The Night Note: 11/2/09

News you need to know.

By BRENDAN WILLIAMS-KIEF

Updated 6:46 PM EST, Mon, Nov 2, 2009

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The following stories are brought to you by the fine folks on the News4 assignment desk.

THIS JUST IN: FIGHT IN THE NEWSROOM
Who said crazy stuff only happens in Texas and Florida?

All these Washington journalist types are buzzing today about Friday's smackdown in the Washington Post newsroom. A nearly 70-year-old features editor (and Vietnam vet) Henry Allen reportedly landed a solid punch on reporter Manuel Roig-Franzia.

Now, aside from the offensive fact that one of Roig-Franzia's names is shared with the worst possible boxed wine EVER, the guy got punched out for calling his editor a c***s**cker. (NBC Washington)

11 YEAR OLD CAMPAIGNS FOR OBAMA
Lorenzo Rivera may be only 11 years old, but he knows more about politics than many adults.

The Chicago fifth-grader proves just how much in the new documentary "By the People: The Election of Barack Obama," where he is filmed making campaign calls on Obama's behalf in 2008.

In the movie, debuting at 8 p.m. Tuesday on HBO, filmmakers Amy Rice and Alicia Sams capture Lorenzo, only 9 at the time, handling a call to a confused voter with a calm and grace belying his young age. (Chicago Sun-Times)

BEEFEATERS ACCUSED OF BULLYING
Women faced their share of trouble at the Tower of London, including three queens who were beheaded there.

But treachery has long been considered a thing of the past at the notorious 11th century fortress. At least until now.

If charges made Monday are true, the Tower — a popular tourist attraction and home to Britain's Crown Jewels — will add bullying to the list of foul deeds committed there. The victim: the first woman selected to join the all-male ranks of the Tower's yeoman warders, popularly known as "Beefeaters." (Yahoo News)

THAT'S ONE MASSIVE MEAT-A-BALL!
The bouncing mega-meatball record has landed in the East Coast.

Matthew Mitnitsky, owner of Nonni's Italian Eatery in Concord, said Sunday that a 222.5-pound meatball was authenticated as the world's largest after being weighed by state weights and measures officials.

A Guinness Book of World Records official confirmed the big meatball as a record breaker and presented Mitnitsky with a plaque. (MSNBC)