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Mother 'Devastated' After Son Dies in Car Seat at Sitter's

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Megan Norris, the Texas mother of an infant who suffocated to death after being left by his caretaker to sleep in a car seat in a closet, spoke publicly about her son Wednesday afternoon.

Norris continually fought back tears as she spoke of her baby, John Norris. She described him as a sweet child who laughed and smiled a lot, noting he'd just begun crawling on Sunday, two days before he would have turned 9 months old.

"His smiles, giggles and coos lit up my life, every single day that God blessed me with him," Norris said. "I'm so thankful for every moment I had with him. I am devastated without my precious baby."

Investigators said the boy was one of nearly a dozen children being cared for Monday night at an unlicensed day care inside a home on the 600 block of Woodpecker Lane in Northwest Fort Worth. Investigators determined the caretaker, whose name has not been released, placed the child in the car seat, and then inside a walk-in closet, so that he could sleep. When the caretaker later checked on the boy, he was deceased.

Police said it appears Norris died in his sleep after sliding down in the car seat and suffocating. They believe he was not strapped in correctly, and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner ruled the boy's death an accident.

"I couldn't have been more blessed with another child. He changed my life, he really did," said Norris. "He made me a better person, without a doubt. He changed my life in so many ways and to completely backtrack on how far I have come over this would not be fair to him. So, I am living, still, for him and trying to get through every day trying not to completely fall apart."

Norris is a single mother who works nights in the food service industry, while also continuing her education. She said her hours meant traditional daycare was not an option. Norris chose to speak to the media Wednesday to share a word of warning for busy, single parents in need of after-hours care.

"I do not want what happened to John to happen to any other child. I am a single mom and there are a lot of other young parents out there just like me," Norris said, before recommending parents use only licensed caregivers or, at the very least, conduct in-depth investigations of those with whom they leave their children.

Norris said she found the babysitter after placing an ad on Facebook. She said the woman responded and they first met at her mother's law office where she interviewed her extensively. After that, Norris said she visited the woman's home, and she began taking care of John in January or February.

Norris said she typically dropped off her son in the afternoon and picked him up after midnight. She added that she never noticed any other children or saw any other parents coming and going. She said there were no red flags, no bruises, scratches or any other indication that her son was being neglected. She said she didn't know if it was a common practice for her son to be placed in a closet to sleep, but that if she'd known that was happening she wouldn't have kept bringing him there.

When asked about the reports that there were as many as a dozen children in the home, Norris said when the woman first began babysitting for her she was led to believe she was only watching her son and another child and that they were getting the woman's full attention. Norris said the woman later told them that her older niece and nephew were being placed with her and that she'd be taking care of them as well.

"Upon finding out that the Tarrant County Department of Family and Protective Services placed children in her home, that added an extra measure of comfort because, being an attorney in family law, and her, of course, being my daughter, we know the checks that the department puts in place. So they should not have placed children there if there were any red flags; that reaffirmed her belief that she had a quality person watching her child," said Lisa Crow, Megan's mother.

Marissa Gonzales, with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, said Wednesday afternoon there is no county DFPS agency and that the state DFPS did not place any children with the caretaker.

Norris said she was notified at about 10:30 p.m. Monday that she needed to leave work and get to the babysitter's house. She said investigators would only tell her so much, and wouldn't let her in the home after she'd learned of her son's death.

"His passing is the most devastating thing any parent could ever endure," Norris said.

Megan's mother, fighting back tears for her child and grandchild, thanked first responders for doing what they could for her daughter as she learned of the tragedy.

"I would like to thank the first responders, the MedStar team. There were three of them that showed up. They stayed with her [Megan] nonstop for three hours," Crow said. "For the officers and investigators that were on the scene on Monday night, they were gracious, they were professional, and they made sure that she was taken care of and that she had what she needed."

Investigators said they do not believe there was any foul play, but that criminal charges may still be filed. The investigation into the child's death is ongoing and is being conducted by a number of law enforcement and state agencies.

The babysitter is not allowed to care for any other children while the investigation is underway. Child Protective Services is also looking into the safety of the children who live with her. CPS says they have had contact with the caretaker's family before, but won't say why.

NBC5's Alice Barr contributed to this report.



Photo Credit: NBC 5 News
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NAS North Island Names New Building After 102 Year-Old Veteran

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A World War-two veteran will receive a special recognition at NAS North Island Thursday. 
A new building at the naval base will be named after 102-year-old retired Chief Steward Andrew Mills.
Mills was regarded as a hero during the Battle of the Midway. He cracked a safe open to get important documents from a sinking ship. 
Mills was serving as a steward for Captain Elliot Buckmaster aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, which was heavily damage by Japanese aircraft, and eventually sunk. 
Mills went on to become one of the Navy's first black chiefs.
He left the Navy in 1945 after 11 years of service. 
He went on to work as a postal carrier for 29  years. 
Andrew Mills Hall will house E-4 and below personnel who live on ships home ported at North Island.
The building will accommodate up to 900 sailors.
He’ll be honored during a naming ceremony at 9 a.m.A World War-two veteran will receive a special recognition at NAS North Island Thursday. 



A new building at the naval base will be named after 102-year-old retired Chief Steward Andrew Mills.

Mills was regarded as a hero during the Battle of the Midway in 1942. He cracked a safe open to get important documents from a sinking ship. 

Mills was serving as a steward for Captain Elliot Buckmaster aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. She which was heavily damage by Japanese aircraft, and eventually sunk. 
Mills later became one of the Navy's first black chiefs.

He left the Navy in 1945 after 11 years of service. 

He went on to work as a postal carrier for 29  years. 

Andrew Mills Hall will house E-4 and below personnel who live on ships home ported at North Island.

The building will accommodate up to 900 sailors.

Mills will be honored during a naming ceremony at 9 a.m.
A World War-two veteran will receive a special recognition at NAS North Island Thursday. 

A new building at the naval base will be named after 102-year-old retired Chief Steward Andrew Mills.

Mills was regarded as a hero during the Battle of Midway in 1942. He cracked a safe open to get important documents from a sinking ship. 

At the time, Mills served as a steward for Captain Elliot Buckmaster aboard the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. She was heavily damage by Japanese aircraft, and eventually sunk. 

Mills later became one of the Navy's first black chiefs.

He left the Navy in 1945 after 11 years of service, and went on to work as a postal carrier for 29  years. 

Andrew Mills Hall will house E-4 and below personnel who live on ships home ported at North Island.

The building will accommodate up to 900 sailors.

Mills will be honored during a naming ceremony at 9 a.m.

Son of Sam, 40 Years Later: A Look at His NYC Year of Terror

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Dramatic archive photos capture one of the most terrifying years in New York City history, and the legacy of one of America's most notorious serial killers.

Photo Credit: AP

How Your Phone Can Detect Card Skimmers

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Card skimmers at gas pumps and ATMs are a growing problem, but did you know your cell phone can protect you?

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller made a video explaining a few tips to remember when filling up your gas tank.

First, avoid pumps at the end of gas stations. They're often too far for the store clerk to have a clear view of the pump.

Next, leave your debit card in your wallet. It's all too easy for a thief to skim your debit card's magnetic strip. If they catch your pin number, you can bet your bank account is up for grabs.

Have a look around the pump. Look for tampering, a loose credit card reader or a broken seal on the pump's cabinet.

The best way to check for skimmer devices is using your phone, Miller said. Thieves often use Bluetooth technology to transmit card and pin information. Just turn on Bluetooth and search for a device. If you see a long string of numbers trying to connect, that's a bad sign.

As NBC Responds in DFW reported in April, law enforcement across the U.S. have seen a spike in skimming cases this year, and it's expected to keep rising. More credit and debit cards are using chip technology, making it increasingly difficult for thieves to skim your information.

Miller also noted to always print a receipt. You'll need the receipt to file a claim with the gas station's insurance in case you pump bad fuel, or if your identity is stolen.

If it looks like a pump or ATM has been tampered with, move to another pump or pay inside. If you notice suspicious charges on your account, contact your financial institution immediately, the TDA said.



Photo Credit: Texas Department of Agriculture
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Deputies: Driver Fell Asleep in Rollover Crash

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Sheriff deputies say a 20-year-old driver fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a pickup truck in Lemon Grove. 

It happened Thursday 5:40 a.m. on Canton Drive near Colfax Drive.

The driver, who was in a white car, crashed into a parked pickup truck. The white car landed on its roof.

First responders rescued the driver, who suffered an injured left elbow and is being treated at a hospital.

The father of the man who owns the pickup truck told NBC 7 his son uses the vehicle to drive to school.

A neighbor told NBC 7 she heard a loud boom, then a loud crash.

She said she has lived in the neighborhood for years, and a lot of people drive too fast.

In January, NBC 7 crews responded to a crash nearby, on Colfax Drive, when a driver crashed into a home.

Deputies have blocked off the area during the investigation.

No other information was available.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

NBA Player Zach Randolph Arrested in LA Altercation

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At least two people, including NBA player Zach Randolph, were arrested following a massive police response after an "officer needs help" call Wednesday night at the Nickerson Gardens housing apartment complex in the Watts section of Los Angeles.

Randolph, of the Sacramento Kings, was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to sell, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He formerly played for Portland, Memphis and, briefly, with the LA Clippers and New York Knicks.

Randolph, 36, is a two-time NBA All-Star who was drafted by the Trail Blazers in 2001. He signed with the Kings in July after a successful run that began in 2009 with the Grizzlies.

His bail was set at $20,000. Lawyer information for him was not immediately clear.  

Prop 64, approved in the November election, outlined the recreational use of marijuana in California. A state license is required to grow or sell marijuana.

As for the disturbance that brought police to the neighborhood, the initial call was reported around 10:30 p.m. after an officer requested help with controlling a large crowd at 1590 East 114th Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. LAPD officers first responded to the scene and were met by 100 people tossing rocks and bottles at them after they attempted to get into an apartment.

It was not immediately clear what led to the altercation at Nickerson Gardens, a large public housing apartment complex about 12 miles south of downtown Los Angeles.

Authorities were able to clear the scene by 12:45 a.m. Numerous police vehicles were vandalized, according to officials. Aerial video showed at least one patrol car with a smashed back window.

No officers were hurt and no other injuries have been reported.

The second individual in custody was identified as a 43-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm.



Photo Credit: KNBC-TV

Ambulance Flips Onto Roof in I-5 Crash

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An ambulance flipped onto its roof along the side of Interstate 5 Wednesday. 

California Highway Patrol officers responded to the shoulder of northbound I-5 just south of Nobel at 6:40 p.m. 

The ambulance was on its roof along the right shoulder of the highway.

There were no patients inside the ambulance at the time of the crash, CHP officers said.

No one was injured.  

In May, a similar incident occurred with an ambulance. 

EMTs were transporting a patient in the ambulance at approximately 4 a.m. when the vehicle rolled onto its side on Friars and Mission Gorge roads. The location of the crash was east of Interstate 15 and north of Interstate 8.

One person suffered minor injuries.

In the May incident, the vehicle was being operated by the United Ambulance Company.

American Medical Response To Be Acquired in $2.4B Deal

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American Medical Response, or AMR, which provides ambulance services in San Diego and across the country, will be acquired under a $2.4 billion cash deal announced Tuesday.

Envision Healthcare Corp. reached a deal to sell subsidiary AMR to KKR & Co, which plans to combine AMR with Air Medical Group Holdings, a Dallas-based air, and ambulance emergency services company.

AMR, headquartered in Greenwood, Co., is the largest provider of U.S. ambulance services, with a footprint in San Diego that covers 15 jurisdictions, such as Encinitas, Del Mar, National City and Chula Vista.

“The agreement aligns AMR with KKR’s Air Medical Group Holdings which is one of the largest independent providers of emergency air medical services in the world. Our San Diego operation is pleased about this strong partnership. The pending acquisition is subject to regulatory approval, which could take up to three months,” said Madeleine D. Baudoin, government and community affairs manager, AMR San Diego, in a statement to the San Diego Business Journal.

In response to a question about how the deal would affect AMR San Diego operations and staffing, Baudoin said:

“There will be no changes to our current operation. We employ 1,200 people in the county and we are currently hiring paramedics and EMTs.”



Photo Credit: Getty Images
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LA Business Builds Underground Shelters

SeaWorld San Diego Gets OK for New Roller Coaster

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SeaWorld San Diego said it will begin building a new roller coaster immediately after the plans were approved Wednesday by the California Coastal Commission.

"Electric Eel, featuring astounding loops, twists and airtime, will bring a whole new level of excitement to SeaWorld," SeaWorld San Diego spokesperson David Koontz said.

The park asked the commission to approve the construction of a 150-foot tall roller coaster.

The amusement park's largest attraction "will offer park guests the only upside-down view of Mission Bay," Koontz said.

SeaWorld San Diego will use 1.2 acres of land in the park to construct the ride and a station for lockers. The proposal also called for the construction of an educational building where live electric eels will be housed in aquatic tanks.

There were some concerns regarding view and public access, according to the Coastal Commission. However, the board approved the permit unanimously. 

Because of its height, the roller coaster will be highly visible from many parts of Mission Bay Park. However, proposals for the project indicate the structure would not block any ocean views.

The ride will utilize a sky-like color scheme so that it blends in with natural surroundings.

An initial study of potential traffic impacts in the area found that there would not be a substantial increase in traffic in the area due to the new roller coaster, according to a report by the Coastal Commission. The report goes on to say that the roller coaster is expected to attract a lot more visitors to SeaWorld San Diego each year.

According to an initial report by the Coastal Commission, "Noise associated with construction activities or other operations has the potential to adversely impact marine mammals in the area."

But the roller coaster was given the green light by the commission.

The construction of the roller coaster and accompanying facilities is expected to take nine months.

SeaWorld San Diego has its own waste water treatment plan that the proposal says will not be affected by the roller coaster. Therefore, the study goes on to say it is not expected the structure would have an impact on the water quality in the area.

The second project up for approval at the California Coastal Commission meeting Wednesday was the possible construction of new public bathrooms in Coronado.

The project would be located west of the Avenida del Sol cul-de-sac, which runs between the Coronado Shores Condominiums and the Hotel del Coronado.

The site currently offers free public parkways and a public walkway to the beach.

The project would build a 235-square foot public restroom facility with three stalls, storage s, ace and showers that would take up about 1,000-square feet of the plaza area.

The project would also remove and replace an existing beach access stairway and add a new accessible ramp leading from the sidewalk to the new plaza.

The staff recommendation for the project is a denial.

In a staff report, the Coastal Commission acknowledged public restrooms are important, but added, "this particular project, both as a result of its design and location, would result in a significant obstruction of views, impact shoreline sand supply, and require construction of a shoreline protection device."

The restrooms also call for the construction of a seawall incorporated into the seaward portion of the development. A staff report found that the bathrooms do not have to be on the beach, and so a seawall would be unnecessary to construct.

Those for the project say it would bring bathrooms open to the public to an area of the beach that needs it.

In a staff report, it was requested that an alternative of temporary public restrooms be installed instead. 



Photo Credit: SeaWorld San Diego/Coastal Commission Exhibit

Trucks Not to Blame For Broken Trash Bins: City of San Diego

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The perception among many San Diego residents is the city’s aging fleet of trash collection trucks is breaking or damaging their trash bins.

According to a March 2017 Grand Jury report titled "Broken Garbage Cans, City Apathy, Free Cans For A Few – What A Mess," "aging collection trucks, and poorly maintained lift arms" have contributed to the rapid rise of damaged bins. The same report recommended the damaged trash bins be "replaced and delivered at no charge."

Click here to read the full report. 

The City of San Diego and Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s office have now formally responded to that report. In its response, the city maintains, the trash bins are not breaking because of the collection trucks, they’re breaking because the bins only have a 10-year useful life span.

According to the Mayor’s response to the report, the average age of in-service trash bins is 13-years old and "of the approximately 343,600 refuse containers in use, 233,700, or 68-percent, are beyond their industry standard 10-year useful life."

That means the number of trash bins that need to be replaced will continue to increase as it has the last three years.

According to the Grand Jury report, in the fiscal year 2014, 6,483 black refuse bins were replaced at the homeowner’s expense. That number increased to 7,387 in 2015. Last year, 11,925 trash bins were replaced.

The replacement trash bins used to be free, but in 2008, citing declining tax revenue, the city amended the municipal code.

The city pays $53.22 for each new bin. It charges residents $70 for a replacement bin. For an additional $25, the bins can be delivered.

The city insists it doesn't profit from the sales - the money goes to cover overhead costs, it told NBC 7 Investigates. Damaged trash bins less than 10-years old, are pro-rated. (Green and blue bins used for landscape and recycling can be replaced free of charge).

According to the city, replacing the bins for free would be a costly proposition.

"If the city were to replace them all, that’s about a $16 million dollar impact to the general fund, so no, the city is currently not considering taking on that responsibility," said Mario Sierra, Director of the City Environmental Services Department.

Here’s how you can tell if your black trash bin is beyond its 10-year useful life span.

• If the bin has a number that starts with a "03" "09", "06", the 10-year warranty has expired. If the bin is damaged, it is your responsibility to purchase a replacement.

• If the number starts with "T92" or "T64”, your can's warranty could have expired.

To find out the exact age of your trash bin, you can call the city Department of Environmental Services at 858-694-7000, or email the department at trash@sandiego.gov.

For more information on how to obtain a container click here

Recently, Rachel Hunter of Normal Heights went to the city’s Collection Services yard to pick up a new trash bin. She assumed the bin would be replaced for free.

"It’s upsetting, that’s 70 bucks that I can’t afford, but need my trash taken. And so I’m kind of helpless and stuck in the system," said Hunter.

The city Environmental Services Department director concedes, the city needs to do a better job informing residents of their responsibilities, which is explained on the city’s web site.

"We need to do a better job of communicated and providing this information and educating the public," said Sierra.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Fired Google Engineer Speaks Out About Anti-Diversity Memo

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The former Google employee who generated outrage among his co-workers for a memo criticizing the company's diversity efforts talked publicly about it Wednesday for the first time.

James Damore lost his job after his internal memo was leaked. In the memo, he blamed the gender gap in the tech industry on biological differences between men and women.

Damore, appearing on a conservative talk show on YouTube Wednesday, told host Stefan Molyneux his memo wasn't an opinion but rather based on scientific research. He added that the memo originally was 10 pages and was leaked with much of that scientific data supporting his gender views edited out.

Damore also criticized what he called a politically correct bias in the Google culture.

In his memo, he said among other things women are unsuited to be good engineers because they're more interested in people than ideas.

"People get offended because it goes against the left's ideology," Damore said on the talk show. "And then they just think, 'OK, it offends people, therefore it's wrong and therefore it's an 'opinion.'"

The CEO of Glint, a firm that helps companies increase employee engagement and boost business, disagreed.

"When an employee acts in a way that violates a code of conduct, in a way that creates a hostile environment for its employees, smart companies take action," said Jim Barnett. "And that's what happened here."

Damore has said he plans to sue Google, and he reportedly has received an offer from WikiLeaks' Julian Assange.

Google has called for a company town hall meeting on diversity Thursday.



Photo Credit: YouTube

Trucks Not to Blame For Broken Trash Bins: City of San Diego

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0

The perception among many San Diego residents is the city’s aging fleet of trash collection trucks is breaking or damaging their trash bins.

According to a March 2017 Grand Jury report titled "Broken Garbage Cans, City Apathy, Free Cans For A Few – What A Mess," "aging collection trucks, and poorly maintained lift arms" have contributed to the rapid rise of damaged bins. The same report recommended the damaged trash bins be "replaced and delivered at no charge."

Click here to read the full report. 

The City of San Diego and Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s office have now formally responded to that report. In its response, the city maintains, the trash bins are not breaking because of the collection trucks, they’re breaking because the bins only have a 10-year useful life span.

According to the Mayor’s response to the report, the average age of in-service trash bins is 13-years old and "of the approximately 343,600 refuse containers in use, 233,700, or 68-percent, are beyond their industry standard 10-year useful life."

That means the number of trash bins that need to be replaced will continue to increase as it has the last three years.

According to the Grand Jury report, in the fiscal year 2014, 6,483 black refuse bins were replaced at the homeowner’s expense. That number increased to 7,387 in 2015. Last year, 11,925 trash bins were replaced.

The replacement trash bins used to be free, but in 2008, citing declining tax revenue, the city amended the municipal code.

The city pays $53.22 for each new bin. It charges residents $70 for a replacement bin. For an additional $25, the bins can be delivered.

The city insists it doesn't profit from the sales - the money goes to cover overhead costs, it told NBC 7 Investigates. Damaged trash bins less than 10-years old, are pro-rated. (Green and blue bins used for landscape and recycling can be replaced free of charge).

According to the city, replacing the bins for free would be a costly proposition.

"If the city were to replace them all, that’s about a $16 million dollar impact to the general fund, so no, the city is currently not considering taking on that responsibility," said Mario Sierra, Director of the City Environmental Services Department.

Here’s how you can tell if your black trash bin is beyond its 10-year useful life span.

• If the bin has a number that starts with a "03" "09", "06", the 10-year warranty has expired. If the bin is damaged, it is your responsibility to purchase a replacement.

• If the number starts with "T92" or "T64”, your can's warranty could have expired.

To find out the exact age of your trash bin, you can call the city Department of Environmental Services at 858-694-7000, or email the department at trash@sandiego.gov.

For more information on how to obtain a container click here

Recently, Rachel Hunter of Normal Heights went to the city’s Collection Services yard to pick up a new trash bin. She assumed the bin would be replaced for free.

"It’s upsetting, that’s 70 bucks that I can’t afford, but need my trash taken. And so I’m kind of helpless and stuck in the system," said Hunter.

The city Environmental Services Department director concedes, the city needs to do a better job informing residents of their responsibilities, which is explained on the city’s web site.

"We need to do a better job of communicated and providing this information and educating the public," said Sierra.



Photo Credit: NBC 7

Camp Pendleton-Based US Marine Awarded for Saving Man

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A Camp Pendleton-based U.S. Marine was honored for pulling a man from a burning vehicle and saving his life.

On Tuesday, Sgt. Kevin Peach, an infantryman with the First Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment, was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Medal, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Peach received his award during a battalion formation at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. DoD officials said he was recognized for pulling a man out of a flaming, overturned car on his way back to Camp Pendleton in Oceanside back in 2015.

“We were driving down I-5 in California heading back to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and a car pulled out in front of us, swerved, hit a wall going about 65 mph and then rolled a couple of times,” Peach told the DoD.


When faced with an emergency, Peach didn't hesitate. He pulled his car in front of the burning vehicle and rushed to the man's aid, said DoD officials.

“I was scared the entire time, but I saw a lifeless body sitting in the car, and I wasn’t just going to turn my head and do nothing about it,” said Peach. “Then I saw the smoke and knew I only had a certain amount of time before the car caught on fire.”

He attempted to break the windows off the car without success, said DoD officials.

“One of my best friends and I ripped off the back hatch, and I just barreled right in there,” said Peach. “The whole time I was feeling around for other people because I couldn’t see anything. Once I found him, he was tangled up in his seat belt, and I couldn’t get him loose.”

Then Peach received a flare from another driver who had pulled over to help, said DoD officials. This allowed him to cut the seat belt and carry the man out.

Peach helped the injured man, staying by his side until paramedics arrived. Dod officials said Peach was hospitalized for smoke inhalation after the heroic incident.

“Sgt. Peach is the embodiment of what we look for in our [non-commissioned officers],” said Lt. Col. Reginald McClam, commanding officer of the First Battalion, Eighth Marine Regiment, in a statement. “I’m proud of him, and I know the family that he brought into the Marine Corps by saving their family, is happy he was there.”

DoD officials added that Peach gained a lot more than a new medal after he risked his life to save a stranger.

“I talk to the family every other day,” said Peach. “It feels good being able to help somebody out. It’s not about the awards. I never thought when this happened that I’d get this [award]. I’m just glad I was there and able to help.”



Photo Credit: U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Brandon Thomas
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Key Spy Agencies Agree on Korea Nuke Assessment: Officials

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The CIA and other key U.S. intelligence agencies agree with the Defense Intelligence Agency's previously reported assessment that North Korea is now able to miniaturize a nuclear weapon so it can be placed atop a ballistic missile, U.S. officials told NBC News.

Soon after the news that North Korea passed the milestone toward achieving a nuclear-armed ICBM broke Tuesday in The Washington Post, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would respond to new threats with "fire and fury." North Korea has continued to make threats, specifically about attacking the U.S. territory of Guam

It had been unclear whether other agencies had signed onto the Defense Intelligence Agency's determination earlier this week, and some observers noted that the Pentagon-based analysts have in the past generously estimated the capacity of some opposing militaries.

But U.S. officials tell NBC News that other agencies, including the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, agree with the assessment.



Photo Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File

City Council Properly Approved Balboa Park Project: Judge

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A superior court judge has ruled the San Diego City Council properly approved a project to improve pedestrian access within Balboa Park’s core – a plan that includes turning more roads into walkways and adding an underground parking structure to help ease traffic at the landmark.

The improvements -- known as the “Plaza de Panama Project” -- were approved by the City Planning Commission and approved twice by the San Diego City Council.

However, the project was delayed due to a lawsuit filed by the Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO). The group argued the project would require a Supplemental Environment Impact Report.

However, Gerry Braun, with the City of San Diego, said Superior Court Judge Gregory W. Pollack found Wednesday "no basis" for SOHO’s claim.

SOHO has been pushing for an alternative to the project called the "Lewis Plan." This proposal includes a network of new roadways on hillsides and canyons in Balboa Park and an underground parking garage below the Plaza de Panama.

Meanwhile, the Plaza de Panama Project includes rehabilitation of the Plaza, El Prado, Esplanade and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion Rooftoop Park. Currently, a road runs through the core of the park, including areas like El Prado West and Plaza de California at the entrance to the San Diego Museum of Man, but this would turn that road into a pedestrian-only walkway.

An alternate route would be established for motorists, leading to parking at the Alcazar Lot, the Palisades, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion Lot. The Organ Pavilion lot would be transformed into an underground parking structure that, per the project’s website, “reclaims over two acres of park land.”

“Vehicles will not be permitted beyond the Museum of Man and the archway entrance to the park,” the website states.

Balboa Park’s tram, according to the site, will continue to operate, providing transportation from Inspiration Point to the center of the park: "Right now, the tram competes with cars. Once that’s no longer the case, the tram will operate far more efficiently."

In a press release, San Diego City Attorney Mara W. Elliott said the court has found that the city "correctly followed environmental law in seeking to improve one of the city’s greatest treasures."

“SOHO’s lawsuits have served no purpose other than to delay a widely supported project, and to drive up costs for the taxpayers,” Elliott added.

According to Gordon Kovtun, principal at KCM Group, which manages the construction of the project, said they have been waiting about eight years to clear this hurdle.

“We’re ready to get to work to reclaim 6.3 acres of park land, add much-needed parking and free the plazas from chronic vehicular traffic to allow more San Diego families and children to enjoy our city’s crown jewel,” Kovtun said in a press release.

Changes were made to Plaza de Panama in 2013, which removed parking from the Plaza. However, proponents of the master plan say those improvements were only “one objective” of the project, “which aims to remove cars from the entire central mesa.”

To learn more about the project, click here.



Photo Credit: Monica Garske

Trump to Declare Opioid Crisis a National Emergency

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President Donald Trump plans to declare the opioid crisis a national emergency and he's currently drafting up paperwork, he said on Thursday.

The presidential opioid commission, chaired by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, earlier this month urged Trump to “declare a national emergency” and noted that “America is enduring a death toll equal to Sept. 11 every three weeks.”

“It’s a national emergency,” Trump told reporters on Thursday.

He said that his administration is “drawing documents” up now on the issue.

About one in three Americans used prescription opioid painkillers like OxyContin or Vicodin in 2015, according to a survey released this month by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, NBC News reported.

The NIDA study calculated 91.8 million Americans used prescription opioids, with nearly five percent of adults surveyed saying they took them without their doctor’s permission.

“The most commonly reported sources were friends and relatives for free,” that study reported. “Or a physician.”



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Woman Attacked While Walking on Santee Street

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San Diego County sheriff’s deputies are searching for a person who attacked a woman while she walked along a Santee street Monday.

Deputies say they don’t have a suspect description because the woman was attacked from behind.

The incident happened on Cottonwood Avenue, north of State Route 52 and south of Mission Gorge Road. The neighborhood has homes and some churches and other businesses.

The victim told deputies she was walking on Cottonwood just after 9:30 p.m. on Monday, August 7 when a man came up from behind and attacked her.

The woman was taken to a nearby hospital and released that evening. She suffered scratches to her body, deputies said.

The attacker also cut off the woman’s shorts. However, deputies aren’t sure what was used to cut the clothing.

The area was searched by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department helicopter ASTREA as well as by deputies on the ground.

No arrests were made.

Resident Jessica Sommerville was worried about an attack like this reported so close to where she lives.

“It definitely concerns,” Sommerville said. “Santee is supposed to be safe. Our homes are supposed to be safe.”

Anyone with information can call the Santee Sheriff's Station at (619) 956-4000. You can also call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477.


Suspect Sketches Released in University Heights Assault

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Police released a sketch Thursday of the suspects who sexually assaulted a woman and stole her prescription medications, after she took out her trash in University Heights.

A $1,000 reward was offered for information leading to arrests, according to San Diego County Crime Stoppers.

SDPD investigators from the Sex Crimes Unit are asking the public to help identify and locate the suspects in this home invasion robbery, said Crime Stoppers officials.

On Tuesday, a man assaulted the victim while the woman stole prescription medicines from her cabinet and ransacked the place, said SDPD officers. Police were called to the home on Texas Street, near Polk Avenue and Howard Avenue just after 10 a.m.

The 34-year-old victim was outside of her home when she was confronted by two people in a robbery, SDPD Officer Bill Hernandez told NBC 7.

Police said a woman knocked on the victim's apartment door, asking for a person who doesn't live there. Twenty minutes later, while the victim was taking out her trash, the woman came back. This time she was accompanied by a man.

After the attack, the suspects ran from the scene, SDPD Officer Joshua Hodge said.

According to Crime Stoppers, one of the suspects was a black man, about 30 to 40 years old, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 170 to 180 pounds. He had dark brown hair, brown eyes, was wearing a black or dark blue shirt and white shoes. Police said he had dreadlocks pulled back in a ponytail.

The other suspect was a white woman, about 40 to 50 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a stocky build, dirty blonde hair and an oversized maroon-colored hooded sweatshirt, according to Crime Stoppers.

Emergency personnel took the woman to Scripps Mercy in Hillcrest. Police did not have details on her condition. 

Anyone with information about this case can call SDPD's Sex Crimes Unit at (619)531-2210 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888)580-8477. They may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.



Photo Credit: San Diego County Crime Stoppers

Benchmark Capital Sues Former Uber CEO Kalanick for Fraud

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Benchmark Capital, one of Uber's earliest investors and largest shareholders, is suing Uber co-founder and ex-CEO Travis Kalanick on claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract.

It's an unusual and dramatic move in Silicon Valley to see a venture firm sue one of the executives it backed, CNBC reported.

Benchmark is seeking to remove Kalanick from the company's board of directors and exclude him from the Uber CEO search already underway.

Uber is valued around $70 billion, and Benchmark owns about 13 percent of the ride-hailing pioneers.



Photo Credit: Getty Images/File
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