The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
METRO "WORK TO THE RULE"
After a series of Metrobus incidents this year, bus operators began a safety push Tuesday to go strictly by the book, an effort they warn might also mean running behind schedule. Operators said they plan to observe posted speed limits, activate handicap lifts at every bus stop and not pass buses at stops. It will take longer to complete routes and will add to delays, especially along congested corridors, they said. Along busy 16th Street NW during Tuesday's morning rush, 11 buses were backed up along two to three blocks -- between Allison and Decatur streets -- about 8:45 a.m., operators said. The S1, S2, S4 and S9 buses operate along 16th Street. Under Metro rules, buses are not supposed to pass other buses at a stop. (Washington Post)
MAN MISSING FOR TWO YEARS FOUND DEAD
The remains of an elderly Lanham man with Alzheimer's disease were found Oct. 1 a half-mile from his home, more than two years after he went missing. Waldir Pedersoli, who was 75 and had trouble walking and seeing at the time of his disappearance, wandered from his home in the 9400 block of Presley Place in Lanham on Aug. 24, 2007. Family members said his remains were found on Oct. 1 near the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Good Luck Road in Lanham by workers who were clearing brush. (Gazette)
JOHN ALLEN MUHAMMAD CLEMENCY?
Attorneys for convicted sniper John Allen Muhammad plan to ask the governor for clemency next week. In announcement posted on his firm’s Web site Tuesday, Muhammad’s attorney, John Sheldon, said that he plans to file a clemency petition with Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Oct. 22. Muhammad’s attorneys also plan to file an appeal with the United States Supreme Court on Nov. 2, Sheldon said. Muhammad is scheduled to be executed Nov. 10 for the October 2002 “Beltway sniper” shootings in the Washington area that killed 10 people, including 53-year-old Dean Meyers, who was shot and killed at Sunoco station on Sudley Road off Interstate 66 in the Manassas area on Oct. 9, 2002. (Free Lance-Star)
GAB ON THE METRO
Metro is slated to offer expanded cell phone service starting Friday at the 20 busiest underground rail stations. Those who use AT&T, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile finally will be able to join the ranks of Verizon customers and text and gab away on their phones while waiting for trains. "We're still on track," Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel said Tuesday. "Everything is supposed to be ready by Friday." (Examiner)
LARGEST YARD SALE COMING
In 1912, the Titanic made her first (and last) voyage, suffragettes in New York paraded for the vote, Loudoun Light and Power brought electricity to Purcellville and Leesburg Hospital opened in a rented house. That same year, the fledgling hospital’s directors turned to the ladies of the community for help, and the Ladies Board of Managers -- 40 women from all the churches of Leesburg and the surrounding towns -- started volunteering at the hospital and raising money for everything from linens to bandages and blankets and cooking utensils. (Loudoun Times)
