A Denver man claims to have helped plan balloon hoax

Update: MSNBC.com is reporting that authorities want to question an associate of Richard Heene who claims to have discussed the balloon hoax with him through e-mails.

Robert Thomas, from Denver, sold a story called “Exclusive: I helped Richard Heene Plan a Balloon Hoax” to Gawker.com. He also provided the website with e-mail exchanges between him and Heene.

Last week Heene’s son was thought to have been inside a homemade helium balloon that was set adrift. The six-year-old boy was later found hiding in his house's attic.

Colorado authorities held a press conference announcing that criminal charges are expected to be filed against Heene for having planned the incident.

Thomas said the hoax was meant as a publicity stunt to promote a proposed reality show.

My Take: This is a story people are following because they are curious to know the outcome. This Denver man might be a key witness in solving this case.

The STA supports Miner

The Syracuse Teachers Association (STA) endorsed today Democratic candidate for mayor Stephanie Miner, according to Syracuse.com

“[Miner is] the best choice for the future of our schools and the future of our city’s children,” said STA President Anne Marie Voutsinas.

Miner promised to seek funding for the “Say Yes To Education” and full-day Pre-K programs.

My Take: The Syracuse mayoral race is an event that affects all city residents. Therefore, updates on the latest news on the candidates are of interest to the people. This endorsement is an important advantage for Miner because the STA represents more than 3,000 city school district employees.

UConn football player dies after being stabbed

CNN.com is reporting that a UConn football player was stabbed to death Sunday morning, police said.

Cornerback Jasper Howard, 20, was killed following a sponsored student dance on campus.

Authorities say that although they don’t have a suspect, they don’t believe the incident was a “random act.”

Howard, a soon-to-be dad, had been awarded the game ball after his team beat Louisville Saturday night.

My Take: This story is "my pick" because it pulls a chord. It caught my attention that this student was killed the same night he had been recognized for being such a good football player. It is also emotional because of the fact that he was about to become a dad.