Briefs

LOCAL & VCU 

Richmond’s unemployment rate jumps to 7.9 percent in February

The unemployment rate in the Richmond region rose to 7.9 percent on a seasonally unadjusted basis in February – more than double what it was a year ago and a whole percentage point higher than the 6.9 percent recorded for January.

In February 2008, Richmond area’s unemployment rate stood at 3.7 percent, according to data released Wednesday by the
Virginia Employment Commission.

Virginia’s unemployment rate jumped to 7 percent on a seasonally unadjusted basis in February, up from 6.4 percent in January. It stood at 3.6 percent in February 2008.

Three of the state’s 10 largest metropolitan areas – Danville, Winchester and Blacksburg-Christiansburg – had higher unemployment than the Richmond area.

Brief by the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Hanover warns of fraudulent fundraising calls

The Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is warning of someone making fraudulent telephone calls soliciting donations for a bulletproof vest fund.

Col. V. Stuart Cook, the county’s sheriff, said the office has not authorized anyone to collect donations on its behalf for such a fund.

“It is unfortunate that criminals manipulate the values of our citizens for monetary gain,” Cook said. “While there may be legitimate organizations soliciting by phone, it has become necessary, and is my recommendation that our citizens provide no financial information or support over the phone in any case.”

Brief by the Richmond Times-Dispatch

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL

Republicans propose big tax cuts, spending curbs

Republicans in the House are pushing an alternative budget plan that would cut income tax rates and radically overhaul the Medicare program providing health care to the elderly.

The plan unveiled Wednesday by Wisconsin GOP Rep. Paul Ryan also freezes overall spending on domestic programs and repeals most of the spending in President Barack Obama’s recently passed economic stimulus bill.

Despite the spending reductions, the plan projects permanent deficits exceeding $500 billion into the future, fueled largely by big tax cuts.

The GOP plan would offer couples the option of a 10 percent rate on the first $100,000 of income, with a 25 percent rate thereafter. On Medicare, workers under the age of 55 would receive premium subsidies equal to the average Medicare benefit when they retire.

Brief by The Associated Press

Gang leader faces sentencing today in Petersburg

The leader of a Bloods-affiliated gang is to be sentenced today in Petersburg Circuit Court.

Kalvin B. Kelley, 22, faces up to 25 years in prison.

Authorities say Kelley tried to arrange a gangland-style hit last April on the Petersburg police detective who had him arrested. Police said Kelley tapped two juvenile-age gang members to kill the detective, promising them $7,000 up front and $3,000 more after the hit.

Kelley was a so-called five-star general in the G-Shyne gang, a subset of the Bloods in New York.

Brief by the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Suspected US missile kills 12 militants in Pakistan

A suspected U.S. drone fired two missiles Wednesday at an alleged hide-out connected to a Taliban leader who has threatened to attack Washington, killing 12 people and wounding several others, officials said.

The attack came a day after Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a police academy in the eastern city of Lahore, saying it was retaliation for U.S. missile strikes on militant strongholds along the Afghan border.

A local intelligence official told The Associated Press that the compound attacked Wednesday in a remote area of the Orakzai tribal region near the Afghan border belonged to one of Mehsud’s commanders.

The strike is believed to be the first in Orakzai, another sign the United States is expanding its attack zone.

Brief by The Associated Press

G-20 protesters break into Royal Bank of Scotland

G-20 protesters clashed with riot police in downtown London on Wednesday, breaking into the heavily guarded Royal Bank of Scotland and smashing its windows. Earlier, they tried to storm the Bank of England and pelted police with eggs and fruit.

At least 4,000 anarchists, anti-capitalists, environmentalists and others jammed into London’s financial district for what they called “Financial Fool’s Day.” The protests were called ahead of Thursday’s summit of world leaders, who hope to take concrete steps to resolve the global financial crisis that has lashed nations and workers worldwide.

Some protesters spray-painted the side of the RBS building with the phrases “class war” and “thieves.” Others pushed against columns of riot police who swatted them away with batons.

Demonstrators shouted “Abolish money!” and clogged streets in the area known as “The City” even as Prime Minister Gordon Brown and President Barack Obama held a news conference elsewhere in the British capital.

At least eight people were arrested but there were no serious injuries reported.

Brief by The Associated Press