Here's a rundown of the hot topics in Broward and Palm Beach this Thursday morning:
- WPLG-10's Rob Schmitt reports that Broward Sheriff's deputies are close to charging a suspect in the murder of 17-year-old Melissa Karp seven years ago. Here's the video. Karp's father told Schmitt there's a DNA match.
- A possible cancer cluster at the Acreage has attracted the interest of a law firm that worked with Erin Brokovich, according to Mitra Malek of the Palm Beach Post.
- The Palm Beach Post's Paul Quinlan finds Rep. Ron Klein sidestepping health care during a forum in Boynton Beach. I mean really, Congressman. Just 'cause your constituents might bring torches and pitchforks to the meeting doesn't mean they can't have a constructive conversation. (Or does it?)
- In the Sun-Sentinel, Tonya Alanez has a haunting description of the final moments of John Richard Marek, who was executed by lethal injection yesterday -- just the second Broward County murderer to receive the death penalty. An AP story said that his last words were inaudible, but Alanez reported Marek said, "Lord, remember us sinners."
- Three days after Miramar Police responded to reports of multiple slayings at a home on Encino Street, investigators still haven't offered clues about a motive, reports David Smiley in the Miami Herald. Along with a victim's father, they're pleading for help from the public. (Link includes video of yesterday afternoon's news conference.)
- Bicyclists got rough with a motorist in Boca Raton, reports Angel Streeter in the Sun-Sentinel. The article doesn't mention Critical Mass, but this sure sounds like them.
- Conflict between the Palm Beach County school district and its teachers union may have spooked the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, writes Laura Green in the Post. The foundation didn't name the district among its five finalists for a major grant.
