The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
NO WORK, NO PAY, EVEN WHEN YOU'RE SICK
For millions of Americans the rule is simple: If you don't come to work, you don't get paid.That idea drives untold numbers of carpenters, day-care workers, servers, shopkeepers and small-business owners to their jobs each day. Sniffles or not. (AP/The Capital)
FREDERICK WORRIED ABOUT MONTGOMERY GANGS
Montgomery County's relatively welcoming stance on illegal immigration may be attracting gangs that are causing problems for its stricter neighbor, said Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins. "I believe that the policies of Montgomery County are beginning to affect Frederick County," Jenkins said. He pointed to two recent armed robberies in Frederick by Montgomery County members of the Latin Kings, a notoriously violent street gang that typically has illegal immigrants as members, as examples of what he said could be a growing problem. (Washington Examiner)
UMD STUDENT SEXUALLY ASSAULTED
Prince George’s County Police are searching for a man who raped a female student in her off-campus home early yesterday morning. At about 5:10 a.m., the suspect entered the 21-year-old student’s residence in the 7500 block of Dickinson Avenue, where he sexually assaulted the student in her bed, according to police. District 1 Assistant Commander Capt. Daniel Lipsey said the victim was asleep when the suspect entered the house. After she realized the man was assaulting her, Lipsey said, she screamed and the suspect fled. (The Diamondback)
FORECLOSURES, NOT ENOUGH LAWYERS
The pileup of foreclosure cases glutting local courtrooms has exposed a growing problem with the legal system: There just aren't enough lawyers to go around for all the struggling homeowners who need the help. (The Capital)
GAS PRICES
Gasoline prices have increased 24 cents per gallon from $2.461 on October 2, to $2.695 on October 30, according to AAA. Prices increased by a quarter per gallon in the metro area in the last month. In a reversal of fortune for consumers, gasoline prices are 15 cents higher than they were at this time last year at pumps across the nation. In fact, pump prices have reached their highest price level of the year. (Alexandrianews.org)
SMALLER APPLE CROP...
Virginia's apple farmers are predicting a smaller crop than usual, and prices are staying low. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that Virginia growers will produce 30 million fewer pounds than last year. Wholesale prices of apples from the state have fallen about 16 cents per pound, to 34 cents per pound, since last year. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
