The Night Note: 9/29/09

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

QUAKE, TSUNAMI HIT SAMOA
A tsunami struck the capital of American Samoa after a powerful 8.3 magnitude quake rocked the Pacific, U.S. government agencies said, leaving three dead and 50 injured in the area.

Water flowed about 100 yards inland in the U.S. territory before receding, according to local reports. Samoa police said people had been killed as a result of the quake. (NBC Washington)

CHANGE COMES TO COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, IN PICTURES
Thanks to a reader for sending a new birdseye look at the plaza. We’ve been following this development closely, and whatever frustration and/or delay there has been I think most of us can agree that it came out great and is certainly a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. Even the solar trees can look awesome. (Prince Of Petworth)

I ONLY GIVE TO PERMITTED PANHANDLERS
During the down economy, panhandling-related offenses are on the rise in Raleigh. So far this year, police have arrested 212 people on charges, such as panhandling without a permit, loitering and pedestrian interference.

During the same time last year, 162 people had been arrested. (WRAL)

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SAYS US TOO PRICEY
Police in Framingham, Mass., say an illegal immigrant from Guatemala entered a police station, told officers he had stolen another man's identity and asked to be deported because he could no longer make ends meet in America.