Veteran Newsman Walter Cronkite Dead at 92

One of journalism's greats has died.

Walter Cronkite, 92, died earlier this evening.  

The former CBS news anchorman was behind the desk during perilous and exciting times for the nation. He brought us the news of JFK's assassination, the Vietnam war, and the lunar landing. He also anchored the first network broadcast of the Olympics from Squaw Valley. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Cronkite while in college. I met him at a funeral. I just remember his gracious nature and tender advice to an aspiring television news journalist. Of course, right now, at this moment, I don't remember what he said. 

"...And that's the way it is." 

Blasts Kill at Least 9 in Indonesia

We're learning tonight that at least 9 people have died in explosions at the Marriot and Ritz-Carlton hotels in Jakarta, Indonesia.

This is the latest update from the Associated Press.
The AP sources an Indonesia security official and puts the wounded listed as 52. It's not clear how many of them may be Americans, nor if this is a terrorist attack.

The photo at above right is courtesy the AP: Sept 8, 2003: JW Marriott Hotel at its reopening day in Jakarta.

Closer to home, in the Coachella Valley, KESQ-TV catches up with a woman suspected of embezzling thousands of dollars from the local AYSO. More on that story at KESQ.COM.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT ADDED AT: 9:17 PM

Some of the more interesting news of the day, Starbucks has plans to diversify its brand. One Seattle shop is losing its name and getting a new one. It'll now be known as the "15th Avenue Coffee & Tea Shop" and next week it will start serving wine and beer. Same beans, different brew, so to speak. Some wonder if it's a good idea at all. What do you think? Leave your comments below the line.

From Government Motors to Landlord-in-Chief?

Landlord-in-Chief.  President Obama might be adding that to his resume. That's according to an article linked on The Drudge Report.

Here's the thought, you can't make a payment, you don't want to suffer foreclosure, so you rent your home and live in it for a few years.

Perhaps, President Obama will pay down your mortgage for you, and he'll ensure that you can continue to live there, so long as you pay him back.  Click on the image above to read more. 

This Just In

I am producing three newscasts today because someone called in sick.

It's been a slow news day.

Look back here for more information later.