topeka is in shawnee county. the district attorney says, i no longer have the money to help the city of topeka prosecute these cases because their budget has been cut by 10%. so they say, we're done prosecuting as of september 8th. it's on you, the city. the city of topeka says, we don't have the money either so they're going to vote tomorrow whether to actually take it off the books, that it's no longer illegal. technically in the city of topeka to commit domestic violence. therefore, they say putting it back on the county to have to act because nobody wants domestic violence to not be prosecuted. let me give you a few numbers to xmrainl. clearly it's life or death talking about domestic violence. the kansas bureau of investigations says domestic violence related murders happen every ten days in the state of kansas, and they're talking about wanting to staff money? it's not just lives. if you want to save money, this is really kind of shortsietsed because on the whole, health related costs associated with domest

witness topeka, kansas.orrow evening the city council in topeka will decide whether to repeal an ordinance outlawing domestic battery. it is in response to a decision by the district attorney of shawnee county, chad taylor, faced with a 10% cut to his budget. taylor has announced his office will no longer prosecute misdemeanor crimes including domestic battery. since that decision was announced september 8th, police in topeka say at least 18 people have been arrested for domestic battery. arrested. but they have all been released because they were not charged. the repeal of topeka's city ordinance is a move designed to force the district attorney to resume prosecution since domestic battery is still a crime under kansas state law. it is the type of real world consequence to consider when you hear libertarians like congressman ron paul and his son, senator rand paul, declare war on government spending. >> this country is ready for more freedom and less government. >> i believe in limited government, i believe

nbc's stephanie gosk has our report tonight from topeka. >> reporter: in this midwest town of 127,000uts are hitting hard. in an extraordinary city council meeting tuesday night, members voted 7-3 to repeal a law making domestic violence a misdemeanor crime. county and city officials were arguing over who should have to pay to prosecute the cases. the district attorney said he no longer had enough money in his budget and that the city had to take over. >> we had to prioritize what cases we would be prosecuting in our office. would those be homicide, child molestation, rape cases or misdemeanor cases including those of domestic battery. >> reporter: the city's response -- to avoid the cost they just removed the law from the books. but facing local outrage and headlines in the national press late today the district attorney did an about-face. less than 24 hours after the city council's vote he said prosecutions in domestic violence cases would begin again tomorrow. >> we can pick those cases up and file them and ultimately the wrongdoers will be dealt with. >> reporter: since early sept

stephanie gosk, nbc news, topeka, kansas. >>> and we're back with more right after this.y i like fidelity. they give me tools and research i can't get anywhere else. their stock screener lets me search for stocks with more than 140 criteria. i can see what their experts are thinking and even call them to bounce an idea off of one of their investment professionals. a good strategy relies on good insight. if you wanted to learn more about a company, i think you'd actually have to be there. helping strengthen our bones. caltrate delivers 1200 milligrams of calcium and 800 iu of vitamin d plus minerals. women need caltrate. caltrate helps women keep moving because women move the world. caltrate helps women keep moving do you have an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, or afib, that's not caused by a heart valve problem? are you taking warfarin to reduce your risk of stroke caused by a clot? you should know about pradaxa. an important study showed that pradaxa 150mg reduced stroke risk 35% more than warfarin. and with pradaxa, there's no need for those regular bloo

the footage you showed from topeka is appalling. think chris brown picked the wrong zip code to live in. it is great to see chris brown getting off the back of dush bag ex-husbands. we are now saying we have to cut spending in america to rebuild the american economy. we didn't ever hear we have to cut spending to rebuild the iraq economy or the afghani economy? >> the other piece we are missing is that austerity measures come on both sides of the ledger. >> even in conservative britain. >> in most other developed nations, the conservative party is not so anti-tax increases. >> sometimes the liberal party is. what's happening and being overlooked is that reality isn't optional. fiscal constraints are real. it is reality. in the 1990s, canada went flew a monetary crisis. they did it under a liberal government, with $7 in budget cuts to $1 in tax increases. if a republican came out and proposed something like that in the united states, we would all celebrate. say, yeah, that's a great plan. let's go do it. this is what the left governm

. >> reporter: in topeka, kansas, it's no longer against city law to beat your spouse. last night's 7-3 vote by the city council repealed the law that made domestic violence a crime. >> i think it's a very sad day because it sends, i think, a very bad message. >> reporter: a bad message in response to budget cuts, specifically an argument over who should pay for prosecutions. last month the county district attorney stopped prosecuting misdemeanors, saying the city should enforce its own domestic violence law. the city, unwilling to pay for those prosecutions themselves, instead dropped the law. >> i think it's an unfortunate situation, without doubt. >> reporter: topeka is a severe example of how, in the worst economy since the great depression, the politics of budget cutting can get ugly, with local officials considering cults that are not just drastic, but morally indefensivable. washington state is entertaining a plan to slash state parole programs for violent offenders so that 12,000 felons, including murders, kidnappers and sex offenders, could be released into the

. >>> many are outraged in topeka kansas after leaders shoot down the local domestic violence law. the council and mayor approved the repeal yesterday saying such cases would be better handled by the county or the state. advocates for victims do not like the idea. >> i'm very disappointed. it's a very sad day for topeka rs but a sad day for victims because it sends, i think, a very bad message. >> prosecutors say they are overwhelmed with felonies in addition to budget cuts. >>> the company that makes blackberry is recovering today after a worldwide service outage. officials say messaging and email services still sporadic for blackberry users in europe, latin america, asia and africa. research in motion is blaming the problem on a switch that links the internal network to the internet. u.s. is the only major company not affected. >>> girl scouts can earn merit batches in more than just cooking and first aid. how about digital film making, financial literacy, website and product design, local food awareness and customer loyalty. a spokesperson says this is the first major update sin

money the city of topeka says it doesn't have.ndoff began a month ago. >> somehow the city should be handling these matters that have the long-time responsibility of the county. >> reporter: and the city council's move seems to have worked. as a matter of public safety, his office is forced to resume prosecuting topeka's domestic battery cases sg scases. >> the whole situation is unfortunate. if we go back to eight weeks ago, we told everyone what the ramifications of these budget cuts were going to be. >> further evidence of just how bad the budget cuts emappear to be, chad taylor added that domestic abuse cases will have to be handled by interns who are second-year law students. advised by assistant d.a.s who will prosecute a case with the intern, if it goes to trial. >> it's just horrible when there's not enough money to go around and they're making these choices that really affect people's lives. >> but at least they're prosecuting the cases, again. >>> cnn is taking an in depth look at bullying and focusing on ways to stop it

i think it's a very sad day for topeka and for victims because it sends i think a very bad message. >> reporter: it all started a budget showdown between them and shawnee county. they blame the da for handing all domestic abuse cases to the city. he said he can't prosecute because the county cut the budget and they accuse the da of using abused women to negotiate more money for his office. the interim city manager says in reality, they are not legalizing domestic violence. >> wanted to remove the vagueness of who is really responsible. if you have it then we can dump it on you. >> reporter: the da will have to prosecute the cases because they remain a crime under state law. some fear the vote sets a very dangerous precedent. >> the lives of the most at risk, mostly women and children are at stake and this response by the city is deadly and dangerous. >> reporter: a certain amount of women who are killed in domestic violence were victims of battery and a misdemeanor level. it's not cost effective and not protecting the most at risk, namely women and children. >> we have to apologize fo

topeka wants the county or the state to pay for such cases. advocates for domestic abuse victims are outraged. >> i think an immediate resolution is necessary. this has got to be addressed. this has gone for over a month now. people are being denied their basic human rights to safety and protection under our laws. >> city and county officials say they are hoping to negotiate a deal to end the budget dispute. >>> here in new york, the "occupy wall street" protesters moved uptown yesterday. demonstrators made their way up fifth avenue. some of the pricest real estate in america. they marched past homes owned by media tycoon rupert murdoch and billionaire david koch and 1% of wealthy americans. >>> just ahead on the "morning news," another hack attack on electronics giant sony. >>> plus this is not a good way to die. web video shows the stupidity of riding outside a new york subway train. you're watching the "cbs morning news". that's good morning, veggie style. hmmm [ male announcer ] for half the calories -- plus veggie nutrition. could've had

it all started with a budget showdown between topeka and the county. >> i am disappointed.d day for topeka and sad day for victims it sends i think a very bad message. >> >> reporter: the city blames the district attorney for handing off all misdemeanor domestic abuse cases to city. the da can't prosecute domestic misdemeanors, the county cut his budget. the county accused the dcht a of using abused women for negotiating more money for his office. >> i wanted to remove the ambiguity of who, who is really responsible here. if you have it well then, then, we can dump it on you. simply remove that. >> reporter: domestic violence advocates are afraid the council's vote sets a dangerous precedent. >> the lives of women and children are at stake and this response by city is deadly and dangerous and unconscionable. >> reporter: the district attorney, chad taylor, will prosecute the cases because they remain a crime under state law. rob, tanya. >> i know times are tight. you think there have to be other things cut other than not sending domestic violence suspects. >> something tell

tomorrow the topeka city council may be criminalized by domestic battery.cil said the da decided to stop prosecuting misdemeanors that include domestic violence cases all to save money. they said they can't afford to prosecute either and decriminalizing abuse will force the count to do it. it's bakt and forth and victims are being caught in the middle. the economy is partially blamed. 75% of shelters have reported an increase in people asking for help since september of 2008. 73% blame the rise in abuse on financial problems. terry o'neal for the national organization for women now. let's talk about what's happening in topeka. a back and forth between the city and the county. it's not an effort to let people who are guilty of the crimes off the hook, but they don't have the money to prosecute. what do you make of this? >> it sounds as if the county commission has $200,000 for golf course irrigation. but they don't have $200,000 to continue prosecuting domestic violence cases. what is up with that? they need to rethink their priority and stop putting traumat

but in topeka kansas ...'t shedding lighh on the problem prosscute domestic violence cases. because of budget ccts, the ddstrict attorney's office says they misdemeanorrcases ... hich includes dooestic iolenne. thht bringssus to our question of the day:is not prosecuting misdemeanor crimms a good way to save money during buddet ccts?phhne lines are pen now.. the number to call 410 4811 4545. still to come.. the sun is ssiniig now... but just how long will it stay out? in yyor skywatch weether foreca. forecast. yyo're watching fox 45 morning news.. all locall. aal morning. 3 at progressive, you can bundle your home and auto policies and save. don't worry, tiny people. flo is a gentle giant. bundle home and auto at progressive.com. meteorologiss)) 3 map fiber map 175 map old court map 3 3 3 map old courttmapmaa fiber map 175 map old court map comiig up.. because of budget cuts in topeka kansss...one county psn't proocuting domestic effort to ssve money. an - money.that brings us to our question of tte day.is no

even though it's not on the books and the city of topeka anymore, it's not on the books and a lot of the cities say it's a state law. they are saying it's going to put it on the county to say that you have to prosecute these cases because somebody has to prosecute these cases. >> in the city of topeka today, if someone commits domestic battery, gets arrested and goes to jail, can that person walk? because technically it's not illegal. >> that's why i say technically it is still against the law. it is effectively not against the law. because nobody is being prosecuted right now. that is the reality of it. yes, they say that a woman can still call them for help but nobody is being prosecuted because since september 8th, people have been being released. so, yeah, they say they are saving money but the bottom line is, this is so risky. we're playing with people's lives. if a woman is harmed, she is going to go to the emergency room. we are still going to pay somehow. >> or a man. and it was september 8th when the d.a. of this county said, look, i can't prosecute these cases in the city b

shame on them -- topeka, kansas. shame on them for looking at domestic violence that is one of the most reported incidents and one that police are most concerned going out to because more often than not there is violence that is associated with it. for the sake of more than 50 million children that are exposed to violence each year and women who are abused every nine seconds we must recommit ourselves for supporting domestic violence victims. speaking of tough times, domestic violence shelters know a thing or two about pinching pennies. 3/4 of the shelters nationally report losing money from government sources since the recession. and as their belts are tightened, the demands for their services have only increased. for the third straight year, 80% of shelters nationwide are reporting an increase in domestic violence cases. you know, i was always struck when i was in the state legislature there were three times as many animal shelters as there were battered women's shelters. it says volumes about where our priorities

i talked to the spokesperson for the city of topeka this morning.iolence suspects have been set free since september 8th because nobody filed charges. not the city, not the county. i have to tell you, that's the most dangerous time for a battered woman when police come and make an arrest and that he's released. he's angry, he's upset. you are releasing these suspects who have had no consequences at all. none. >> you and i have reported on these cases, when they're put back out there they can do more harm than they've even done before because they're angrier. what are domestic violence groups say about all of this? >> they're furious. one woman, the first words out of her mouth were this is frightening. she says it sends a message that domestic violence is not a crime. it is dangerous for women. and if the point is to save money, domestic violence costs us all money. $4.1 billion a year in health services. you'll pay one way or another. >> you have for re-arrest them if it comes down to that. so what's is the answer here? what's going to happen next?

. >>> a controversial by the city council in topeka, kansas. why the council voted to repeal the city's law against domestic violence. >>> and what would motivate someone to sling a hot dog at tiger woods? the man explains his behavior. >>> a santa rosa man facing misdemeanor charges after throwing a hot dog at tiger woods is explaining his actions. brandon kelly got the idea after watching the movie "drive." he says he wanted to do something epic and had hoped to remain anonymous. but after throwing the hot dog he was arrested. he is facing charges of disturbing the peace. >>> new this morning, vice president joe biden is calling the iranian government's involvement in the assassination on a sawed arabian ambassador. >> vice president biden said this morning nothing has been taken offer the table as the u.s. weighs how to handle the attempted assassination. this man was working with the revolutionary guard to try to get a hitman. federal officials say it's clear top rannian officials must have signed off on the plot. and now some members of co

. >>> controversial move by the city council in topeka, kansas. why the council voted to repeal the city's law against domestic violence. >>> plus, we have a new look at the source of a massive oil spill. the charges the ship's captain will have to face in court today. ♪ [ male announcer ] what is the future of fuel? the debate is over. ♪ lexus hybrid drive technology is designed to optimize any fuel source on the planet. even those we don't use yet. because when you pursue perfection, you don't just engineer a future-proof hybrid system. you engineer amazing. ♪ >>> welcome back to the morning news. time now 5:11. in a controversial move the city council in topeka, kansas, voted to decriminalize domestic violence. it was in response to the announcement to the prosecutor that he would no longer prosecute misdemeanor domestic violence because of budget cuts. in the meantime, 18 people arrested for domestic violence since september have been released. >>> well, one of the women who was part of congressman anthony weiner's sex scandal is writing a tel

in topeka, kansas, the city council voted not make domestic violence a crime. the district attorney refused to prosecute domestic violence cases all because of budget cuts and ative over who would foot the bill. luckily the d.a. backed off. but that gives you an idea of just how grave the financial reality is for many cities and how deep their budget cuts go. alison kosik hit the road for harrisburg to see how bad things really are there. you've had a chance to look around and talk to some folks. we are talking about the state capital here of pennsylvania. how did this happen to harrisburg? >> reporter: well here's what's interesting, randi, about harrisburg. you'd think that cities would go ahead and file for bankruptcy because of hardships, because of the economy, because of the recession. but that's really not the case here. in harrisburg what we found is that the debt load that this city is carrying is because of its trash incinerator. it is carrying $310 million of debt just from the trash incinerator. if you total the rest of the debt with it, another $45

. >>> in topeka, kansas, the county prosecutor says his office will resume prosecuting domestic abuseney and less staff. the move comes one day after the topeka city council facing a budget crisis of its own voted to repeal the city's misdemeanor domestic battery law making it in effect legal to abuse your spouse. 30 suspects have gone unprosecuted since the standoff began a month ago. >>> a new report says the united states remained largely unprepared for a large-scale bioterrorism attack or a deadly disease outbreak. the u.s. got a failing grade for ability to handle a large scale event. it also got ds across the board for its ability to develop and quickly approve medical counter measures such as vaccines. >>> if you paid nearly $7 million in income taxes, you would say you paid your fair share? warren buffett says he didn't. he says that's not enough. he reveals his tax records just ahead. he yummy cereal? yummy. [ woman ] lower cholesterol. [ man 2 ] yummy. i got that wrong didn't i? [ male announcer ] want great taste and whole grain oats that can help lower cholesterol? honey n

. >>> as a result of budget bickering between local agencies, yesterday the city council in topeka, kansas, repealed a local law that made domestic violence a crime, allowing some suspects to walk free. the move meant to force the state to prove and pay for such cases has outraged advocates for victims of domestic violence. >>> at the trial of michael jackson's doctor, the defense was dealt a major blow yesterday. a medical examiner testified it's unreasonable to believe jackson gave himself a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol, which is the defense's main claim. he said it's more likely the doctor mistakenly gave him too much of the drug. >>> and now here's an early look at how wall street will kick off the day. the dow opens at 11,416 after losing 16 points yesterday. but the s&p was up a fraction and the nasdaq added 16. taking a look at overseas trading this morning, in tokyo the nikkei fell 34 points but in hong kong the hang seng gained 187. >>> a rocky start to earning season could spook wall street's jittery investors later today. after the bell tuesday, aluminum maker alocoa re

the word is protestors are from the westboro baptist church based in topeka, kansas.y may be headed here to the headquarters to protest the memorial. they also may go to cupertino high school a couple miles from here. apparently some students were told to use a different entrance to avoid the protestors. some westboro leaders tweeted they would protest last sunday night's service at stanford memorial but they did not. they may show up this morning. apple says this morning's event is a celebration of steve jobs's life. it's set to be webcast to employees around the world and according to the "associated press," apple plans to close some retail stores for a few hours so workers can watch and take part. there may be a counterprotest this morning. an mtv reality star who used to live in santa clara is supposed to be at cupertino high this morning at 8:00 to lead a silent protest against westboro so a lot going on outside of the actual event here in cupertino. back to you. >> all right. thanks. 6:38 now. >>> it is a stunning twist that ties together two high-profile shooti

. >>> city leaders in topeka kansas making a controversial move why they have decriminalized domesticbuse it is leaving many activists upset. >> holly hanging out on the farm this morning hello holly. >> hello tony. i am specifically at air shire farm in upperville just one of the many farms that will be fee which ared this weekend on the louden family farm color tour you want to stop here, this is the only place you can see these beautiful beasts take a look at that, it is a shire horse a rare breed and on the engagerred list we will learn more about that and how to take in the whole tour later live in the hour. >>> beautiful horse. all right holly thank you very much here is look at today's trivia question which state is most dependent on tourism with 30% of jobs being tour related? we will have the answer later on ♪ [ female announcer ] who'd have thought that the person you'd grow up to be -- how creative or confident or kind -- was shaped before you lost your first tooth? ♪ the first five years are forever. ♪ that's why pnc is devoting $250 million and ten more years to helping f

. >>> as a result of budget bickering between local agencies, yesterday the city council in topeka, kansas, repealed a local law that made domestic violence a crime, allowing some suspects to walk free. the move meant to force the state to prosecute and pay for such cases has outraged advocates for victims of domestic violence. >>> at the trial of michael jackson's doctor, the defense was dealt a major blow yesterday. a medical examiner testified it's unreasonable to believe jackson gave himself a fatal dose of the anesthetic propofol, which is the defense's main claim. he said it's more likely the doctor mistakenly gave him too much of the drug. >>> and now your first look at how wall street will kick off the day. the dow opens at 11,416 after losing 16 points yesterday. but the s&p was up a fraction and the nasdaq added 16. taking a look at overseas trading this morning, in tokyo the nikkei fell 34 points but in hong kong the hang seng gained 187. >>> a rocky start to earning season could spook wall street's jittery investors later today. after the bell tuesday, aluminum maker alcoa repo

>> the protests against economic inequality have taken place in 50 cities, from salt lake city to topekalle. in new york last night, things got a little rough. >> reporter: some of the protester s tried to move their demonstrations to wall street. but were stopped by police immediately. nypd officers used force. this officer swinging his baton, striking some of the protesters. another aiming pepper spray at the crowd. >> i have pepper spray in my face. >> reporter: police are working right now to clear broadway. they're pushing the protesters back. they're arresting some. several protesters were loaded into police vans, headed for jail. when questioned about police actions, an nypd spokesman said they tried to rush the barricade. tension has been building between police and some of the protesters. >> let's go. >> reporter: as protesters line the sidewalks, chanting the slogan for some have come to symbolize this 2 1/2-week demonstration. what's the significance of going down that street? >> on the street, it's to deny the pressure that's being put on us by our own social position. >> rep

wet on i-70 from topeka to st. louis. also wet on i-35 from kansas city to oklahoma city.o, keep an eye out. it will be slick on i-80 from nebraska to cheyenne. >> if you're flying this morning, a couple of weather related airport delays possible in kansas city and miami. >>> recapping the top story this monday morning. pop rather race car driver dan wheldon has died after a fiery crash on a las vegas track. the two-time indy 500 winner flew over another vehicle and hit the catch fence just outside turn two. >> the remaining drivers circled the track five times as a salute to their lost colleague. dan wheldon was 33 years old. he leaves behind his wife and two sons. >> so incredibly sad that story is. >>> the occupy wall street movement entering its second month. it's more determined than ever, with protesters stepping up acts of civil disowe bead yens here at home and around the world. >> organizers say the legions are growing and the coffers are filling up with cash. t.j. winick breaks down the movement so far by the numbers. >> reporter: 1,500 protesters showed up that

i-70, from denver to topeka. pretty slick on i-10, from san antonio to houston.of i-95 and 75 in florida. >> if you're flying airport delays are possible in salt lake city and miami. >>> as the shock over death of apple's steve jobs, memorials for him are unmistakable. the sidewalk in front of jobs' home in palo alto, california, you see flowers, candles and literal apples, mimicking the company's logo. >> we're learning more about jobs' final days. "the new york times" reports that jobs met with a select circle of people and turned away many more who were seeking a final good-bye. he spoke with his biographer, walter isaacson. jobs told isaacson he agreed to the book so his kids would know more about him. >> lived and died on his own terms, for sure. >>> just hours after the announcement of his death, a major robbery at an apple store in arkansas. surveillance pictures show a getaway car used by two robbery suspects wednesday night in little rock. police say they got away with two dozen iphones, plus an ipad. even some laptops. >>> there's been a strange twist i

. >> technically speaking it's no longer illegal to abuse a spouse in topeka kansas. the d.a.stopped bruting after -- prosecuting after the county slashd its budget by 10% forcing the city to pay for the cases but the can city can't afford it either. some hope it forces the county district attorney to continue prosecuting the cases. >> i think this action was hopefully a good jump start. and this is districted to the county commission as well. >> i'm very disappointed and i think it's a sad day for topeka but also victim autos and still ahead in our 4:30 half hour plan b. the president vows to keep his jobs bill alive. also... >> this is two three months. >> saying there is work in the bay area but just for short periods of time. the search for full time jobs is coming up. >> and from our sutro camera we see blue skyis. i'll have the answer in the accu-weather forecast. ee >>> i see nothing but bright educated talented people with wonderful resumes. >> so with excellent credentials it's an employers market out there. >> they came to a huge job fair today hosted by the

little ride over to topeka they're actually considering decriminalising domestic violence in order to save money because you know it just costs too much to prosecute these people considering you consider said ok but you said they were and i was there the back of there actually considering it see in fact they've stopped prosecuting those crimes since september eighth like they have it officially made a law i guess and so they've already turned back thirty domestic violence cases since that time very well i mean really really of all things you can't afford to prosecute nonviolent crimes don't get prosecuted anymore and then the ones where people are beating up their spouses you still bring it in spend the money on. my only thing i have to say about the story is i think that's absolutely unacceptable and a spectacle and if somebody sends me the addresses of some of these people who are beating their wives i will show you i would like to give you how to be happy to come show you how demeaning and awful that is and then they can even call the cops on you exactly all about it or they won't