Crime

Catalytic converters being targeted by thieves - MOUNT VERNON -- Local law enforcement reported at least five incidents in the past week of people claiming their catalytic converters were stolen. [Mount Vernon News]
How hard is this to curb? Require scrap metal dealers to take a digital photo or require photo id with an explanation of where the converter came from.  This isn't to much to ask from them.

Suicide Notes of Deborah Jean Palfrey Released - "D.C. Madam" Deborah Jean Palfrey wrote suicide notes to her mother and sister explaining that she hanged herself because she couldn't bear the thought of a future in prison. [Fox News Headlines]
 

Man accused of leaving kids home alone - NEWARK -- A 38-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday morning after leaving his two young children alone at home with the door open, according to a Newark police report. [The Newark Advocate]

Another bad parenting award contender. Wow, how hard is it to throw the kids in the car to go get your smokes?

Eight-Year-Old Girl Divorces Husband - An eight-year-old Yemeni girl was granted a divorce from an arranged marriage that started when she was in just the second grade. [Fox News Headlines]

15 affected by mishandling of funds at local credit counseling agency - MOUNT VERNON -- The failure of a local credit counseling agency to send client payments to creditors has hurt at least 15 people who had sought out the organization in the hopes of getting their finances back on track. [Mount Vernon News]

Woman Goes for Leg Operation, Gets New Anus Instead - A German retiree is taking a hospital to court after she went in for a leg operation and got a new anus instead. [Fox News Headlines]

'Scambaiters' Turn Tables on Nigerian E-Mail Scam Artists - Revenge is sweet — and sometimes permanent — for a growing legion of 'scambaiters' who have taken it upon themselves to punish the thieves behind those Nigerian e-mail scams. [Fox News Headlines]