after July 14 “with altered itineraries, assuming the backcountry is safe and infrastructure is restored.” It was not clear if or when treks will be rescheduled.

Comments on the ranch’s Facebook page expressed disappointment, but lauded the move to put safety first.

“I really feel bad for the scouts that are going to miss their treks, because I remember how much hard work goes into going on a trek and how excited I was each time I got to go there,” one commenter wrote. “I have no doubt that they will do everything they can to reschedule the treks for the crews that are being canceled.”

CNN reached out to Philmont for more details but received no response by late Monday. The Boy Scouts echoed the Philmont statement.

In addition to its natural beauty, the ranch offers various programs — such as fishing, black-powder rifle shooting and rock climbs — across 140,000 acres in the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The first scouts came in the summer of 1942.

Generally, treks last for seven days or 12. Successfully completing the hike and doing three hours of conservation work make participants eligible for a prized patch in the shape of an arrowhead.

Programs scheduled at the Philmont Training Center are canceled through June 23. A family event for the next day is still on schedule. A leadership program a few miles south of the base camp is not affected.

“We will continue to work with local, state and federal authorities to continuously evaluate the fire and air quality to ensure that we can safely deliver (an) outstanding program,” Philmont said.

(©2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. By Jamiel Lynch and Phil Gast)

Prosecutors: Children At New Mexico Compound Were Training For School Shootings

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ALBUQUERQUE (CNN) — At least one of the 11 children found during a raid on a rural New Mexico compound was trained to commit school shootings, prosecutors said.

Days after the starving children were rescued, the foster parent of one of them told authorities the suspects “trained the child in the use of an assault rifle in preparation for future school shootings,” court documents state.

In court filings, prosecutors only said they believe the children received advanced weapons training and did not provide further details.

Leading up to Friday’s raid at the compound, a team who surveilled the property in Amalia, New Mexico, had noticed a makeshift shooting range. And when authorities searched the compound, they found an AR-15 rifle, loaded 30-round magazines, four loaded pistols and many rounds of ammo, officials said.

The allegations against the five suspects — Siraj Wahhaj, his sisters, Hujrah Wahhaj and Subhannah Wahhaj as well as Lucas Morten and Jany Leveille — come as prosecutors ask a judge to hold them in jail without bail.

If the defendants were to “be released from custody, there is a substantial likelihood defendant may commit new crimes due to his planning and preparation for future school shootings,” the court documents said.

Missing child’s search unveils horror

Police raided the squalid New Mexico compound on Friday, hoping to find then 3-year-old Abdul-Ghani Wahhaj. The young Georgia boy has been missing for more than eight months.

Officers first saw stacks of tires, piles of trash and plastic sheets surrounding a partially buried camper trailer. And shortly, they discovered that five adults along with 11 emaciated children were living there.

The boy’s father, Siraj Wahhaj, was arrested there that day but they didn’t find Abdul-Ghani.

The boy was last seen leaving his Jonesboro, Georgia, home with his father and it’s unclear what happened to him. His mother had said he cannot walk and suffers seizures, and requires constant medical attention.

The remains of a young boy were found at the compound on Monday — the day of the missing boy’s fourth birthday.

Authorities are still working to identify those remains.

Sheriff: Suspects considered ‘extremists’

Taos County Sheriff Jerry Hogrefe said authorities were able to get a search warrant after they received a message from what appeared to be someone inside the compound that said “we are starving and need food and water.”

“I absolutely knew that we couldn’t wait on another agency to step up and we had to go check this out as soon as possible,” Hogrefe said in a news release on Saturday, “so I began working on a search warrant right after I got that intercepted message — it had to be a search warrant and a tactical approach for our own safety because we had learned the occupants were most likely heavily armed and considered extremist of the Muslim belief.”

The sheriff offered no further details, but in a phone interview with the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper on Sunday, Hogrefe said FBI analysts told him the suspects appeared to be “extremist of the Muslim belief.”

What’s next for the suspects?

The five suspects were each arraigned Wednesday in a Taos, New Mexico, courtroom on 11 counts of child abuse related to the neglect and abuse of the children.

Morten was also charged with harboring a fugitive.

After pleading not guilty on Wednesday, they are expected to appear at a pretrial detention hearing on Monday, according to Aleksandar Kostich, a state public defender.

Family members of the suspects said they didn’t know anything of the alleged training for school shootings.

Wahhaj’s father, Imam Siraj Wahhaj, a controversial New York imam, has “no knowledge” of the alleged training, his spokesman Imam Al-Hajj Talib Abdur-Rashid said.

The older Wahhaj was the first Muslim to offer an opening prayer before the US House of Representatives, the Muslim Alliance in North America said. He was also a character witness for convicted 1993 World Trade Center bombing mastermind Omar Abdel-Rahman.

Mother reported boy missing

Shariyf Muhammad, attorney for Abdul-Ghani’s mother, Hakima Ramzi, said she “has no knowledge of any training for school shootings.”

Ramzi has not been charged in the case. She reported her son missing to Clayton County, Georgia, authorities in December after the younger Wahhaj took their son to the park and never returned, according to a police report.

“My husband said he was taking Abdul-Ghani to the park, and didn’t come back. That was in November 2017. When I would ask him where he was, he said he was on his way, he was coming soon, he was just keeping him for the night. But I haven’t seen him since then,” Ramzi said Tuesday.

Days after Ramzi reported her son missing, the child’s father was involved in an accident in Alabama, according to a police report. The SUV had seven children — but none of them was listed with Abdul-Ghani’s date of birth.

The group told Alabama police they were headed to New Mexico for camping and continued on their way.

Police initially didn’t file a child abduction report because Wahhaj and Ramzi were married; she filed for divorce in December, Clayton County court documents show. But a juvenile court judge in January issued an arrest warrant for Wahhaj for failing to let Ramzi know where he’d taken their son.

The warrant states that Wahhaj “wanted to perform an exorcism” on the child because he believed he was possessed by the devil. But Ramzi said her husband was planning to perform a ruqya — an Islamic practice involving prayer that is believed to help rid a body of illness.

“It’s not an exorcism. That was a translation issue in the court,” Ramzi said. He “just wanted to pray for Abdul-Ghani to get better.”

(©2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.)

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