The Sheriff's Office in Virginia says Lentz is in 'police custody' and investigators from Frederick County are on their way to Virginia to interview her.
No additional information was released.
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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
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Missing Frederick County Woman Found Alive
The Sheriff's Office in Virginia says Lentz is in 'police custody' and investigators from Frederick County are on their way to Virginia to interview her.
No additional information was released.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY 6-25-13
“Classic nineteenth century European imperialists believed they were literally on a mission. I don’t believe that the imperialists these days have that same sense of public service. They are simply pirates.”
John Pilger
John Pilger
Another Detonation Of Military Ordnances Expected On Assateague
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ASSATEAGUE -- A second planned detonation of World War II era military style unexploded ordnance found on the beach at Assateague Island on Monday afternoon is expected Tuesday evening after the first batch was detonated around mid-day.
Assateague Island National Seashore officials late Tuesday afternoon confirmed a second batch of unexploded decades-old military ordnance discovered on the beach on Monday afternoon would be detonated this evening, likely between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Monday afternoon, visitors to Assateague Island National Seashore reported finding what appeared to be decades-old ordnance on the beach to park officials.
Assateague Island National Seashore officials contacted the Army’s Emergency Ordnance Disposal Unit from the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Aberdeen, Md. to investigate the World War II-era ordnance and plan for its removal or disposal. On Tuesday afternoon, the EOD Unit from Aberdeen successfully detonated a large amount of the ordnance discovered buried on the beach on Monday afternoon.
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Democratic Lawmaker Hits Justice As ‘Uncle Thomas’
On his Twitter account Tuesday, state Rep. Ryan Winkler called the justices’ 5-4 ruling striking down a part of the law racist, and the work of “four accomplices to race discrimination and one Uncle Thomas.” Justice Thomas, who is black, was one of the five justices in the majority.
That tweet was quickly deleted, and Mr. Winkler, who is white and represents some upper middle class suburbs west-southwest of Minneapolis, offered a conditional-tense quasi-apology in subsequent tweets.
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Hastings Sent Colleagues Email Hours Before Crash
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — The crash that killed journalist Michael Hastings was ruled an accident by police, but conspiracy theories continued to circulate on Friday.
Hastings, 33, was killed in a fiery solo-vehicle crash in Hancock Park early Tuesday morning.
He was best known for a 2010 Rolling Stone article that led to the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who was the former U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Biggs told KTLA that he received an email from Hastings on Monday.
Biggs had known Hastings since 2008, when the journalist was embedded in his unit in Afghanistan.
“On Monday morning, I woke up and I got an email, and it’s very panicked,” Biggs said.
He was blind-copied on the email, which was sent to Hastings’ colleagues.
In part, it said that the feds were interviewing his close friends and associates, and that he was onto a big story and needed to get off the radar.
The FBI has denied that Hastings was ever under investigation.
“It alarmed me very much,” Biggs said. “I just said it doesn’t seem like him. I don’t know, I just had this gut feeling and it just really bothered me,” he said.
The email was sent just before 1 p.m. on Monday, 15 hours before the deadly crash.
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Hastings, 33, was killed in a fiery solo-vehicle crash in Hancock Park early Tuesday morning.
He was best known for a 2010 Rolling Stone article that led to the resignation of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who was the former U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Biggs told KTLA that he received an email from Hastings on Monday.
Biggs had known Hastings since 2008, when the journalist was embedded in his unit in Afghanistan.
“On Monday morning, I woke up and I got an email, and it’s very panicked,” Biggs said.
He was blind-copied on the email, which was sent to Hastings’ colleagues.
In part, it said that the feds were interviewing his close friends and associates, and that he was onto a big story and needed to get off the radar.
The FBI has denied that Hastings was ever under investigation.
“It alarmed me very much,” Biggs said. “I just said it doesn’t seem like him. I don’t know, I just had this gut feeling and it just really bothered me,” he said.
The email was sent just before 1 p.m. on Monday, 15 hours before the deadly crash.
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TROOPERS MAKE ARREST IN TALBOT CO. DEATH INVESTIGATION
(St. Michaels, MD) – A Talbot County Grand Jury today issued an indictment for a St. Michaels man who is now in police custody and is being charged in connection with the death of an Easton man whose body was found along a rural road in the county earlier this month.
The suspect is identified as Matthew Mikowski, 17, of the 9000-block of Bozman-Neavit Road, St. Michaels, Maryland. The suspect was taken into custody this afternoon by troopers from the Maryland State Police State Apprehension Team at a location in Wernersville, Pennsylvania without incident. He is currently being held at the Berks County Jail pending extradition proceedings.
Mikowski is charged as an adult on an indictment from a Talbot County Grand Jury with second degree murder, reckless endangerment, second degree assault, and four counts of distribution of LSD. The indictment was issued by the Grand Jury convened by the Talbot County State’s Attorney’s Office, after evidence was presented from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigation.
The investigation began on June 10, 2013, after troopers from the Easton Barrack responded to reports of a deceased man lying in the area of Bozman-Neavitt Road and St. Michaels Road. The deceased was later identified as Samuel I. Cross, 18, of Easton, Md. Cross’ Honda Pilot was also found nearby. An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore ruled the cause of death was asphyxiation and the manner of death was homicide.
The investigation has established Cross, Mikowski and other acquaintances were together in an area behind Mikowski’s home during the night of June 9th. Evidence developed during the investigation indicates the group may have been involved in the use of LSD. According to witnesses, Mikowski restrained Cross around the neck which resulted in his death. Investigators believe Cross’ body was later placed near his vehicle by Mikowski, where it was subsequently seen by those who called police.
The suspect is identified as Matthew Mikowski, 17, of the 9000-block of Bozman-Neavit Road, St. Michaels, Maryland. The suspect was taken into custody this afternoon by troopers from the Maryland State Police State Apprehension Team at a location in Wernersville, Pennsylvania without incident. He is currently being held at the Berks County Jail pending extradition proceedings.
Mikowski is charged as an adult on an indictment from a Talbot County Grand Jury with second degree murder, reckless endangerment, second degree assault, and four counts of distribution of LSD. The indictment was issued by the Grand Jury convened by the Talbot County State’s Attorney’s Office, after evidence was presented from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigation.
The investigation began on June 10, 2013, after troopers from the Easton Barrack responded to reports of a deceased man lying in the area of Bozman-Neavitt Road and St. Michaels Road. The deceased was later identified as Samuel I. Cross, 18, of Easton, Md. Cross’ Honda Pilot was also found nearby. An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore ruled the cause of death was asphyxiation and the manner of death was homicide.
The investigation has established Cross, Mikowski and other acquaintances were together in an area behind Mikowski’s home during the night of June 9th. Evidence developed during the investigation indicates the group may have been involved in the use of LSD. According to witnesses, Mikowski restrained Cross around the neck which resulted in his death. Investigators believe Cross’ body was later placed near his vehicle by Mikowski, where it was subsequently seen by those who called police.
NO INJURIES REPORTED AT SCENE OF SMALL PLANE CRASH IN QUEEN ANNE'S CO.
(Stevensville, MD) – Information is still being gathered, but Maryland State Police are reporting there are no injuries reported at the scene of a small plane that crashed in the Kent Island area of Queen Anne’s County this afternoon.
The two occupants of the small plane are not being identified until their families can be notified, but neither report sustaining any injuries. The plane is described as a Cirrus SR22.
Just after 2:45 p.m. today, troopers from the Centreville Barrack responded to the area of Romancoke Road and Kentmorr Road in Stevensville, Md., after receiving 9-1-1 calls reporting the plane crash. Upon arrival, troopers observed a small plane at the crash site.
The cause of the crash is unknown. State Police have notified officials with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. The investigation is continuing.
The two occupants of the small plane are not being identified until their families can be notified, but neither report sustaining any injuries. The plane is described as a Cirrus SR22.
Just after 2:45 p.m. today, troopers from the Centreville Barrack responded to the area of Romancoke Road and Kentmorr Road in Stevensville, Md., after receiving 9-1-1 calls reporting the plane crash. Upon arrival, troopers observed a small plane at the crash site.
The cause of the crash is unknown. State Police have notified officials with the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration. The investigation is continuing.
Missing Puppy 6-23-13: UPDATE
Wanted to let you know my Chloe baby is home safe and sound. Thank you so much for all your help.
Dear Joe,
Our 5 month old shitzo/yorkie mix puppy went missing yesterday afternoon around 5pm. She is about 5 pounds, white and tan. She needs a hair cut. She was last seen on Riverton Rd. about an eighth of a mile off Rt. 50 in Mardela Springs. A neighbor said she may have been picked up by a female driver in a black or dark colored SUV. Looked like a navigator. Our family would greatly appriciate any help finding our baby Chloe. Please contact Jamie Fisher @ 443-944-4823. Thank you.
Publishers Notes: If you know of someone who recently picked up this puppy off the road and or see it in a neighbors yard or home please call the number above and let the owners know. Someone may have been doing a good deed but they should be made aware this puppy belongs to a loving Family.
Supreme Court Guts Key Part Of Landmark Voting Rights Act
In a 5-4 ruling with the court's conservatives in the majority, the justices ruled that Congress had used obsolete reasoning in continuing to force nine states, mainly in the South, to get federal approval for voting rule changes affecting blacks and other minorities.
The court ruled in favor of officials from Shelby County, Alabama, by declaring invalid a section of the law that set a formula that determines which states need federal approval to change voting laws.
President Barack Obama quickly called on Congress to pass a new law to ensure equal access to voting polls for all.
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Company Sells Pork-Laced Bullets To Fight Islamic Terrorists
Dalton Gardens, Idaho (CBS SEATTLE) – An Idaho ammunition manufacturer has developed a new line of pork-laced bullets they hope will fight against Islamic terrorists – and keep them from going to heaven.
South Fork Industries of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, took traditional bullets and coated them in pork-infused paint to make them “haram,” or unclean, under Islamic law. The company’s website labels the “Jihawg Ammo” bullets as “Peace Through Pork” and a “peaceful and natural deterrent to radical Islam.”
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South Fork Industries of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, took traditional bullets and coated them in pork-infused paint to make them “haram,” or unclean, under Islamic law. The company’s website labels the “Jihawg Ammo” bullets as “Peace Through Pork” and a “peaceful and natural deterrent to radical Islam.”
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MAN SHOOTS, KILLS DRUNK INTRUDER WHO BROKE INTO HIS HOME AND ATTACKED HIS SON – SO WHY ARE POLICE INVESTIGATING CASE AS A HOMICIDE
In California, citizens have a right to protect themselves and their families, however, there are stipulations in the state.
“The homeowner, the citizen, has to be able to articulate or apply the appropriate amount of force that was done against them,” Ontario Police Sgt. David McBride told NBC Los Angeles, later adding that Manzano was unarmed at the time of the shooting.
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Teacher Arrested...
| A public school teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a compass, a slide-rule and a calculator. At a morning press conference, Attorney General Eric Holder said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-Gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction. 'Al-Gebra is a problem for us', the Attorney General said. 'They derive solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in search of absolute values.' They use secret code names like "X" and "Y" and refer to themselves as "unknowns" but we have determined that they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philosopher Isosceles used to say, "There are 3 sides to every triangle." When asked to comment on the arrest, President Obama said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes." White House aides told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement by the President. It is believed that another Nobel Prize will follow. |
Man Threatens Two People with Knife
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| Anthony Hardy, Jr. |
Investigators at the scene were able to quickly obtain a description of the suspects and their vehicle and broadcast the information via police radio. A short time later, officers spotted the suspect’s vehicle on Baltimore Avenue headed north and was stopped on 2nd Street and Philadelphia Avenue without incident. Each of the occupants of the vehicle were detained and questioned by police. Police were able to determine that Anthony Hardy, Jr., 19, of Salisbury, MD, was in possession of the knife used in the assault. It was seized by police. Hardy, Jr. has been charged by Ocean City Police with two counts of first degree assault, two counts of second degree assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, two counts of possession of a dangerous weapon with intent to injure, and concealing a dangerous weapon.
Police also determined that the suspect vehicle was rented and that the driver, a 17-year-old male juvenile of Salisbury, MD, was in violation of the vehicles rental agreement. Also, during a search of each of the occupants, police found that the juvenile was in possession of oxycodone. The juvenile is being charged with driving a rented motor vehicle in violation of a rental agreement and possession of controlled dangerous substance.
Hardy, Jr. was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and was released on $110,000 bond. The 17-year-old male is being charged as a minor and has been referred to the Maryland Department of Social Services Juvenile Justice for processing as a juvenile.
Ron Paul: "What We Have Learned From Afghanistan"
Last week the Taliban opened an office in Doha, Qatar with the US government’s blessing. They raised the Taliban flag at the opening ceremony and referred to Afghanistan as the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan"—the name they used when they were in charge before the US attack in 2001.
The US had meant for the Taliban office in Doha to be only a venue for a new round of talks on an end to the war in Afghanistan. The Taliban opening looked very much like a government in exile. The Karzai government was annoyed that the US and the Taliban had scheduled talks without even notifying Kabul. Karzai’s government felt as irrelevant to negotiations on post-war Afghanistan as they soon will be on the ground. It seemed strangely like Paris in 1968, where the US met with North Vietnamese representatives to negotiate a way out of that war, which claimed nearly 60,000 Americans and many times that number of Vietnamese lives.
For years many of us had argued the need to get out of Afghanistan. To end the fighting, the dying, the destruction, the nation-building. To end the foolish fantasy that we were building a Western-style democracy there. We cannot leave, we were told for all those years. If we leave Afghanistan now, the Taliban will come back! Well guess what, after 12 years, trillions of dollars, more than 2,200 Americans killed, and perhaps more than 50,000 dead Afghan civilians and fighters, the Taliban is coming back anyway!
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The US had meant for the Taliban office in Doha to be only a venue for a new round of talks on an end to the war in Afghanistan. The Taliban opening looked very much like a government in exile. The Karzai government was annoyed that the US and the Taliban had scheduled talks without even notifying Kabul. Karzai’s government felt as irrelevant to negotiations on post-war Afghanistan as they soon will be on the ground. It seemed strangely like Paris in 1968, where the US met with North Vietnamese representatives to negotiate a way out of that war, which claimed nearly 60,000 Americans and many times that number of Vietnamese lives.
For years many of us had argued the need to get out of Afghanistan. To end the fighting, the dying, the destruction, the nation-building. To end the foolish fantasy that we were building a Western-style democracy there. We cannot leave, we were told for all those years. If we leave Afghanistan now, the Taliban will come back! Well guess what, after 12 years, trillions of dollars, more than 2,200 Americans killed, and perhaps more than 50,000 dead Afghan civilians and fighters, the Taliban is coming back anyway!
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Traffic Stop Results in Two Drug Arrests
On June 23, 2013, at approximately 10:35 a.m. an Ocean City Police officer stopped a vehicle that was driving on Baltimore Avenue after he noticed neither of the two occupants were wearing seatbelts. As the vehicle was turning off of Baltimore Avenue to stop, the officer noticed the suspects toss a hand rolled cigarette containing marijuana out of the passenger-side window.
During the investigation, officers seized marijuana cigarettes, loose marijuana in a plastic bag and drug paraphernalia. Officers determined that driver of the vehicle, Jason Karl Brandt, 20, of Leola, PA, was selling the marijuana. Officers also seized over $900 in cash, a set of nunchaku (nunchucks), and the driver’s vehicle as contraband.
Brandt has been charged by Ocean City Police with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute, possession of a concealed dangerous weapon, possession of nanchaku, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The passenger of the vehicle, Jason John Kichline, 19, of West Chester, PA, has been charged with possession of marijuana, possession of a concealed dangerous weapon, and possession of nanchaku.
Brandt and Kichline were seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and released.
Fed Shocked To Find Student Loans Used For Anything But To Learn
Since January, under pressure from the Fed, the Education Department has flagged 126,000 applicants attempting to pocket federal loans and grants without any intent of going to school. As the WSJ reports, officials are cracking down on fraud in student-aid programs after evidence of recipients - acting alone or as part of organized crime rings - misusing funds. "What we find are very poor students academically that are borrowing to the max, getting the maximum in their Pell grant and just going from school to school," noted one director of financial aid, with roughly $829 million in Pell grants as "improper payments," in the last year. Rather stunningly, more than 34,000 participants in crime rings improperly received federal student aid last year, up 82% from 2009. "We started seeing student borrowing that was just over the top with no explanation for why," another director noted, adding "it's not so much about the education, it's the money." Most federal student aid requires no credit check and comes with few restrictions on how the money is spent and Federal officials say the Internet has helped fuel student aid fraud.
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Paula Deen fallout: Smithfield Foods dropping Paula Deen as spokeswoman
Smithfield Foods is dropping Paula Deen as a spokeswoman.
The announcement Monday came days after the Food Network said it would not renew Deen's contract. Deen admitted using racial slurs in the past in a deposition that came to light last week in a discrimination lawsuit.
In a statement, Smithfield said it "condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind."
Deen was scheduled to appear on NBC's "Today" show on Wednesday, according to host Matt Lauer. Last week she abruptly canceled on the morning show.
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The announcement Monday came days after the Food Network said it would not renew Deen's contract. Deen admitted using racial slurs in the past in a deposition that came to light last week in a discrimination lawsuit.
In a statement, Smithfield said it "condemns the use of offensive and discriminatory language and behavior of any kind."
Deen was scheduled to appear on NBC's "Today" show on Wednesday, according to host Matt Lauer. Last week she abruptly canceled on the morning show.
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The SINGLE Most Important Step To Protect Yourself From Government Spying
Given that the NSA is tapping into your phone calls and spying on your Internet activities, you might have switched to a search engine which is more privacy-conscious.
You might have started using encrypted communications. After all, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and the leading electronic privacy group – the Electronic Frontier Foundation – say that encryption helps to protect privacy. On the other hand, Tech Dirt points out that the NSA might consider you suspicious if you encrypt information, and so hold onto your data until they can decrypt it.
The above are all issues about which you are at least somewhat aware.
But there is a giant type of snooping which you probably don’t even know about. Specifically, ABC News reported in 2006:
Cell phone users, beware. The FBI can listen to everything you say, even when the cell phone is turned off. A recent court ruling in a case against the Genovese crime family revealed that the FBI has the ability from a remote location to activate a cell phone and turn its microphone into a listening device that transmits to an FBI listening post, a method known as a “roving bug.”
Experts say the only way to defeat it is to remove the cell phone battery.
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You might have started using encrypted communications. After all, NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and the leading electronic privacy group – the Electronic Frontier Foundation – say that encryption helps to protect privacy. On the other hand, Tech Dirt points out that the NSA might consider you suspicious if you encrypt information, and so hold onto your data until they can decrypt it.
The above are all issues about which you are at least somewhat aware.
But there is a giant type of snooping which you probably don’t even know about. Specifically, ABC News reported in 2006:
Cell phone users, beware. The FBI can listen to everything you say, even when the cell phone is turned off. A recent court ruling in a case against the Genovese crime family revealed that the FBI has the ability from a remote location to activate a cell phone and turn its microphone into a listening device that transmits to an FBI listening post, a method known as a “roving bug.”
Experts say the only way to defeat it is to remove the cell phone battery.
More
Troopers Investigate Lewes Home Invasion
Location:
33000 block of Fox Glove Run, Love Creek MHP, Lewes, DE
Date of Occurrence:
Tuesday June 25, 2013 at approximately 6:35 a.m.
Victims:
38 year old female
12 year old female
Suspects:
Two males wearing dark colored pants (no further physical or clothing description), one armed with an unknown type handgun.
Resume:
Lewes, DE- The Delaware State Police is investigating a home invasion that occurred in the Love Creek MHP earlier this morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:35 a.m. as two male suspects, one armed with a handgun, forced their way into a residence located in the 33000 block of Fox Glove Run west of Lewes. Once inside, the suspects entered a bedroom where a 38 year old female and her 12 year old daughter were sleeping. After the two were alerted to the intruders, one of the suspects fired a single round at the 38 year old female, striking her in the head. The suspects then fled the residence in an unknown direction without taking any items or cash. The 12 year old was then able to call 9-1-1 and give information into the incident. The 38 year old was taken by EMS to a local hospital where she is currently being treated for the gun-shot wound.
Detectives have determined through preliminary interviews and investigation that this was not a random act, and the victims may have been targeted in the home invasion.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 at 302-856-5850 ext. 224 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."
33000 block of Fox Glove Run, Love Creek MHP, Lewes, DE
Date of Occurrence:
Tuesday June 25, 2013 at approximately 6:35 a.m.
Victims:
38 year old female
12 year old female
Suspects:
Two males wearing dark colored pants (no further physical or clothing description), one armed with an unknown type handgun.
Resume:
Lewes, DE- The Delaware State Police is investigating a home invasion that occurred in the Love Creek MHP earlier this morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:35 a.m. as two male suspects, one armed with a handgun, forced their way into a residence located in the 33000 block of Fox Glove Run west of Lewes. Once inside, the suspects entered a bedroom where a 38 year old female and her 12 year old daughter were sleeping. After the two were alerted to the intruders, one of the suspects fired a single round at the 38 year old female, striking her in the head. The suspects then fled the residence in an unknown direction without taking any items or cash. The 12 year old was then able to call 9-1-1 and give information into the incident. The 38 year old was taken by EMS to a local hospital where she is currently being treated for the gun-shot wound.
Detectives have determined through preliminary interviews and investigation that this was not a random act, and the victims may have been targeted in the home invasion.
If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 at 302-856-5850 ext. 224 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."
Stray Dog
Hi Joe,
Is it possible for you to post a stray dog I found yesterday? He appears to be a reddish brown pit bull mix. I took him to the Humane Society and he does have a microchip. His name is Marty and he is registered to a Joseph Martin, but phone number registered is disconnected and the address is old. I found him on Rockawalkin Road.
Thank you!
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 25, 2013) – Governor Martin O’Malley today released the following statement on President Obama's climate action plan:
“Climate change is real. We in Maryland applaud the vision that President Obama offered to the American people today. By targeting the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions, President Obama is moving the United States in the right direction toward strongly emphasizing renewable energy, improving air quality for our vulnerable populations, and mitigating the effects of severe weather events and flooding on our coastlines and low-lying areas. We are committed to partnering with him so that together, we can make the better choices these times demand.
“For the past six years, the people of Maryland have been taking strong actions to reduce our carbon footprint, improve air quality, invest in clean technology and create green jobs. We have set some of the most ambitious goals in the nation for reducing greenhouse emissions advancing cleaner, renewable energy, protecting the health of our children and elderly, rebuilding our shorelines and creating green jobs. We have advanced off-shore wind, on-shore wind, and solar energy. We partnered with eight other Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states on RGGI, the nation’s first cap-and-trade auction of greenhouse emissions. We reduced harmful pollutants in our air by more than 80 percent. We passed landmark clean cars legislation. We created a sustainable communities tax credit. We also created incentives to help homeowners and businesses utilize clean energy.
“By making these better choices we are delivering better results: Maryland’s workforce has more green jobs per capita than any state in the Mid-Atlantic region. The climate-related actions we are taking are projected to create 37,000 additional jobs and pump $1.6 billion into Maryland’s economy.
“Climate change is not an ideological issue any more than gravity is: it’s not about whether we move left or right, but whether we move forward or back. As severe weather events continue to grow in size and impact, the costs of inaction would grow exponentially. In Maryland, we are moving forward and taking action by creating green jobs and protecting our land, water, air and public health. Now is the time to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland, the United States and around the world.”
“Climate change is real. We in Maryland applaud the vision that President Obama offered to the American people today. By targeting the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions, President Obama is moving the United States in the right direction toward strongly emphasizing renewable energy, improving air quality for our vulnerable populations, and mitigating the effects of severe weather events and flooding on our coastlines and low-lying areas. We are committed to partnering with him so that together, we can make the better choices these times demand.
“For the past six years, the people of Maryland have been taking strong actions to reduce our carbon footprint, improve air quality, invest in clean technology and create green jobs. We have set some of the most ambitious goals in the nation for reducing greenhouse emissions advancing cleaner, renewable energy, protecting the health of our children and elderly, rebuilding our shorelines and creating green jobs. We have advanced off-shore wind, on-shore wind, and solar energy. We partnered with eight other Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states on RGGI, the nation’s first cap-and-trade auction of greenhouse emissions. We reduced harmful pollutants in our air by more than 80 percent. We passed landmark clean cars legislation. We created a sustainable communities tax credit. We also created incentives to help homeowners and businesses utilize clean energy.
“By making these better choices we are delivering better results: Maryland’s workforce has more green jobs per capita than any state in the Mid-Atlantic region. The climate-related actions we are taking are projected to create 37,000 additional jobs and pump $1.6 billion into Maryland’s economy.
“Climate change is not an ideological issue any more than gravity is: it’s not about whether we move left or right, but whether we move forward or back. As severe weather events continue to grow in size and impact, the costs of inaction would grow exponentially. In Maryland, we are moving forward and taking action by creating green jobs and protecting our land, water, air and public health. Now is the time to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland, the United States and around the world.”
President Obama’s Climate Plan A Clear Victory For Maryland, Future Generations
Baltimore—Today, President Obama announced a climate plan that will set limits on carbon pollution from power plants, advance energy efficiency and increase the nation’s commitment to renewable energy. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, record drought in many states, and extreme weather conditions across the country, the president’s plan to address global warming was loudly applauded by Environment Maryland.
“Today President Obama responded to the millions of Americans who have spoken out on behalf of their communities and their families, urging him to lead on climate,” said Laura Lyon, field organizer with Environment Maryland. “All of us who have felt the effects of global warming, or simply worried about what’s in store for our kids, can take comfort in knowing that President Obama is putting the nation on a path toward a cleaner, healthier and safer future.”
Left unchecked, global warming is projected to result in everything from severe storms that will create more pollution runoff to summer droughts and severe heat waves that could affect growing seasons here in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Environment, Maryland has the fourth largest coastline in the country which makes us the third most vulnerable state to rising sea levels. Scientists have warned that the window is rapidly closing for making the necessary cuts in carbon pollution to protect future generations from the worst consequences of global warming.
To respond to this threat, the president’s plan contains several key components. It will:
· Limit carbon pollution from new and existing power plants. The president directed the Environmental Protection Agency to set limits on carbon pollution from new and existing power plants, which currently lack any such federal limits despite being the largest single source of the carbon pollution fueling global warming.
· Invest in energy efficiency. New efficiency measures for buildings and new appliances will cut carbon pollution by reducing our overall energy demand.
· Build more renewable energy. The plan focuses on expanding production of clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar, especially on public lands.
· Support affected communities. The president’s plan will help ensure that communities are better equipped to prepare for and recover from the impacts of global warming.
· Rebuild U.S. leadership internationally. The president’s plan calls for the U.S. to actively engage in international efforts to address global warming.
Environment Maryland offered special praise for the president’s pledge to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants. More than 3.2 million Americans submitted public comments last year in support of the president setting limits on carbon pollution from power plants.
“Carbon pollution from power plants is a huge part of the global warming problem. Today President Obama acknowledged this and mapped out a plan for cleaning up this pollution,” said Lyon. “We also know that this plan is just one important step in a multi-year effort, and that the proof of the plan’s success will be in the pudding. Environment Maryland stands ready to assist the president in following through on this critical commitment.”
Tides Foundation Behind Push To Restore Felon Voting Rights In Virginia
Apparently it’s the George Soros-funded Tides Foundation.
The foundation has long supported felony rights restoration by writing large checks to groups that work with states to register former felons.
In the past, the foundation set up the Civic Participation Fund, which was aimed at aiding social-change organizations focused in new-majority communities that “need money, and need it fast,” the Tides website says.
The fund, formerly known as the Voter Action Fund, granted more than $8 million to advocacy groups “working to address the legal, procedural, and technological barriers to electoral participation.”
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Stasi In The White House
On June 19, 2013, US President Obama, hoping to raise himself above the developing National Security Agency (NSA) spy scandals, sought to associate himself with two iconic speeches made at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy pledged: “Ich bin ein Berliner”. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan challenged: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
Obama’s speech was delivered to a relatively small, specially selected audience of invitees. Even so, Obama spoke from behind bullet proof glass.
Obama’s speech will go down in history as the most hypocritical of all time. Little wonder that the audience was there by invitation only. A real audience would have hooted Obama out of Berlin.
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Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy pledged: “Ich bin ein Berliner”. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan challenged: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.”
Obama’s speech was delivered to a relatively small, specially selected audience of invitees. Even so, Obama spoke from behind bullet proof glass.
Obama’s speech will go down in history as the most hypocritical of all time. Little wonder that the audience was there by invitation only. A real audience would have hooted Obama out of Berlin.
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What About Climate Change?
President Barack Obama is running out of time to make good on his lofty vow to confront climate change head-on, and Congress is in no mood to help.
Moving ahead on his own, Obama will announce a set of actions Tuesday that will take years to implement.
The centerpiece of the plan is a push to issue new regulations that would curb greenhouse-gas emissions from new and existing power plants, according to people briefed on the plan by the administration.
Other components will include energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and help for communities preparing for the effects of climate change.
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Moving ahead on his own, Obama will announce a set of actions Tuesday that will take years to implement.
The centerpiece of the plan is a push to issue new regulations that would curb greenhouse-gas emissions from new and existing power plants, according to people briefed on the plan by the administration.
Other components will include energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and help for communities preparing for the effects of climate change.
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DELEGATE RON GEORGE DEMANDS SAFEGUARDS IN THE ELECTION PROCESS
Anne Arundel County Republican Says Integrity Matters Most In Elections
Annapolis, MD—Delegate Ron George, (R-Annapolis) announced his support for maintaining the current election law which requires the updating of all electronic poll books before Election Day.
Delegate George was responding to a June 6, 2013 letter from Delegate Sheila Hixson and Delegate Jon Cardin to Elections Administrator Linda Lamone asking for the law requiring the updating of all electronic poll books before Election Day to be changed.
“These safeguards are crucial to maintain the integrity of Maryland elections. We have an obligation to the citizens of Maryland to make certain that a person only votes once. We are responsible to make certain that every Marylanders rights and privileges are protected,” said George.
“Our election officials have stated that the practice of updating poll books the weekend prior to the election is the best way to be certain that elections are fair and that people only cast one vote. It is foolish and a disservice to Marylanders to abandon this practice,” continued George.
“We want honest elections and a positive experience for the citizens of Maryland when they exercise their right to vote. But we want to make sure that everyone’s vote counts equally and we want to make sure that no one votes twice,” concluded George.
Annapolis, MD—Delegate Ron George, (R-Annapolis) announced his support for maintaining the current election law which requires the updating of all electronic poll books before Election Day.
Delegate George was responding to a June 6, 2013 letter from Delegate Sheila Hixson and Delegate Jon Cardin to Elections Administrator Linda Lamone asking for the law requiring the updating of all electronic poll books before Election Day to be changed.
“These safeguards are crucial to maintain the integrity of Maryland elections. We have an obligation to the citizens of Maryland to make certain that a person only votes once. We are responsible to make certain that every Marylanders rights and privileges are protected,” said George.
“Our election officials have stated that the practice of updating poll books the weekend prior to the election is the best way to be certain that elections are fair and that people only cast one vote. It is foolish and a disservice to Marylanders to abandon this practice,” continued George.
“We want honest elections and a positive experience for the citizens of Maryland when they exercise their right to vote. But we want to make sure that everyone’s vote counts equally and we want to make sure that no one votes twice,” concluded George.
Baltimore VA Among Worst In Nation; Sen. Mikulski Works To Change That
As Mike Schuh reports–it took over a year for a decision to come down. Now Senator Barbara Mikulski and others are using their power to get the VA to change how it does business.
They served their country, many are injured and now they want the VA to hold up their end of the bargain and provide the medical care they promised.
But here in Baltimore, the time between filing a benefits claim and getting an answer routinely ran over a year—and then 25% of those cases were mishandled. It’s the highest percentage of any VA office in the country.
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Senate Bill Incentivizes Employers To Fire Americans And Hire Amnestied Immigrants
Under the Gang of 8’s backroom immigration deal with Senators Schumer, Corker and Hoeven, formerly illegal immigrants who are amnestied will be eligible to work, but will not be eligible for ObamaCare. Employers who would be required to pay as much as a $3,000 penalty for most employees who receive an ObamaCare healthcare “exchange” subsidy, would not have to pay the penalty if they hire amnestied immigrants.
Consequently, employers would have a significant incentive to hire or retain amnestied immigrants, rather than current citizens, including those who have recently achieved citizenship via the current naturalization process.
The issue is really an “interaction effect” of the immigration proposal and ObamaCare itself.
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Consequently, employers would have a significant incentive to hire or retain amnestied immigrants, rather than current citizens, including those who have recently achieved citizenship via the current naturalization process.
The issue is really an “interaction effect” of the immigration proposal and ObamaCare itself.
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Survey Shows 41% Of Small Biz Owners Have Stopped Hiring Because Of Obamacare
Not only is Obamacare wrecking our healthcare system, it’s destroying the job market, too.
Forty-one percent of the businesses surveyed have frozen hiring because of the health-care law known as Obamacare. And almost one-fifth—19 percent— answered “yes” when asked if they had “reduced the number of employees you have in your business as a specific result of the Affordable Care Act.”
The poll was taken by 603 owners whose businesses have under $20 million in annual sales.
Another 38 percent of the small business owners said they “have pulled back on their plans to grow their business” because of Obamacare
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Forty-one percent of the businesses surveyed have frozen hiring because of the health-care law known as Obamacare. And almost one-fifth—19 percent— answered “yes” when asked if they had “reduced the number of employees you have in your business as a specific result of the Affordable Care Act.”
The poll was taken by 603 owners whose businesses have under $20 million in annual sales.
Another 38 percent of the small business owners said they “have pulled back on their plans to grow their business” because of Obamacare
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DELEGATE MIKE MCDERMOTT PRESS RELEASE 6-25-13
(Annapolis)-- Delegate Mike McDermott (R-Eastern Shore) has called upon the Maryland State Police to eliminate the extensive delays now being applied to regulated firearms purchases. Current law requires a 7-day waiting period before a firearm may be transferred to another person, but the current waiting period has now exceeded 90-days and continues to grow in length.
“I have called upon Colonel Brown to assign adequate staff for the mission at hand and to work with dealers in providing reasonable discretion without the fear of incurring the wrath of this State”, said Delegate McDermott. “Law abiding citizens are being denied their Constitutional right to simply defend themselves on their own property by these unreasonable delays”.
“There are other methods to determine eligibility that are employed by the Federal Government which provide nearly instant results as to any potential disqualification of a potential purchaser,” Delegate McDermott went on to say. “We live in a technology driven world while we provide a Stone Age response time, and this is unacceptable to the people we serve.”
The following is the text of the letter sent to Colonel Brown.
Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent
Maryland Department of State Police
1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Dear Colonel Brown:
I am writing you today on behalf of many of my constituents who are attempting to purchase regulated firearms or represent business owners who currently are permitted to sell regulated firearms in Maryland.
While state law allows for the transfer of these firearms following a 7-day waiting period, most of these transactions are now exceeding 80+ days and this time frame appears to be continually expanding. When it became apparent that the MSP would not be able to perform their duties regarding the processing of these applications in a timely manner, licensees were strongly warned (threatened) against releasing any firearm after 7-days if they had not received approval from the MSP. To date, most of these dealers comply under a sense of duress.
The failure of rendering a decision on these purchases as required by law in a timely manner is substantially affecting the ability of Marylanders to protect themselves in their homes and their places of business. People should not be required to wait more than 7-days to exercise a Constitutionally guaranteed right. Therefore, I ask that you intervene in this matter.
First, I ask that you assign sufficient staff to insure that your department can process these applications within the 7-days currently prescribed by law.
Secondly, if you are unable to accomplish this in a timely manner, I ask that you instruct licensees that they will not be penalized, nor incur the wrath of the MSP at a later date, if they transfer a firearm after 7-days to a person they reasonably believe to be otherwise qualified to receive a regulated firearm (perhaps people they know personally or have conducted firearm transactions for in the past).
Please keep me informed and updated on the rules and regulations being formulated to implement SB-281 in the coming months. You have been handed a tough assignment by your boss. Your prompt attention to my concerns is greatly appreciated.
“I have called upon Colonel Brown to assign adequate staff for the mission at hand and to work with dealers in providing reasonable discretion without the fear of incurring the wrath of this State”, said Delegate McDermott. “Law abiding citizens are being denied their Constitutional right to simply defend themselves on their own property by these unreasonable delays”.
“There are other methods to determine eligibility that are employed by the Federal Government which provide nearly instant results as to any potential disqualification of a potential purchaser,” Delegate McDermott went on to say. “We live in a technology driven world while we provide a Stone Age response time, and this is unacceptable to the people we serve.”
The following is the text of the letter sent to Colonel Brown.
Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent
Maryland Department of State Police
1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Dear Colonel Brown:
I am writing you today on behalf of many of my constituents who are attempting to purchase regulated firearms or represent business owners who currently are permitted to sell regulated firearms in Maryland.
While state law allows for the transfer of these firearms following a 7-day waiting period, most of these transactions are now exceeding 80+ days and this time frame appears to be continually expanding. When it became apparent that the MSP would not be able to perform their duties regarding the processing of these applications in a timely manner, licensees were strongly warned (threatened) against releasing any firearm after 7-days if they had not received approval from the MSP. To date, most of these dealers comply under a sense of duress.
The failure of rendering a decision on these purchases as required by law in a timely manner is substantially affecting the ability of Marylanders to protect themselves in their homes and their places of business. People should not be required to wait more than 7-days to exercise a Constitutionally guaranteed right. Therefore, I ask that you intervene in this matter.
First, I ask that you assign sufficient staff to insure that your department can process these applications within the 7-days currently prescribed by law.
Secondly, if you are unable to accomplish this in a timely manner, I ask that you instruct licensees that they will not be penalized, nor incur the wrath of the MSP at a later date, if they transfer a firearm after 7-days to a person they reasonably believe to be otherwise qualified to receive a regulated firearm (perhaps people they know personally or have conducted firearm transactions for in the past).
Please keep me informed and updated on the rules and regulations being formulated to implement SB-281 in the coming months. You have been handed a tough assignment by your boss. Your prompt attention to my concerns is greatly appreciated.
I've Got A Bridge To Sell
We've all heard the jokes about someone having a bridge to sell, but one Russian man just turned those jokes into reality.According to a Russian news agency, the man didn't want to wait until a local bridge was on the market, so he hooked it up to his tractor and hauled it away to sell for scraps. However, police had no problem identifying the suspect, because they followed the drag marks directly to his home. Apparently, metal thefts in Russia are a huge problem, because this wasn't even the strangest. Russian news agencies say that previous thefts have included several locomotives, and even a special bike ridden by a circus bear.
Judge Dismisses Md. 'Joker' Threat Case
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- A judge has dismissed the case against a Maryland man accused of calling himself a "joker" and threatening violence against his boss and office.
Prince George's County District Court Judge Patrice Lewis agreed Tuesday with a defense lawyer's argument that the court documents charging Neil Prescott are "defective" and unfairly vague and dismissed the case. Prosecutors say they haven't decided whether to refile charges.
Prescott was charged last year with misusing a telephone, a misdemeanor, after police said he told a co-worker that he wanted to get his guns and "blow up" his workplace. Prescott's lawyer says the co-worker thought Prescott was joking.
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Prince George's County District Court Judge Patrice Lewis agreed Tuesday with a defense lawyer's argument that the court documents charging Neil Prescott are "defective" and unfairly vague and dismissed the case. Prosecutors say they haven't decided whether to refile charges.
Prescott was charged last year with misusing a telephone, a misdemeanor, after police said he told a co-worker that he wanted to get his guns and "blow up" his workplace. Prescott's lawyer says the co-worker thought Prescott was joking.
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Fire Damages Salvation Army In Cambridge
More than 125 firefighters fought the blaze for almost three hours, according to the State Fire Marshal's office, but the fire caused heavy damage in the building.
The fire was discovered around 1 p.m. Monday, with heavy smoke pouring out of the roof of a storefront at 440 Race St., a building adjacent to the main thrift store building at 442 Race St.
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Officials Say There's No Need To Worry About Nuclear Waste Leak
Nuclear waste is leaking into the ground at a decommissioned nuclear weapons site in Washington state, but officials say there's no need to worry. The Hanford Nuclear Reservation has become the final resting place for about 56 million gallons of radioactive waste, and has long-been considered the most contaminated nuclear site in our nation. New reports indicate that many of the double-walled underground storage containers holding the toxic sludge have been leaking for some time. State and federal officials say that only 6 of 177 tanks are leaking, and they pose no threat to public safety. However, Tom Carpenter, executive director of the environmental group Hanford Challenge, said, "A third of these tanks have failed already. One third! They've leaked a million gallons, there's more to come." Many of the tanks were designed for a maximum use of 20 years, however some have been in place since the 1940s. According to CBS News contributor Michio Kaku, who is also a physics professor at the City University of New York, the Hanford site is a "ticking time bomb." He said, "When it hits the ground table, it will go right into the Columbia River, and remember that's one of the major rivers in the entire Pacific Northwest."
Pres. Obama To Unveil Plan Today To Address Climate Change
Baltimore, MD—In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, record drought in many states, and extreme weather conditions across the country, Pres. Obama has announced he will unveil a climate action plan tomorrow designed to cut the carbon pollution fueling global warming and advance clean energy solutions. Environment Maryland and many other organizations applauded the announcement.
“Maryland is already paying a price as global warming fuels more damaging storms, summer droughts, and rising sea levels,” said Laura Lyon, field organizer with Environment Maryland. “Protecting our children from even more devastating consequences demands bold leadership. President Obama realizes this and we hope his plan will truly begin to safeguard our children’s future.”
One aspect of the plan that Environment Maryland and others will be watching closely is how it addresses carbon pollution from power plants. Despite being the largest sources of the carbon pollution fueling global warming, power plants have no federal limits on the amount of carbon pollution they can spew into our air. The president’s plan could take a pivotal step toward changing that.
“President Obama’s climate plan should clean up the largest global warming polluters and advance clean energy solutions, to help protect Marylanders and future generations from more severe weather and other consequences of global warming,” said Tommy Landers, director of Environment Maryland. “In addition to cleaning up carbon pollution from power plants, we will look for the president’s plan to advance energy efficiency measures and expand renewable energy—two critical steps toward getting the nation on track to a truly clean energy future.”
Residents of Maryland have voiced support for Pres. Obama’s action, and more than 3.2 million Americans submitted public comments last year in support of the president setting limits on carbon pollution from power plants, including over 2,000 Marylanders.
Left unchecked, global warming is likely to result in everything from severe storms that will create more pollution runoff to summer droughts and severe heat waves that could affect growing seasons here in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Environment, Maryland has the fourth largest coastline in the country which makes us the third most vulnerable state to rising sea levels. Scientists have warned that time is short to make the necessary cuts in carbon pollution to protect future generations from the worst consequences of global warming.
Cities and states across the country have been successfully implementing climate action plans and renewable energy solutions. Here in Maryland, Gov. O’Malley and other legislative champions have made our state a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have one of the country’s few statewide greenhouse gas caps—in fact, the strongest approved by a legislature. To achieve that cap, Gov. O’Malley is slated to release in the near future a climate action plan for Maryland, in order to reduce emissions by at least 25% below 2006 levels by 2020.
Maryland also has aggressive targets for clean energy and energy efficiency, and the state is a member in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the nation’s first cap and trade program to reduce carbon from power plants. Most recently, with the championship of Gov. O’Malley and other legislative leaders, the General Assembly passed legislation which will allow the state to tap into the vast reserves of wind power off our Atlantic coast. These programs will help cut carbon pollution and have helped pave the way for Tuesday’s plan for federal action from Pres. Obama.
“Environment Maryland and our thousands of members and supporters stand ready to assist the president in taking ambitious steps to cut global warming pollution,” concluded Lyon.
“Maryland is already paying a price as global warming fuels more damaging storms, summer droughts, and rising sea levels,” said Laura Lyon, field organizer with Environment Maryland. “Protecting our children from even more devastating consequences demands bold leadership. President Obama realizes this and we hope his plan will truly begin to safeguard our children’s future.”
One aspect of the plan that Environment Maryland and others will be watching closely is how it addresses carbon pollution from power plants. Despite being the largest sources of the carbon pollution fueling global warming, power plants have no federal limits on the amount of carbon pollution they can spew into our air. The president’s plan could take a pivotal step toward changing that.
“President Obama’s climate plan should clean up the largest global warming polluters and advance clean energy solutions, to help protect Marylanders and future generations from more severe weather and other consequences of global warming,” said Tommy Landers, director of Environment Maryland. “In addition to cleaning up carbon pollution from power plants, we will look for the president’s plan to advance energy efficiency measures and expand renewable energy—two critical steps toward getting the nation on track to a truly clean energy future.”
Residents of Maryland have voiced support for Pres. Obama’s action, and more than 3.2 million Americans submitted public comments last year in support of the president setting limits on carbon pollution from power plants, including over 2,000 Marylanders.
Left unchecked, global warming is likely to result in everything from severe storms that will create more pollution runoff to summer droughts and severe heat waves that could affect growing seasons here in Maryland. According to the Maryland Department of Environment, Maryland has the fourth largest coastline in the country which makes us the third most vulnerable state to rising sea levels. Scientists have warned that time is short to make the necessary cuts in carbon pollution to protect future generations from the worst consequences of global warming.
Cities and states across the country have been successfully implementing climate action plans and renewable energy solutions. Here in Maryland, Gov. O’Malley and other legislative champions have made our state a national leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We have one of the country’s few statewide greenhouse gas caps—in fact, the strongest approved by a legislature. To achieve that cap, Gov. O’Malley is slated to release in the near future a climate action plan for Maryland, in order to reduce emissions by at least 25% below 2006 levels by 2020.
Maryland also has aggressive targets for clean energy and energy efficiency, and the state is a member in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the nation’s first cap and trade program to reduce carbon from power plants. Most recently, with the championship of Gov. O’Malley and other legislative leaders, the General Assembly passed legislation which will allow the state to tap into the vast reserves of wind power off our Atlantic coast. These programs will help cut carbon pollution and have helped pave the way for Tuesday’s plan for federal action from Pres. Obama.
“Environment Maryland and our thousands of members and supporters stand ready to assist the president in taking ambitious steps to cut global warming pollution,” concluded Lyon.
Where's Snowden
Over the weekend, government officials and news agencies were playing a game of "Where's Snowden." The NSA whistle-blower made a sudden departure from Hong Kong, reportedly traveling to Moscow, Russia. Snowden was then not in his seat for the next flight, which would have brought him from Russia to Cuba. Officials are now unclear if Snowden ever actually made his way to Russia, or if the flight was simply a diversion. U.S. intelligence officials have warned Western nations that Snowden "should not be allowed to proceed in any further international travel, other than is necessary to return him to the United States." It appears that warning is meant specifically for the nation of Ecuador, which has granted asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Ecuador's foreign minister, Ricardo Patino, said, "We will consider the position of the U.S. Government and we will make a decision in due course in line with the [Ecuadorean] constitution, the laws, international politics, and sovereignty." As of now, there are no confirmed reports on Snowden's actual location, but Reuters is reporting he has received refugee documentation to ensure safe passage to Ecuador. Already tense relations between these countries are being further strained by this new development. The world is watching to see how these events unfold, but it's anyone's guess as to where Edward Snowden may turn up.
Public Employee Speech
2 Responses to “Public employee speech”
Shaun Sundahl says:
JUNE 4, 2011 AT 2:48 PM
The issue I see with the First Amendment protections is: what is the standard of proof of the subject matter announced by the public employee? For example, how about the public employee who makes a public statement that the District Attorney’s Office is not able to process cases in an efficient manner resulting in the injustice to some? Would it suffice if the public employee reasonably believed this was the case? What if the public employee erroneously believed this was the case? Do we need to establish a probable foundation of the incompetence alleged? It appears the courts will look at the employer’s point of view. If the employer discharged the employee because they felt the public statement was not a matter of public concern, the courts will likely support the employer.
How First Amendment Rights Impact Public Sector Employees and Social Media | Orange Husky Productions says:
SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 AT 3:40 PM
[...] and background of the First Amendment and the applications for public sector employees. The report, Balancing Act: Public Employees and Free Speech, by David L. Hudson Jr, is a fantastic resource if you are looking for an overview of public sector [...]
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Shaun Sundahl says:
JUNE 4, 2011 AT 2:48 PM
The issue I see with the First Amendment protections is: what is the standard of proof of the subject matter announced by the public employee? For example, how about the public employee who makes a public statement that the District Attorney’s Office is not able to process cases in an efficient manner resulting in the injustice to some? Would it suffice if the public employee reasonably believed this was the case? What if the public employee erroneously believed this was the case? Do we need to establish a probable foundation of the incompetence alleged? It appears the courts will look at the employer’s point of view. If the employer discharged the employee because they felt the public statement was not a matter of public concern, the courts will likely support the employer.
How First Amendment Rights Impact Public Sector Employees and Social Media | Orange Husky Productions says:
SEPTEMBER 5, 2012 AT 3:40 PM
[...] and background of the First Amendment and the applications for public sector employees. The report, Balancing Act: Public Employees and Free Speech, by David L. Hudson Jr, is a fantastic resource if you are looking for an overview of public sector [...]
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House Investigators: Disability Judges Are Too Lax
Social Security is approving disability benefits at strikingly high rates for people whose claims were rejected by field offices or state agencies, according to House investigators. Compounding the situation, the agency often fails to do required follow-up reviews months or years later to make sure people are still disabled.
Claims for benefits have increased by 25 percent since 2007, pushing the fund that supports the disability program to the brink of insolvency, which could mean reduced benefits. Social Security officials say the primary driver of the increase is demographic, mainly a surge in baby boomers who are more prone to disability as they age but are not quite old enough to qualify for retirement benefits.
The disability program has been swamped by benefit claims since the recession hit a few years ago. Last year, 3.2 million people applied for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income.
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Claims for benefits have increased by 25 percent since 2007, pushing the fund that supports the disability program to the brink of insolvency, which could mean reduced benefits. Social Security officials say the primary driver of the increase is demographic, mainly a surge in baby boomers who are more prone to disability as they age but are not quite old enough to qualify for retirement benefits.
The disability program has been swamped by benefit claims since the recession hit a few years ago. Last year, 3.2 million people applied for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income.
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The Free Speech Rights Of Off-Duty Government Employees
I. INTRODUCTION
Until recently, Andrew Shirvell was an assistant attorney general in Michigan. This past fall, he created a blog attacking the openly gay president of the University of Michigan student body as a "racist" and "liar" who was promoting "a radical homosexual agenda."' Initially, Michigan Attorney General Michael CoxShirvell's boss-condemned Shirvell's anti-homosexual rantings but resisted calls for Shirvell's firing, citing Shirvell's First Amendment right to say what he wants while he is off duty.2 In a statement, General Cox remarked: "Mr. Shirvell's personal opinions are his and his alone and do not reflect the views of the Michigan Department of Attorney General. But his immaturity and lack of judgment outside the office are clear."' General Cox later fired Shirvell, citing an investigation that had revealed that Shirvell had "repeatedly violated office policies, engaged in borderline stalking behavior and inappropriately.
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Until recently, Andrew Shirvell was an assistant attorney general in Michigan. This past fall, he created a blog attacking the openly gay president of the University of Michigan student body as a "racist" and "liar" who was promoting "a radical homosexual agenda."' Initially, Michigan Attorney General Michael CoxShirvell's boss-condemned Shirvell's anti-homosexual rantings but resisted calls for Shirvell's firing, citing Shirvell's First Amendment right to say what he wants while he is off duty.2 In a statement, General Cox remarked: "Mr. Shirvell's personal opinions are his and his alone and do not reflect the views of the Michigan Department of Attorney General. But his immaturity and lack of judgment outside the office are clear."' General Cox later fired Shirvell, citing an investigation that had revealed that Shirvell had "repeatedly violated office policies, engaged in borderline stalking behavior and inappropriately.
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BREAKING NEWS: Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Provision Of Voting Rights Act
The Supreme Court rules unconstitutional a provision of the Voting Rights Act that determines which states -- primarily in the South -- need federal oversight of their election laws.
From Fox News
From Fox News
Changes In Fuel Taxes Will Prompt Changes In Gas Prices
On July 1, Maryland gas prices will go up 3.5 cents a gallon, as the state raises the gas tax for the first time in 20 years to help fund three mass transit projects, including the Purple Line.
In all, the increases in Maryland could add up to another 21.1 cents a gallon by 2018, according to an analysis by AAA Mid-Atlantic.
Virginia, on the other hand, is ending its excise tax on fuel and replacing it with an increase in the sales and use tax that will be dedicated to transportation. The change is the first for Virginia's fuel tax since 1987.
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Free Speech Rights Of Public Employees
The issue: May the government use the speech of a public employee as the basis for discharge or denying promotion?
Does the First Amendment allow the government to use a public employee's speech as the ground for discharge or denying a promotion? The Supreme Court's answer to this question was at one time a simple "Yes." Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote in 1892, "There may be a constitutional right to talk politics, but there is no constitutional right to be a policeman." The so-called right/privilege distinction was maintained even as late as 1952 when, in Adler v Board of Education, the Court said, "You have a constitutional right to say and think as you will, but you have no constitutional right to work for the government."
By 1967, however, the Court would note that "the major premise of Adler has been rejected." In its place was a new premise: that the government ought not to be able to do indirectly what it cannot do directly. The Court took the position that public employment cannot be conditioned on a surrender of constitutional rights. The problem for the Court then became how to balance the government's interest in maintaining an efficient public workplace against the individual employee's interest in free expression.
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Does the First Amendment allow the government to use a public employee's speech as the ground for discharge or denying a promotion? The Supreme Court's answer to this question was at one time a simple "Yes." Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote in 1892, "There may be a constitutional right to talk politics, but there is no constitutional right to be a policeman." The so-called right/privilege distinction was maintained even as late as 1952 when, in Adler v Board of Education, the Court said, "You have a constitutional right to say and think as you will, but you have no constitutional right to work for the government."
By 1967, however, the Court would note that "the major premise of Adler has been rejected." In its place was a new premise: that the government ought not to be able to do indirectly what it cannot do directly. The Court took the position that public employment cannot be conditioned on a surrender of constitutional rights. The problem for the Court then became how to balance the government's interest in maintaining an efficient public workplace against the individual employee's interest in free expression.
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DUE TO THE JULY 4th HOLIDAY TRASH REMOVAL SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, JULY 4th
DUE TO THE
JULY 4th HOLIDAY
TRASH REMOVAL SCHEDULED FOR
THURSDAY, JULY 4th
WILL BE PICKED UP ON MONDAY,
JULY 8th
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THIS WILL NOT CHANGE THE
REGULARLY SCHEDULED PICKUP OF
BULK ITEMS OR YARD WASTE ON
MONDAY JULY 8TH
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CALL THE SERVICE CENTER AT
410-548-3177 WITH ANY QUESTIONS
Armed Robbery In Fruitland
DATE & TIME: Sunday June 23, 2013 @1425 hours
INCIDENT: Armed Robbery
LOCATION: Camden Avenue @ Clyde Avenue
CASE NO.: 2013-0725
SYNOPSIS: During the afternoon of 6/23/13, Fruitland officers were dispatched to the 7-11 located on S. Salisbury Blvd. to meet with the victim of a reported Armed Robbery that occurred approximately 90 minutes prior on N. Camden Ave. in the area of Clyde Ave. in Fruitland. Officers learned that the victim was skateboarding northbound on Camden Ave. when he was approached by two African-American males, who engaged him in conversation. During the conversation, one of the suspects produced a handgun and demanded the victim’s backpack. The second suspect retrieved the victim’s backpack and the two suspects fled southbound on Camden Ave. The suspects were described as follows:
Suspect #1. Light-skinned black maleApprox. 23 years of age
Short afro-style haircut
Approx. 6' - Athletic build
Wearing a light colored t-shirt, blue jeans
(Brandished a bronze-colored pistol)
Suspect #2. Light-skinned black maleApprox. 17 - 20 years of age
Short afro-style haircut
Approx. 5'8 - 5'9 – Stocky build
Wearing a dark colored t-shirt, blue jeans
Officers met with several area residents and are continuing to investigate suspect leads. Anyone having additional information please contact Detective Kilgore.
INCIDENT: Armed Robbery
LOCATION: Camden Avenue @ Clyde Avenue
CASE NO.: 2013-0725
SYNOPSIS: During the afternoon of 6/23/13, Fruitland officers were dispatched to the 7-11 located on S. Salisbury Blvd. to meet with the victim of a reported Armed Robbery that occurred approximately 90 minutes prior on N. Camden Ave. in the area of Clyde Ave. in Fruitland. Officers learned that the victim was skateboarding northbound on Camden Ave. when he was approached by two African-American males, who engaged him in conversation. During the conversation, one of the suspects produced a handgun and demanded the victim’s backpack. The second suspect retrieved the victim’s backpack and the two suspects fled southbound on Camden Ave. The suspects were described as follows:
Suspect #1. Light-skinned black maleApprox. 23 years of age
Short afro-style haircut
Approx. 6' - Athletic build
Wearing a light colored t-shirt, blue jeans
(Brandished a bronze-colored pistol)
Suspect #2. Light-skinned black maleApprox. 17 - 20 years of age
Short afro-style haircut
Approx. 5'8 - 5'9 – Stocky build
Wearing a dark colored t-shirt, blue jeans
Officers met with several area residents and are continuing to investigate suspect leads. Anyone having additional information please contact Detective Kilgore.
Long Live Social Media
Federal agencies are finding social media keeps communication going in all sorts of emergencies. The National Zoo is thanking a neighbor for helping to track down a red panda on the loose. One-year-old Rusty went missing yesterday morning. The Zoo took to Facebook and Twitter to get the word out. An Adams Morgan resident spotted the red panda in a tree. She tweeted a photo and called the zoo. Rusty is now in the animal hospital for an evaluation. Director Dennis Kelly says the Zoo is going over the exhibit with a fine tooth comb. Officials can't recall another escape in Washington.
Dr. Ben Carson Reflects On The Challenges Of His Childhood
After nearly 17 thousand operations, Baltimore's Dr. Ben Carson will hang up his scalpel at the end of June.
More than 100 days ago, world renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson made a speech in which he announced his retirement at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
"In 106 days I will be retiring," Dr. Carson, Hopkins' longtime director of pediatric neurosurgery, said. "I'd much rather quit when I'm at the top of my game. And there's so many more things that can be done."
More
More than 100 days ago, world renowned pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson made a speech in which he announced his retirement at the Conservative Political Action Conference.
"In 106 days I will be retiring," Dr. Carson, Hopkins' longtime director of pediatric neurosurgery, said. "I'd much rather quit when I'm at the top of my game. And there's so many more things that can be done."
More
The IRS, Many Groups Singled Out For Special Scrutiny
The IRS acting director says the tax exempt unit had a long list of groups singled out for special scrutiny. Danny Werfel says the targeting went on until just days ago, when he ordered it stopped. Initial reports indicated only conservative groups with words like tea party or patriot in their applications were held up. But Werfel says examiners also flagged the words Israel, progressive and occupy. Staff members called the list BOLO — be-on-the lookout for. Werfel'sreport, obtained by the Associated Press, blames the targeting on a lapse of judgment by former top officials.
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 6-25-13
On June 22, 2013 At 8:25 pm Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies observed a silver Audi traveling east on US Route 50 in Berlin at approximately 100 miles per hour. The Deputies stopped the vehicle and upon contacting the operator a suspicion of criminal activity was raised. As the rear seat passenger, identified as James D. Owens 20 years of age from Easton Md., exited the vehicle a glass smoking device was located on the seat. Mr. Owens was also in possession of several unidentified pills. Mr. Owens was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and released pending trial. The driver was cited for speeding, reckless driving, negligent driving, and following too closely.
QUOTE...
"The world is a dangerous place to live in,not because of people who are evil, But because of people who do nothing about it"
Albert Einstein.
Refugee from Nazi Germany.
Albert Einstein was born in Germany, but became a American citizen in 1940.
Albert Einstein.
Refugee from Nazi Germany.
Albert Einstein was born in Germany, but became a American citizen in 1940.
Single Vehicle Crash In Fruitland
DATE & TIME OF INCIDENT: June 24, 2013
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Single Vehicle Crash
LOCATION OF INCIDENT: S. Fruitland Blvd. @ S. Division St.
VICTIM:
CASE NO.: 2013-0730
BRIEF RESUME:
The Fruitland Police Department responded to the area of S. Fruitland Blvd. and S. Division St. for a reported single vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation reveals a single vehicle left the roadway, collided with a tree and rolled over. There were four occupants, two adults and two children, in the vehicle. One male adult and the two children were transported to PRMC with non-life threatening injuries. An adult female passenger in the vehicle was transported to PRMC and then flown to Shock Trauma in critical condition. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor at this time. Investigation is ongoing.
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Single Vehicle Crash
LOCATION OF INCIDENT: S. Fruitland Blvd. @ S. Division St.
VICTIM:
CASE NO.: 2013-0730
BRIEF RESUME:
The Fruitland Police Department responded to the area of S. Fruitland Blvd. and S. Division St. for a reported single vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation reveals a single vehicle left the roadway, collided with a tree and rolled over. There were four occupants, two adults and two children, in the vehicle. One male adult and the two children were transported to PRMC with non-life threatening injuries. An adult female passenger in the vehicle was transported to PRMC and then flown to Shock Trauma in critical condition. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor at this time. Investigation is ongoing.
