Q: I heard protests had been planned for the funeral service for Boston Marathon bombing victim Krystle Campbell. What kind of protests were there?
—Robert Derro, Duluth
A: Westboro Baptist Church had issued a release saying that members would protest at Campbell's funeral in Medford, Mass., on April 23, but it never materialized, according to The Boston Globe. More than 200 people, including off-duty firefighters and members of Teamsters Local 25, gathered to form a human shield, if needed, to keep protestors away from St. Joseph Parish and the service. Westboro Baptist Church, in Topeka, Kan., often protests at high-profile events and funerals, including those of U.S. servicemen. Campbell was one of three people killed in the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15.
Q: Does Jodi Arias need contact lenses or prescription glasses, or are the glasses she wears simply a prop?
—Mike Monsen, Lilburn
A: Arias said in testimony on March 20 that she is nearsighted but didn't know it until 2010, when she tried on another person's glasses "just for fun." "I didn't even know you could see the world that way. Everything was sharp. So that's when I realized I need glasses," she said. A jury member prompted the answer with this question: "If you are so nearsighted, then how could you drive?" after the 2008 death of ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander. Arias, who said she never wore glasses before 2010, is on trial in Phoenix for killing Alexander.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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