The Senate Intelligence Committee voted 12 to 3 on Tuesday to confirm John Brennan as the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
However, Brennan may have at least one more hurdle to clear before final confirmation, namely, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has vowed to block his nomination until the White House provides more information on its secretive drone program.
The Kentucky senator doesn’t have the 41 votes necessary to prevent a cloture vote, which would block Brennan’s confirmation, so he’s doing the only thing he can do: He’s stalling all senate business with an honest-to-goodness, old-fashioned filibuster.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Mandated Wages And Discrimination
Let's work through an example. Suppose 100 yards of fence could be built using one of two techniques. You could hire three low-skilled workers for $15 each, or you could hire one high-skilled worker for $40. Either way, you get the same 100 yards of fence built. If you sought maximum profits, which production technique would you employ? I'm guessing that you'd hire one high-skilled worker and pay him $40 rather than hire three low-skilled workers for $15 each. Your labor costs would be $40 rather than $45.
Suppose the high-skilled worker came into your office and demanded $55 a day. What would be your response? You'd probably tell him to go play in the traffic and hire the three low-skilled workers. After all, hiring the three low-skilled workers for $45, to get the same 100 yards of fence, would be cheaper than the $55 a day now demanded by the high-skilled worker.
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Suppose the high-skilled worker came into your office and demanded $55 a day. What would be your response? You'd probably tell him to go play in the traffic and hire the three low-skilled workers. After all, hiring the three low-skilled workers for $45, to get the same 100 yards of fence, would be cheaper than the $55 a day now demanded by the high-skilled worker.
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Al Gore Sued Over Current TV Sale to Al Jazeera
Current TV's $500 million sale to Al Jazeera has prompted a lawsuit that claims co-founder Al Gore originally was opposed to the deal but had a "change of heart" on selling his cable network to oil-rich Qataris.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in San Francisco Superior Court by John Terenzio, who presents himself as a highly regarded media consultant, executive and TV producer who conceived the idea for the distribution of an American version of Al Jazeera.
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"When You Get This Kind Of Rigging, It Will End Badly"
When even Home Depot's Ken Langone is questioning the reality of this rally (CEO of one of the best performing stocks since the Dow last traded here), you have to be a little concerned. However, it is Duquesne's Stanley Druckenmiller's point that with QE4EVA it is impossible to know when this will end but warns that "all the lobsters are in the pot" now as he notes that "if you print enough money, everything is subsidized - bonds, stocks, real estate." He dismisses the notion of any sell-off in bonds for the same reason as the Fed is buying $85 bn per month (75-80% all off Treasury issuance). The Fed has cancelled all market signals (whether these are to Congress or market participants) and just as we did in the 1970s, we will find out about all the mal-investments sooner or later. "This is a big, big gamble," he notes, "manipulating the most important price in all of free markets," that ends one of only two ways, a mal-investment bust (as we saw in 2007-8) or full debt monetization and "off we go into inflation."
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Hogan Blasts O’Malley’s Gas Tax Proposal
Earlier this week Governor O’Malley again proposed increasing the gas tax, which, if enacted, would be his 25th consecutive tax hike. The Governor has already enacted 24 tax, toll, and fee increases that have taken an additional $2.4 billion every year out of the pockets of struggling Maryland families and small businesses. The Governor’s latest tax increase proposal is yet another regressive tax that hits the state’s most vulnerable the hardest. Maryland already has the highest income, corporate, and other tax rates in the region. If the Governor’s gas tax increase is enacted, Maryland will have the highest gas taxes in the entire region.
The Governor complains that Maryland has crumbling roads and bridges and the worst traffic congestion in the country, but what he doesn’t tell you is that it’s his fault. There has been no comprehensive transportation strategy from the O’Malley administration. Over a billion dollars has been diverted from the Transportation Trust Fund, and the vast majority of the billions of dollars that has been spent on transportation have been wasted on expenses that are completely unrelated to fixing our road problems. Now he wants struggling Maryland families to pay for his mistakes and his lack of leadership.
Over the last 4 years, Governor O’Malley has spent over $1 billion in dedicated transportation funds for things completely unrelated to transportation – even the money left in the transportation budget was also spent in the wrong place. In his 2014 budget, O’Malley proposes to spend $1.1 billion – a whopping 46% of our state capital and operating transportation budget – on public transportation, even though only 8% of us use public transportation to commute.
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The Governor complains that Maryland has crumbling roads and bridges and the worst traffic congestion in the country, but what he doesn’t tell you is that it’s his fault. There has been no comprehensive transportation strategy from the O’Malley administration. Over a billion dollars has been diverted from the Transportation Trust Fund, and the vast majority of the billions of dollars that has been spent on transportation have been wasted on expenses that are completely unrelated to fixing our road problems. Now he wants struggling Maryland families to pay for his mistakes and his lack of leadership.
Over the last 4 years, Governor O’Malley has spent over $1 billion in dedicated transportation funds for things completely unrelated to transportation – even the money left in the transportation budget was also spent in the wrong place. In his 2014 budget, O’Malley proposes to spend $1.1 billion – a whopping 46% of our state capital and operating transportation budget – on public transportation, even though only 8% of us use public transportation to commute.
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NEITHER LEFT NOR RIGHT
I feel a tremendous responsibility to write this article though I am a little apprehensive. Thinking about the possibility of rising up against our own government is a frightening thing for many of us. I am not Johnny Rambo and I will be the first to admit that I do not want to die. The reason I feel compelled to write this, however, is simply because I don’t think the average American is equipped with the facts. I feel that a lot of American citizens feel like they have no choice but to surrender their guns if the government comes for them. I blame traditional media sources for this mass brainwash and I carry the responsibility of all small independent bloggers to tell the truth. So my focus today is to lay out your constitutional rights as an American, and let you decide what to do with those rights.
About a month ago I let the “democracy” word slip in a discussion with a fellow blogger. I know better. Americans have been conditioned to use this term. It’s not an accurate term and it never has been a correct term to describe our form of government. The truth is that the United States of America is a constitutional republic. This is similar to a democracy because our representatives are selected by democratic elections, but ultimately our representatives are required to work within the framework of our constitution. In other words, even if 90% of Americans want something that goes against our founding principles, they have no right to call for a violation of constitutional rights.
If you are religious you might choose to think of it this way… Say that members of your congregation decide that mass fornication is a good thing. Do they have the right to change the teachings of your God? The truth is the truth. It doesn’t matter how many people try to stray from it. Did I just compare our founders to God? In a way I did, but please note that I am not trying to insult anyone. For the purpose of the American Government our constitution and founders who wrote it are much like God is to believers. It is the law. It is indisputable.
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About a month ago I let the “democracy” word slip in a discussion with a fellow blogger. I know better. Americans have been conditioned to use this term. It’s not an accurate term and it never has been a correct term to describe our form of government. The truth is that the United States of America is a constitutional republic. This is similar to a democracy because our representatives are selected by democratic elections, but ultimately our representatives are required to work within the framework of our constitution. In other words, even if 90% of Americans want something that goes against our founding principles, they have no right to call for a violation of constitutional rights.
If you are religious you might choose to think of it this way… Say that members of your congregation decide that mass fornication is a good thing. Do they have the right to change the teachings of your God? The truth is the truth. It doesn’t matter how many people try to stray from it. Did I just compare our founders to God? In a way I did, but please note that I am not trying to insult anyone. For the purpose of the American Government our constitution and founders who wrote it are much like God is to believers. It is the law. It is indisputable.
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Public Fed Up With Cops Shooting Their Dogs
It has happened at least a half-dozen times in the past five years, and now lawmakers have had enough.
Two Colorado state senators plan to introduce a bill requiring police departments to adopt policies and procedures for dealing with dogs.
Sens. Lucia Guzman, a Denver Democrat, and David Balmer, a Centennial Republican, say they want officers to distinguish between a barking dog and a dangerous dog.
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Education and Transportation: We Have No Idea How Much Money We Spend on Conferences
We've been hearing for days now about the major damage $85 billion in sequester cuts will do to the country however, during an Oversight and Government Reform hearing on Capitol Hill Tuesday, representatives from the Education and Transportation Departments were clueless as to how much money has been spent on department conferences.
Republican Rep. Jim Jordan asked Education Department Deputy Secretary Anthony Miller and Transportation Department Deputy Secretary John Porcari how much money has been spent on travel, conferences and consultants. Jordan was told the departments do not think additional savings can be found when it comes to conference spending and travel for government employees. Jordan's line of questioning included the now infamous 2010 GSA conference in Las Vegas which cost taxpayers $840,000.
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Republican Rep. Jim Jordan asked Education Department Deputy Secretary Anthony Miller and Transportation Department Deputy Secretary John Porcari how much money has been spent on travel, conferences and consultants. Jordan was told the departments do not think additional savings can be found when it comes to conference spending and travel for government employees. Jordan's line of questioning included the now infamous 2010 GSA conference in Las Vegas which cost taxpayers $840,000.
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NY Supreme Court Considers SAFE Act Injunction
This just in at TTAG command central: the New York Supreme Court has stated that they will issue an injunction against the new SAFE Act on April 29th—unless the state can prove that the law is constitutional. This puts the burden of proof on the state of New York to show the Act is legal under the newly re-affirmed provisions of the Second Amendment, which is impossible. From WKTV . . .
The Buffalo-based attorney who is spear-heading a lawsuit against Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent gun laws said that Wednesday was “monumental,” as a State Supreme Court Justice issued an order requiring New York State to show good cause that the law is constitutional.
New York State has until April 29 to respond or else an injunction will be issued.
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The Buffalo-based attorney who is spear-heading a lawsuit against Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent gun laws said that Wednesday was “monumental,” as a State Supreme Court Justice issued an order requiring New York State to show good cause that the law is constitutional.
New York State has until April 29 to respond or else an injunction will be issued.
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Marylanders Rate Gov. O’Malley’s Performance In Washington Post Poll
Political reporter Pat Warren has more on the poll.
“We made a lot of decisions that by themselves I can assure you were wholly unpopular,” Gov. O’Malley told a crowd of students last week.
Some of those decisions may have impacted voters’ answers in a new Washington Post poll.
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Eric Holder: Drone Strikes Against Americans On U.S. Soil Are Legal
Attorney General Eric Holder can imagine a scenario in which it would be constitutional to carry out a drone strike against an American on American soil, he wrote in a letter to Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.
“It is possible, I suppose, to imagine an extraordinary circumstance in which it would be necessary and appropriate under the Constitution and applicable laws of the United States for the President to authorize the military to use lethal force within the territory of the United States,” Holder replied in a letter yesterday to Paul’s question about whether Obama “has the power to authorize lethal force, such as a drone strike, against a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil, and without trial.”
Paul condemned the idea. “The U.S. Attorney General’s refusal to rule out the possibility of drone strikes on American citizens and on American soil is more than frightening – it is an affront the Constitutional due process rights of all Americans,” he said in a statement.
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“It is possible, I suppose, to imagine an extraordinary circumstance in which it would be necessary and appropriate under the Constitution and applicable laws of the United States for the President to authorize the military to use lethal force within the territory of the United States,” Holder replied in a letter yesterday to Paul’s question about whether Obama “has the power to authorize lethal force, such as a drone strike, against a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil, and without trial.”
Paul condemned the idea. “The U.S. Attorney General’s refusal to rule out the possibility of drone strikes on American citizens and on American soil is more than frightening – it is an affront the Constitutional due process rights of all Americans,” he said in a statement.
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Wicomico Cty Dept Of Emergency Services: Weather Update -- System Weakens
The Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services participated in a weather conference call at 4 p.m. with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. The National Weather service advised the following information:
Wednesday evening the weather system currently impacting our area will begin changing from rain to snow. Total additional rain accumulation of up to ½ inch is expected before the changeover. From sunset Wednesday to early morning hours Thursday, snow with possible accumulations of 1inch east of Route 13, and up to 2 inches possible west of Route 13. Winds on Wednesday evening will have sustained speeds of 20-30 mph, with gusts of 30 – 45 mph.
Any accumulating precipitation is expected to end prior to sunrise on Thursday morning. Tidal anomalies of 1foot and minor flooding are possible.
Wednesday evening the weather system currently impacting our area will begin changing from rain to snow. Total additional rain accumulation of up to ½ inch is expected before the changeover. From sunset Wednesday to early morning hours Thursday, snow with possible accumulations of 1inch east of Route 13, and up to 2 inches possible west of Route 13. Winds on Wednesday evening will have sustained speeds of 20-30 mph, with gusts of 30 – 45 mph.
Any accumulating precipitation is expected to end prior to sunrise on Thursday morning. Tidal anomalies of 1foot and minor flooding are possible.
Worcester County Storm Update
The Worcester County Sheriff's announces that a pet friendly shelter will be opening at 9:00 tonight at Stephen Decatur Middle School. This is to accommodate those who have been displaced by this storm. The Worcester County Sheriff's Office request for residents to stay in and not be out on the roads for their safety. Worcester County is experiencing high winds causing trees to fall. Please use caution and common sense during this storm. Stay Safe. Lieutenant Edward C. Schreier
LOCAL BREAKING NEWS
Due to minor flooding and standing water, Ocean City Emergency Personnel are advising Citizens to avoid the south end of ocean city. There is standing water south of 5th Street on coastal highway which is unsafe for car traffic, however truck traffic may proceed with caution.
All vehicular traffic is advised to avoid the south end of the city, the Rt. 50 bridge and to use Rt. 90 if possible.
Updates to follow.
All vehicular traffic is advised to avoid the south end of the city, the Rt. 50 bridge and to use Rt. 90 if possible.
Updates to follow.
Gohmert: No Federal Funds to Transport Obama To/From Golf Courses Until WH Tours Resume
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Today, the White House Vistor's Office sent out an email to interested parties that announces the suspension of all White House Tours due to the sequester cuts.
ATTN Interested Parties,More
Due to staffing reductions resulting from sequestration, we regret to inform you that White House Tours will be canceled effective Saturday, March 9, 2013 until further notice. Unfortunately, we will not be able to reschedule affected tours.
Franchot's Golden Apple Award Goes To Talbot Business 'Icon'
EASTON-For the last 12 years, David Wheeler has donated a car from his KIA/Honda dealership on Ocean Gateway to Talbot, Queen Anne's and Dorchester counties' Teacher of the Year. This year, state Comptroller Peter Franchot bestowed his own honor on Wheeler-- the inaugural Golden Apple Award, created to recognize "extraordinary" volunteers, whether individuals or organizations, who work within the Maryland public schools system and who through time, work and example, have impacted the future success of local students.
Police Swarm Connecticut Community College After Reports Of Gunman
Officials at Manchester Community College, in Manchester, Conn., placed the school on lockdown as police investigated the situation.
A community college in central Connecticut has been placed on lockdown as police investigate reports of a gunman on campus.
Officials at Manchester Community College, in Manchester, Conn., sent an emergency alert to students and staff shortly after 2:00 p.m. declaring a lockdown at the school.
“An emergency has been declared on campus," the message read, according to the Hartford Courant. "An order to shelter in place has been ordered."
Manchester police confirmed that the school was on lockdown but could not confirm reports of a gunman.
A community college in central Connecticut has been placed on lockdown as police investigate reports of a gunman on campus.
Officials at Manchester Community College, in Manchester, Conn., sent an emergency alert to students and staff shortly after 2:00 p.m. declaring a lockdown at the school.
“An emergency has been declared on campus," the message read, according to the Hartford Courant. "An order to shelter in place has been ordered."
Manchester police confirmed that the school was on lockdown but could not confirm reports of a gunman.
TSA Sealed $50-Million Sequester-Eve Deal to Buy New Uniforms
The impending sequester did not prevent the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from acting in late February to seal a $50-million deal to purchase new uniforms for its agents--uniforms that will be partly manufactured in Mexico.Soon after this new investment in TSA uniforms, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano warned Americans that the lines are already lengthening at airports due to the sequester.
"We are already seeing the effect on the ports of entry, the big airports for example," Napolitano told Politico on Monday. "Some of them had very long lines this weekend."
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UN: Colo., Wash. legal Pot Violates Drug Treaties
A United Nations-based drug agency urged the United States government on Tuesday to challenge the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Colorado and Washington, saying the state laws violate international drug treaties.
DENVER —A United Nations-based drug agency urged the United States government on Tuesday to challenge the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Colorado and Washington, saying the state laws violate international drug treaties.
The International Narcotics Control Board made its appeal in an annual drug report. It called on Washington, D.C., to act to "ensure full compliance with the international drug control treaties on its entire territory."
The International Narcotics Control Board made its appeal in an annual drug report. It called on Washington, D.C., to act to "ensure full compliance with the international drug control treaties on its entire territory."
HARFORD COUNTY MAN COMMITS SUICIDE ON A TRAFFIC STOP
(ESSEX, MD) – State Police are investigating the death of a Harford County man who committed suicide yesterday afternoon while on a traffic stop on Interstate 95 in Baltimore County.
The deceased is identified as Scott Kampes, 23, of the 1800 block of Oxford Square in Bel Air, Maryland. He was operating a 1999 Saturn at the time of the incident. Emergency medical personnel from Baltimore County Fire Department transported Kampes to Franklin Square Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel. An autopsy is being conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.
Shortly before 2:00 p.m. yesterday, troopers from the JFK Barrack received a call for a stolen vehicle from a relative of Kampes, who had been following him. Information indicated the vehicle was traveling towards Interstate 95.
Troopers located the vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 95 north of White Marsh Boulevard in Baltimore County. A traffic stop was conducted by a trooper from the JFK Barrack who immediately made contact with the driver, Scott Kampes.
After securing the keys from Kampes’ vehicle, the trooper returned to his patrol car to speak with the relative who had been following Kampes. The relative was parked in front of Kampes’ vehicle and the trooper’s marked patrol car. Kampes had remained in the driver’s seat of his vehicle.
Moments later, a back up trooper arrived, and after ensuring the other trooper was okay, approached the Saturn and found Kampes slumped in the driver’s seat with trauma to his head. A Ruger .22 caliber semi-auto handgun was found inside on his lap.
Emergency medical personnel were immediately requested and arrived on scene. Kampes was transported to Franklin Square Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Investigators from the JFK Barrack responded and are conducting the investigation. Preliminary investigation indicated the 1999 Saturn belongs to Kampes’ grandparents. He did not have permission to use the car.
Troopers are investigating how Kampes obtained the gun. Investigators have learned Kampes had recently threatened suicide.
The deceased is identified as Scott Kampes, 23, of the 1800 block of Oxford Square in Bel Air, Maryland. He was operating a 1999 Saturn at the time of the incident. Emergency medical personnel from Baltimore County Fire Department transported Kampes to Franklin Square Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel. An autopsy is being conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.
Shortly before 2:00 p.m. yesterday, troopers from the JFK Barrack received a call for a stolen vehicle from a relative of Kampes, who had been following him. Information indicated the vehicle was traveling towards Interstate 95.
Troopers located the vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 95 north of White Marsh Boulevard in Baltimore County. A traffic stop was conducted by a trooper from the JFK Barrack who immediately made contact with the driver, Scott Kampes.
After securing the keys from Kampes’ vehicle, the trooper returned to his patrol car to speak with the relative who had been following Kampes. The relative was parked in front of Kampes’ vehicle and the trooper’s marked patrol car. Kampes had remained in the driver’s seat of his vehicle.
Moments later, a back up trooper arrived, and after ensuring the other trooper was okay, approached the Saturn and found Kampes slumped in the driver’s seat with trauma to his head. A Ruger .22 caliber semi-auto handgun was found inside on his lap.
Emergency medical personnel were immediately requested and arrived on scene. Kampes was transported to Franklin Square Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Investigators from the JFK Barrack responded and are conducting the investigation. Preliminary investigation indicated the 1999 Saturn belongs to Kampes’ grandparents. He did not have permission to use the car.
Troopers are investigating how Kampes obtained the gun. Investigators have learned Kampes had recently threatened suicide.
Town Of Ocean City Monitoring Path Of A Strong Winter Storm
Ocean City Emergency Services is monitoring the projected path of a strong winter storm. Currently, the storm is expected to be in the Ocean City area during the evening hours of Tuesday, March 5, and is projected to last through Thursday, March 7. The storm is forecasted to have sustained winds of 30 to 35 mph gusting to over 50 mph; one to two inches of rain are likely. The rain is expected to change to snow sometime late Wednesday into early Thursday morning. Snow accumulations of one inch or less are expected. Due to high tide cycles and north east winds moderate flooding and some beach erosion is expected.
During the storm, the Town of Ocean City will be posting storm related information on various websites, social media outlets and through the GovDelivery system. In an effort to keep citizens informed with the most updated and accurate information, the Town of Ocean City will be posting storm related information on the following outlets:
Town of Ocean City Alerts via GovDelivery: subscribe to GovDelivery, visit the “City Wide Alerts” tab on the Town of Ocean City’s website at http://oceancitymd.gov.
Town of Ocean City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownOfOceanCity
Town of Ocean City Twitter: @townofoceancity
Town of Ocean City Access Channels 4 & 15
Emergency Management Hotline: 410-723-6666
Town of Ocean City website: www.oceancitymd.gov
AM 1670 Advisory Radio Station
Throughout the storm, the Town of Ocean City’s Emergency Services personnel will be working closely with local and state representatives to provide citizens with timely, accurate and essential information. The Town of Ocean City encourages residents and business owners to begin to prepare for any impact the winter storm may have on Ocean City. For more information regarding winter storm preparedness, please visit:http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
During the storm, the Town of Ocean City will be posting storm related information on various websites, social media outlets and through the GovDelivery system. In an effort to keep citizens informed with the most updated and accurate information, the Town of Ocean City will be posting storm related information on the following outlets:
Town of Ocean City Alerts via GovDelivery: subscribe to GovDelivery, visit the “City Wide Alerts” tab on the Town of Ocean City’s website at http://oceancitymd.gov.
Town of Ocean City Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TownOfOceanCity
Town of Ocean City Twitter: @townofoceancity
Town of Ocean City Access Channels 4 & 15
Emergency Management Hotline: 410-723-6666
Town of Ocean City website: www.oceancitymd.gov
AM 1670 Advisory Radio Station
Throughout the storm, the Town of Ocean City’s Emergency Services personnel will be working closely with local and state representatives to provide citizens with timely, accurate and essential information. The Town of Ocean City encourages residents and business owners to begin to prepare for any impact the winter storm may have on Ocean City. For more information regarding winter storm preparedness, please visit:http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
Sequester Could Impact Maryland Hospital Rates, Medicare Waiver
The federal sequester calls for a 2 percent cut in Medicare spending that will hit every state and has hospital executives across the U.S. thinking about their budgets. But in Maryland health care leaders have one more thing to worry about — the state’s Medicare waiver. The state has already been toeing the line of breaking the terms of its waiver, which requires Maryland to keep growth in Medicare costs below national growth, and a 2 percent Medicare cut could worsen the situation.
The Health Services Cost Review Commission was scheduled to meet Wednesday but cancelled the meeting in anticipation of a snowstorm headed to Maryland. When the group does meet next, they’ll be discussing a brief report put together by commission staff that suggests the state could minimize the damage to its waiver by letting hospitals take a hit. That’s rather than allowing them to push off some of the sequester cut to payers — and potentially to consumers — through increased rates.
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Businesses And Residents Want A Better Salisbury
It's been a very long time since a business person has stepped up to the plate to run for Mayor and actually offer solutions. You have two choices on April 2nd. You can either continue to have a mayor who does little more than grandstand OR ... you can have a NEW mayor who will roll up his sleeves, go to WORK and help to make Salisbury a better place to live and to work.
You want a better Salisbury, get out and vote.
A. Ireton = Entitlements / Grants / Higher Taxes
B. Albero = Accountability / Jobs / Revitalization
Iowa GOP Lawmakers Try To Curtail Divorce, Worry It Makes Young Women More 'Promiscuous'
UPDATE: 2:37 p.m. -- The Des Moines Register reports that the divorce bill will not advance in the legislature this year:
It cleared a subcommittee on Monday, but House Judiciary Committee Chairman Chip Baltimore, R-Boone, said the bill would not get a hearing before the full committee ahead of a looming deadline.
Most bills now before the Legislature must win committee approval by Friday to remain viable for passage.Previously:
A bill making it harder for couples to divorce was approved by an Iowa state House subcommittee on Monday, with a supporter of the legislation arguing it is necessary to prevent young girls from being more "promiscuous."
The bill would make "no fault" divorces illegal in Iowa for parents of children who are minors. Now that it has been approved by the three-person subcommittee, it is ready for debate by the full state House Judiciary Committee, according to NBC 13 Des Moines.
Most bills now before the Legislature must win committee approval by Friday to remain viable for passage.Previously:
A bill making it harder for couples to divorce was approved by an Iowa state House subcommittee on Monday, with a supporter of the legislation arguing it is necessary to prevent young girls from being more "promiscuous."
The bill would make "no fault" divorces illegal in Iowa for parents of children who are minors. Now that it has been approved by the three-person subcommittee, it is ready for debate by the full state House Judiciary Committee, according to NBC 13 Des Moines.
Breaking News Truck Overturns, Closes Westbound Bay Bridge
At 2:30 p.m. radio reports said the eastbound span would be closed as well.
Emergency radio reports said the tractor trailer was on its side, leaning against the guardrail, but that none of the truck was hanging over the side.
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Outdated Md. Voting Machines Will Not Be Replaced Before 2014 Election
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The state is already facing a shortage of voting machines, with only four jurisdictions in the last presidential election providing enough to meet state regulations.
In 2014, voting machines in 23 of the state’s 24 jurisdictions will be at least 10 years old, reaching the limit of the manufacturer’s guarantee. Roughly a third of these machines will have exceeded their useful life as determined by the manufacturer.
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Governor Bob McDonnell Declares State of Emergency
Governor Bob McDonnell Declares State of Emergency As Winter Storm Impacts Commonwealth
– Northern, Northwestern and Central Regions of Virginia are Hardest Hit –
RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency this morning authorizing state agencies to assist local governments in responding to the snow storm currently impacting the Commonwealth.
Over 12 inches of snow already has been reported in several locations along the northern Interstate 81 corridor. Approximately 170,000 customers are currently without power in Virginia, and that number will likely increase as the storm continues to affect Virginia and winds increase.
In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. State agencies have been responding to the since last night. Actions taken in Virginia include:
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– Northern, Northwestern and Central Regions of Virginia are Hardest Hit –
RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency this morning authorizing state agencies to assist local governments in responding to the snow storm currently impacting the Commonwealth.
Over 12 inches of snow already has been reported in several locations along the northern Interstate 81 corridor. Approximately 170,000 customers are currently without power in Virginia, and that number will likely increase as the storm continues to affect Virginia and winds increase.
In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia. State agencies have been responding to the since last night. Actions taken in Virginia include:
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Make GOP End The Drug War
Let’s assume that the New York Times was right this week when it asserted that in 2013, “the only issue that truly unites Republicans is a commitment to shrinking the federal government.” Even though there’s ample evidence that the GOP doesn’t actually want to shrink the government, let’s nonetheless assume that Republicans are trying to rhetorically brand themselves to the concept of small government, past votes be damned. And let’s assume thatgerrymandering means the GOP will control at least one house of congress for the remainder of the Obama presidency.
Wicomico County Publis Schools
Due to the winter storm forecast, all after-school and evening activities in Wicomico County Public Schools have been canceled for today, Wednesday, March 6.
D.C. Council Postpones Welfare Cuts
The D.C. Council voted Tuesday to postpone long-planned cuts to the city's welfare program for another six months.
The city had planned to slash benefits on April 1 for recipients who have been receiving assistance for more than five years, but Mayor Vincent Gray's administration said the District had not yet completed the steps it needed to take before it would be comfortable trimming payouts for thousands of people.
"We're trying to send a message," Gray told The Washington Examiner on Tuesday. "But we're going to do it in a compassionate fashion... We're trying to strike a balance, the balance being to get all of this geared up and to do it so that people don't experience any suffering along the way."
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The city had planned to slash benefits on April 1 for recipients who have been receiving assistance for more than five years, but Mayor Vincent Gray's administration said the District had not yet completed the steps it needed to take before it would be comfortable trimming payouts for thousands of people.
"We're trying to send a message," Gray told The Washington Examiner on Tuesday. "But we're going to do it in a compassionate fashion... We're trying to strike a balance, the balance being to get all of this geared up and to do it so that people don't experience any suffering along the way."
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Maryland Senate Votes to Abolish Death Penalty
Maryland's Senate voted on Wednesday to repeal the death penalty, moving the state closer to becoming the sixth since 2007 to abolish capital punishment.
The situation in Maryland comes amid deepening uncertainty over the death penalty, which was reinstated in many states after it was upheld as constitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976.
While, for now, Maryland and 32 other states retain the power to sentence inmates to death, capital punishment faces a host of challenges, from the growing number of exonerations of convicts—often because of new DNA evidence—to shortages of drugs used in lethal injections.
Wicomico Dept Of Emergency Services: Update
Weather Forecast
The Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services participated in a weather conference call at 10 a.m. with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. The National Weather service advised the following information:
Wednesday late afternoon the weather system currently impacting our area will begin changing from rain to snow. Total rain accumulation of up to 1 inch is expected before the changeover. Winds will gradually increase Wednesday to sustained speeds of 20-30 m.p.h.
From sunset Wednesday to early morning hours Thursday, wet heavy snow with accumulations of 1-2 inches east of Route 13, and 2-4 inches west of Route 13 is expected. The snowfall is expected to end prior to sunrise on Thursday morning. Winds Wednesday evening in to Thursday morning will have gusts from 30-40 m.p.h. Tidal anomalies of 1foot and minor flooding are possible.
The Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services participated in a weather conference call at 10 a.m. with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. The National Weather service advised the following information:
Wednesday late afternoon the weather system currently impacting our area will begin changing from rain to snow. Total rain accumulation of up to 1 inch is expected before the changeover. Winds will gradually increase Wednesday to sustained speeds of 20-30 m.p.h.
From sunset Wednesday to early morning hours Thursday, wet heavy snow with accumulations of 1-2 inches east of Route 13, and 2-4 inches west of Route 13 is expected. The snowfall is expected to end prior to sunrise on Thursday morning. Winds Wednesday evening in to Thursday morning will have gusts from 30-40 m.p.h. Tidal anomalies of 1foot and minor flooding are possible.
Delmarva Safety Association Presents Safety & Health Conference March 21 at Wicomico Youth & Civic Center
(Salisbury, MD) The Delmarva Safety Association (DSA) is providing a full-day Safety & Health Conference offering educational tips on relevant safety topics on Thursday, March 21 at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center starting at 8:30am. Registration is $95 a person or $125 a person after March 15, 2013; DSA members save $10 on early registration fees.
The all-day event offers several workshop sessions presented by professionals who are experts in their field, informing members on the importance of being educated on and compliant with safety issues that could reduce injuries and save lives.
Planned sessions include:
Confined Space Awareness
Continuity of Operations—Simulation
Fall Protection
Fire Extinguisher Awareness
Gas Service Safety—Emergencies in the Workplace
Global Harmonization - A-Z for Compliance
Maryland Tree Care & Removal Guide Helps
Needs Assessment for Safety
NFPA 70E
OSHA Future- What’s coming, Legislative Overview
“Roadway Safety+”- Protecting Highway Work Zones
Return to Work
Safety as a Human Resources Function
Registration begins at 7:00am and the workshop sessions begin at 8:30am. For more information and to register, visit www.Shop.DelmarvaSafety.org
The Delmarva Safety Association (DSA) is a non-profit organization who, through education, promotion and advocacy in safety, reduces injuries, occupational illnesses and economic losses in the workplace and communities on the Delmarva Peninsula.
The all-day event offers several workshop sessions presented by professionals who are experts in their field, informing members on the importance of being educated on and compliant with safety issues that could reduce injuries and save lives.
Planned sessions include:
Confined Space Awareness
Continuity of Operations—Simulation
Fall Protection
Fire Extinguisher Awareness
Gas Service Safety—Emergencies in the Workplace
Global Harmonization - A-Z for Compliance
Maryland Tree Care & Removal Guide Helps
Needs Assessment for Safety
NFPA 70E
OSHA Future- What’s coming, Legislative Overview
“Roadway Safety+”- Protecting Highway Work Zones
Return to Work
Safety as a Human Resources Function
Registration begins at 7:00am and the workshop sessions begin at 8:30am. For more information and to register, visit www.Shop.DelmarvaSafety.org
The Delmarva Safety Association (DSA) is a non-profit organization who, through education, promotion and advocacy in safety, reduces injuries, occupational illnesses and economic losses in the workplace and communities on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Maryland Drivers Could Pay 22 Cents More Per Gallon By 2015
Marylanders can expect to pay 2 cents more per gallon of gas this summer under a plan by Gov. Martin O'Malley to fund transportation projects, but that could jump to as much as 22 cents by 2015.
O'Malley's plan arrives at that price by slowly phasing in the state's sales tax over a number of years. It also cuts the flat 23.5-cent-per-gallon gas tax by 5 cents to 18.5 cents and indexes it to inflation. An aide in the governor's office said the cut to the gas tax was meant to lessen the impact of the sales tax.
Gasoline is currently exempt from the state's 6 percent sales tax. Two percent of the sales tax would be applied to gasoline sales on July 1, leading to about a 2-cent increase in prices after the gas tax cut, given Tuesday's statewide average per-gallon price of $3.73, according to auto club AAA.
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O'Malley's plan arrives at that price by slowly phasing in the state's sales tax over a number of years. It also cuts the flat 23.5-cent-per-gallon gas tax by 5 cents to 18.5 cents and indexes it to inflation. An aide in the governor's office said the cut to the gas tax was meant to lessen the impact of the sales tax.
Gasoline is currently exempt from the state's 6 percent sales tax. Two percent of the sales tax would be applied to gasoline sales on July 1, leading to about a 2-cent increase in prices after the gas tax cut, given Tuesday's statewide average per-gallon price of $3.73, according to auto club AAA.
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Hogan Blasts O’Malley’s Gas Tax Proposal
Annapolis, MD - Last night, Governor O’Malley again proposed increasing the gas tax, which, if enacted, would be his 25th consecutive tax hike. The Governor has already enacted 24 tax, toll, and fee increases that have taken an additional $2.4 billion every year out of the pockets of struggling Maryland families and small businesses. The Governor’s latest tax increase proposal is yet another regressive tax that hits the state’s most vulnerable the hardest. Maryland already has the highest income, corporate, and other tax rates in the region. If the Governor’s gas tax increase is enacted, Maryland will have the highest gas taxes in the entire region.
“The Governor complains that Maryland has crumbling roads and bridges and the worst traffic congestion in the country, but what he doesn’t tell you is that it’s his fault. There has been no comprehensive transportation strategy from the O’Malley administration. Over a billion dollars has been diverted from the Transportation Trust Fund, and the vast majority of the billions of dollars that has been spent on transportation have been wasted on expenses that are completely unrelated to fixing our road problems. Now he wants struggling Maryland families to pay for his mistakes and his lack of leadership,” said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.
Over the last 4 years, Governor O’Malley has spent over $1 billion in dedicated transportation funds for things completely unrelated to transportation – even the money left in the transportation budget was also spent in the wrong place. In his 2014 budget, O’Malley proposes to spend $1.1 billion – a whopping 46% of our state capital and operating transportation budget – on public transportation, even though only 8% of us use public transportation to commute.
“What we need is a coherent transportation policy that makes roads a priority and realigns spending based on how Marylanders actually travel. We also need the Governor to restore all of the money he has diverted from the Transportation Trust Fund and immediately appoint a competent Secretary of Transportation. The last thing in the world Maryland needs is another tax increase,” Hogan said.
Last year Change Maryland was a leader in the fight against the gas tax increase, and successfully led the effort to kill the proposed legislation. An overwhelming majority of Marylanders strongly oppose more tax increases, and particularly oppose an increase in the state’s gas tax. “Our 30,000 members are outraged, and we will fight this with everything we’ve got in an effort to stop it again. If they ram this through, this 25th tax increase may very well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The taxpayers have had enough and are not going to take it anymore,” Hogan said.
Change Maryland, the largest and fastest growing grassroots citizen organization in the state has been critical of the lack of a coherent transportation plan by the O’Malley Administration. They have argued against the raiding of the Transportation Trust Fund, the fact that road improvements have not been a priority for the past six years, and that the Department of Transportation is a rudderless ship that has been without a Secretary for more than 8 months.
“The Governor complains that Maryland has crumbling roads and bridges and the worst traffic congestion in the country, but what he doesn’t tell you is that it’s his fault. There has been no comprehensive transportation strategy from the O’Malley administration. Over a billion dollars has been diverted from the Transportation Trust Fund, and the vast majority of the billions of dollars that has been spent on transportation have been wasted on expenses that are completely unrelated to fixing our road problems. Now he wants struggling Maryland families to pay for his mistakes and his lack of leadership,” said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.
Over the last 4 years, Governor O’Malley has spent over $1 billion in dedicated transportation funds for things completely unrelated to transportation – even the money left in the transportation budget was also spent in the wrong place. In his 2014 budget, O’Malley proposes to spend $1.1 billion – a whopping 46% of our state capital and operating transportation budget – on public transportation, even though only 8% of us use public transportation to commute.
“What we need is a coherent transportation policy that makes roads a priority and realigns spending based on how Marylanders actually travel. We also need the Governor to restore all of the money he has diverted from the Transportation Trust Fund and immediately appoint a competent Secretary of Transportation. The last thing in the world Maryland needs is another tax increase,” Hogan said.
Last year Change Maryland was a leader in the fight against the gas tax increase, and successfully led the effort to kill the proposed legislation. An overwhelming majority of Marylanders strongly oppose more tax increases, and particularly oppose an increase in the state’s gas tax. “Our 30,000 members are outraged, and we will fight this with everything we’ve got in an effort to stop it again. If they ram this through, this 25th tax increase may very well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The taxpayers have had enough and are not going to take it anymore,” Hogan said.
Change Maryland, the largest and fastest growing grassroots citizen organization in the state has been critical of the lack of a coherent transportation plan by the O’Malley Administration. They have argued against the raiding of the Transportation Trust Fund, the fact that road improvements have not been a priority for the past six years, and that the Department of Transportation is a rudderless ship that has been without a Secretary for more than 8 months.
Governor’s Task Force Arrests Two For Heroin Possession, Seaford
Locations: Quality Inn, 255 North Sussex Highway, Seaford, DE
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday March 5, 2013 at approximately 11:15 p.m.
Defendants, Charges, and Bail Information:
Kai Bacon, 20, Seaford, DE
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin)
Conspiracy 2nd
Criminal Impersonation
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $19,500.00 secured bail.
Steonte D. Batson, 21, Bridgeville, DE
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin)
Conspiracy 2nd
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $18,500.00 secured bail.
Resume:
Seaford, DE – The Delaware State Police have arrested two people after drugs were found in their Seaford hotel room.
On Tuesday March 5th, the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) responded to the Quality Inn located on North Sussex Highway in Seaford in response to illegal drug sales being reported in the area. Detectives and Probation Officers responded to room 223 where contact was made with Kai Bacon, who initially gave a false name, along with Steonte D. Batson, Nakita E. Boothman and two children under the age of two. A computer inquiry into the three adults revealed they all had capiases out of Sussex County Courts. A search of the room conducted by the task force produced 193 bags of suspected heroin totaling more than 4.8 grams along with more than $1,200.00 in suspected drug proceeds.
All three subjects were transported back to Troop 4 where Bacon and Batson were processed and arraigned on the above listed charges before being turned over to the Department of Corrections in lieu of secured bonds. Boothman was released after being arraigned on her capias. The children were turned over to relatives at the scene.
Date of Occurrence: Tuesday March 5, 2013 at approximately 11:15 p.m.
Defendants, Charges, and Bail Information:
Kai Bacon, 20, Seaford, DE
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin)
Conspiracy 2nd
Criminal Impersonation
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution on $19,500.00 secured bail.
Steonte D. Batson, 21, Bridgeville, DE
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin)
Conspiracy 2nd
Endangering the Welfare of a Child (2 counts)
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $18,500.00 secured bail.
Resume:
Seaford, DE – The Delaware State Police have arrested two people after drugs were found in their Seaford hotel room.
On Tuesday March 5th, the Sussex County Governor’s Task Force (GTF) responded to the Quality Inn located on North Sussex Highway in Seaford in response to illegal drug sales being reported in the area. Detectives and Probation Officers responded to room 223 where contact was made with Kai Bacon, who initially gave a false name, along with Steonte D. Batson, Nakita E. Boothman and two children under the age of two. A computer inquiry into the three adults revealed they all had capiases out of Sussex County Courts. A search of the room conducted by the task force produced 193 bags of suspected heroin totaling more than 4.8 grams along with more than $1,200.00 in suspected drug proceeds.
All three subjects were transported back to Troop 4 where Bacon and Batson were processed and arraigned on the above listed charges before being turned over to the Department of Corrections in lieu of secured bonds. Boothman was released after being arraigned on her capias. The children were turned over to relatives at the scene.
I'm Grateful For This Donation And Humbled By This Letter
Dear Mr. Albero,
Please accept the enclosed funds as a contribution to your campaign for mayor of Salisbury, MD. As a citizen of Salisbury I have what I believe is a valid concern that this city is simply a vehicle that is headed down a highway to disaster and upon arrival will have little to no chance of being towed back. What makes this situation even more troubling is the fact that our town leaders (the mayor, city council, etc.) are the ones that are driving this vehicle. While already in severe financial trouble, I have to pay taxes only to find out that our elected officials spent their entire meeting arguing and pointing fingers at each other. I am fed up with basically paying the salary of those that treat the public and their money like it’s a Monopoly game while conducting themselves during meetings as if they were in the romper room. It is way past time that a change was made.
Let me be up front and honest with you. Although I did not vote in the previous election, I was in favor of Mr. Ireton being elected. Why not? Things couldn’t get any worse after Ms. Tilghman, right? Needless to say that was a hard lesson to learn. It’s hard to believe how bad things have become and I have lived here only since 1988. My 70 year old father was born and raised in Salisbury and lived on Light St. My grandparents even had a small convenience store near the college. If you were to listen to the stories that my grandmother told you would swear that she spoke of a completely different place. She would talk about my father running up and down the street with friends, playing stick ball, and pretend that they were soldiers. During the summer they would take turns sleeping on each other’s porch to stay cool. Now there are bars on the windows and nobody in their right mind would go outside after dark.
Mr. Albero, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing you prior to your decision to run for political office, the enjoyment of working with you many times, and most of all, I’ve had the honor of calling you a friend. The only regret that I have is not being able to contribute anymore towards your campaign. The sacrifices that we are forced to make seems like we are trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip. However, I look at this as an investment in a better Salisbury. A Salisbury with more businesses, plenty of employment, a better economy, better looking, and has a river that is nontoxic. With your successful business experience, care for the community, no nonsense, never back down attitude, and relentless motivation I have no doubt that this investment will not only return, but payback ten-fold. So far many have talked about change, but none have delivered it. I am confident that you will finally give what this town and its people have been owed for a long time… CHANGE!
Sincerely,Malaki Greer
Salisbury Resident
Please accept the enclosed funds as a contribution to your campaign for mayor of Salisbury, MD. As a citizen of Salisbury I have what I believe is a valid concern that this city is simply a vehicle that is headed down a highway to disaster and upon arrival will have little to no chance of being towed back. What makes this situation even more troubling is the fact that our town leaders (the mayor, city council, etc.) are the ones that are driving this vehicle. While already in severe financial trouble, I have to pay taxes only to find out that our elected officials spent their entire meeting arguing and pointing fingers at each other. I am fed up with basically paying the salary of those that treat the public and their money like it’s a Monopoly game while conducting themselves during meetings as if they were in the romper room. It is way past time that a change was made.
Let me be up front and honest with you. Although I did not vote in the previous election, I was in favor of Mr. Ireton being elected. Why not? Things couldn’t get any worse after Ms. Tilghman, right? Needless to say that was a hard lesson to learn. It’s hard to believe how bad things have become and I have lived here only since 1988. My 70 year old father was born and raised in Salisbury and lived on Light St. My grandparents even had a small convenience store near the college. If you were to listen to the stories that my grandmother told you would swear that she spoke of a completely different place. She would talk about my father running up and down the street with friends, playing stick ball, and pretend that they were soldiers. During the summer they would take turns sleeping on each other’s porch to stay cool. Now there are bars on the windows and nobody in their right mind would go outside after dark.
Mr. Albero, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing you prior to your decision to run for political office, the enjoyment of working with you many times, and most of all, I’ve had the honor of calling you a friend. The only regret that I have is not being able to contribute anymore towards your campaign. The sacrifices that we are forced to make seems like we are trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip. However, I look at this as an investment in a better Salisbury. A Salisbury with more businesses, plenty of employment, a better economy, better looking, and has a river that is nontoxic. With your successful business experience, care for the community, no nonsense, never back down attitude, and relentless motivation I have no doubt that this investment will not only return, but payback ten-fold. So far many have talked about change, but none have delivered it. I am confident that you will finally give what this town and its people have been owed for a long time… CHANGE!
Sincerely,Malaki Greer
Salisbury Resident
Teacher Leaves Gun Threat To Class On Blackboard
The message came to the school's attention after a student snapped a cell phone picture of it and posted it to Facebook, DeHaven said.
District leaders took the apparent threat seriously and immediately ordered the business teacher off school property.
Md. High Court Ruling Could Affect Sex Offender Registry
BALTIMORE —The Maryland Court of Appeals on Monday decided that sex offenders whose crimes took place before the registry was created in 1995 should not have to register, and the decision could have widespread implications for hundreds of others on the list.
The case of Sarah Foxwell, an 11-year-old girl found raped and slain on the Eastern Shore in December 2010 sparked outrage and increased efforts to tighten restrictions on Maryland sex offenders.
"It's enabled all of us statewide to have a conversation about the fact that this really is a problem. It really does happen and it can happen anywhere, whether it's on the Eastern Shore or it's right here in Baltimore City," said Adam Rosenberg, the executive director of the Baltimore Child Abuse Center.
The case of Sarah Foxwell, an 11-year-old girl found raped and slain on the Eastern Shore in December 2010 sparked outrage and increased efforts to tighten restrictions on Maryland sex offenders.
"It's enabled all of us statewide to have a conversation about the fact that this really is a problem. It really does happen and it can happen anywhere, whether it's on the Eastern Shore or it's right here in Baltimore City," said Adam Rosenberg, the executive director of the Baltimore Child Abuse Center.
Circuit Judge Rules Baltimore Co. Speed Camera Contract Is Illegal
A Circuit Court judge has ruled that Baltimore County's contract with its speed camera vendor is illegal, because it pays the company a cut of each citation issued — a ruling that could help others challenge their citations in court.
While Judge Susan Souder's ruling dismissed only a single speed camera ticket, the opinion is believed to be the first time a judge has ruled against the legality of the so-called "bounty system," one of the most controversial elements of the law.
The ruling could help other motorists fight speed camera tickets, even though it has no direct effect on other cases, said John A. Lynch Jr., a professor and associate dean at the University of Baltimore School of Law.
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While Judge Susan Souder's ruling dismissed only a single speed camera ticket, the opinion is believed to be the first time a judge has ruled against the legality of the so-called "bounty system," one of the most controversial elements of the law.
The ruling could help other motorists fight speed camera tickets, even though it has no direct effect on other cases, said John A. Lynch Jr., a professor and associate dean at the University of Baltimore School of Law.
More
Anti-Government Extremist Groups Reach Record Levels, say experts
(CNN) -- The number of American "patriot" extremist groups has reached a record level, according to a new study, and experts are warning of a wave of anti-government violence.
A report released Tuesday by the Southern Poverty Law Center counted 1,360 "patriot" extremist groups in 2012 -- up by 7% from 2011. The study defines patriot groups as anti-government militias driven by their fear that authorities will strip them of their guns and liberties.
A report released Tuesday by the Southern Poverty Law Center counted 1,360 "patriot" extremist groups in 2012 -- up by 7% from 2011. The study defines patriot groups as anti-government militias driven by their fear that authorities will strip them of their guns and liberties.
Celebrate Spring In The City On Wicomico Recreation’s Bus Trip To New York City, Saturday, April 13
Salisbury, MD – Seats are available for Wicomico Recreation’s bus trip to New York City on Saturday, April 13. Passengers will be dropped off as close to 51st & Broadway as possible and will be free to explore the city on their own - sightseeing, shopping, strolling through Central Park, seeing a show - the options are endless. The bus will depart from the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center at 6:30am Saturday morning and will return at 11:30pm.
The trip is $65.50 per person and includes transportation and bus driver's tip. Registration is available at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804, M-F 8am-6pm) or online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org.
Wicomico Recreation offers a variety of exciting bus trips in the spring. Seats fill up quickly so register early.
Noah at Sight and Sound Theatre - Friday, March 22, 2013
A Day in New York City - Saturday, April 13, 2013
Visit Hyde Park, NY - Monday, April 22 - Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Virginia International Military Tattoo - Sunday, April 28, 2013
The trip is $65.50 per person and includes transportation and bus driver's tip. Registration is available at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury, MD 21804, M-F 8am-6pm) or online at www.WicomicoRecandParks.org.
Wicomico Recreation offers a variety of exciting bus trips in the spring. Seats fill up quickly so register early.
Noah at Sight and Sound Theatre - Friday, March 22, 2013
A Day in New York City - Saturday, April 13, 2013
Visit Hyde Park, NY - Monday, April 22 - Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Virginia International Military Tattoo - Sunday, April 28, 2013
Telephone Sweepstakes Scam Alert
The Ocean City Police Department is investigating a series of telephone scams involvingfraudulent sweepstakes. The scam, which targets an un-suspecting victim, is perpetrated by calling the victim and advising them that they have won a sweepstakes. The victim is instructed in order to receive the large sweepstakes prize they must go to a convenience store or drug store and purchase either a Green Dot, Money Pac Reload Card for a certain amount of money usually between $200.00 and $500.00. Once the victim has purchased the card they are instructed to contact the scammer who is pretending to be a sweepstakes representative who will process the winning claim. The victim is asked to provide the Green Dot, Money Pac Reload Card information over the telephone as a means of verification the victim has actually completed the task.
The result of this is that the scammer will use the information provided by the victim to redeem the value of the card that was purchased and the victim will be out the money.
The result of this is that the scammer will use the information provided by the victim to redeem the value of the card that was purchased and the victim will be out the money.
Gun Owners Rally As Committee Considers Other Gun Bills
Hundreds of gun owners staged a rally in Annapolis today to protest the gun control bill backed by Governor O'Malley.
The bill bans assault style weapons and requires handgun owners to get a license to purchase a handgun and submit their fingerprints to the State Police.
Today's rally was hosted by the NRA and Maryland Shall Issue.
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The bill bans assault style weapons and requires handgun owners to get a license to purchase a handgun and submit their fingerprints to the State Police.
Today's rally was hosted by the NRA and Maryland Shall Issue.
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Dear American: It's An "Extraordinary Circumstance" And This Drone's Coming For You
In response to Rand Paul's letter asking whether "the President has the power to authorize lethal force, such as a drone strike, against a U.S. citizen on U.S. soil, and without trial," we now have an answer. Attorney General Holder responds, in a word "Yes." Of course, it is caveated with 'extraordinary circumstances' and 'necessity' but as Mike Krieger so subtly summarizes: "the military can assassinate U.S. citizens on U.S. soil." As NBC reports, the letter from Holder surfaced just as the Senate Intelligence Committee was voting 12-3 to approve White House counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan to be CIA director. The vote came after the White House agreed to share additional classified memos on targeted drone strikes against U.S. citizens overseas. As Rand Paul commented, "this is more than frightening... it is an affront to the Constitutional due process rights of all Americans."
Full Holder Letter:
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Full Holder Letter:
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Democrats Pull Out Race Card In Sequester Game
Congressional Black Caucus members, who are all Democrats, flipped out the race card in the talks on the sequester Monday and said minorities will be unfairly and disproportionately impacted.
“Sequestration will impact everyone, but it will have a particularly harmful effect on communities of color who were hit first and worst by the great recession, and have yet to significantly feel the effects of the recovery,” said Rep. Barbara Lee, in The Hill.
The CBC also said women would be disproportionately hurt by the $85 billion planned cuts, The Hill reports. The reason? More women and minorities hold government jobs, CBC members said. And more will be hurt by cuts to unemployment insurance.
“African-Americans are more likely to work in the public sector, where the jobs are going to be cut,” said Del. Donna Christensen, who represents the Virgin Islands, in The Hill. “We already have the highest unemployment, and will be severely hurt by the reduction in unemployment benefits.”
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“Sequestration will impact everyone, but it will have a particularly harmful effect on communities of color who were hit first and worst by the great recession, and have yet to significantly feel the effects of the recovery,” said Rep. Barbara Lee, in The Hill.
The CBC also said women would be disproportionately hurt by the $85 billion planned cuts, The Hill reports. The reason? More women and minorities hold government jobs, CBC members said. And more will be hurt by cuts to unemployment insurance.
“African-Americans are more likely to work in the public sector, where the jobs are going to be cut,” said Del. Donna Christensen, who represents the Virgin Islands, in The Hill. “We already have the highest unemployment, and will be severely hurt by the reduction in unemployment benefits.”
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Attorney General Holder: Prez Can Assassinate Americans On U.S. Soil
As members of this administration have previously indicated, the US government has not carried out drone strikes in the United States and has no intention of doing so. As a policy matter moreover, we reject the use of military force where well-established law enforcement authorities in this country provide the best means for incapacitating a terrorist threat. We have a long history of using the criminal justice system to incapacitate individuals located in our country who pose a threat to the United States and its interests abroad. Hundreds of individuals have been arrested and convicted of terrorism-related offenses in our federal courts.
The question you have posed is therefore entirely hypothetical, unlikely to occur, and one we hope no president will ever have to confront. It is possible, I suppose, to imagine an extraordinary circumstance in which it would be necessary and appropriate under the Constitution and applicable laws of the United States for the President to authorize the military to use lethal force within the territory of the United States. For example, the president could conceivably have no choice but to authorize the military to use such force if necessary to protect the homeland in the circumstances like a catastrophic attack like the ones suffered on December 7, 1941, and September 11, 2001.
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Martha Stewart Denies Wrongdoing In J.C. Penney Deal
Stewart testified in New York State Supreme Court as part of a legal battle over whether the company that she founded breached its contract to sell cookware, bedding and other items exclusively at Macy’s when she inked the deal with Penney in 2011.
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Senators About To Take Final Death Penalty Repeal Vote
Maryland state senators have given preliminary approval to a bill that would repeal the state's death penalty, rejecting several amendments to maintain capital punishment in cases of heinous crime.
The Senate is expected to vote on the measure Wednesday.
The amendments defeated on the Senate floor Tuesday would have maintained the death penalty for individuals who hire contract killers, for prisoners who commit murder while serving out sentences of death or life without parole, and for criminals who murder teachers or students on the grounds of a school or day-care facility.
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The Senate is expected to vote on the measure Wednesday.
The amendments defeated on the Senate floor Tuesday would have maintained the death penalty for individuals who hire contract killers, for prisoners who commit murder while serving out sentences of death or life without parole, and for criminals who murder teachers or students on the grounds of a school or day-care facility.
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Bay Bridge Wind Warning
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Jeb Bush Disagrees With His Own Book Hours After It’s Published
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) told MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Tuesday that he would support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants “if you can craft that in law where you can have a path to citizenship where there isn’t an incentive for people to come illegally” — a position that puts him at odds with his new book, out today from Simon & Schuster.
In Immigration Wars, co-authored with immigration lawyer Clint Bolick, Bush agues that denying a path to citizenship for the 11 million unauthorized immigrations is “absolutely vital to the integrity of our immigration system that actions have consequences.” Those who enter the country illegally, Bush contends, should “start the process to earn permanent legal residency” after pleading guilty to breaking the law and paying “applicable fines or perform community service.” But they should not have access to “the cherished fruits of citizenship”:
In Immigration Wars, co-authored with immigration lawyer Clint Bolick, Bush agues that denying a path to citizenship for the 11 million unauthorized immigrations is “absolutely vital to the integrity of our immigration system that actions have consequences.” Those who enter the country illegally, Bush contends, should “start the process to earn permanent legal residency” after pleading guilty to breaking the law and paying “applicable fines or perform community service.” But they should not have access to “the cherished fruits of citizenship”:
Hey Daily Times, NOBODY'S HOME
MEMA TO MOVE TO LEVEL 2 STAFFING AT 7 A.M. WEDNESDAY
AS LATE SEASON SNOWSTORM HEADS TO MARYLAND
REISTERSTOWN, MD (March 5, 2013) – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency will move to Level 2 staffing at 7 a.m. Wednesday as a late –season winter storms arrives in Maryland. Level 2 means key MEMA staff and certain agency representatives will staff the state Emergency Operations Center.
Ed McDonough, MEMA Public Information Officer, will be available at the EOC starting at about 4 a.m. Wednesday for phone interviews. While he will be available for in-person interviews, the EOC will not be active until 7 a.m.
This storm will primarily be a transportation event handled by the State Highway Administration and local highway/public works departments. Because wet, heavy snow is predicted, a major concern is possible power outages. Also, winds associated with this storm could create minor flooding along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and minor to moderate flooding along the Atlantic coast.
MEMA has been operating at a Level 3 staffing (additional MEMA employees) since 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Media members should follow MEMA updates on Twitter (@MDMEMA) or friend MEMA on Facebook, and may encourage the public to monitor those sites. Media members also may visit winter preparedness pages at several websites for preparedness information for the general public, including www.mema.maryland.gov, www.ready.gov/winter-weather,www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm, www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml, and www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter. The media also may encourage the public to visit those sites.
Please also encourage the public to be prepared for possible power outages by having a battery operated radio and charging cell phones or other devices.
REISTERSTOWN, MD (March 5, 2013) – The Maryland Emergency Management Agency will move to Level 2 staffing at 7 a.m. Wednesday as a late –season winter storms arrives in Maryland. Level 2 means key MEMA staff and certain agency representatives will staff the state Emergency Operations Center.
Ed McDonough, MEMA Public Information Officer, will be available at the EOC starting at about 4 a.m. Wednesday for phone interviews. While he will be available for in-person interviews, the EOC will not be active until 7 a.m.
This storm will primarily be a transportation event handled by the State Highway Administration and local highway/public works departments. Because wet, heavy snow is predicted, a major concern is possible power outages. Also, winds associated with this storm could create minor flooding along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and minor to moderate flooding along the Atlantic coast.
MEMA has been operating at a Level 3 staffing (additional MEMA employees) since 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Media members should follow MEMA updates on Twitter (@MDMEMA) or friend MEMA on Facebook, and may encourage the public to monitor those sites. Media members also may visit winter preparedness pages at several websites for preparedness information for the general public, including www.mema.maryland.gov, www.ready.gov/winter-weather,www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm, www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml, and www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter. The media also may encourage the public to visit those sites.
Please also encourage the public to be prepared for possible power outages by having a battery operated radio and charging cell phones or other devices.
Brooke Mulford Update 12-5-13
...had to stop typing for awhile...Brooke woke from the sedation with emergent delirium - almost 3 hours of kicking and screaming - it was horrible and exhausting. She is doing fine now - just a bit wobbly still. She does not remember any of it - I unfortunately will never forget!
No results yet - I will know something by tomorrow morning at the latest. Please pray that the images don't show any problems and that her disease has not spread to her brain.
Brooke has an appt at CHOP in the morning for Onco clinic, labs and IV chemo. Will try to update tomorrow but I am going to try and get out of CHOP as quickly as possible and on the road before the snow storm hits here so we can make it home safely.
Just got a call from Brooke's doctor that the MRI looked good and that there was no sign of disease in her brain. As long as her labs look good in the morning she will get her next dose of IV chemo tomorrow.
Christian School Sued For Firing Unwed Mom
A California woman is suing a Christian school after her employer asked point-blank if she was pregnant, then fired her.
Teri James, 29, was unmarried when she was hired as a financial aid specialist at San Diego Christian College, according to her lawyer. The woman desperately needed a job, so she signed a contract and agreed to abide by the school’s moral codes, which include abstaining from premarital sex. She said she is humiliated by her dismissal — especially after the school offered her boyfriend a job....
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Teri James, 29, was unmarried when she was hired as a financial aid specialist at San Diego Christian College, according to her lawyer. The woman desperately needed a job, so she signed a contract and agreed to abide by the school’s moral codes, which include abstaining from premarital sex. She said she is humiliated by her dismissal — especially after the school offered her boyfriend a job....
More