By Fox & Friends host Gretchen Carlson

Today I traveled to The Villages in Florida to interview Sarah Palin. A big crowd had gathered — some starting yesterday morning — to get a book signed. Gov. Palin pulled up in her bus, accompanied by her daughter Piper and her baby Trig. Her parents and aunt were with her as well.

My mom was with me too! Since I am about to start my Thanksgiving vacation. First, I’ll run at least 4 chunks of the interview tomorrow on Fox and Friends btwn 6-9am EST. I’ll be live in Florida to talk about the interview.

We discussed news of the day, specifically Afghanistan and the newly proposed war tax. We talked about sexism in the campaign. Palin spoke a lot about Hillary Clinton. She said she hopes she will speak up more.

We talked about things in the book people won’t know about Sarah Palin! That was fun!

Finally, I asked her and her daughter Piper about their Christmas traditions for our Fox and Friends Christmas Eve Special.

I am glad I decided to delay my vacation to secure an interview I’ve worked more than a year to get.

The one question Palin won’t answer is what she plans to do iin 2012! See you bright and early tomorrow.

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By FNC Reporter Orlando Salinas

A couple of weeks back i burned off a day at Cleveland elementary school in Tampa Florida…

I was there to learn about something called the “renaissance program”… The idea is to pay “the best teachers” bonuses of 5 to 10% to teach students at some of Hillsborough counties poorest and worst performing schools.

I watched these kids … Watched their teachers … Listened to the principal talk up the program and  I gotta tell you — I liked what I heard and liked what I saw.

A patient teacher and kids who reminded me — of me! The 5th grade boys were full of wiggling energy — and the girls were paying more attention — don’t they always?!

I remember having a really hard time in elementary school… Math had always been my arch enemy– and I had a math teacher who Told me that I was nothing “but a stupid little boy”.

That stuck with me — and the other week as I sat there in Mrs. Emily Fagan’s classroom at Cleveland Elementary …  I found myself thinking ‘how wonderful it would have been to have had someone teaching me like Mrs. Fagan. A teacher who it seemed — loved teaching!

The kids there at Cleveland may not come from wealthy families, but their families love them enough to push for this “renaissance program”. And the teachers who are part of it, I don’t think they do it for the money, I think they do it cause they want their kids to have a fair shot at a better future.

And that starts by growing a thriving “mental garden” — a renaissance if u will

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By FNC Reporter Steve Brown

It isn’t often I’m required to shower … twice … to get an interview.

Last week … we traveled to Country View Family Farms in Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania. It is a large pig-breeding operation. It is also the latest target of Mercy for Animals.

The animal welfare group (which openly urges the public to switch to a vegan diet) got one of its ‘investigators’ hired at the farm earlier this year. The investigator was only identified as “he” … and Mercy for Animals says this man was employed at the farm for three months.

What the ‘investigator’ got … was video of some unsavory practices at the farm:

- piglets picked-up by their ears and tossed

- shots of piglets castrated and tails removed without anesthesia (there are none with FDA approval)

- piglets stampeded into a narrow corridor

- adult pigs being repeatedly tattooed by workers using sticks with metal prongs dipped in ink

- vaccination of piglets (including one where the animal had a mask drawn on it with a marker intended to show which piglets had been vaccinated)

- pregnant sows in gestation ‘crates’…which while providing opportunities to monitor feed and care gives the animal little room to move

- the euthanizing of an adult pig with a bolt-gun which required repeated ‘shots’ to finish the job

- piglets still alive after being placed in bins charged with CO to euthanize those which were too small or injured

When producer Marla Cichowski contacted Country View and told them about the video and asked for an interview to explain … they had one request. They wanted me to tour the farm. Because of bio-security measures (to make sure I didn’t transport any disease in or out) I had to do what every employee there does daily.  I was required to shower before going into the facility … and shower coming back out.

During the tour in company coveralls, bump-cap, socks,  underwear and boots … I saw none of the objectionable things in the video.  (Exception, the gestation crates where pregnant sows are held and monitored. I had discovered before arrival they ARE standard in pig breeding farms). The veterinarian, Dr. Jessica Clark answered all my questions about how and why things were done at the pig-breeding facility.

I learned quite a bit unfortunately, Country View would not allow us to bring in a camera so we could show how the place operated. After the one-hour tour of some 2,500 sows and many more piglets, I returned to the showers got back into my civilian clothes and got on with the interview.

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By FNC Reporter David Lee Miller

If you are reading this online you know at least something about the Internet. Chances are however, you don’t know the Internet is running out of addresses.

I don’t mean domain names like Fox News.Com Internet address are the numerical designations assigned to each Web site. They operate invisibly behind-the-scenes. After all, computers don’t understand English. They speak numbers.

The address shortage could end Internet expansion. No new Web sites for schools, businesses and the government. Forget the hope of one day connecting your toaster oven to the Net.

When the current system called IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4) was created decades ago no one could imagine the explosive growth of the Internet. In addition to computers, nowadays phones, cars, and even household appliances are connected to the web or soon will be.

The computer scientist nicknamed the father of the Internet, Vint Cerf,  said when he helped create the current address system decades ago, he never imagined it’s 4.3 billion addresses would not be sufficient.   If someone made the suggestion a larger system was needed, Cerf said he would have thought they were “out of their gourd.”

Cerf is now advocating a new address system called IPv6. According to the experts who administer the Internet the number of potential address is a number so large it is hard to fathom. To put the expansion in perspective, if the current system is a golf ball, the experts say, the new one is almost the size of the sun.

As Cerf might explain, in order to imagine a number this big, it helps to be out of your gourd.

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By FNC Reporter Anita Vogel

It’s hard to look at the video of 19-year-old Patty Phommannyong.  She was vibrant with her whole life ahead of her until her tragic accident.

Patty was taking part in a high-flying cheerleading stunt when something went terribly wrong, causing her heart to stop.  She fell into a coma and is now paralyzed and lives in a nursing home.  Her parents are devastated and drowning in medical bills.

What happened?  A lack of supervision say officials involved in the cheerleading industry.

Cheerleading has become the single most dangerous girls sport – responsible for more than 60 percent of women’s sport’s-related injuries.

What can be done?  One recommendation is for coaches to become certified by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators.

Right now, only 13 states require that coaches have any sort of certification at all and there’s also a movement to make cheerleading an actual sport in the NCAA so far no movement on that.

Another simple thing parents can do is to ask questions about whether the cheers squads will be using mats and spotters like private cheer clubs.

They can make the difference between a safe routine and life-changing accident.

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By FNC Anchor Trace Gallagher

In the hustle bustle of daily life, it’s sometimes easy to forget just how blessed we are as Americans.We are free to say what WE want, do as WE  please, believe as WE choose. But the only reason we are allowed to live our lives freely is because someone chose to freely give up their life.  Not because they didn’t want to live, but because they wanted their children and ours to live better.  For two hundred plus years they have ridden away, sailed away and flown away. Leaving behind sons, daughters, wives and husbands. When they didn’t come home their families were never the same, and when they did come home their families were never the same.  So remember that Veteran’s day should be as important for those of us who did not serve, as for those who did.  Because it gives us a chance to say thank you.

Happy Veterans Day and thank you.

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By FNC Reporter Shannon Bream

He was an 18 year old looking for purpose when Ed DePuy decided to join the United States Marine Corps back in 1964.  It was a time when many young men faced the reality of either joining the military or being drafted.  My father opted to go voluntarily and says becoming a Marine was a “life-changing experience” that had a dramatic impact on him.  After boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina, he was trained on the AMTRAK – an amphibious assault tractor – that transports troops ashore from ships.  For six years my father remained in the reserves and reported once a month to find out whether he’d be deployed to Vietnam, as the War there intensified.  He remembers each time there would be lawyers present to help soldiers draft their last wills and testaments, and medical staff on hand to give shots to those selected to head overseas.  While he was never tapped to go to the frontlines, I have no doubt my dad would have gone without hesitation.   He wrapped up his service in the Marine Corp in December 1970, just weeks before I was born.  Today, on Veterans Day I asked him to sum it up and he said, “I’m really proud I served my country.”

My other favorite veteran happens to be my stepfather, Jasper Norris.  He’s a United States Navy man who joined up back in 1956.  He had classmates who had served in the Korean War and says he was impressed when they returned with their sharp uniforms and interesting tales.  The Navy gave my stepdad the chance to serve on aircraft carriers around the world, and to train for his future profession owning a laboratory where dentures and all manner of dental prosthetics are made.  During his time in the Navy, my stepdad served as a boat coxswain and eventually a medic.  He told me, “The Navy provides young men and women the perfect way to get an education and to make something of their lives.”  My stepdad talks about his time in service with real affection for the opportunities and discipline it gave him.   He finished his service in 1961, and despite the sometimes tough challenges, his overall memory is, “I really enjoyed it.”

I’m proud I grew up in a family where military service is the norm.  In fact, my brother Eddy now services as an active duty Navy pilot.  I’ll refer to him as my favorite FUTURE Veteran.  What I’ve learned from these three men is that there is great honor in serving our country.  It takes equal parts bravery and selflessness.  Each time I pass the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here in Washington, D.C., I remember that the names of men my dad and stepdad knew and served with are inscribed there.  To all our Veterans who are still with us, whether they saw combat or worked endlessly to support those who did, I say THANK YOU.

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by FNC Reporter Molly Line

Voters in upstate New York hit the polls today in the wake of whirlwind developments shaking up the race for the 23rd Congressional district’s open seat.
Two very different candidates are left standing in this battle- Democrat Bill Owens and the Conservative Party Candidate Doug Hoffman.

Republican Dede Scozzafava pulled out and the repercussions are still echoing.
Democrat Bill Owens picked up her endorsement and garnered last minute backing from organized labor- a vote was split before Scozzafava, who’s husband is a union leader, pulled from the contest.

Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate, has grassroots support that helped him climb up in the polls.

Hoffman is a pro-life fiscal conservative who promises to cut taxes and reduce government spending. His campaign has the backing of Tea Party activists and prominent conservatives, like Fred Thompson and Sarah Palin.

The Republican National Committee first endorsed Scozzafava but, were quick to throw their backing to Hoffman when she left the race- the RNC and the National Republican Congressional Committee have made 140,000 calls on Hoffman’s behalf since Sunday.

Hitting the polls early this morning, Owens says voters have a clear choice.

“We can go backward to the Bush agenda which includes tax cuts for the very wealthy, privatization of social security and tax credits for companies that send jobs overseas, the recession, a 4.9 trillion dollar addition to the deficit, or they can move forward with us,” Owens said.

Doug Hoffman says he’s fighting for the heart and soul of the Republican Party, backed by grassroots support.

Republican Scozzafava freed her supporters but, it’s unclear where her votes will go now.
As a pro-choice, pro-gay marriage candidate with moderate views on tax issues she appealed to some Democrats and Independent voters who could peal away towards the Owens camp, however, the majority of her voters identified with the GOP and their support could benefit Hoffman who now has the backing of national party leaders.

The unusual battle has sparked much debate over whether the results are evidence of a rift in the GOP or just a anomaly resulting from unique circumstances that allowed local republican leaders to hand-pick a nominee, rather than voters.

House Minority Leader John Boehner weighed in today saying political rebellion among conservatives is bigger than most people imagine.

“They don’t have a primary in New York. If they had a primary this would have been resolved weeks ago but, what has happened over the last two or three weeks, basically has been the republican primary,” Boehner said.

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It’s election day in New Jersey, and though the sun is shining – not much is clear.  The polls put the match up between incumbent Democrat Governor Jon Corzine and his Republican challenger Chris Christie at a dead heat.  That’s a significant shift from this time last year when President Obama carried the Garden State by a 15 point margin.  Obama has invested time in this race, trying to buoy Corzine going into the homestretch, but any boost has yet to surface in the polls.  After voting today, Corzine sounded optimistic.  “I feel like we’ve got a lot of momentum coming from behind,” Corzine continued, “the only poll that counts is the one that’s going on right now between 6 and 8.”

The Christie camp remains upbeat as well, encouraged by what it sees as a swing away from Corzine and toward Christie in recent polling data.  The candidate is confidently predicting victory.  “I believe the Republican party will be much stronger tomorrow because we will have a Republican governor of New Jersey.”  To make that a reality Christie will have to do what no Republican has been able to accomplish since 1993 – unseating an incumbent Democratic governor.  Christie says he welcomes the challenge, and sees a win tonight as just a beginning.   Christie commented today, “It’s also going to place a great deal of responsibility on our party then to govern.”

Still in the mix, though not as a top contender, is Independent Chris Daggett.  What happens with his supporters today could swing the race in one direction or another.  “Unaffiliateds” make up the state’s largest pool of registered voters at 2.4 million.  It’s all the unknowns that will make the New Jersey gubernatorial race such an interesting race to watch when the polls close at 8:00pm EST.

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By FNC Reporter Shannon Bream

The newest Quinnipiac poll out Monday shows the New Jersey gubernatorial race continues to be too close to call.  The latest results show Republican challenger Chris Christie at 42 percent, with the Democratic incumbent ,Governor Jon Corzine, at 40 percent.  Third-party candidate Chris Daggett continues to poll around 12 percent, and while he isn’t a top contender he could have great impact on the two men who are.  In that same Quinnipiac poll Daggett supporters were pushed to select a second choice.  Thirty-nine percent would go to Corzine, while just 29 percent would shift to Christie.  The Daggett factor could have significant impact tomorrow, though Corzine believes Daggett’s entry into the race has been positive.  “I think Mr. Daggett did everybody a favor by forcing my opponent to try to say something specific, which he hasn’t said in 11 months,” Corzine remarked in reference to the ads Christie has been running against Daggett in recent weeks.

Corzine is coming off a weekend that attracted thousands to events headlined by President Obama.  The top Democrat urged Corzine supporters to recognize that the governor has managed many difficulties during his term.  “Change is hard,” the president warned, “Corzine didn’t promise it was going to be easy -  he promised he would wake up every single day thinking about you.”

At his events, Corzine also linked Christie to controversial Congressman Joe Wilson, the Republican who shouted “you lie” during President Obama’s health care reform address to Congress.  Corzine said the two were campaigning together, something the Christie campaign flatly denied.  Though Wilson was in New Jersey at an unrelated event, there was no connection between Christie’s camp and the Wilson meeting.

Christie remains positive on his final day of campaigning, as he travels across the state on a bus tour.  He’s stopping to thank supporters and also trying to sway last minute undecideds, the group that could make all the difference on Tuesday.  While Corzine has accused him of failing to offer specific solutions, Christie says it’s Corzine’s record that should be the biggest concern for voters.  “Jon Corzine stood in front of the people of New Jersey and made a bunch of promises and he put his hand over his heart and said, ‘Citizens of New Jersey, hold me accountable,’” Christie continued, “Well November 3rd is accountability day, let’s pick him up and throw him out!”

Political analyst Larry Sabato says that would be a big loss for the administration.  “If Corzine loses that, of course, is a major prob for the WH because they’ve picked the New Jersey’s governor’s race as the one President Obama can affect.”  The dozens of supporters who waited in the cold drizzle to cheer Christie outside the Monmouth Country Republican Headquarters Monday seem determined to make that happen.

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By FNC Reporter Shannon Bream

On the campaign trail today it’s a drizzly, gray day in northern New Jersey, but Republican challenger Chris Christie is clearly optimistic.  A new poll from Rasmussen Reports give Christie a slight lead over the Democratic incumbent, Governor Jon Corzine – 46% to 43%.  The wildcard is third-party candidate Chris Daggett.  While his share of the pie slipped to just 7% in the Rasmussen poll, a number of analysts say he is hurting Christie more than Corzine.  Christie seems unconcerned about Daggett, and is quick to lump him in with Corzine.  We’ll find out if voters are buying the strategy, one week from today.

About 75 prospective voters showed up at Garvey’s Pub in Monroe Township, New Jersey, on Tuesday to talk with Christie firsthand.  They posed tough questions about job losses, health care and taxes.  The crowd was polite, but passionate.  They included a man who has plastered the side, front and back of his large RV with bright orange letters touting Christie as the answer to all of New Jersey’s problems.

The Corzine camp, flush with cash and big-name support, will welcome former President Bill Clinton for a second appearance tonight.  Then, President Obama will join Corzine for the third time on Sunday.  Of the visits, Corzine says, “I think it’s helpful that a popular president believes that I could be a better partner with him than other candidates in the race.”  To which Christie replied, “In the end, he’ll get on the Air Force One and leave.  He’s not gonna stay here and help run New Jersey.”  Christie continued, “The people of New Jersey are too smart for that.”

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by FNC Reporter Molly Line

University of New Hampshire officials have asked a freshman to take down the American flag he unfurled from his dorm room window.
It’s the case of a patriot facing off against a policy.

Conner MacIver sees a symbol of freedom, one that represents the U.S. constitution and respect for military sacrifice.
University officials see a broken rule and fear a slippery slope.

The school asked MacIver,  to bring the flag inside and adhere to a long-standing rule that prohibits objects from being suspended from dorm windows, hung on buildings or placed on the grounds.
MacIver complied- he says out of a healthy respect for rules and authority- but, he’s not being quiet about it, calling for a quick change in policy.

“Ultimately, I’d like to be able to hang my flag up today. I would like UNH to say, you know what, it’s an american flag. You should be able to hang it up- go for it,” said MacIver.

But, University officials are steadfastly defending their rules, saying they were put in place to keep students safe and prevent inappropriate displays from popping up on residence hall facades.

“Obviously the american flag doesn’t fall into that category but, we can’t be choosey. If we allowed one we might be in a position of having to allow them all,” said Scott Chesney, Director of Residence Life on campus. “Our policy, by the way, mirrors that of the United States Navel Academy. I’m certain that there would be no other place that would be more supportive of the American flag than them.”

Chesney insists the rule- in place since the 1980’s- is not meant to trample on free speech rights.

“I understand the concern. I think that, again, universities are all about freedom of speech and we certainly revel in that as well but, there appropriate ways to do that and places to do that. He is obviously permitted to display his flag in his room.” said Scott Chesney.

University officials are not granting MacIver’s wish for immediate action, instead encouraging him to make his arguments in the spring when the offices of housing and residence life review policies, taking recommendations from the Student Senate into account. MacIver says he’ll make his appeal then if he can’t get campus authorities to consider quicker action.

“It’s been positive feedback, through and through,” MacIver said of his fellow students. “A few kids here and there are like, why are you making such a big deal out of this? And my answer to them is- this is something I feel passionate about. I’m standing up for what I believe in.”

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by FNC Reporter Alicia Acuna

The Heene family says “They’ve had it! They’re done with interviews.”  A family friend named Tina Chavez,  just walked outside their home, here in Ft. Collins, Colorado, and gave all of us here covering the story, that message.

I walked into the Heene house very early this morning while Falcon’s dad, Richard was doing a live interview with another network.  One of the bookers told me that 6-year-old Falcon had just vomited on live television.  I peaked around the corner into the living room, where the lights and camera were located and saw a very distraught Richard talking to whomever was on the other end of the satellite feed.  One of the kids was nearby laying on a couch, but I couldn’t tell which one.

It struck me as odd that so many strangers (including me and Fox News Denver Bureau field producer Kelly Burke) were inside this home, walking in and out with no one stopping to ask questions at the door.

But then, this, as so many have pointed out, is one of the strangest stories to be covered in a long time.  Adding to it all, the Larimer County Sheriff’s Department is now meeting with investigators to decide whether to pursue this case as a fraud.  During one of the family’s live interviews yesterday, Falcon mentioned that this was all part of a show.  That caught the attention of authorities.  It also piqued the interest of the millions of people who watched for two hours as helicopters chased the “Low altitude vehicle” that we all thought was carrying a young child.  Part of the reason the question over the validity of this event is so important is that this was a very expensive two hours. Two military helicopters were launched, Denver International Airport diverted flights for a time, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) assisted in tracking the balloon, in addtion to multiple sheriff’s deputies and search and rescue personnel.  Right now, the New York Post is estimating the cost to be around 2-million-dollars.  We’re awaiting the official word on that number.  Officials have told us that the Heene family will not be footing the bill, so far.

We’ll have more after a news conference to be held by the sheriff’s department at 2pm eastern.

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by FNC Reporter Julie Banderas

Back then, the housing market was strong… banks were lending… and people had jobs!
It was a peak year on Wall Street. Two years later, unemployment is on the verge of hitting 10% and pay cuts are at the highest level since the great depression. According to the Wall Street Journal’s 2009 projections, workers at 23 top investment firms can expect to earn more than they did in 2007.

Their analysis shows investment banks such as Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley are on track to dole out 140-billion dollars to its employees this year. An increase of 20% from last year’s $117 billion dollars topping 2007’s $130 billion payout. The average salary for employees at these companies is an estimated $143,400. That’s up almost $2,000 from 2007 levels. The rally is thanks to growing confidence by some Wall Street firms that they can again pay top dollar to their top dogs once they have re-paid the taxpayer-funded capital infusions they received at the height of the crisis.

The Obama administration’s pay czar, Kenneth Feinberg is keeping a close eye on these compensation packages particularly at 7 firms receiving federal aid, including bank of America and Citigroup. Citigroup is on pace to pay about 22-billion dollars. Bank of America is on track to pay about 30-billion. Some experts say big payouts are projected high because of recent bank acquisitions but with all that money it begs the question, are these multi-billion dollar firms hiring considering there are 15 million people hunting for work across the nation? Some say yes, but the majority of American’s feel Wall Street and main street aren’t on the same track.

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By FNC Reporter Alicia Acuna

We went to Winter Park Resort on the hunt for jobs and found that they, like others in their line of work are hiring.

Turns out, if you are looking for work, right now, one of the best locations is a ski resort.  All over the country, ski towns and the resorts that bring the crowds are taking applications for seasonal work.  The type of work available is quite a range, as is the pay.  Here at Winter Park Resort, about 70 miles west of Denver, the human resources office says they are looking for ski and snowboard instructors, ski lift operators, wait staff, hospitality folks and housecleaning.  The pay starts around 9-dollars an hour, plus tips.  Instructors are considered specialized, so they get paid more.  But every employee gets the perks, and there are many!

Check out this partial list:

- free credit union

- daycare

- discounted employee housing

- discountWe came to Winter Park Resort in Colorado, on the hunt for places that s at the food vendors

- career enrichment classes

- free shuttles to take you back and forth to work

- free ski and snowboard lessons

- free ski passes to all sister resorts in the region

The jobs last from November until April.

This year there isn’t as much competition for jobs with foreign workers, who are often attracted to these jobs because of their benefits and temporary nature.  The immigration debate in Washington has made the temporary work visas to come by, but also, those hiring are hoping to help out unemployed Americans.  The Human Resources Director, Karen Gadberry tells me that in a normal year 10% of their seasonal workers are on a visa, but this year, in being sensitive to the unemployment rate in the United States, they have cut that number in half.

If you are interested in applying at this resort, go to www.winterparkresort.com.  But in checking at other places around the country, I can tell you that almost every ski resort is hiring and holding job fairs.  So, if you go online and search for a resort nearest you, you might have some luck!!

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13 years ago today, FOX News Channel went LIVE for the world to see! Now, after all these years don’t you think you should send an anniversary card? What would you send FNC today?

Click “comments” below and send your best wishes our way!

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By FNC Reporter Alicia Acuna

Today we are revisiting Temporaries on Stand-By in Denver to see how business has been since we last visited in July. According to Keith Law, the Vice President and Sales Manager, “things are actually worse”.

Our coverage of Temporaries on Stand-by is a part of FOX’s ongoing series “The Road to Recovery”.  All around the country, crews are checking in on certain industries to see what they are experiencing on the ground during the economic turnaround.

When we arrived at their office around 7 O’clock this morning,  it was a blustery 42 degrees outside.  Men and a couple of women, bundled in jackets and layers of long shirts stood outside to have a smoke and a cup of coffee before heading inside to await word if they’d work today.

Walking into the facility, it was evident the chill followed folks indoors, where signs on the walls said “No new applications being accepted”.  A stark reminder that while we may hear of signs of a recovery, the movement on it, can be painfully slow.

Those who are fortunate enough to have a “job” with Temporaries on Stand-by sit in a lobby watching television until their name is called to head out to work in any manner of job.  Much of it is hands on – like construction, roofing or manufacturing.  There are about 50 people sitting and waiting.  A few of them talk to each other, but mostly, it’s quiet, and folks just keep to themselves.

50 is about the average number of men and women who will be hired today, out of this office.  When we were last here in July, the average out the door was between 60 and 90.  What’s more, Keith Law, who spends a lot of time in the field talking to businesses, says that many companies say they cannot afford day-hires right now or much of anything because the banks aren’t lending money.  “That leaves us holding the bag,” says Law.  This company takes care of all payroll duties, taxes and provides liability insurance for every person they send out.  When their clients can’t afford to pay Temporaries on Stand-By, the temp agency loses money.  Law tells me however, they will keep plugging away and continue working to expand its customer base.  Tom Grinstead and Keith Law are upbeat, when you consider the circumstances: today they are leaving early to catch the Colorado Rockies baseball game!

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By FNC Reporter Alicia Acuna

Najibullah Zazi’s time in Denver may be limited, but he still has at least one more court date in the Mile High City. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Craig Shaffer has scheduled the 24-year-old Zazi to appear before him at 9:00 am MTN time tomorrow. During that hearing federal prosecutors will have to prove that the man standing a few feet away from them is in fact the same man that a New York grand jury believes plotted to launch a possible attack on the United States. I spoke with Denver-area defense attorney Craig Silverman, who was in the courtroom today about this portion of tomorrow’s hearing. He says that it won’t be a difficult task to accomplish, in his opinion, and that they will soon be able to move on to the details of transferring this Afghan native to Brooklyn.

The prosecution today asked Judge Shaffer to consider its motion to drop the initial charge against Zazi, of lying to a federal agent. Many in the legal community called that original charge, basically a “holding charge” — a minor offense, in comparison to the terror indictment.

The evidence the government says it has against Zazi is frightening. In supporting documents filed in federal court, the Justice Department says the FBI found that Zazi traveled to Pakistan in August of last year. And that he stayed there until January of this year. According to the filing, Zazi spent part of his time in the Peshawar region and received training in explosives and bomb manufacturing from Al Qaeda. The feds say they have the surveillance video and receipts to prove it. Hydrogen peroxide is one element found in the “…explosive Triacetone Triperoxide (“TATP”) which is the explosive used in the 2005 London train bombings and intended to be used in the 2001 shoe bomb plot by Richard Reid.”, according to the court documents. The government also alleges that Zazi sought out the other two ingredients often used to build TATP (acetone and hydrochloric acid), as well.

Listed on the mountainous amount of information they say they have against this supposed “quiet and shy man” – his attorney Art Folsom described him that way to me — is additional surveillance of Zazi twice checking into the same hotel, in the city (Aurora, Co) where he rented an apartment. In tests the FBI conducted on the room Zazi used, they found evidence of residue of acetone in the vent above the stove in the room. The meaning behind this, that Zazi, according to authorities, was cooking down a concentration of the components that go into making a bomb.

In addition, the feds say they have three email accounts that Zazi used while fine tuning his bomb making skills, they say they have emails he sent out, that came in a more and more urgent way toward the end of this summer, requesting specifications on explosives, proper mixtures and weights. This was right before the FBI says Najibullah Zazi traveled to New York, and arrived on September 10th. Before he arrived, the government has evidence that he conducted internet searches for the third component in the TATP explosive — hydrochloric acid. He was looking for a place where it could be purchased in Flushing, New York. Authorities say an attack may have been imminent. But Zazi, according to FBI wiretaps, was tipped off by the Imam at a New York mosque. He was told that the feds were on to him. Zazi cut his trip to New York short and flew back to Denver.

He and his father spent last week talking to the FBI. Saturday they were both arrested and charged with lying to the FBI. His father, Mohammed Zazi faces eight years in prison and a 250-thousand dollar fine. That Imam? He now faces the same charge. His name is Ahmad Afzali. He was in court today in Brooklyn.

Attorney Craig Silverman tells me that in that federal courtroom in Denver, today, the Zazis, father and son, did not look at each other or even acknowledge the other the entire hearing. Najibullah Zazi faces life in prison if found guilty.

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By FNC Reporter Alicia Acuna

Lying suspect becomes terror suspect.

We just had an major and expected development in the case against Najibullah Zazi. The U.S. Justice Department says Zazi, who is a legal resident of this country from Afghanistan has been indicted in ” … the Eastern District of New York on a charge of conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction (explosive bombs) against persons or property in the United States.”

You’ll recall, Zazi was originally charged with lying to a federal agent during a domestic terrorism investigation, an offense that carries a penalty of eight years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. According to the Justice Dept., federal prosecutors will move to have that charge dropped, which in turn will clear the way for Najibullah Zazi to be transferred to New York to face the much more serious terror charge.

A few frightening items to come out of the information on this new charge: U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said, “We are investigating a wide range of leads related to this alleged conspiracy, and we will continue to work around the clock to ensure that anyone involved is brought to justice. We believe any imminent threat arising from this case has been disrupted, but as always, we remind the American public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

Zazi’s father, Mohammed Zazi has been released on an unsecured 50-thousand dollar bond. That means he doesn’t have to post the money, but must provide it if he does not show up for his next hearing on October 9th.

The hearing here in Denver is continuing as I type … we have a producer in the courtroom emailing us constant updates. We’ll keep you updated here and on the channel!

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by Faith Mangan, FNC Field Producer

Najibullah Zazi, 24, and his father, Mohammed Zazi, 53, had an initial appearance together before Judge Craig Shaffer in federal court in Denver today.  They are charged with knowingly and willfully making false statements to the FBI in a matter involving international and domestic terrorism.

Both defendents were escorted into the crowded courtroom in handcuffs.  The elder Zazi was clad in a grey t-shirt and running pants, while his son was in a short sleeved, button-down yellow, plaid shirt.  Before the official start, they each spent some time looking over sheets of paper, while quietly conferring with defense attorney Arthur Folsom.  The courtroom was packed early on with media representatives from all the main news organizations.  It was standing room only.

The hearing got underway with a request for a court appointed attorney for Mohammed Zazi.  The judge said he knew things had been busy for Arthur Folsom’s office, but he needs to be in good standing with this district to have an appearance in it.  Folsom said he had taken care of paperwork earlier in the day and the problem was that he was still credentialed under his last law firm.  The judge said he’d accept Folsom’s representation for today, but if he’s going to have future court appearances, the paperwork needs to be properly resolved going forward.

The initial appearance continued with the judge advising the defendants of their rights: the 5^th amendment (self-incrimination) and the 6^th amendment (right to counsel).  Najibullah indicated he intends to keep Folsom as his attorney.  Mohammed affirmed he wanted court-appointed counsel.  The judge reviewed Mohammed’s affidavit of financial need and said he qualifies for the help.

The judge then moved onto citizenship, stating if someone is not a citizen, he or she has a right to have the consular office contacted.  Both men are from Afghanistan. Najibullah is a legal resident of the United States, his father is a naturalized citizen of this country.

Folsom consulted with Najibullah and said they do not wish to have that done at this time, but they reserve the right in the future.  A representative from the public defender’s office then jumped in on behalf of Mohammed, even though the case has not yet been assigned to a particular attorney.

It was then time to go over the charge each of them is facing and the penalty if convicted, a potential 8 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release.

The men were told they’re entitled next to a preliminary hearing.  The government is not seeking detention of the father, Mohammed, but prosecutors do want to keep Najibullah in custody.  The judge set 9 a.m. MT on Thursday, September 24, 2009 as a preliminary and detention hearing for Najibullah.  Judge Shaffer said he understands evidence gathered under the Surveillance Act (known as FISA) is part of the case, and he asked if that would be a problem for Thursday.  Prosecutors said they did not expect it to be an issue.

Mohammed’s expected release was the next thing on the agenda.  The public defender pointed out Mohammed was having issues following along with the proceedings in English and asked for an interpreter next time.  Conditions for Mohammed’s release include: $50,000 unsecured bond (he does not have to post, but can forfeit that money if he violates conditions), he’ll have to report to a court officer on a regular basis, his travel is restricted to the state of Colorado and he has to get permission before crossing the state’s lines, he has to surrender his passport and may not obtain new travel documents, he can not become an informant without the court’s prior consent, he can not have firearms and he may not leave his home except for preset reasons such as employment, medical reasons, court appearances, education or religious reasons.  Mohammed must also pay the cost of electronic monitoring.  Even though the government does not intend to hold him on an ongoing basis, he cannot be released until his home is certified for electronic monitoring.  The judge set Thursday, September 24 for t a status conference to check up on progress towards Mohammed’s release.  The prosecution said they want the full amount of allowable time, 20 days, until they have to hold a preliminary hearing for Mohammed, because they are still collecting evidence and interviewing people.

The public defender who was present finished out the hearing by taking the podium to state Mohammed has not waived his right to counsel, so further attempts by law enforcement or the government to contact Mohammed Zazi must go through counsel.

Afterwards, outside the courtroom, the wall of silence returned. The prosecution team left without saying a word to reporters. The defense, would only say they will be back Thursday.

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By FNC Reporter Phil Keating

Will a father kill his runaway daughter for turning to Jesus? That remains the ultimate question for an Orange County, Florida Juvenile Court Judge. In the two months since 17 year old Rifqa Bary ran away from her Columbus, Ohio home and took a Greyhound bus to Orlando, Florida, her claim that her muslim father will perform an “honor killing” if she’s sent back home has garnered international attention, pitting evangelical christians against muslims and Islamic scholars, who say the supposed danger to the girl is not supported by the Koran, and that honor killings are extremely rare. A motions hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. today in Orlando to address some new developments in this provocative custody dispute. Rifqa’s father, Muhamed Bary, has filed an unruly child motion in Columbus, and his attorney in Orlando has asked the court to dismiss the case for lack of evidence. The Florida Department of Law Enforcment investigated the girl’s claim and found no credible evidence to indicate that her father would kill her for abandoning Islam, or has ever threatened to harm her. That was the same conclusion of Ohio investigators. For now, Rifqa is living with a foster family in Orlando. For the first two weeks after she ran away, she lived at the home of two Christian pastors in the Orlando area, Blake and Beverly Lorenz, who founded the Global Revolution Church. They have not been charged as of now, however it’s against Florida law for an adult to harbor a minor for more than 24 hours without alerting the child’s parents or authorities. Juvenile court proceedings are not public and the Judge has imposed a gag order on the attorneys, so at this point it’s unclear whether the Judge will only deal with motions today, or perhaps hear testimony from both sides as to the merit of the girl’s claim of imminent death if she returns to her Muslim home, as her many Christian supporters believe. Florida Governor Charlie Crist wants Rifqa to remain in Florida custody until the court settles the case. Ohio Governor Ted Strickland recently said he thinks Rifqa should come back to Ohio, where Ohio child advocates can determine whether Muhamed Bary is a threat to his daughter’s life, or if Rifqa’s fears are unsubstantiated “beliefs.”

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Hey FOX Fans! What would you ask Glenn Beck right now if you could?

Click “comment” below to send us your question that could be answered by Glenn himself!

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By Ashley Dvorkin, FNC Entertainment Producer

Aside from chatting with Megan Fox and her humor-horror flick co-stars about their gig coming out this week “Jennifer’s Body” (see past “On the Scene” entry), there were other A-listers who lent us their time to dish about their latest projects.

Multi-tasking entertainer Mariah Carey turns actress again for the drama “Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire” an intense film in which she plays a social worker trying to help a troubled 16-year-old abuse victim (played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, who’s name I predict we will all know soon).  It’s the film Mo’Nique is already getting awards buzz for and the one Oprah is producer on.

This is the role you may have also heard features a make-upless Mariah (with a wardrobe circa 1987).  She has a fun sense of humor when talking about stripping down her usual glamorous look to get into this heavy role that she calls “more than a plain Jane”.  It was a welcomed challenge and she trusted the director, but admits to trying to sneak a little blush and laughed when she added “it didn’t matter, like blush was going to solve that issue.”  So as you can tell, no Diva-attitude here!  I think we’ll be seeing more of the Hollywood-bound Carey who admits she’d like to keep pursuing this route.

(Stay tuned for more on this film when it gets closer to the November release date!)

Meanwhile, Matt Damon was also in town for “The Informant!”, due out this week, a dark comedy based on true story of the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in the US.  Although when it comes to undercover spy work Matt said, “I don’t think I’d be particularly good at it, I’m not very good at keeping secrets in general.”  And bringing things back to his Academy Award win for writing, I asked if he’ll be doing more behind the camera work, “I’d like to keep writing and eventually want to direct”

It was also fun to spend time with Ricky Gervais who pretty much does everything on his upcoming film “The Invention of Lying” as star, writer, and director.  Set in a world where everyone tells the truth because they have to and “saying nothing at all” isn’t an option – it co-stars Jennifer Garner and Rob Lowe among other big-time cameos.  We talked about having fun on the set (nerf balls were apparently a toy of choice) and Lowe clarified the theory that just because they make believe on the big screen doesn’t mean they are good at lying in real-life he says “good actors are bad liars, bad actors are good liars”.  I also tried to throw a statistic at Gervais about how many times people lie in a day just to have him play along but – I didn’t have the number on me!  So although a funny moment, it was a failed attempt – guess I’m not that good a liar either!

You only have to wait until October for this one.

(and yes, there will be plenty more video and information on those films too coming up on Foxnews.com!)

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By FNC Reporter Alicia Acuna

We just got back to the Denver Bureau following our interview with Art Folsom, the attorney for Najibullah Zazi.  I blogged earlier that we’d heard that Zazi himself was in the building.  We were told that by Mr. Folsom’s legal aide.  But when Art Folsom came into the conference room for our sit down, he told us that his client was not there, but that he’d been on the phone with him for about a half hour this morning.

Once the cameras started recording (and there was more than one.  Eli Stokols, a reporter with the Denver FOX affiliate KDVR set this up, and for that we are grateful) Mr. Folsom told us that he and his client have reached out to the FBI office here in Denver requesting that Zazi be interviewed.  According to Folsom, Zazi has yet to interviewed by authorities regarding being placed under “strict sureveillance” or talk in the media that he may have been involved in a terror plot being formulated by an Islamist militant cell in Queens, NY.  Folsom says his client is still in shock over the entire matter and wants to clear his name as soon as possible.  We have a call into the local FBI office to confirm this statement.

Folsom told us that with all of the media attention given to the NY terror raids and his client, in particular, that he fears Zazi could become another Richard Jewel, who you will recall was suspected of carrying out the 1996 Olympic Park bombings in Atlanta.  Even after Jewell was cleared in the case and known bomber Eric Rudolph implicated, Jewell remained tormented by the intense scrutiny

Folsom says that Zazi is a permanent resident of the United States and will be eligible to apply for citizenship in the next 60 to 90 days, something he intends to do.  Zazi emigrated from Pakistan to the U.S. in 1999, lived nine years in New York before relocating to the Denver area in January of this year.  Folsom says he does not know why Zazi chose Colorado.

He confirmed reports that Zazi was stopped in the car that he was driving on the Washington Bridge, it was searched, as well as his laptop.  Zazi drover to New York and arrived on September 10^th and left on September 12^th by plane.  A joint FBI-New York Police Department task force raided at least three homes in Queens where authorities say they had been monitoring a small group of people who they say espoused ideas similar to Al Qaeda and other such organizations.

Folsom says Zazi , who is a driver at Denver International Airport , knows nothing about a potential plot that could involve hydrogen peroxide-based explosives.  Zazi told KDVR “All I have to say is that I have no idea what it is all about”.

The attorney pointed out to us that Zazi has moved a number of relatives to the United States and is hoping to one day bring his wife, who lives in Pakistan.  Folsom says if Zazi were an anti-American militant, with plans to do harm to this country, he probably wouldn’t be bringing his loved ones “into the belly of the beast”.  Folsom says his client may hold a news conference sometime this week. 

FOX will keep you updated. Keep checking back!

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By Ashley Dvorkin, FNC Entertainment Producer

In Diablo Cody’s dark comedy “Jennifer’s Body” the academy-award winner’s version of High School has the popular girl in class as a literal “maneater” (think horror film) and is played by constant headline grabber Megan Fox.  Surprisingly, Fox says high school for her was actually “torturous.”  And when we talked about whether playing a role in the lockered hallways makes you nostalgic, she said she’d like to “go back to a time where I didn’t have any responsibility, but not necessarily high school.”

Also, when it comes to all the attention she gets these days, she doesn’t even have Twitter, Myspace or any other online way to respond directly or talk to fans.  She said “I don’t need to get on and address things that happen publicly to everyone. I feel like I cling to my privacy and I don’t need to expose myself further to people. I would love to interact with fans but I don’t think that something like Twitter is the appropriate forum for me to do that.”

Click here for more of the interview with Megan Fox and her “Jennifer’s Body” co-stars Johnny Simmons, Amanda Seyfried & Adam Brody!

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