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NEWS EDITED by: Jacques Dussek, Libertito Pelayo, Jean Harvey Dupiton, Raymond Dussek, Romy Dussek, Terry Dussek, Simone Bryan,, James Limage, Jean Jr. Joseph, Gislène Laforest, Monica Mena, Malherbe Metellus, Zeyad Falah, Jerry Blumberg, Scott Strong, Elizabeth Menos.

AUGUST

OBAMA PICKS JOE BIDEN AS VICE PRESIDENT.
By Jacques Dusseck, Scott Strong, Romy Dussek and Jerry Blumberg
 Barack Obama selected Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware late Friday night to be his vice presidential running mate.Biden, 65, has twice sought the White House, and is a Catholic with blue-collar roots, a generally liberal voting record and a reputation as a long-winded orator. Across more than 30 years in the Senate, he has served at various times not only as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee but also as head of the Judiciary Committee, with its jurisdiction over anti-crime legislation, Supreme Court nominees and Constitutional issues. In selecting Biden, Obama passed over several other potential running mates, none more prominent than former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, his tenacious rival in dozens of primaries and caucuses.

Obama's campaign arranged a debut for the newly minted ticket on Saturday outside the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. Hundreds of miles to the west, carpenters, electricians, sound stage gurus and others transformed the Pepsi Center in Denver into a made-for-television convention venue. Tucked away in one corner were thousands of lightweight rolled cardboard tubes, ready-made handles for signs bearing the names of the Democratic ticket - once the identity of Obama's running mate was known.

While Obama decided against adding Clinton to his ticket, he has gone to great lengths to gain the confidence of her primary voters, agreeing to allow her name to be placed in nomination at the convention and permitting a roll call vote that threatens to expose lingering divisions within the party. Biden slowly emerged as Obama's choice across a long day and night of political suspense as other contenders gradually fell away. First Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine let it be known that he had been ruled out. Then came word that Sen. Evan Bayh of Indiana had also been passed over. Several aides to Clinton said the Obama campaign had never requested financial or other records from her. Other finalists in the veep sweepstakes were Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Texas Rep. Chet Edwards. Among those on the short list, Biden brought the most experience in defense or foreign policy - areas in which Obama is rated relatively poorly in the polls compared with Republican Sen. John McCain.

In addition to foreign policy experience, Biden, a native of Scranton, Pa., has working-class roots that could benefit Obama, who lost the blue-collar vote to Clinton during their competition for the presidential nomination. Biden was elected to the Senate at the age of 29 in 1973. He spent the day at his home in Delaware with friends and family. The normally loquacious lawmaker maintained a low profile as associates said they believed - but did not know - he would be tapped. They added they had been asked to stand by in case their help was needed. No sooner had word spread of his selection than McCain's campaign unleashed its first attack. Spokesman Ben Porritt said in a statement that Biden had "denounced Barack Obama's poor foreign policy judgment and has strongly argued in his own words what Americans are quickly realizing - that Barack Obama is not ready to be president."

Biden is seeking a new Senate term in the fall. There was no immediate word whether he intended to change plans as he reaches for national office. Biden dropped out of the 2008 race for the Democratic presidential nomination after a poor finish in the Iowa caucuses, but not before he talked dismissively of joining someone else's ticket.

In the decades since, he become a power in the Senate, presiding over confirmation proceedings for Supreme Court nominees as well as convening hearings to criticize President Bush's handling of the Iraq War. Biden voted to authorize the war, but long ago became one of the Senate's surest critics of the conflict.

Obama worked to keep his choice secret, although he addressed the issue broadly during the day in an interview. "Obviously, the most important question is: Is this person ready to be president?"  "Can this person help me govern? Are they going to be an effective partner in creating the kind of economic opportunity here at home and guiding us through some dangerous waters internationally?" And, he added: "I want somebody who is going to be able to challenge my thinking and not simply be a yes person when it comes to policymaking.

ROCKAWAYS, QUEENS. TWO YEAR OLD JASHYA BROWN'S DEATH RULED HOMICIDE
By Jacques Dusseck and Malherbe Metelus.
The medical examiner determined Wednesday afternoon that a Queens toddler died Monday from battered child syndrome. Investigators say they found two-year-old Jashya Brown unconscious at his home on Beach 31st Street in the Rockaways Monday night. He was pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital. The medical examiner said Brown had internal and external injuries all over his body. The boy's mother, Sharee Brown, 20, was questioned by police and released. According to police, her boyfriend was watching her three children that day. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said the Administration for Children's Services had investigated the family in the past. "There is a significant ACS history in that household, so detectives are conducting the investigation," said Kelly. "There are three children in that household, obviously the two-and-a-half-year-old, a one-year-old, and a five-year-old." ACS said caseworkers were in the house 30 times this year, including this month, and said no problems were found. Police say the little boy was placed in foster care when he was six-months old. He returned home last month. The other two children in the family were taken away from Sheree Brown at various points.  On Monday, police found that the two surviving children had bruises and were removed from the house. Mayor Michael Bloomberg did not find blame with child protection agents. "My sympathies are with the case workers and the judges who have to make those decisions every single day," said Bloomberg. "And sometimes they turn out to be, in retrospect…. I don't know if they made the wrong decision but in this case a tragedy took place and our prayers should be with a two-year-old who is dead."  The house was still guarded by police Wednesday. Neighbors expressed shock and outrage. 

ALBANY. SPENDING CUTS APPROVED BY LAWMAKERS.
By Scott Strong and Romy Dussek
State lawmakers Wednesday voted to approve a plan cutting state spending by over $1 billion over the next two years, in an effort to thwart looming deficits. The Senate finished up approving the $427 million in cuts from this year's $122 billion budget late this morning. The Assembly worked through the night on the budget-slashing process, one day after Governor David Paterson brought them back to Albany for a special session.The cuts fall short of the $600 million Paterson was asking for, but includes $127 million in medical cuts, $51 million from the City University system, another $50 million worth of member items, or "pork", given to individual lawmakers, and $97 million from local assistance. Officials said that no school aid would be cut, but a close look of the budget shows that some unspent money in educational programs was cut by six percent. Among the affected programs are school safety, extended days, funds for math and science high schools, school lunches and libraries and bilingual education. A plan for an upstate broadband zone has also been scrapped. "There's a lot more to do, but the winds of change have come to Albany," said the governor. "We have never cut this amount off of a budget without taxing in anyone's memory. We have never gone into the budget and made these kinds of cuts in an election year and we have never gone into the budget in August." The governor has already cut $600 million from his budget. Paterson had also tried to push through a property tax cap, but could not reach an agreement with Assembly Democrats. The State Assembly instead passed their own version of a property tax cap, which would require a tax on millionaires. Some lawmakers thought the state's wealthiest should have been taxed more. "I think these cuts were very hurtful to some of the social programs that we have around the state," said Democratic Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie. But for the most part, leaders praised Paterson's efforts. "I believe that with the governor's leadership, we have made a good foundation today," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. "There's not only a new wind blowing in Albany, but there's also a new tone," said Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. While the cuts fell short of Paterson's projected goals, he praised the two houses for creating "a framework to work with," and said that they will continue to face the issue after the summer's political conventions. Even with these cuts, next year's deficit is expected to reach $6.4 billion.

NEW YORK. $400 MILLIONS FOR EXPLOSIVE DETECTORS TO AIRPORTS.
By Jerry Blumberg and Malherbe Metelus.
The federal government will pay $400 million to reimburse New York City-area airports for post-Sept. 11 baggage screening upgrades. The Transportation Security Administration has told New York officials it will cover the costs of installing bulky explosive detectors at John F. Kennedy, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports. The money will be paid over two years. Rep. Peter King says the decision helps airports pay for ``an important layer of our security system.'' He is a Long Island Republican. After the 2001 terror attacks, Congress required airports to install explosive detectors for baggage. Airports have been gradually moving the big machinery out of lobbies and behind closed doors.

NEW YORK. KOLLEN ROBINSON AND MICHELLE ANGLIN ACCUSED OF ASSAULT.
By Jacques Dusseck and Jerry Blumberg
 Two off-duty women police officers were charged with gang assault after being accused of kicking, punching and pistol-whipping a man whose open car door was blocking their lane of traffic. Kollen Robinson, 24, and Michelle Anglin, 37, have been stripped of their badges and guns and are being investigated by Internal Affairs, police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said Tuesday. ``If these allegations prove true, it's a horrendous case, a horrendous situation,'' Commissioner Kelly said. The officers, who have pleaded not guilty to gang assault and criminal possession of a weapon, were in Robinson's sport utility vehicle when they got stuck in traffic around 5 p.m. Friday. A motorist, Marlon Smith, was blocking their lane with his open car door. One of the officers yelled at Smith to shut the door; he yelled back an insult, and a profanity-laced argument erupted. According to a criminal complaint, the women got out of their SUV and walked over to Smith's car and he tried to slam the door but Anglin sprayed him in the face with Mace. Then Smith got out of the car and tried to grab Anglin, according to the complaint, and Robinson started punching him. Robinson is accused of smacking Smith with a baton, and Anglin is accused of pistol-whipping him with her gun. The motorist also had a gun pointed in his face, the complaint said. The officers eventually left the scene, but a witness got the license plate number for the SUV, which was tracked to Robinson, police said. Attorneys for the two women had no comment. Robinson has been on the force since 2006, Anglin since 2005. Robinson told internal affairs officials that she was at the scene with Anglin, according to the complaint. The motorist was taken to the hospital, where he received 25 staples to his scalp to close three cuts. He also was suffering from blurry vision and bruises on his face.

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ALBANY. LEGISLATORS CUT $ 400 MILLION FROM THE BUDGET,
By Jacques Dusseck, Scott Strong and Malherbe Metelus.
Legislators gathered for a special budget session in Albany Tuesday have agreed to Governor David Paterson's call for budget cuts.

The state legislature has agreed to cut about $400 million from this year's budget, which is short of the $600 million Paterson was seeking. This year's cuts would include $140 million from Medicaid, $50 million from the City University of New York, $50 million of member items given to individual lawmakers and cuts totaling $77 million in various other programs. The deal calls for about a billion dollars in total reductions over the next two years. The deficit next year is now expected to hit $6.4 billion, which could mean more cuts or tax increases. The state's top Republican said even if the cuts weren't as much as the governor had hoped for, progress was made. "What we are going to do today will translate into a billion dollars or more off of next year's deficit," said State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. "So I think that's a significant start, and I believe it's historic. I don't think this has ever occurred." Even thought the cuts fell short of expectations, Paterson expressed approval out of the session. "This has been an exception, from what my memory of the past 20 years, where the leaders have gotten into the weeds and tried to work through some of these issues with me. And I thank them for that." Legislators from both houses said they were satisfied with what they were able to accomplish in one day of a special session. "I'm surprised we did as much as we did," said Democratic Cohoes Assemblyman Ronald Canestrani. "I didn't think it'd be as productive as it has been in one day, and I believe the willingness of the governor to negotiate with an open mind, meet us. He didn't get what he wanted and neither did we. We didn't want to do some of these cuts." "So these are tough decisions, but the governor called us back to make these tough decisions," said Republican Binghamton State Senator Thomas Libous. "Spending is an issue, and I think the legislature did its job adequately and addressed the issues."  One idea that did not gain much traction was a property tax cap bill that is tied to an income tax hike, an idea outlined by the state assembly. The State Senate and the governor balked at the proposal, but the assembly passed their own version, which is tied to the millionaires' tax.

BROOKLYN. SUSPECT IN SEXUAL ATTACKS STILL AT LARGE.
By Malherbe Metelus, Jacques Dusseck and Jerry Blumberg.
Police released on Tuesday the description of a suspect behind two abductions and rapes of underage children that took place in Borough Park, Brooklyn over a year. On August 3, a 14-year-old Hasidic Jewish girl was forced into a four-door black sedan, driven to a secluded spot, sexually assaulted and then dropped off at another location. Police see similarities with a July 2007 abduction of a four-year-old girl, who was then molested and dropped off 15 blocks from her home. The neighborhood streets are filled with many mothers and children during the day, and residents expressed concern over the presence of a suspect. “I just moved here, and so it’s a little scary,” said resident Tova Nassbaum. “I just got a job here, so I’m working here, so now I would probably think twice before I go out of the house myself at night.”  “I know the cops are out there, but they really have to be really, really out there,” said resident Linda Dominguez. “Find out who’s doing it, find out the people that’ve done it previously. They’re out, it’s summer, it’s hot. There’s parks, there’s schools. They have to be constantly in schoolyards, parks, all over.” Police describe the suspect as a man in his early 20s, with a thin build and short, black hair that is spiked up. He was seen wearing a black t-shirt and white sneakers. The suspect was described as driving a black four-door sedan with tinted windows and a beige cloth interior. On Tuesday, Democratic Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the rapist’s conviction. "I am deeply concerned about the two Borough Park abductions which have now been tied to the same assailant," said Hikind. "Already shaken by the recent assault, this will make residents even more anxious about the safety of our children. This is a community with a lot of children and they must be protected. The NYPD is to be commended for the significant resources they have committed to capturing this perpetrator.”

ROCKAWAYS, QUEENS. NYPD INVESTIGATING TODDLER'S DEATH.
By Malherbe Metellus and Elizabeth Menos.
Police are investigating the death of a two-year-old boy from the Rockaways in Queens. Officers found Jashya Brown unconscious at his home on Beach 31st Street Monday night. The toddler was pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital. Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said the Administration for Children's Services had investigated the family in the past. "There is a significant ACS history in that household, so detectives are conducting the investigation,” said Commissioner Kelly. “There are three children in that household, obviously the two-and-a-half-year-old [Jashya], a one-year-old and a five-year-old." ACS said caseworkers were in the house 30 times this year, including this month, and no problems were found. Police said the two other children, aged one-year-old and five-year-old, showed signs of bruising and were removed from the house. Brown was put into foster care when he was six months old, and returned home last month. As of Tuesday night, the medical examiner had not determined the cause of death. No arrests were not made Tuesday night.

NYPD REPORTS
By  Jacques Dusseck, Malherbe Metelus, Jerry Blumberg and Romy Dussek  

 In Manhattan
*A cyclist stabbed a pedestrian after a near-collision in the West Village, authorities said yesterday. Taleek Boyd, 38, was riding his bike at Christopher Street near Washington Street at 10:45 p.m. Saturday when he nearly plowed into a 22-year-old man on the sidewalk, sources said. The two exchanged angry words and Boyd pulled a knife and cut the man, the sources said. The victim, who was not seriously injured, called cops and Boyd was busted on an assault charge, according to a DA's spokeswoman.

*A thug smashed a man over the head with a guitar in Greenwich Village, authorities said yesterday. Suspect Jeremy Santiago, 33, was hanging out with friends at Eighth Avenue and West 14th Street at 10:30 p.m. Saturday when he made insulting remarks to a passing couple, sources said. The 28-year-old man exchanged angry words with Santiago, who allegedly grabbed the guitar away from a buddy and struck the passer-by, causing a gash that required six stitches. Santiago was arrested on an assault charge, the DA's spokeswoman said.

*A homeless man trespassing at a Hell's Kitchen office building under construction attacked and threatened to kill a security guard, authorities said yesterday. The guard spotted Carlos Santiago, 34, smoking somewhere in the 11-story office tower at 11th Avenue and West 47th Street at 7 a.m. Saturday, and demanded that he leave. Santiago went into a rage and cut the guard on the shoulder with a bag containing a heavy object, cops said. Then Santiago allegedly grabbed a chain and a wooden slab and threatened to kill his adversary. The guard called cops and Santiago was arrested on burglary and assault charges.

*A burglar was captured in a Midtown hotel, authorities said yesterday. A worker spotted Victor Cartagena, 39, in an off-limits area of the Hotel Pennsylvania on Seventh Avenue near West 32nd Street at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, cops said. Cartagena left at the worker's instruction, but returned a few minutes later and allegedly jimmied two doors on the 16th floor. Another hotel employee spotted Cartagena and called police, cops said. Cartagena was charged with burglary and possession of a burglary tools.

In Brooklyn  
*A mugger was arrested for beating and robbing a man in Williamsburg, authorities said yesterday. Timothy Miller, 41, and an accomplice accosted the 46-year-old victim on Moore Street near Humboldt Street at 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 11, sources said. Miller grabbed the man in a chokehold, repeatedly punched him in the face and went through his pockets, cops said. As the victim fell, his watch clattered to the ground, and the thugs scooped it up and fled, police said. Four days later, police tracked down Miller, who was charged with assault, menacing and robbery, according to a DA's spokesman. The victim suffered minor injuries.

*A Crown Heights dad was arrested for bashing his son with a milk crate, authorities said yesterday. Jacques Alcine, 40, of Haiti, struck the 12-year-old victim on St. John's Place near Nostrand Avenue just after midnight last Friday, cops said. The boy suffered arm bruises and leg swelling. It was unclear what sparked the attack.

In Queens
*A building superintendent was arrested for swiping a credit card and jewelry from an apartment in Forest Hills, authorities said Tuesday. Saip Nebijovski, 22, allegedly broke into the Dartmouth Street apartment at 11 a.m. on Aug. 7. After swiping the credit card and baubles, he went to a store at 88-07 37th Ave. in Jackson Heights and used the card to buy a $975 gold chain, cops said. Nebijovski was captured last Wednesday and charged with burglary and grand larceny, according to a spokesman for DA Richard Brown.

*A reckless driver was nabbed in Jamaica after he led police on a car chase, authorities said yesterday. Joseph Butler, 42, allegedly ran a red light at Liberty Avenue and Guy R. Brewer Boulevard, where he nearly clipped a pedestrian crossing the street at 9 a.m. last Friday. After an officer pulled him over, Butler allegedly grabbed the cop's hand and bent her finger before speeding away. The officer jumped into her marked car and pursued Butler. When she finally pulled him over again, Butler refused to get out of his vehicle, but was eventually coaxed out and arrested. He was charged with reckless endangerment and obstructing governmental administration.

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OLYMP[C NEWS. JAMAICA'S 21 YEARS OLD SHELLY ANN FRASER OLYMPIC CHAMP
By Jacques Dusseck, Scott Strong and Malherbe Metelus

Surprise in China. Joy for the Caribbean Island of Jamaica. Young 21 years old Shelly Ann Fraser surprised the world by turning Jamaica as the World's Fastest Nation by winning the Olympic 100 title after Bolt. Shelly-Ann Fraser  jumps in joy after winning the women's 100-meter during the athletics competitions in the National Stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, this Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. The little unknown Jamaican won the women's 100 meters in 10.78. Fraser was followed across the line, steps later, by teammates Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart, who both finished in 10.98 and both collected silvers — giving Jamaica the first sweep of medals in a women's 100 by any nation at any Olympics or world championships. That winning came one day after Usain Bolt, the other Jamaican, won the men's 100, given the Caribbean island the first sweep of men's and women's 100 golds at any Olympic since 1988.  Monday morning, Bolt advanced to the second round of the 200 by finishing second in his heat. He is trying to become the first man since Carl Lewis in 1984 to win gold medals in the 100 and 200 at the same Summer Games, so he surely was conserving energy. The 2.8 million nation has every reason to celebrate.

MICHAEL PHELPS OF THE US WINS EIGHT OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL.
By Jacques Dusseck and Jerry Blumberg

U.S. Olympian swimmer Michael Phelps has broken all world records for earning gold medals. On Saturday, the 23-year-old Baltimore native did what no other athlete has ever done -- winning eight gold medals in a single Olympic Games. He broke Mark Spitz's 36-year-old record of seven gold medals. Last week, Phelps became the winner of the most gold medals in the modern Olympic Games. He currently has 14 gold and two bronze Olympic medals.

TIMES SQUARE SIX INJURED IN TAXI COLLISION.
By Malherbe Metelus

 A cab hit six people in Times Square after colliding with another taxi Sunday morning. According to Police, the collision happened around 10 a.m. when the second cab swerved and hit pedestrians waiting to cross the street. The driver of the cab said he lost control of the car after he collided with the taxi in front of the military recruiting center. "Bunch of people standing by the lamppost," said driver Hafiz Ishaq. "It fell when my car hit the lamppost and people got hit." All the  victims were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

BROOKLYN. MALE MODEL BERNABE RIVERA KILLED NEAR SPUTNIK CLUB
By Jacques Dusseck
A community vigil was held Sunday afternoon for a Brooklyn male model who was shot and killed near a club early Saturday morning. Police found Bernabe Rivera, 26, shot in the head near the Clinton Hill club Sputnik. He was pronounced dead at the Brooklyn Hospital. According to the owner of the club, Rivera was not in the club at the time of the shooting. A vigil started at the site of his killing at 4 p.m. Sunday. Rivera was a model for MTV and is survived by a pregnant girlfriend. Family members asked  those with  information about the killing should call  79th Precinct at 1-718-636-6655.

BRONX. POLICE ARE LOOKING FOR THE KILLERS OF RONNEY VARGAS.
By Scott Strong and Malherbe Metelus.

Police were looking Sunday for two men and two women in connection with a fatal shooting of an up-and-coming Bronx boxer, Ronney Venezuela Vargas, 20 gunned down in East Tremont this past Saturday.in East Tremont Saturday. It happened after Vargas got into an argument in a deli. Police were also searching for a white sedan, which they say blocked in Vargas's car and prevented him from escaping. The three-time Daily News Golden Gloves champ was pronounced dead Saturday morning at Saint Barnabas Hospital. Family and friends say Vargas was well-loved in the community. “As my big brother, he was my everything,” said Ronald Vargas, the boxer’s brother. “Right now, I would give my life just to bring him back. A big loss, a big empty, empty space in my heart right now, because I don't have him anymore.” Vargas was a junior middleweight who had just turned professional last year.

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ISAAC HAYES IS DEAD AT 65 IN MEMPHIS. CONSTERNATION IN THE MUSIC WORLD.
By Jacques Dusseck and Terry Dusseck
Isaac Hayes, the Oscar-winning icon of soul music who entertained listeners on radio and TV died  Sunday in Memphis, Tennessee. He was 65 years old. A family member found Hayes, unresponsive near a treadmill, and the singer was pronounced dead an hour later.
Hayes began in the music business in the 1960s working as a producer and arranger for acts that included Otis Redding and Sam and Dave. His first major mark on the music scene came in 1969 with the album "Hot Buttered Soul." The record that defined his career was the soundtrack for the movie "Shaft." It became the first album by a solo black artist to hit number one on the pop and R&B charts. The album also led to an Oscar for best musical score, making him the first black composer so honored. Later in his career, Hayes worked as a DJ at New York City's 98.7 KISS-FM. He also made a new generation of new fans as the voice of "Chef" on the Comedy Central series "South Park.". Hayes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

NEW YORK. DOMINICAN 26TH ANNUAL DAY PARADE ON AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS.
By Elizabeth Menos and Malherbe Metellus
The Dominican pride was on display in Manhattan Sunday, as hundreds of thousands lined Sixth Avenue to celebrate the 26th Annual Dominican Day Parade. The celebration brought with it music, food, and plenty of red, white and blue flags. Politicians, musicians, and Dominican celebrities were among those participating in the festivities. Parade-goers said the event is all about taking pride in their culture. Thousands of the Hispanic world participated in the parade.The parade originally was held in Washington Heights, but it's moved downtown as the city's Dominican population has grown.

BROOKLYN. APRIL PIERCE ARRESTED BY NYPD IN THE SHOOTING OF CAB DRIVER.
By Jacques Dusseck and Malherbe Metellus .
 Police arrested a woman Sunday in connection with the shooting of a Brooklyn cab driver last week. April Pierce, 19, of Brownsville has been charged with attempted murder, robbery and criminal use of a firearm. On Thursday, Enois Melbranche, 62, was shot in Clinton Hill. Police say Pierce and two other women tried to skip out on a fare after Melbranche dropped them off near Lafayette and Franklin Avenues. He was shot in the face after he got out of his car, but is expected to make a full recovery. Police are still searching for the two other passengers. The New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers has offered a $5,000 reward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-577-TIPS.

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JOHN EDWARDS, EX- PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND HIS EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIR.
BLACK FRIDAY 8/8/08 FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
By Jacques Dusseck, Scott Strong, Jerry Blumberg and Romy Dussek.
Former presidential candidate John Edwards admitted to an extramarital affair during his wife's battle with cancer Friday. On ABC News he repeatedly lied about having a relationship with 42-year-old Rielle Hunter, but claims he is not the father of her child. He has not taken a paternity test, but based on the time of the affair and the child's February birth, the Democrat said he knows he is not the father. A former Edwards campaign staffer claims to have fathered the child, although a father is not listed on the birth certificate. In 2006, Edwards's political action committee reportedly paid $100,000 to a newly-formed firm run by Hunter. In a statement, Elizabeth, wife of the former senator, said she is standing by her husband. She said, "I am proud of the courage John showed by his honesty in the face of shame,  I ask that the public, who expressed concern about the harm John's conduct has done to us, think also about the real harm that the present voyeurism does." Many New Yorkers  were especially concerned about Elizabeth Edwards.

The former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards revealed he had an affair with a video producer, although he claims that he did not father her child. In his second presidential campaign, Edwards ran as a populist, with a focus on poverty and health.
John Edwards, who won nationwide praise and sympathy as he campaigned side-by-side with his cancer-stricken wife, Elizabeth, admitted in shame Friday he had had an extramarital affair with a woman who produced videos for his campaign.

Acknowledging the sex scandal he had dismissed as "tabloid trash" only last month, Edwards said he had told his wife and family long ago but "I had hoped that it would never become public." He denied fathering a daughter, born to the woman with whom he had the affair, and offered to be tested to prove it. A former Edwards campaign staff member professes to be the father. The former North Carolina senator, who was the Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2004, confessed  that he had lied repeatedly about the affair with 42-year-old Rielle Hunter. Hunter's daughter, Frances Quinn Hunter, was born on Feb. 27 this year, and no father's name is given on the birth certificate filed in California.

"I made a serious error in judgment and conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs," Edwards said in a statement. "I recognized my mistake and I told my wife that I had a liaison with another woman, and I asked for her forgiveness … I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help."  Edwards said he came forward because he couldn't live with the constant scrutiny from the tabloids. He said that, for the sake of his family, he "just had to end it."

 Elizabeth Edwards called her husband's affair was a "terrible mistake." But she said the healing process was "oddly made somewhat easier" after her diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2007. She said she was proud of the courage her husband showed despite his shame and pleaded for her family's privacy to be respected. In his interview with ABC News, Edwards recalled his wife's reaction to the news in 2006. "She was mad, she was angry. I think furious would be a good way to describe it," Edwards said. Edwards made a point of saying that his wife's cancer was in remission when he began the affair with Hunter. Elizabeth Edwards has since been diagnosed with an incurable form of the disease. Edwards said  he has no intention of attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month.

Edwards declared his presidential candidacy in December 2006. His wife was at his side that day and campaigned enthusiastically with him and by herself in the months that followed. She announced in March 2007 that her cancer, formerly in remission, had returned and there apparently was no cure. She and her husband said it was important for the campaign to continue.

Edwards dropped out midway through this year's primaries after it became apparent he could not keep up with front-runners Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton. He recently endorsed Obama and has been mentioned as a possible running mate. He was John Kerry's running mate in 2004 when Kerry lost to President George W. Bush.

"This revelation seriously damages Edwards’ political future,. "It's a dramatic fall for the former vice presidential candidate who was widely seen as a potential cabinet member in the future or even a running mate for Barack Obama."

In his statement Friday, he said, "It is inadequate to say to the people who believed in me that I am sorry, as it is inadequate to say to the people who love me that I am sorry. "In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself."

The National Enquirer first reported on the affair in October 2007, in the run-up to the Democratic primaries, and Edwards denied it. "The story is false," he told reporters then. "It's completely untrue, ridiculous." He professed his love for his wife, who had an incurable form of cancer, saying, "I've been in love with the same woman for 30-plus years and as anybody who's been around us knows, she's an extraordinary human being, warm, loving, beautiful, sexy and as good a person as I have ever known. So the story's just false." In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself.

Last month, the Enquirer carried another story stating that its reporters had accosted Edwards in a Los Angeles hotel where he had met with Hunter after her child's birth. Edwards called it "tabloid trash," but he generally avoided reporters' inquiries, as did his former top aides. However, in an interview, with  ABC News' "Nightline" Friday night, Edwards said the tabloid was correct when it reported on his meeting with Hunter at the Beverly Hills Hilton last month. A number of mainstream news organizations had looked into the adultery allegations but had not published or aired stories. But newspapers in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina , recounted the Enquirer's allegations in prominent articles on Thursday.

The Edwardses have three children - Cate, Jack and Emma Claire. Another son, Wade, died at 16 in a 1996 car accident. "I don't know if numb's the word," Joe Trippi, formerly a major campaign strategist for Edwards, said  "It's more disappointing but again, my biggest concern's the family right now." David Bonior, Edwards' campaign manager for his 2008 presidential bid, said he was disappointed and angry at Friday's news. "Thousands of friends of the senator's and his supporters have put their faith and confidence in him, and he's let them down," said Bonior, a former congressman from Michigan. "They've been betrayed by his action."

Asked whether the affair would damage Edwards' future aspirations in public service, Bonior replied: "You can't lie in politics and expect to have people's confidence."

In 1999, when Edwards was a senator, he said of President Bill Clinton and his affair with Monica Lewinsky: "I think this president has shown a remarkable disrespect for his office, for the moral dimensions of leadership, for his friends, for his wife, for his precious daughter. It is breathtaking to me the level to which that disrespect has risen."

In 2006, Edwards' political action committee paid $100,000 in a four-month span to a newly formed firm run by Hunter, who directed the production of four Web videos showing Edwards in supposedly candid moments as well as in a public speech talking about morality. The payments from Edwards' One America Committee to Midline Groove Productions LLC started on July 5, 2006, five days after Hunter incorporated the firm in Delaware. Edwards' PAC followed the six-figure payment with two smaller payments totaling $14,461, the last on April 1, 2007.

John Edwards' Complete Statement:

In 2006, I made a serious error in judgment and conducted myself in a way that was disloyal to my family and to my core beliefs. I recognized my mistake and I told my wife that I had a liaison with another woman, and I asked for her forgiveness. Although I was honest in every painful detail with my family, I did not tell the public. When a supermarket tabloid told a version of the story, I used the fact that the story contained many falsities to deny it. But being 99% honest is no longer enough.

I was and am ashamed of my conduct and choices, and I had hoped that it would never become public. With my family, I took responsibility for my actions in 2006 and today I take full responsibility publicly. But that misconduct took place for a short period in 2006. It ended then. I am and have been willing to take any test necessary to establish the fact that I am not the father of any baby, and I am truly hopeful that a test will be done so this fact can be definitively established. I only know that the apparent father has said publicly that he is the father of the baby. I also have not been engaged in any activity of any description that requested, agreed to or supported payments of any kind to the woman or to the apparent father of the baby.

It is inadequate to say to the people who believed in me that I am sorry, as it is inadequate to say to the people who love me that I am sorry. In the course of several campaigns, I started to believe that I was special and became increasingly egocentric and narcissistic. If you want to beat me up - feel free. You cannot beat me up more than I have already beaten up myself. I have been stripped bare and will now work with everything I have to help my family and others who need my help. I have given a complete interview on this matter and having done so, will have nothing more to say.

NEW YORK. TO REPORT CRIMES NYPD PROVIDES TECH-SAVVY WAY.
By Jacques Dusseck and Malherbe Metellus.
The NYPD has offered this week the ability to report crimes through text messaging. Since last Tuesday, city residents have been able to send text messages to 274637, or "CRIMES," which will permits witnesses to send tips to police electronically without ever having to reveal their identity.

"If you have a regular cell phone you punch in "CRIMES" then "tip577" and then the information that you have," said NYPD Sergeant Daniel Edwards. "You send it to us, it goes to an outside location, they scramble your number, and then they send it back to us and you receive a two letter, two digit code and then we're able to respond back to you." The conversation will end once the user texts "STOP." Officials say this method is best used for hints about crimes that have already happened. For ongoing crimes, police recommend calling 911. Among the suspects police were searching for Friday night was a man who allegedly robbed a Capitol One Bank on Court Street in Brooklyn Tuesday. He is believed to be in his 50s, about 5-feet-11-inches and 195 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes and a beard. Of course, the police still encourage anyone with information to use the "old-fashioned" method of calling the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.

NEW YORK. SUMMER STREETS PROGRAM BEGINS THIS SATURDAY 8/9/08
By Malherbe Metellus and Elizabeth Menos,
The city's "Summer Streets" program kicks off Saturday, launching three pedestrian-only Saturdays along a seven-mile stretch of Manhattan. From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Lafayette Street to Fourth Avenue and Park Avenue from Central Park to the Brooklyn Bridge will be vehicle-free and open to residents to walk, bike or play. The route will feature organized activities, such as salsa dancing and hopscotch, and music performances. There will also be water and first aid kits at rest stops along the way. New Yorkers seemed excited about the program.

"Saturdays tends to be on the quiet side, but hopefully with this going on, it should be something good for the city, good for the environment and see what happens," said Seth Band, manager of Pax Wholesome Foods.

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STATEN ISLAND. POSING AS COPS 4 MEN ROB HOME.
By Jerry Blumberg and Malherbe Metellus
Sunday evening, investigators were still searching for four men who robbed a home on Staten Island Saturday night while pretending to be police officers. Police say the men were dressed in dark clothes and carrying silver police badges and a gun when they went to a house on Merrymount Street in Heartland Village Saturday night. A woman told police that the men locked her inside the bathroom while they ran off with several items. No one was injured. Neighbors said they have noticed an increase in crime in the area. "It's frightening," said one local resident. "It's scary that things like this happen on this block and in the neighborhood." Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

FLUSHING, NY. 198th COLOMBIAN INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATED IN FLUSHING
By Jacques Dusseck and Malherbe Metellus
New Yorkers with ties to Colombia celebrated the country's independence Sunday in Queens. 198 years ago, Colombia won freedom from Spain. While there was plenty of food, music, and entertainment at Flushing Meadows Park for the Independence Day event, Colombians were also marching for peace. "Around two or three weeks ago we had some people who were liberated, so it's actually very special," said one event participant. "We are celebrating the liberation of that and also asking for peace for our country."  "I represent Colombia wherever I go," said another. "I wish Colombia would liberate the people held in captivity in the jungle because my heart feels, my heart is with them." Miss Colombia, who was the first runner up in the Miss Universe pageant, also made an appearance.

FLUSHING, NY. NEW YORK LIBERTY AT ARTHUR ASH STADIUM.
By Terry Dussek and Scott Strong
The New York Liberty took center court Saturday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens for the first-ever outdoor regular season professional basketball game. Although the historic game did not go the way of the Liberty, losing 71-55 to the Indiana Fever, there was still plenty to cheer about Saturday night. For one night, the world's largest outdoor tennis venue became home to the WNBA. "It will be the largest crowd ever to witness a WNBA basketball game," said WNBA President Donna Orender. More than 20,0000 fans, than twice the usual crowd, cheered on the Liberty as they took on the Indiana Fever. Despite the heat, fans got an early jump on the fun at a pre-game festival, with some taking practice shots and others proudly showing off autographs. The boy band Menudo kicked off the game with the national anthem. "Most of these kids grow up playing outdoors and not until later on in their basketball careers did they really go inside," said Liberty Head Coach Pat Coyle. "We are playing old school, going back to playgrounds where it all started."

HARLEM. CELEBRATING 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HARLEM BOOK FAIR
By Malherbe Metellus and Terry Dussek
The heat did not stop the crowds from attending the 10th annual Harlem Book Fair Saturday. Bookworms browsed the fair's 300 outdoor tables, which featured both authors and publishers. The fair also showcased the largest amount of African-American literature in the nation. "It's an absolute event, it's a happening," said Assemblyman Keith Wright. "It promotes literacy. It really best serves the children, not only of this community, but of every community throughout the city of New York." Authors and storytellers also held readings as part of the event.

BROOKLYN. 700 ILLEGAL WEAPONS RECEIVED BY CHURCHES.
By Jerry Blumberg and Malherbe Metellus
A joint program between a group of Brooklyn pastors and the Brooklyn district attorney got nearly 700 illegal guns off the streets Saturday, 12 of them assault weapons. The event allowed people who owned illegal guns to drop them off at six churches in exchange for a $200 debit card, no questions asked. "I think we're going to run out of money today, that's my hope," said Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes. "And if we do, then I'm going to ask the police commissioner to do it again." "We just want the gun off the street," said Reverend Clarence Williams of the Southern Baptist Church. "You get the $200. You go on with your business. There's no ID. We want the gun, we don't want the person." Organizers say the initiative is part of an ongoing program, in which illegal guns can be dropped off at police stations in exchange for $100.

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BROOKLYN/HAITI NEWS. HAITI WITHOUT A PRIME MINISTER FOR HOW LONG?
By Jacques Dusseck and Scott Strong.
From Port-au-Prince, Haitians living in New York learn that   Haitian President Rene Preval has selected Ms. Michele Pierre-Louis to be his new Prime Minister. Two other designated PM were rejected by the House of Representatives, the Haitian Parliament. Eriq Pierre from the International Bank in Washington and Robert Manuel, a close friend of President Preval were denied the nomination.

The new nominee, Ms. Pierre-Louis is an economist and Director of the FOKAL, a non-governmental organization sponsored by George Soros of New York. If confirmed she would be the second lady Prime Minister. The first female Prime minister was selected by former president Aristide.
Ms. Pierre-Louis' designation is not without controversy. She is being attacked on her personal life. She is being accused of being a lesbian and a former close friend of Baby Doc Duvalier who employed her as the Director of the National airport. She is also a good friend of President Preval having working with him, in the past, in his bakery shop. The protestant church is against the nomination on ground of immoral character, a great number of Aristide's partisans claimed that she is not suitable to be in this important position because of her past. She has filed her Haitian documents with the Senate and the House of representatives. Before President Preval left Haiti Saturday for a  meeting in Venezuela, he had been negotiating with several members of the two houses for Ms. Pierre-Louis' approval. Nobody knows what to expect. After 3 months without an active Prime Minister Haiti must have a new Prime Minister to be responsible of the Government in order to ratify international matters. In the mean time, Jacques Alexis who was fired by the Parliament is still acting as interim Prime Minister. The international community is watching this Haitian crisis very closely.

BROOKLYN, NY. SEARCH OF SUSPECT IN TRIPLE SHOOTING
By  Scott STrong and Terry Dussek
Police are searching for the person who shot and killed a teenager and wounded two others shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday on Boyland Street in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn. The NYPD says 15-year-old Dondi Williams was shot in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene. A 19-year-old man shot in the torso and another 15-year-old boy shot in the arm are being treated for their wounds at a local hospital. Police believe the shooting happened after a party.

BROOKLYN. DURING SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE MAN IS KILLED
By Jacques Dusseck
Police say an armed man was killed in a shootout with officers shortly before 9 p.m. Saturday night in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The NYPD says a police sergeant and two officers were walking down Hancock Street when they heard gunshots. The officers allegedly saw a 22-year-old man run by with a gun in his hand. Police say the officers ordered the man to stop, and when he fired at them, they shot back. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The sergeant and both officers were taken to Jamaica Hospital to be treated for trauma, according to police protocol. Police say the gun the man was carrying was recovered at the scene.

NEW YORK.  SCOTT STRINGER MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT HELPING.
By Jerry Blumberg and Romy Dussek
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer teamed up with the City Univeristy of New York Saturday to help immigrants in Chinatown fill out citizenship papers. In celebration of Immigration Assistance Day, Chinese and Spanish interpreters were available as counselors to help candidates fill out paperwork. Stringer says the day keeps the city's "melting pot" alive. "When you think about Manhattan and you think about the Statue of Liberty and you think about Ellis Island -- it all started here when people from all different backgrounds came to this borough to start their lives,” said Stringer. “It's the tradition of Manhattan. So for the borough president's office to play such a critical role in advancing people's citizenship is a tradition I want to see continued for many, many years." The borough president's office also provides immigration services for free once a week.

MANHATTAN. BON JOVI CONCERT PACKED IN CENTRAL PARK.
By Jacques Dusseck
Fans packed the Great Lawn for the free Bon Jovi concert yesterday, billed as a lead-in to Tuesday's All Star Game at Yankee Stadium. “They have absolutely taken over and everyone else in the tri-state area has come to join them!” said one enthusiastic fan, pointing to the huge crowd. “I don't think this barricade is going to hold me,” added another. More than 50,000 fans packed the open area while the band Bon Jovi showed fans the group can still rock. The Jersey-based band played many of its hits, including "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer." “He’s still got it, he's going to have it forever,” said one long-time fan. “I'm almost 16. I was brought up on Bon Jovi,” added a newer fan. “I saw him the first time when I was her age, and I love his concerts. They're awesome,” added a mother at the concert with her daughter. Even though the show was free of charge, it was a ticketed event. Those lucky enough to have scored a ticket, had to wait in lines that stretched down Fifth Avenue at least 20 blocks before the park opened. Once inside, fans had to wait six more hours for the band to take the stage. “I had to talk and talk and talk and talk until I finally talked the tickets out of the security guard,” said one diehard fan. It was a concert of a lifetime, but unfortunately for some, their best view was from the NY1 live truck. Fans came from all over the country, even overseas for the show. Few said it was their first Bon Jovi concert, but many say it was a day they won’t ever forget. The band will be at Madison Square Garden tomorrow night and Tuesday as part of its Lost Highway tour. Those tickets aren't free.

BROOKLYN. PASTOR TIMOTHY WRIGHT INJURED IN DEADLY CAR CRASH.
By Jacques Dusseck
A Brooklyn congregation prayed Saturday for their pastor who was critically injured in a deadly car accident Friday night. Reverend Timothy Wright was on his way home from a gospel music convention in Detroit when his car was hit head-on in Pennsylvania. His wife, 58-year-old Betty Wright, was killed in the impact. As of Saturday evening, Wright's teenage grandson remained on life support. The Long Island resident has been a pastor at Brooklyn's Grace Tabernacle Church of God in Christ for more than 18 years.  "This has impacted not only the community in Brooklyn, but it has impacted the world,” said Philip Culver, Wright’s administrative assistant. “We are receiving calls from all over the country. Pastor Timothy Wright is a well-known icon across the country for his music, for his ministry, and for his work in this community. We are truly, truly, truly having a moment right now." Wright created many gospel hit songs, including “Who's On The Lord's Side” and "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus," and also worked for Manhattan radio station WLIB.

NEW YORK. FUNDRAISING FOR OBAMA TO BE HELD IN NEW YORK
By Jerry Blumberg and Scott Strong.
Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama is campaigning through the holiday weekend, as he prepares for a series of New York fundraisers next week. An Obama spokesman said that New York Senator Hillary Clinton will help host the events. One fundraiser will collect money for the general Democratic election campaign, while another will help pay off Clinton's primary campaign debts. Obama addressed the National Education Association Convention Saturday via satellite from Butte, Montana. He said he plans to fix the "broken promises" of No Child Left Behind. Obama spent his Fourth of July campaigning in Montana, and appeared with his wife and two daughters at a holiday celebration in Butte. He is trying to win a state that has only voted for a Democratic presidential candidate twice since 1948. He also appeared in St. Louis Saturday for the African Methodist Episcopal Church's General Conference. Meanwhile, presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain took the holiday weekend off from the campaign trail.

NEW YORK. 181th  ANNIVERSARY OF NEW YORK'S EMANCIPATION DAY.
By Terry Dussek
African-Americans around the city and state observed Saturday the 181st anniversary of New York's Emancipation Day. While slavery officially ended in New York on July 4, 1827, celebrations were not held on that day due to violent threats. Instead, African-Americans chose July 5th to celebrate freedom. Events were held around the city to commemorate the occasion. The event has special meaning to Weeksville, part of what is now Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, which was one of the largest free black communities before the Civil War. It was a secret transit point on the Underground Railroad and became a refuge for southern blacks trying to avoid racism. The 13th Amendment, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1865, abolished U.S. slavery.

BROOKLYN. LIEUTENANT DANIEL FARKAS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
By Jacques Dusseck
A veteran NYPD cop has been killed while serving in the military in Afghanistan, police confirmed Saturday. Daniel Farkas, 42, of Brooklyn, was on extended military leave serving in the National Guard. Details of his death were not clear yesterday. Police officials referred all questions to the Defense Department. Farkas' family declined comment. Farkas was a 20-year veteran at the 112th Precinct in Queens.

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NEW YORK. MACY'S FOURTH OF JULY SPECTACULAR SHOW.
By Jacques Dusseck and Scott Strong 

Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers turned out in a light drizzle Friday night to celebrate the nation's 232nd birthday with the annual Fourth of July fireworks display along the East River. The nationally-televised Macy's Fourth of July Spectacular was co-hosted by former New York Giant Tiki Barber and featured musical performances by artists including country singer Kenny Chesney and American Idol Jordin Sparks. More than 35,000 fireworks lit up the sky under the theme of "America Dances." Organizers said that by altering the launch angles of the fireworks, they would be able to simulate a dancing movement. The pyrotechnics came from barges in the East River between 10th and 24th Streets, and near the South Street Seaport. To accommodate viewing, the F.D.R. Drive was scheduled to be closed to cars until 1 a.m. Saturday. City officials, meanwhile, warned New Yorkers to leave the fireworks to the professionals as law enforcement cracked down on the sale and use of illegal fireworks across the city. Earlier Friday a group of New York grandmothers offered a reminder that there's more to Independence Day than barbeques and the beach with a reading of parts of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence in Central Park. Members of the Granny Peace Brigade and civil rights attorney Norman Siegel read the excerpts in Strawberry Fields. The area was also filled with song when members of the so-called No Shop Chorus sang the First Amendment. "These are wonderful words, wonderful principles and values about how the United States of America was formed," said Siegel. "And, 232 years later we the citizens, we the people, need to remind ourselves how great the origin of this country is." "This constitution still lives," said State Senate member Bill Perkins. "It's not just words on a piece of paper tucked away for historical purposes, but actually it has daily relevance." "It's trying to get a better understanding of what's going on in this country, within yourself and with all the people around," said Carol Husten of the Granny Peace Brigade. "We are ruled by governments who just ignore these foundational documents that our parents and grandparents and ancestors have fought and died for," said "Reverend Billy" of the Church of the First Amendment. "We have to go back to them." Across the nation, thousands gathered at Mount Rushmore to see the sky light up above the stone carved versions of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. In Chicago, Lake Michigan was the backdrop for the city's popular fireworks display. An estimated 1.2 million people gathered there. The clear skies above Oklahoma City also lit up in red, white, and blue for an Independence Day celebration. President George W. Bush spent his final July 4th as the nation's leader addressing some of the country's newest members. He took part Friday morning in Monticello's annual naturalization ceremony in Charlottesville, Virginia, at the site of Thomas Jefferson's hilltop home. Bush addressed 76 new American citizens, coming from 30 nations. "When you raise your hands to take the oath, you will complete and incredible journey,” said Bush. “That journey has taken you from many different countries, now made you one people. From this day forward the history of the United States will be part of your heritage, the Fourth of July will be part of your Independence Day, and I will be honored to call you a fellow American."  Since 1963, about 3,000 new Americans have come to Monticello to take the oath of citizenship on July 4th.

NEW YORK. THE MUSTARD BELT IN NATHAN'S ANNUAL HOT DOG CONTEST.
By Jerry Blumberg and Romy Dussek
Reigning American champ Joey "Jaws" Chestnut beat six-time champ Takeru Kobayashi in a nail biting tie-breaker to take the Mustard Belt in Nathan's annual Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island Friday for a second consecutive year. The two champs were locked in a dead heat after both managed to wolf down 59 hot dogs in this year's shortened 10-minute contest. To break the tie, judges had them chow down another five dogs to see who could do so the fastest. Chestnut came out ahead, downing the franks in just 60 seconds – seven seconds faster than his rival. "When we were tied at the end my heart was skipping. I didn't know what to do; I didn't know what they were going to do," said Chestnut. "But when I heard we were going to eat five more and I knew I had room for it and I was confident I could pull it off." Last year, Chestnut seized the title from Kobayashi, who blamed a jaw injury for his loss. But this year, Kobayashi said he just didn't eat those last five dogs fast enough. "Because it was so close, I should feel worse about the result, but actually I feel I did all I could and the best that I could," said the Nagano, Japan native through a translator. Twenty-one competitive eaters of all shapes and sizes competed in the contest, which kicked off at 12:40 p.m. The competition packed the streets, bringing throngs of fans to Surf Avenue. Organizers knocked two minutes off the regulation time this year after it was discovered the original 1916 event was only 10 minutes long. Nathan's Famous prepares 1,000 hot dogs for the competition and even more for spectators and beach goers throughout the holiday.

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BOGOTA, COLOMBIA. INGRID BETANCOURT, 3 AMERICANS RESCUED WITH OTHERS.
By Jacques Dusseck, Scott Strong, Romy Dussek and Jerry Blumberg
Three American hostages and Ingrid Betancourt were rescued after being held in Colombia for five years by the FARC, a guerilla organization with ties to the illegal drug trade. The 3 American hostages rescued from leftist guerillas in Colombia have arrived safely in Texas. The U.S. military contractors - Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell - were held for five years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Their plane landed at Lackland Air Force Base shortly after midnight Wednesday. The men then boarded two helicopters headed to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The U.S. Embassy in Bogota says the men, who worked for Los Angeles-based Northrop Grumman Corp., were the longest-held American hostages in the world.

Ingrid Betancourt, who was seized while campaigning for president six years ago, was also freed Wednesday, as were 11 Colombian police and soldiers. Colombian spies tricked leftist rebels into handing over the three Americans and Betancourt Wednesday in a daring helicopter rescue so successful that not a single shot was fired. "This was primarily a Colombian operation," one U.S. official told CBS News correspondent Bob Orr. "They did all of the heavy lifting and deserve the lion's share of the credit." Betancourt appeared thin but surprisingly healthy as she strode down the stairs of a military plane in Bogota and held her mother in a long embrace. She said she still aspires to the presidency. "God, this is a miracle," Betancourt said. "Such a perfect operation is unprecedented."

Eleven Colombian police and soldiers were also freed in the rescue, the most serious blow ever dealt to the 44-year-old Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which considered the four hostages their most valuable bargaining chips. The FARC is already reeling from the deaths of key commanders and the loss of much of the territory it once held. Santos said military intelligence agents infiltrated the guerrilla ranks and led the local commander in charge of the hostages, alias Cesar, to believe they were going to take them to Alfonso Cano, the guerrillas' supreme leader. The hostages, who had been divided in three groups, were taken to a rendezvous where two disguised MI-17 helicopters piloted by Colombian military agents were waiting. Betancourt said her hands and feet were bound, which she called "humiliating." The pilots, she said, were posing as members of a relief organization, but "they were dressed like clowns," wearing Che Guevara shirts, so she assumed they were rebels.

But when they were airborne, she looked behind her and saw Cesar, who had treated her so cruelly for so many years, lying on the floor blindfolded. "The chief of the operation said, `We're the national army. You're free,"' said Betancourt.  "The helicopter almost fell from the sky because we were jumping up and down, yelling, crying, hugging one another. We couldn't believe it."

The operation, Santos said, "will go into history for its audacity and effectiveness." "We wanted to have it happen as it did today," added armed forces chief Gen. Freddy Padilla. "Without a single shot. Without anyone wounded. Absolutely safe and sound, without a scratch."

Although officials said everyone directly involved in the rescue were Colombians, U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield said there was "close cooperation" from the Americans that included "exchange of intelligence" as well as "exchange of equipment, training advice and experiences of other operations. I will not enter into details." Santos said Cesar and another rebel on board would face justice. The other rebel captors retreated into the jungle, he said, and the army let them escape "in hopes that they will free the rest of the hostages," believed to number about 700.

At a Bogota ceremony with top military commanders, the freed hostages walked up to a microphone one by one, identified themselves by name and rank, and thanked their rescuers. Some had been held for a dozen years, captured when rebels overran military outposts.

Last to speak was the French-Colombian Betancourt, who wore military fatigues and a floppy camouflage hat as she hugged her mother, Yolanda Pulecio, and her husband, Juan Carlos LeCompte. She removed her hat to reveal intricately braided dark hair, with plaits framing her face and a white flower. Breaking into tears, Betancourt appealed to the FARC to release the remaining hostages and make peace. She thanked Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, against whom she was running when she was kidnapped, and said he "has been a very good president."

I continue to aspire to serve Colombia as president. Ingrid BetancourtHowever, she said, "I continue to aspire to serve Colombia as president." For now, she added, "I'm just one more soldier."

In Paris, her son Lorenzo Delloye-Betancourt called her release "the most beautiful news of my life." He and other relatives were flying to Colombia to join her. The Americans appeared healthy in a video shown on Colombian television, though Brownfield, who met with them at a provincial military base, said two of the three - he didn't specify which - were suffering from the jungle malady leishmaniasis and "looking forward to modern medical treatment."  Gonsalves' father George was mowing the yard of his Hebron, Connecticut, home when an excited neighbor relayed the news he had seen on television: "I didn't know how to stop my lawnmower. I was shocked. I couldn't believe it."

"We're still teary-eyed and not quite have our wits about us," said Stansell's stepmother Lynne in Miami. And Howes' niece in Massachusetts, Amanda Howes, says the rescue "redefines the word miracle."  Santos renewed the government's offer to negotiate with the reeling rebel movement, who many believe is nearing the end of its four-decade fight. Battlefield losses and widespread desertions have cut rebel numbers in half to about 9,000 as the United States has poured billions of dollars in military aid into Colombia.

In March, historic leader Manuel Marulanda died of a reported heart attack, and two other top commanders were killed. The rest are hunkered down in remote jungle and mountain hideouts, unable to communicate effectively, their income from ransom kidnappings and the cocaine trade depleted by intense military operations. Santos said Colombia had infiltrated the rebels' seven-man ruling secretariat, but did not elaborate. "The government reiterates to them that if they want to enter into serious negotiations in good faith, we are offering a dignified peace," Santos said.

U.S. President George Bush congratulated President Uribe by phone Wednesday afternoon, calling him a "strong leader," . Uribe thanked Bush for his support and confidence in Colombia's government.

Rescue of the hostages gives Bush more ammunition in trying to get Congress to approve a free trade agreement with Colombia.. He says Uribe deserves U.S. support in fighting terror groups in his country such as FARC.

The rescue came as U.S. presidential candidate John McCain was visiting Colombia. McCain told the press on a flight from Colombia to Mexico that he was informed Tuesday night by Uribe that the rescue of the hostages was imminent, reports CBS News correspondent John Bentley.

"It's a very high-risk operation," he said. "I congratulate President Uribe, the military and the nation of Colombia." His rival, Barack Obama, issued a statement congratulating Uribe as well.

Betancourt, 46, was abducted in February 2002. The Americans were captured a year later when their drug surveillance plane went down in rebel-held jungle. In the five years since, their families had received only two "proof of life" videos, the latest in November.

That tape also showed the first images since 2003 of Betancourt. Along with letters and reports from other hostages, they showed a once-vibrant, confident woman slowly succumbing to Hepatitis B, tropical skin diseases and depression. One former hostage said Betancourt was kept chained to a tree after trying to escape.

ALBANY, NY. CAUTION AND SAFETY FOR THIS 4TH OF JULY.
By Jacques Dusseck
The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB), New York State Police, the New York State Department of Health (DOH), the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) have joined together as a “Fourth of July Safety Coalition” to urge New Yorkers to use caution and promote safety during the upcoming holiday activities across the State.

"The Fourth of July marks the celebration of our Nation's freedom, and is a festive time for New Yorkers to spend with family and friends, but also brings with it concerns for safety," said Governor David A. Paterson. "Together, we are empowering consumers by providing them with information that will hopefully lead to a better and safer holiday for everyone."

"We hope that consumers heed safety warnings and other advice as they celebrate the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and not to get caught up in the festivities, neglecting simple safety rules that can lead to harm," said Mindy A. Bockstein, Chairperson and Executive Director of the CPB. “With more people staying closer to home and looking for local activities including fireworks, grilling, swimming and shopping and with the availability of the Internet, we have geared up. Retailers too are getting ready for consumers who will be looking to brighten up their holiday, and are offering special promotions on food, beverages and other products for the millions of people planning barbecues this weekend. Working together with our sister Agencies in government and with FASNY, we are providing consumers with information that will help prevent people from being injured or scammed this year.”

According to a poll of more than 8,000 people conducted by the National Retail Federation, nearly 60 percent of consumers say increased gas prices will impact their travel spending for the Independence Day holiday - - up from 42.1 percent of consumers last year. The Federation reports that this year, nearly more than 60 percent of consumers are expected to light up their grills or go to a barbecue and more than 40 percent will attend a fireworks celebration this Fourth of July.

Section 270 of the New York State Penal Law governs the possession, sale and use of illegal fireworks, and defines “fireworks” as “any blank cartridge; blank cartridge pistol or toy cannon in which explosives are used, firecrackers, sparklers, or other combustible or explosive of like construction.” These include fireworks that are capable of causing serious physical injury, such as “firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams of any explosive substance, torpedoes, skyrockets and rockets such as Roman candles, bombs, sparklers” or other devices. A person who possesses, uses or explodes fireworks or furnishes them to others is guilty of a violation under the law.

“It is essential that citizens understand that possessing fireworks of any type is illegal in New York State,” said NYS Police Superintendent Harry J. Corbitt. “Fireworks account for a large number of preventable fires and

injuries. Only professionals with proper permits, licensing and training can and should possess and display fireworks. We encourage families and citizens to take advantage of public fireworks displays as a safe means of enjoying the holiday.”

In 2007, nearly 10,000 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, and there were eleven deaths reported, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Approximately 64 percent of these injuries occurred during the one month period surrounding the July 4th holiday. CPSC documentation shows that burns were the most common injury, accounting for more than half of the incidents, and that, over the last 10 years, there has been an upward trend in injuries.

State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines said, "We all enjoy Fourth of July fireworks displays, but if used improperly fireworks can cause serious injury. Make this July 4th a safe, enjoyable holiday for all New Yorkers by putting safety first to avoid preventable injuries from fireworks."

The May 2008 Fireworks Report by the Fire Analysis and Research Division of the National Fire Protection Association states that “on Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.” For example, the report states that, in 2005, fireworks caused an estimated 2,500 fires (1,800 total structure and 700 vehicle fires) resulting in approximately $39 million in direct property damage, and though the numbers declined in 2004, the number of Fourth of July fires increased last year, and is again on the rise. Further, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, approximately 6,500 fires occur each year as a result of grilling, and of these, more than 70% occur in residential settings.

"We urge all New Yorkers to use caution when it comes to fireworks, grilling and any activity involving fire during the Fourth of July weekend," said FASNY President Michael P. Wutz. “Dedicated firefighters and companies continue to provide information to residents on the local level to assure they understand the law and hazards involved, particularly with fireworks. We advise people to check local listings for fireworks displays, and leave fireworks to the professionals. We stand for safety, and will continue to work with our partners in State government to protect New Yorkers."

Fourth of July safety concerns extend beyond fireworks and fires. Drinking and driving continues to cause injury to consumers, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that, in 2005, the Fourth of July holiday period was the deadliest holiday period of the year, with 280 people killed due to alcohol-impaired driving. There is increased concern for teenagers who are at high risk for holiday drinking, which can lead to fatal car crashes, violent and risky behavior and alcohol dependency. A recently issued federal study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, revealed that more than 40 percent of the estimated 10.8 million underage drinkers in the United States received free alcohol from adults, and more than 6.4 percent, or 650,000 of them, were given alcoholic beverages by their parents.

“We have made great strides in New York State in reducing the drinking behaviors of teens, however, the numbers are still too high and we need to do even more,” said OASAS Commissioner Karen Carpenter-Palumbo. “As this holiday approaches, New Yorkers need to understand that it is never acceptable to provide alcohol to someone under 21. Parents must recognize that their actions do drive the decisions their children make.”

Additionally, with summer in full swing, and more people taking to the water to cool off, consumers are advised to exercise caution while swimming. The CPSC is reporting that there has been an increase in the number of children who are drowning, stating that, on average, 283 children younger than 5 drown in pools and spas each year (and these tragic incidents mostly involve 1-2 year olds), up from a previous yearly average of 267. Safety in the Water tips are available from the CPB and CPSC that can help consumers avoid tragedy.

Lastly, we offer a word of caution about an old e-mail scam that first appeared in the late nineties and has reappeared in recent Fourths of July. If you receive an e-mail greeting whose subject reads "A friend has sent you a postcard" and you don’t recognize the sender, don’t open it. In the past, recipients who followed the instructions and accessed the link to view the card, instead were linked to a hacker’s site which opened a file called postcard.exe which downloaded a Trojan, causing damage to the computer and giving a hacker access to hard drives and stored personal information.

“Clever scammers continue to utilize holidays, disasters, or any other ploy they can think of to bilk people out of their hard-earned money and compromise their identity,” said CPB Chairperson Bockstein. “With identity theft legislation and informational resources, we are making strides toward raising awareness of crime caused by scammers. We urge consumers to exercise caution during the upcoming holiday - - while barbecuing, enjoying public fireworks, driving, swimming, shopping, reading your e-mail or using the Internet.”

The CPB, NYS Police, FASNY, DOH and OASAS offer consumers the following Fourth of July tips:

• Fireworks: Fireworks are illegal in New York State. Do not use them. Even though some fireworks-like toys may be available, such as devices that use paper caps containing .25 grains or less of explosive compound must be designed so that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for use, and should be used with extreme caution. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle them.

• Grilling: Never use a grill on a balcony, terrace, roof, or within ten feet of clear space from the building. Never use a charcoal or propane grill inside your house. Be sure you have a fire extinguisher or ample water supply on hand, such as a garden hose or large (at least 4 gallons) bucket of water. Do not spray charcoal starter fluids on your grill or on an open flame.

• Outdoor fires: Keep close watch on any fire you start, whether in a grill, while camping, or anywhere outdoors. Follow local ordinances and seasonal fire restrictions in your neighborhood.

• Alcohol Consumption and Driving: Don’t drink and drive, and don’t serve alcohol to teens. Keep track of the alcohol in your home and during your holiday celebration.

• Children: Supervise children at all times, including while swimming, near fires or grills, and especially near fireworks.

• Safety in the Water: Many communities have enacted safety regulations governing residential swimming pools which should be followed. However, it’s up to parents and adults to supervise children in or near the water. Take precautions to reduce the chances of accidents in the water and drowning.

• Internet: Don’t open suspicious e-mails from unknown senders.

JOHN McCAIN AND THE FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH COLOMBIA.
By Jacques Dusseck and Scott Strong

McCain hailed the economic benefits of free trade to Colombians Wednesday, raising the possibility of an eventual hemispheric-wide agreement even though a weak economy at home has soured many U.S. voters on trade agreements.

The GOP presidential nominee-in-waiting also toured Colombia's largest port by speedboat to review the country's U.S.-backed drug interdiction programs, a day after he praised President Alvaro Uribe for Colombia's anti-drug efforts but pressed him to improve the government's record on human rights.

McCain was in the country when Colombia freed Ingrid Betancourt and three U.S. military contractors from leftist guerrillas, but he didn't learn of the rescue until he was aboard a flight to Mexico. Uribe called McCain to inform him of the success.

"He told me some of the details of the rescue, the dramatic details," McCain told reporters. "It's a very high-risk operation. I congratulate President Uribe, the military and the nation of Colombia."

The Arizona senator got in several plugs for a proposed U.S.-Colombian Free Trade Agreement his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, opposes, suggesting the tariffs imposed on American goods now exported to Colombia would disappear under the agreement - creating jobs in the United States instead.

McCain was also promoting NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, which he has said would benefit the U.S. economy over time. Such agreements have been deeply unpopular in several general election swing states like Ohio and Michigan. And he said such trade agreements should be broadened to include other countries. "I would like to see a hemispheric free trade agreement," McCain said at a news conference here. "I would like to see our continued assistance to countries like Columbia."

MANHATTAN. LOURDES FERNANDEZ, 68, KILLED BY CITY BUS
By Jerry Blumberg
A woman is dead after being hit by a bus on Manhattan's Lower East Side Wednesday afternoon. Police say Lourdes Fernandez, 68, was struck by a city bus at about 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Jackson and Madison Streets. Fire officials say the Metropolitan Transportation Authority M22 bus struck the woman as the driver was making a left onto Jackson Street.

BROOKLYN, NY. DEATH OF 3 YEARS OLD CHILD AFTER BEATING.
By Terry Dussek
A three-year-old Brooklyn girl who was left fighting for her life after allegedly being beaten by her mother’s boyfriend died Wednesday. A family member says Eleacha Oliver Ragoo died at East Flatbush’s Brookdale Hospital, after being on life support since June 21. Police say the little girl had been left at her Brownsville apartment in the care of her mother’s 24-year-old boyfriend, when he allegedly slammed her onto a bed, causing her head to hit a hard toy. She was left with a fractured skull, broken ribs and a spinal injury. Authorities say the girl complained of pain, but Merritt refused to call 911. Anthony Merritt has been charged with second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child. There’s no word yet on whether the charges will be upgraded in light of the child’s death. Ragoo’s family say they suspected abuse and had previously contacted the city Administration for Children’s Services. They were due in court next Wednesday, in hope of getting the girl to live with her father. Ragoo also has a one-year-old brother who has been in custody of his parental grandparents since Wednesday.

NEW YORK. CON ED STRIKE AVOIDED
By Scott Strong and Jerry Blumberg
A deal was reached early Wednesday morning that will keep thousands of Consolidated Edison workers on the job, hours after a midnight deadline. Details were still being finalized Wednesday, but union officials say workers will be allowed to retain their traditional pension plans. Workers will have to pay more for health benefits in exchange for salary increases. The union had threatened to walk off the job when their contract expired Sunday, but Governor David Paterson stepped in to urge both sides to take a cooling-off period. Union officials credited Paterson with keeping negotiations afloat, and they say both sides compromised to get the deal done. "Both sides moved significantly towards the end," said Joe Flaherty of Local 1-2. "But we are happy with the end result and we think it certainly meets the needs of our members." Con Ed officials say the agreement is fair. They said they wanted to make sure the deal would not force them to raise rates for customers. "Our employees deserve a fair living and a fair wage and we try to achieve that," said Mike Clendenin of Con Ed. "We also are cognizant of the fact that our customers have to bear the costs of those, labor costs, too, so we're trying to balance both ends and do that the best we can, and we think we did that." The union represents 9,000 electric, gas and steam workers in every borough but Staten Island. Union members still have to ratify the contract.

JUNE

NEW YORK. SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW AT THE JACOB K. JARVIS CENTER
By Jacques Dusseck and Scott Strong
From this Sunday to Monday, the International Fancy Food Show will be open to the public. Recent Fancy Food Shows have attracted from 19,000 to 32,000 attendees from specialty food, wine, gift and department stores, supermarkets, restaurants, mail-order and other related businesses. food, wine, gift and department stores, supermarkets, restaurants, mail-order and other related businesses. These attendees come to see more than a thousand exhibitors from around the world, presenting more than 100,000 specialty foods to discover and sample. Business booms at these trade-only shows, in a unique decision-maker to decision-maker environment. An impressive 87% of all attendees either authorize or recommend purchasing decisions.

Summer Fancy Food Show is the leading part of this technology forum. It showcases all kinds of food processing and packaging machines, materials, systems and products under one roof. This is the unique opportunity to meet senior buyers & decision makers from all facets of the user industry.

The Summer Fancy Food Show is co-located with the International Wine & Spirits Pavilion: There are thousands of different wines & spirits to sip & sample & more than 50 international & domestic wine & spirit purveyors, producers & importers.

A complete food technology show which is for bakers, restaurants, snacks & sweet manufacturers & person belongs to food industry. Consultants, Convenience Retailers, Departmental Stores Managers, Dieticians / Nutritionists / Food Technologists Architects / Designers / Engineers, E-Retailers. Restaurant Management, Bakery / Confectionery Manufacturers, Airline / Institutional Catering Management.

Profile for exhibit include Food Processing Machinery & Equipment: Assorted Food & Beverage Processing Equipment, Drink / Juice Processing Equipment, Food Sterilizing Machinery / Equipment, Bakery & Confectionery Equipment. Food & Beverages: Poultry / Meat / Halal Meat, Dairy Products, Chilled & Frozen Foods, Fresh Produce. Seafood: Fresh Seafood Products, Seafood Processing. Food Ingredients: Aromas, Flavours & Fragrances, Food Additives / Raw Materi

MANHATTAN. NYPD IS INVESTIGATING MODEL'S DEATH.
Jerry Blumberg and Terry Dussek
Police are still investigating the death of a model who fell nine stories from her apartment in Lower Manhattan yesterday afternoon. Published reports identified the victim as 20-year-old Kazakh fashion model Ruslana Korshunova. They say she died around 2:30 yesterday afternoon after falling from her building on Water Street, and that her death appears to be a suicide. The Kazakhstan native was discovered in November 2003 when bookers for a modeling agency saw her in a flight magazine. She subsequently appeared in fashion shows in London and New York and modeled for Nina Ricci, Marc Jacobs and Cynthia Rowley.

QUEENS, NY. GREGORY MEEKS CALLS FOR VETERAN'S MEDICAL SERVICES.
By Jacques Duseck
Congressman Gregory Meeks said Saturday that Queens veterans who served the country may no longer have a medical facility in the borough to serve them. Meeks called on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to suspend a consolidation plan that would cut back on services at facilities like the Saint Albans Veterans Primary and Extended Care Center. "We make sure that these young men and women are going to fight for the country, yet when they return home we're not giving the kind of treatment and the kind facilities that would reward such heroic efforts," said Democratic Queens Representative Gregory Meeks. "We've had more veterans than ever are injured and in permanent need of rehab as a result of this war. So there's no way we can cut back on facilities in the boroughs and cut back on any services here," said Democratic Councilman Leroy Comrie. No comments yet from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

WASHINGTON. OBAMA AND THE LATINOS.
By Romy Dussek and Jerry Blumberg
Presidential candidates  Barack Obama and John McCain were in Washington, D.C. Saturday, delivering speeches at the 25th annual National Association of Latino Elected Officials' conference. The group was presided over by Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion. McCain said in his speech that he wished him and Obama could have conducted a town hall style meeting there together.

"I believe that we both could have stood here and responded to your questions or comments or views, because I think it's time America listened, listened, leaders listened," said McCain. "Americans are hurting now, so we could listen and we could also respond."

Obama in his speech criticized McCain's call for change. "While I respect John McCain -- I respect his service to our country -- what he's offering is not change," said Obama. "It's not change when he offers four more years of Bush economic policies that have failed to create jobs at a living wage, or insure our workers, or help Americans afford the skyrocketing costs of college. That isn't change." According to AP, 44 percent of Hispanic voters supported President George Bush in 2004, while only 30 percent voted for Republicans in the mid-term 2006 elections. McCain met Saturday with the presidents of Iraq and the Philippines. Obama, meanwhile, made a surprise visit Saturday to wounded war veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. His campaign also announced he will visit Europe and the Middle East, including Iraq and Afghanistan, this summer.

Meanwhile, on Friday night, Clinton spoke at the first graduation ceremony of Bronx's Eagle Academy for Young Men in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, where she stressed the importance of her throwing support behind Barack Obama at Unity, N.H. and uniting the Democratic party. "Today, out in that field in Unity, we both spoke about how each of us individually and together is committed to making it possible for every young person in this great country of ours to fulfill his or her own dreams. But education is key to that," said Clinton. Obama is courting Clinton's top financial supporters and donating the legal maximum amount to help pay off Clinton's multi-million dollar campaign debt.

ALBANY. GOVERNOR PATTERSON TO UNDERGO MORE EYE SURGERY.
By Jacques Dusseck
Governor David Paterson intended to return to work Sunday, after having cataract surgery the previous day. Paterson's procedure occurred at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan and was completed by 9:45 a.m. Saturday. The cataract was discovered during a laser procedure on Paterson’s left eye last month to relieve pain caused by glaucoma. He had to have emergency surgery last week when the pain returned. A spokeswoman for Paterson said he spent Saturday resting at home.

NYPD REPORTS
By  Jacques Dusseck, Scott Strong, Jerry Blumberg and Romy Dussek  
In BROOKLYN
* A 17-year-old was shot and killed in Flatbush shortly a