OCPD CHARGE VA MAN WITH RAPE, BURGLARY

Romer Ortuno

(June 4, 2014) – Ocean City Police Department Major Crimes Unit detectives have charged a Virginia man with rape and burglary after he sexually assaulted an acquaintance in the early morning hours of May 25, 2014.

On May 25, Ocean City officers and detectives responded to Atlantic General Hospital and met with the victim of the sexual assault. Through investigation, officers determined that the victim and a group of friends were at an Ocean City nightclub where they ran into acquaintances from their hometown in Virginia. Eventually the group, including the acquaintances, returned to a hotel room together where they continued to consume alcoholic beverages and became intoxicated.

In the early morning hours of May 25, members of the group, including the suspect, left the hotel room while the victim was asleep. The suspect, who was later identified as Romer Ortuno, 29, of Springfield, VA, then returned to the room where he entered through an unlocked window and reportedly raped the victim.

Ocean City detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Ortuno charging him with first degree rape and first degree burglary. On May 27, Ortuno was arrested at his home by local authorities.

Summertime Blues: Teen Unemployment in Major U.S. Cities Tops 50 Percent

(CNSNews.com) – A new analysis by the Employment Policy Institute (EPI) shows that unemployment among teens without a high school diploma is more than 50 percent in two of the largest U.S. cities.

Using U.S. Census Bureau data from May 2013 to April 2014, the analysis reveals that in Riverside-San Bernardino area of Southern California, the unemployment rate for teens ages 16 to 19 years old who don’t have a high school diploma is 54.2 percent.

In the Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore., metropolitan area, the unemployment rate from that population is 53.8 percent.

“These numbers are staggering,” Michael Saltsman, director of research at EPI told CNSNews.com. “Teens across the country this summer are missing out on valuable work experience as they continue to suffer through an extended period of high unemployment and difficult job prospects.”

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The Second-Largest Religion In Each State

Christianity is by far the largest religion in the United States; more than three-quarters of Americans identify as Christians. A little more than half of us identify as Protestants, about 23 percent as Catholic and about 2 percent as Mormon.

But what about the rest of us? In the Western U.S., Buddhists represent the largest non-Christian religious bloc in most states. In 20 states, mostly in the Midwest and South, Islam is the largest non-Christian faith tradition. And in 15 states, mostly in the Northeast, Judaism has the most followers after Christianity. Hindus come in second place in Arizona and Delaware, and there are more practitioners of the Baha’i faith in South Carolina than anyone else.

All these data come from the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, which conducts a U.S. Religion Census every 10 years. Here’s what their map of the second-most-practiced religions looks like:
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STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION PERFORMS EMERGENCY REPAIRS ALONG EASTBOUND US 50 AT MD 665 (ARIS T. ALLEN BLVD.)

STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION PERFORMS EMERGENCY REPAIRS ALONG EASTBOUND US 50 AT MD 665 (ARIS T. ALLEN BLVD.)

All Lanes Closed along Eastbound US 50 at MD 665 for Pipe Collapse;
Through Drivers Along Eastbound US 50 Detoured onto MD 665;
Drivers May Consider Alternate Routes Such as MD 2, MD 450

(June 4, 2014; 9:30 p.m.) – The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) continues to close all lanes along eastbound US 50 at MD 665 (Aris T. Allen Boulevard). Traffic is being detoured to MD 665. Drivers may want to consider other alternate routes such as MD 10 to MD 2, and MD 424 to MD 450 to MD 2. At this time, eastbound US 50 is expected to remain closed through the night and early morning as crews complete emergency repairs.

An SHA team including engineers, a geologist and shop technicians responded immediately to reports of a pavement void between the left and center lanes of US 50. After thorough assessment, the team has concluded that a metal pipe, associated with the drainage system along US 50, has deteriorated and collapsed, which then created the surface pavement void.

Crews will fill the void with stone, and then place a concrete patch on the road surface. The roadway cavity measures approximately 24 inches in diameter and is several feet deep. SHA hydraulics department will begin design work for more permanent repairstomorrowmorning.

After the void was discovered by a driver around 5 p.m. and reported to Maryland State Police, two left lanes along eastbound US 50 were closed immediately; all lanes were closed within minutes thereafter.

SHA appreciates motorists’ patience and cooperation during the repair process. Maryland now features FREE 511 traveler information! Call 511 or1-855-GOMD511 or visitwww.md511.org for current travel information. Sign up to personalize travel route information through MY511 on the website. Remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving. 
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USDA: 1 in 4 Americans Receive Food Assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said about a quarter of all Americans receive food aid from government programs, and that the agency has responsibility for helping people make healthier food choices.

"Approximately 1 in 4 Americans participated in at least one of the 15 food and nutrition assistance programs at some point during FY 2013, making these programs fundamental to the nutritional well-being of millions of Americans," the USDA said in a statement, according to The Washington Free Beacon.

As part of its drive to "nudge" Americans toward eating healthier, the USDA announced it is setting up a new $2 million research center called the Center for Behavioral Economics and Healthy Food Choice Research. The center will fund research on "facilitating food choice behaviors" and improving the diets of people on food stamps, according to the Free Beacon.

"The USDA Center will facilitate new and innovative research on the application of behavioral economics theory to healthy food choice behaviors that would contribute to enhancing the nutrition, food security, and health of American consumers," the USDA said in an announcement calling for grant applications.

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Can I Get An Amen?

Obama's war on electricity

Turning on the television and sitting back in air-conditioned comfort is about to get much, much more expensive. President Obama used the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to declare war on affordable fuel. The average household can expect to pay a $5,000 annual premium for the privilege of enjoying the conveniences of modern life.

The directive, outlined over 645 pages, empowers the EPA to enforce extreme and radical regulations in each state in pursuit of reducing carbon-dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-burning power plants by “approximately 30 percent from CO2 emission levels in 2005.” The administration regulates carbon dioxide as an “air pollutant,” but carbon dioxide is not all bad. One of the largest sources of carbon dioxide is exhaling by humans, and that’s always a good thing. Without carbon dioxide, plants would wither and man (and woman, too) would suffocate.

Like most government schemes, the new EPA rule employs extreme measures that won’t be effective, at great expense to taxpayers and to the economy, with methods based in flawed science and bad math. It addresses a problem that exists in the fertile imagination of the foolishly frightened.

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How would you have voted on the following issues?

You've seen their TV commercials, watched their debates and maybe even gotten some direct mail trashing them. But where do the candidates for governor actually stand on the issues Maryland has confronted during the last few years. And more importantly, which one do you agree with most? Find out using our new interactive scorecard. Enter your answers and see where you stack up against each of the seven major gubernatorial candidates.
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Tulsa Chipotle Kicks out Anti-Gunners "Moms Demand Action" for Rude Behavior

Sometimes when shady plans backfire, they backfire really well. This was definitely the case on Saturday May 31st in Tulsa Oklahoma, as The Oklahoma Open Carry Association met Moms Demand Action for the first time.

The anti-gun group requested a booth at the local farmers market and was denied, so they set up shop right on the outskirts of the downtown Tulsa event in order to gather signatures. They were a bit surprised when members of The Oklahoma Open Carry Association approached them to ask some questions. As is usually the case when dealing with liberals, the questions we asked went unanswered as the host of their event, (who incidentally, didn't look like that much of a mom seeing as though he was a man) deflected the questions and attempted to change the subject, ridicule and even accuse us of wanting to start a war with the police. This came about because he made it perfectly clear that he didn't want to be in any public establishment with citizens carrying handguns in the open. He was alluding to his belief that we are just a bunch of untrained rednecks that simply shoot indiscriminately in all directions just to prove how big our egos are.

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School Parents, Leaders Work To Cut Racial Tensions

BALTIMORE —Digital Harbor High School leaders, parents and city police gathered Tuesday night at the south Baltimore school in hopes of easing racial tensions between black and Latino students after recent violent altercations.

More than a dozen families gathered at the school for the meeting that came during the last week of classes for the year. Police and staff said they want to have an open dialogue about the issues before summer break and the next school year.

"You could feel something was going on in school. Everything was starting to change. You could feel something bad was going on," said Jose Dominguez, who graduated this past weekend.

He described the tension at Digital Harbor as like a pressure cooker that's been building all school year.

"Friends and other classmates, they were feeling afraid of what was going on because it wasn't only affecting Latino and African-American students. It was all the school," Dominguez said. More

Checkpoint Soulwinning Demonstration Video

“This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you.”

A young boy enters a barber shop and the barber whispers to his customer: “This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you.”
The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other, then calls the boy over and asks, “Which do you want, son?” The boy takes the quarters and leaves. “What did I tell you?” said the barber. “That kid never learns!”
Later, when the customer leaves, he sees the same young boy coming out of the ice cream store. “Hey, son! May I ask you a question? Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?” The boy licked his cone and replied, “Because the day I take the dollar, the game is over!”

Sharyl Attkisson on Journalism's Very Dangerous Trend

You Don’t Want to Miss This Leaked Video of the President Working Out

President Barack Obama has answered the age-old question: “Do you even lift, bro?”

Obama’s 30-minute workout routine was caught on camera in the gym of the Polish hotel the president is occupying during his visit to Eastern Europe.
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Democrats push election-year Constitution change

The Democratic-led Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday began a long-shot bid at a constitutional amendment that would limit deep-pocketed political campaign donors' influence.

With plenty of politics but very limited prospects of actually changing the Constitution, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called the free flow of "shady money" into politics the biggest threat to democracy he's seen. His Republican counterpart, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, called efforts to limit campaign spending a tactic to rile up Democrats this election year.

Changing the Constitution is an intentionally difficult process, and leaders from both parties acknowledge that the panel's efforts to prohibit super PACs are likely to result in little more than election-year posturing.

"Our involvement in government should not be dependent on our bank account balances," Reid told panel members while sitting next to McConnell in a rare joint appearance before a committee.

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CLIFTON REHAM SALAAM CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED SECOND DEGREE MURDER

On June 4th, 2014, Clifton R. Salaam, age 30, of Fruitland, Maryland was convicted by a Wicomico County jury of Attempted Second Degree Murder, First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Use of a Handgun in the Commission of a Crime of Violence, Wear, Carry and Transport a Handgun and Firearm Possession by a Prohibited Person. The charges against Salaam arose out of a shooting that occurred on October 13, 2013 at 214 Green Street in Fruitland, Maryland. The victim was shot in the abdomen and was hospitalized for approximately two months. Sentencing of Salaam has been deferred to a future date.

Wicomico County State’s Attorney Matthew A. Maciarello commended the Fruitland Police Department for their work in the investigation and prosecution of this case, especially Det. Brian Beaver. The following agencies also sent resources to assist in the investigation on the morning of the crime: Salisbury Police Department and the Wicomico County Sheriffs’ Office. Mr. Maciarello also thanked the citizens of Wicomico County who sat on the jury and Deputy State’s Attorney Ella Disharoon who prosecuted the case.

GOP Candidates For Governor Agree Md.’s Taxes Are Too High

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)—Get ready to pay more at the pump. Maryland’s gas tax takes another hike, the 2nd in two years.

Political reporter Pat Warren has more on how this and other tax increases could influence voters this election year.

Even the democrats acknowledge that the O’Malley administration’s tax increases are a sensitive subject with voters, and the republican candidates for governor are making the most of it.

The state tax on gasoline goes up again next month.
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Juror thrown out for asking Chelan County to provide lawfully mandated lockboxes

When Comedy Was Actually Funny

DEATH INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY

(Brooklyn Park, MD) – Maryland State Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found in shallow water in Patapsco Valley State Park this afternoon.

A positive identification of the man has not yet been made. The man was found in about two feet of water and pronounced dead at the scene.

At about 1:30 p.m. today, Maryland State Police were called to the area of Belle Grove Road and Thomas Avenue in Brooklyn Park for the report of a body. Maryland state troopers from the Criminal Enforcement Division Glen Burnie Barrack responded, as did officers from the Anne Arundel County Police Department and Natural Resources Police.

Troopers summoned Maryland State Police forensic crime scene technicians and investigators from the State Police Homicide Unit. The body is being recovered from the water and will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

State Police investigators will continue this investigation throughout the night. No further details are available at this time.

VA Death Sentences: Policy, Not Incompetence

THE REAL SCANDAL … 

President Barack Obama just fired/accepted the resignation of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki in the hopes of quelling the budding political problem he faces over the VA health scandal, but the truth is that the real scandal is that denial of health services is actually government policy, not administrative incompetence.

Need proof?

Last week, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney spoke very carefully when he indicated that Obama knew about the denial of veterans’ health services scandal that is engulfing his Administration.

Clarifying the question before he answered, Carney said: “If you mean the specific allegations that I think were reported first by your network out of Phoenix, I believe we learned about them through the reports. … [T]hat’s when, as I understand, Secretary Shinseki learned about them.”

That initial narrowing of the scope of the question to just the Phoenix VA center is both disingenuous, and instructive.

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June Meetings For City Boards And Commissions

The Mainstream Media Is Hanging By A Thread

As the May ratings for the 4 major news networks come in, it’s never been more apparent that the mainstream media is in its death throes. According to a recent article from Politico, Fox News is faced with its lowest numbers in over a decade. While the networks continue to maintain enough viewers to stay afloat, they have absolutely failed to attain the younger demographic.

“Another key factor coming from May ratings is just how old Fox News viewers are. Take for example, Bill O’Reilly’s show…O’Reilly had his lowest month since 2001 in the key demo, with 308,000 viewers. Yes, O’Reilly is still the No. 1 program in cable news in both total and demo viewers, averaging 2,136,000 total viewers in May. But the majority of those viewers are over the age of 55. In fact, the median age for O’Reilly is now just over 72 years old. The average Fox News viewer overall is 68.8, while the average ages of MSNBC and CNN viewers were 62.5 and 62.8, respectively.”

Simply put, the largest news networks are hemorrhaging viewers, and most of what’s left are now senior citizens. If any institution is going to survive, it of course needs younger adherents. And this is not an abnormal year. Breitbart reported an almost identical story two years ago for the month of May. This is a clear and long term trend of decline. And it isn’t just Television news of course. Print media is likely on its way out as well, with only about a quarter of the population saying they have confidence in newspapers. 152 newspapers were shutdown in 2011 alone. Though I couldn’t find any more recent data, I suspect last year wasn’t much better.

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SFD Calls For Service 6-3-14

• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 23:51Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 21:34Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 19:54Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 17:46 Nature: Vehicle Accident w/InjuriesAddress: S Salisbury Blvd & W College Ave Salisbury, MD 21801
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 16:13Nature: Emergency UnknownCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 15:08Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 13:24Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 13:21Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 12:36Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 11:33Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 11:28 Nature: Automatic AlarmAddress: 926 Snow Hill Rd Salisbury, MD 21801
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 10:51Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 10:02Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury
• Tuesday June, 3 2014 @ 01:08Nature: Medical EmergencyCity:Salisbury

5 reasons why the Bowe Bergdahl controversy may last

The controversy over the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl moves to Capitol Hill where lawmakers were surprised by the decision and plan to hold closed-door briefings for members next week in at least two committees -- the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence panels -- followed by public hearings.

Republicans reacted angrily to the announcement over the weekend, and even some key Democrats said they were surprised that theObama administration had secured the release of the prisoner of war by freeing five members of the Taliban from Guantanamo Bay.

Here's a quick look at five reasons why this controversy has the potential to last.

1. It involves negotiating with the Taliban and the release of senior Taliban leaders

A Quinnipiac poll taken in late June and early July last year found that 60 percent of respondents said the United States should not negotiate with terrorists because it encourages more terrorism.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and White House press secretary Jay Carney have characterized the swap of five Taliban leaders for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl as a prisoner exchange at the end of the armed conflict, but the U.S. is still struggling to convince the Taliban to begin hashing out a peace agreement and has yet to sign a security agreement with Afghanistan.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told the Washington Examiner that he's glad Bergdahl is home but he's worried about the danger the released Taliban officials pose.

"What we need to dwell on is that individuals who were judged as too great of risk to be released are now going to be out there as heroes — they are also wanted by the national criminal court," he said. "I'm glad Bergdahl is home but there is a distinct likelihood that these guys will return to the fight."

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Prove your innocence, keep your own property!

List of assets confiscated by feds stretches over hundreds of pages

Millions of dollars in folding cash, exotic cars, gold jewelry, rare weapons and even boxes of iPhones are being offered by the government back to their owners, if they can prove their innocence.

It’s more evidence that America is becoming a police state, according to the author of “Police State USA: How Orwell’s Nightmare is Becoming Our Reality.”

“The lists of all the properties and cash the federal government has taken in recent months are breathtaking,” said Cheryl Chumley. “But what’s worse is it’s not really known just how much of that cash, or how many of those properties, are the result of forfeitures with accompanying investigations that actually led to convictions.”

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Teen Confronts Nancy Pelosi on NSA Spying

The Wisdom of Adam Smith for Our Own Times

The continuing growth in government spending, taxing and regulation of economic affairs in the United States and in many other parts of the world has raised anew the essential issue of political control and intervention in the market place. With June 5th marking the 291st birthday of the famous Scottish economist, Adam Smith, it is, perhaps, worthwhile to recall his insights on the superiority of the free market in place of the heavy hand of government.

Adam Smith was born on June 5, 1723 in the small village of Kirkcaldy, Scotland. His mother raised him following his father's death when the baby was only two months old. Smith was almost fated for a different future when at the age of four he was kidnapped by a band of roving gypsies. Fortunately for mankind a posse was formed and he was rescued from a possible life of tarot card reading and pickpocketing.

He was notoriously absent-minded. He once fell into a pit by the side of the road while deep in conversation with a friend. On another occasion he made himself a drink of bread and butter and declared that it was the worst tea he had ever brewed.

Smith was as a professor of moral philosophy for over 12 years at the University of Glasgow (1751-1763). He left the university to serve as the tutor of a British nobleman's son for three years, after which he was awarded a lifetime private pension that gave him the time and leisure to work on the book for which he is most famous, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.

The Wealth of Nations was published in March 1776, just a few months before the signing of the American Declaration of Independence in July of 1776. If the American Founding Fathers articulated in their Declaration the political case for individual freedom, Adam Smith presented the complementary argument for economic freedom and free enterprise.

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Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Press Release 6-4-14

In regard to the “College Takeover the Beach” event that is scheduled to be held in Ocean City this weekend:

The Mission of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office is to serve the people of Worcester County Maryland, and to provide safety, combat crime, eliminate the fear of crime, and improve quality of life in our communities. This will be done through Loyalty, Integrity, Fairness, and Excellence.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has taken proactive steps to help ensure the safety of the Worcester County Community. There will be an increased presence of Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies patrolling the County. The Sheriff has also added increased patrols of Deputies in the town of Ocean City. The Sheriff wants all those who come to Ocean City and the surrounding areas to enjoy their stay without the fear of crime.

The Sheriff stated that criminal behavior will not be tolerated and all Law Enforcement in the area are prepared to take the appropriate action to help ensure the safety of those who wish to live and vacation in our community.

Tissue Company Plans 120 New Jobs In Western Md.

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — Washington County officials say a Hagerstown-based producer of paper products is planning an expansion that promises 120 new jobs.

The county commissioners on Tuesday approved a $300,000 conditional loan to help National Golden Tissue buy a vacant commercial building. The loan would convert to a grant if the company adds 120 jobs to the 70 it currently provides.

The state is providing a $1 million community block grant to assist in the $13 million acquisition, renovation and installation of two new production lines.

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A Letter To The Editor: County Spending Comment

Hi Joe:

After seeing all the waste and abuse you have posted about the County and BOE lately, I was visiting a friend last night and was shown and information sheet for BMS Drama Club. (PDF attached)

Note Mon. June 2: The students were in rehearsal from 2:45 to 8, (wow, must be some show) and then the students were asked to put up $5 to eat!!.

Wouldn't it be nice if the BOE could have picked up the tab for this?

Widespread US Police Surveillance Is Happening In Total Secrecy

Thousands of government requests for electronic surveillance in connection with criminal investigations remain under seal long after the investigations have ended, Jennifer Valentino-Devries of The Wall Street Journal reports.

The practice is unlike nearly all other aspects of American judicial proceedings, where courts have held that search warrants eventually should be made public.

The thing is that getting permission for electronic surveillance techniques — including tracking metadata and gathering all cellphones connected to a cell tower — is easier than getting a search or wiretap warrant.

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Salisbury extends contract with Brekford, avoid new speed camera rules for three years

Salisbury has apparently signed a multi year contract extension with contractor Brekford Corp, allowing them to avoid the newly introduced speed camera rules for the next three years.

In other words the speed camera "bounty system" is still alive and well.

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Brewer to Obama: Stop ‘unconscionable’ policy of dumping illegal immigrants in Ariz. cities

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer is urging President Obama to put a stop to the "dangerous and unconscionable" practice of shipping illegal immigrants out of Texas and dumping them in her state.

After reports first surfaced last week that scores of illegal immigrants in Texas were being flown, bused and then abandoned out of state in Arizona and elsewhere, Brewer sent a scathing letter to the president posing a string of questions about the policy.

Urging the president ultimately to end the program, Brewer complained her administration was never notified by the federal government and only learned about the practice from the media.

"This unwarranted operation is another disturbing example of a deliberate failure to enforce border security policies and repair a broken immigration system," she wrote.

Brewer, in her letter, voiced the concerns that both sides of the aisle have aired about the practice -- that it not only burdens states like Arizona but raises humanitarian concerns. She noted reports that many of those being released are women and children, and that they are being abandoned without food or water.

"I remind you that the daytime temperatures in Arizona during this time of year are regularly more than 100 degrees," she wrote. "Consequently, this federal operation seems to place expediency over basic humanitarian concerns."

Meanwhile, Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., on Monday wrote to the leaders of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee urging them to launch an official investigation into the practice.

The illegal immigrants in question come from Central America and have flooded into Texas via the Rio Grande Valley.

The number of apprehensions in the Rio Grande Valley has shot up in recent years, with south Texas now the main gateway for illegal immigration along the southwest border with Mexico.

Border Patrol agents in the Rio Grande Valley sector apprehended 154,453 immigrants last year -- up from 97,762 the previous year.

More shockingly, some say, is the unprecedented surge of children making the more than 1,000-mile journey from Central America to the U.S.-Mexico border to escape violence in their home countries.

To that end, Obama on Monday described the surge in children crossing the border as an "urgent humanitarian situation," appointing FEMA head Craig Fugate to lead an effort addressing the crisis. The White House is also seeking an additional $1.4 billion from Congress to deal with the influx.

"This is a humanitarian crisis and it requires a humanitarian response," Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., told Reuters.

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Utility and median mainternance on Rt13 still

North bound, right hand lane closed from WBOC to Zion Road.

Divert to Northwood or around to Beglan Park to avoid congestion.

Southbound left hand lane closed just before Naylor Mill Road

Teen Confronts @NancyPelosi on #NSA

Officials blast ICE for dumping overflow of illegal immigrants

Scores of illegal immigrants, caught by authorities in Texas trying to sneak into the country via the Rio Grande Valley, are being flown, bused and then abandoned out of state in places like Arizona, New York and Maryland.

If the immigrants had been from Mexico, authorities would release them back across the border. But these would-be immigrants come from Central American countries, such as El Salvador and Guatemala, and trying to get them back to their country of origin has been a costly and largely unsuccessful endeavor.

Lawmakers in Arizona, which has been battling for years to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into the state, wasted no time blasting the practice.

"What an astonishing failure of leadership at every level inside the Beltway," said Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Smith.

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Traffic Stop Near Bridgeville Results in Recovery of Stolen Gun, Cash, and Drugs

Bridgeville, DE – The Delaware State Police have charged two people with weapons and drug possession after they were stopped for a traffic violation.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:14 p.m. Tuesday evening as a trooper on routine patrol in the area of Coverdale Road south of Seashore Highway (SR404) observed a gold Acura traveling northbound on Coverdale Road above the posted speed limit. The trooper performed a traffic stop on the car just north of SR404 on Chaplins Chapel Road where the operator,Sharnice U. Harris, 22 of Federalsburg, MD, was contacted. A computer check was conducted on Harris' Maryland license which revealed she was suspended. At the same time, an additional trooper arrived at the traffic stop and made contact with the front seat passenger, Marc Muse, 28 of Seaford, who was found to be holding, what later turned out to be Oxycodone pills, in his hand.

All of the occupants were removed from the vehicle, including Harris' two children, ages 3 and 4, while the troopers searched the car. Located in the glove compartment was a fully loaded .38 caliber revolver. A computer check of the gun revealed it was reported stolen on April 15, 2014 from a vehicle located in the 26000 block of Bethel Concord Road near Seaford. Also recovered from Harris' purse was over $28,000.00 in suspected drug proceeds. Harris was also found to have 9 grams of individually packaged marijuana on her upon a pat down search.

Both Harris and Muse were taken into custody and transported to Troop 5. Marc Muse was charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, Receiving a Stolen Firearm, Conspiracy 2nd, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Oxycodone) without a Prescription, Possession of Marijuana, and two counts of Unlawfully Dealing with a Child Under 18 During Drug Activity. He was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $43,500.00 secured bond. Sharnice Harris was also charged with the same offenses but had additional charges of Driving Without a Valid License, two counts of Child Not Properly Restrained, and Speeding. She is being held at Delores J. Baylor Women's Correctional Institution in lieu of $23,254.00 secured bond.

The two children were turned over to relatives of Harris.

INTERNATIONAL ROADCHECK AT FEDEX FIELD

Truck and Bus Inspectors Conduct Safety Inspections will be taking place during the 27th Annual International Roadcheck at FedEx Field. 

During the three-day event, special emphasis will be placed on hazardous materials/dangerous goods regulatory compliance.

WHAT: News Conference and Safety Inspectionsto kick off the 2014 International Roadcheck (June 3-5, 2014) which spotlights the critical role of comprehensive driver, truck and bus inspections to prevent roadway tragedies. The 27th annual International Roadcheck will emphasize commercial motor vehicle compliance with all
safety regulations with a focus on hazardous materials/dangerous goods regulatory compliance.

WHERE:
FedEx Field Parking Lot#G2
1600 FedEx Way
Landover, MD 20785

Maryland State Police will be pulling commercial motor vehicles off the inner loop of I-495 for safety screenings or inspections.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at 10:00 am

WHY: Sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance CVSA, International Roadcheck is an annual 72-hour event when 10,000 federal, state, provincial and local inspectors at thousands
of locations across the continent conduct comprehensive commercial vehicle and driver inspections aimed at saving lives on North American roadways.

Nanticoke Ribbon Cutting and Cedar Hill Marina Dedication Today at 11 a.m.

You’ll Swear These 23 Things Are Totally Different Things. But Look Again… Because NOPE.

Have you ever walked down the street, only to be surprised by a happy little face you see in the concrete? Or the parking meter? Seeing faces in inanimate objects or when things look like other things is called pareidolia. It’s an awesome kind of visual illusion that even has its own sub-Reddit.

After you see this, you’ll be spotting faces in everything. Even your seatbelt will look like a happy little man (and you won’t feel crazy for thinking that).
 

YAAAAAY, I’m a seashell!

You stepped in something, sir.

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Fight at Lewes Wawa Results in Arrest of Millsboro Man

Lewes, DE – Troopers have arrested a Millsboro man after a large fight broke out in the Lewes Wawa.

Troopers responded to the Wawa Food Market located at 17663 Dartmouth Road around 1:44 a.m. this morning after a 9-1-1 call was made from a store employee stating a large crowd had gathered and several subjects were fighting inside. A trooper first on scene, entered the store and made contact with a subject, who was later identified as Reginald D. McGlotten, 28 of Millsboro, acting in a disorderly manner and yelling profanities. The trooper advised McGlotten, who appeared to be intoxicated, to leave the store but he refused. As the trooper attempted to take McGlotten into custody, a physical struggle ensued between the two resulting in McGlotten being forced to the ground. While the trooper attempted to restrain McGlotten, other individuals began pulling the trooper off him which allowed McGlotten to flee out of the store and run across Coastal Highway. The trooper was able to give chase to McGlotten who was soon captured after a Rehoboth Police Officer assisted by utilizing his departmentally issued Electronic Control Device (Taser) ending the foot pursuit without further incident.

SPD Press Release 6-4-14

Hilarious SWA Flight attendant

Circuit Court

In Maryland, a Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. That Court hears all jury trial, serious criminal, complex civil, and family law cases. That is to say, in Maryland, all jury trials (criminal or civil), all serious criminal trials (typically for felonies), all civil suits complex or for more than $30,000), and all divorce/custody of children/child visitation cases are tried before a Circuit Court Judge.

Additionally, a Circuit Court hears juvenile cases, appeals from the District Court (either based on the record of the District Court trial, or all over again- "de novo"), and appeals from the Orphans' Court and other administrative agencies.

Thus, it would be illogical, indeed some might say foolish, to have a Circuit Court Judge that had never been lead counsel in a jury trial, never tried a serious criminal case, never tried a complex civil case, never tried a contested divorce, and never handled a custody or visitation matter.

In Maryland, unlike the relatively shorter terms for a Governor or Mayor, a Circuit Court Judge is elected to stand for 15 years. Why would ANY county want less than a full range of experience in all of the case types that the Circuit Court hears?

I can't think of a good reason either.

We are hiring a person, an individual, to handle some of the most important issues in Wicomico County. Let us make sure we hire the best, most qualified, experienced person we can. So much is riding on our selection.

Vote for M.J. Caldwell

5 Keys to Reversing Heart Disease: Doctor's Breakthrough Plan

Despite all the progress medical science has made in recent decades to combat heart disease, cardiovascular problems remain the nation's No. 1 killer. Every 40 seconds someone somewhere in the U.S. dies from heart disease. That's nearly 600,000 Americans every year.

Now for the good news: Steven Masley, M.D., has come up with a simple five-point plan for preventing and reversing the progression of heart disease, based on his own clinical studies. In his new book, "The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up," he details how to effectively boost your heart health in as little as a few weeks.

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Md. Universities Updating Sexual Misconduct Policy

The University System of Maryland is updating policies on sexual misconduct, including assault and harassment, as the issue of rape on campus receives greater scrutiny from the federal government.

A Board of Regents committee is considering changes such as barring schools from requiring mediation between an alleged victim and the accused. Draft revisions also include an expanded definition of consent, and new definitions of domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

The Board of Regents Committee on Education Policy and Student Life met Tuesday to discuss proposed updates to the policy. Each university within the system will be required to develop its own policy by Dec. 31. The policies may vary slightly from school to school.

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The Newly Freed Taliban

Thought you might want to see this frightening and well-produced video from the Washington Post which includes footage of the Taliban prisoners’ warm greeting in Qatar and profiles of each of them.

Eerie stuff.

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Medicare Will Now Cover Sex Change Operations

As Big Government tightens it grip on healthcare, the field will increasing reflect the values of the liberal ruling class. Already, neglected vets are dying of treatable diseases, while bureaucrats announce that taxpayers will now foot the bill for sex change operations:

Our bureaucratic masters ruled in favor of a 74-year-old man going by the name Denee Mallon, who has decided that he wants to start over as a girl and that we should pay for it.

Those with less politically correct medical needs than sex change operations will be deprioritized. But they can always just take a pill, as Obama infamously advised.

The original purpose of Medicare was to provide necessary medical coverage for the elderly when they cannot provide for themselves. But given the nature of government in general and our government in particular, it was inevitable that it would degenerate into bureaucrats stealing people’s money to finance grotesque procedures to surgically deform the bodies of the aging mentally ill for the greater glory of left-wing ideology.

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Fruitland Police Department Press Release 6-4-14

In an effort to combat the increase in retail thefts, the Fruitland Police Department is working closely with retailers to effectively deploy resources in commercial areas using both high visibility and plain clothes assignments. Each week the department will be sending out a press release with information about those subjects that have been charged for theft. Officers will be provided bulletins alerting them to habitual offenders and suspects. Information will be forwarded to the area colleges to address the associated Code of Conduct violations.

The following people were charged with theft between May 25th and June 1st.

Name Age City / State

Evelyn Suarez 39 Phoenixville, Pa.

Adam S. Torre 37 Salisbury, Md.

Sharmaine F. Wright 49 Pikesville, Md.

Latoya S. Tilghman 31 Salisbury, Md.

Harry Reid Threatens Private Property in America

The Commerce Department reports that first quarter GDP contracted by one percent. The Wall Street Journal notes that a contraction of GDP during a time not in recession is rare.

So we continue in the slowest economic recovery since the end of World War II, with unemployment, in the 6th year of the Obama regime, at 6.3 percent, still well above its historic average.

According to a recent Gallup poll, the economy is the number issue on the minds of Americans. Ninety one percent of Republicans and 87 percent of Democrats say it is the most important issue facing the nation.

So how is Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and 49 of his Democrat colleagues spending their time?

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Study Finds Strong Evidence For Discriminatory Intent Behind Voter ID Laws

State legislators who support voter ID laws are motivated in no small part by racial bias, according to a new study from the University of Southern California. The study finds strong evidence that "discriminatory intent underlies legislative support for voter identification laws."

The findings raise questions about the constitutionality of voter ID laws, which the Supreme Court affirmed in 2007 on the basis that Indiana's strict law represented a "generally applicable, nondiscriminatory voting regulation." For quick background, these laws require registered voters to show some sort of government-issued ID before they vote -- supporters say they're necessary to prevent voter fraud, while opponents counter that they disproportionately affect elderly, minority and low-income groups. For more, see ProPublica's excellent backgrounder on the topic.

Demonstrating racial bias is not easy -- as I've discussed before, nobody actually calls themselves racists, because much racial bias happens at the subconscious level -- so the USC researchers developed a novel real-world field experiment to test bias among state legislators. In the two weeks prior to the 2012 election, they sent e-mail correspondence to a total of 1,871 state legislators in 14 states. The e-mails read as follows:
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Marriott Makes Big Push To Get LGBT Business

With the Supreme Court and a growing number of states giving the OK to same-sex marriages, the hospitality industry is quickly realizing there is money to be made from a segment of the population that had long been underserved. Not to be outdone by smaller hotel chains that openly welcome business from the LGBT community, the folks at Marriott are spending a lot of money to try to win over these consumers.

Marriott’s “Love Travels” campaign launched today, and not in a small way. The huge hotel operator is wrapping several of its hotels with marketing for the campaign, taking out print ads featuring people like openly gay NBA player Jason Collins and transgender model Geena Rocero.

The company has added a “Gay Travel” section to its website, which includes information on wedding-planning. Hilton offers similar information and packages on its site, but the company has never made the advertising push expected from Marriott in the coming months.

“Our goal is really to educate and engage and shift perception of our portfolio brand,” a rep for Marriott International tells USA Today. “We’ve decided to kick off a holistic campaign that really helps celebrate inclusiveness and beautifully illustrates our desire to make people feel at home at our hotels.”

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Postal Carrier Accused Of Stealing 20,000 Pieces Of Mail, Collecting Credit Cards And Stacks Of DVDs

We’ve heard of mail carriers ditching multiple bags of mail before, but in most of those cases it seemed like the postal worker just didn’t feel like delivering it. But federal authorities say an almost 20-year veteran of the U.S. Postal Service had personal gain in mind when he allegedly stole 20,000 pieces of mail from customers.

Among the items the man is accused of pilfering: Stacks of Netflix DVDs (people still have DVDs delivered?), checks, Mother’s Day cards, money orders, jewelry, passports, credit cards and prescription medication, reports the Baltimore Sun. Also, somehow, furniture allegedly pilfered from the USPS.

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Legacy of Dreams Miss Beachcoast 2014 Pageant set for Sunday, June 22

Salisbury, MD – Legacy of Dreams Productions will kick off summer 2014 with a fun beauty pageant event that is sure to become a favorite! Miss Beachcoast 2014 will take place in the DaNang Room of the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury, MD on Sunday, June 22. Contestants may arrive and check-in at 11 a.m., the pageant will begin at 12 p.m. Family and friends can come to support the lovely ladies, and the entry fee is $13 (children five and under are free).

In Miss Beachcoast contestants will compete in summer boardwalk attire, an outfit of choice, traditional beauty dress and photos. We are looking for natural beauty, minimal and age appropriate hair, makeup and outfits in person and in their photos. Age divisions are from babies to adults and we will crown a runner up and age division winner, as well as three Supreme titles for the highest overall scores of the day and other optional awards. Legacy of Dreams Productions is currently sponsoring Sugar & Spice, an Online Photo Pageant to support local friends riding in the Tour De Cure –Delaware for the American Diabetes Association and the winners will be crowned just before the crowning for Miss Beachcoast.

For more info about these events and to enter for Miss Beachcoast or the Sugar & Spice Online Photo Pageant visitwww.legacy-of-dreams.com and on Facebook at Legacy of Dreams Productions. Legacy of Dreams Productions is in their second year as a local Beauty Pageant system on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Directors, Frank & Laura Jones strive to provide a pageant experience that fosters in young ladies and gentlemen a sense of self-esteem and confidence, teaches them to carry themselves with a positive attitude, and challenges them to be leaders among their peers and in the community as good citizens.

There's A Zoo On Every Corner In Wicomico County

Duracell (Canada) Moments of Warmth (surprise bus shelter)

Troopers Uncover Marijuana Grow Operation West of Camden

Camden, DE – Troopers are investigating a marijuana grow operation after information was received through an anonymous tip about the location of the plants.

Troopers responded to a wooded area east of Almshouse Road and south of Westville Road around 5:45 p.m. Monday and discovered 855 marijuana plants weighing approximately 380 lbs. growing in an area where trees had been cut and cleared. An irrigation system was set up by the unknown suspects who utilized a gas powered generator connected to a pump in order to draw water from a nearby stream. Troopers also located tools such as shovels, hoes, a machete, and a pick axe along with two tents, sleeping bags and several articles of men’s clothing.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Sgt. D. Hake at 302-697-4454 ext. 619 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 atwww.tipsubmit.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Giant Burger

June 3, 2014: Chef Russell Tisbury takes a bite out of a giant burger at Temple Bar in Brighton, England, on June 2.

Measuring nearly a foot across and weighing more than three pounds, the huge burger is more than 12 times the size of a standard patty.

It comes in a soft-seeded brioche bun filled with one pound of melted mature cheddar & eight rashers of smoked bacon.

Also squeezed inside are eight sliced gherkins, a sliced red onion, lettuce, tomato chutney & mustard, plus one pound of french fries on the side.

Chef Tisbury is launching the burger meal, which costs 35 pounds, or $58.60, to raise money for a local hospice, though diners who are able to finish the massive burger will get it for free. ..

MAY SEATBELT ENFORCEMENT REVEALED ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Seatbelt enforcement during the month of May revealed room for improvement for drivers and occupants on Maryland roads.

Troopers across the state conducted seatbelt enforcement initiatives during ‘Occupant Safety Month.’ Preliminary statistics indicate over 3,400 traffic citations were issued along with approximately 1,600 warnings throughout the state.

Baltimore County had the highest number of violations with 952 citations issued for drivers or passengers not properly restrained and an additional 36 citations for not having a child under 8 in a safety seat. Troopers also issued approximately 150 warnings for seatbelt violations in the county. Prince George’s, Allegany, Harford, Washington, and Cecil counties all had over 300 violations recorded. Seatbelt use is a statewide concern.

The Maryland State Police will continue to support the Maryland Highway Safety Office’s ‘Move Toward Zero Deaths’ and ‘Click It or Ticket It’ campaigns. Additional initiatives will continue during the upcoming months focusing on impaired or distracted drivers, speeding and aggressive motorists, as well as those electing not to properly use safety restraints.

Let's Just Pay Them To Live Here Illegally Then

The Pentagon has put on hold a plan to let certain illegal immigrants enlist. The White House asked for the delay. The New York Times reports, that's because President Obama wants to avoid conflict with House Republicans considering whether to move ahead with an immigration reform bill. Earlier, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the limited number of people the military would let join would receive a way to become citizens. Some Senate Democrats criticized Hagel's plan because it didn't allow enough undocumented people to enlist.