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Thursday, September 17, 2015
Federal Data: U.S. Annually Admits Quarter Of A Million Muslim Migrants
In 2013 alone, 117,423 migrants from Muslim-majority countries were permanently resettled within the United States— having been given lawful permanent resident status
A Breitbart News review of State Department and Homeland Security data reveals that the United States already admits more than a quarter of a million Muslim migrants each year. President Obama intends to add another 10,000 Syrian migrants on top of that.
In 2013 alone, 117,423 migrants from Muslim-majority countries were permanently resettled within the United States— having been given lawful permanent resident status. Additionally in 2013, the United States voluntarily admitted an extra 122,921 temporary migrants from Muslim countries as foreign students and foreign workers as well as 39,932 refugees and asylees from Muslim countries.
Thus, twelve years after the September 11th hijackers were invited into the country on temporary visas, the U.S. decided to admit 280,276 migrants from Muslim countries within a single fiscal year.
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A Breitbart News review of State Department and Homeland Security data reveals that the United States already admits more than a quarter of a million Muslim migrants each year. President Obama intends to add another 10,000 Syrian migrants on top of that.
In 2013 alone, 117,423 migrants from Muslim-majority countries were permanently resettled within the United States— having been given lawful permanent resident status. Additionally in 2013, the United States voluntarily admitted an extra 122,921 temporary migrants from Muslim countries as foreign students and foreign workers as well as 39,932 refugees and asylees from Muslim countries.
Thus, twelve years after the September 11th hijackers were invited into the country on temporary visas, the U.S. decided to admit 280,276 migrants from Muslim countries within a single fiscal year.
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Sheriff’s Deputy Was Standing in Line for Breakfast When a Little Boy’s Action Catches Him Off-Guard — and Brings Him to Tears
Before his 16-year run so far with the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Jackson spent a decade as an officer with Miami-Dade Schools. In 2003 he saved the lives of two young boys after their car fell into a canal, WSVN-TV reported —
But Jackson was unprepared for what happened to him Saturday morning before beginning his shift.
He walked into a Dunkin’ Donuts in Westin and sensed “that all eyes are fixed on me,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “I could only imagine what was going through the minds of the people inside the restaurant with all the negativity surrounding law enforcement officials.”
After he placed his order — “an iced coffee with a turbo shot and a sesame seed bagel,” he told WSVN — he reached into his pocket to pay.
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Kathleen Willey calls out ‘lying pig’ Hillary
'She's a money-hungry hypocritical witch who will do anything for money'
Kathleen Willey, the former Democrat activist who claims she was sexually assaulted by President Bill Clinton, is calling out Hillary Clinton for a new ad that expresses the presidential candidate’s purported concern for the survivors of sexual assault.
“She’s a money-hungry hypocritical witch who will do anything for money,” Willey told the American Mirror.
In the ad, which is only about 17 seconds long, Hillary Clinton states: “I want to send a message to every survivor of sexual assault. Don’t let anyone silence your voice. You have a right to be heard, and you have a right to be believed. We’re with you.”
Willey pointed out she got a different message from Hillary when she accused Bill Clinton of sexually assaulting her.
“She believed what happened for sure. She just chose to ignore the plight of all of his victims, thus enabling him to continue to abuse and rape women in the future,” Willey said of Hillary.
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Kathleen Willey, the former Democrat activist who claims she was sexually assaulted by President Bill Clinton, is calling out Hillary Clinton for a new ad that expresses the presidential candidate’s purported concern for the survivors of sexual assault.
“She’s a money-hungry hypocritical witch who will do anything for money,” Willey told the American Mirror.
In the ad, which is only about 17 seconds long, Hillary Clinton states: “I want to send a message to every survivor of sexual assault. Don’t let anyone silence your voice. You have a right to be heard, and you have a right to be believed. We’re with you.”
Willey pointed out she got a different message from Hillary when she accused Bill Clinton of sexually assaulting her.
“She believed what happened for sure. She just chose to ignore the plight of all of his victims, thus enabling him to continue to abuse and rape women in the future,” Willey said of Hillary.
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Berlin Fiddlers Convention Brings Back Special Memories For Father-Son Group
“I think what I remember the most was the thunderous applause after we finished our song, and being really thankful that I was wearing my sunglasses, because they were hiding my tears of joy,” said Moran.
Their performance culminated in the second place prize in the group competition and a “most inspirational performer” prize for Cole, but the moment instantly went down as one of the most memorable in the Fiddler’s Convention’s 22-year history.
Nate Clendenen, local musician and music director of the Fiddler’s Convention, was standing just offstage and remembers the moment well.
“I’m always amazed at the impact music can have on both those that play and those that listen,” said Clendenen. “Music is life, and everyone that experienced Blind Wind’s performance last year was affected by it. Everyone. It was truly awesome.”
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Report raises concern over treatment of students with special needs
BEL AIR, Md. —A new report has raised concern over how some Harford County teachers treated students in a special-needs classroom.
The roughly 80-page report by the Maryland Law Disabilities Center was completed in January but concerns about the identities of those involved held back a full release.
It started with an anonymous letter from a concerned parent that prompted the Maryland Disability Law Center to launch an investigation during the summer of last year into claims of abuse at Hickory Elementary School in Bel Air.
"There was just a systemic breakdown. At every level, things fell apart," said Leslie Margolis, managing attorney with the Maryland Disability Law Center.
Using numbers to identify students, the report finds nearly all of the staff interviewed by Harford County Public Schools and the Maryland Disability Law Center confirmed they had witnessed the use of water spray and rolling pins as a deterrent for behavior. The report states: "Water spray was used with student 3, who was sleeping at the time."
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The roughly 80-page report by the Maryland Law Disabilities Center was completed in January but concerns about the identities of those involved held back a full release.
It started with an anonymous letter from a concerned parent that prompted the Maryland Disability Law Center to launch an investigation during the summer of last year into claims of abuse at Hickory Elementary School in Bel Air.
"There was just a systemic breakdown. At every level, things fell apart," said Leslie Margolis, managing attorney with the Maryland Disability Law Center.
Using numbers to identify students, the report finds nearly all of the staff interviewed by Harford County Public Schools and the Maryland Disability Law Center confirmed they had witnessed the use of water spray and rolling pins as a deterrent for behavior. The report states: "Water spray was used with student 3, who was sleeping at the time."
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Ex-corrections officer sentenced for smuggling contraband
Catherine Windsor, 27, of Lothian, who was sentenced Tuesday in Anne Arundel Circuit Court, will serve 90 days in a different detention facility from where she worked. She will serve the remaining time on house arrest.
Windsor was a detention officer at the Jennifer Road Detention Center in Annapolis. She was one of four correctional officers charged as part of an investigation in April.
Prosecutors say Windsor, who was in debt, agreed to smuggling contraband into the facility for money.
Source
Why college students should be in opposition to a $15 minimum wage
Why in particular is the “Fight for $15” such an attractive idea for college students? The answer is probably twofold: One, college students tend to be a pretty caring bunch. We see the protesters of the “Fight for $15” movement as people who need a higher wage to support themselves and their families, and we feel an injustice is being done when someone works hard all week and still doesn’t have enough money.
Secondly, many college students perceive a personal benefit from a $15 minimum wage. For those of us who work a part-time job on the campus or at local stores, this proposal would surely lead to much larger paychecks and more spending money.
Both this genuine concern for the well-being of others and our own rational self-interest are good motives for supporting any policy proposal. At the same time, they are good motives for not supporting policy proposals. Keeping in mind our concern for others and our own self-interest, we have good reason as college students to fight against a $15 minimum wage.
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Federal Reserve leaves short-term interest rates unchanged
The Federal Reserve has decided to leave short-term interest rates unchanged, citing risks in the global economy. Complete coverage now at FoxBusiness.com and on the Fox Business channel.
Taxpayers beware! NJ debt nears $200 billion for benefits
Guard your wallets, New Jersey taxpayers! The deficit in state pension and health benefit plans for public employees is fast approaching $200 billion.
The unfunded liabilities have reached a staggering $194.5 billion, according to a New Jersey Watchdog analysis of State Treasury records. The shortfall has increased by $19 billion – or roughly 10 percent – in the past year.
Here’s a breakdown of bad news that seems certain to result in higher taxes, decreased retiree benefits or both:
New Jersey’s public pensions are underfunded by $113.1 billion. The state bears $80.5 billion of that burden. Local governments are responsible for the remaining $32.6 billion.
State and local governments are also on the hook for $81.4 billion in unfunded health benefits for retired and active workers. The state owes $65 billion; the local share is $16.4 billion.
The total shortfall is $194.5 billion – more than $60,000 per household. The figure is nearly six times higher than New Jersey’s total annual budget, currently $33.8 billion.
At the present pace, those unfunded liabilities will exceed $210 billion next year.
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The unfunded liabilities have reached a staggering $194.5 billion, according to a New Jersey Watchdog analysis of State Treasury records. The shortfall has increased by $19 billion – or roughly 10 percent – in the past year.
Here’s a breakdown of bad news that seems certain to result in higher taxes, decreased retiree benefits or both:
New Jersey’s public pensions are underfunded by $113.1 billion. The state bears $80.5 billion of that burden. Local governments are responsible for the remaining $32.6 billion.
State and local governments are also on the hook for $81.4 billion in unfunded health benefits for retired and active workers. The state owes $65 billion; the local share is $16.4 billion.
The total shortfall is $194.5 billion – more than $60,000 per household. The figure is nearly six times higher than New Jersey’s total annual budget, currently $33.8 billion.
At the present pace, those unfunded liabilities will exceed $210 billion next year.
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Department of Natural Resources Outlines Fee Reductions
Cuts Will Aid Maryland Small Businesses, Property Owners and Seniors
Following Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s announcement that the state is eliminating or reducing $51 million in state-issued fees, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) outlined its proposals:
- Golden Age Pass holders will no longer have to pay a fee to use state park boat launches or ramps. The $10 pass entitles Maryland adults, ages 62 and older, to a lifetime of free day-use entry into all state parks, as well as half price camping Sunday through Thursday.
- The Forest Product Operator Licensing Fee, which requires renewal every year, will be reduced from $30 to $20 a year. These licenses are required to engage in a forest products business, including sawmills, firewood dealers, and pulpwood and logging contractors.
- The Certified Tree Expert Licensing Fee, which requires renewal every two years, will be reduced from $25 to $20. These licenses are required to advertise or practice tree care services in Maryland.
- The Forest Conservation & Management Program Property Fee, which requires participating landowners to pay a $50 fee plus an additional .22 percent enrollment fee on assessed woodland value, will be simplified to a flat $50 fee.
- The Game Husbandry Licensing Fee, which requires renewal every year, will be reduced from $10 to $5 a year. The state requires these licenses for anyone who raises, breeds, protects or sells game birds in Maryland.
“We are committed to improving customer service while enhancing our natural resources, and share in Governor Hogan’s goal to reduce the burden of fees on consumers and business owners,” DNR Secretary Mark Belton said. “These targeted reductions will benefit citizens across the state, reducing fees on small businesses, aiding conservation efforts and management goals, and improving public access to our waterways.”
Shooting Sports Rapidly Gain Popularity in High Schools
The rising senior at Glen Allen High School in Virginia is now establishing herself as a competitive shooter with Olympic aspirations. Her own school doesn’t have a team, so she joined the Dusters, a trapshooting team at nearby Fort Lee. Her father is the coach, she is the only girl on the team, and she’s a rising star.
“People know me as the shotgun shooter,” the 17-year-old said.
She’s one of thousands of teens who have picked up the sport in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing sports for high schools. But it’s also popular with community teams, such as the Dusters.
Tom Wondrash, national director of Scholastic Clay Target Program, a branch of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF), thinks that the sport’s rapid growth is due to its inclusivity and opportunity for participation.
Competitive shooting has become so popular and accepted in certain communities that some high schools award varsity letters for trapshooting.
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Saudi Arabia Has 100,000 Air-conditioned Tents Sitting Empty
The tents, located roughly 2,150 miles from Syria in the city of Mina, are only used a few days a year to house pilgrims on their way to Mecca for the hajj, the news station TeleSUR reported.
The huge tents are also fireproof and equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities.
But while Europe struggles to find space to take in the millions of asylum seekers making the perilous journey there, Saudi Arabia has been largely unresponsive to the crisis.
According to the to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are about 500,000 Syrians living in Saudi Arabia, but they are not classified as asylum seekers and it is not known when they arrived in the country.
Other reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has not taken in any new refugees; neither have Kuwait, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates.
No Gulf country has signed the U.N. Convention on Refugees, an accord standardizing the level of treatment of people fleeing to new countries.
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Prominent Rabbi: 'Kim Davis Is Literally the Flag and Banner-Carrier for God'
Rabbi Levin also explained that given the gross immorality of the current culture and related problems – corruption, lawlessness, civil unrest – it is clear to him and people of faith that there is a “spiritual holocaust” going on in America and “we are in some sort of an era of the end times.”
“Kim Davis is literally the flag and banner-carrier for God on this issue,” said Rabbi Levin. “She’s head and shoulders above the rest and that’s why we have, in a positive sense, a jealousy with regard to her.”
Levin stressed that while he did not have authorization to speak on this issue on behalf of the Rabbinical Alliance, he was “loosely speaking” on behalf of the sentiments of “many, many hundreds of thousands of Orthodox Jews throughout North America and beyond.”
More here
Walker's Plan to Take Down Federal Unions
As Republican presidential candidates prepare for the debate Wednesday, several have taken on specific issues that are viewed as either important to voters or important to the candidate. To name a few, Donald Trump’s focus, as always, is immigration, while Marco Rubio tackled college reform and Mike Huckabee’s fighting against abortion and Planned Parenthood. And now, Scott Walker has made ending federal labor unions a top priority for his campaign. Considering that public employee unions are one of the things that make the federal government as inefficient as it is, Walker’s proposal is intriguing.
Walker has had enormous success as governor of Wisconsin on this issue. In fact, the battle garnered national attention and is essentially the reason he’s a presidential candidate. After being in office for only six weeks, he proposed and succeeded in ending collective bargaining for public employees in the state. Democrats in the legislature literally fled the state to avoid a losing vote. They returned when it became clear defeat was inevitable, but they also forced Walker into a recall election in 2012. Despite protests from union supporters and millions in special-interest money flooding into the state, he won — by a wider margin than his initial victory. He then won re-election in 2014. Earlier this year, he made Wisconsin a right-to-work state.
With all of the issues facing our nation, however, why is Walker choosing to focus on eliminating federal labor unions?
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Walker has had enormous success as governor of Wisconsin on this issue. In fact, the battle garnered national attention and is essentially the reason he’s a presidential candidate. After being in office for only six weeks, he proposed and succeeded in ending collective bargaining for public employees in the state. Democrats in the legislature literally fled the state to avoid a losing vote. They returned when it became clear defeat was inevitable, but they also forced Walker into a recall election in 2012. Despite protests from union supporters and millions in special-interest money flooding into the state, he won — by a wider margin than his initial victory. He then won re-election in 2014. Earlier this year, he made Wisconsin a right-to-work state.
With all of the issues facing our nation, however, why is Walker choosing to focus on eliminating federal labor unions?
More here
Rioting Migrants Chanting “Allah Hu Akbar” Trying to Break Through Hungarian Border
The Hungarian crack down followed the suspension of the Schengen free movement area by Germany and Austria this weekend. It became clear to German authorities that a significant number of the migrants they were processing were not in fact refugees from Syria. Germany’s local authorities have also complained that they were overwhelmed by the influx of people, and were not about to process or house them effectively.
Reuters reports that Serbia says it has been informed by Hungary that the Roszke-Horgos border crossing will be closed for the next 30 days, and that Hungarian humvees with mounted guns are moving towards the Serbia border.
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Baltimore officer charged with assaulting restrained inmate
BALTIMORE (AP) — A Baltimore police officer is facing criminal charges stemming from 2014 when he was accused of choking a restrained inmate, according to a department spokesman.
Officer Konstantinos Passamichalis, 50, has been charged with second-degree assault and misconduct in office.
The incident occurred Sept. 19, 2014, when Passamichalis took a fugitive, who had been caught by the Warrant Apprehension Task Force, into custody and placed him in plastic restraints, according to police spokesman T.J. Smith. Passamichalis then is accused of grabbing the prisoner, who was not attempting to flee, by the neck and assaulting him.
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Officer Konstantinos Passamichalis, 50, has been charged with second-degree assault and misconduct in office.
The incident occurred Sept. 19, 2014, when Passamichalis took a fugitive, who had been caught by the Warrant Apprehension Task Force, into custody and placed him in plastic restraints, according to police spokesman T.J. Smith. Passamichalis then is accused of grabbing the prisoner, who was not attempting to flee, by the neck and assaulting him.
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Lockheed Unveils Next-Generation U-2
As the Air Force looks to retire Lockheed’s U-2 Dragon Lady in 2019, the company has come up with a next-generation replacement, Scott Winstead, strategic business manager for the U-2 program, told reporters on Monday at the Air Force Association’s annual conference. Lockheed is still shaping the capabilities of TR-X, a high-altitude aircraft that is designed to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions for decades to come.
TR-X will look very much like the U-2, taking advantage of the spy plane’s General Electric F118 engine and carrying a similar ordnance payload. The concept is for a low-observable aircraft designed to fly at 70,000 feet, Winstead said.
More here
A Viewer Writes: Carly and Marco Shine Bright in CNN Debate
Senator Rubio and Ms. Fiorina were easily the two best candidates in their answers and debate points.
She had the best one-liner, directed at Hillary: flying around the world is an activity, not an accomplishment.
Trump was more congenial this time, but at times arrogant or buffoonish.
Bush, Cruz, Kasich were fair to middling, Christie a bit better – he finished strong.
Bringing up the rear: Huckabee, Paul and Walker; each should hang it up without further ado.
She had the best one-liner, directed at Hillary: flying around the world is an activity, not an accomplishment.
Trump was more congenial this time, but at times arrogant or buffoonish.
Bush, Cruz, Kasich were fair to middling, Christie a bit better – he finished strong.
Bringing up the rear: Huckabee, Paul and Walker; each should hang it up without further ado.
Kevin McCarthy for Speaker?
With Speaker John Boehner’s (R-Ohio) job in doubt, House conservatives have been holding internal talks about a new leadership coalition that could include Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as Speaker and more conservative members occupying lower rungs on the leadership ladder.
The informal discussions among members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus are preliminary and informal, multiple GOP lawmakers tell The Hill.
Still, the intensifying chatter suggests a vote to oust Boehner could happen as early as this fall. It also shows that if the Speaker survives until after the 2016 elections, conservatives are actively discussing what kind of leadership team could emerge in a post-Boehner Congress.
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The informal discussions among members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus are preliminary and informal, multiple GOP lawmakers tell The Hill.
Still, the intensifying chatter suggests a vote to oust Boehner could happen as early as this fall. It also shows that if the Speaker survives until after the 2016 elections, conservatives are actively discussing what kind of leadership team could emerge in a post-Boehner Congress.
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Cuomo aide shot during West Indian American Day Parade dead
An aide to Gov. Cuomo died Wednesday, nine days after he was hit in the head by a stray bullet during a J’Ouvert celebration, the man’s family said.
“He was removed from life support, we had to make that decision,” Carey Gabay’s shaken mother-in-law told the Daily News as the grief-stricken family left Kings County Hospital.
Gabay had been declared brain dead, the family said.
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“He was removed from life support, we had to make that decision,” Carey Gabay’s shaken mother-in-law told the Daily News as the grief-stricken family left Kings County Hospital.
Gabay had been declared brain dead, the family said.
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After #NursesUnite, 'View' hosts says comments about nurse misconstrued
#NursesUnite became a trending topic following a discussion on the daytime talk show about Miss Colorado Kelley Johnson. Johnson, who is a nurse, performed a monologue about her job while dressed in scrubs and wearing a stethoscope around her neck.
The hosts later said their comments were taken out of context.
"The View" co-host Michelle Collins discussed the performance on the show, saying that "there was a girl who wrote her own monologue and I was like 'Turn the volume up, this is going be amazing, let's listen.' She came out in a nurse's uniform and basically read her emails out loud and, shockingly, did not win."
"I swear to God it was hilarious," Collins said.
Co-host Joy Behar questioned, "Why does she have a doctor's stethoscope on?"
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Dish Taking Away Users’ Right To Sue Company. Here’s How To Opt Out
Over the weekend, a number of Consumerist readers wrote to us with the bad news that, like a growing number of companies, Dish Network is updating its terms of use to strip customers of their right to dispute legal claims in a court of law. There is a way for Dish subscribers to opt out of this restriction — but only if they do it right away.
The updated Dish “Residential Customer Agreement” [PDF] includes a new provision that requires that all customers settle their disputes through either mandatory binding arbitration or in small claims court. Both situations put severe limits on the damages that can be awarded.
Additionally, Dish customers are barred from joining other wronged customers in any sort of class action. So even if the company were to do something that negatively affected millions of customers, each individual subscriber would need to file his or her own dispute with the satellite service… and then have it heard by a third-party arbitrator, or in a small claims court without legal representation.
However, Dish is providing subscribers with the ability to opt out of this provision, but only if they do so within 30 days. So if you’re a Dish customer, check your e-mail inbox because you probably have a boring-sounding message from Dish with details of the new arbitration rules. Your 30-day countdown started whenever that e-mail was sent.
This form [PDF] must be filled out and returned to Dish within that time frame.
Make sure you send the form to the correct address:
The updated Dish “Residential Customer Agreement” [PDF] includes a new provision that requires that all customers settle their disputes through either mandatory binding arbitration or in small claims court. Both situations put severe limits on the damages that can be awarded.
Additionally, Dish customers are barred from joining other wronged customers in any sort of class action. So even if the company were to do something that negatively affected millions of customers, each individual subscriber would need to file his or her own dispute with the satellite service… and then have it heard by a third-party arbitrator, or in a small claims court without legal representation.
However, Dish is providing subscribers with the ability to opt out of this provision, but only if they do so within 30 days. So if you’re a Dish customer, check your e-mail inbox because you probably have a boring-sounding message from Dish with details of the new arbitration rules. Your 30-day countdown started whenever that e-mail was sent.
This form [PDF] must be filled out and returned to Dish within that time frame.
Make sure you send the form to the correct address:
Joe Biden sends Democratic Party in a panic
Democrats cast a loving eye on the crazy uncle in the attic
Vice President Joe Biden wants to be president. Good for him. But twice bitten, more than a little shy. The only memorable moment in either attempt was the speech he swiped from a British politician and gave without reading it first, describing himself as the son of a Welsh coal miner. (Who knew, including Joe himself?) Just a year ago, he seemed resigned to being remembered as only a vice president.
That seemed reasonable. Hillary Clinton was not just the slam-dunk favorite of most Democrats, but widely regarded as the only candidate worth consideration. Her resume as a former first lady, a former senator and a former secretary of state with a formidable gift for raising money seemed qualification enough. Giddy Democrats imagined a first woman following the first black to the White House. Even as President Obama was being sworn in, her friends and followers announced themselves “Ready for Hillary.”
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Vice President Joe Biden wants to be president. Good for him. But twice bitten, more than a little shy. The only memorable moment in either attempt was the speech he swiped from a British politician and gave without reading it first, describing himself as the son of a Welsh coal miner. (Who knew, including Joe himself?) Just a year ago, he seemed resigned to being remembered as only a vice president.
That seemed reasonable. Hillary Clinton was not just the slam-dunk favorite of most Democrats, but widely regarded as the only candidate worth consideration. Her resume as a former first lady, a former senator and a former secretary of state with a formidable gift for raising money seemed qualification enough. Giddy Democrats imagined a first woman following the first black to the White House. Even as President Obama was being sworn in, her friends and followers announced themselves “Ready for Hillary.”
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Three-fourths of Ohio Obamacare enrollees are on Medicaid
For every Ohioan who has paid an Obamacare exchange premium, three have been added to Medicaid under Gov. John Kasich’s Obamacare expansion.
As of June 30, only 188,223 Ohioans had selected and paid for a health insurance plan through HealthCare.gov. Enrollment in Kasich’s Obamacare expansion was 609,373 in June.
Obamacare expansion put working-age adults with no kids and no disabilities on Medicaid — a welfare program meant for children, impoverished families, the elderly and the disabled.
If Kasich had opted out of Medicaid expansion, taxpayers would be stuck with the tab for fewer than 200,000 subsidized Obamacare insurance policies. Instead, Ohio’s total Obamacare enrollment is nearly 800,000.
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As of June 30, only 188,223 Ohioans had selected and paid for a health insurance plan through HealthCare.gov. Enrollment in Kasich’s Obamacare expansion was 609,373 in June.
Obamacare expansion put working-age adults with no kids and no disabilities on Medicaid — a welfare program meant for children, impoverished families, the elderly and the disabled.
If Kasich had opted out of Medicaid expansion, taxpayers would be stuck with the tab for fewer than 200,000 subsidized Obamacare insurance policies. Instead, Ohio’s total Obamacare enrollment is nearly 800,000.
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Md. K-9 officer fights to get retired dog back
Officer Gil Fones with the Montgomery County Police Department says the dog he worked with, a Belgian Malinois named Chip, has been retired from the force. But what really pains Fones is that he wasn’t allowed to keep the retired K-9. Instead he was told to surrender the dog, which has been placed with a rescue organization that specializes in rehoming police and military dogs.
Montgomery County police Capt. Paul Starks says Chip’s well-being was a priority in the decision to retire the dog. Starks told WTOP that police had “concerns regarding the welfare of the dog, the handler the community and the handler’s family.”
Fones, Chip’s handler, has six adult children.
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DC Charters Outperform Public Schools
Washington, D.C. charter schools are better at educating students than public schools, according to a new report from the Progressive Policy Institute.
Charter schools help students gain additional days of learning every year in reading, compared to traditional public school students. In math, charter students gain more than half an academic year on their counterparts.
More charter schools than traditional public schools have higher than expected levels of proficiency in math and reading. That measure of expected proficiency took into account students' income and race.
In the poorest sections of Washington, charter schools dramatically outperform traditional public schools, the report says.
It's not that Washington public schools are bad or getting worse, they just aren't improving as fast as Washington's charter schools. "Under both models, student performance is improving," writes David Osborne, director of the Progressive Policy Institute's project on Reinventing America's Schools.
Osborne says D.C. public schools are improving because they now have more autonomy than they had in the past, though not as much independence as charter schools.
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Charter schools help students gain additional days of learning every year in reading, compared to traditional public school students. In math, charter students gain more than half an academic year on their counterparts.
More charter schools than traditional public schools have higher than expected levels of proficiency in math and reading. That measure of expected proficiency took into account students' income and race.
In the poorest sections of Washington, charter schools dramatically outperform traditional public schools, the report says.
It's not that Washington public schools are bad or getting worse, they just aren't improving as fast as Washington's charter schools. "Under both models, student performance is improving," writes David Osborne, director of the Progressive Policy Institute's project on Reinventing America's Schools.
Osborne says D.C. public schools are improving because they now have more autonomy than they had in the past, though not as much independence as charter schools.
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Ben Carson: Give Illegals Six Months to Register as Guest Workers
(CNSNews) - GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson told CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday that his immigration plan would include giving illegal immigrants six months to register as guest workers.
“Those who are here, you know, we have to recognize that we can't just round them up, but we can give them an opportunity to register. I would give them a six-month period, and if they register and they have a pristine record, they haven't been causing problems, I would give them an opportunity to become guest workers, not citizens, not voting people, not people who get goodies,” said Carson.
“Until we seal our borders, everything else is irrelevant, but let's say we get them sealed, because, certainly, in a Carson administration, that would be done within the first year,” said Carson. “You also turn off the spigot that dispenses the goodies so that people don't have any incentive to come here.”
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“Those who are here, you know, we have to recognize that we can't just round them up, but we can give them an opportunity to register. I would give them a six-month period, and if they register and they have a pristine record, they haven't been causing problems, I would give them an opportunity to become guest workers, not citizens, not voting people, not people who get goodies,” said Carson.
“Until we seal our borders, everything else is irrelevant, but let's say we get them sealed, because, certainly, in a Carson administration, that would be done within the first year,” said Carson. “You also turn off the spigot that dispenses the goodies so that people don't have any incentive to come here.”
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United States District Court Approves Salisbury Redistricting Plan
Salisbury - Mayor James Ireton, Jr. today announced that the City has fulfilled its court requirement for finalizing the redistricting plan approved by the City Council on September 8th, 2014.
In a case filed February 20th, 1986, through counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Maryland, on behalf of plaintiff BilIy Gene Jackson, Sr. and the City’s African-American voters, the City of Salisbury's at-large election system was challenged as violative of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, 42 U.S.C. §1973, which protects against “Denial or abridgement of right to vote on account of race or color through voting qualifications or prerequisites.” A violation is found to have occurred if “members have less opportunity than other members of the electorate to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice.” The matter was resolved in District Court and agreed to by the parties by entry of a Consent Decree on June 28th, 1987.
The 1987 consent decree led to the establishment of two election districts—one a single-member district with a majority-minority population, electing one member of the City Council; and a second, majority-white, multimember district electing four council members. The 1987 Consent Decree anticipated the City would periodically alter the district lines to accommodate population changes, but that the structure established by the decree would otherwise remain in place.
The 2010 U.S. Census indicated a significant shift in Salisbury’s general demographic makeup, with the City becoming substantially more racially diverse than it had previously been. To keep the election process fair for all, Mayor James Ireton, Jr. and Planning and Zoning staff examined redistricting options, and forwarded several to the Salisbury City Council. After a two-year process of careful consideration, the City Council brought Mayor Ireton’s five-district option to vote. On September 8th, 2014, the Council passed Resolution 2443 approving the Mayor’s proposed five-district plan. Resolution 2443 replaced the two existing election districts with a system of five single-member districts, with each district electing one Council member who must reside within the district he or she represents.
Approval of the updated consent decree by the United States District Court for the State of Maryland represents the final test for redistricting in Salisbury. Mayor Ireton voiced his satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "The courts have upheld our redistricting plan. The most important part of this approval is that the courts did not force Salisbury to take the progressive step of creating majority-minority districts. This is a well-deserved moment for our city. This progressive thinking has led to 4 candidates on the ballot for the newly created District 2 on the Salisbury City Council. I must thank the work of the Salisbury City Council, the Wicomico County/City of Salisbury Planning Department, and our residents for helping us achieve this milestone. Again, this approval reflects a changing Salisbury and is a victory for our residents, for diversity, and for the underserved parts of our city.”
The 1987 consent decree led to the establishment of two election districts—one a single-member district with a majority-minority population, electing one member of the City Council; and a second, majority-white, multimember district electing four council members. The 1987 Consent Decree anticipated the City would periodically alter the district lines to accommodate population changes, but that the structure established by the decree would otherwise remain in place.
The 2010 U.S. Census indicated a significant shift in Salisbury’s general demographic makeup, with the City becoming substantially more racially diverse than it had previously been. To keep the election process fair for all, Mayor James Ireton, Jr. and Planning and Zoning staff examined redistricting options, and forwarded several to the Salisbury City Council. After a two-year process of careful consideration, the City Council brought Mayor Ireton’s five-district option to vote. On September 8th, 2014, the Council passed Resolution 2443 approving the Mayor’s proposed five-district plan. Resolution 2443 replaced the two existing election districts with a system of five single-member districts, with each district electing one Council member who must reside within the district he or she represents.
Approval of the updated consent decree by the United States District Court for the State of Maryland represents the final test for redistricting in Salisbury. Mayor Ireton voiced his satisfaction with the ruling, stating, "The courts have upheld our redistricting plan. The most important part of this approval is that the courts did not force Salisbury to take the progressive step of creating majority-minority districts. This is a well-deserved moment for our city. This progressive thinking has led to 4 candidates on the ballot for the newly created District 2 on the Salisbury City Council. I must thank the work of the Salisbury City Council, the Wicomico County/City of Salisbury Planning Department, and our residents for helping us achieve this milestone. Again, this approval reflects a changing Salisbury and is a victory for our residents, for diversity, and for the underserved parts of our city.”
Surprising Statistics About Road Fatalities In Colorado After Marijuana Legalization
In a recent story we took a look at how stoned drivers performed behind the wheel. Since Colorado voters legalized recreational marijuana, other states are watching with great interest to see how impaired driving statistics would change. Anti-marijuana advocates have warned "drugged drivers" would lead to an increase of traffic fatalities on Colorado roads.
Anti-pot members of SAM recently pointed out Washington state drivers testing positive for marijuana had jumped by 33% right before the first dispensary opened its doors.
When we hear criticisms about stoned drivers, there's a bit of missing context. When testing for marijuana, law enforcement officers are only testing for the presence of marijuana metabolites, not for impaired motor skills or judgment. Metabolites can hang around longer in the body for days (or weeks) after the effects of marijuana have worn off.
Because every person metabolizes marijuana differently, all that can be determined by a positive test is that the driver had smoked pot some time in the last few days, or weeks. Not that their driving ability is impaired.
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Anti-pot members of SAM recently pointed out Washington state drivers testing positive for marijuana had jumped by 33% right before the first dispensary opened its doors.
When we hear criticisms about stoned drivers, there's a bit of missing context. When testing for marijuana, law enforcement officers are only testing for the presence of marijuana metabolites, not for impaired motor skills or judgment. Metabolites can hang around longer in the body for days (or weeks) after the effects of marijuana have worn off.
Because every person metabolizes marijuana differently, all that can be determined by a positive test is that the driver had smoked pot some time in the last few days, or weeks. Not that their driving ability is impaired.
More
Youngster’s Idea To Offer Little Free Library In Berlin Park Approved
“I ran to my mom to tell her what I found,” she said.
Her mother, Rose Zollinger, said she wasn’t even surprised the Little Free Library, a wooden, house-shaped container housing books, was the highlight of the day for her daughter.
“She was so excited,” Zollinger said. “She’s pretty much the only kid who goes to a playground and finds a library.”
The Little Free Library Ellie Zollinger discovered at Ben’s Red Swings in Salisbury had such an impact on her that she now wants to build her own. On Sept. 14, she received permission from the Berlin Town Council to erect a Little Free Library in Henry Park.
“It’s a great idea,” Councilman Troy Purnell said.
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Colorado Just Became The First State In History To Collect More Taxes From Marijuana Than Alcohol
COLORADO: No state has ever generated more tax revenue from marijuana than alcohol—until now.
The Colorado Department of Revenue, according to recently released figures, just brought in $70 million in taxes relating to marijuana, compared to less than $42 million for alcohol taxes, over the course of a year.
This Wednesday, Colorado is declaring a marijuana tax holiday, meaning that for a single day, taxes on marijuana items will be suspended.
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The Colorado Department of Revenue, according to recently released figures, just brought in $70 million in taxes relating to marijuana, compared to less than $42 million for alcohol taxes, over the course of a year.
This Wednesday, Colorado is declaring a marijuana tax holiday, meaning that for a single day, taxes on marijuana items will be suspended.
More
Live Interview Gets Immediately Awkward When NPR Host Reacts to Dem Presidential Candidate Being Late
“Gov. O’Malley, I must say I’m somewhat surprised that you could not make it here in time as you had promised to,” Rehm said immediately after introducing her guest.
Seemingly trying to lighten the situation, O’Malley joked, “Well Diane, you can’t believe every promise every politician makes.”
Rehm didn’t seem amused as she only shook her head in agreement.
“I sincerely apologize,” O’Malley said, explaining that he was dealing with traffic and “should have left even earlier.”
“Absolutely,” Rehm agreed.
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Delaware State Police Explorers-Open House Invitation
Delaware- What are the Delaware State Police Explorers and what do they do?
Our program consists of young men and women who have an interest in Law Enforcement. We participate in fingerprinting young children at community events; work the missing children’s area at the State Fair, and many more community events. We also offer opportunities for the National Law Enforcement Exploring Conference and the Federal Leadership Academies as well as the Delaware State Police Cadet Program.
We teach a variety of police procedures including fingerprinting, evidence collection, and patrol procedures. We strive to lead them down the right path and stand as positive role models. We also plan to instill leadership, responsibility, integrity, and commitment. Every Explorer Post is overseen and run by Delaware State Police Troopers.
We have minimum qualifications: a 2.0 Grade Point Average, mature, clean cut as well as clean shaven with no criminal convictions. This is not a discipline program. The age range is 14-20 years of age and at least in 9th grade. The program consists of high school and college students.
Where and When:
- Troop 1 (Wilmington): Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30 pm at Concord High School.
- Troop 2 (Newark): Thursday, October 1st at 7:00 p.m. at Troop 2.
- Troop 6 (Wilmington): Monday, September 21st at 6 pm at Troop 6.
- Troop 9 (Odessa): Thursday, September 24th at 7:00 p.m. at Smyrna High School.
- Troop 3 (Dover): TBD.
- Troop 4 (Georgetown): Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30 pm at Sussex Central High School.
- Troop 5 (Bridgeville): Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30 pm at Sussex Central High School.
- Troop 7 (Lewes): Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30 pm at Sussex Central High School.
- *Sussex County will hold one Open House in Georgetown for all schools in Sussex County. Membership will be at the Troop closest to your residence.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE OPEN HOUSE:
All interested students should be prepared to submit a $50 program registration fee at the Open House. Checks or cash is accepted. You will also need a copy of last year’s grades. If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must be present to sign the registration. Please contact Cpl./3 Cheryl Arnold at Cheryl.Arnold@state.de.us with any questions or concerns.
We hope to see you at our Open House so we can explain more about our program and how to become a Delaware State Police Explorer.
New virus has parents on high alert
Keep a close eye on your child if they start sneezing or develop a runny nose.
HealthCARE Express wants you to make sure you know the symptoms of the EV-D68 Virus.
This respiratory virus known as EV-D68 is sweeping the nation.
The symptoms, which are sneaky, mimic severe colds, allergies and asthma:
Managing partner for HealthCARE Express Dr. Reynolds said, "This virus is a scary reality for parents across the nation right now. We are warning people to be on the lookout for symptoms that usually occur in colds or allergies, but just seem a little bit worse. Wheezing is a key symptom that shouldn't be overlooked in the face of this virus."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wheezing is the biggest indicator that children are suffering from the EV-D68 virus. Children under the age of 5 and those with asthma are at high risk for this virus.
A few common tips to prevent this virus along with others viruses are:
HealthCARE Express wants you to make sure you know the symptoms of the EV-D68 Virus.
This respiratory virus known as EV-D68 is sweeping the nation.
The symptoms, which are sneaky, mimic severe colds, allergies and asthma:
- Cold - Runny nose, sneezing
- Allergies - Runny nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes
- EV-D68 Virus - Runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, fever, body and muscle aches
Managing partner for HealthCARE Express Dr. Reynolds said, "This virus is a scary reality for parents across the nation right now. We are warning people to be on the lookout for symptoms that usually occur in colds or allergies, but just seem a little bit worse. Wheezing is a key symptom that shouldn't be overlooked in the face of this virus."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wheezing is the biggest indicator that children are suffering from the EV-D68 virus. Children under the age of 5 and those with asthma are at high risk for this virus.
A few common tips to prevent this virus along with others viruses are:
- Wash hands with warm water and soap
- Cover your nose and mouth if you cough or sneeze
- Wipe down communal surfaces with antibacterial wipes
- Avoid those that are sick
August's stock market mayhem has Americans feeling worse about everything
Consumer confidence plunged in September.
On Friday, the University of Michigan's preliminary reading on consumer confidence in September came in at 85.7.
Expectations were for the reading to come in at 91.1, down from 91.9 in August.
This declines is the first that seems to really reflect the stock market chaos and global economic uncertainty that abounded in late August, when the benchmark S&P 500 fell about 6% and made national news headlines.
In the report, Richard Curtin, chief economist for the survey, said, "The decline in optimism narrowed in early September from late August as consumers grew somewhat more confident that the underlying strength in the domestic economy would insure a continued expansion."
Curtin added:
The twin strengths of higher employment and lower prices softened the impact from the losses in household wealth. To be sure, consumers still anticipate a weaker domestic economy due to the global slowdown and are less optimistic about future growth in jobs and wages than they were a few months ago. While the current strength in consumer spending is still likely to persist in the year ahead, the more lasting impact of recent events may be a heightened attentiveness by consumers to potential negative developments. Without this recent shift in focus, consumers would have been more likely to view the Fed's interest rate hike as confirming their prevailing optimism, but with the shift, it could be taken as a signal for a slower pace of future economic growth.
Friday's 85.7 reading was the lowest in a year.
More
On Friday, the University of Michigan's preliminary reading on consumer confidence in September came in at 85.7.
Expectations were for the reading to come in at 91.1, down from 91.9 in August.
This declines is the first that seems to really reflect the stock market chaos and global economic uncertainty that abounded in late August, when the benchmark S&P 500 fell about 6% and made national news headlines.
In the report, Richard Curtin, chief economist for the survey, said, "The decline in optimism narrowed in early September from late August as consumers grew somewhat more confident that the underlying strength in the domestic economy would insure a continued expansion."
Curtin added:
The twin strengths of higher employment and lower prices softened the impact from the losses in household wealth. To be sure, consumers still anticipate a weaker domestic economy due to the global slowdown and are less optimistic about future growth in jobs and wages than they were a few months ago. While the current strength in consumer spending is still likely to persist in the year ahead, the more lasting impact of recent events may be a heightened attentiveness by consumers to potential negative developments. Without this recent shift in focus, consumers would have been more likely to view the Fed's interest rate hike as confirming their prevailing optimism, but with the shift, it could be taken as a signal for a slower pace of future economic growth.
Friday's 85.7 reading was the lowest in a year.
More
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