The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
Charred Monkeys Found in Luggage:
Customs officials searching the bags of an African man who flew into Dulles International Airport on Friday discovered three charred monkeys in his luggage, as well as pounds of deer meat and dried beef, U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials said today. The man was traveling from the Central African Republic, a small country north of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and voluntarily admitted he was carrying the meat when asked by Customs officers whether he had any agricultural products -- a standard question for foreign travelers in airports, said U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Steve Sapp. (Washington Post)
Toddler Towed Away:
Two tow-truck drivers were charged with felonies yesterday after they towed away a vehicle without realizing there was a small child inside, police said. The Patriot Towing employees didn’t realize their early afternoon mistake until getting back to the business with the vehicle, a Mazda Protege, sheriff’s spokesman Bill Kennedy said. The employees immediately called the Sheriff’s Office and reported what happened. That call came four minutes after the 2-year-old girl’s mother called to report a stolen car and missing child. (FreelanceStar.com)
Thrift Store Business Surging:
With most retailers biting their nails about low consumer confidence and an expected flat holiday shopping season, one segment of the industry, at least, is flourishing in this recession. Thrift store managers throughout the region are reporting strong sales and plenty of new faces visiting their outlets in search of bargains on clothing, furniture and Christmas gifts. "We are so busy," said Kathleen Beaver, manager of Leesburg's Twice is Nice thrift store, which raises money for nursing scholarships. "As fast as donations come in the back door they go out the front door." (LoudounTimes.com)
