Department of Health and Human Services officials have only released "one heavily redacted page of one document" in response to congressional subpoenas about the funding of a disputed Obamacare program, and HHS staff has refused to communicate with congressional investigators, House Republicans charged Tuesday.
"The pattern of conduct to this point suggests that the department intends to frustrate our legitimate efforts to conduct oversight of the Basic Health Program," House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, wrote to HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell.
Lawmakers have been waiting nearly a year for HHS to release information on how the department funds the Basic Health Program, which helps states provide coverage to low-income people who are ineligible for Medicaid. Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Ill., and other congressional investigators believe the Obama administration is funding the program illegally, by sending the states money collected by the IRS that should be reserved for tax refunds.
Roskam confronted Burwell last June about where she gets the legal authority to spend that money, and said the Obama administration was spending taxpayer money without congressional approval. "The law is really clear: You can't spend money that hasn't been appropriated [by Congress]," he said on Fox News following her testimony.
More here
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, June 01, 2016
This Lyft Driver Uses Her Congressman Father's Honda
Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings confirmed Tuesday he gave his daughter, Adia, permission to use his Honda while she was a student at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
But in an effort to pay her school bills, Adia used her father's vehicle to enlist as a Lyft driver, according to a statement obtained by the Washington Examiner.
The recent college graduate continued to work for the company as she looked for full-time work.
The only problem was Adia did not remove the car's congressional plate, which granted her the Democratic congressman's parking privileges, before she slapped on a Lyft sticker.
More
Terror, illegal immigration drive Trump voters, 88% want wall
Republican Donald Trump has tapped into new issues like the fear of terrorism and problems of illegal immigration driving American voters who for years have focused mostly on the economy, according to a new survey that helps to identify his winning issues.
A new Economist/YouGov survey also finds that his focus on terrorism has driven a surge in concern about an attack and terror now rivals the economy as the top issue among all voters.
The survey finds that issues driving Trump voters are sometimes different than those for other Republicans and Democrats.
More here
A new Economist/YouGov survey also finds that his focus on terrorism has driven a surge in concern about an attack and terror now rivals the economy as the top issue among all voters.
The survey finds that issues driving Trump voters are sometimes different than those for other Republicans and Democrats.
More here
Why Trump Attacked Martinez
Many observers were mystified when Donald Trump attacked New Mexico Republican Gov. Susana Martinez. But the story was really very simple: Martinez hit Trump, so Trump hit back.
Especially now that Trump is the GOP's presumptive nominee, he attempted to make an example of a Republican who won't get with the program. It might work, or it might not, but from Trump's perspective it's the tactic he used to beat 15 rivals for the GOP nomination.
The Trump-Martinez bewilderment focused on four factors: Martinez is Hispanic, she's a woman, she's a Republican (head of the Republican Governors Association), and she's popular. "I think it sent all the wrong signals," said Newt Gingrich, who has generally been pro-Trump. "You particularly don't want to see your candidate who needs to...get stronger with Latinos, and stronger with women, attack a Latina woman Republican governor."
"[Trump] has a problem with women, Hispanics, and Republicans," said George Will on Fox News Sunday, "so he attacks a Republican Hispanic woman governor."
Trump ignored all those concerns.
More
Especially now that Trump is the GOP's presumptive nominee, he attempted to make an example of a Republican who won't get with the program. It might work, or it might not, but from Trump's perspective it's the tactic he used to beat 15 rivals for the GOP nomination.
The Trump-Martinez bewilderment focused on four factors: Martinez is Hispanic, she's a woman, she's a Republican (head of the Republican Governors Association), and she's popular. "I think it sent all the wrong signals," said Newt Gingrich, who has generally been pro-Trump. "You particularly don't want to see your candidate who needs to...get stronger with Latinos, and stronger with women, attack a Latina woman Republican governor."
"[Trump] has a problem with women, Hispanics, and Republicans," said George Will on Fox News Sunday, "so he attacks a Republican Hispanic woman governor."
Trump ignored all those concerns.
More
Stabbing In Salisbury
Donald Trump has exposed Marco Rubio
In the late stages of his doomed presidential campaign, Sen. Marco Rubio declared that the front-runner for his party's nomination was "a con artist." But it turns out that Donald Trump wasn't the only GOP presidential candidate pulling the wool over people's eyes.
On Thursday, Rubio took another step toward fully embracing Trump for the presidency by telling CNN's Jake Tapper that he not only planned to attend the Republican convention, but that he would be "honored" to speak on Trump's behalf.
"Look, my policy differences with Donald Trump — I spent 11 months talking about them. So I think they're well understood," Rubio told Tapper. "That said ... I don't want Hillary Clinton to be president. If there's something I can do to help that from happening, and it's helpful to the cause, I'd most certainly be honored to be considered for that."
Rubio's assaults on Trump during the primary season were about more than "policy differences." In addition to repeatedly calling Trump a "con artist," Rubio: predicted that a Trump presidency would bring "chaos"; said Trump was "wholly unprepared to be president"; and warned about handing over control of the U.S. nuclear arsenal to an "erratic individual" and a "lunatic."
More
On Thursday, Rubio took another step toward fully embracing Trump for the presidency by telling CNN's Jake Tapper that he not only planned to attend the Republican convention, but that he would be "honored" to speak on Trump's behalf.
"Look, my policy differences with Donald Trump — I spent 11 months talking about them. So I think they're well understood," Rubio told Tapper. "That said ... I don't want Hillary Clinton to be president. If there's something I can do to help that from happening, and it's helpful to the cause, I'd most certainly be honored to be considered for that."
Rubio's assaults on Trump during the primary season were about more than "policy differences." In addition to repeatedly calling Trump a "con artist," Rubio: predicted that a Trump presidency would bring "chaos"; said Trump was "wholly unprepared to be president"; and warned about handing over control of the U.S. nuclear arsenal to an "erratic individual" and a "lunatic."
More
Sessions: Leftist Groups Using Federal Funds To Advance Anti-Trump Agenda
Left-wing groups are using taxpayers’ money to advance a “misleading” anti-Donald Trump agenda and are pushing for green card holders to naturalize in order to vote against the GOP front-runner, Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions tells The Daily Caller.
“The left has always done this,” Sessions said during an interview at his Senate office last week.
“The left has always sought to use taxpayers’ money to advance their agenda. So they’ve got some very aggressive left-wing groups, supported by [progressive billionaire] George Soros and Open Society and some of these other open borders groups, and they get money from President Obama.”
Numerous non-profit organizations have been involved in efforts to convert green card holders into naturalized citizens in order to vote against Trump in November. Many are funded, in part, through Soros’ Open Society network of foundations. Some have received help from the Mexican government.
And others are being backed by the Obama administration, which launched a citizenship drive initiative called Networks for Integrating New Americans in 2014, before Trump’s rise.
More
“The left has always done this,” Sessions said during an interview at his Senate office last week.
“The left has always sought to use taxpayers’ money to advance their agenda. So they’ve got some very aggressive left-wing groups, supported by [progressive billionaire] George Soros and Open Society and some of these other open borders groups, and they get money from President Obama.”
Numerous non-profit organizations have been involved in efforts to convert green card holders into naturalized citizens in order to vote against Trump in November. Many are funded, in part, through Soros’ Open Society network of foundations. Some have received help from the Mexican government.
And others are being backed by the Obama administration, which launched a citizenship drive initiative called Networks for Integrating New Americans in 2014, before Trump’s rise.
More
171 School Support Staffers To Be Laid Off
Word of specific job cuts is now coming from Baltimore school system headquarters, on North Avenue. School system officials say 171 full-time positions will be eliminated.
Interim schools CEO Tammy Turner announced earlier this month that several employees would be let go in order to further close the school district's budget deficit.
“This is a hard time for the entire City Schools community,” acting CEO Tammy Turner said in a statement. “Eliminating staff is a difficult decision, and it isn’t one the district takes lightly. I want to offer my sincere gratitude to the employees who are leaving for their dedication and commitment to our students and schools.”
Those opposed to the cuts said jobs that are on the chopping block will affect the classroom.
While it does not appear classroom teachers will be affected by the job cuts, employees that support them may be headed to the unemployment line by the end of next month. However, officials said, qualified staff impacted by the layoffs can be transferred or reassigned to other positions after theirs are eliminated on June 30.
More
Interim schools CEO Tammy Turner announced earlier this month that several employees would be let go in order to further close the school district's budget deficit.
“This is a hard time for the entire City Schools community,” acting CEO Tammy Turner said in a statement. “Eliminating staff is a difficult decision, and it isn’t one the district takes lightly. I want to offer my sincere gratitude to the employees who are leaving for their dedication and commitment to our students and schools.”
Those opposed to the cuts said jobs that are on the chopping block will affect the classroom.
While it does not appear classroom teachers will be affected by the job cuts, employees that support them may be headed to the unemployment line by the end of next month. However, officials said, qualified staff impacted by the layoffs can be transferred or reassigned to other positions after theirs are eliminated on June 30.
More
BREAKING NEWS... CHILD STRUCK BY CAR IN WEST OCEAN CITY
A child has been struck by a vehicle on 611 in west Ocean City. No additional information is available at this time.
Native American student wins appeal, allowed to wear moccasins at graduation
On Monday, FOX 5 reported that Dylan McCabe gained approval to wear a ceremonial Navajo dress during graduation, but her request to wear the moccasins was denied because it violated North Point High School’s graduation dress code.
"He only approved the dress because it was not visible, but he didn't approve the leggings and moccasins because they showed," McCabe said.
The soon-to-be-graduate said the footwear and leggings have special significance to her as they were the same ones she wore during a four-day coming-of-age ritual when she was 11 years old.
More
Measles outbreak traced back to inmate at Arizona immigrant detention facility as confirmed cases continue to grow
There are now 11 confirmed cases in Arizona and among those infected are four workers at the facility
Authorities are now sharing the locations these four workers visited over the past few days to isolate possible new cases
It was a worker at the facility who was already vaccinated that first caught the disease from the infected inmate
A woman in Washington died from measles last spring, the first death from the disease in the US for 12 years
There was an outbreak in 2014 that began with an infected child at Disneyland that led to 140 confirmed cases but no deaths
More
Young offenders sentenced to Prince George’s Co. pilot program for education, service
“I didn’t really feel like I had too much to live for because going through my trials and tribulations, I didn’t have it as sweet as most people,” he said.
Tuesday, Davis pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in front of a judge.
But instead of jail time, Davis and three other young men knew they were agreeing to be sentenced into the Back on Track program.
“That’s all I really needed was an opportunity and that extra push that everybody needs sometimes when, you know, they’re on the wrong path,” said 21-year-old Richard Ellington, who pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana.
More
State Police Investigate Triple Fatal Crash in Caroline County
(GREENSBORO, MD) – Maryland State Police continue to investigate a fatal crash in Caroline County this morning that claimed the lives of three people.
The victims are identified as Joanne Janvier, 52, of the 12000 block of Kibler Road in Greensboro, Angelina Noble, 9, and Jeremy McCready, 6, also of Greensboro. Emergency medical services personnel pronounced all three individuals deceased at the scene.
Shortly before noon today, troopers from the Easton Barrack responded to the 27000 block of Maryland Route 314, Whiteleysburg Road, approximately 1.5 miles east of Kibler Road in Greensboro for the reported crash. The preliminary investigation indicates that Janvier, the operator of a red Toyota Matrix, traveling westbound on Route 314 with her two grandchildren, swerved to avoid a dog in the road. Subsequently, she lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center line and traveled into the path of a tractor trailer traveling eastbound.
The tractor trailer loaded with corn was operated by Benjamin Gilmer, Jr., 35 of the 11000 block of Needam Road in Warton, Maryland. Gilmer was uninjured in the crash and refused medical treatment at the scene. There are no indications that alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Whiteleysburg Road remains closed while State Highway Administration is on the scene assisting with detours. State troopers from Easton Barrack and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division responded to the scene. Police officers from the Greensboro Police Department, sheriff deputies from the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office and EMS personnel from the Greensboro Fire Department also responded to assist.
The Maryland State Police CRASH Team is on the scene conducting a reconstruction of the incident as the investigation continues.
The victims are identified as Joanne Janvier, 52, of the 12000 block of Kibler Road in Greensboro, Angelina Noble, 9, and Jeremy McCready, 6, also of Greensboro. Emergency medical services personnel pronounced all three individuals deceased at the scene.
Shortly before noon today, troopers from the Easton Barrack responded to the 27000 block of Maryland Route 314, Whiteleysburg Road, approximately 1.5 miles east of Kibler Road in Greensboro for the reported crash. The preliminary investigation indicates that Janvier, the operator of a red Toyota Matrix, traveling westbound on Route 314 with her two grandchildren, swerved to avoid a dog in the road. Subsequently, she lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center line and traveled into the path of a tractor trailer traveling eastbound.
The tractor trailer loaded with corn was operated by Benjamin Gilmer, Jr., 35 of the 11000 block of Needam Road in Warton, Maryland. Gilmer was uninjured in the crash and refused medical treatment at the scene. There are no indications that alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Whiteleysburg Road remains closed while State Highway Administration is on the scene assisting with detours. State troopers from Easton Barrack and the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division responded to the scene. Police officers from the Greensboro Police Department, sheriff deputies from the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office and EMS personnel from the Greensboro Fire Department also responded to assist.
The Maryland State Police CRASH Team is on the scene conducting a reconstruction of the incident as the investigation continues.
A Viewer Writes: RESPONSE TO DAILY TIMES ARTICLE --- IS HS DERELICT IN DUTIES?
Joe,
Recently there was an Editorial in our newspaper from Mr. A. Higgins titled "Is our H.S derelict in its' duties?"
MD Law requires each County to collect & maintain information from each Kennel License issued, reporting to the Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation by 1st of July, each year. Ref: Senate Bill Number 839, passed in 2011. Information from the Bill is found at:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2011rs/chapters_noln/Ch_297_sb0839T.pdf
Was this done ---- did the Humane Society report the Kennel to the County, did Wicomico County issue them a license? Where is that information?
It's probable most people are tired of hearing about the Puppy Mill Dogs , now that they are safe .
He stated he had reported the Puppy Mill Dogs to the Humane Society's past director, Mr. Fitzgearld , and Animal Control . Also stating nothing was done and was told by Mr. Fitzgearld , they were inspected on a regular basis / and they were in compliance with the Law.
Common sense tells us, these dogs horrific living conditions and health issues did not happen over a short time frame and neither could a population of over 300 dogs .
Thanks to Mr. Higgins , it's now known -- " Others were responsible for horrific neglect of the animals. "
It will be of interest as to what Mr. Maciarello and County Exc. , Mr. Culver will be doing now that it's a know fact this Mill "had been previously reported ." Through further investigation , viewing all reports from Mr. Fitzgearlds' inspection dates of the Mill dogs , etc. , checking if these people held a License in Wicomico County ---which I've "heard" they did not, and interviewing all the neighbors who reported the Mill, should bring forth "more truths" about those --who need to be held accountable as well as the Murphys'!
Our Humane Society had been warned by Dorchester County the Murphys' were moving here.
Common sense tells us, these dogs horrific living conditions and health issues did not happen over a short time frame and neither could a population of over 300 dogs .
Thanks to Mr. Higgins , it's now known -- " Others were responsible for horrific neglect of the animals. "
It will be of interest as to what Mr. Maciarello and County Exc. , Mr. Culver will be doing now that it's a know fact this Mill "had been previously reported ." Through further investigation , viewing all reports from Mr. Fitzgearlds' inspection dates of the Mill dogs , etc. , checking if these people held a License in Wicomico County ---which I've "heard" they did not, and interviewing all the neighbors who reported the Mill, should bring forth "more truths" about those --who need to be held accountable as well as the Murphys'!
Our Humane Society had been warned by Dorchester County the Murphys' were moving here.
MD Law requires each County to collect & maintain information from each Kennel License issued, reporting to the Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation by 1st of July, each year. Ref: Senate Bill Number 839, passed in 2011. Information from the Bill is found at:
http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2011rs/chapters_noln/Ch_297_sb0839T.pdf
Was this done ---- did the Humane Society report the Kennel to the County, did Wicomico County issue them a license? Where is that information?
It's probable most people are tired of hearing about the Puppy Mill Dogs , now that they are safe .
It cannot go unsaid what a wonderful job was done by our New Director , his Staff & the hundreds' of people who offered their free services plus the outpouring of help from our community!
However , punishment for "All " who were responsible for the needless / prolonged suffering of these animals should be dealt with ---not just the Murphys'.
Thanks again to Mr. Higgins for letting the public know "truths." He's to be commended! With his information given---the question remains--
However , punishment for "All " who were responsible for the needless / prolonged suffering of these animals should be dealt with ---not just the Murphys'.
Thanks again to Mr. Higgins for letting the public know "truths." He's to be commended! With his information given---the question remains--
Will something be done to "set new by- laws" for our H. S. so this disgusting act of pure negligence of job responsibilities will never happen again and will those who this "Mill" was reported to at the H.S. & Animal Control " be held accountable as well as the Murphy's?
I am hoping this to be resolved , as it should be by All responsible parties.
What do you think?
For further info on Dog Laws for Wicomico County go to:
http://www.wicomicocounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/12
noting in particular ----Article lV-----#133-17.
For further info on Dog Laws for Wicomico County go to:
http://www.wicomicocounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/12
noting in particular ----Article lV-----#133-17.
Katie Couric Finally Apologizes For Deceptive Editing Of Anti-Gun Documentary
Katie Couric apologized and accepted responsibility for misrepresenting gun rights activists in her upcoming documentary “Under the Gun,” Monday.
“I take responsibility for a decision that misrepresented an exchange I had with members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League,” Couric said in a statement.
More/Video
“I take responsibility for a decision that misrepresented an exchange I had with members of the Virginia Citizens Defense League,” Couric said in a statement.
More/Video
Update On Quantico Creek RD
The last time this happened housing collapsed
The most expensive home listed for sale globally is in Bel Air, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. Its main house is a 74,000-square-foot monstrosity. Among the special attributes: a 30-car garage. The compound, being erected by speculative builder Nile Niami, has an asking price of $500 million.
Seven of the world’s 10 most expensive listings are in the US. Four of them are in Los Angeles, including lesser abodes, such as a 38,000-square-foot mansion with a 5,300-square-foot master suite, several guesthouses, and staff housing, for $150 million.
Other countries have cool stuff for sale too, such as Pierre Cardin’s 13,000-square-foot “Le Palais Bulles” (“the Bubble Palace”) on the French Riviera, listed for about $450 million.
More supply of speculative super-homes is coming, including this gem, according to the New York Times: “Real estate agents and developers say a home under construction in Bel Air is likely to have more than 50,000 square feet of living space” and “the world’s largest safe.” It will be listed for “around $300 million.”
For the first time ever, there are now officially 27 residences listed for sale globally with price tags above $100 million, according to Christie’s International Real Estate. That’s up 42% from last year, and up 125% from 2014!
More
Seven of the world’s 10 most expensive listings are in the US. Four of them are in Los Angeles, including lesser abodes, such as a 38,000-square-foot mansion with a 5,300-square-foot master suite, several guesthouses, and staff housing, for $150 million.
Other countries have cool stuff for sale too, such as Pierre Cardin’s 13,000-square-foot “Le Palais Bulles” (“the Bubble Palace”) on the French Riviera, listed for about $450 million.
More supply of speculative super-homes is coming, including this gem, according to the New York Times: “Real estate agents and developers say a home under construction in Bel Air is likely to have more than 50,000 square feet of living space” and “the world’s largest safe.” It will be listed for “around $300 million.”
For the first time ever, there are now officially 27 residences listed for sale globally with price tags above $100 million, according to Christie’s International Real Estate. That’s up 42% from last year, and up 125% from 2014!
More
It's ridiculously expensive to fly Air Force One
The FY15 cost per flying hour for Air Force One (VC-25A) includes "fuel, flight consumables, depot level repairables, aircraft overhaul, and engine overhaul," according to the letter from the Department of the Air Force Headquarters Air Mobility Command to Judicial Watch.
According to the National Taxpayer Union Foundation, President Barack Obama has traveled internationally more than any other president, and he has done it on the "most expensive-to-operate Air Force One to date."
More
BREAKING: UCLA on lockdown after reports of shooter on campus
People are being asked to shelter in place.
Updates will be posted as they become available.
Police confirming two shooting victims at UCLA. Campus remains on lockdown
Police confirm 2 dead in shooting at UCLA. Police are sweeping Engineering IV building for a possible shooter.
Police confirm there was an apparent murder-suicide in Engineering IV and that the situation is now contained. The campus has reopened and the lockdown is lifted. Classes are cancelled for the day and are expected to resume tomorrow.
Two adult males are confirmed dead, according to a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman.
Fire Retardants Raise Thyroid Risk in Women
Women with high levels of common flame retardants in their blood may have an elevated risk for thyroid disease, a recent study suggests.
The chemicals – known as PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers - can be used to make clothing or upholstery fire-resistant.
PBDEs belong to “a class of chemicals that interfere with our endocrine system – so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals," said lead researcher Joseph Allen of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
PBDEs disrupt the endocrine system by interfering with the body's production of the hormone estrogen. The thyroid, which controls metabolism, can malfunction without the right amount of estrogen.
More
The chemicals – known as PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers - can be used to make clothing or upholstery fire-resistant.
PBDEs belong to “a class of chemicals that interfere with our endocrine system – so-called endocrine disrupting chemicals," said lead researcher Joseph Allen of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
PBDEs disrupt the endocrine system by interfering with the body's production of the hormone estrogen. The thyroid, which controls metabolism, can malfunction without the right amount of estrogen.
More
Trump: Only Dummies Believe 5% Jobless Rate, It's Really 20%
Donald Trump says that you’d have to be a “dummy” to believe the government’s official unemployment rate of 5 percent.
He thinks the true jobless is closer to 20 percent and he vows to investigate government economic statistics, such as “the way they are reported,” the presumptive Republican presidential nominee told the New York Post.
“When you look at some of these [economic] numbers they give out and then you go out and see people dying to get a job all over the country, I mean, it’s not jibing with what’s really going on,” Trump told the Post’s John Crudele.
More
He thinks the true jobless is closer to 20 percent and he vows to investigate government economic statistics, such as “the way they are reported,” the presumptive Republican presidential nominee told the New York Post.
“When you look at some of these [economic] numbers they give out and then you go out and see people dying to get a job all over the country, I mean, it’s not jibing with what’s really going on,” Trump told the Post’s John Crudele.
More
THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN GEORGETOWN
AN ECONOMIC OBJECT LESSON …
There’s a fascinating article up on The Coastal Observer this week by reporter Jason Lesley about the Sunset Lodge – a house of prostitution in Georgetown County, S.C. that operated from 1936-1969.
The lodge was run by Hazel Weiss, a madam who was connected to wealthy industrialist and major league baseball owner Tom Yawkey. In fact Yawkey very well may have been the owner of the facility, and Weiss – a Midwestern woman reported to have mob connections – may have been part of a bigger organized crime ring.
No one knows for sure …
There’s all sorts of speculation about the facility … in fact, Lesley’s post itself is based on an ongoing research project about the Sunset Lodge undertaken by historian David Hodges.
According to Hodges, Weiss was initially affiliated with a brothel in Florence, S.C., but moved her operations to Georgetown in the mid-1930s.
More
There’s a fascinating article up on The Coastal Observer this week by reporter Jason Lesley about the Sunset Lodge – a house of prostitution in Georgetown County, S.C. that operated from 1936-1969.
The lodge was run by Hazel Weiss, a madam who was connected to wealthy industrialist and major league baseball owner Tom Yawkey. In fact Yawkey very well may have been the owner of the facility, and Weiss – a Midwestern woman reported to have mob connections – may have been part of a bigger organized crime ring.
No one knows for sure …
There’s all sorts of speculation about the facility … in fact, Lesley’s post itself is based on an ongoing research project about the Sunset Lodge undertaken by historian David Hodges.
According to Hodges, Weiss was initially affiliated with a brothel in Florence, S.C., but moved her operations to Georgetown in the mid-1930s.
More
It Costs $150 to buy a Dozen Eggs in Venezuela Right now
The International Monetary Fund has predicted that inflation in Venezuela will hit 720% this year. That might be an optimistic assessment, according to some local economic analysts, who expect the rate to reach as high as 1,200%.
A sharp drop in global prices for oil -- on which Venezuela depends for most of its foreign currency -- is a big part of the problem. Critics also accuse the government of irresponsible spending on social welfare programs and oil subsidies to Cuba and other countries.
To understand what that kind of inflation means, we spoke to Maria Linares, a 42-year-old single mother who works as an accounting assistant at a government ministry and lives in an impoverished neighborhood of the capital, Caracas.
Her monthly pay, including a food allowance, is 27,000 bolivars.
That’s $2,700 a month at the official exchange rate of 10 bolivars to the dollar. But Venezuelans have so little faith in their currency -- or the government's ability to fix the country's deepening economic crisis -- that a dollar can fetch upward of 1,000 bolivars on the black market. At that rate, Linares earns just $27 a month.
Either way, it’s not enough.
More
A sharp drop in global prices for oil -- on which Venezuela depends for most of its foreign currency -- is a big part of the problem. Critics also accuse the government of irresponsible spending on social welfare programs and oil subsidies to Cuba and other countries.
To understand what that kind of inflation means, we spoke to Maria Linares, a 42-year-old single mother who works as an accounting assistant at a government ministry and lives in an impoverished neighborhood of the capital, Caracas.
Her monthly pay, including a food allowance, is 27,000 bolivars.
That’s $2,700 a month at the official exchange rate of 10 bolivars to the dollar. But Venezuelans have so little faith in their currency -- or the government's ability to fix the country's deepening economic crisis -- that a dollar can fetch upward of 1,000 bolivars on the black market. At that rate, Linares earns just $27 a month.
Either way, it’s not enough.
More
Obituary for Betty Humphreys
She was a long time member of Wicomico Presbyterian Church in Salisbury. In addition, she also played the organ a various churches in the area. She was member of the Wicomico Democratic Committee, NARFE, VFW, American Legion, Moose Lodge, Salisbury Wicomico Art Council and the Rental Association.
Betty started her working career as a legal secretary for Vaughn Richardson, she then went to work for Judge Ed Thomas. She later worked as a supervisor for the Farmers Home Loan Administration offices in Georgetown, Salisbury and Princess Anne. While working for the USDA, she started a rental home business. Following retirement, she opened her own business doing lead paint abatement. Her entire adult life she taught piano and organ.
Betty is survived by 3 sons, Charles, Carroll and David Humphreys; 1 daughter, Susan Holland, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Holloway Funeral Home, Salisbury. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Rev. Dianne Deming will officiate. Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery in Delmar, DE.
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.hollowayfh.com.
Tech Giants Vows to Tackle Online Hate Speech
U.S. Internet giants Facebook Inc., Twitter Inc., Google and Microsoft Corp. pledged to tackle online hate speech in less than 24 hours as part of a joint commitment with the European Union to combat the use of social media by terrorists.
Beyond national laws that criminalize hate speech, there is a need to ensure such activity by Internet users is “expeditiously reviewed by online intermediaries and social media platforms, upon receipt of a valid notification, in an appropriate time-frame,” the companies and the European Commission said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
The code of conduct arrives as Europe comes to terms with the bloody attacks in Paris and Brussels by Islamic State, which has used the Web and social media to spread its message of hate against its enemies. The companies said it remains a “challenge” to strike the right balance between freedom of expression and hate speech in the self-generated content on online platforms.
“We remain committed to letting the Tweets flow,” said Twitter’s head of public policy for Europe, Karen White, in the statement. “However, there is a clear distinction between freedom of expression and conduct that incites violence and hate.”
More
Beyond national laws that criminalize hate speech, there is a need to ensure such activity by Internet users is “expeditiously reviewed by online intermediaries and social media platforms, upon receipt of a valid notification, in an appropriate time-frame,” the companies and the European Commission said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
The code of conduct arrives as Europe comes to terms with the bloody attacks in Paris and Brussels by Islamic State, which has used the Web and social media to spread its message of hate against its enemies. The companies said it remains a “challenge” to strike the right balance between freedom of expression and hate speech in the self-generated content on online platforms.
“We remain committed to letting the Tweets flow,” said Twitter’s head of public policy for Europe, Karen White, in the statement. “However, there is a clear distinction between freedom of expression and conduct that incites violence and hate.”
More
Clinton Supporter Backtracks Claim that Other Secretaries Used Private Servers
Maria Cardona defended Hillary Clinton’s private server by stating that other Secretaries of State have done this same practice before and was corrected by Jon Karl on ABC’s This Week on Sunday.
“Well, certainly having that IG report was not fun and that’s why I think she came out smartly to emphasize her apology to emphasize that she knew that it had been a mistake, had she the opportunity to do it again, she wouldn’t do it,” Cardona said. “But, I also think it’s good to have context. What she did was something that others had done. The rules were nebulous at best.”
ABC’s Jon Karl corrected her, citing the IG report.
“No other Secretary of State had their own server at home–” he said.
Cardona immediately backtracked her comments, saying that what Karl said is correct. She then tried to change the conversation, stating that she gave 55,000 emails over to the State Department, which is also something other Secretaries of State did not have to do.
Other Secretaries of State have not been under investigation by both the State Department and the FBI.
More
“Well, certainly having that IG report was not fun and that’s why I think she came out smartly to emphasize her apology to emphasize that she knew that it had been a mistake, had she the opportunity to do it again, she wouldn’t do it,” Cardona said. “But, I also think it’s good to have context. What she did was something that others had done. The rules were nebulous at best.”
ABC’s Jon Karl corrected her, citing the IG report.
“No other Secretary of State had their own server at home–” he said.
Cardona immediately backtracked her comments, saying that what Karl said is correct. She then tried to change the conversation, stating that she gave 55,000 emails over to the State Department, which is also something other Secretaries of State did not have to do.
Other Secretaries of State have not been under investigation by both the State Department and the FBI.
More
Governor Larry Hogan Rescinds 72 Executive Orders
Eliminates Obsolete and Outdated Directives Issued by Seven Governors Over the Past Five Decades
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today signed Executive Order 01.01.2016.06, rescinding 72 obsolete executive orders issued by previous administrations over the last 46 years. The removal of almost five decades of gubernatorial directives that are either outdated or superseded by legislation reflects the ongoing effort of the Hogan administration to modernize and streamline state government, including the removal of archaic and duplicative regulations.
These rescissions include executive orders issued by seven previous governors, going as far back as the Marvin Mandel administration. Governor Hogan’s action today represents the largest repeal of gubernatorial directives since Governor Schaefer removed 48 executive orders in 1995.
“Our administration is focused on creating a government that works for the people instead of the other way around,” said Governor Hogan. “This removal of almost five decades of unnecessary and outdated gubernatorial directives demonstrates our continued commitment to modernize and streamline Maryland state government, including many antiquated and out-of-date regulations.”
Of the executive orders repealed by the governor, more than half deal with established boards or commissions that in many instances have not met for years, while others have been superseded by legislation. The administration also uncovered several instances of executive orders that had expired or had been repealed by a previous administration, yet never removed from the Code of Maryland Regulations.
Among the orders being rescinded are the following:
1970.10 – The oldest in COMAR, on June 15, 1970, it created the Science Advisory Council which has not met since 1996.
1987.29 – Created in late 1987, the Child Day Care Coordinator is a defunct position in an agency that was long ago merged with the Maryland State Department of Education.
1990.01 – Construction Industry Employers Advisory Council is among numerous committees, task forces, and boards that are still in active executive orders in COMAR, but are listed in the Maryland Manual as “defunct units.”
1998.18 – This executive order makes reference to an Inter-Agency Nutrient Reduction Oversight Committee, which is defunct and has not met since July 2001.
2011.07 – The Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, which was created in 2011, completed its work in 2012 and has not met since.
A copy of the executive order, which includes a full list of executive order repeals, is attached.
EO 01.01.2016.06.pdf
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan today signed Executive Order 01.01.2016.06, rescinding 72 obsolete executive orders issued by previous administrations over the last 46 years. The removal of almost five decades of gubernatorial directives that are either outdated or superseded by legislation reflects the ongoing effort of the Hogan administration to modernize and streamline state government, including the removal of archaic and duplicative regulations.
These rescissions include executive orders issued by seven previous governors, going as far back as the Marvin Mandel administration. Governor Hogan’s action today represents the largest repeal of gubernatorial directives since Governor Schaefer removed 48 executive orders in 1995.
“Our administration is focused on creating a government that works for the people instead of the other way around,” said Governor Hogan. “This removal of almost five decades of unnecessary and outdated gubernatorial directives demonstrates our continued commitment to modernize and streamline Maryland state government, including many antiquated and out-of-date regulations.”
Of the executive orders repealed by the governor, more than half deal with established boards or commissions that in many instances have not met for years, while others have been superseded by legislation. The administration also uncovered several instances of executive orders that had expired or had been repealed by a previous administration, yet never removed from the Code of Maryland Regulations.
Among the orders being rescinded are the following:
1970.10 – The oldest in COMAR, on June 15, 1970, it created the Science Advisory Council which has not met since 1996.
1987.29 – Created in late 1987, the Child Day Care Coordinator is a defunct position in an agency that was long ago merged with the Maryland State Department of Education.
1990.01 – Construction Industry Employers Advisory Council is among numerous committees, task forces, and boards that are still in active executive orders in COMAR, but are listed in the Maryland Manual as “defunct units.”
1998.18 – This executive order makes reference to an Inter-Agency Nutrient Reduction Oversight Committee, which is defunct and has not met since July 2001.
2011.07 – The Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, which was created in 2011, completed its work in 2012 and has not met since.
A copy of the executive order, which includes a full list of executive order repeals, is attached.
EO 01.01.2016.06.pdf
Government Admits Cellphones Cause Cancer
The government just made a startling admission — cellphones can cause cancer. After years of sidestepping the public's concern, a $25 million study conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), a branch of the National Institutes of Health, found that cellphones increased the risk of two types of tumors — gliomas, a type of cancerous brain tumor, and schwannomas, a rare tumor of the heart.
Chris Portier, former associate director of the NTP, calls the study a "game changer." For the study, rats were exposed to different levels of radio frequency radiation or RFR: The highest was up to seven times the amount humans usually receive when using a phone.
Although there was no increase in risk among female rats, male rats exposed to radiation had a 2 percent increased risk of malignant gliomas, and about 3.5 percent developed a schwannoma in the heart.
“The NTP report linking radio frequency radiation (RFR) to two types of cancer marks a paradigm shift in our understanding of radiation and cancer risk," said Dr. Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. "The findings are unexpected; we wouldn’t reasonably expect non-ionizing radiation to cause these tumors.
"This is a striking example of why serious study is so important in evaluating cancer risk," said Dr. Brawley. "It’s interesting to note that early studies on the link between lung cancer and smoking had similar resistance, since theoretical arguments at the time suggested that there could not be a link."
More
Chris Portier, former associate director of the NTP, calls the study a "game changer." For the study, rats were exposed to different levels of radio frequency radiation or RFR: The highest was up to seven times the amount humans usually receive when using a phone.
Although there was no increase in risk among female rats, male rats exposed to radiation had a 2 percent increased risk of malignant gliomas, and about 3.5 percent developed a schwannoma in the heart.
“The NTP report linking radio frequency radiation (RFR) to two types of cancer marks a paradigm shift in our understanding of radiation and cancer risk," said Dr. Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. "The findings are unexpected; we wouldn’t reasonably expect non-ionizing radiation to cause these tumors.
"This is a striking example of why serious study is so important in evaluating cancer risk," said Dr. Brawley. "It’s interesting to note that early studies on the link between lung cancer and smoking had similar resistance, since theoretical arguments at the time suggested that there could not be a link."
More
Cummings Says He's Surprised After Daughter Uses Congressional Car To Drive For Lyft
WASHINGTON — No, Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings isn’t moonlighting as a ride-sharing driver.
The congressman said Tuesday that a daughter who recently graduated from college has been using his Honda with a congressional plate while working part time for a ride-sharing company to make extra money for school expenses.
The company, Lyft, gave her a sticker to put on the windshield. A photo of the car was submitted to the local blog Popville showing the sticker and the license plate, which carries parking privileges.
More
The congressman said Tuesday that a daughter who recently graduated from college has been using his Honda with a congressional plate while working part time for a ride-sharing company to make extra money for school expenses.
The company, Lyft, gave her a sticker to put on the windshield. A photo of the car was submitted to the local blog Popville showing the sticker and the license plate, which carries parking privileges.
More
WCSO Press Release 6-1-16
Waybright, ElizabethIncident: Violate Pre-Trial Release
Date of Incident: 26 May 2016
Location: Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Elizabeth Waybright, 53, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 26 May 2016 a deputy arrested Elizabeth Waybright on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Waybright violated the terms of her pre-trial release in an Electronic Mail Harassment case. Waybright was detained without bond pending an appearance in front of a Circuit Court Judge
Charges: Violation of Pre-Trial Release
Incident: Violation of Probation
Date of Incident: 26 May 2016
Location: Salisbury, MD
Suspect: John Melvin Nicholas, 38, Pittsville, MD
Narrative: On 26 May 2016 a deputy arrested John Nicholas on an outstanding District Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Nicholas violated the terms of his probation in a CDS Possession case by incurring new charges in a separate case and failing to notify his probation agent. Nicholas was detained on a bond of $10,000.00 bond in the Detention Center following an initial appearance in front of the District Court Commissioner
Charges: Violation of Probation
Incident: Violation of Pre-Trial Release
Date of Incident: 26 May 2016
Location: 8000 block of Gumboro Road, Pittsville, MD
Suspect: Victoria Christina Smith, 24, Pittsville, MD
Narrative: On 26 May 2016 a deputy arrested Victoria Smith on an open District Court Bench Warrant. The warrant was issued after Smith failed to follow conditions of her pre-trial release while she was awaiting trial in a CDS Possession case.
Smith was detained without bond in the Detention Center following an initial appearance in front of the District Court Commissioner
Charges: Violation of Pre-Trial Conditions
Incident: Driving Suspended / Wanted Subject
Date of Incident: 27 May 2016
Location: Jersey Road at Morris Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Tobias Markee Taylor, 24, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 27 May 2016 a deputy observed a subject he recognized as Tobias Taylor operating a vehicle on Jersey Road in Salisbury. The deputy knew that Taylor was wanted on a bench warrant that was issued back in August 2015 after Taylor failed to appear for a Driving Suspended case. The deputy stopped Taylor and arrested him on the outstanding warrant and also discovered that Taylor was still driving a vehicle while his license was suspended.
Due to that fact Taylor failed to appear back in August and was still driving suspended, the deputy placed Taylor under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Following an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Taylor on $5,000.00 unsecured bond on the warrant and on Personal Recognizance for the on-view arrest for Driving Suspended
Charges: Driving Suspended and Failure to Appear
Incident: Assault / Reckless Endangerment
Date of Incident: 27 May 2016
Location: 31000 block of Olde Fruitland Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Amy Christine Waidner, 45, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 27 May 2016 a deputy arrested Amy Waidner in connection with an assault that occurred the previous evening. In this incident, Waidner reportedly became embroiled in an altercation with her ex-husband over another man being in her house. It was alleged by the ex-husband that Waidner assaulted him repeatedly during the argument over who this individual was.
During the investigation the deputy observed signs of injury that corroborated the account. Upon arrest Waidner was transported to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Following an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Waidner in the Detention Center in lieu of $60,000.00 bond
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree and Reckless Endangerment
Incident: Escape 2nd Degree
Date of Incident: 27 May 2016
Location: Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Shynietta Courtney McClendon, 26, Westover, MD
Narrative: On 27 May 2016 a deputy arrested Shynietta McClendon on a warrant that charged her with Escape 2nd Degree. The warrant was obtained after McClendon failed to report to the Detention Center back in April to begin serving an imposed period of incarceration.
The deputy transported McClendon to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Following an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained McClendon without bond in the Detention Center
Charges: Escape 2nd Degree
Incident: Assault / False Imprisonment
Date of Incident: 28 May 2016
Location: 1600 block of Waconia Drive, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Dereik Michael Stephens, 21, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 28 May 2016 a deputy arrested Dereik Stephens following a report that he assaulted a female subject at a residence in the 1600 block of Waconia Drive. According to the female victim, she was trying to leave the residence when Stephens reportedly grabbed her and began choking her before throwing her on the ground. Following that, it is alleged that Stephens then grabbed the female victim by the hair and began slamming he into rocks outside of the residence.
Following his arrest, Stephens was transported to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Following an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Stephens in the Detention Center in lieu of $10,000.00 bond
Charges: Assault 1st Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment and False Imprisonment
Incident: Possession of CDS
Date of Incident: 29 May 2016
Location: 24000 block of Ocean Gateway, Mardela Springs, MD
Suspect: Antonio Enrique Roberts, 29, Silver Spring, MD
Narrative: On 29 May 2016 at 4:35 AM, a deputy stopped to investigate a vehicle on the property of the Mardela Goosecreek convenience store during hours when the business is closed. During the encounter the deputy woke up the operator, Antonio Roberts, and detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the interior of the Robert’s vehicle. During a subsequent search, the deputy located what the deputy located as marijuana along with pills that were identified as Xanax. The amount of marijuana exceeded 10 grams when weighed.
The deputy placed Roberts under arrest and transported him to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. Following an initial appearance, the Commissioner released Roberts on Personal Recognizance.
Charges: Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Xanax
Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Assault
Date of Incident: 29 May 2016
Location: 5000 block of Argyle Drive, Parsonsburg, MD
Suspect: Kristen Lynne Russ, 26, Parsonsburg, MD
Narrative: On 29 May 2016 at 10:24 PM a deputy responded to a reported assault at a residence in the 5000 block of Argyle Drive for a reported assault. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that a male subject confronted Kristen Russ over her consumption of alcohol. According to this male subject, Russ punched him in the back of his head with a closed fist. During the investigation, the deputy observed signs of injury that corroborated the account.
Russ was gone upon the arrival of the deputy but was located 30 minutes later operating a vehicle. When the deputy attempted to stop Russ, she sped away and turned off the vehicle’s lights. The deputy caught Russ when she came to a stop at the end of the street. The deputy detected an odor of alcohol emanating from within the vehicle.
The deputy administered sobriety testing to Russ after which she was placed under arrest. During subsequent processing, Russ submitted to a breath test with a result of .08
The deputy transported Russ to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner, Following an initial appearance; the Commissioner detained Russ in the Detention Center in lieu of $15,000.00 bond
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 29 May 2016
Location: 1000 block of Johnson Road, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: David Francis Berger 2nd, 35, Princess Anne, MD
Narrative: On 29 May 2016 at 5:28 PM a deputy responded to the report of a subject who had just struck a mailbox in the 1000 block of Johnson Road. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the operator of the vehicle, David Berger, and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Berger. The deputy also observed that Berger had trouble maintaining his balance and was swaying from side to side, having to use his vehicle for balance.
The deputy initiated sobriety testing which Berger performed poorly on, following which the deputy placed him under arrest for DUI.
During subsequent processing, Berger refused to submit to a breath test. Berger was released upon the issuance of citations.
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol / Assault
Date of Incident: 29 May 2016
Location: 5000 block of Argyle Drive, Parsonsburg, MD
Suspect: Kristen Lynne Russ, 26, Parsonsburg, MD
Narrative: On 29 May 2016 at 10:24 PM a deputy responded to a reported assault at a residence in the 5000 block of Argyle Drive for a reported assault. Upon arrival, the deputy learned that a male subject confronted Kristen Russ over her consumption of alcohol. According to this male subject, Russ punched him in the back of his head with a closed fist. During the investigation, the deputy observed signs of injury that corroborated the account.
Russ was gone upon the arrival of the deputy but was located 30 minutes later operating a vehicle. When the deputy attempted to stop Russ, she sped away and turned off the vehicle’s lights. The deputy caught Russ when she came to a stop at the end of the street. The deputy detected an odor of alcohol emanating from within the vehicle.
The deputy administered sobriety testing to Russ after which she was placed under arrest. During subsequent processing, Russ submitted to a breath test with a result of .08
The deputy transported Russ to the Central Booking Unit where she was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner, Following an initial appearance; the Commissioner detained Russ in the Detention Center in lieu of $15,000.00 bond
Charges: Assault 2nd Degree Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Incident: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Date of Incident: 30 May 2016
Location: Calvert Street at Baptist Street, Salisbury, MD
Suspect: Tonya Newcomb, 49, Salisbury, MD
Narrative: On 30 May 2016 at 1:14 PM a deputy stopped a vehicle after observing that vehicle driving erratically with no headlights on. Upon stopping the vehicle, the deputy made contact with the operator identified as Tonya Newcomb. The deputy detected an odor of alcohol emanating from Newcomb while she was sitting in the vehicle. Newcomb volunteered to the deputy that she was suspended, then asked the deputy not to take her to jail.
The deputy conducted sobriety testing, following which Newcomb was placed under arrest. During subsequent processing, Newcomb refused to submit to a breath test
Charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
GIANT Gator Walks Across Florida Golf Course
Talk about a hazard! A giant alligator took a stroll across the fairway, making his way to the lake beside the third hole at Buffalo Creek Golf Club.
Assateague Island Pony Forever Stamps To Be Issued This Week
A photograph by Tim Fitzharris of Fayetteville, Arkansas was used to create the stamp, which will be issued June 2, along with 15 others celebrating NPS.
Other National Parks featured on the new stamps: Acadia National Park, Arches National Park, Bandelier National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Everglades National Park, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Grand Canyon National Park, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Haleakalā National Park, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Mount Rainier National Park, San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
Source
‘Fire Selfie’ Arsonist Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison
Justin Michael Clum, 26, of Pasadena, was charged with 25 counts, including four of attempted first degree murder, four of attempted second degree murder and several more counts of arson, assault, reckless endangerment and malicious burning.
According to the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s office, Clum and his girlfriend were drinking vodka on a community pier in the early morning hours of July 17, 2015, when Clum learned of a past sexual relationship between his girlfriend and another man.
More
We're Going To Kill Donald Trump - Says 3-Year-Old Mexican Girl
We're Going To Kill Donald Trump - Says 3-Year-Old Mexican Girl Being Brainwashed by Her Parents
Actor named in federal indictment alleging receipt and possession of child pornography on his computer and flash drive
LOS ANGELES – Actor Mark Wayne Salling, best known for his role as Noah Puckerman on the television show “Glee,” was charged Friday in a federal indictment with receiving and possessing child pornography on his laptop computer and a flash memory drive.
Salling, 33, of Shadow Hills, was named in a two-count indictment returned Friday afternoon by a federal grand jury. The charges are the result of a probe by the Los Angeles Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as part of the Internet Child Exploitation Investigations Group, a multi-agency task force that combats all forms of child exploitation. The Beverly Hills Police Department also provided substantial assistance with the case.
“Those who download and possess child pornography create a market that causes more children to be harmed,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Young victims are harmed every time an image is generated, every time it is distributed, and every time it is viewed.”
The indictment specifically alleges that Salling used the Internet to receive a still image and a video depicting child pornography on Dec. 26, 2015. The images depict young girls. The second count in the indictment charges Salling with possessing two videos depicting child pornography on Dec. 29, 2015. The videos also depict young girls.
“The traditional stereotype about the kinds of people who commit child sexual exploitation crimes simply doesn’t dovetail with reality. As our investigators can attest, the defendants in child pornography cases come in all ages and from all walks of life,” said Joseph Macias, special agent in charge of HSI Los Angeles. “While people are often surprised when high-profile individuals come under scrutiny in such investigations, we hope cases like this will raise awareness about law enforcement’s vigilance to combat the online sexual exploitation of children and hold those involved, regardless of their position, accountable for their actions.”
Subject: Jeff Sessions Describes How Donald Trump Caught His Attention
Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions is speaking out — at length — about how presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump first caught his notice in 2005, and why he endorsed him over Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz for president.
“Well, I had met Trump once before when he testified before a committee that Sen. Tom Coburn and I hosted to deal with the excessive expenditures to refurbish the U.N. building in New York,” Sessions said, adding that the projected cost for the project was $1 billion. Trump had built Trump Tower in Manhattan for $200 million and didn’t know why it would cost five times as much for renovations.
“I could do it for $500 million, what they’re going to spend $1.6 billion for. The only difference is my job would be better,” Trump had said at the time in 2005.
“He was a magnificent witness,” Sessions said on Glenn Thrush’s “Off Message” podcast. “The reporter who asked me about his testimony said: ‘Sessions gushed about his testimony.’ But it was remarkable. It was clear. He knew exactly how you should refurbish a building. He pointed out event after event that were wasteful, and he promised if it were given to him he would save the U.N. $1 billion in doing it.”
Trump came by Sessions’ office to visit with the senator and his staff after delivering his testimony, Sessions said. “That was really the first time.”
Eleven years later, Trump launched his presidential bid and again Sessions took notice: Trump developed similar nationalist views on immigration and attracted crowds of shocking size only two months after announcing his run.
“I had not been in any way involved in planning the event in Mobile [Alabama],” Sessions said. “And I had something else to do, but it became clear that it was going to be such a big event, that I should be there.”
There's lots more here..
“Well, I had met Trump once before when he testified before a committee that Sen. Tom Coburn and I hosted to deal with the excessive expenditures to refurbish the U.N. building in New York,” Sessions said, adding that the projected cost for the project was $1 billion. Trump had built Trump Tower in Manhattan for $200 million and didn’t know why it would cost five times as much for renovations.
“I could do it for $500 million, what they’re going to spend $1.6 billion for. The only difference is my job would be better,” Trump had said at the time in 2005.
“He was a magnificent witness,” Sessions said on Glenn Thrush’s “Off Message” podcast. “The reporter who asked me about his testimony said: ‘Sessions gushed about his testimony.’ But it was remarkable. It was clear. He knew exactly how you should refurbish a building. He pointed out event after event that were wasteful, and he promised if it were given to him he would save the U.N. $1 billion in doing it.”
Trump came by Sessions’ office to visit with the senator and his staff after delivering his testimony, Sessions said. “That was really the first time.”
Eleven years later, Trump launched his presidential bid and again Sessions took notice: Trump developed similar nationalist views on immigration and attracted crowds of shocking size only two months after announcing his run.
“I had not been in any way involved in planning the event in Mobile [Alabama],” Sessions said. “And I had something else to do, but it became clear that it was going to be such a big event, that I should be there.”
There's lots more here..
TRUMP RESPONDS to CRITICS OVER DONATIONS TO VETERANS. Announced total $ amount.
Trump started the press conference by mentioning he has grabbed more votes in the primaries than any GOP candidate in history. He also mentioned the record number of votes cast.
Trump was immediately asked about his donations to veterans. Trump said he has raised $5.6 million for veteran groups and that all the money has been paid out. He said he received a call from one veteran who cried on the phone thanking Trump for the $100,000 he received.
More
Anti-American Protestor Images Push Undecided Voters to Trump
Protesters in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last week toted Mexican flags, burned American flags and clashed with police, racking up $50,000 in damage to the neighborhood.
Perhaps even worse for the rioters, they are likely chasing undecided voters toward the side of the man they are protesting.
“When people show up throwing bottles and waving the Mexican flag, you have had a lot of people who may have not been willing to support Trump who see this and say the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” said former Rep. Tom Davis, who ran House Republicans’ campaign committee for two cycles a decade ago. “There is no question these are helping Trump, and Democrats know that.”
More
Riders Prepare For 16th Annual ‘Ride Across Maryland’
Ride Across Maryland has raised over $2.5 million over the years.
“It’s our 16th year,” Gelfman says. “I tell people all the time that when we started this. The first year that maybe we’ll raise ten grand and then boom, we raised $150,000 in year number one. From there it’s been a great ride.”
“It’s June 4 and 5. We start at the Mall in Columbia. People come from all over. And then we ride for about two hours and 45 minutes to Ocean City… It’s just a terrific family weekend.”
More
Facebook Signs Pledge to Suppress ‘Hate Speech’
The European Commission has today announced a partnership with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft in order to crack down on what it classes as “illegal hate speech” while “criminaliz[ing]” perpetrators and “promoting independent counter-narratives” that the European Union favours.
A press release from the Commission this morning claims the new initiative has been set up “to respond to the challenge of ensuring that online platforms do not offer opportunities for illegal online hate speech to spread virally”.
The move has been branded “Orwellian” by Members of the European Parliament, and digital freedom groups have already pulled out of any further discussions with the Commission, calling the new policy “lamentable”.
The unelected, executive branch of the European Union (EU) released a “Code of Conduct” today that “includes a series of commitments to combat the spread of illegal hate speech online in Europe” developed “together with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft (‘the ITcompanies’)” who have “signed up”.
The commitments include “educat[ing] and rais[ing] awareness with their users” and building a “network” of “trusted reporters” to flag unwanted content. Facebook and Twitter are to provide “regular training to their staff on current societal developments” and work more closely with national governments and “their law enforcement agencies” to remove content the EU does not favor.
Most alarmingly, however, the platforms have also promised to engage in the active promotion of views and organisations the EU does favour, and the re-education of supposedly hateful users.
More here
A press release from the Commission this morning claims the new initiative has been set up “to respond to the challenge of ensuring that online platforms do not offer opportunities for illegal online hate speech to spread virally”.
The move has been branded “Orwellian” by Members of the European Parliament, and digital freedom groups have already pulled out of any further discussions with the Commission, calling the new policy “lamentable”.
The unelected, executive branch of the European Union (EU) released a “Code of Conduct” today that “includes a series of commitments to combat the spread of illegal hate speech online in Europe” developed “together with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Microsoft (‘the ITcompanies’)” who have “signed up”.
The commitments include “educat[ing] and rais[ing] awareness with their users” and building a “network” of “trusted reporters” to flag unwanted content. Facebook and Twitter are to provide “regular training to their staff on current societal developments” and work more closely with national governments and “their law enforcement agencies” to remove content the EU does not favor.
Most alarmingly, however, the platforms have also promised to engage in the active promotion of views and organisations the EU does favour, and the re-education of supposedly hateful users.
More here
Glenn Beck SUSPENDED Immediately for what he said about TRUMP on air
Now he may just have hammered in the last nail over comments he made about Donald Trump on air.
SiriusXM has announced a temporary one-week suspension of Beck’s radio program. As Breitbart reported; Sirius issued a statement that “comments recently made by a guest on the independently produced Glenn Beck Program, in our judgement, may be reasonably construed by some to have been advocating harm against an individual currently running for office, which we cannot and will not condone. For that reason, we have suspended The Glenn Beck Program from our Patriot channel for the coming week and are evaluating its place in our lineup going forward.”
More
Administration Evades Questions About Illegal Obamacare Funding
House Republicans accused the Obama administration Tuesday of stonewalling their investigation into whether the government is funding an obscure Obamacare program without asking Congress for the money first.
Earlier this month, Republican lawmakers were emboldened by federal court ruling that said the administration is unlawfully paying insurers who are required to reduce costs for poorer customers on Obamacare’s exchanges.
But they also want to know if the administration is going around the Affordable Care Act’s text to fund the Basic Health Program, a second, lesser-known part of the 2010 health care law that allows states to set up a coverage program for low-income people who are ineligible for Medicaid and would otherwise enter Obamacare’s subsidized health care exchanges.
So far, only Minnesota and New York have implemented the program.
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, Michigan Republican, and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, Texas Republican, said they have been asking for nearly a year about how the program is funded. They said a high-ranking official who briefed them did not bring any of the documents with her and that documents they later received had multiple redactions.
More
Earlier this month, Republican lawmakers were emboldened by federal court ruling that said the administration is unlawfully paying insurers who are required to reduce costs for poorer customers on Obamacare’s exchanges.
But they also want to know if the administration is going around the Affordable Care Act’s text to fund the Basic Health Program, a second, lesser-known part of the 2010 health care law that allows states to set up a coverage program for low-income people who are ineligible for Medicaid and would otherwise enter Obamacare’s subsidized health care exchanges.
So far, only Minnesota and New York have implemented the program.
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, Michigan Republican, and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, Texas Republican, said they have been asking for nearly a year about how the program is funded. They said a high-ranking official who briefed them did not bring any of the documents with her and that documents they later received had multiple redactions.
More
Police investigate parents of boy rescued from gorilla
Authorities said the investigation will look at the parents’ actions leading up to the incident — not the operation of the zoo, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Police will then confer with prosecutors over whether charges should be filed, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters said.
The incident has triggered a furor online, with some saying the boy’s mother should be charged with child endangering, while others want the zoo held responsible for the animal’s death.
More
Golfer Attempts Risky Shot.......Oops!
**Language warning**
After watching the video you will have to manually click it again to stop it from playing repeatedly.
State Police Enforcement Statistics For Memorial Day Weekend
From May 27th through May 30th, troopers stopped 8,443 vehicles and issued 5,793 traffic citations, 4,831 warnings and 798 safety equipment repair orders. Troopers arrested 93 drivers for impaired driving.
During those traffic stops, troopers made 67 criminal arrests and issued 61 civil citations for offenses. Troopers also arrested 71 people who were wanted on warrants.
Troopers coordinated enforcement along the entire length of I-95 through Maryland as part of Operation Millipede. Troopers made nine impaired driving arrests and stopped 542 vehicles on I-95 during this initiative.
Along the route to and from the beach, additional troopers worked Operation Showboat. Troopers made four impaired driving arrests and stopped 746 vehicles along Rt. 50.
During the holiday weekend period, state troopers investigated 16 traffic crashes that involved drivers believed to be impaired. One crash involved an impaired driver who sideswiped a Maryland State Police patrol car that was stopped behind a traffic violator’s vehicle in St. Mary’s County. The trooper was outside his patrol car when the crash occurred and was not injured.
Troopers investigated three fatal crashes during the holiday weekend. The fatal crashes occurred in Allegany, Harford and Queen Anne’s counties. Investigation into the causes of those crashes continues.
After First Event, Trailer Ordinance For Cruisin’ Event Viewed As A Learning Experience In OC
OCEAN CITY — While one single event might not be a large enough sample size to make any long-range assessments, the new ordinance governing parking for oversized trailers on city streets during vehicle-related special events during last month’s spring Cruisin’ event appeared to have achieved the desired results.
As part of the ongoing effort to rein in some of the behavior associated with the vehicle-related special events, including but not limited to the spring and fall Cruisin’ events and Bike Week, for example, the Mayor and Council spent much of last winter working on an ordinance requiring participants to purchase a permit for parking oversized trailers on certain city streets. The idea was borne after a particularly troublesome spring Cruisin’ event last year when residents complained of trailers and other oversized vehicles parked along main thoroughfares and side streets throughout the resort, taking up vast areas of street parking in some cases and causing traffic obstructions in others.
Essentially, the new ordinance allows only those officially registered for the events to park oversized vehicles on city streets. The stickers have to be prominently displayed on the trailers and those “hangers on” not officially registered for the events are not allowed to purchase them. Another component of the ordinance prohibits parking oversized trailers anywhere on Baltimore Avenue.
The new ordinance only allows registered participants to park trailers on public streets from May 1 to Oct. 31 and only after purchasing a permit and affixing it to the trailer. The permits cost $50 and apply only to the event prior to or during which they are purchased. In other words, they aren’t cumulative for the rest of the vehicle-related special events throughout the year.
More
As part of the ongoing effort to rein in some of the behavior associated with the vehicle-related special events, including but not limited to the spring and fall Cruisin’ events and Bike Week, for example, the Mayor and Council spent much of last winter working on an ordinance requiring participants to purchase a permit for parking oversized trailers on certain city streets. The idea was borne after a particularly troublesome spring Cruisin’ event last year when residents complained of trailers and other oversized vehicles parked along main thoroughfares and side streets throughout the resort, taking up vast areas of street parking in some cases and causing traffic obstructions in others.
Essentially, the new ordinance allows only those officially registered for the events to park oversized vehicles on city streets. The stickers have to be prominently displayed on the trailers and those “hangers on” not officially registered for the events are not allowed to purchase them. Another component of the ordinance prohibits parking oversized trailers anywhere on Baltimore Avenue.
The new ordinance only allows registered participants to park trailers on public streets from May 1 to Oct. 31 and only after purchasing a permit and affixing it to the trailer. The permits cost $50 and apply only to the event prior to or during which they are purchased. In other words, they aren’t cumulative for the rest of the vehicle-related special events throughout the year.
More
Sobo's RUM DINNER
|
Sobo's Wine Beerstro
1015 Eastern Shore Dr. Salisbury, MD
|
Sobo's will host a special dinner event...
Thursday, June 2nd at 6:30pm
Chef Arturo's special menu will include rum pairings.
Representatives from Southern Wine & Spirits will educate guests on the selected rum pairings and the featured cocktail recipes. Cost is $58 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Call today for reservations... 410.219.1117
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)