On Eve Of Zimmerman Trial In Trayvon Martin Killing, New Video Becomes Public

SANFORD, Fla. — Experts dispute whose voice is heard in the background of a 911 call from the night Trayvon Martin was shot and killed.

A police detective, Chris Serino, wrote in an early report that he could hear a man yelling “Help” or “Help Me” 14 times. Prosecutors say the voice is Martin’s. Defense lawyers say it could be George Zimmerman, who they say was being pummeled by Martin.

Now, as Zimmerman prepares to go on trial on a charge of second-degree murder, a video has been released that the defense says could help authenticate the 911 call. But lawyers for Martin’s family say it doesn’t belong in court.
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REP. CUMMINGS (D-MD): IRS SCANDAL 'SOLVED'

On CNN’s State of the Union this morning, Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) told Candy Crowley that the IRS scandal involving targeting of conservatives had been “solved.” Crowley asked, “As far as you are concerned, based on the information that you now have, which in its totality is greater than ours, is this case over, have you solved the case of the IRS and how this came to be?”

Cummings answered, “Based upon everything I’ve seen, the case is solved. If it were me, I’d wrap this case up and move on.”
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Edward Snowden: The Whistleblower Behind The NSA Surveillance Revelations

 

The 29-year-old source behind the biggest intelligence leak in the NSA's history explains his motives, his uncertain future and why he never intended on hiding in the shadows

The individual responsible for one of the most significant leaks in US political history is Edward Snowden, a 29-year-old former technical assistant for the CIA and current employee of the defence contractor Booz Allen Hamilton. Snowden has been working at the National Security Agency for the last four years as an employee of various outside contractors, including Booz Allen and Dell.

The Guardian, after several days of interviews, is revealing his identity at his request. From the moment he decided to disclose numerous top-secret documents to the public, he was determined not to opt for the protection of anonymity. "I have no intention of hiding who I am because I know I have done nothing wrong," he said.

Snowden will go down in history as one of America's most consequential whistleblowers, alongside Daniel Ellsberg and Bradley Manning. He is responsible for handing over material from one of the world's most secretive organisations – the NSA.
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Crane Operator Accused In Philadelphia Building Collapse Deaths In Custody

PHILADELPHIA – A heavy equipment operator who is accused of being high on marijuana when a downtown building collapsed onto a thrift store, killing six people, is in custody after surrendering to face charges in the deaths, police said.

Sean Benschop, who has a lengthy police record, surrendered Saturday and faces six counts of involuntary manslaughter, 13 counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count of risking a catastrophe. A warrant had been issued for his arrest and police had been searching for him. He is awaiting arraignment.

Authorities believe the 42-year-old Benschop had been using an excavator Wednesday when the remains of the four-story building under demolition gave way and toppled onto an attached Salvation Army thrift store, killing two employees and four customers and injuring 13 others.

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Troopers Investigate Fatal Pedestrian Crash, Dewey Beach

Location: Coastal Highway (SR1) southbound, south of Old Bay Road, Dewey Beach

Date of Occurrence: Saturday June 8, 2013 at approximately 8:50 p.m.

Operator and Vehicle Information:

Operator #1: R. Brandon Jones, 68, Felton, DE
Vehicle #1: 2001 Jeep Wrangler

Pedestrian: Garabed D. Zakarian, 55, Smyrna, DE

Resume:
Dewey Beach, DE- The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit is currently investigating a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred north of Dewey Beach last night.

The incident occurred around 8:50 p.m. as R. Brandon Jones was operating a 2001 Jeep Wrangler southbound in the right lane on Coastal Highway (SR1) just south of Old Bay Road. Garabed D. Zakarian was walking with two dogs from the east side of the road to the west side crossing SR1 southbound. As Zakarian stepped into the right lane of southbound SR1, he was struck by the Jeep Wrangler and thrown onto the southbound shoulder. The Wrangler immediately pulled into the parking lot of Sea Esta IV Motel where it came to a controlled stop.

Garabed Zakarian was pronounced dead at the scene. The two golden retriever dogs he was walking ran off after the incident and both have since been located uninjured.

R. Brandon Jones, who was properly restrained, was not injured in the crash.

The Collision Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation into this incident. SR1 southbound, south of Old Bay Road was closed for approximately three hours as the crash was investigated and cleared.

“Troopers remind pedestrians to use caution and safety when walking on or near roadways. If you must cross a roadway utilize appropriate cross walks and make sure to look left, then right, then left again before proceeding. When walking near a roadway always make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials. Pedestrians that are walking at night must carry a flashlight for added safety.”

Troopers Investigate Robbery Of Lewes Cigarette Store

Location:
DOT Discount Cigarette, 20750 John J. Williams Highway, Lewes, DE

Date of Occurrence:
Saturday June 8, 2013 at approximately 6:55 p.m.

Victim:
55-year-old female employee

Suspects:
White male, 23-30 years of age, 6’00”- 6’02” tall, 170-190 lbs., average build, wearing a dark baseball cap, grey hooded sweatshirt with Philadelphia Eagles across the front, tan khakis pants, and dark shoes (no further physical or clothing description available). Armed with a knife.
No video surveillance available for release.

Resume:
Lewes, DE – Troopers are investigating a robbery of the DOT Discount Cigarette store in Lewes that occurred yesterday evening.

The incident occurred around 6:55 p.m. Saturday evening when a white male suspect entered the store and approached a female employee demanding money from the cash register. As the 55 year old employee complied with his demands and opened the till, the suspect pulled a knife from the front pouch of his sweatshirt and held it up to the employee while he removed the money. The suspect then fled the business on foot in a westerly direction. The female employee was not injured in this incident.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850 or by utilizing the Delaware State Police Mobile Crime Tip Application available to download at:http://www.delaware.gov/apps/. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Lost Dog 6-6-13: UPDATE

UPDATE: I was contacted this morning that a younger couple down the street from where I live found her the same day she was lost. I went and picked her up about 20 minutes ago. They were very kind people and took great care of her the past two days. I would like to thank you and everyone else who sent their best wishes and suggestions.
The most important lesson I have learned from this experience is that we still exist in a world where we can depend on the kindness of strangers.
- Jonathan

Today, June 6th, I lost my beloved dog. Her name is Nina. She is 4 yrs old and only 4 to 5 lbs. she is black with tan markings on her face and feet. She has a great disposition and the sweetest personality. She does not bite. 

My friend suggested contacting you to post this information because other dogs have been found this way. I appreciate any assistance you can other in this manner. 

She was lost at Spruell Dr. Salisbury. By the practice fields at Salisbury University off of South Division St.

My contact information is: Jonathan McCabe Jonathan.t.mccabe@gmail.com 443-614-8170

SUSPECT CHARGED IN I-97 SHOOTING IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

(Gambrills, MD) Maryland State Police have charged the suspect in the I-97 fatal shooting that occurred last night in Anne Arundel County.

Joseph Walker, 40, of the unit block of Cambridge Court in East Ampton, New Jersey, is charged with second degree murder and manslaughter. Walker is being held at the Anne Arundel County Detention Center on a $1,000,000 bond.

The deceased is identified as Joseph Harvey, Junior, 36, of the 2000-block of Smith Avenue in Halethorpe, Maryland. Harvey was pronounced dead last night at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC). Harvey was the driver of a green Honda Accord. He had one passenger with him who was not injured in the incident.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m. last night, troopers from the Glen Burnie Barrack responded to a shooting which occurred on the shoulder of the northbound Route 3 to I-97 exit. The shooting resulted from a reported road rage incident that had occurred between the drivers of the two vehicles.

The preliminary investigation indicates the incident may have ensued after Harvey and a passenger, traveling in a green Honda Accord entered on to northbound Route 3 when they came in contact with Walker. Walker was driving a gold Kia minivan. Police believe the incident may have started shortly before 8:30 p.m. last night at Route 3 and Route 175, one mile south of the incident.

After both vehicles came to rest on the I-97 ramp off of Route 3 northbound, Harvey and his passenger exited the Honda Accord. Harvey began walking toward Walker’s minivan, parked about 100-150 feet south of the Honda.

Walker fired a .45 glock in the direction of Harvey, striking him. When police arrived on the scene, emergency medical personnel were providing medical treatment to Harvey. He was transported by ambulance to BWMC where he succumbed to his injuries.

Walker was also transported to BWMC after complaining of chest pains. Walker remained in police custody. Police later confirmed Walker was a sworn officer with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in New Jersey. He is now awaiting an appearance before the Court Commissioner.

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit continue to interview motorists who may have witnessed the driving behaviors of both vehicles prior to the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Maryland State Police at the Glen Burnie Barrack at (410) 761-5130.

The investigation continues…

Military Benefits For Same-Sex Couples To Begin Sept. 1

The Pentagon plans to begin issuing identification cards to the same-sex partners of service members beginning Sept. 1, according to an internal personnel Web posting on Thursday.

The dependents’ ID cards will entitle partners to scores of benefits, as outlined by then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta in a February policy decision.

The ID card Web notice refers to same-sex domestic partners as “SSDPs.”

The benefits include education, survivor, commissary, travel, counseling and transportation, but not what some consider the armed forces’ premium perks — health care and housing allowances.

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Petition Drives Still Challenging In Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — For the first time in 20 years, Maryland voters had a chance last November to decide whether major legislation passed by state lawmakers would become law, thanks largely to the help of an online tool that made it easier to submit valid signatures in referendum petition drives.

The sudden appearance of three ballot questions after two decades without any made some in Annapolis talk about referendums becoming a regular feature on Election Day, giving outnumbered Republicans a new way of battling against the Democratic majority in the Maryland General Assembly.

Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley and some lawmakers even mentioned the possibility of raising the bar from the verified 55,736 signatures needed to trigger a referendum.

In the end, they didn’t need to.
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A Stark Reminder Of Genocide On The Mall

WASHINGTON - They may only be made of clay, plaster and paper, but the scene of a million "human" bones laid on the grounds of the National Mall this weekend is causing quite a stir.

Hundreds of volunteers joined the One Million Bones (OMB) organization Saturday to create a symbolic mass grave of bones, in an effort to draw attention to genocide.

"The thing is, a lot of people don't know," says artist Naomi Natale, the project leader. "What we hope is that this is not only a way to introduce them to what's happening, but connect them emotionally to what's happening."
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Four Year Old Recites Bible Books And Covers George Strait

During his preschool graduation at a church in Mississippi, this angelic four year old adorably recited the books of the Bible’s New Testament. Then the devil grabbed him by the toe and made him sing a little George Strait! SO cute!

COULD A CHRISTIAN BAKER WHO REFUSED TO MAKE WEDDING CAKE FOR A GAY COUPLE REALLY GO TO JAIL?

Should bakers and other vendors be allowed to refuse service to gays and lesbians, specifically when it comes to marital ceremonies? “No,” argues one gay couple who have filed a discrimination complaint against a Colorado baker who refused to provide them with a wedding cake.

Masterpiece Cakeshop, owned by Jack Phillips and based near Denver, Colorado, is at the center of the dispute after David Mullins and Charlie Craig attempted to order the baked good from the business last summer.

Phillips, declining to provide service after learning of the couple’s sexuality, cited his Christian beliefs. But Mullins and Craig aren’t accepting Biblical arguments as a viable basis for the refusal.
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‘ANNOY’ A COP IN NEW YORK STATE? THAT COULD SOON EARN YOU 4 YEARS IN JAIL

It should be a felony to “annoy” a cop in New York, the state Senate has voted.

The New York State Senate passed a bill today that “creates the crime of aggravated harassment of a police or peace officer. The bill (S.2402), sponsored by Senator Joe Griffo (R-C-I, Rome) would make it a felony to harass, annoy, or threaten a police officer while on duty. ”

More from Griffo:

“Police officers who risk their lives every day in our cities and on our highways deserve every possible protection, and those who treat them with disrespect, harass them and create situations that can lead to injuries deserve to pay a price for their actions.”

The bill establishes this crime as a Class E Felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.

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PRISM: 'THEY QUITE LITERALLY CAN WATCH YOUR IDEAS FORM AS YOU TYPE'

When the UK Guardian reported on Wednesday that the Obama National Security Administration had been issued a blanket surveillance order allowing it to seize millions of Americans’ phone records, Obama defenders quickly assured Americans that the request seizures did not extend to the content of conversations. A new Washington Post report on Thursday, however, suggests that the Obama administration has the ability to do exactly that.

According to the Post, the National Security Agency and FBI are “tapping directly into the central servers of nine leading US Internet companies, extracting audio, video, photographs, e-mails, documents and connection logs that enable analysts to track a person’s movements and contacts over time.” The program is code-named PRISM, and was leaked to the newspaper by a “career intelligence offer” who said, “They quite literally can watch your ideas form as you type.”
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Funny Interview With Father Of 22 Children By 14 Women

Salisbury Mulls Offering Free Downtown Wi-Fi

SALISBURY -- Following the success of other communities, such as Berlin, the city of Salisbury is considering adding free Wi-Fi to its downtown.

Officials hope that the Internet accessibility will serve as an economic driver and encourage visitors into the downtown area. To manage the new service and other technology needs, the city will also contemplate adding a new network administrator to its Information Technologies (IT) department.

IT Director Bill Garrett briefed the City Council this week on what he believes free Wi-Fi downtown could do for Salisbury.
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Manhunt In Berlin Today; Search Unsuccessful As Suspect Able To Elude Authorities

 

DaMar S. Collins

UPDATE: Wanted Man Apprehended In Salisbury Last Night
Berlin Police are reporting this morning that DeMar Collins, the 26-year-old Berlin resident wanted for assaulting an officer while fleeing the scene of a traffic stop on Wednesday, has been arrested. The Wicomico County Fugitive Task Force located Collins in Salisbury and he was taken into custody without incident. He has been officially charged with three counts of second degree assault, resisting arrest, burglarly, driving while suspended and fleeing and eluding. He is being held at the Worcester County Jail on $25,000 bond. 


The Dispatch 
Steve Green
Editor
BERLIN -- A manhunt ensued this afternoon in Berlin after a routine traffic stop turned dangerous, resulting in a school being placed on lockdown temporarily, an unsuccessful extensive ground and air search and a Berlin police officer being injured during an altercation with the suspect.
Lt. Jeff Lawson of Berlin Police Department told The Dispatch minutes ago that DaMar S. Collins, 26, is being sought after eluding police during a routine traffic near Artisan’s Way this afternoon in Berlin. Collins is about 5’10” tall and weighs about 150 pounds.
Lawson indicated after the traffic stop ensued, Collins fled his vehicle. He was apprehended briefly before assaulting a police officer, who sustained non-life threatening injuries. Collins was able to flee the scene, touching off a massive manhunt throughout the commercial district Berlin, resulting in road closures and police stationed through the downtown corridor.
After fleeing police, Collins reportedly broke a window in a residence on Main Street and entered the residence briefly before exiting. Lawson said authorities are fairly confident he was aided by a family member in his successful escape.
Court records indicate Collins, of Bishopville, is wanted on an active warrant for second-degree assault dating back to April 15. Numerous other charges, from marijuana possession to trespassing, are included in a basic criminal background check.
Maryland State Police troopers and a MSP helicopter participated in the unsuccessful search this afternoon. While the search was conducted today, Buckingham Elementary School was placed on temporary lockdown, which has since been lifted, according to Lawson.
Anyone with information about Collins is asked to call Berlin Police at 410-641-1333.
More on this developing story will be coming in The Dispatch.

City Eyes $26K Transfer To Cover Legal Overage

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury City Council voted this week preliminarily to transfer an additional $26,000 into the city’s legal fund to cover attorney expenses.

Keith Cordrey, director of Internal Services, explained to the city Monday that it has become apparent the funding originally set aside to cover legal expenses will come up short this year.

“Projections indicate that an increase of $26,000 is needed in the FY13 appropriations for the city attorney in order to meet the projected requirements for the legal fees for the remainder of FY2013,” he said.

The year-end total for attorney fees comes to about $225,000, added Cordrey. Each month averaged $20,029 for the nine months reviewed. The $26,000 would be enough to cover any spill over beyond the established budget and would set aside $4,740 to cover legal fees through June until the new fiscal year starts July 1.
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HELP

I live in Wicomico county Maryland. I have been trying to work with my local county council to try to resolve the sunken sewage system on my property. It's been this way for over two months. I am not allowed to get it fixed without facing legal recourse from the county. they told me I am not eligible for assistance because I am trying to modify my mortgage. After trying to contact my council rep several times with no avail I mentioned that I might contact the local media I was told go ahead the council doesn't care they're used to it. In the mean time I have raw sewage in my yard for two months with no end in site. I am contacting you cause I don't know what else to do. Please help if you can, or if anyone has any advice, no one in Maryland government cares. In the mean time the sewage keeps over flowing and the county threatens my family if we do anything. I realize in the big picture this isn't news worthy except if it's you yard with the smell and environmental damage. I live within a half hour drive of the Chesapeake bay, Atlantic ocean and minutes from the Wicomico river.

Sheriffs Department / Sgt. Owens

It was ruled Sheriff Lewis was justified in hiring Sgt. Owens due to the experience and denied any back pay or compensation to Rantz.

Well, there's always the Court of Public opinion.

Matt Birk Skips White House Event

Matt Birk skipped Wednesday's White House visit because he disagrees with the president over Planned Parenthood.

"I have great respect for the office of the presidency but about five or six weeks ago, our president made a comment in a speech when he said 'God Bless Planned Parenthood' and Planned Parenthood performs about 330,000 abortions a year and I am a Catholic, I am active in the pro-life movement and I just felt like I couldn't - I couldn't deal with that," he said. "I couldn't endorse that in any way and I was very confused by that statement. For God to bless a place where they are ending 330,000 lives a year so I chose not attend." 

Holder: "Fatigue" Could Compel Me To Step Down

Facing cries for his resignation from Republicans in Congress, embattled Attorney General Eric Holder shed some light Thursday on what might compel him to step down from his post as the nation's top law enforcement officer, citing "fatigue" - and the sense that he has accomplished his goals - as two factors that could weigh on his decision to stay or go.

Asked at a Senate committee hearing by Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., when he might reach a "tipping point" and conclude that he cannot continue to effectively lead the Justice Department, Holder said, "The tipping point might be fatigue - you get to a point where you just got tired."

Beyond that, he said, "There are certain goals that I set for myself and for this department when I started back in 2009. When I get to a point where I think that I've accomplished all the goals that I set, I will sit down with the president and we will talk about a transition to a new attorney general."
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U.S. Gives Saudi Airlines ‘Unrestricted’ Access to American Skies

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed an Open Skies agreement that will "permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other’s territory."

The agreement means Saudi airlines may fly from any point in the kingdom to any point in the United States, and that U.S. airlines may fly from any point here to any airport in Saudi Arabia.

The deal was signed May 28 in Jeddah by U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia James B. Smith and Dr. Faisal bin Hamad Al-Sugair, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Director of the General Authority of Civil Aviation.
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IT BEGINS: MAJOR DEMAND TO IMPEACH OBAMA

Petition asks Congress to investigate, prosecute offensesWatergate investigator Bob Woodward of the Washington Post compares Barack Obama to Richard Nixon. Members of Congress say it’s about time to consider it. Rock legend Ted Nugent says Obama’s constitutional violations make him eligible. And even Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin has called for Obama’s impeachment.

Now you can join a petition that calls on Congress to immediately investigate the “unconstitutional and impeachable offenses” of Obama.

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Cheerios Stands By TV Ad Showing Mixed-Race Family

A mom sits at her kitchen table when her grade schooler saunters up with a big box of Cheerios.

"Mom," says the girl. "Dad told me Cheerios is good for your heart. Is that true?"

Cut to dad waking from a nap on the living room couch with a pile of Cheerios on his chest (where his heart is) crunchily cascading to the floor.

The message is in line with the company's Heart Healthy campaign, except this 30-second ad features a black dad, white mom and biracial child and produced enough vitriol on YouTube last week that Cheerios requested the comments section be turned off.
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BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Deputy Troy Durham v. Somerset County

SOMERSET COUNTY OFFICIALS have been named in a Court Order, Writ of Mandamus filed Monday, June 3, 2013:

Somerset County, the County Administrator and the County Commissioners will have to answer in a Court of Law as to why they are continuing to disobey Court Orders from the Maryland Court of Special Appeals (Case No. 1382 - 19C09013488) ordered AUG 1, 2012 to fully reinstate Deputy Troy Durham after he was unlawfully terminated by Somerset County Sheriff Robert "Bobby" Jones in 2009.

The MD Court of Special Appeals ruled August 1, 2012 that Durham's termination by Sheriff Robert "Bobby" Jones was, "unlawful, unconstitutional, arbitrary and capricious"

A MD Federal Court Jury ruled May 17, 2012 that Durham had been unlawfully terminated by Sheriff Robert "Bobby" Jones "out of retaliation for reporting serious police misconduct and breach of the public trust to government agencies and the press"

Deputy Troy Durham has still not received ANY of his back pay or benefits or his Maryland Certification even though he returned to work for the Sheriff's Office last August (38) weeks ago and was sworn back in as a Deputy Sheriff with the Somerset County Sheriff's Office last October 3, 2012. Durham has been assigned by the Sheriff's Department to work plain clothes, un-armed, monitoring security cameras in the basement of the Somerset County Courthouse.

FILED MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2013:
Case Information
Court System:Circuit Court for Somerset County - Civil System
Case Number: 19C13016162Title: James Troy Durham vs Somerset County, Maryland, et al Case Type: Other Civil Filing Date:06/03/2013Case Status:Open/Active

GUESS HOW THE WHITE HOUSE IS DEFENDING SNOOPING ON AMERICANS’ PHONE RECORDS

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House on Thursday defended the National Security Agency’s need to collect telephone records of U.S. citizens, calling such information “a critical tool in protecting the nation from terrorist threats.”

While defending the practice, a senior Obama administration official did not confirm a newspaper report that the NSA has been collecting the telephone records of millions of U.S. customers of Verizon under a top secret court order.

The order was granted by the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court on April 25 and is good until July 19, Britain’s Guardian newspaper reported Wednesday. The order requires Verizon, one of the nation’s largest telecommunications companies, on an “ongoing, daily basis” to give the NSA information on all telephone calls in its systems, both within the U.S. and between the U.S. and other countries.
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Worcester County Has Higest Marijuana Arrest Rate In The Entire Nation

Actually its almost 8 times higher than the national average!

HIGH SCHOOL VALEDICTORIAN STUNS AUDIENCE AFTER HE RIPS UP SPEECH AND DELIVERS THE LORD’S PRAYER INSTEAD — WILD APPLAUSE FOLLOWS

Roy Costner IV, a former public school student from South Carolina, stunned the audience at his high school graduation last weekend when he ripped up his previously-approved valedictorian speech, going on, instead, to speak about God — and then deliver the Lord’s prayer.

The act, which drew loud applause, was taken in opposition to the School District of Pickens County’s decision to axe prayers from graduation events, Christian News reports. Officials said that they had recently received complaints from atheist activists and church-state separatists, leading to the removal of invocations from all school events.

But that didn’t stop Costner.
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BARACK OBAMA: THE GHOST OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

I just returned from New York, where I attended my 30th Columbia University reunion. I celebrated with my esteemed classmates. Everyone except Barack Obama. As usual- he wasn’t there. Not even a video greeting. Not a personalized letter to his classmates. Nothing. But worse, no one at our 30th reunion ever met him. The President of the United States is the ghost of Columbia University.

I’m certainly no “Johnny come lately.” For five years now (since 2007 when it became clear Barack Obama was running for President), I’ve been quoted in the media as saying that no one I’ve ever met at Columbia can remember ever meeting, or even seeing, our college classmate Barack Obama. Don’t you think the media should be asking questions? Isn’t this a very strange story?

Wayne Allyn Root joined us for the full hour on Tuesday’s BlazeCast with TheBlaze Editor-in-Chief Scott Baker:

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Steele Considers Run For Governor

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele says he is considering running for governor in Maryland.

Steele, who also is a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, told MSNBC host Chuck Todd on Monday that "we're looking at it," when asked if he was weighing a run.

That word came the same day that a Republican entered the race and a Democrat announced his running mate. 
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MICHELLE OBAMA SNAPS AT HECKLER: ‘LISTEN TO ME OR YOU CAN TAKE THE MIC, BUT I’M LEAVING’

First Lady Michelle Obama snapped at a pro-LGBT rights activist who heckled her during a private fundraiser Tuesday night, according to the pool report.

The activist was reportedly yelling at the first lady, demanding that President Obama issue an executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating against LGBT employees and job applicants.

“One of the things I don’t do well is this,” Michelle Obama replied, prompting loud applause. She then added they could “listen to me or you can take the mic, but I’m leaving. You all decide. You have one choice.”
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SFD At It Again

The Salisbury Fire Department and one of their million dollar fire trucks was seen dining at Taylor's BBQ again today for lunch.

Remember Folks, keep those images and reports coming in as it is clear, (through comments) the public wants to know. 

Caption This Photo 6-4-13

BREAKING NEWS: SUSAN RICE TO REPLACE TOM DONILON AS NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER

UN Ambassador Susan Rice will replace Tom Donilon as President Obama’s national security adviser, a White House official tells Fox News.

Mississippi Governor: Educational Troubles Began When ‘Mom Got In The Workplace’

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) said Tuesday that America’s educational troubles began when women began working outside the home in large numbers.

Bryant was participating in a Washington Post Live eventfocused on the importance of ensuring that children read well by the end of third grade. In response to a question about how America became “so mediocre” in regard to educational outcomes, he said:

I think both parents started working. The mom got in the work place.

Bryant immediately recognized how controversial his remark would be and said he knew he would start to get e-mails. He then expanded on his answer, saying that “both parents are so pressured” in families today. He also noted that America seemed to be losing ground internationally in regards to educational outcomes because other nations began to invest more in their own school systems and make progress.
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POLL: MOST AFRICAN AMERICANS SATISFIED WITH LIVES OVERALL, BUT MANY HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT FUTURE

NPR NEWS SERIES ‘THE VIEW FROM BLACK AMERICA,' AIRING THIS WEEK,
BASED ON POLL FROM NPR, THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION
AND HARVARD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

June 4, 2013; Washington, D.C. – Most African Americans are satisfied with their lives overall but many also have concerns about the future, according to a new poll released today from NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health. Results also offer a mixed picture of African Americans’ personal lives and their communities, particularly related to discrimination, health care, financial security and crime. Nearly half of employed African Americans are very or somewhat concerned about losing their jobs in the next 12 months, almost half are not confident that they could pay for a major illness and about one-third of all African Americans have had specific experiences with racism at least a few times a year.

The survey findings provide the foundation for the NPR series "The View from Black America," exploring how black Americans see themselves in a changing U.S. The series begins today and airs all week on Morning Edition, All Things Considered and Tell Me More. In "The View from Black America," NPR reporters and correspondents delve into the stories behind the numbers, including why twice as many single black men as single black women say they are looking for long-term relationships, perceptions of health and medical care, a surprisingly high dissatisfaction with local entertainment venues, how different financial situations create divided outlooks and how disproportionate unemployment plays out in black communities.

The poll surveyed the life experience of 1,081 African Americans. Results are at NPR.org, where all reports in the series will be available. Among the findings:

• Over half of African Americans report that their lives in general have gotten better in recent years (53%), while only one in ten (10%) say that their lives have gotten worse. A strong majority (86%) say they are satisfied with their lives overall, including just under half (48%) who say they are very satisfied.

• Over half (56%) report that financially they are better off than their parents were at their age, but one in seven (14%) say they are worse off than their parents were.

• High blood pressure/stroke and diabetes are the top health concerns for African American families. When asked to say their own words what is the biggest health problem for their family, one in five African Americans cite high blood pressure/stroke (20%) and diabetes (19%).

• While the problems in African American communities may dominate the national discussion, the majority (82%) are satisfied with the area in which they live.

• When asked to say their own words what is the most important issue facing the area in which they live, about one in four African Americans (26%) name crime. Issues related to the economy are mentioned by 16%. When asked to grade aspects of the area in which they live, less than half give top grades (A or B) to city or local government (47%), the quality of available housing (47%), or entertainment venues like clubs and movie theaters (39%),

• Though nationally school quality in many minority communities is often seen as a problem, a majority of African American parents rate the school their child attends today as excellent or good (70%).

• Altogether, about one-third (36%) of all African Americans report that at least a few times a year they have specific experiences with racism.

"The View from Black America" is being reported by NPR’s Code Switch, and its Science and National Desks.

The poll is part of an ongoing series of surveys conducted by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Harvard School of Public Health.

Transgender Teen Voted Prom Queen At Middleboro High

MIDDLEBORO (CBS) – Cody Tubman had a dream prom night, the perfect dress and then the crown to go with it.

Cody was voted prom queen of Middleboro High School.

“I was all smiles,” Cody says laughing. “We were standing there and they announced I was prom queen. So I was like ‘oh yay, so exciting,’ But it was kind of surprising.”

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Wanted Suspect Arrested For Rape

Date of Occurrence:   May 7, 2013

Victim:

• 18 year old female

Defendant, Charges, and Bond Information:

• Kaleb C. Zadroga, 21, Magnolia, DE (Photo Attached)

• Rape 1^st
• Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony
• Unlawful Imprisonment 1^st
• Terroristic Threatening

Arraigned at JP2 and committed to James T. Vaughn Correctional Center on $154,000.00 secured bond.

Resume:  

Harrington, DE- The Delaware State Police Major Crimes Unit has arrested Kaleb C. Zadroga after he turned himself in to detectives at Troop 3 after seeing himself on media outlets.

Zadroga turned himself in Wednesday evening on May 29th shortly after the press release was put out informing the public he was wanted.  He was processed on the charges listed above and incarcerated at JTVCC in default of $154,000.00 secured bond.

The incident took place on May 7, 2013 when Kaleb C. Zadroga, 21 of Magnolia, sexually assaulted an 18 year old female at the victim’s residence.  The victim and Zadroga knew one another through a mutual friend and while at the victim’s home, forcefully assaulted her while holding a knife to her neck.

A Letter To The Editor: OCEAN CITY

LOOK AT THE TOP SALARIES AND YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THAT IT WILL NOT STOP
WITH JUST THESE PARKING METERS.

Top 100 earners was published in the ocean city today.  Below are the
top 100 earners.  Here is a link to the story.
http://www.oceancitytoday.net/news/2012-03-02/Top_News/Annual_report_on_resort_government_salaries.html

Information on the total amount spent on employee benefits in 2011 was not
available, but will appear in a later issue.

CITY MANAGER .........173,404.80
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ...152,669.64
FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR ..146,860.93
CITY ENGINEER 146,860.43
CHIEF OF POLICE ..144,676.89
RECREATION/PARKS DIRECTOR ................140,321.75
PLANNING & COMM DEV DIRECTOR .........140,321.46
EMERGENCY SERVICES DIRECTOR ...........140,150.34
FIRE MARSHAL ..........................................135,445.22
POLICE CAPTAIN........................................132,617.77
POLICE CAPTAIN........................................126,743.38
POLICE CAPTAIN........................................123,803.60
POLICE CAPTAIN........................................123,328.39
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIR ..............121,828.01
GENERAL SERVICES DIRECTOR .................118,892.80
PW SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER...............118,541.49
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR .........................116,773.06
FIRE/EMS DEPUTY CHIEF ...........................116,561.04
TRANS SUPER............................................114,746.27
PW DEPUTY DIRECTOR .............................114,400.00
RISK/CLAIMS MANAGER............................113,846.15
POLICE OFFICER ........................................113,654.21
POLICE SERGEANT.....................................112,902.18
WASTEWATER SUPERINTENDENT.............112,553.76
POLICE LIEUTENANT..................................111,060.18
CONVENTION CENTER DIRECTOR .............110,441.00
POLICE LIEUTENANT..................................110,198.26
POLICE SERGEANT ....................................110,147.23
HUMAN RESOURCE DIRECTOR .................110,000.73
GOLF SUPERINTENDENT ...........................109,193.03
ELECTRONIC SERVICES MANAGER ...........108,953.07
POLICE LIEUTENANT..................................108,715.45
FF/EMS 2ND LIEUTENANT .........................108,455.06
POLICE CORPORAL ....................................107,896.52
POLICE LIEUTENANT .................................106,798.83
POLICE LIEUTENANT .................................106,174.58
POLICE LIEUTENANT .................................106,101.83
FIRE MARSHAL/DEPUTY CHIEF .................106,079.84
PW CHIEF DEPUTY DIRECTOR ..................106,004.49
BUDGET MANAGER ...................................105,817.00
POLICE SERGEANT.....................................105,732.65
RECREATION/PARKS ASST DIRECTOR .....104,114.08
POLICE SERGEANT ....................................103,951.94
ASSISTANT FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR ..103,947.78
FF/EMS 2ND LIEUTENANT .........................103,433.64

POLICE SERGEANT ....................................102,788.29
CONVENTION OPERATIONS MANAGER ....102,432.47
POLICE SERGEANT ....................................102,018.75
POLICE LIEUTENANT .................................101,634.12
POLICE LIEUTENANT..................................100,815.17
CONVENTION SALES/MARKETING DIR .....100,139.11
PW MAINTENANCE MANAGER ...................99,171.67
POLICE LIEUTENANT ...................................98,584.78
FIRE/EMS ASSISTANT CHIEF ......................98,468.62
FIRE/EMS LIEUTENANT ...............................98,331.83
SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR .......................98,066.39
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................97,917.85
POLICE SERGEANT ......................................97,392.00
POLICE OFFICER ..........................................97,305.75 POLICE
SERGEANT ......................................97,201.11
FF/EMS 2ND LIEUTENANT ..........................97,141.47
PW CONSTRUCTION MANAGER ..................97,086.10
POLICE CORPORAL ......................................96,578.88
CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL ..........................96,363.51
POLICE SERGEANT ......................................95,965.90
FIRE/EMS LIEUTENANT ...............................95,884.27
POLICE OFFICER FIRST CLASS ....................95,668.59
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV ...................................95,494.39
POLICE SERGEANT ......................................94,559.79
PARKS SUPERINTENDENT ..........................94,112.25
POLICE OFFICER FIRST CLASS ....................93,961.25
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV ...................................93,443.18
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV ...................................92,126.79
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................91,928.81
CITY CLERK .................................................91,743.69
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV ...................................91,729.54
FF/EMS 2ND LIEUTENANT............................91,605.78
POLICE OFFICER FIRST CLASS.....................91,518.83
POLICE CORPORAL.......................................91,497.41
COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION MGR .............91,437.76
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................90,818.71
ENGINEERING MANAGER .............................90,641.28
GOLF PROFESSIONAL/MGR ..........................90,572.99
FIRE/EMS CAPTAIN......................................90,504.00
FIRE/EMS CAPTAIN......................................90,503.90
FIRE/EMS CAPTAIN......................................90,503.85
POLICE CORPORAL.......................................90,248.81
POLICE CORPORAL.......................................89,220.94
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................89,103.53
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................89,016.33
POLICE CORPORAL.......................................88,997.91

POLICE SERGEANT.......................................88,981.66
POLICE SERGEANT.......................................88,804.80
POLICE OFFICER FIRST CLASS.....................88,680.56
FIREFIGHTER/EMT IV....................................88,444.03

Court: Police Can Take DNA Swabs From Arrestees

A sharply divided Supreme Court on Monday said police can routinely take DNA from people they arrest, equating a DNA cheek swab to other common jailhouse procedures like fingerprinting.

"Taking and analyzing a cheek swab of the arrestee DNA is, like fingerprinting and photographing, a legitimate police booking procedure that is reasonable under the Fourth Amendment," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote for the court's five-justice majority.

But the four dissenting justices said that the court was allowing a major change in police powers.
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East Main Street At Rt. 13 Flooded And Blocked

People have been furious all day because of all the flooding in Salisbury.

You Make The Call 6-3-13

Sunday 7:10 PM

There was a Salisbury Fire call on the scanner for a “boat in distress” in the Wicomico River at Marker #60. I don’t remember where 60 is, but I think it is up river, “in town.” Is Salisbury using their million dollar fire boat and paid firefighters to tow boaters in? 

Inquisitive minds want to know!

Bid To Repeal Md. Gun-Control Law Fails

WASHINGTON - The petition drive to repeal Maryland's gun-control law has fallen short, according to a spokesman for Maryland Secretary of State.

Steve Ackerman told The Washington Post on Saturday that the petition drive, led by the group Free State Petitions, had failed to meet the minimum of 18,579 signatures - the first third of the 55,736 that were ultimately required - by the deadline of midnight Friday night in order to put a repeal question on the 2014 ballot.

The gun-control law bans assault weapons and magazines with more than 10 rounds. Gun buyers are also required to be fingerprinted, have a photo ID and take a safety class.
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OCPD Arrest Driver after a Collision Involving 6-Year-Old Pedestrian Crossing in a Crosswalk

On June 1, 2013, at approximately 1:45 p.m. Ocean City Police and EMS responded to the area of

Jasmine Denise Shuman

19^th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in reference to a child being struck by a vehicle.

Officers and paramedics arrived at the scene and determined a 6-year-old female and her mother were crossing Baltimore Avenue from east to west in the crosswalk at 19^th Street.  The child was struck by a vehicle traveling southbound on Baltimore Avenue.  The child was treated at the scene by OC EMS and later flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to the University Of Maryland Medical Center Shock Trauma for further treatment.

The vehicle, which initially stopped after the collision, left the scene but was later located and stopped by an OCPD foot officer as it was about to head west over the Route 50 Bridge at North Division Street.  The driver of the suspect vehicle was identified as: Jasmine Denise Shuman, 18, of Salisbury. The investigation determined that Shuman was the operator of the vehicle that struck the 6-year-old pedestrian and left the scene.

Shuman was arrested and has been charged with:

• Failure to Immediately Stop at Scene of Accident involving bodily injury (20-102a1)
• Failure to Immediately Return and Remain at the Scene of an Accident Involving Bodily Injury (20-102a2)
• Failure of Drive Involved in Accident to Render Reasonable Assistance to Injured Person (20-104a)
• Failure of Driver Involved in Bodily Injury Accident to Furnish Required ID and License (20-104b)
• Failure of Vehicle Driver in Bodily Injury Accident to Exhibit License to a Police Officer (20-104c)
• Failure Vehicle Driver in Accident to Report Bodily Injury to Nearest Police (20-104d)

Shuman was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and was released on $5000 unsecured bond.

At the time of this release the 6-year-old child is being treated for injuries related to the crash and is in stable condition.

"Way to go Dad!" OR "Too much Dad!"

Dictators