Houston

Mom cites Bible quote in baby’s killing

A mother who admitted killing her baby daughter by severing the girl’s arms was guided by a Bible passage in which Jesus refers to cutting off body parts to cast away sin, the woman’s attorney said Tuesday.

Dena Schlosser, a 35-year-old housewife with a history of mental illness, has referred to the New Testament passage since the killing of 10-month-old Margaret, attorney David Haynes told The Associated Press.

In the Book of Matthew, Jesus says: “If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”

Schlosser was charged with capital murder Nov. 22, after she told a 911 operator she had cut off her baby’s arms. Police found her in the living room, covered in blood, still holding a knife and listening to a hymn.

St. Louis

Study links mercury in vaccines to autism

Children with autism may process mercury differently than most children, leaving them susceptible to damage from preservatives in vaccines and other sources of the heavy metal, according to a controversial report released Monday.

The report, by the independent Environmental Working Group, highlights the research of S. Jill James, a professor of biochemistry and pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

James conducted blood tests on 20 children with autism and compared them with blood samples taken from 33 children who do not have autism. She found lower levels of the mercury-detoxifying chemical glutathione in the blood of autistic children.

The enzyme also helps rid the body of other heavy metals that may damage cells and organs.

“Given an equal load of environmental toxicants, these kids wouldn’t be able to detoxify it or excrete it as well as the average kid,” James said.

Atlanta

Mechanized cutouts subbed for bell ringers

For generations, Salvation Army bell ringers have been a symbol of the Christmas season. But faced with a shortage of volunteers to stand by kettles during its holiday fund drive this year, the charitable organization is trying something new across the South: mechanized cardboard cutouts instead of real people.

The kettle program, which began in 1891, is expected to generate at least $90 million this year, 87 percent of which will go to service programs. And with more than 20,000 kettles positioned across the country, the Salvation Army needs thousands of volunteers.

So in 14 states — from Texas to Virginia — fake, mechanical bell ringers called “standees” are taking up the slack this year at more than 100 Books-A-Million and Hibbett Sporting Goods stores. If the experiment is successful, the Salvation Army will consider expanding it nationwide next year, officials said.

The Salvation Army has tried hiring people, but few are lining up for the seasonal job that in some areas pays as little as $6 an hour.