The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
Major U.S. Companies to Slash 45,000 Jobs
American companies announced job cuts totaling 45,000 this morning, as the global downturn slammed the profits of such exporters as Caterpillar and a domestic recession hit hard at retailer Home Depot. As companies begin announcing their financial results for the end of 2008, they are also moving fast to cut costs in response to poor results and a diminished outlook for the coming year. (Washington Post)
Police Expand Ex-Pastor Sex Abuse Probe
The former minister charged this week with molesting a music student admitted to police that he had "sexual contact" with the child and recorded some of the encounters on camera, according to court documents. The 14-year-old boy told police that Tony Ray Malbrough, 44, of Indian Head, sexually abused him multiple times, most recently on Jan. 13. The victim said he took keyboard lessons at Malbrough's home, where the 44-year-old would allegedly molest him, court papers show. (SoMdnews.com)
Herring Sworn In to Va. House of Delegates After Recount
Alexandria lawyer Charniele Herring was sworn in to the House of Delegates this afternoon, nearly two weeks after being certified as winner and just minutes after the conclusion of a recount that found identical results. Shortly before 2 p.m., Herring was escorted to the front of the House chamber by three delegates, including House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem), who had fought for more than a week not to seat her, and House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry). (Washington Post)
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Student Robbed at Gunpoint in Univ. Park
Police are still looking for two men who held a university student at gunpoint and stole his credit card and cell phone in University Park early Friday morning, officials said. A male student was in the 6900 block of Route 1 at approximately 1 a.m. when he was approached by two men, according to a university crime alert. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun, but the student was not injured during the incident. (Diamondback Online)
George Washington Commemorative Coin Found in Alexandria
This month, the Alexandria Archaeology Museum identified a small token excavated 10 years ago in Alexandria as a 1797 medal commemorating George Washington. This artifact will be featured in “Hail to the Chief,” a new mini-exhibition at the museum now open in honor of the recent presidential inauguration, as well as Presidents Day and the George Washington Birthday Parade in February. The exhibit will be open through Tuesday, March 31. (Alexandria Times)
