The game warden was there and guessed the age to be 7-8 years? He said it should be a 38 point rack? I did not count.
This will probably be the new state record according to the warden. It will be pictured in Nebraska Land Magazine
In December. The guy that shot it was in his mid 20s. A guy around 60 congratulated him and told him to cherish this
Because he has never seen anything like it in his years of hunting.
If you don't hunt you may know someone that would appreciate it.
Have a good one.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
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Thursday, January 10, 2013
America's PhDs On Foodstamps
When job hunting in one's field turns tough, college graduates may return to school for another degree (even in economics). But for some Americans, multiple degrees won't guarantee a job in their field (or even at the Fed) - or even keep them above the poverty level... Over the past few years, more and more highly educated people have turned to food stamps and other forms of welfare for help...
LIMBAUGH: REDSKINS WILL CHANGE 'RACIST' NAME
The NFL’s Washington Redskins will be forced to change its name to something less offensive and more politically correct, radio giant Rush Limbaugh is predicting.
“The Redskins are gonna have to change the name of the team. That’s what’s gonna happen,” Limbaugh said on Wednesday’s program. “We’re gonna have to acknowledge that that’s the direction everything’s headed, and the pressure is now being brought to bear. … The Redskins are ultimately going to cave and change the name of the team. That’s my prediction.”
Limbaugh was reacting to a column by Washington Post writer Courtland Milloy, who suggested the team’s lack of post-season success and its knee injury to star quarterback Robert Griffin III was nothing more than “bad karma” for using the name “Redskins,” a term some feel is racist or demeaning toward Native Americans.
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“The Redskins are gonna have to change the name of the team. That’s what’s gonna happen,” Limbaugh said on Wednesday’s program. “We’re gonna have to acknowledge that that’s the direction everything’s headed, and the pressure is now being brought to bear. … The Redskins are ultimately going to cave and change the name of the team. That’s my prediction.”
Limbaugh was reacting to a column by Washington Post writer Courtland Milloy, who suggested the team’s lack of post-season success and its knee injury to star quarterback Robert Griffin III was nothing more than “bad karma” for using the name “Redskins,” a term some feel is racist or demeaning toward Native Americans.
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Sen. Richard Blumenthal Floats Ammunition Bill
Sen. Richard Blumenthal plans to introduce a bill to toughen requirements for purchasing ammunition — a response to the mass shooting last month that claimed 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn.
The bill from the Connecticut Democrat, who served as the state’s attorney general, would require retailers to use an FBI database to conduct background checks on anyone who buys bullets and report to law enforcement when someone purchases more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Background checks are currently only required for the sale of firearms.
“Ammunition is the black hole of gun violence prevention,” Blumenthal said on a conference call with reporters. “Felons, fugitives, domestic violence abusers, seriously mentally ill people — all are barred by law from buying ammunition and guns, but there are no checks for ammunition sales to enforce the law.”
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The bill from the Connecticut Democrat, who served as the state’s attorney general, would require retailers to use an FBI database to conduct background checks on anyone who buys bullets and report to law enforcement when someone purchases more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Background checks are currently only required for the sale of firearms.
“Ammunition is the black hole of gun violence prevention,” Blumenthal said on a conference call with reporters. “Felons, fugitives, domestic violence abusers, seriously mentally ill people — all are barred by law from buying ammunition and guns, but there are no checks for ammunition sales to enforce the law.”
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Maryland's Question 7 Gaming Bill Challenged In Court
After a hugely expensive campaign few will soon forget, Maryland voters on election day back in November narrowly approved an expansion of gambling in the state. It will mean table games and a new casino in Prince George’s County. Maryland Live at Arundel Mills has already started 24/7 operations.
But now, opponents of Question 7 are saying the vote is invalid.
“We believe the word of the law will be clear,” says Bonnie Bick, who is one of seven other Oxon Hill residents suing to have the passage of Question 7 declared null and void.
In court Tuesday, they told a judge that a change in the state gambling law requires approval of a majority of registered voters, not just a majority of those who show up to vote. Bick's lawyer says it's in writing.
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But now, opponents of Question 7 are saying the vote is invalid.
“We believe the word of the law will be clear,” says Bonnie Bick, who is one of seven other Oxon Hill residents suing to have the passage of Question 7 declared null and void.
In court Tuesday, they told a judge that a change in the state gambling law requires approval of a majority of registered voters, not just a majority of those who show up to vote. Bick's lawyer says it's in writing.
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Group Recommends Doctors Give All Teen Girls Prescription For Morning-After Pill
The American Academy of Pediatrics thinks teen girls should be given a prescription for the morning-after pill when they get a physical. They recently made the recommendation. In a press release, they suggest teens are more likely to use emergency contraception if it’s prescribed in advance.
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Flu Season Strikes Early And Hard
This year, the flu season is striking early and with a vengeance. In Maryland and across the country, hospitals are overloaded. Monique Griego has more on the outbreak.
Things are so bad, hospitals had to turn people away in some states.
Flu season is striking early and hitting hard.
“Stomach pains, back pains, head pains, throwing up, diarrhea,” said flu patient Mark Johnson.
Matt Johnson is on the uptick, but only after spending two days at Sinai Hospital.
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Things are so bad, hospitals had to turn people away in some states.
Flu season is striking early and hitting hard.
“Stomach pains, back pains, head pains, throwing up, diarrhea,” said flu patient Mark Johnson.
Matt Johnson is on the uptick, but only after spending two days at Sinai Hospital.
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Stink Bug Population Expected To Rise In Maryland
Too much of a bad thing. That’s the forecast for Asian stink bugs for 2013.
As Alex DeMetrick explains, after a dieback last year, experts believe the pests will come roaring back in the months ahead.
It may have hitchhiked from Asia in shipping containers, but the brown marmorated stink bug feels right at home in Maryland.
“We’re going to have a boatload of stink bugs coming out of hibernation,” said Dr. Mike Raupp, a University of Maryland entomologist.
Raupp said field surveys are pointing to a population explosion after a sharp decline in 2011.
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As Alex DeMetrick explains, after a dieback last year, experts believe the pests will come roaring back in the months ahead.
It may have hitchhiked from Asia in shipping containers, but the brown marmorated stink bug feels right at home in Maryland.
“We’re going to have a boatload of stink bugs coming out of hibernation,” said Dr. Mike Raupp, a University of Maryland entomologist.
Raupp said field surveys are pointing to a population explosion after a sharp decline in 2011.
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Feds Raid Egg Company Featured in ABC News Report
One of the nation's biggest egg producers, which supplied eggs to all McDonald's restaurants west of the Mississippi River until undercover video aired by ABC News exposed alleged animal abuse and unsanitary conditions, has now been raided by federal immigration agents.
Agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Minnesota State Police took part in the Tuesday morning raid on the Litchfield, Minnesota facility of Sparboe Farms. Sparboe, the nation's fifth largest egg producer, has facilities in Iowa and Minnesota and is headquartered in Litchfield.
Shawn Neudauer, a spokesman for ICE, said the raid was "part of a larger criminal investigation," that eight men and two women had been arrested on "administrative immigration charges," and that two had been released. "The rest remain in custody pending review of their cases in light of the larger criminal investigation." Neudauer said no further information would be made available.
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Agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Minnesota State Police took part in the Tuesday morning raid on the Litchfield, Minnesota facility of Sparboe Farms. Sparboe, the nation's fifth largest egg producer, has facilities in Iowa and Minnesota and is headquartered in Litchfield.
Shawn Neudauer, a spokesman for ICE, said the raid was "part of a larger criminal investigation," that eight men and two women had been arrested on "administrative immigration charges," and that two had been released. "The rest remain in custody pending review of their cases in light of the larger criminal investigation." Neudauer said no further information would be made available.
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Gun Dealers Challenge Rifle Reporting Requirement
A lawyer for two Arizona gun dealers argued Wednesday that the Obama administration in trying to halt the flow of U.S. guns to Mexican drug gangs overstepped its legal authority when it required dealers in Southwestern border states to report when customers buy multiple high-powered rifles.
Attorney Richard Gardiner told a federal appeals court panel Wednesday that the directive requires gun dealers to create a records system and the government has no authority to do that.
At issue is a requirement that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives imposed in 2011 on gun sellers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The requirement, issued in what is known as a demand letter, compels those sellers to report to the ATF when anyone buys — within a five-day period — two or more semi-automatic weapons capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a caliber greater than .22. The ATF says the requirement is needed to help stop the flow of guns to Mexican drug cartels.
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Attorney Richard Gardiner told a federal appeals court panel Wednesday that the directive requires gun dealers to create a records system and the government has no authority to do that.
At issue is a requirement that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives imposed in 2011 on gun sellers in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. The requirement, issued in what is known as a demand letter, compels those sellers to report to the ATF when anyone buys — within a five-day period — two or more semi-automatic weapons capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a caliber greater than .22. The ATF says the requirement is needed to help stop the flow of guns to Mexican drug cartels.
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Killer Whales Trapped Under Canadian Sea Ice Free Themselves
The killer whales trapped under ice near a remote Quebec village reached safety today after the floes shifted on Hudson Bay, according to the mayor's office in Inukjuak.
Water opened up around the area where the orcas had been coming up for air and the winds seemed to have shifted overnight, creating a passageway to the open water six miles away.
"Two men were sent to check on the whales around 8 a.m., and they found that a passage of water had been created, all of the way to the open sea," Johnny Williams, the town manager, told ABCNews.com. "The wind from the north shifted yesterday.
"This is great news," Williams said.
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Water opened up around the area where the orcas had been coming up for air and the winds seemed to have shifted overnight, creating a passageway to the open water six miles away.
"Two men were sent to check on the whales around 8 a.m., and they found that a passage of water had been created, all of the way to the open sea," Johnny Williams, the town manager, told ABCNews.com. "The wind from the north shifted yesterday.
"This is great news," Williams said.
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Death Penalty Rarely Used In Maryland
Efforts to repeal capital punishment in Maryland may have gained momentum, but such punishment has become very rare.
Once considered politically risky, repealing the death penalty now may come easily to politicians in Annapolis, who are likely to debate the issue in Session 2013.
Death row has only a handful of inmates, and prosecutors and juries have turned away from it, WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team lead investigative reporter Jayne Miller reported.
While the death penalty in Maryland is on the books, in practice, the lethal injection chamber is in storage. Its use was shelved in 2006 by Maryland's highest court because of legal technicalities, and the governor's public safety officials have yet to issue required new regulations to put it back online.
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Once considered politically risky, repealing the death penalty now may come easily to politicians in Annapolis, who are likely to debate the issue in Session 2013.
Death row has only a handful of inmates, and prosecutors and juries have turned away from it, WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team lead investigative reporter Jayne Miller reported.
While the death penalty in Maryland is on the books, in practice, the lethal injection chamber is in storage. Its use was shelved in 2006 by Maryland's highest court because of legal technicalities, and the governor's public safety officials have yet to issue required new regulations to put it back online.
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Troopers Seek Public’s Help In Locating Wanted Subject
Date of Occurrence: November 2012
Victim:
- 82 year old female (suspects grandmother)
Suspect and Charges:
- Maxwell J. Schenck, 24, Rehoboth Beach, DE (Photo Attached)
- Felony Theft (2 counts)
- Unlawful Use of a Credit Card (61 counts)
Resume:
Rehoboth Beach, DE- The Delaware State Police is asking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate a Rehoboth Beach man involved in multiple counts of fraud.
Troopers are looking for Maxwell J. Schenck who is wanted for 61 counts of Unlawful Use of a Credit Card after he stole his grandmother’s credit card and made purchases totaling more than $2,500.00. Schenck, who was living with his grandmother at the time of the theft, made various purchases throughout the Rehoboth area including Wal-Mart, Safeway, Royal Farms, and Ruby Tuesday where he last used it on November 25, 2012.
Schenck is also wanted by Rehoboth Police Department for Theft, as well as three capiases out of various courts in Delaware.
If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Maxwell J. Schenck, they are asked to contact Corporal Porter at 302-644-5020 ext. 227 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com
Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
DEA Agents Arranged Prostitute For Secret Service Agent
Two U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents “facilitated a sexual encounter” between a prostitute and a U.S. Secret Service agent days before President Barack Obama visited Colombia for a summit meeting in April 2012, according to a Justice Department investigation obtained exclusively by NBC News.
A summary of the findings of the investigation, included in a Dec. 20 letter from the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General to Sens. Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins, indicated that a third DEA agent present on the night of the incident was not involved in procuring the prostitute for the Secret Service agent.
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A summary of the findings of the investigation, included in a Dec. 20 letter from the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General to Sens. Joseph Lieberman and Susan Collins, indicated that a third DEA agent present on the night of the incident was not involved in procuring the prostitute for the Secret Service agent.
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Charges Could Come This Week In 'Meet The Press' Rifle Magazine Incident
The D.C. Attorney General's Office is likely to decide this week whether anyone will be prosecuted for an incident in which NBC News reporter David Gregory displayed what was said to be a high-capacity rifle magazine on "Meet the Press."
"[The Metropolitan Police Department] has completed the investigation into this matter, and the case has been presented to the OAG for a determination of the prosecutorial merit of the case," D.C. police spokeswoman Gwendolyn Crump wrote in an email.
Attorney General's Office spokesman Ted Gest said that he thinks the office will likely make a decision about whether to file charges by the end of the week.
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"[The Metropolitan Police Department] has completed the investigation into this matter, and the case has been presented to the OAG for a determination of the prosecutorial merit of the case," D.C. police spokeswoman Gwendolyn Crump wrote in an email.
Attorney General's Office spokesman Ted Gest said that he thinks the office will likely make a decision about whether to file charges by the end of the week.
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Detectives Seek Public’s Help In Locating Subjects
Location: Various County Banks in Sussex County, Delaware
Date of Occurrence: June – August 2011
Victim:
- County Banks located in Milford, Seaford, Georgetown, and Milton
Suspect(s) and Charges:
- Jim C. Taylor, 50, Baltimore, MD (Photo Attached, black male)
- Forgery 2nd
- Attempted Theft by False Pretense
- Keith S. Brown 2nd, 34, Bel Air, MD (Photo Attached, white t-shirt )
- Forgery 2nd (2 counts)
- Theft by False Pretense
- Attempted Theft by False Pretense
- Joshua B. Dail, 26, Abingdon, MD (Photo Attached, black t-shirt)
- Forgery 2nd (2 counts)
- Theft by False Pretense (2 counts)
Resume:
Sussex County, DE- The Delaware State Police Financial Crimes Unit is asking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate three subjects involved in multiple counts of fraud.
The incidents took place over a three month period starting in June of 2011 when the suspects would enter the County Banks located in various locations throughout Sussex County and cash fraudulent checks made out to them from various businesses. Detectives were able to establish identities of the suspects through forms of identifications used during the transactions. In all, more than $9,000.00 was defrauded from the banks.
If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of the three suspects, they are asked to contact Det. Shockley at 302-856-5850 ext. 257 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com
Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
WikiLeaks Case Likened To Civil War Espionage
FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) - Prosecutors are using a Civil War court-martial to advance their case that an Army private charged with sending hundreds of thousands of classified documents to the secret-spilling website WikiLeaks aided al-Qaida.
Lawyers for Pfc. Bradley Manning refute the government's claim that Manning's case parallels that of Pvt. Henry Vanderwater, a Union soldier convicted in 1863 of aiding the enemy by giving an Alexandria, Va., newspaper a command roster that was then published.
Vanderwater, a member of the 1st District of Columbia Volunteers, was sentenced to three months of hard labor and a dishonorable discharge.
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Lawyers for Pfc. Bradley Manning refute the government's claim that Manning's case parallels that of Pvt. Henry Vanderwater, a Union soldier convicted in 1863 of aiding the enemy by giving an Alexandria, Va., newspaper a command roster that was then published.
Vanderwater, a member of the 1st District of Columbia Volunteers, was sentenced to three months of hard labor and a dishonorable discharge.
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NRA ‘Disappointed’ With Biden Meeting For Proposing Restrictions On Guns
The National Rifle Association issued a statement following a meeting on gun violence with Vice President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday, saying it was "disappointed" with how much the conversation focused on limiting the Second Amendment.
"We were disappointed with how little this meeting had to do with keeping our children safe and how much it had to do with an agenda to attack the Second Amendment," read the statement. "While claiming that no policy proposals would be “prejudged,” this Task Force spent most of its time on proposed restrictions on lawful firearms owners - honest, taxpaying, hardworking Americans."
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"We were disappointed with how little this meeting had to do with keeping our children safe and how much it had to do with an agenda to attack the Second Amendment," read the statement. "While claiming that no policy proposals would be “prejudged,” this Task Force spent most of its time on proposed restrictions on lawful firearms owners - honest, taxpaying, hardworking Americans."
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$1 million Donations Wanted For Obama Inauguration
Planners of President Barack Obama's second inauguration are soliciting high-dollar contributions up to $1 million to help pay for the celebration in exchange for special access.
The changes are part of a continuing erosion of Obama's pledge to keep donors and special interests at arm's length of his presidency. He has abandoned the policy from his first inauguration to accept donations up to only $50,000 from individuals, announcing last month that he would take unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations.
A fundraising appeal obtained by The Associated Press shows the Presidential Inaugural Committee is going far beyond Obama's previous self-imposed limits and is looking to blow away modern American presidential inauguration fundraising records by offering donors four VIP packages named after the country's founding fathers.
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The changes are part of a continuing erosion of Obama's pledge to keep donors and special interests at arm's length of his presidency. He has abandoned the policy from his first inauguration to accept donations up to only $50,000 from individuals, announcing last month that he would take unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations.
A fundraising appeal obtained by The Associated Press shows the Presidential Inaugural Committee is going far beyond Obama's previous self-imposed limits and is looking to blow away modern American presidential inauguration fundraising records by offering donors four VIP packages named after the country's founding fathers.
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Lost Dog 1-10-13
Hey Joe,
Hope you are well. My brothers wife found this Pitt Bull on West Road today when she was out. I didn't know if you could post it to find the owner.
They can call Katie at 410-507-5383
Drought, Weak Winter Leads U.S. To Off-The-Charts Temps In 2012
America set an off-the-charts heat record in 2012.
A brutal combination of a widespread drought and a mostly absent winter pushed the average annual U.S. temperature last year up to 55.32 degrees, the government announced Tuesday. That's a full degree warmer than the old record set in 1998.
Breaking temperature records by an entire degree is unprecedented, scientists say. Normally, records are broken by a tenth of a degree or so.
"It was off the chart," said Deke Arndt, head of climate monitoring at the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., which calculated the temperature records.
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A brutal combination of a widespread drought and a mostly absent winter pushed the average annual U.S. temperature last year up to 55.32 degrees, the government announced Tuesday. That's a full degree warmer than the old record set in 1998.
Breaking temperature records by an entire degree is unprecedented, scientists say. Normally, records are broken by a tenth of a degree or so.
"It was off the chart," said Deke Arndt, head of climate monitoring at the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C., which calculated the temperature records.
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Delaware Increases Workers’ Comp Rates
Delaware business owners must pay more to insure employees for on-the-job injuries. Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to safeguard workers who are killed, injured or become ill as a result of their duties. Higher risk occupations mean higher premiums for business owners.
Delaware premiums for regular voluntary market customers will go up 14.6 percent, and rates for clients in the residual market will increase by 19 percent.
Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart approved an increase in premiums for workers' compensation insurance Jan. 4; the new amounts are retroactive to Dec. 1, 2012.
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Delaware premiums for regular voluntary market customers will go up 14.6 percent, and rates for clients in the residual market will increase by 19 percent.
Delaware Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart approved an increase in premiums for workers' compensation insurance Jan. 4; the new amounts are retroactive to Dec. 1, 2012.
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U.S. Tax Code Longer Than Bible — Without Good News
WASHINGTON (AP) — Too intimidated to fill out your tax return without help? Join the club.
At nearly 4 million words, the U.S. tax law is so thick and complicated that businesses and individuals spend more than 6 billion hours a year complying with filing requirements, according to a report Wednesday by an independent government watchdog.
That’s the equivalent of 3 million people working full-time, year-round.
“If tax compliance were an industry, it would be one of the largest in the United States,” says the report by Nina E. Olson, the National Taxpayer Advocate.
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At nearly 4 million words, the U.S. tax law is so thick and complicated that businesses and individuals spend more than 6 billion hours a year complying with filing requirements, according to a report Wednesday by an independent government watchdog.
That’s the equivalent of 3 million people working full-time, year-round.
“If tax compliance were an industry, it would be one of the largest in the United States,” says the report by Nina E. Olson, the National Taxpayer Advocate.
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Float Driver Won't Face Charges In Train Crash
MIDLAND, Texas — A grand jury on Wednesday declined to indict the driver of a float involved in a train collision that killed four U.S. military veterans in a West Texas parade.
Dale Andrew Hayden, the driver of the truck pulling the float, will not face charges stemming from the Nov. 15 accident that killed four veterans who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sixteen other people were injured.
Though the 12-person grand jury did not indict Hayden, it "has not concluded its review of the incident," according to a news release issued by Midland County District Attorney Teresa Clingman. Clingman declined to comment further.
The veterans were riding on a flatbed truck that was hit by a Union Pacific train traveling at 62 mph. The truck was the second float in a parade organized to honor wounded veterans and their wives.
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Dale Andrew Hayden, the driver of the truck pulling the float, will not face charges stemming from the Nov. 15 accident that killed four veterans who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sixteen other people were injured.
Though the 12-person grand jury did not indict Hayden, it "has not concluded its review of the incident," according to a news release issued by Midland County District Attorney Teresa Clingman. Clingman declined to comment further.
The veterans were riding on a flatbed truck that was hit by a Union Pacific train traveling at 62 mph. The truck was the second float in a parade organized to honor wounded veterans and their wives.
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Office Of The Register Of Wills - Worcester County, Maryland Repor
Below is a link to the Office of Legislative Audits’ report dated December 17, 2012 covering the audit of the Office of the Register of Wills - Worcester County, Maryland. This report is available to the public on January 10, 2013.
BREAKING NEWS: Shooting Reported At California High School
At least two people have been shot at a high school in Taft, Calif., near Bakersfield. Reports say the shooter is in custody.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Pap Test to Detect Ovarian, Endometrial Cancers?
A new test for ovarian and endometrial cancers looks at cervical fluid obtained during a routine Pap test to detect genetic mutations linked with the cancers.
Although the research is in early stages, the test did well in detecting these cancers, says researcher Yuxuan Wang, a graduate student at the Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics at the Johns Hopkins University's Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore.
If ongoing research bears out, the new test could someday become a routine screening test, much like the Pap test is for cervical cancer, she says.
"This would not add anything to the current [Pap] procedure," Wang says. "All we do is take part of the sample for DNA testing.''
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Although the research is in early stages, the test did well in detecting these cancers, says researcher Yuxuan Wang, a graduate student at the Ludwig Center for Cancer Genetics and Therapeutics at the Johns Hopkins University's Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore.
If ongoing research bears out, the new test could someday become a routine screening test, much like the Pap test is for cervical cancer, she says.
"This would not add anything to the current [Pap] procedure," Wang says. "All we do is take part of the sample for DNA testing.''
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WICOMICO COUNTY COUNCILWOMAN SHEREE SAMPLE-HUGHES TO HOST DISTRICT 1 QUARTERLY MEETING
January 9, 2013 (Salisbury, MD) Wicomico County Councilwoman Sheree Sample-Hughes will host her first District One Citizen’s Forum for 2013 on Monday, January 14 at 6:30pm at the Charles H. Chipman Cultural Center, 325 Broad Street in Salisbury.
Mrs. Sample-Hughes said the over-all theme of the forums, “Creating Community Connections,” is relevant now more than ever since District 1 was revised during last year’s redrawing of district lines. “I’m looking forward to introducing myself as the local representative to those citizens who are now a part of district one and making that connection,” said Councilwoman Sample-Hughes.
Fulfilling a campaign promise, Mrs. Sample-Hughes has been hosting these forums since she was elected in 2006. She will be joined by Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis and Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt. She commented that the forums provide citizens with an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with their elected officials about the community’s needs and concerns.
Sample-Hughes is encouraging citizens to attend the meeting and bring their comments and ideas regarding issues and opportunities the county is facing.
For more information, please contact Councilwoman Sample-Hughes at 443-366-5846 or 410-548-4696 or via email at ssamplehughes@wicomicocounty.org.
Mrs. Sample-Hughes said the over-all theme of the forums, “Creating Community Connections,” is relevant now more than ever since District 1 was revised during last year’s redrawing of district lines. “I’m looking forward to introducing myself as the local representative to those citizens who are now a part of district one and making that connection,” said Councilwoman Sample-Hughes.
Fulfilling a campaign promise, Mrs. Sample-Hughes has been hosting these forums since she was elected in 2006. She will be joined by Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis and Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt. She commented that the forums provide citizens with an opportunity to engage in a dialogue with their elected officials about the community’s needs and concerns.
Sample-Hughes is encouraging citizens to attend the meeting and bring their comments and ideas regarding issues and opportunities the county is facing.
For more information, please contact Councilwoman Sample-Hughes at 443-366-5846 or 410-548-4696 or via email at ssamplehughes@wicomicocounty.org.
Weekly Jobless Claims Rise By 4,000 To 371,000
Weekly applications for U.S. unemployment benefits ticked up slightly last week, the latest sign of stability in the job market.
The Labor Department says applications rose 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 371,000, the most in five weeks. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, increased 6,750 to 365,750, after falling to a four-year low the previous week.
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The Labor Department says applications rose 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 371,000, the most in five weeks. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, increased 6,750 to 365,750, after falling to a four-year low the previous week.
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TWO HIGHWAY WORKERS KILLED IN WORK ZONE CRASH
(NORTHEAST, MD) – Troopers are investigating a crash which claimed the lives of two contract highway workers in a work zone today in Cecil County.
The identities of the workers will not be released at this time, pending notification of family members. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by Cecil County emergency medical personnel.
The identity of the driver, of the 2006 Ford Focus, will not be released at this time, due to the ongoing investigation and pending charges. The driver refused medical treatment at the scene and is currently being held for questioning.
A preliminary investigation has been conducted by troopers from the Northeast Barrack, with the assistance of Maryland State Police CRASH Team. The investigation indicates that around 9:00 a.m. today, a 2006 Ford Focus was traveling westbound on Pulaski Highway in the area of Belvidere Road in Northeast, Maryland. For reasons unknown, the driver of the Focus entered into a highway work zone area striking two contractual highway workers. The work zone was clearly marked with orange traffic cones and other safety equipment.
State Highway Administration personnel have been notified and are at to the scene. There has been no determination of speed at this point in the investigation, nor have investigators determined why the Ford Focus entered the work zone.
Due to the severity of the crash, the amount of debris, and the ongoing investigation, troopers have closed westbound Pulaski Highway at Belvidere Road. The road is expected to be closed for several hours. State Highway Administration personnel are assisting with road closures and detours.
The Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office has been notified and will be updated as more information becomes available. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Northeast Barrack at (410) 996-7800.
The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
The identities of the workers will not be released at this time, pending notification of family members. Both were pronounced dead at the scene by Cecil County emergency medical personnel.
The identity of the driver, of the 2006 Ford Focus, will not be released at this time, due to the ongoing investigation and pending charges. The driver refused medical treatment at the scene and is currently being held for questioning.
A preliminary investigation has been conducted by troopers from the Northeast Barrack, with the assistance of Maryland State Police CRASH Team. The investigation indicates that around 9:00 a.m. today, a 2006 Ford Focus was traveling westbound on Pulaski Highway in the area of Belvidere Road in Northeast, Maryland. For reasons unknown, the driver of the Focus entered into a highway work zone area striking two contractual highway workers. The work zone was clearly marked with orange traffic cones and other safety equipment.
State Highway Administration personnel have been notified and are at to the scene. There has been no determination of speed at this point in the investigation, nor have investigators determined why the Ford Focus entered the work zone.
Due to the severity of the crash, the amount of debris, and the ongoing investigation, troopers have closed westbound Pulaski Highway at Belvidere Road. The road is expected to be closed for several hours. State Highway Administration personnel are assisting with road closures and detours.
The Cecil County State’s Attorney’s Office has been notified and will be updated as more information becomes available. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Northeast Barrack at (410) 996-7800.
The cause of the crash is unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
O'Malley Is Reason For State Having No Transportation Solutions
Annapolis - Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan disagrees that the state is "out of options" regarding transportation upgrades, an assertion Governor Martin O'Malley made during a press event yesterday. Hogan also said the Governor squandered an opportunity to name a new secretary to the state Department of Transportation before the start of the General Assembly session today. The department is in limbo since the departure of former secretary Beverly Swaim-Staley six months ago, on July 1.
"For six months, there has been a leadership vacuum in addressing massive structural problems with the transportation grid itself and the financing mechanisms needed to pay for it," said Hogan. "Addressing transportation challenges is a key priority of this general assembly session, yet the governor inexplicably dithers on naming a cabinet secretary and defaults to raising gas taxes as a panacea."
Since O'Malley became Governor in 2007, nearly $700 million has been diverted from local transportation projects and has not yet been repaid. Chronic siphoning of such funds and the lack of a consensus on how to protect the transportation trust fund have caused O'Malley's gas tax increase and other revenue proposals to stall. Moreover, Governor O'Malley has raised taxes and fees 24 times, removing an additional $2.4 billion out of the economy annually.
"There should be no surprise that there is no political will to raise fuel levies," said Hogan. "It's the governor himself who has created a situation where there are 'no options' on addressing our transportation woes. He's raised too many taxes and fees already, refuses to offer solutions for protecting transportation monies from fund raids and won't pay back local governments for the infrastructure projects that was instead used for his favored programs."
Since a major reorganization in 1970, MDOT has never been without an official secretary for this long. MDOT is a massive organization with a $3.7 billion annual budget and 8700 employees.
"There have been two special sessions last year in which the Senate could have confirmed a secretary. At the very least, the senate could have been - and should be - holding confirmation hearings today for a new secretary. Meanwhile priorities such as protecting the transportation trust fund, restoring local transportation funds,replacing aging roads and bridges, and financing mass transit expansions in Baltimore and suburban Washington are languishing," said Hogan.
Hogan, a former Appointments Secretary for previous Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, was responsible for placing senior administration officials in departments and agencies and leading the executive branch's senate confirmation process for cabinet secretaries.
Legislative analysts say the state is about $2 billion short of the money it needs to undertake projects currently approved. Some analysts project that Maryland will have no funds for new transportation projects beyond maintenance by 2018.
"For six months, there has been a leadership vacuum in addressing massive structural problems with the transportation grid itself and the financing mechanisms needed to pay for it," said Hogan. "Addressing transportation challenges is a key priority of this general assembly session, yet the governor inexplicably dithers on naming a cabinet secretary and defaults to raising gas taxes as a panacea."
Since O'Malley became Governor in 2007, nearly $700 million has been diverted from local transportation projects and has not yet been repaid. Chronic siphoning of such funds and the lack of a consensus on how to protect the transportation trust fund have caused O'Malley's gas tax increase and other revenue proposals to stall. Moreover, Governor O'Malley has raised taxes and fees 24 times, removing an additional $2.4 billion out of the economy annually.
"There should be no surprise that there is no political will to raise fuel levies," said Hogan. "It's the governor himself who has created a situation where there are 'no options' on addressing our transportation woes. He's raised too many taxes and fees already, refuses to offer solutions for protecting transportation monies from fund raids and won't pay back local governments for the infrastructure projects that was instead used for his favored programs."
Since a major reorganization in 1970, MDOT has never been without an official secretary for this long. MDOT is a massive organization with a $3.7 billion annual budget and 8700 employees.
"There have been two special sessions last year in which the Senate could have confirmed a secretary. At the very least, the senate could have been - and should be - holding confirmation hearings today for a new secretary. Meanwhile priorities such as protecting the transportation trust fund, restoring local transportation funds,replacing aging roads and bridges, and financing mass transit expansions in Baltimore and suburban Washington are languishing," said Hogan.
Hogan, a former Appointments Secretary for previous Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, was responsible for placing senior administration officials in departments and agencies and leading the executive branch's senate confirmation process for cabinet secretaries.
Legislative analysts say the state is about $2 billion short of the money it needs to undertake projects currently approved. Some analysts project that Maryland will have no funds for new transportation projects beyond maintenance by 2018.
'Gun Appreciation Day' Seeks To Emulate Chick-fil-A Success, Scheduled For Jan. 19
Pushing back against calls for greater gun control from some members in Congress, conservative groups have now launched a Chick-fil-A style 'Gun Appreciation Day' set to take place on January 19, 2013.
According to US News and World Report:
"If all goes according to plan, gun lovers will come out in droves on January 19 to support gun stores, gun ranges, and gun shows."
"The national "Gun Appreciation Day," which is being launched by a coalition of conservative and gun rights groups, will take place a day before California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein is expected to introduce legislation for an assault weapon ban," according to the Report.
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According to US News and World Report:
"If all goes according to plan, gun lovers will come out in droves on January 19 to support gun stores, gun ranges, and gun shows."
"The national "Gun Appreciation Day," which is being launched by a coalition of conservative and gun rights groups, will take place a day before California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein is expected to introduce legislation for an assault weapon ban," according to the Report.
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Obesity, Lack Of Insurance Cited In U.S. Health Gap
Overeating, lack of health insurance access and comparatively high poverty are among the many reasons why Americans are less healthy and die younger than people in other wealthy countries, a report requested by the U.S. government showed on Wednesday.
The United States spends more per person on healthcare than any other nation but lags on many important health measures amid higher rates of obesity and heart disease and worse infant mortality rates than other rich countries.
The 404-page report by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, which provide advice to U.S. policymakers, compared the health of Americans to that of people in 16 other rich countries. They included Canada, Japan, Australia and 13 western European countries including Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
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The United States spends more per person on healthcare than any other nation but lags on many important health measures amid higher rates of obesity and heart disease and worse infant mortality rates than other rich countries.
The 404-page report by the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, which provide advice to U.S. policymakers, compared the health of Americans to that of people in 16 other rich countries. They included Canada, Japan, Australia and 13 western European countries including Britain, France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
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Why the Treasury Won't Mint a Trillion-Dollar Coin
This afternoon Chuck Todd of NBC News finally asked the question that a handful of political dorks have been dying for the White House to address: Would Obama consider minting a $1 trillion platinum coin (as the law allows) to avoid default on the U.S. debt if Republicans refuse to raise the debt limit?
Press secretary Jay Carney was a bit squirrelly, leaving the impression that Obama would not agree to this but referring questions to the Treasury, which has the authority to mint coins. Earlier today, a source close to Treasury secretary Tim Geithner told me that Geithner is very skeptical of the idea.
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Press secretary Jay Carney was a bit squirrelly, leaving the impression that Obama would not agree to this but referring questions to the Treasury, which has the authority to mint coins. Earlier today, a source close to Treasury secretary Tim Geithner told me that Geithner is very skeptical of the idea.
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Georgetown Man Arrested After Stealing A Vehicle, Milton
Location: 27000 block of Covered Bridge Trail, Trails of Beaver Creek, Milton, DE
Date of Occurrence: Thursday January 10, 2013 at approximately 2:59 a.m.
Victims:
- 34 year old male
- 39 year old female
Defendant, Charges, and Bond Information:
- Robert C. Rust, 33, Georgetown, DE (Photo Attached)
- Theft of a Motor Vehicle
- Theft under $1,500.00
- Unlawful Use of a Credit Card
- Driving While Suspended or Revoked
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
- Criminal Trespass 3rd (3 counts)
- Possession of Heroin
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Loitering
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $5,000.00 secured bond.
Resume:
Harbeson, DE- The Delaware State Police have arrested a Georgetown man after he was found pumping gas into a van he had just stolen.
Troopers responded to the Harbeson Deli located on the corner of Lewes-Georgetown Highway and Harbeson Road shortly before 3:00 a.m. after receiving a report from a 34 year old male victim that his work van had been stolen. The victim was able to follow the suspect to the Deli where he was observed filling up the vehicle with gas. Troopers took Robert C. Rust into custody without incident and learned that he was using a stolen credit card in order to purchase the fuel belonging to a 39 year old female who lives in a neighboring development where the van was stolen.
Troopers were already looking for Rust after an earlier report of an individual looking through cars in the Trails of Beaver Creek Development resulted in his vehicle being found parked in front of a house located in the 27000 block of Buckskin Trail. Troopers were able to determine the vehicle belonged to Rust through a registration inquiry and locating his wallet inside the truck. Also located in the vehicle was approximately .025 grams of suspected heroin and other drug paraphernalia.
Rust was transported back to Troop 7 in Lewes where he was arrested on the above listed charges. He was arraigned at JP3 and committed to SCI on $5,000.00 secured bond.
Other items were located in the stolen van that did not belong to the victim and may have been removed from vehicles in the surrounding neighborhoods. If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact the Trooper Mitchell at 302-644-5020 ext. 231 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333. Information may also be provided via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com
Send an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
National Cathedral Set For Same Sex Marriages
Same sex marriages will soon be performed in the Washington National Cathedral.
The church will be among the first Episcopal congregations to implement a new rite of marriage for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members.
The Episcopal bishop of Washington, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, decided in December to allow an expansion of the Christian marriage sacrament.
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The church will be among the first Episcopal congregations to implement a new rite of marriage for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members.
The Episcopal bishop of Washington, the Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, decided in December to allow an expansion of the Christian marriage sacrament.
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Review: Aereo Makes It Tempting To Cut Cable TV
Broadcast networks make many of their shows available on the Internet, but you usually have to wait at least a day after an episode airs on television. A subscription service called Aereo breaks those shackles and makes network programs available right away.
That sounds too good to be true, and in a sense it is. First, it works only in New York City for now, though Aereo said Tuesday that it will expand to 22 more U.S. regions this spring. Its channel selection is limited to 29 over-the-air channels and Bloomberg TV. It doesn't include the other cable networks I frequently watch.
The biggest caveat is the fact that broadcast networks are suing to shut it down. More on that later.
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That sounds too good to be true, and in a sense it is. First, it works only in New York City for now, though Aereo said Tuesday that it will expand to 22 more U.S. regions this spring. Its channel selection is limited to 29 over-the-air channels and Bloomberg TV. It doesn't include the other cable networks I frequently watch.
The biggest caveat is the fact that broadcast networks are suing to shut it down. More on that later.
More
Ceremony & Protests Mark Opening Day Of Legislature
The 433rd session of the Maryland General Assembly is underway.
Today was largely ceremonial. In the Senate, Mike Miller was unanimously re-elected president.
He has served in that post since 1987, and is the longest serving Senate President in the United States.
In the House, Mike Busch was unanimously re-elected Speaker of the House, a post he has held since 2003.
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Today was largely ceremonial. In the Senate, Mike Miller was unanimously re-elected president.
He has served in that post since 1987, and is the longest serving Senate President in the United States.
In the House, Mike Busch was unanimously re-elected Speaker of the House, a post he has held since 2003.
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Something You Might Be Interested In
Wicomico-Worcester
Joint Public Tea Party Meeting
To Discuss the Septic Bill (SB236) and our future as homeowners and landowners on the Shore
Special Guest Speaker:
Richard Rothschild
Carroll County Commissioner
Who should attend? Anyone who intends to continue to live and work on the Eastern Shore. Elected officials will be in attendance. This legislation impacts all of us, regardless of political orientation or affiliation, and all are invited to attend, listen, and question. Two short videos will precede Commissioner Rothschild’s presentation to be followed by a question and answer session. Mark your calendars now; you do not want to miss this meeting. Alert your family, friends and neighbors.
When: Tuesday, January 15 from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Legacy Restaurant
(formerly Georgia House and Chef Fred’s Chesapeake Steakhouse)
1801 N. Salisbury Blvd (Rt. 13)
Salisbury, MD 21804
Join us for dinner – The Food is excellent, reasonably priced, and we will have a special event menu.
Maryland Schools At The Head Of The Class
Education Week is out with its annual rankings of public schools. And Maryland is once again at the head of its class.
Maryland gets a B plus with a score rated at 87.5.
No state received an A.
The next highest was Massachusetts with a B and 84.1.
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Maryland gets a B plus with a score rated at 87.5.
No state received an A.
The next highest was Massachusetts with a B and 84.1.
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Delaware Hospice Lays Off Dozens Of Employees
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — Shrinking federal reimbursements have led the Delaware Hospice to lay off dozens of employees.
The hospice's CEO, Susan Lloyd, tells the News Journal of Wilmington that the nonprofit healthcare provider has let 52 workers go.
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The hospice's CEO, Susan Lloyd, tells the News Journal of Wilmington that the nonprofit healthcare provider has let 52 workers go.
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GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY TO VISIT JONES ELEMENTARY MARYLAND SCHOOLS #1 FIVE YEARS IN A ROW
Governor to join Lt. Governor Brown, House Speaker Busch, other officials at Jones Elementary
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 10, 2012) – TODAY at 1:30 p.m., Governor O’Malley, joined by Lt. Governor Brown, House Speaker Busch, the Maryland State Education Association, and other officials, will hold an event at Jones Elementary School to celebrate Maryland’s public schools being certified today as #1 in the nation for the fifth straight year by Education Week Magazine.
Earlier this week, the Administration announced $336 million in proposed school construction investments and upgrades, moving our children from temporary learning shacks to modern, state-of-the art classrooms. Thanks to Maryland's students, educators and parents, Maryland elementary school students achieved their highest MSA scores ever in both Reading and Math, while middle school students achieved their highest scores ever in Math. Maryland’s students are #1 in AP success for the fourth consecutive year according to The College Board, and high school students are graduating at the highest rate in history. To prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow, the Administration has set a goal to increase the number of STEM college graduates 40 percent by 2015.
Since taking office, the O’Malley-Brown Administration, even in the toughest of times while cutting more than any administration in state history, has remained committed to public education. Because of the choices we've made together to make government work for the people of our State, and because of the tough choices we've made over the years, we're close to eliminating a nearly $2 billion structural deficit that we inherited in 2007 while still investing in our priorities like public education and job creation.
ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 10, 2012) – TODAY at 1:30 p.m., Governor O’Malley, joined by Lt. Governor Brown, House Speaker Busch, the Maryland State Education Association, and other officials, will hold an event at Jones Elementary School to celebrate Maryland’s public schools being certified today as #1 in the nation for the fifth straight year by Education Week Magazine.
Earlier this week, the Administration announced $336 million in proposed school construction investments and upgrades, moving our children from temporary learning shacks to modern, state-of-the art classrooms. Thanks to Maryland's students, educators and parents, Maryland elementary school students achieved their highest MSA scores ever in both Reading and Math, while middle school students achieved their highest scores ever in Math. Maryland’s students are #1 in AP success for the fourth consecutive year according to The College Board, and high school students are graduating at the highest rate in history. To prepare our students for the jobs of tomorrow, the Administration has set a goal to increase the number of STEM college graduates 40 percent by 2015.
Since taking office, the O’Malley-Brown Administration, even in the toughest of times while cutting more than any administration in state history, has remained committed to public education. Because of the choices we've made together to make government work for the people of our State, and because of the tough choices we've made over the years, we're close to eliminating a nearly $2 billion structural deficit that we inherited in 2007 while still investing in our priorities like public education and job creation.
Wicomico Public Library Receives American Dream Grant
Wicomico Public Library Receives American Dream Grant
SALISBURY, MD – January 9, 2013 – The American Library Association and Dollar General Foundation have chosen the Wicomico Public Library to participate in the 2013 American Dream Starts @ your library national grant program. The Library will receive $15,000 to support outreach to county residents who are learning English and becoming citizens. The Library is one of 150 American Dream libraries nationwide, and one of only eleven that received funding in 2012 and 2013.
Funds will be used to build capacity, strengthen literacy services and reach out to new library customers. In 2010, the Library expanded its language learning collection, provided information on library services in several languages, and conducted open house programs and tours to introduce library services. This year, in response to needs identified in the community, plans are to create a language learning computer lab. This will provide access to online language programs, citizenship education programs, basic skills programs and more.
Community groups and individuals from throughout the county are invited to provide input into plans on how to maximize benefits from the lab and how to effectively reach out to people who need the service. Please contact the Outreach Department at 410-749-3612 ext. 140 with input.
Wicomico Public Library has its main facility in downtown Salisbury and two small branches in the Centre at Salisbury and Pittsville, a computer access station in Bivalve, and a bookmobile. The library offers free Internet access, a variety of classes and events, as well as materials for loan including popular music CDs and DVD titles. Computer use, classes and events are free and open to the public.
Wicomico Public Library: Supporting Learning, Building Community, Enriching Lives!
SALISBURY, MD – January 9, 2013 – The American Library Association and Dollar General Foundation have chosen the Wicomico Public Library to participate in the 2013 American Dream Starts @ your library national grant program. The Library will receive $15,000 to support outreach to county residents who are learning English and becoming citizens. The Library is one of 150 American Dream libraries nationwide, and one of only eleven that received funding in 2012 and 2013.
Funds will be used to build capacity, strengthen literacy services and reach out to new library customers. In 2010, the Library expanded its language learning collection, provided information on library services in several languages, and conducted open house programs and tours to introduce library services. This year, in response to needs identified in the community, plans are to create a language learning computer lab. This will provide access to online language programs, citizenship education programs, basic skills programs and more.
Community groups and individuals from throughout the county are invited to provide input into plans on how to maximize benefits from the lab and how to effectively reach out to people who need the service. Please contact the Outreach Department at 410-749-3612 ext. 140 with input.
Wicomico Public Library has its main facility in downtown Salisbury and two small branches in the Centre at Salisbury and Pittsville, a computer access station in Bivalve, and a bookmobile. The library offers free Internet access, a variety of classes and events, as well as materials for loan including popular music CDs and DVD titles. Computer use, classes and events are free and open to the public.
Wicomico Public Library: Supporting Learning, Building Community, Enriching Lives!
White House Addresses Piers Morgan Petition
OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE RESPONSE TODeport British Citizen Piers Morgan for Attacking 2nd Amendment
When Discussing the Second Amendment, Keep the First in Mind Too
By Jay Carney
Thank you for participating in We the People to speak out on an issue that matters to you.
Let’s not let arguments over the Constitution’s Second Amendment violate the spirit of its First. President Obama believes that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms. However, the Constitution not only guarantees an individual right to bear arms, but also enshrines the freedom of speech and the freedom of the press -- fundamental principles that are essential to our democracy. Americans may disagree on matters of public policy and express those disagreements vigorously, but no one should be punished by the government simply because he or she expressed a view on the Second Amendment -- or any other matter of public concern.
We recognize that the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, sparked an intense, and at times emotional, national conversation about the steps we can take as a country to reduce gun violence. In fact, your petition is one of many on the issue, and President Obama personally responded by sharing his views on this important issue.
President Bill Clinton to Be Honored as 2013 “Father of the Year”
The National Father’s Day Council announced today that it has selected President Bill Clinton, Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, as a 2013 "Father of the Year" Award recipient. The awards will be presented at the 72nd Annual Father of the Year Awards in New York City on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.
With proceeds benefitting Save the Children’s U.S. Programs, the awards luncheon will take place at 12:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt New York Hotel. For tickets and sponsorship, please contact the Council office at 212-594-5977 or www.momanddadday.com.
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With proceeds benefitting Save the Children’s U.S. Programs, the awards luncheon will take place at 12:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt New York Hotel. For tickets and sponsorship, please contact the Council office at 212-594-5977 or www.momanddadday.com.
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Another Veterans Affairs Department Official Resigns
Another senior official at the Veterans Affairs Department has resigned following a conference spending scandal. Alice Muellerweiss, the dean of VA's Learning University, left after the agency took administrative action against her. Another employee, Tonya Deanes, was reassigned. She was deputy assistant secretary for human resources management. Her boss, John Sepulveda, resigned last year after the inspector general found VA had wasted nearly $800,000 on a training conference. The IG found the conference, which took place in 2011, had a good purpose but was managed badly.
Dep't of Labor Reports More Than $5 Billion in 'Improper' Unemployment Insurance Payments
The U.S. Department of Labor’s website includes a database that shows the total dollar amount of improper payments of unemployment insurance benefits for all 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, which totaled $5,159,629,434 from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.
The database also shows that 2.85 percent, or $1.28 billion, of the total unemployment insurance payments ($45.2 billion) in that timeframe were the result of fraud. (See here and click on XLS sheet for “2012 Calendar Year data.”)
On the “browse by topic” section of the Department of Labor website is a link for “Unemployment Insurance” that takes visitors to the page devoted to that topic, including “Unemployment Insurance (UI) Improper Payments by State.”
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The database also shows that 2.85 percent, or $1.28 billion, of the total unemployment insurance payments ($45.2 billion) in that timeframe were the result of fraud. (See here and click on XLS sheet for “2012 Calendar Year data.”)
On the “browse by topic” section of the Department of Labor website is a link for “Unemployment Insurance” that takes visitors to the page devoted to that topic, including “Unemployment Insurance (UI) Improper Payments by State.”
More
Allegations Of Torture
A defense contractor paid more than $5 million to Iraqis held at Abu Ghraib and other sites. It's the end of a four-year legal battle over allegations of torture. Seventy-one former inmates had accused a subsidiary of Engility Holdings of contributing to the highly-publicized abuse at military detention centers between 2003 and 2009. L-3 Services provided 6,000 translators to the military in Iraq. This marks the first time the prisoners have collected money from a defense contractor in a lawsuit. A trial against another contractor, CACI International, is slated for this summer.
A Republican Senator Is Threatening To Delay John Brennan's Nomination For CIA Director
Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) said he wants answers from the White House on its response to the attack on the U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. Graham accused the administration of "stonewalling." Specifically, he wants to know who edited U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice's talking points. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton failed to testify on the attack last month because of an illness. She is expected to address the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in two weeks. Four Americans, including the ambassador, died in that September attack.