2008 Woodie Awards
National Updates
Dominic Delgardo
Issue date: 11/24/04 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Church and State Clash in again in Massachusetts
Andover, MA- Barbara L'Italien, a pro-choice member of the state legislature, has been asked to resign her position as choir leader in her Andover church. New pastor Reverend William Cleary asked L'Italien to resign because of her beliefs in gay marriage and a woman's right to choose.
"We were considering leaving but I don't want to give up without a fight," said parishioner Annette Grams, who supports L'Italien. There are actually many in the parish that support the choir leader's beliefs. However, a great many also side with the church's decision.
"I believe it is within his jurisdiction to fulfill the regulations of the church that he represents," said parishioner Pat Ferraro.
"You can't be pro-choice and Catholic. That's the teaching of our faith and I support him," said parishioner Bernie Brady.
L'Italien apparently will skip choir rehearsals this week, but will not step down at this point. She will continue to attend church and legislature.
(Source: Thebostonchannel.com)
Suspect Apprehended by Champion Wrestler
When Omaha police had tracked down the suspect wanted for the robbery of both a liquor store and restaurant, and possibly responsible for the rape of a clerk at GNC using a hammer, Champion Wrestler Chris Hermanson stepped in.
Police had found Leroy Roberts, 44, in a BP Amoco gas station after the department had posted his description all around the city. When an officer approached him Roberts attempted to take the officers gun. Gouging at his eyes, Roberts had the upper hand until wrestler Hermanson, who was also in the gas station, put the suspect in a "barbed wire" hold until the officer could get free.
Roberts is now in custody until his trial. New information also reported that Roberts was convicted for manslaughter of a man who he killed and dumped in to a river in 1994. He served almost six years for the incident. He was also scheduled to go on trial for drunk driving next month.
Judge Used Dead Mother's Name for Permit
A Houston-area judge is accused and under investigation for using her deceased mother's name in order to obtain a handicapped parking permit. Harris County Justice of the Peace Betty Brock Bell applied for a permit in September under her mother's name.
Bell, a member of the judge for twenty years, was the first black judge in the Harris county court.
If the allegations are true, it's particularly offensive because this person has a heightened expectation of trust," said Aaron McCullough, with the Independent Living Research Utilization Project.
Bell has not been charged, which would be a third-degree felony. The case is expected to go before a grand jury.
Andover, MA- Barbara L'Italien, a pro-choice member of the state legislature, has been asked to resign her position as choir leader in her Andover church. New pastor Reverend William Cleary asked L'Italien to resign because of her beliefs in gay marriage and a woman's right to choose.
"We were considering leaving but I don't want to give up without a fight," said parishioner Annette Grams, who supports L'Italien. There are actually many in the parish that support the choir leader's beliefs. However, a great many also side with the church's decision.
"I believe it is within his jurisdiction to fulfill the regulations of the church that he represents," said parishioner Pat Ferraro.
"You can't be pro-choice and Catholic. That's the teaching of our faith and I support him," said parishioner Bernie Brady.
L'Italien apparently will skip choir rehearsals this week, but will not step down at this point. She will continue to attend church and legislature.
(Source: Thebostonchannel.com)
Suspect Apprehended by Champion Wrestler
When Omaha police had tracked down the suspect wanted for the robbery of both a liquor store and restaurant, and possibly responsible for the rape of a clerk at GNC using a hammer, Champion Wrestler Chris Hermanson stepped in.
Police had found Leroy Roberts, 44, in a BP Amoco gas station after the department had posted his description all around the city. When an officer approached him Roberts attempted to take the officers gun. Gouging at his eyes, Roberts had the upper hand until wrestler Hermanson, who was also in the gas station, put the suspect in a "barbed wire" hold until the officer could get free.
Roberts is now in custody until his trial. New information also reported that Roberts was convicted for manslaughter of a man who he killed and dumped in to a river in 1994. He served almost six years for the incident. He was also scheduled to go on trial for drunk driving next month.
Judge Used Dead Mother's Name for Permit
A Houston-area judge is accused and under investigation for using her deceased mother's name in order to obtain a handicapped parking permit. Harris County Justice of the Peace Betty Brock Bell applied for a permit in September under her mother's name.
Bell, a member of the judge for twenty years, was the first black judge in the Harris county court.
If the allegations are true, it's particularly offensive because this person has a heightened expectation of trust," said Aaron McCullough, with the Independent Living Research Utilization Project.
Bell has not been charged, which would be a third-degree felony. The case is expected to go before a grand jury.