The Night Note: 6/2/09

News you need to know

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

FIRST SWINE FLU DEATH IN VA
Virginia's first death associated with the swine flu was announced by State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remley Tuesday. The patient was a Chesapeake-area woman. The cause of death hasn't been confirmed, but the H1N1 swine flu appears to be a  factor. "We are deeply saddened by this death and offer our condolences to the family," Remley said. "The impact of this death is not lessened by the fact that the patient had preexisting medical conditions that increased the risk of complications from influenza." (NBC Washington)

NO CHARGES IN RONNIE WHITE DEATH
Prince George's County prosecutors say they don't have enough evidence to charge anyone with murder in the death of a 19-year-old inmate, but say other charges are possible.
Ronnie White was found dead in his jail cell at the Prince George's Corrections Center on June 29, 2008 -- less than two days after he was charged with first degree murder in the hit-and-run death of Prince George's County Police Cpl. Richard Findley. (WTOP)

WORLD'S MOST NOTORIOUS HOTEL ROOMS
Just what is it about a hotel room that inspires outrageous, flamboyant, or destructive behavior? Is it the anonymity that leads guests to believe they’re not accountable—or the coddling of an unflappable staff?  Do people go wild in hotels to attract attention, or to spite the attention they already receive? Does the temporary nature of staying in a hotel inspire the urge to make a lasting impression or cause permanent damage? Or is it the knowledge that all indulgences—or at least most—will be forgiven the moment the bill is signed? (MSNBC)

EMINEM MUM ON BORAT'S BUM
Eminem was mum Monday night about the MTV Movie Awards incident with Sacha Baron Cohen. The rapper, performing at a private concert to celebrate the launch of the DJ Hero video game, said nothing from the stage about the incident in which Cohen, dressed in character as Bruno, a flamboyant fashion reporter, dropped down on the rapper's face, exposing his bare bottom. Of course the litany of celebrities who were in attendance (Leonardo DiCaprio, Usher, Kim Kardashian and Tobey Maguire) couldn't stop chatting — or giggling — about the spectacle that had everyone wondering — staged or not? (USA Today)

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