NJN News; Monday April 10, 1995

You Coming up on NJN News, a terrorist attack in the Gaza Strip claims the life of a West Orange student and leaves a second New Jersey in injured. The FBI questions Rutgers students as security titans at the university's libraries after one bomb goes off and another is found. A Burlington township man is charged with killing his mother, ex-girlfriend and a friend in what prosecutors call a night of carnage and Senator Bill Bradley calls for cracking

down on people who are taking advantage of tax loopholes and JN News is coming up next. Major funding for NJN News is provided by the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. Justice Fidelity Bank, PSENG and Bell Atlantic. This is NJN News with Kent Manahan and Pat Scanlon with sports. Good evening, a New Jersey student dies and another is injured following a terrorist bombing in the Gaza Strip. The attack was one of two suicide bombings aimed against Israel that left eight dead and more than 40 wounded. Islamic militants opposed to the PLO peace process have claimed responsibility.

Today, PLO leader Yasser Arafat cracked down on the militants. Palestinian authorities have arrested 112 followers of Hamas and the Islamic Shihad. Washington is applauding that action. Today, a young woman from West Orange became the eighth victim of the violence. Alisa Flattau died early this morning from head wounds sustained in the bombing. Trish de Gasparis has the story. At the Flato home in West Orange this morning, family members anxiously waited for word about Alisa. Early reports had said the 20-year-old was on a respirator with critical brain injuries. Late this morning, the family received the horrifying news. Alisa had died. I have a statement that I'm going to read verbatim that was dictated to me by Alisa's father in Israel. Alisa loved the Jewish people, the Torah, and the land of Israel. She believed in the good, inherent in all people. She believed she was safe in Israel and no one could dissuade her from that belief. Alisa was a student at Brandeis University and had been on Alisa Vapsins to study at

a Yashiva in Israel. Alisa and two American friends were traveling on a bus from Jerusalem to a resort in Gaza when a suicide bomber drove his vehicle full of explosives into the bus. Alisa was hit in the head with shrapnel. Her two friends escaped with minor injuries. One of those friends was 22-year-old Javi Levine of Anglewood. Levine was sitting directly behind Alisa on the bus. She realizes that she was one of the few people who did survive and she thinks she knows why because firstly she had dosed off on the bus. So her head was down between her knees and then unfortunately the man who was sitting beside Javi had died as a result of the explosion and then his body had landed on Javi. So apparently it had shielded her. This as Levine said the young women were assured that the trip would be safe.

The travel agent had expressed to them that things were fine and the hotel where they were going to stay was booked. Javi Levine is expected to be home within the next several days. The family of Alisa Flato has donated her organs. Her father said it was Alisa's lasting contribution to the people of Israel. Trishty Gaspers and J.A. News, West Orange. Security is extra tight on the Rutgers University campuses tonight. The FBI started questioning students today as they entered libraries on two new Brunswick campuses. That after a bomb went off last week and a second was found. Rich Young reports. It's supposed to be a place to do two things. Be quiet and learn. But since two small bombs were discovered here in the Douglas College Library last week, this study hall has been transformed into a place where many people have jitters. I'm not sure if I want to go in the library anymore. I'd pick another one or go to a public library. The first device went off last Tuesday, here in the library's basement to cause a small

explosion which damaged some books and shelving. A second device was found on Friday, undetnated, again in the basement. There were no injuries in either incident, but Rutgers officials are not taking any chances. They've greatly increased security at all 13 of the university's libraries. Rutgers police now greet students as they enter the university's libraries. They're now inspecting all bags, packages, and books. Have you found any suspicious yet? No, I haven't. I've been here just today. No, I haven't found anything. I think they're right going. What's the FBI? We're just talking to people about the recent bomb that was placed in the library. And just beyond the front door, several FBI agents were looking for students who may have seen something suspicious last week. Agents would not discuss the case, but the library's administrator said students feel safer with the increased police presence. I think that the staff here and the students feel much more secure now that they're checking all the bags that are coming. I mean, the staff are being checked. I think it makes people feel better. Rutgers police have discounted possible ties to the unibomber, a mysterious bomber who has targeted universities and is blamed for the bombing and murder of a West Caldwell

man last December. At present, police say they have no leads, no suspects, and no motive. They're certainly repuzzled by this, and we don't know why Rutgers University or Douglas Library has been singled out from this particular activity, and we're continuing the investigation to try to find out why. While police continue to investigate, students say they'll remain on edge. I feel very unsafe now. I'm afraid to actually work there now. Police say the increased security will remain in effect at the libraries indefinitely. Rich Young and Jay News, New Brunswick. Fire investigators in Jersey City are trying to pinpoint the cause of yesterday's blaze that killed three children and left their mother seriously injured. The fire broke out in the early morning hours in a four-story apartment building. The youngsters ages 6, 8, and 9 were found dead on the second floor of the building. Their mother, Esparanzo Castillo, remains hospitalized in critical condition in Livingston. Five other people suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation. Two million dollars bail has been set for a Burlington Township man accused in a triple

murder. Hugh Miller was in court today to face charges he killed his mother, ex-girlfriend, and his best friend, and what authorities call a night of carnage. Jerry Henry reports. Burlington County prosecutors say Hugh Miller, a former boyfriend of Corrin Cochran Ball, killed her out of jealousy. A two-it-reportedly broken off a stormy relationship, she had started seeing someone else. She reportedly filed a harassment complaint against Miller early last week. Authorities say when she went to his apartment last Friday, he killed her. He manually strangled Cochran Ball, and as he was doing that, he actually banged her head on the floor, causing a cerebral hemorrhage to the back of the head. Authorities say later that day, Miller then shot Keith Teisman, one of his best friends, because he teased him about Ball's new lover. They say the rampage continued later when he shot his mother, whom he had apparently told about the two murders because she threatened to turn him in. Just characterize it as a night of carnage. Anybody that was close to him, this man destroyed four families, and it seems that anybody that

was close to him, we feel, for sure, the fourth victim was a real possibility. Prosecutors say they have a full and complete confession from Miller. Meanwhile, friends of one of the victims say they are shocked and appalled. These three men work with Cochran Ball. We're there from you, call the office, shoot, hang up on them. She come to work. You could tell that she was upset or something, and if you'd asked her, it was you. She was bothering her somewhere or another. Oh, we're outraged. Friday afternoon, we're all joking around, and then Saturday night, somebody we worked with, this brutally murdered, it's just wrong, and I hope you're frost. No trial date has been set for Miller. Jerry Henry, NJN News, Mount Holly. A federal judge has upheld the registration provision of Megan's law. The ruling was issued on behalf of an unidentified sex offender known as Robert Roe. He had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 53-year-old woman in 1993. The so-called Roe had not wanted to register with police under Megan's law, contending

that would violate his rights. Roe's attorney says he may appeal, but expects his client will register after all. State officials say less than a third of the estimated 3,000 released sex offenders in the state have signed up with police. Learning through technology was the theme at the State House today. Investigators from Hunterton Central Regional High School showed how they can communicate with their peers at the Liberty Science Center via interactive video. The demonstration was part of a state-funded program known as Classrooms Connections to the Future. Governor Whitman announced today that 10 school districts will receive grants of $35,000 each to develop model programs. These districts will serve quite literally as information laboratories. The knowledge and experience they gain will help other districts down the road. Liberty Science Center also received an $85,000 grant to develop an educational technology demonstration site.

And still to come tonight on NJN News, Senator Bill Bradley wants to crack down on the wealthy who live abroad to avoid taxes. And details are coming up of a first-time tax legislation that will help the city of Canada. You have one more week to file your income tax return.

It's an unwelcome chore that most of us can't avoid. But some super rich have found a way out of paying any taxes at all. And although it means renouncing their U.S. citizenship, it could mean holding on to millions of their dollars. It's a giant tax loophole that New Jersey senior senator wants to plug, as Sandra King reports. Whether or not it is your cup of soup, Campbell's does represent an American fortune, more than 26 million shares of which belong to this billionaire. But when John Durant's the third dies, Uncle Sam's share of his Campbell's take will be zero, instead of the usual 55 percent. Because it be Durant's is among the handful of super rich, who in the search for the perfect tax deal, have gone so far as to renounce their U.S. citizenship. And for most of that small select group, that Forbes magazine calls the new refugees, the big payoff won't have to wait till they die.

We should reward success, but I do not believe that we should allow people to renounce their citizenship in order to evade taxation. The people we're talking about are people have very large amounts of money, millions or billions. And we're talking many millions of dollars lost to the U.S. Treasury. Right. Giveaways to the rich are unacceptable, billionaires who rip off middle-class, working people are unacceptable. It's a proposal that predictably gets high marks from advocacy groups like Salokaze. But while the super rich expatriates have found their way to new low or no tax citizenship in places like Switzerland, Ireland and the Bahamas, the Bradley proposal has flunked where it counts, at least so far. Even the Republicans will have to vote for this, because this is an indefensible provision. At least that's what Bradley's predicting, and if he's right administration officials say there's a big payoff coming for the U.S. Treasury, although only about two dozen super rich each year actually turn themselves into expatriates, forcing them to pay up before

letting them out. Will reportedly mean as much as $2 billion new tax dollars in just the next six years. Sandra King and JN News. The two South Jersey legislators have their way. Tickets set the new Sony Music Amphitheater will cost a bit more. Republican Assemblyman Lee Solomon, along with Democrat Joe Roberts, planned to tap the facility to help economic growth and fight crime in the city. Ken St. John shows us how the first time tax legislation would work. The 25,000-seat blockbuster Sony Music Entertainment Center is the focus of the revitalization effort. Two South Jersey Assemblymen today announced first-time legislation that would establish a new economic designation for the entertainment complex that now sits in an urban enterprise zone. The new designation called the Municipal Development Financing District calls for the state's sales tax of 6% to be divided with Camden. 3% going for public safety purposes in the city. The other 3% going to the state treasurer.

And we'll be made available for economic development projects sponsored and were endorsed by the city of Camden and then approved by the state treasurer. Operators of the amphitheater scheduled to open around Memorial Day are not opposed to the idea. On one hand, of course, we would have loved to have the 3% tax benefit, but the fact that we could allocate the 6% to help the city of Camden in economic development and fighting crime is something we fully supported. Anytime you increase taxes, it sends a wrong message. Americans in the U.S. in the 1960s were paying 25% of their income and taxes. Today they're paying an excess of 35%. And this is something that is creating a lot of difficulties for families throughout the country and in New Jersey. So we really have to evaluate this very carefully. The legislation is geared just toward Camden and has the blessing of the state treasurer. And provide a means to stimulate development of housing, commercial base and the tax base in the city that ultimately will benefit all Camden County and state taxpayers and

taxpayers throughout the state of New Jersey. The Senate version of the measure is already before the Senate Appropriations Committee. It was sponsored by the late senator Walter Rand, Ken St. John and J.N. News, Camden. Governor Whitman's budget is calling for a $2 million cut in state aid to New Jersey's largest veterans home. Even though the reduction is still in the negotiating stage, concerns are being raised about the quality of care and the loss of jobs. Joy Purdy reports. The veterans' memorial home in Paramis will lose $2 million in state funding next year. According to Governor Whitman's budget proposal, the facility currently receives about $15 million a year in state aid. Officials have suggested privatizing some of the home's functions to keep in line with the governor's efforts to downsize. The suggestion has already been refuted by union leaders and concerned veterans groups. Union leader Bob Angelo says, as opposed to 400 state workers may lose their jobs. I think the decision is being made on the basis of politics and not on economics.

Nobody really knows what the bottom line is on this. They talk about $2 million, but nobody knows if that's a real figure. We want to make sure that the level and quality of care that we're interested in stays. We're very much aware of the quality of care, and that will probably be the determiner over just money in making that kind of decision. Anselmeanie says that privatization is not a definite solution. It's merely in its exploratory stage, but no matter what the decision, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, which oversees the piramis home, would have the last say. The Department claims it would only award a contract if the level and quality of care provided needs mandated health care standards. It is possible we will decide that some services should be contracted out, but that the residents will be better served by keeping other services in house. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has scheduled a public hearing at the piramis home at the end of this month, joined 30 NJN News. Contingency plans are in the works to deal with the shortage of air traffic controllers

at Newark, LaGuardia, and Kennedy airports. Because controllers are in short supply, the airports could be forced to curtail flights during the heavy travel summer season ahead. The Federal Aviation Administration has hired five former pet co-controllers, and has either gotten or asked for authorization to bring in at least 13 more controllers to help alleviate the situation. In addition, there is a plan in the works to cancel the vacations of controllers during the summer months. The FAA emphasizes that delays at Newark International are down by 60 percent during the last six-month period. Still ahead tonight on NJN News, coming up in our business report a new survey shows more economic growth in the garden state, and a top 10 ranking for a New Jersey pharmaceutical company. In tonight's business news, a new business survey conducted by Midlantic Bank for New Jersey

and Southeastern Pennsylvania indicates continued economic growth in the region. Despite a slowdown in sales growth, capital spending plans and the prospects for more jobs remain strong. Nearly three-quarters of those who participated in the survey say the next recession is a year or more away, and that the economy will continue improving for at least the near future. Orthopharmaceutical has been fined $7.5 million for ordering workers to shred documents. The action followed a probe by federal regulators about how the company marketed an acne drug that doctors prescribe as a wrinkle remover. Woodcliff Lake-based Ingersoll Rand has reached an agreement to buy competitor Clark Equipment.

The $1.5 billion cash offer is subject to regulatory approval. The deal by the heavy equipment manufacturer to buy out Clark works out to $86 a share $9 more than the original offer rejected by the Indiana firm. Work in company is at the number 10 spot on Forbes' list of most profitable American companies. The pharmaceutical giant ranks sixth in the magazine's Market Value Category, AT&T with six on the list, overall, with General Motors showing up as the biggest and most profitable of America's corporations during 1994. And that's a look at tonight's business news. Still ahead tonight on NJN News, we'll take a look at the New Jersey forecast and patch here now with a preview of what's coming up in his sports report. What are the devil's opponents? Have a one, two, three, four, five, if we didn't have one already, we don't have one now.

At the right time, the New Jersey devil is hitting stride, playing stingy defense with just 11 games left in this shortened season. Yesterday, the devil shut out the ranges to nothing. They haven't given up a goal in almost three games. Devil Goli Martin, Bredor, was named NHL Player of the Week today after posting back-to-back

shutouts. Bredor has stopped 32 ranger shots yesterday. Extending New Jersey's shutouts streak to 177 minutes, that is a new team record. Bredor last year's rookie of the year has a 2.45 goals against average and three shutouts. Yes, they devil scoring two-third period goals, including this tip in by Brian Ralston that left the rangers out of playoff contention for now. Meanwhile, Bredor and the devil are three points out of first place visiting Montreal this evening. The New Jersey nets are watching their playoff hopes, damn, as they get ready to face the hornets in Charlotte Wednesday. The nets can look to injuries, bad chemistry, and poor practice habits as they look at just 28 wins with seven games remaining. Right now, Boston is holding the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with Milwaukee two games back, Miami trailing by three, and the nets addison four games out of the last birth with a record of 28 and 47.

New Jersey plays the Celtics twice in their remaining seven games. Well, the defending NCAA lacrosse champions, the Princeton Tigers are trying to make it back-to-back titles, but it won't be easy. Bromante Brian has more on the Tigers' travails. Two lacrosse at La University, Princeton, the standard for lacrosse excellence. That's because the men and women are the division one defending national champions, eight games until this season, the men are six and two, atop the Ivy League standings and ranked nationally among the top ten teams in the nation. Being defending national champions, knowing that everyone's going to go out after you and try to knock you off, it's a challenge and a responsibility that I think we accept and we like being in that situation. When you're the defending national champions, and Princeton will be the national champions at least until the end of the season, everyone wants to take their shot at the team at the top, and Princeton has taken their shots. They lost their first two games of the season.

It was scary being going, too. We hadn't been that ever since I've been at Princeton. The Carolina game became a big one and we were fortunate to get that. To repeat its 1994 success, the Tigers will have to scratch and claw their way back to the title game with much younger pups than last year. We got a couple freshmen, a lot of soft ones playing. I think it took a little bit of time to get into our groove. I'd rather be defending an national championship than trying to win one, so you know, it's exciting and it's fun to have a team shoot for you because they get up for you and they get all excited, which makes us excited. And that makes for some good lacrosse. Permante Bryant, NJN News, Princeton. And men's tennis as a new number one, Andre Agassio surpassed Pete Sanfress in the World Rankings, Agassio was 20th last July before winning the U.S. and Australian opens in five other tournaments. So, Andre, the new do-it-all is now number one. Could Brook Shields have anything to do with that? He's been number one with her for a while, can't believe it. All right, Pat. Thank you, taking a look at our weather. It was quite a change from yesterday's warmer conditions, a sunny but cool day across New Jersey today, temperatures only getting into the 50s.

A look at the forecast in North Jersey tonight, clear and chilly, with lows in the mid-20s. Tomorrow it will be mostly sunny with highs in the mid-50s, and the extended outlook mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures will be pleasant. In South Jersey, the forecast looks like this, partly cloudy skies with lows in the mid-30s overnight. Tomorrow, lots of sunshine with highs reaching into the upper 50s. And the extended forecast in the southern part of the state, a chance of rain on Thursday with temperatures staying in the 60s. And finally tonight, you'll be able to buy a case of sunglasses for the sunny days ahead if you're the lucky winner of tonight's lottery drawing. The prize is an estimated $21 million in people all over New Jersey are forking over their dollars for a chance at the big time money. After five consecutive drawings, no one has won New Jersey's pick six lotto. You could catch the drawing live tonight at 757 on all NJN channels. And this, hello, would say, good luck, everybody. That's our news for tonight for Pat and all of us here at NJN News.

I'm Ketmanahann. Thank you for being with us and we'll see you again tomorrow. Good night.