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Friday, June 17, 2016
3 More Prominent Republicans Say They Cannot Endorse Donald Trump
Fred Upton, R-Mich., joins Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and also Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who ran for president against Donald Trump.
This pushback comes as the presumptive Republican nominee marks the one-year anniversary of the start of his remarkable and unconventional candidacy, and as the GOP is at yet another crossroads as to how to maintain party unity with him at the top of the ticket. Meanwhile, presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is launching an eight-figure, multi-battleground state campaign ad blitz.
On Thursday The Detroit News reported that Upton had said he was going to "stay in my lane," adding that neither Trump nor Clinton should expect his support.
" 'There's a lot of things that folks are not happy about with either of these two candidates,' he said. 'We're running our own race, and don't look for me to endorse anyone in this race probably the rest of the year.'
"Upton, who has served in Congress since 1987, joins other Michigan GOP U.S. Reps. Justin Amash of Cascade Falls, Bill Huizenga of Zeeland and John Moolenaar of Midland in not endorsing Trump."
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Subject: By backing Hillary Clinton, Obama endorses lawlessness
Surprise, surprise: President Obama endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. He wants someone to follow him who will protect his disastrous legacy. He couldn’t have made a better choice.
“I know how hard this job can be. That’s why I know Hillary will be so good at it,” he explained. He provided plenty of joke lines for the late night shows. But he made clear that he won’t remain on the sidelines during the campaign: Joint political appearances are being planned.
None of this should surprise anyone. It won’t be the first time an incumbent attempted to help elect his successor. But never before has the conflict been so great, with the current president presiding over a criminal investigation of his party’s presumptive nominee.
It’s worth letting that sink in. Without question, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton violated law and procedure in using her home email server for classified information. We can only guess at the security hacks attempted and possibly achieved.
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“I know how hard this job can be. That’s why I know Hillary will be so good at it,” he explained. He provided plenty of joke lines for the late night shows. But he made clear that he won’t remain on the sidelines during the campaign: Joint political appearances are being planned.
None of this should surprise anyone. It won’t be the first time an incumbent attempted to help elect his successor. But never before has the conflict been so great, with the current president presiding over a criminal investigation of his party’s presumptive nominee.
It’s worth letting that sink in. Without question, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton violated law and procedure in using her home email server for classified information. We can only guess at the security hacks attempted and possibly achieved.
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Wicomico County to host major summer basketball events
SALISBURY, MD – Wicomico County is expanding its role in youth basketball with two tournaments coming to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center this summer.
The new DMVelite Rise Basketball Tournament will take place June 24-26 and the AAU 8U Boys Basketball National Championships are set for July 5-10.
“We are very excited with the lineup of youth basketball events that will take place this summer in Wicomico County,” said James Simmons, assistant tourism manager for Wicomico County. “We feel that these events have tremendous growth potential and that we will be able to help to not only grow them, but add more to the calendar year round in basketball and many other sports as well.”
The DMVelite Rise Basketball Tournament is put on by DMVelite Showcase Events and Wicomico County. In its first year, more than 40 boys basketball teams with players in eighth to 11th grade will participate. Teams will come to Wicomico County from as far away as Canada and North Carolina.
Scouts and college coaches are expected to attend.
“The energy, competition level and exposure at our events is top-notch and we feel that the area and local basketball community is a perfect fit for this newly-created event,” said Chris Lawson, director/promoter for DMVelite Showcase Events.
The Amateur Athletic Union 8U Boys Basketball National Championships will bring qualifying teams from all over the country to compete in Wicomico County. This will be the first basketball national championship held in the Maryland AAU District and will feature teams with the likes of the son of former University of Maryland men’s basketball star and national champion Juan Dixon.
“This event is making history for the Maryland District of AAU and we are thrilled to host the National Championships here in the state of Maryland,” said Ben Dubose, governor of the Maryland District of AAU and sports director for Boys Basketball. “The 8 and under division represents the grassroots of AAU basketball and the foundation of the sport. It’s not just about the competition; we want our teams to have fun and create memories that will last for years to come. We have chosen a great destination for our participants and their families and we know that they will enjoy their time on the Eastern Shore.”
Daily admission and weeklong passes will be sold on site at each event. These events join the award-winning Governor’s Challenge holiday basketball tournament on Wicomico County’s roster of youth basketball events.
For more information, visit www.DMVelite.com or www.marylandaau.com.
The new DMVelite Rise Basketball Tournament will take place June 24-26 and the AAU 8U Boys Basketball National Championships are set for July 5-10.
“We are very excited with the lineup of youth basketball events that will take place this summer in Wicomico County,” said James Simmons, assistant tourism manager for Wicomico County. “We feel that these events have tremendous growth potential and that we will be able to help to not only grow them, but add more to the calendar year round in basketball and many other sports as well.”
The DMVelite Rise Basketball Tournament is put on by DMVelite Showcase Events and Wicomico County. In its first year, more than 40 boys basketball teams with players in eighth to 11th grade will participate. Teams will come to Wicomico County from as far away as Canada and North Carolina.
Scouts and college coaches are expected to attend.
“The energy, competition level and exposure at our events is top-notch and we feel that the area and local basketball community is a perfect fit for this newly-created event,” said Chris Lawson, director/promoter for DMVelite Showcase Events.
The Amateur Athletic Union 8U Boys Basketball National Championships will bring qualifying teams from all over the country to compete in Wicomico County. This will be the first basketball national championship held in the Maryland AAU District and will feature teams with the likes of the son of former University of Maryland men’s basketball star and national champion Juan Dixon.
“This event is making history for the Maryland District of AAU and we are thrilled to host the National Championships here in the state of Maryland,” said Ben Dubose, governor of the Maryland District of AAU and sports director for Boys Basketball. “The 8 and under division represents the grassroots of AAU basketball and the foundation of the sport. It’s not just about the competition; we want our teams to have fun and create memories that will last for years to come. We have chosen a great destination for our participants and their families and we know that they will enjoy their time on the Eastern Shore.”
Daily admission and weeklong passes will be sold on site at each event. These events join the award-winning Governor’s Challenge holiday basketball tournament on Wicomico County’s roster of youth basketball events.
For more information, visit www.DMVelite.com or www.marylandaau.com.
Gun Shop Reported 'Suspicious' Omar Mateen to Authorities
Robbie Abell, owner of a Florida gun shop, says he alerted authorities that a suspicious man had come in asking about body armor. Five weeks later, Omar Mateen – equipped with weapons he bought at a different shop after Abell’s employees refused to sell to him – killed 49 people and injured as many at Pulse night club in Orlando.
UPDATE: Abell has since confirmed the agency he contact was the FBI.
The Wall Street Journal quotes Abell as telling them that his store, Lotus Gunworks of South Florida, “shut him down on all sales” after be began asking bizarre questions about body armor and bulk ammunition. “The questions he was asking were not the normal questions a normal person would be asking… He just seemed very odd,” Abell said. The armor Mateen asked about is not traditionally available to civilians.
Abell noted that he made a phone call during his time in the store, and appeared to be speaking in Arabic. Mateen is from an Afghan family, and his father – a prolific pro-Taliban Youtuber – is known to speak at least two Afghan languages, Dari and Pashto. Mateen’s wife, Noor Salman, identifies as “Palestinian,” which would make her a likely Arabic speaker. She has confessed to shopping for weapons with Mateen.
Abell says his store alerted authorities to the suspicious man, though he did not say which authorities– whether he spoke to local police, FBI, or Homeland Security. Local CBS 12 notes that Abell’s store appeared to be following the procedures “in line with the FBI’s push for people to ‘see something, say something,‘ if they witness anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.”
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UPDATE: Abell has since confirmed the agency he contact was the FBI.
The Wall Street Journal quotes Abell as telling them that his store, Lotus Gunworks of South Florida, “shut him down on all sales” after be began asking bizarre questions about body armor and bulk ammunition. “The questions he was asking were not the normal questions a normal person would be asking… He just seemed very odd,” Abell said. The armor Mateen asked about is not traditionally available to civilians.
Abell noted that he made a phone call during his time in the store, and appeared to be speaking in Arabic. Mateen is from an Afghan family, and his father – a prolific pro-Taliban Youtuber – is known to speak at least two Afghan languages, Dari and Pashto. Mateen’s wife, Noor Salman, identifies as “Palestinian,” which would make her a likely Arabic speaker. She has confessed to shopping for weapons with Mateen.
Abell says his store alerted authorities to the suspicious man, though he did not say which authorities– whether he spoke to local police, FBI, or Homeland Security. Local CBS 12 notes that Abell’s store appeared to be following the procedures “in line with the FBI’s push for people to ‘see something, say something,‘ if they witness anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.”
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Subject: CIA chief: ISIS working to send operatives to the West
WASHINGTON-- CIA Director John Brennan will tell Congress that Islamic State militants are training and attempting to deploy operatives for further attacks on the West and will rely more on guerrilla-style tactics to compensate for their territorial losses.
In remarks prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee, Brennan says IS has been working to build an apparatus to direct and inspire attacks against its foreign enemies, as in the recent attacks in Paris and Brussels — ones the CIA believes were directed by IS leaders.
"ISIL has a large cadre of Western fighters who could potentially serve as operatives for attacks in the West," Brennan said, using another acronym for the group. He said IS probably is working to smuggle them into countries, perhaps among refugee flows or through legitimate means of travel.
Brennan also noted the group's call for followers to conduct so-called lone-wolf attacks in their home countries. He called last week's attack in Orlando a "heinous act of wanton violence" and an "assault on the values of openness and tolerance" that define the United States as a nation.
He said IS is gradually cultivating its various branches into an interconnected network. The branch in Libya is likely the most advanced and most dangerous, but IS is trying to increase its influence in Africa, he said. The IS branch in the Sinai has become the "most active and capable terrorist group in Egypt," attacking the Egyptian military and government targets in addition to foreigners and tourists, such as the downing of a Russian passenger jet last October.
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In remarks prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee, Brennan says IS has been working to build an apparatus to direct and inspire attacks against its foreign enemies, as in the recent attacks in Paris and Brussels — ones the CIA believes were directed by IS leaders.
"ISIL has a large cadre of Western fighters who could potentially serve as operatives for attacks in the West," Brennan said, using another acronym for the group. He said IS probably is working to smuggle them into countries, perhaps among refugee flows or through legitimate means of travel.
Brennan also noted the group's call for followers to conduct so-called lone-wolf attacks in their home countries. He called last week's attack in Orlando a "heinous act of wanton violence" and an "assault on the values of openness and tolerance" that define the United States as a nation.
He said IS is gradually cultivating its various branches into an interconnected network. The branch in Libya is likely the most advanced and most dangerous, but IS is trying to increase its influence in Africa, he said. The IS branch in the Sinai has become the "most active and capable terrorist group in Egypt," attacking the Egyptian military and government targets in addition to foreigners and tourists, such as the downing of a Russian passenger jet last October.
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Global Warming Skeptic Responds To Massachusetts AG’s Subpoena: ‘F**k Off, Fascist’
Healey demanded the oil giant ExxonMobil hand over 40 years of documents, including information pertaining to the company’s dealings with about a dozen think tanks and trade associations, which have been targeted by environmental groups for opposing left-wing global warming policies.
Healey’s subpoena targeted the Center for Industrial Progress (CIP), a for-profit think tank founded by Epstein. Epstein wasn’t exactly happy about being targeted for disagreeing with Healey on global warming, so he sent the AG’s office the following response:
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Subject: John McCain: Obama is ‘directly responsible’ for Orlando attack
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the elder Republican statesman, said President Obama was “directly responsible” for the terror attack in Orlando due to his failure to combat the rise of the Islamic State terror group.
McCain’s statement goes beyond the criticism of Obama that has been leveled by his Republican colleagues in the Senate, and it follows remarks made this week by presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who seemed to connect Obama to the attack in a Monday interview and on Wednesday tweeted an article claiming that Obama “actively supported” the terrorist group that became the Islamic State.
McCain made his remarks in a Senate hallway to a small group of reporters, responding to a question about the gun-control debate that has flared on Capitol Hill since the Sunday-morning shooting that left 49 clubgoers and the gunman dead. Obama on Thursday traveled to Orlando with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to pay his respects to victims’ families.
McCain answered the question about the gun debate by citing Obama’s culpability for the attack through his foreign policy: “Barack Obama is directly responsible for it, because when he pulled everybody out of Iraq, al-Qaeda went to Syria, became ISIS, and ISIS is what it is today thanks to Barack Obama’s failures,” McCain said.
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McCain’s statement goes beyond the criticism of Obama that has been leveled by his Republican colleagues in the Senate, and it follows remarks made this week by presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump, who seemed to connect Obama to the attack in a Monday interview and on Wednesday tweeted an article claiming that Obama “actively supported” the terrorist group that became the Islamic State.
McCain made his remarks in a Senate hallway to a small group of reporters, responding to a question about the gun-control debate that has flared on Capitol Hill since the Sunday-morning shooting that left 49 clubgoers and the gunman dead. Obama on Thursday traveled to Orlando with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to pay his respects to victims’ families.
McCain answered the question about the gun debate by citing Obama’s culpability for the attack through his foreign policy: “Barack Obama is directly responsible for it, because when he pulled everybody out of Iraq, al-Qaeda went to Syria, became ISIS, and ISIS is what it is today thanks to Barack Obama’s failures,” McCain said.
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Philadelphia Set to OK Soda Tax Despite Industry Opposition
The City Council is expected to give final approval Thursday to a 1.5 cent-per-ounce tax on sugary and diet beverages.
Berkeley, California, is the only other city with such a tax. Other proposals have been defeated in more than 30 cities and states.
Two previous efforts to pass a soda tax in Philadelphia also failed.
But Democratic Mayor Jim Kenney sold the council on the idea with a plan to spend most of the estimated $90 million in new tax revenues next year to pay for pre-kindergarten, community schools and recreation centers.
The soda industry is expected to sue if the tax is approved.
Source
Subject: Israel: Massive Concrete Wall Above And Below Ground Along Entire Gaza Border
The barrier was revealed on Thursday in a story splashed across the cover of Yedioth Aharonot, Israel’s largest daily newspaper. The story was published with the approval of the country’s defense ministry.
Yedioth’s affiliated website, Ynetnews, has the details:
Israel’s defense establishment’s plan to build a concrete wall tens of meters underground as well as above ground along the Gaza Strip border was revealed by Yedioth Ahronoth Thursday morning. …
The wall will stretch along the 60 miles of the southern border around the Gaza Strip, and will in fact be the third defense system of its kind Israel has built along the border.
The first 60-kilometer barrier was constructed in 1994 following the Oslo accords, while the second system was built following the decision to disengage from Gaza in 2005. Neither of the efforts, however, provided comprehensive solutions to the threat of attack tunnels.
The report comes after two Hamas terror tunnels were discovered crossing into Israel in April and May.
More here
Sonogram shows couple may be having a car
Social media is fired up over a sonogram featuring what's supposed to be a baby, but looks like it may speed right out of there.
The Roberts family was so amused with their baby buggy, they posted the sonogram on Reddit.
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Report: U.S. Can Use Energy Clout to Pressure Russia, Ease Tensions, With China
The United States has been slow to recognize how its emergence as a leading energy producer can be used as leverage to build cooperation with China and apply pressure to Russia, according to a new report.
The U.S. government could take advantage of the modern energy market to reduce tensions with China by boosting cooperation in energy trade and also deal a blow to Russia by providing increased competition in the energy sector, a panel of experts from the Center for a New American Security write in a report released this month.
“The United States is not yet well-positioned to take advantage of the new energy market circumstances to advance many of its national interests,” the experts write in The New Great Game. “Unlike China and Russia, which reacted fairly quickly and are pursuing policies to counteract their energy vulnerabilities and expand resilience, U.S. leaders have been slower to grasp opportunities for advancing U.S. global leadership, balancing a tense relationship with China, and working to contain Russian foreign aggression.”
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[Hmmm, I think I know somebody who could get this done. --Editor]
The U.S. government could take advantage of the modern energy market to reduce tensions with China by boosting cooperation in energy trade and also deal a blow to Russia by providing increased competition in the energy sector, a panel of experts from the Center for a New American Security write in a report released this month.
“The United States is not yet well-positioned to take advantage of the new energy market circumstances to advance many of its national interests,” the experts write in The New Great Game. “Unlike China and Russia, which reacted fairly quickly and are pursuing policies to counteract their energy vulnerabilities and expand resilience, U.S. leaders have been slower to grasp opportunities for advancing U.S. global leadership, balancing a tense relationship with China, and working to contain Russian foreign aggression.”
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[Hmmm, I think I know somebody who could get this done. --Editor]
Texas Must Accept Syrian Refugees, Federal Court Rules
U.S. District Court Judge David Godbey ruled on Thursday that the state of Texas does not have the authority to block the resettlement of Syrian refugees within the state.
In December, the state of Texas filed suit against the federal government and the International Rescue Committee, an international relief agency, to block the resettlement of several hundred Syrian refugees claiming that the Refugee Act of 1980 requires the federal government to consult with state authorities before making final determinations as to resettlement. Twenty-nine other states have sought to block the resettlement of Syrian refugees in their jurisdiction.
The district court declined to rule on the merit of Texas’ claim, instead finding that Congress had not conferred a mechanism for the states to challenge federal actions under the Act.
Godbey previously criticized security concerns raised by the Texas AG, who argued the state had a compelling interest in protecting its citizens against extremism, calling the claims “largely speculative hearsay.”
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In December, the state of Texas filed suit against the federal government and the International Rescue Committee, an international relief agency, to block the resettlement of several hundred Syrian refugees claiming that the Refugee Act of 1980 requires the federal government to consult with state authorities before making final determinations as to resettlement. Twenty-nine other states have sought to block the resettlement of Syrian refugees in their jurisdiction.
The district court declined to rule on the merit of Texas’ claim, instead finding that Congress had not conferred a mechanism for the states to challenge federal actions under the Act.
Godbey previously criticized security concerns raised by the Texas AG, who argued the state had a compelling interest in protecting its citizens against extremism, calling the claims “largely speculative hearsay.”
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LGBT activists enraged over beach patrol bathroom email
Consider the plight of Captain Butch Arbin, a 40-year veteran of the beach patrol in Ocean City, Md.
He’s facing the wrath of City Hall and militant LGBT activists over his handling of a bathroom controversy involving male and female lifeguards.
Female lifeguards had complained that male lifeguards were using their dressing rooms. The male lifeguards are not transgender. They are presumed to be men who identify as men, which in PC parlance is called "cisgender."
Some of the guys were apparently using the ladies room out of convenience – seeing how there are more male lifeguards than female.
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Milford man charged with sexual assault of two juveniles
Released By: Sgt. Dwight Young
On 6/11/16 the Milford Police Criminal Division arrested and charged a 36yo Milford man in connection with sexual assaults of juveniles that occurred from 6/1/05 to 6/8/16 at residences located in the 300 block of Pierce St and the 200 block of King Hwy. Edgar Arreaga-Bravo was charged with Rape 1st Degree Victim less than 12yo (3 counts), Rape 3rd Degree Victim less than 14yo, Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, Unlawful Sexual Contact 3rd Degree and Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 1st Degree. Investigation revealed that Bravo had engaged in sexual acts with a 8yo female juvenile and a 14yo female juvenile beginning in June of 2005. Bravo was arraigned and committed to SCI in default of $300,400.00 cash bond.
Subject: Ryan, top Republicans urge caution on post-Orlando gun control measures
House Speaker Paul Ryan and other top Republicans pushed back Thursday on growing calls from Democrats to ban people on terror watch lists from buying guns, even as Donald Trump and other GOP figures opened the door to discussing it.
Calls for action have increased in the wake of the terror massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando that left 50 people, including the gunman, dead on Sunday. The gunman, Omar Mateen, had been on a watch list for 10 months before being removed.
“We want to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again. Everybody wants that," Ryan told reporters Thursday. "But as we look at how to proceed, we also want to make sure that we're not infringing upon people's legitimate constitutional rights. That's important.”
Ryan's comments come a day after Trump indicated potential support for new gun laws in this area.
“I will be meeting with the N.R.A., who has endorsed me, about not allowing people on the terrorist watch list, or the no-fly list, to buy guns,” the presumptive GOP presidential nominee tweeted Wednesday.
Whether Trump would support an outright ban or just a delay for gun sales for those on watch lists is not clear.
That is the sticking point right now in the Senate.
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Calls for action have increased in the wake of the terror massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando that left 50 people, including the gunman, dead on Sunday. The gunman, Omar Mateen, had been on a watch list for 10 months before being removed.
“We want to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again. Everybody wants that," Ryan told reporters Thursday. "But as we look at how to proceed, we also want to make sure that we're not infringing upon people's legitimate constitutional rights. That's important.”
Ryan's comments come a day after Trump indicated potential support for new gun laws in this area.
“I will be meeting with the N.R.A., who has endorsed me, about not allowing people on the terrorist watch list, or the no-fly list, to buy guns,” the presumptive GOP presidential nominee tweeted Wednesday.
Whether Trump would support an outright ban or just a delay for gun sales for those on watch lists is not clear.
That is the sticking point right now in the Senate.
More
JUST IN: Juvenile Suspect In Crash That Killed 9-Year-Old In Custody
He will be charged as a juvenile with vehicular manslaughter and other charges, according to Baltimore Police spokesman T.J. Smith.
Investigators say a driver fleeing from police ran a red light just as class at Steuart Hill Academy was letting out. Detectives believe he was in a stolen Jeep Liberty.
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This Thunderbirds Appearance Extra Special
Would they still come? It looked doubtful two weeks ago after a pilot with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds was forced to crash his F-16 into a field in Colorado, launching an internal investigation and two Air Show appearances elsewhere having to be cancelled.
Fortunately, the pilot was able to eject and will be in Ocean City this weekend. The same cannot be said for a member of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels who died in a crash on that same day, June 2. Captain Jeff Kuss was in Ocean City last year for the OC Air Show and had a high profile role in last year’s event with the angels headlining it. Although it’s the Thunderbirds’ turn this year to headline the event, the loss to the aviation industry will be marked several times this weekend. In fact, on each of the Thunderbirds jets a message of remembrance has been affixed. It reads, “In Memory Of Marine Capt Jeff Kuss Blue Angel #6 Opposing Solo.”
June 2 was indeed a dark day for the aviation industry. For the next 10 days, the Thunderbirds’ appearance in the OC Air Show was in question. Without the Thunderbirds, it’s no secret the Air Show would have been taken a major hit. Attendance would have suffered and the “wow” factor would have been diminished considerably without its headliner. Everyone knows that.
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Fortunately, the pilot was able to eject and will be in Ocean City this weekend. The same cannot be said for a member of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels who died in a crash on that same day, June 2. Captain Jeff Kuss was in Ocean City last year for the OC Air Show and had a high profile role in last year’s event with the angels headlining it. Although it’s the Thunderbirds’ turn this year to headline the event, the loss to the aviation industry will be marked several times this weekend. In fact, on each of the Thunderbirds jets a message of remembrance has been affixed. It reads, “In Memory Of Marine Capt Jeff Kuss Blue Angel #6 Opposing Solo.”
June 2 was indeed a dark day for the aviation industry. For the next 10 days, the Thunderbirds’ appearance in the OC Air Show was in question. Without the Thunderbirds, it’s no secret the Air Show would have been taken a major hit. Attendance would have suffered and the “wow” factor would have been diminished considerably without its headliner. Everyone knows that.
More
Fight breaks out during kindergarten graduation ceremony
A witness shared video on WBAL-TV's u local showing the incident in which two adults threw punches inside the cafeteria at the Alexander Hamilton Elementary School.
The woman who sent the video to 11 News said some children were receiving their certificates as the adults tried to break up the fight.
District officials said the school rescheduled the graduation for Friday so the students could complete the ceremony and get their certificates.
Click HERE to see the video
Countries in visa-free travel program not sharing terror info
More than a dozen countries participating in a program that allows visitors into the U.S. without a visa are not sharing terrorists’ identities and other vital information as required by law, according to a watchdog report raising concerns on Capitol Hill about yet another major security gap.
“This is very dangerous because for the most part, these are allies, some of which have pockets of Islamic radicalism,” Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., chairman of the House national security subcommittee, told FoxNews.com.
The Visa Waiver Program lets business travelers and tourists with passports from 38 countries fill out a basic online form to enter the U.S. The biographical questionnaire can be filled out at the airport.
Last year, Congress tightened measures requiring those countries to supply identities of suspected terrorists and the criminal history of those wishing to enter the U.S. Theoretically, the information is then heaved into law enforcement databases to be checked when travelers apply for a visa or waiver.
Yet the Government Accountability Office found “more than a third of VWP countries are not sharing terrorist identity information” or criminal history. The report says: “While VWP countries may share information through other means, U.S. agency officials told GAO that information sharing through the agreements is essential for national security.”
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“This is very dangerous because for the most part, these are allies, some of which have pockets of Islamic radicalism,” Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., chairman of the House national security subcommittee, told FoxNews.com.
The Visa Waiver Program lets business travelers and tourists with passports from 38 countries fill out a basic online form to enter the U.S. The biographical questionnaire can be filled out at the airport.
Last year, Congress tightened measures requiring those countries to supply identities of suspected terrorists and the criminal history of those wishing to enter the U.S. Theoretically, the information is then heaved into law enforcement databases to be checked when travelers apply for a visa or waiver.
Yet the Government Accountability Office found “more than a third of VWP countries are not sharing terrorist identity information” or criminal history. The report says: “While VWP countries may share information through other means, U.S. agency officials told GAO that information sharing through the agreements is essential for national security.”
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Trump supporters denied service at Cook Out
Dressed in Donald Trump shirts and hats, the family walked up to the window at the Cook Out on Boulevard in Colonial Heights to order burgers and milkshakes.
"As soon as we got to the window, someone inside said 'Hell no! I'm not serving them,'" Riggs recalled.
After a few minutes of discussion behind the window, their orders were eventually taken.
"Everyone was laughing and giggling," Riggs said about the uncomfortable situation.
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Arizona Border Recon Provides Intel and Back-up for Federal Officers
Arizona Border Recon treads a blurry line: Its members are not part of official border patrol but follow their own standard operating procedure that details everything from how they maintain their vehicles to which firearms they are authorized to use. Their website states that “we value human life, and to that extent we will do what we can to help anyone we encounter.”
Johnson describes their encounters with people who had crossed the border illegally as “firm but polite.”
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UPDATE: Missing Teen In Salisbury
If seen please contact the Salisbury Police Department.
UPDATE: 17 YO Anthony Badger has been located safely
Introducing the New Maryland Secure Driver's Licenses and ID Cards
NEW SECURE CARDS - NEW SECURE PROCESS
- Totally redesigned driver’s license, learner’s permit and identification (ID) card to help protect against identity theft and counterfeiting.
- New cards issued starting on June 20, 2016.
- You will not receive your new card during your visit. New cards are printed and mailed from a high-security MVA facility.
- Customers receive their new cards in the mail within 7 - 10 business days.
- Make sure MVA has your correct address.
- Plan ahead. Give yourself enough time to receive your new card in the mail.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Progressive Insanity Endangers America
“This is the saddest day of my life. I can’t even wrap my mind around the horror of what happened … in Orlando, where 50 joyful dancing queers were murdered by a religious extremist. I’m sad — devastated, in my soul — about that; but I’m also sad that the events of Orlando have shattered my political beliefs, as I can no longer swear allegiance to a peace-love-and-unicorns progressive philosophy that only helps to get my fellow queers killed."—from a column written by "Anonymous” for PJ Media.
Anonymous was just getting started. Later in the same column he utterly eviscerated the progressive obsession with identity politics. “I also now realize, with brutal clarity, that in the progressive hierarchy of identity groups, Muslims are above gays,” he states. “Every pundit and politician — and that includes President Obama and Hillary Clinton and half the talking heads on TV — who today have said ‘We don’t know what the shooter’s motivation could possibly be!’ have revealed to me their true priorities: appeasing Muslims is more important than defending the lives of gay people. Every progressive who runs interference for Islamic murderers is complicit in those murders, and I can no longer be a part of that team.”
Unfortunately, it’s not just the hierarchy of identity groups. It is also the progressive determination to obliterate common sense and replace it with political correctness. Thus, following pressure from Muslim organizations like CAIR — utterly irrespective of their status as an un-indicted co-conspirator in the 2004 Holy Land Foundation terror fundraising case — the Obama administration purged any references to Islamic terror from the FBI’s counter-terrorism training materials beginning in 2011.
Yet it’s even worse than that.
(Read more here)
Anonymous was just getting started. Later in the same column he utterly eviscerated the progressive obsession with identity politics. “I also now realize, with brutal clarity, that in the progressive hierarchy of identity groups, Muslims are above gays,” he states. “Every pundit and politician — and that includes President Obama and Hillary Clinton and half the talking heads on TV — who today have said ‘We don’t know what the shooter’s motivation could possibly be!’ have revealed to me their true priorities: appeasing Muslims is more important than defending the lives of gay people. Every progressive who runs interference for Islamic murderers is complicit in those murders, and I can no longer be a part of that team.”
Unfortunately, it’s not just the hierarchy of identity groups. It is also the progressive determination to obliterate common sense and replace it with political correctness. Thus, following pressure from Muslim organizations like CAIR — utterly irrespective of their status as an un-indicted co-conspirator in the 2004 Holy Land Foundation terror fundraising case — the Obama administration purged any references to Islamic terror from the FBI’s counter-terrorism training materials beginning in 2011.
Yet it’s even worse than that.
(Read more here)
13 Dogs Face Euthanasia Due to Lack of Government Funding
Earlier this month, Cecil County notified A Buddy For Life animal shelter in Elkton that because they’re pulling county funding, the shelter would have until June 30 to clear all of the animals out of their current space before the county converts the building into the new Animal Control Division.
The shelter has been working endlessly to help all of their dogs find happy homes before the end of the month.
“We’d love the option of taking every one of them home” says a representative from the shelter, “but we’re doing what we can.”
More
Michelle Obama plans trip to Spain and Africa with her daughters and Meryl Streep
Michelle Obama plans to promote her year-old global girls' education initiative during upcoming stops in Liberia, Morocco and Spain on what could be her final solo overseas excursion as first lady.
The White House announced Wednesday that the three-country trip is booked for June 27-July 1. Her traveling companions are daughters Malia and Sasha, and her mother, Marian Robinson.
Actresses Freida Pinto and Meryl Streep are lending their star-power to the first lady's Africa appearances.
The trip is likely to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax-payer money, according to expense reports from the First Lady's prior trips to the African continent.
Mrs Obama racked up $424,142 on travel and expenses for the plane crew on her 2011 trip to Botswana and South Africa.
The plane that Mrs Obama usually travels on costs $11,684 an hour to operate, and with about 25 hours on her upcoming trip - the bill should amount to a little less than $300,000 just for flying alone.
More
The White House announced Wednesday that the three-country trip is booked for June 27-July 1. Her traveling companions are daughters Malia and Sasha, and her mother, Marian Robinson.
Actresses Freida Pinto and Meryl Streep are lending their star-power to the first lady's Africa appearances.
The trip is likely to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax-payer money, according to expense reports from the First Lady's prior trips to the African continent.
Mrs Obama racked up $424,142 on travel and expenses for the plane crew on her 2011 trip to Botswana and South Africa.
The plane that Mrs Obama usually travels on costs $11,684 an hour to operate, and with about 25 hours on her upcoming trip - the bill should amount to a little less than $300,000 just for flying alone.
More
Gun-Free Zones Are Killing Zones
Most of the mass killings by gun in the United States in recent years — Columbine, Virginia Tech, Aurora, Newtown, Charleston, San Bernardino and now Orlando — took place in venues where local or state law prohibited carrying guns, even by those lawfully licensed to do so. The government cheerfully calls these venues “gun-free zones.” They should be called killing zones.
As unspeakable and horrific as is the recent slaughter in Orlando, it has become just another example of the tragic consequences of government’s interfering with the exercise of fundamental liberties. After a while, these events cease to shock; but they should not cease to cause us to re-examine what the government has done to us.
We know from reason, human nature, and history that the right to defend yourself is a natural instinct that is an extension of the right to self-preservation, which is itself derived from the right to live. Life is the great gift from the
Creator, and we have a duty to exercise our freedoms to preserve life until its natural expiration. But the lives we strive to preserve should not be those actively engaged in killing innocent life.
The Framers recognized this when they ratified the Second Amendment, which the Supreme Court recently held was written to codify — and thus, prevent the government from infringing on — the pre-political right to own and use modern-day weapons for self-defense or to repel tyrants.
More
As unspeakable and horrific as is the recent slaughter in Orlando, it has become just another example of the tragic consequences of government’s interfering with the exercise of fundamental liberties. After a while, these events cease to shock; but they should not cease to cause us to re-examine what the government has done to us.
We know from reason, human nature, and history that the right to defend yourself is a natural instinct that is an extension of the right to self-preservation, which is itself derived from the right to live. Life is the great gift from the
Creator, and we have a duty to exercise our freedoms to preserve life until its natural expiration. But the lives we strive to preserve should not be those actively engaged in killing innocent life.
The Framers recognized this when they ratified the Second Amendment, which the Supreme Court recently held was written to codify — and thus, prevent the government from infringing on — the pre-political right to own and use modern-day weapons for self-defense or to repel tyrants.
More
THE EXACT SPOT WHERE LANE GRAVES WAS STANDING WHEN ATTACKED BY AN ALLIGATOR AT DISNEY WORLD
Jennifer Venditti of Massachusetts posted the photo to facebook along with a message asking everyone to pray for the Graves family. Venditti wrote:
"I took these pics at the exact spot this happened between 8:00 & 8:30, the incident happened at 9:00"
The facebook post has been shared over 153,000 times. What do you think? If you have something to add please leave a comment below.
Source
The Nations Clinton Bashes For Terrorism Funding Gave UP TO $40 MILLION To Clinton Foundation
Earlier this week, Hillary Clinton harshly criticized three countries for directly funding terrorists who are actively seeking to attack the United States and Western Europe. The governments of this trio of nations have contributed between $16 million and $40 million to the Clinton Foundation.
Clinton sharply denounced the three countries — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar — in a speech in Cleveland on Monday. It was her first public speech after Saturday night’s terrorist massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla.
“Efforts to defeat ISIS on the battlefield must succeed,” Clinton said. “But it will take more than that.”
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee then identified “three areas that demand attention” if America is to thwart future terrorist attacks. The third of these areas, Clinton said, is the prevention of “efforts by ISIS and other international terrorist networks to recruit in the United States and Europe.”
More
Clinton sharply denounced the three countries — Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar — in a speech in Cleveland on Monday. It was her first public speech after Saturday night’s terrorist massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Fla.
“Efforts to defeat ISIS on the battlefield must succeed,” Clinton said. “But it will take more than that.”
The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee then identified “three areas that demand attention” if America is to thwart future terrorist attacks. The third of these areas, Clinton said, is the prevention of “efforts by ISIS and other international terrorist networks to recruit in the United States and Europe.”
More
Obama Yet To Contact Florida Governor In Wake Of Orlando Terrorist Attack
... "fed up" with the administration's attitude ...
Following the nation’s worst mass shooting incident and its worst terrorist attack since 9/11, President Obama has yet to contact Florida Gov. Rick Scott over the tragedy and coordinate on matters of security.
Instead, the administration opted to contact Scott via a White House staffer, which seems to be a break from traditional White House protocol in the wake of state disasters.
Gov. Scott confirmed this in a Fox News interview with Brian Kilmeade on Tuesday, followed by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who expressed her frustration.
“This isn’t about politics right now. This is about Americans,” said Bondi. “I believe he should have reached out to the governor of the state of Florida, and he hasn’t.”
Asked whether she was disappointed in Obama’s decision not to contact state officials, Bondi replied, “Of course we are.”
Both Bondi and Scott have endorsed Donald Trump for president, which may, in part, explain why the president has opted not to reach out.
More
Following the nation’s worst mass shooting incident and its worst terrorist attack since 9/11, President Obama has yet to contact Florida Gov. Rick Scott over the tragedy and coordinate on matters of security.
Instead, the administration opted to contact Scott via a White House staffer, which seems to be a break from traditional White House protocol in the wake of state disasters.
Gov. Scott confirmed this in a Fox News interview with Brian Kilmeade on Tuesday, followed by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, who expressed her frustration.
“This isn’t about politics right now. This is about Americans,” said Bondi. “I believe he should have reached out to the governor of the state of Florida, and he hasn’t.”
Asked whether she was disappointed in Obama’s decision not to contact state officials, Bondi replied, “Of course we are.”
Both Bondi and Scott have endorsed Donald Trump for president, which may, in part, explain why the president has opted not to reach out.
More
Help Donald Trump Pick His VP Running Mate!
Newsmax.com, one of America's leading online news services, is conducting an urgent national online poll about Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump's potential Vice Presidential picks.
Donald Trump values your opinion and looks to online surveys like Newsmax's.
Newsmax will provide the results of this poll to major outlets. Newsmax's results also will be shared with popular radio talk-show hosts across America.
Newsmax reports have been cited by major networks, including CNN, ABC, Fox News, CBS, MSNBC, and other leading news organizations.
Don't miss the opportunity to let your voice be heard.
GO HERE to choose.
Donald Trump values your opinion and looks to online surveys like Newsmax's.
Newsmax will provide the results of this poll to major outlets. Newsmax's results also will be shared with popular radio talk-show hosts across America.
Newsmax reports have been cited by major networks, including CNN, ABC, Fox News, CBS, MSNBC, and other leading news organizations.
Don't miss the opportunity to let your voice be heard.
GO HERE to choose.
The Latest: Lawyer says detective tried to sabotage probe
BALTIMORE (AP) — The Latest on the Baltimore trial of a police officer on trial for murder in the death of a black prisoner whose neck was broken in a police transport van
A prosecutor in the trial of a Baltimore police officer charged with murdering a prisoner says he tried to have the lead police detective removed from the case last year, because he believed she was “sabotaging the investigation” by holding back information.
Michael Schatzow, chief deputy state’s attorney, made the comments Thursday during a contentious cross-examination of Detective Dawnyell Taylor. He said Taylor had problems with Janice Bledsoe, another prosecutor in the case.
More
A prosecutor in the trial of a Baltimore police officer charged with murdering a prisoner says he tried to have the lead police detective removed from the case last year, because he believed she was “sabotaging the investigation” by holding back information.
Michael Schatzow, chief deputy state’s attorney, made the comments Thursday during a contentious cross-examination of Detective Dawnyell Taylor. He said Taylor had problems with Janice Bledsoe, another prosecutor in the case.
More
Wal-Mart to eliminate 1,500 back-office jobs at US stores
NEW YORK (AP) — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Wednesday it is cutting jobs in accounting and other back-office positions at about 500 locations in the Western region of the U.S.
The move will affect two or three people per store, totaling as many as 1,500 workers, Wal-Mart spokesman Kory Lundberg said. But those employees are expected to be offered positions that will involve direct contact with shoppers, such as working in the online pickup department or as pharmacy technicians.
The goal is to get workers out of the backrooms and onto the selling floor where they can interact more closely with customers, Lundberg said.
More
The move will affect two or three people per store, totaling as many as 1,500 workers, Wal-Mart spokesman Kory Lundberg said. But those employees are expected to be offered positions that will involve direct contact with shoppers, such as working in the online pickup department or as pharmacy technicians.
The goal is to get workers out of the backrooms and onto the selling floor where they can interact more closely with customers, Lundberg said.
More
Common Core Does Not Prepare Students for College, New Report Finds
A recently released report confirms what Common Core critics have suspected all along: Common Core State Standards do not adequately prepare students for college-level work.
The ACT report finds many concerning shortcomings in the Common Core State Standards, which have been adopted by most states. Notably, the report reveals:
“While secondary teachers may be focusing on source-based writing [essays written about source-based documents], as emphasized in the Common Core, college instructors appear to value the ability to generate sound ideas more than some key features of source-based writing.
“Some early elementary teachers are still teaching certain math topics omitted from the Common Core standards, perhaps based on the needs—real or perceived—of students entering their classrooms.
“In addition, many mathematics teachers in grades 4–7 report including certain topics relevant in STEM coursework in their curricula at grades earlier than they appear in the Common Core.”
Teachers who must adjust their curriculum to fit Common Core aligned state tests now find themselves in a bind. As the report finds, the Common Core math standards do not adequately provide a child with the skills needed to succeed in the classroom, forcing teachers to add on extra material to their limited instruction time.
Additionally, high school English teachers must now emphasize material that leaves students lacking in original thought and analytical skills, according to many college professors. For example, only 18 percent of college professors surveyed rated their students as prepared to distinguish between opinion, fact, and reasoned judgement—a skill determined to be important for college-level work.
More
The ACT report finds many concerning shortcomings in the Common Core State Standards, which have been adopted by most states. Notably, the report reveals:
“While secondary teachers may be focusing on source-based writing [essays written about source-based documents], as emphasized in the Common Core, college instructors appear to value the ability to generate sound ideas more than some key features of source-based writing.
“Some early elementary teachers are still teaching certain math topics omitted from the Common Core standards, perhaps based on the needs—real or perceived—of students entering their classrooms.
“In addition, many mathematics teachers in grades 4–7 report including certain topics relevant in STEM coursework in their curricula at grades earlier than they appear in the Common Core.”
Teachers who must adjust their curriculum to fit Common Core aligned state tests now find themselves in a bind. As the report finds, the Common Core math standards do not adequately provide a child with the skills needed to succeed in the classroom, forcing teachers to add on extra material to their limited instruction time.
Additionally, high school English teachers must now emphasize material that leaves students lacking in original thought and analytical skills, according to many college professors. For example, only 18 percent of college professors surveyed rated their students as prepared to distinguish between opinion, fact, and reasoned judgement—a skill determined to be important for college-level work.
More
GE Appliances plans to close Bloomington refrigerator plant
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- GE Appliances says it plans to close its Bloomington refrigerator plant, eliminating its 329 remaining jobs.
The company announced the planned closing Wednesday, citing demand for the side-by-side refrigerators manufactured at the plant that has fallen by 76 percent since 2008. It says the plant is scheduled to operate only 22 weeks this year.
More
The company announced the planned closing Wednesday, citing demand for the side-by-side refrigerators manufactured at the plant that has fallen by 76 percent since 2008. It says the plant is scheduled to operate only 22 weeks this year.
More
‘I never will be a ‘Maverick.’ I am, in fact, a ‘Goose.’’
OCEAN CITY — Growing up, I loved the movie ‘Top Gun.’ It ranked somewhere between ‘The Karate Kid’ and ‘Back to the Future.’ I longed to be as cool and reckless as Tom Cruise’s character Maverick. I even learned all the words to the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” and would sing it to a girl on my bus back in Pennsylvania each morning on the way to school, much to her chagrin.
Yet, on Wednesday, while flying with world class pilot Jeff Boerboon, who will be performing at at the Ocean City Air Show aboard the Jack Links Screamin’ Sasquatch, somewhere in an aerobatic inverted dive hurtling toward the ocean at a crazy speed, I succumbed to the realization that I never will be a ‘Maverick.’ I am, in fact, a ‘Goose.’
The 15-minute ride above the Ocean City coastline was as aesthetically breathtaking as it was physically challenging as Boerboon jostled me in every direction as he flipped and spun the plane in ways that would make anyone a bit queasy. It wasn’t my first time doing flips in an airplane over the ocean, but it certainly may have been the most memorable, if nothing else, but for the realization that I will never be as cool as the dude that flies 747’s during the day, and does aerobatics in a souped-up bi-plane with a yeti on it that has a literal jet engine attached for added “going-mach 2-with-your-hair-on-fire” effect.
Of course, we live in a world where every possible thing is recorded and shared nowadays, and while I was pulling 6 G’s in a ridiculous old-time bomber hat, I knew there was a small Go-Pro camera in the cockpit capturing every turn.
More
Double Digit O.Care Premium Hikes Projected in 2017
Americans in markets across the country could be looking at double-digit premium hikes under ObamaCare next year, according to a new study that's already fueling election-year finger-pointing.
The Kaiser Family Foundation report found premiums for popular low-cost plans under the health care law are projected to increase an average 11 percent in 2017.
Among the sharpest projected increases are: 26 percent in Portland, Ore.; 21 percent in the District of Columbia; and 16 percent in New York City.
The study focused on the two least-expensive -- and very popular -- "silver" policies. It specifically examined the impact of rising premiums on those whose income exceeds the limit to get government subsidies to defray the cost of mandatory insurance.
The income cutoff for those tax credits is $47,520 for an individual and $97,200 for a family of four.
"Several factors will influence how premiums will change in 2017, and there is reason to believe that increases will be higher than in recent years," the report said.
More
The Kaiser Family Foundation report found premiums for popular low-cost plans under the health care law are projected to increase an average 11 percent in 2017.
Among the sharpest projected increases are: 26 percent in Portland, Ore.; 21 percent in the District of Columbia; and 16 percent in New York City.
The study focused on the two least-expensive -- and very popular -- "silver" policies. It specifically examined the impact of rising premiums on those whose income exceeds the limit to get government subsidies to defray the cost of mandatory insurance.
The income cutoff for those tax credits is $47,520 for an individual and $97,200 for a family of four.
"Several factors will influence how premiums will change in 2017, and there is reason to believe that increases will be higher than in recent years," the report said.
More
Landowner, Berlin At Odds Again Over Road Closure
A year after it was temporarily closed to through traffic in 2015, the section of Harrison Avenue in front of the Adkins Company is again blocked off to vehicles.
Richard Holland of the Adkins Company says that if the town needs the section of road owned by the store it will have to buy it.
“I haven’t closed the road because I wanted to close the road,” he said. “I’ve closed it for a purpose. That purpose is the land is ours and we’ve not been offered an equitable price.”
Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, however, says the town shouldn’t have to buy a piece of road that’s been used by the public for decades.
“We shouldn’t have to seek eminent domain for a right of way that’s been in public use for generations,” Williams said.
Municipal officials and representatives of the Adkins Company have been in on-again, off-again communications regarding Harrison Avenue for years. While streets in Berlin are typically the responsibility of the town, the portion of Harrison Avenue in front of Adkins Company is considered part of the company’s four-acre property. According to Holland, the store has maintained the road for years. When town officials in 2015 asked the company to put up $37,500 toward the repaving of the street, however, Holland balked.
“Paving lasts 15 years at most,” he said. “Someone’s going to have to fight this fight again. Every other road in Berlin is paved by the Town of Berlin.”
More
Nine Refugees With Active TB Sent To a Single Kentucky County Since 2013
Fayette County, Kentucky is not only the site of the University of Kentucky’s Lexington campus and home to the NCAA basketball powerhouse Kentucky Wildcats.
It’s also where nine of the 842 refugees who arrived between 2013 and 2015 were diagnosed with active TB, according to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD)
Kentucky is now the fourth state in which Breitbart News has found refugees with active TB have been sent by the federal government. Ten refugees with active TB were sent to Colorado between 2011 and 2015. Four refugees with active TB were resettled in Indiana in 2015, and eleven refugees with active TB were resettled in Florida in the three years between 2013 and 2015.
More
It’s also where nine of the 842 refugees who arrived between 2013 and 2015 were diagnosed with active TB, according to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department (LFCHD)
Kentucky is now the fourth state in which Breitbart News has found refugees with active TB have been sent by the federal government. Ten refugees with active TB were sent to Colorado between 2011 and 2015. Four refugees with active TB were resettled in Indiana in 2015, and eleven refugees with active TB were resettled in Florida in the three years between 2013 and 2015.
More
Bull Lips Shanty & Dock Bar
BULL LIPS SHANTY & DOCK BAR
Dock your boat or catch The Red Roost shuttle!
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Come join the summer fun... open Thursday - Sunday!
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Bull Lips Shanty & Dock Bar is NOW OPEN!
Join us for the 2016 Summer Season! Come by boat or catch the free shuttle from the parking lot of The Red Roost. Open Thursday through Sunday (unless the weather is bad). A fun place for the whole family! Serving appetizers, sandwiches, and steamed crabs by the dozen. Grab a table or have a seat at the bar. The cold drinks are always flowing... How about a watermelon crush, a signature Tommy's rum punch, or a cold evo beer! Whether you are in the mood for a game of corn hole, ready to relax in a swing chair, or want to get cozy by the fire pit, there is something for everyone down here! We look forward to seeing you soon.
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Check Presentation
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| From left, are: Kris Derickson, human resources director, Farmers Bank of Willards; Margaret A. “Peggy” Bradford, MAC executive director; and Bonnie Elliott, assistant vice president, Farmers Bank of Willards. |
BBQ Chicken Carry Out Dinner & Bake Sale
BBQ Chicken Carry Out
Dinner & Bake Sale
West Side Fire Dept.
Bivalve, MD
Friday, July 1, 2016
1/2 BBQ Chicken
Baked Beans
Coleslaw
Roll
Cost $9.00
11:00 - Until
Benefit: West Side Vol. Fire Dept. Auxiliary
410-873-2140
Activists Protest At Walmart, Demand Passage Of Cook County Responsible Business Act
Activists are continuing their push Wednesday for the Responsible Business Act in Cook County by protesting at a Walmart in Chicago.
Organizers with IIRON, ONE Northside, and National People's Action are protesting at the Walmart at 570 W. Monroe St.
Under the Responsible Business Act, introduced in October by Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele (D-Chicago), large corporations in Cook County would be required to either pay workers a living wage or a fee to help fund public services.
"Big corporations like Walmart inflate their profits by paying poverty wages. But when Walmart forces workers to rely on the social safety net to survive, they are intentionally sticking taxpayers with the tab," Pascal Brixel, chair of IIRON's Good Jobs Task Force, said in a statement. "We're saying enough is enough. The Responsible Business Act charges big corporations a fee if they refuse to pay a living wage. Corporations have a responsibility to pay people enough to make ends meet. Our social safety net should be there when families have emergencies, not to line the pockets of CEOs."
Activists say they need support from three more Cook County commissioners to pass the legislation.
"We're also asking Cook County commissioners, 'Which side are you on?'" said ONE Northside leader and fast food worker Wayne Hayer. "Will you stand up for workers and taxpayers? Or will you help allow Walmart and other multi-billion dollar corporations pad their profits by pushing the real cost of doing business onto the people of Cook County?"
More
Organizers with IIRON, ONE Northside, and National People's Action are protesting at the Walmart at 570 W. Monroe St.
Under the Responsible Business Act, introduced in October by Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele (D-Chicago), large corporations in Cook County would be required to either pay workers a living wage or a fee to help fund public services.
"Big corporations like Walmart inflate their profits by paying poverty wages. But when Walmart forces workers to rely on the social safety net to survive, they are intentionally sticking taxpayers with the tab," Pascal Brixel, chair of IIRON's Good Jobs Task Force, said in a statement. "We're saying enough is enough. The Responsible Business Act charges big corporations a fee if they refuse to pay a living wage. Corporations have a responsibility to pay people enough to make ends meet. Our social safety net should be there when families have emergencies, not to line the pockets of CEOs."
Activists say they need support from three more Cook County commissioners to pass the legislation.
"We're also asking Cook County commissioners, 'Which side are you on?'" said ONE Northside leader and fast food worker Wayne Hayer. "Will you stand up for workers and taxpayers? Or will you help allow Walmart and other multi-billion dollar corporations pad their profits by pushing the real cost of doing business onto the people of Cook County?"
More
The Unseen War Still Waging Inside The Minds Of Many Veterans
By Daniel G. Amen, M.D., and Max Cleland
Most people probably think wars end when the shooting stops.
But that’s not the case for those who do the fighting. For them, the war lives on long after they return home and try to resume normal lives.
One of us, Max Cleland, knows from experience. He lost both legs and his right arm to a grenade explosion in Vietnam in the 1960s. Even after the physical injuries healed, even after the rehabilitation was over, the emotional anguish continued. And in truth, nearly 50 years later, that aspect still hasn’t completely healed.
Sadly, today as military men and women return home from war zones, there’s still plenty of room for improvement in mental heath care for veterans. The suicide rate is unacceptably high and the success rates for PTSD, depression and anxiety disorders haven’t improved in years.
Meanwhile, veterans, their families and society as whole will be dealing with the fallout from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for another 70 years – at least. PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) all increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
That’s why the United States must do whatever it can to improve mental health care for those injured in war. It’s a moral obligation.
From firsthand experience, Max can tell you that the treatment path can be slow, frustrating and sometimes terrifying. Often those treatments are ineffective, and that can be demoralizing and make those who suffer reluctant to seek further care.
There are also practical problems. Many veterans wounded in wars can’t undergo a brain MRI because of the shrapnel in their bodies. CT scans are possible, but they don’t show the full picture of what’s happening with the brain.
But an alternative is emerging. An imaging study called SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) measures how well blood flows through the brain and can be performed safely on veterans who have shrapnel.
Two recent studies, one with 196 veterans and another with more 20,000 patients, reported that SPECT could distinguish between PTSD and TBI with clinically significant accuracy. The study with the larger number of patients, led by Dr. Amen, was highlighted as one of the Top 100 Stories in Science for 2015 by Discover Magazine.
Being able to distinguish between PTSD and TBI is important because they can have overlapping symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, depression and concentration problems. But the treatments for them are different. Some treatments that help people with PTSD can actually be harmful to those with TBI.
The results of a SPECT scan also might give veterans who suffer from these conditions a new perspective on themselves.
Fewer than half of people with mental health problems ever seek help. One major reason: No one wants to be labeled mentally ill, defective or abnormal.
This is especially true in the military where bravery and self-reliance are highly valued, and many believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, or even a moral failing.
Seeing their own abnormal functional scans could help these veterans reframe their problems as brain-based and medical, rather than as moral, decreasing the shame and the stigma. At least that’s how it worked for Max, who had a SPECT scan that showed evidence of both PTSD and TBI.
In addition, knowing that the structure of the brain is normal, but the function abnormal, can give them hope that they could get better if they are diligent about rehabilitation.
So consider this: What if we reimagine mental health as brain health? This one simple idea could shift the negative attitudes many people have about mental illness, decrease stigma, and increase the willingness to get help among those who most need it.
We envision a time – hopefully not too far into the future – when mental health problems will be evaluated and treated like other medical issues, and physicians will use functional imaging tools, genetics, and other markers to guide treatment — just as cardiologists, oncologists or orthopedists do to help their patients today.
Most people probably think wars end when the shooting stops.
But that’s not the case for those who do the fighting. For them, the war lives on long after they return home and try to resume normal lives.
One of us, Max Cleland, knows from experience. He lost both legs and his right arm to a grenade explosion in Vietnam in the 1960s. Even after the physical injuries healed, even after the rehabilitation was over, the emotional anguish continued. And in truth, nearly 50 years later, that aspect still hasn’t completely healed.
Sadly, today as military men and women return home from war zones, there’s still plenty of room for improvement in mental heath care for veterans. The suicide rate is unacceptably high and the success rates for PTSD, depression and anxiety disorders haven’t improved in years.
Meanwhile, veterans, their families and society as whole will be dealing with the fallout from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan for another 70 years – at least. PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) all increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
That’s why the United States must do whatever it can to improve mental health care for those injured in war. It’s a moral obligation.
From firsthand experience, Max can tell you that the treatment path can be slow, frustrating and sometimes terrifying. Often those treatments are ineffective, and that can be demoralizing and make those who suffer reluctant to seek further care.
There are also practical problems. Many veterans wounded in wars can’t undergo a brain MRI because of the shrapnel in their bodies. CT scans are possible, but they don’t show the full picture of what’s happening with the brain.
But an alternative is emerging. An imaging study called SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) measures how well blood flows through the brain and can be performed safely on veterans who have shrapnel.
Two recent studies, one with 196 veterans and another with more 20,000 patients, reported that SPECT could distinguish between PTSD and TBI with clinically significant accuracy. The study with the larger number of patients, led by Dr. Amen, was highlighted as one of the Top 100 Stories in Science for 2015 by Discover Magazine.
Being able to distinguish between PTSD and TBI is important because they can have overlapping symptoms, such as insomnia, anxiety, depression and concentration problems. But the treatments for them are different. Some treatments that help people with PTSD can actually be harmful to those with TBI.
The results of a SPECT scan also might give veterans who suffer from these conditions a new perspective on themselves.
Fewer than half of people with mental health problems ever seek help. One major reason: No one wants to be labeled mentally ill, defective or abnormal.
This is especially true in the military where bravery and self-reliance are highly valued, and many believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, or even a moral failing.
Seeing their own abnormal functional scans could help these veterans reframe their problems as brain-based and medical, rather than as moral, decreasing the shame and the stigma. At least that’s how it worked for Max, who had a SPECT scan that showed evidence of both PTSD and TBI.
In addition, knowing that the structure of the brain is normal, but the function abnormal, can give them hope that they could get better if they are diligent about rehabilitation.
So consider this: What if we reimagine mental health as brain health? This one simple idea could shift the negative attitudes many people have about mental illness, decrease stigma, and increase the willingness to get help among those who most need it.
We envision a time – hopefully not too far into the future – when mental health problems will be evaluated and treated like other medical issues, and physicians will use functional imaging tools, genetics, and other markers to guide treatment — just as cardiologists, oncologists or orthopedists do to help their patients today.
This State is Turning Into a Terrorist Training Ground
Florida is a magnet for tourism, boasting some of the top vacation destinations in the country from Disney World to resorts with ocean views. According to the Orlando Sentinel, over 105 million tourists traveled to the sunshine state in 2015. However, that is not all the state attracts. For years, Florida has been one of the largest breeding grounds for terrorism in the United States. Yet, no one seems to be doing much about it.
Real Clear Politics cites the should-be-concerns in the area linked to radical Islamic terrorism,
Schools: The Muslim Students Association at the University of Central Florida, started by the radical Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood whose goal is to encourage the pursuit of "jihad," hosted a terror-aligned individual, Siraj Wahhaj, to speak. He has been connected with the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993, along with other plots.
Mosques: The Husseini Islamic Center hosted an individual who preached anti-gay language, even encouraging Muslims to take action against the gay community. This happened only a few weeks prior to the attack on the Pulse nightclub.
Prisons: Florida's prisons, along with prisons across the United States, are prime for radicalization in the United States. Radicalized in a Florida prison, Jose Padilla, also known as Abdullah al Mujahir, was found to be responsible for a deadly bomb plot.
The Orlando Attack only confirms what is happening inside our borders. The success of this attack reveals that ISIS and other extremist groups are most successful when they conduct grassroots efforts from the inside, not attacks from the exterior. Therefore, policy must be inacted not only to protect our borders, but also to preserve citizens' rights to protect themselves. Guns are not the issue, the infiltration of radical Islamic terrorism is.
Source: AAN
Real Clear Politics cites the should-be-concerns in the area linked to radical Islamic terrorism,
Schools: The Muslim Students Association at the University of Central Florida, started by the radical Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood whose goal is to encourage the pursuit of "jihad," hosted a terror-aligned individual, Siraj Wahhaj, to speak. He has been connected with the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993, along with other plots.
Mosques: The Husseini Islamic Center hosted an individual who preached anti-gay language, even encouraging Muslims to take action against the gay community. This happened only a few weeks prior to the attack on the Pulse nightclub.
Prisons: Florida's prisons, along with prisons across the United States, are prime for radicalization in the United States. Radicalized in a Florida prison, Jose Padilla, also known as Abdullah al Mujahir, was found to be responsible for a deadly bomb plot.
The Orlando Attack only confirms what is happening inside our borders. The success of this attack reveals that ISIS and other extremist groups are most successful when they conduct grassroots efforts from the inside, not attacks from the exterior. Therefore, policy must be inacted not only to protect our borders, but also to preserve citizens' rights to protect themselves. Guns are not the issue, the infiltration of radical Islamic terrorism is.
Source: AAN