An eminent psychiatrist has come out in defense of super crime gang Freakshow's behaviour, claiming that with a little more positive social reinforcement their members "could reintigrate into normal society". Other claims, such as "Freakshow's criminal tendancies come from a lack of parental affection" and that the violence they cause is "purely incidental and unintentional", where made as part of the keynote speech at the Annual Paragon University Mental Health Conference.

Dr Freidus Ridge made the claims just before formally tabling his latest study on superpowered psychology, entitled "More than A Sideshow: An Analysis of Freakshow's Relationship/Power Structures". After a year of secretly studying the group using high-tech survellance devices, Dr Ridge stated that he has compiled the most detailed research yet conducted into the anti-social side of superpowered humans. His findings - including statements that the majority of Freakshow members would likely re-adjust to normal society if they stopped receiving so many beatings from heroes who stop their crimes and people were generally nicer to them - were received by gasps from the audience and several loud outbursts from some audience members.

Statements made during the presentation's question time by a number of attendees were less than flattering. Dr Ridge was accused of being a criminal apologist, fudging his results and that he had a personal agenda to push. Dr Ridge has denied these claims.

In encounters by members of the public with Freakshow Dr Ridge has advised that the gang members should be approached slowly and non-aggressively before giving them a big hug. Dr Ridge that this will stop the anti-social behaviour that Freakshow members are reknown for.

Also announced at the conference his intention to perform a similar study with mystical criminal group Circle of Thorns. This study, entitled "Where the Wild Roses Bloom", is expected to be released next Spring.

Repairs to the Rikti-damaged areas of Paragon City have been slowed by repeated attacks on workpersons and theft of their equipment by miscellaneous criminal groups. Although many of the attacks are quickly thwarted by Paragon City heroes, those involved in the repair do not feel safe and progress has suffered.

Josephine Black, a workwoman on one of the sites, says that the attacks are so frequent that they are now part of daily procedure. "Yeah, just last week, we had a Rikti scouting party, the Clockwork King's goons, some Nemesis robots and a zombie squad. When it first started happening it was pretty scary, but now everyone's used to it. An alarm goes, we run away, wait for the heroes to arrive and go back to work. Most of the time the bad guys are just passing through and throw around some of our equipment for fun. It's annoying, but what are ya gonna do?"

Although construction companies often hire security to help on a site, the uncertainty surrounding the chance of attack makes such problems very difficult to solve. Pierre Lack, an executive with The Red Strongman's Building Crew says, "We perform risk assessment on all our sites and try to budget in enough security to cover that risk. But it's hard - some sites are never touched while others get hit almost daily. We've found it's best to have a floating group of heroes act as security - they respond to the site alarms rather than just sitting all day at one site waiting for something to happen."

It is estimated that city repairs are six to twelve months behind schedule and that each disruption stops construction for about 2 hours. Many construction crews have reported high staff turnovers and have had to boost wages in order to keep employees due to these attacks.

City officials have refused to comment on this situation, except to say that construction crews have their security costs subsidized by official grants.

Paragon City veterinarians are calling for pet owners to de-worm their cats and dogs following a dramatic increase in the number of giant tapeworm cases. The call comes amongst the announcement by Paragon City Hall of a record number of pet deaths and owner injuries due to tapeworms for the last quarter.

"There have been some particularly nasty cases I've been involved in," say Dr Sam Motteram of the Crab / Clan / Yak Pet Haven and Animal Clinic. "One minute the animal is in a bit of dicomfort, the next - BANG! - Fido is a memory and you've got a giant, hungry tapeworm in your living room. It's a bit of a worry."

Dr Motteram advises regulary check-ups for pets to avoid such complications, but that it is more important that pet owners act if they see any changes in their pet's behaviour. "If Fluffy starts acting strangely, you should take her to the vet. It's better safe than sorry. After all, giant tapeworms really don't make good pet replacements - they just don't like being cuddled."

Pet owners can also protect their animals from giant tapeworms for up to twelve months using most worming treatments. Please check the packet or ask your vet for details. If you do encounter a giant tapeworm, it is advised that you find a safe place to hide and call the relevant authorities to help you.

The world famous Lewt Diamond is on it's way to Paragon City Museum.

The diamond, currently on a world tour as part of the Phat Family Collection, is believed to be the largest uncut diamond in existence. It is also believed that the Lewt Diamond possesses magical powers and can give it's wielder great power.

Display dates will be released to the public shortly.