The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
PORN AT UMD
Despite a state mandate, the Board of Regents likely won’t institute a policy restricting the viewing of pornographic movies on college campuses after months of discussion and student protest. Citing free speech issues and administrative difficulties, University System Chancellor Brit Kirwan has recommended the Board of Regents — a 17-member panel of gubernatorial appointees that oversees the university system — not pass a film policy at its meeting today. (The Diamondback)
COPPER THEFT UP IN FAIRFAX
Over the last two weeks, thieves in Fairfax City have stolen various items made of copper, including the roof of a bus shelter. The shelter, located at the intersection of Jermantown Road and Carol Street, had its copper roof stolen on Oct. 29, said City of Fairfax Police Department spokeswoman Sgt. Pam Nevlud. "The bus shelter had been relocated due to road construction," she said. "It was likely lying on its side when the roof was taken, but that roof still weighed over 300 pounds." (Fairfax Times)
DC HOME SALES JUMP
D.C. area housing prices are still down from year ago levels, but not as much as nationally, and area sales jumped last quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors. The NAR said existing home sales nationally rose 11 percent in the third quarter. In The District, sales were up 21.1 percent from the previous quarter. Maryland sales rose 12.6 percent from the second quarter to the third quarter, and 8.7 percent in Virginia. (Washington Business Journal)
HEAT YOUR HOME CHEAPLY
With oil prices on the rise, the cheapest way to heat your home this winter may be natural gas. "The reason? We are swimming in natural gas," says Jim Ostroff, associated editor at Kiplinger Letter. "Prices are now around $4.5 - 4.6 per million British Thermal Units. They may inch up to $5 come December, January or February. But to put it in perspective that is actually less than half of the price of natural gas on average last year." (wtop.com)
KIDNEY SWAPS
When 10-year-old Sean Menard's battle with kidney disease took a turn for the worse, his former kindergarten teacher's aide offered him one of her kidneys. When it turned out she was not a good match, her husband volunteered. His act of kindness not only enabled Sean to get the kidney he desperately needed, but it became a vital link in a chain of four donors who would give their healthy kidneys to four people in need of new organs. (Baltimore Sun)
