Local Leads: 11/19/09

News you need to know

By CHARLIE BRAGALE

Updated 10:45 AM EDT, Thu, Nov 19, 2009

Print Email Share TWITTER FACEBOOK

The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:

LOBBYIST WITH 7 DUI'S GIVEN PROBATION
A Maryland lobbyist with seven drunken-driving convictions has been let out of jail after spending a little more than a month there for his latest arrest. David A. Jacobs, 53, had been in jail since pleading guilty Oct. 13 in connection with an April crash. Jacobs, of Mitchellville, was drunk when he lost control of his Honda Pilot and struck another car and a guardrail. (Washington Post/AP/wtop.com)

END TO H1N1?
Hospitalizations for H1N1 and other types of flu have begun to fall in Maryland, spurring top state health officials to hope the public health problem is waning.Data presented yesterday to the House Health and Government Operations Committee in Annapolis shows that a spike in cases in October has fallen precipitously in the past few weeks. (The Capital)

SCHOOLS CROWDED
Students in Alexandria City Public Schools would have fewer computer labs next school year and more crowded classrooms, according to the district's modest plans for capital improvements. (The Examiner)

ENROLLMENT UP
Enrollment at Maryland colleges and universities increased by a record 5.2 percent this fall, wiping away concerns that the recession might keep students from pursuing higher education, according to a report released Wednesday by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. (Baltimore Sun)

FAUQUIER WANTS WINERIES
He called last week's public hearing on proposed changes to the county winery ordinance a "listening experience."Over many months, Fauquier Supervisor Peter Schwartz periodically has worked with winery owners and residents to craft regulations that would balance the interests of all parties. Like counties throughout Virginia, Fauquier must develop an ordinance that complies with the new state law governing wineries. (Gainesville Times)

RARE COINS LEFT AT GROTTO
People often visit the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg seeking spiritual healing.
Worshippers pray and light candles at the statue of the Virgin Mary to help along an answer to difficult questions, Grotto director William Tronolone said. Sometimes they leave gifts. (Frederick News Post)