Top Stories - July 18, 2006

The Traffic Wasn't So Bad Today

The morning drive was not bad as traffic watchers had feared today, with most roads flowing at 8:45 a.m. as commuters avoid the closures from the partial collapse of the Interstate 90 connector tunnel last week that killed a Jamaica Plain woman.

Interstate 93 southbound was once again the exception, with cars backed up from Exit 24 through the Tip O’Neill Tunnel as motorist try to access the Logan International Airport through the Callahan Tunnel.

The Lynch Debate
New Hampshire's Executive Council is not of one mind when it comes to Gov. John Lynch's nominee for the top job at the state's environmental agency.

The five-member Council votes on state contracts and nominees. So far two say they support Commissioner Michael Nolin, whose term has expired. Two say they support Thomas Burack, the Hopkinton lawyer Lynch wants to replace him with, and one says he's undecided.

Circus Coach Accused of Molestation

A coach at a circus school in the Burlington area has denied charges that he sexually assaulted a 7-year-old girl.

Vladimir Avgoustov, 55, was being held for lack of $50,000 bail. A bail hearing review is scheduled for Monday.

The incident allegedly took place at the Vermont School of Circus Arts, which Avgoustov runs with his wife at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction.

One Reason to Hate Carrots

-A 46-year-old man is accused of assaulting his wife with a carrot, causing her to lose sight in one eye.

Roderick Vecsey is charged with second-degree assault and disorderly conduct.

Pamela Vecsey, 46, underwent six outs of surgery after being hit in the left eye with the vegetable Saturday night, but doctors were not able to restore her vision, prosecutor Stephanie Damiani said.

The couple was arguing when Roderick Vecsey tossed the carrot, Damiani said.

Roderick Vecsey told Judge Patrick Carroll that it was a terrible accident, and was advised to remain silent.

The judge set a hearing for Thursday. Vecsey is currently free after posting $500 bond.

(Most of this post was shamelessly copied from boston.com)