Tom Horton to Be Featured Speaker in Delmarva Authors Program

Well known author and environmental advocate Tom Horton will be speaking at the “Authors on Delmarva” series offered by Westside Historical Society on Friday, May 26. Horton, a Delmarva native, has been exploring, discovering, and writing about this very special place in which we live for more than thirty years. His eloquent arguments always are founded in sound science, but with the soul of a Chesapeake waterman he couches them in beautiful pictures and a sense of romance. Several of his works produced in partnership with photographer David Harp attest to that, especially. Readers of his works want to “save the Bay” not just because it makes sense but because he makes it seem a spiritual mission! 

The program, at Layton's Chance Winery near Vienna, MD, will begin at 5 pm with a chance to meet and greet Horton, then listen as he speaks about his latest book and other publications, with plenty of opportunity for questions and answers. The program will end with a chance to purchase a signed copy of his works, or have him sign publications guests might already have. Refreshments will be provided. These programs are free, and reservations are not required, but for further information call Westside Historical Society Director Sylvia Bradley at 410-726-8047 or email westsidehistorical@gmail.com or phone Layton’s Chance Winery at 410-228-1205.

Governor Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Protects Maryland’s Environment

Budget Ensures Maryland Remains a National Leader in Environmental Stewardship

“We have been aggressive, proactive, and innovative in our effort to safeguard Maryland’s environment. We have made a great deal of progress. But together, we can - and we must - do more.” - Governor Larry Hogan, February 1, 2017

Historic Investments To Protect Our Most Precious Natural Asset

Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Provides Historic Funding Toward Bay Restoration Efforts

The Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Invests Over $1.15 Billion In State Funds, A Record, Toward Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts. (Maryland Department Of Budget And Management)

The Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Invests $51.3 Million In The Chesapeake And Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund. For the second year in a row, and for the second time in state history, the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund will be fully funded; Governor Hogan is the only governor in state history to fully fund the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund. (Maryland Department Of Budget And Management)

Fiscal Year 2018 Will Be The Second Time In State History In Which No Budget Actions Will Divert Funding Away From Bay Restoration Efforts To Support The General Fund. For the second year in a row, and for the second time in state history, no budget actions will divert funding away from Bay restoration efforts to support the general fund. (Maryland Department Of Budget And Management)
Governor Hogan: “Just A Few Months Ago On Its Latest Annual Report Card, The Chesapeake Bay Received Its Highest Score For Water Quality In Nearly A Quarter Century. The Amount Of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, And Sediment In The Bay Has Dropped Dramatically Compared To Recent Years.” (Governor Hogan: 2017 State Of The State Address,” Office Of The Governor, 2/1/17)

Preserving And Protecting Green Space Throughout Maryland

Coast Guard warns of laser strikes to commercial vessels in National Capitol Region

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard is investigating multiple laser strikes during the past month aimed at commercial vessels transiting the Chesapeake Bay and warns the public of this dangerous act.

Four incidences occurred early Wednesday morning between midnight and 3 a.m., involving the motor vessels Salome, Bulk Spain, and AM Annaba. Additionally, a pilot vessel was lased as it was on its way back to the pilot launch.

Three other incidents occurred: Monday around 2 a.m., involving the motor vessel Hoegh Osaka; Sunday at 4 a.m., and involved the cruise ship Carnival Pride and another April 7 at approximately 1 a.m., involving the motor vessel Maersk Kolkata.

During all incidents, the laser light was described as steady, powerful and somewhat painful to the eyes. The reporting source believes the laser originated in the area between Drum Point and Cove Point, and lasted for approximately 15 minutes.

Governor Larry Hogan Signs Environmental Agenda Into Law

Bills Protecting Water & Air, Establishing Energy Innovation Institute Among 207 Bills Signed

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan, along with Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller and Speaker of the House Mike Busch, today signed 207 bills into law, including the Clean Cars Act of 2017 (SB 393/HB 406), the Clean Water Commerce Act of 2017 (SB 314/HB 417), and Economic Development – Maryland Energy Innovation Institute (SB 313/HB 410). These bills comprised the governor’s 2017 environmental agenda, designed to improve water and air quality, promote the use of electric vehicles, and attract and develop private clean energy innovations in Maryland. These legislative initiatives build on the Hogan administration's strong commitment to protecting and improving Maryland's environment, which has included over $3 billion for in funding for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts since taking office.

“I want to thank President Miller, Speaker Busch, and legislators from both parties for passing our environmental package, which I am proud to sign today, along with along with several other bills to protect our soil, our air, and our water,” said Governor Hogan. “All of these initiatives represent bipartisan efforts to protect our environment and grow clean energy investment and jobs, and will help Maryland continue to lead the charge when it comes to protecting our environment.”

The governor and presiding officers arrived at the signing, which took place at Susan Campbell Park in Annapolis, in an electric vehicle. The Pride of Baltimore II, a replica 1812-era schooner that promotes Maryland’s maritime history in ports throughout the world, served as the backdrop for the ceremony.

Suspect Named In Shooting Over Chicken Bones

 

Baltimore police have named a suspect in connection with a shooting after an argument over chicken bones.

Gerald Gaffney, 26, is wanted on first-degree attempted murder charges in connection with a shooting April 15 in the 1800 block of Harlem Avenue.

Investigators said a man and a woman were walking down the street, eating chicken and throwing the bones in people's yards. The 90-year-old woman told them to pick up their trash, and others nearby got involved in the argument.

The couple left, but police believe that the man came back with a gun. Police said a 90-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man were wounded in the shooting.

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Pelosi: GOP 'Maliciously Attempting to Destroy Healthcare'

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi ripped into Republicans for pushing ahead with a vote on the GOP healthcare bill.

"They have this vote tattooed on them," she said of House Republicans. "This is a scar they will carry. Republicans are maliciously again attempting to destroy healthcare and coverage for the American people. I would hope they would realize this is very bad for the country."

The Hill reported the Congressional Budget Office has not completed its analysis of the latest changes of the bill.

More here

Ringling Bros. to broadcast final circus live on Facebook

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- The final performance from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will air live on Facebook on May 21, as the near century-old circus prepares to give its curtain call.

Known as "The greatest show of earth," Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced earlier this year that operations costs and declining ticket sales have forced the company to close.

According to the Associated Press, the final performance in Uniondale, New York will be streamed live on the company websiteand through Facebook. The show will begin at 7 p.m. on May 21.

The circus's vice president, Sam Gomez said they will present the circus in a way that is more pleasing for people watching on a phone or tablet.

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Accident In Delmar Earlier Today

The End

Pharmacist helps police by slipping GPS tracker into suspected robbers' bag

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio —Suspected robbers who allegedly tried to steal prescription pills at a pharmacy near Cincinnati were tripped up by a tracking device.

Police reports stated a GPS tracker in a bag gave officers turn-by-turn directions to the suspects as they were driving away from a Rite Aid pharmacy on Central Avenue just before 8 p.m. Saturday.

Yasar Burnett, 18, and Eric Bates, 19, both were charged with aggravated robbery and kidnapping. The alleged driver, Brandon Dawson, 18, was charged with complicity to aggravated robbery.

The pharmacist told police the suspected robbers “rushed her and pounced on her, striking her in the back … screaming, 'Open the safe! Where is the safe?'"

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DHS Uncovered More Than 60 Cross-Border Tunnels along Mexican Border Used for Smuggling

The Department of Homeland Security uncovered more than 60 cross-border tunnels along the southwest border that were used to smuggle people and illicit drugs into the United States over a five-year period, according to a new government report.

The agency also detected more than 530 "ultralight aircraft" intrusions into the United States and roughly 300 drug smuggling incidents involving small fishing boats and recreational vessels along American borders from 2011 to 2016, the Government Accountability Office reported.

All 67 tunnels discovered by border patrol agents were located along the U.S.-Mexican border. Likewise, all but one of the light aircraft incursions was detected on the southwest border in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.

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Breaking News: Murder charges have been filed against the Dallas-area police officer who fatally shot a black teenager last weekend

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department issued a warrant on Friday for the arrest of the officer, Roy Oliver, the authorities said. Mr. Oliver had not yet been taken into custody.

Mr. Oliver, who was a patrol officer with the Balch Springs Police Department, responded late Saturday night to reports of underage drinking at a house party in the suburb east of downtown Dallas. Mr. Oliver saw a car leaving the house and fired his rifle, fatally striking Jordan Edwards, 15.

Read more »

Gov. Hogan Signs 4 Anti-Animal Cruelty Bills Into Law

Annapolis, Md. (WJZ)– Maryland lawmakers took big action against animal abuse by signing four bills into law Thursday.

The four laws are a big victory for the Humane Society, ASPCA, and thousands of mistreated Maryland pets.

Governor Larry Hogan signed four anti-animal cruelty bills into law.

With the stroke of a pen and a wag of a tail, Hogan pumped up financial support and standards for shelters and increased oversight on breeders.

“I think that the message of the whole day is that Maryland cares about animal welfare. And we are taking a strong stance for animal welfare in the state of Maryland, and obviously the legislature, General Assembly, and Governor Hogan agrees,” said Emily Hovermale of the Humane Society of United States.

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Could Diet Aggravate Asthma?

The idea that diet could have a role to play in preventing the signs of asthma is starting to gain ground, with studies highlighting certain deficiencies in patients or warning against the consumption of certain foods. On World Asthma Day, May 2, Relaxnews spoke to Dr. Bertrand Delaisi, a pediatric pulmonologist at Clinique Marcel Sembat in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, for an overview of what's currently known on the subject.

The prevalence of asthma has increased considerably in recent decades, in parallel with changes in lifestyles and dietary habits, tending towards diets rich in carbohydrates and fat, and low in fiber.

As well as pollutants, allergens, passive smoking and air pollution, allergy specialists are increasingly interested in how diet can promote or modify the development of asthma on a physiopathological level.

Eating ham, cured sausage or smoked meats at least four times a week could aggravate the symptoms of asthma over time, concludes a study carried out by researchers at Inserm, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, published in January in the medical journal Thorax.

More here

Council: keep turbines out of view

Remaining steadfast in its opposition to wind farms on the resort’s coast, the Ocean City Council on Monday agreed to send another letter to the Public Service Commission and various elected officials.

This time, the letter explicitly states the council’s main gripe: the visual pollution and negative impact on tourism the two proposed wind farms from U.S. Wind and Deepwater Wind might create.

Both companies are vying for approval for one of two 80,000-acre wind energy fields, offshore from downtown and the other near the Delaware line, created by the state years ago. The U.S. Wind project would involve 148 turbines, each 480 feet tall, which could be 17 miles offshore from the Boardwalk. Deepwater proposes 15 turbines at 600 feet tall about 20 miles off the beach at 145th Street.

In the final moments of Monday night’s session, Councilman Tony DeLuca made a motion to draft the second because of new research.

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COMEY: Huma had no ‘intent’ to send classified info to Weiner

FBI Director James Comey revealed in testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday that his agency was investigating Hillary Clinton’s close aide after she forwarded Hillary’s classified emails to her husband, Anthony Weiner, to print out.

In a line of questioning by Sen. John Kennedy, Comey said the FBI closed its investigation into Abedin after concluding she had no idea what she was doing was in violation of the law.

“Huma Abedin appears to have had a regular practice of forwarding emails to him for him, I think to print out for her so she could then deliver them to the Secretary of State,” Comey said.

“Is there an investigation with respect to the two of them?” Kennedy asked.

“There was, it — we completed it,” Comey said.

When asked why the FBI concluded neither of them committed a crime, Comey responded, “With respect to Ms. Abedin, we didn’t have any indication that she had a sense that what she was doing was in violation of the law.

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Berlin, Adkins Co. at crossroads

The tension between the Adkins Company building supply store and the Town of Berlin isn’t going anywhere just yet.

The evidence is a large roadblock on Harrison Avenue put up last June by Adkins, which owns part of the road, and the fact that both sides remain far apart on a dollar amount that would resolve the dispute. Adkins officials want $400,000 for its section of the road and town officials have offered $60,000, both figures apparently based on separate appraisals.

Adkins General Manager Rick Holland brought the issue to a town work session Monday night, asking if the town’s plan to close Baker Street was a jab at Adkins.

When residents of Baker Street complained of its poor condition there and asked that it be addressed with sensitivity to its historic ­­­– the only one remaining paved with oyster shells – the town responded by escalating plans to do that and to limit through traffic to minimize further damage on the roadway.

The town is expected to introduce an ordinance that would redefine the term “truck” in town code to be any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds, or five tons, during a Town Council meeting on Monday, May 8.
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President Donald J. Trump delivers the Weekly Address

Sean Hannity: Jim Comey thinks we're all stupid

Most of the media ignored it, but FBI Director James Comey dropped a bombshell about Hillary Clinton and her aide Huma Abedin's potentially criminal mishandling of classified information Wednesday during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

The FBI boss was trying to explain why he told the nation, just before the presidential election, that the bureau had reopened the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private server and mishandling of sensitive government information. The alt-left believes this, and not Clinton’s woeful campaign, lack of a message and endless baggage, is what cost her the election.

Comey explained how a separate probe had turned up emails from Clinton on a computer owned by Anthony Weiner, the pervert married to Clinton aide Huma Abedin.

“What they could see from the metadata was that there were thousands of Secretary Clinton's emails on that device, including what they thought might be the missing e-mails from her first three months as secretary of state,” Comey said. “We never found any emails from her first three months.

But alas, Comey said, the bureau had no reason to believe Huma Abedin had any criminal intent in mishandling sensitive emails. Once again, he ignored the fact that the statute does not require intent, but that’s another issue.

The real issue is, why was Comey only revealing this information now?

More here

Netflix Edits ‘Bill Nye’ Episode to Remove Segment Saying Chromosomes Determine Gender

When uploaded to Netflix, an episode of the educational children's show "Bill Nye the Science Guy" cut out a segment saying that chromosomes determine one's gender.

In the original episode, titled "Probability," a young woman told viewers, "I'm a girl. Could have just as easily been a boy, though, because the probability of becoming a girl is always 1 in 2."

"See, inside each of our cells are these things called chromosomes, and they control whether we become a boy or a girl, " the young woman continued. "See, there are only two possibilities: XX, a girl, or XY, a boy."

But in the version of the episode uploaded to Netflix, the segment has been cut entirely. While noncontroversial at the time, the 1996 segment appears to contradict Netflix's new series "Bill Nye Saves the World."

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Two stages set for Saturday’s Berlin Jazz & Blues Bash

The 10th annual Berlin Jazz and Blues Bash returns this Saturday with nine acts, including youth bands, local and regional touring groups and, for the first time, the U.S. Navy Jazz Band Commodores.

Sponsored by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature wine from Whaleyville vintner Costa Ventosa and beer from Berlin’s Burley Oak Brewing Company. Food and art vendors and a children’s art activity area will round out the event.

Organizer Steve Frene noted that the new date corresponds with Springfest in Ocean City. Jazz and Blues was held in June last year.

“That, of course, benefits us because there are thousands of people who come to Ocean City every year and it’s so easy for them to come over here in Berlin,” he said. “So, we’re back on that date and we’re excited about it.”

Frene will emcee the event with Jim Meckley of New York Connection, one of the festival acts.

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DNC argues in court: We don't owe anyone a fair primary process

The Democratic National Committee is currently defending itself in court against a lawsuit brought by Bernie Sanders supporters over the Democratic presidential primary process. And the proceedings, including an April 25 hearing in which the party argued the case should be dismissed, are already becoming quite amusing.

As Michael Sainato puts it in the Observer, "lawyers representing the DNC and Debbie Wasserman Schultz double[d] down on arguments confirming the disdain the Democratic establishment has toward Bernie Sanders supporters and any entity challenging the party's status quo."

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Mock Crash 2017 at Wicomico High School

Wicomico High School seniors watched the aftermath of a mock crash on May 4, 2017 to see what happens when young drivers make poor choices. Thanks to Wicomico High School staff and students and the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, Salisbury City Police, Salisbury Fire Department, Maryland State Police Aviation, and Holloway Funeral Home for this stark lesson in the importance of being safe and smart on Prom night or any night.

TSA Report Warns Against Truck Ramming Attacks By Terrorists

Truck owners and truck rental agencies in the U.S. must be "vigilant" about the increasing frequency of "ramming attacks" by terrorists using vehicles as killing machines, according to a new Transportation Security Administration report obtained exclusively by NBC News.

The unclassified report warns owners, operators and rental agencies to protect their vehicles from theft. Entitled "Vehicle ramming attacks: Threat landscape, indicators and counter measures," the report was sent Tuesday to local law enforcement agencies and private companies working with the Department of Homeland Security.

"No community, large or small, rural or urban, is immune to attacks of this kind by organized or 'lone wolf' terrorists," the report noted.

Based on a study of the attacks, the TSA said particularly vulnerable locations include those where "large numbers of people congregate, including parades and other celebratory gatherings, sporting events, entertainment venues, or shopping centers." Moreover, it suggested that several of the attacks had been planned for such events.

More here

BREAKING: North Korea Claims ASSASSINATION Attempt

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is not exactly known for his stability, largely because of his frequently insane claims and threats with no bearing in reality. He’s now claiming that an assassination attempt was made against him by the United States and South Korea, despite there being absolutely no evidence to back up his claim.

The Korean Central News Agency, North Korea’s official state-run propaganda arm, said that the United States and South Korea joined together in a plot to assassinate Kim Jong Un using a “bio-chemical substance”. The two countries are accused of joining together with a “hideous terrorist group” to “commit bomb terrorism targeting the supreme leadership” during public events.

It was also claimed that a North Korean citizen joined in on the conspiracy, with the CIA and South Korean government officials giving the citizen weapons and money to carry out “state-sponsored terrorism”. The supposed plot allegedly began forming in 2014, with the ultimate assassination attempt taking place during a military parade. No actual date of the alleged attempt was given.

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Army combat photographer's last picture is of her own death

FORT MEADE, Md. -- July 2, 2013, was the very last moment of Army Spc. Hilda Clayton's life. She took a photo in the split-second between when a mortar tube accidentally exploded and the blast killed her and four Afghan soldiers.

Spc. Shenee Brooks was in the same unit as Clayton.

We asked her if it's hard remembering that day and if in a way Clayton left a memorial.

"Yes sir," Brooks said. "She died doing what she loved."

Two photos taken by Clayton and an Afghan photojournalist remained private for nearly four years, but have now been published in an Army journal with her family's permission.

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Obamacare? ... Trumpcare? ... Get Rid Of It All

Ever since the U.S. government began to sink its claws into the medical industry a good 50 or so years ago, it has turned the entire field into a complete nightmare. This is par for the course whenever government invades an industry.

Trying to reform this Frankenstein with either Obamacare, or Trumpcare, will solve nothing. It would be like Gorbachev trying to reform the Soviet Union. 

​Impossible!

The problem is structural. Tinkering with this or that will just waste more time.

A fundamental change has to occur in the thinking about what healthcare actually is. It's not what Americans have been conditioned to believe.

​Peter G. Klein, who is a Research Fellow at The Mises Institute has eloquently put it into plain language in the following short video. I've also transcribed key sections below:

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Blocking road = getting run over!

THE AMERICAN FLAG: A SYMBOL OF HATE SPEECH ON CAMPUSES?

Its Cinco Deporto Day

More than 8,000 Flint residents at risk of losing homes to city over unpaid water bills

If thousands of residents of Flint, Mich., don’t pay their bills for water that still remains undrinkable without the use of a filter, they could be out on the streets.

More than 8,000 people received notices from the city informing them that they owe money if they wish to avoid having a lien placed on their homes, NBC 25 reports.

If they don’t fork up by May 19, their homes could get foreclosed on.

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How did local lawmakers vote on Obamacare repeal?

WASHINGTON — More than a month after a Republican health care bill seeking to replace the Affordable Care Act failed to gain enough leverage for a vote, a retooled version narrowly passed the House Thursday.

How did local lawmakers vote? Entirely along party lines — with one notable exception.

Republican Barbara Comstock, a second-term congresswoman in Virginia’s 10th congressional district, voted against the American Health Care Act.

The district Comstock represents includes all of Frederick and Loudoun counties and parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties — and was handily won by Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election. Already, at least six Democrats are exploring running against Comstock in 2018.

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Saturday Posts

Tomorrow is going to be an incredible day for articles. I can't tell you what the weather will be but if it is raining tomorrow I can tell you you'll truly enjoy all of the articles we'll be providing. 

SPD Press Release - (UPDATE-Burglary/Sexual Assault) 5-5-17

PIERS MORGAN: Hillary lost after elitist arrogant campaign

Hillary Clinton is on her loser tour.

It’s been going on for a few months now, and it follows a familiar theme: she gives defiant speeches or interviews to empathetic audiences in which she makes it very clear there are myriad reasons why she lost the US election – but absolutely none of them has anything to do with her.

Tuesday, speaking at a ‘Women for Women’ event in New York, Hillary reached dizzying new heights of self-delusion as she tried to explain away the most humiliating loss in American political history.

‘I take absolute personal responsibility,’ she said, and then proceeded to do the complete opposite.

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Health Insurers Propose Premium Rates for 2018

Public Invited to Submit Comments

 

BALTIMORE – Health insurance carriers are seeking a range of changes to the premium rates they will charge consumers for plans sold in Maryland’s individual and small group markets in 2018. The Maryland Insurance Administration has posted rate filing documents at www.healthrates.mdinsurance.state.md.us. On that website, consumers can review filings and submit comments, as well as find answers to frequently asked questions about the rate review process.

 

“It’s important to remember that these rates are what companies have requested, and not necessarily what will be approved,” said Insurance Commissioner Al Redmer, Jr. “There will be a thorough review of all the filings. As in years past, we may require changes.”

 

In Maryland, only those rates approved by the Insurance Commissioner may be charged to policyholders. Before approval, all filings undergo a comprehensive analysis of the carriers’ statistics and assumptions. Public comments are considered as part of the review process. By law, the Commissioner must disapprove or modify any proposed premium rates that appear to be inadequate or excessive in relationship to the benefits offered, or are unfairly discriminatory.

 

The following companies selling individual and small group plans have filed to participate as follows:
 

Carriers proposed the following rate changes in the individual market:

The Ferguson Effect: Baltimore Millennials' Worst Nightmare

Last week, I wrote an article titled Baltimore Millennials’ “City Life” Narrative Starts To Crack. It appears the crack in the narrative is much larger than we thought. What’s developing in Baltimore is called the ‘Ferguson Effect’. This is a theory where the increased scrutiny of police post 2014 death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Trayvon Martin in Florida will lead to higher crime rates. Baltimore is turning this theory into a reality, as the city descends into chaos before the summer start. The rapid deterioration of Baltimore in 2017 has caught the linear mindset of the millennials’ off guard, who thought gentrification was right around the corner.

The Baltimore Sun Newspaper projects 409 homicides this year, which is a 20-yr high.

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Medical Marijuana Safe From DOJ Prosecution — For Now

Although Attorney General Jeff Sessions is not a fan of marijuana, federal law has prohibited the Justice Department from using any of the funding it receives from Congress to prosecute medical marijuana in any state where it’s legal. Thanks to a new omnibus spending bill that just passed the House and Senate, it’ll stay that way — at least for the moment. 

[More]

Did Farrakhan get his wish? Cop ‘ambushes’ soaring

Nation of Islam leader encouraged followers to 'stalk them and kill them'

Police in Chicago launched an all-out manhunt Wednesday for a suspect who shot two officers in a surprise attack as they sat in their patrol car.

Such attacks are becoming disturbingly common. And the increase in the attacks can be traced to a speech by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

Flash back to a sun-baked evening in late July 2015 at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Miami.

It was one year after the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, which was followed by several other high-profile police shootings of young black suspects that received wall-to-wall coverage in the national media. Farrakhan wooed a standing-room-only audience at the church in Miami with the following words:

“Death is sweeter than to continue to live and bury our children, while white folks give the killer hamburgers.

“Death is sweeter, than watching us slaughter each other, to the joy of a 400-year-old enemy. Yes, death is sweeter.

“The Quran teaches persecution is worse than slaughter. Then it says, ‘Retaliation is prescribed in matters of the slain.’ Retaliation is a prescription from God, to calm the breast of those whose children have been slain.

“So if the federal government will not intercede in our affairs, then we must rise up and kill those who kill us. Stalk them and kill them and let them feel the pain of death that we are feeling.”

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Susan Rice refuses to Testify Before Congress

Former National Security Advisor during the Obama administration, Susan Rice, will not testify before a Senate subcommittee regarding Russian activities during the 2016 presidential election, according to Fox News.

According to a letter sent to the Senate by Rice’s lawyer, she refused to testify because the senior Democrat on the subcommittee was not involved in the invitation.

“Senator Whitehouse has informed us by letter that he did not agree to Chairman Graham’s invitation to Ambassador Rice, a significant departure from the bipartisan investigations extended to other witnesses,” Rice’s lawyer wrote in the letter first reported by CNN. “Under these circumstances, Ambassador Rice respectfully declines Senator Graham’s invitation to testify.”

However, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said Rice should reconsider her decision not to testify.

"I think she ought to consider it," Feinstein told MSNBC on Wednesday.

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Md. bill-signing event has its share of bipartisan moments

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Larry Hogan signed over 200 bills Thursday at the state capital’s City Dock, and the occasion was marked with bipartisan moments.

With the Pride of Baltimore (a replica of a Baltimore Clipper ship) in the background, Hogan sat with House Speaker Michael Busch and Senate President Mike Miller to sign 12 of the 207 bills at the dock.

That site was selected because many of the bills signed are geared toward protecting the state’s environment. Among them: bills expanding a program that gives tax credits to buyers of certain electric cars.

Several bills signed Thursday, Hogan said, “will help protect our soil, our air and our water.”

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Just Where Will It Land Today?

Comey says classified Clinton emails were forwarded to Anthony Weiner

Hillary Clinton emails containing classified information were forwarded to former congressman Anthony Weiner, the director of the FBI testified Wednesday as he defended his handling of politically sensitive probes surrounding the last year’s presidential race.

Under questioning from the senior Democrat on the committee, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), James B. Comey revealed more details about how Clinton’s emails ended up on Weiner’s computer.

“Somehow, her emails were being forwarded to Anthony Weiner, including classified information,” Comey said, adding later, “His then-spouse Huma Abedin appears to have had a regular practice of forwarding emails to him for him to print out for her so she could deliver them to the secretary of state.”

The two were investigated for possible mishandling of classified material, but the FBI ultimately dropped the matter without seeking charges because they could not show either of them intended to violate the law, Comey said.

“Really the central problem we had with the whole email investigation was proving people… had some sense they were doing something unlawful. That was our burden and we were unable to meet it,’’ he said.

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James Comey: Loretta Lynch's tarmac meeting with Bill Clinton was the turning point in the email investigation

FBI Director James Comey on Wednesday said former Attorney General Loretta Lynch's tarmac meeting with President Bill Clinton in late June was the turning point in the investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server.

Comey said the meeting aboard an airplane in Phoenix set off a series of events that ended with a bombshell revelation in the FBI director's letter to congressional leaders 11 days before the November 8 election that the bureau would reopen the investigation.

During testimony on Capitol Hill before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Comey said "a number of things" had caused him to worry that Department of Justice leadership "could not credibly complete the investigation and decline prosecution without grievous damage to the American people's confidence in the justice system."

The "capper," he said, was the meeting.

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Breaking News: U.S. hiring picked up in April, with 211,000 new jobs created. The unemployment rate fell to 4.4%, its lowest point since 2007.

Job growth recovered in April, according to data released on Friday by the Labor Department. The report was the latest official snapshot of the state of the American economy.

• 211,000 jobs were added last month. The consensus forecast among analysts was that payrolls would increase by about 190,000.

• The unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, down from 4.5 percent in March and the lowest rate in more than 10 years.

• The average hourly wage grew by 0.3 percent.

Read more »

Thank God Its Friday 5-5-17

What will you be doing this weekend?

Chaffetz, Ernst Move to Cap Obama's Pension After Big Gig Price Tags Leak

Two Republicans are reportedly set to reintroduce a bill capping pensions of former presidents if they take outside income of $400,00 or more — a measure Barack Obama vetoed and would, if passed, hurt his bottom line.

"The Obama hypocrisy on this issue is revealing," Utah GOP Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who sponsored the 2016 bill in the House, told USA Today.

"His veto was very self-serving."

Chaffetz and GOP Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst will reintroduce the Presidential Allowance Modernization Act this month; the legislation would cap presidential pensions at $200,000, with another $200,000 for expenses, USA Today reported.

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Tomi Lahren, Glen Beck Reportedly Settle Lawsuit

Conservative pundit Tomi Lahren has reportedly settled her wrongful termination lawsuit against Glenn Beck and his media firm The Blaze.

The settlement lets Ms. Lahren out of her employment contract, which was set to expire in September, and returns her wildly popular Facebook page back to her control, the Dallas Morning News reported Monday.

The 24-year-old also agreed to relinquish any “intellectual property” by The Blaze that was posted on her Facebook page, according to her lawyer, Brian Lauten.

“Ms. Lahren is relieved to have this litigation behind her,” Mr. Lauten said in a statement. “She looks forward to connecting with her audience and fan base on the pressing political issues facing our country in the days to come.”

The Blaze confirmed the news in a statement to the New York Daily News.

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Senate Bill Would Roll Back Net Neutrality, Prevent FCC From Ever Trying It Again

While the new-look Federal Communications Commission is well on its way to undoing its own, relatively new, net neutrality rules that prevent companies like Verizon, Comcast, and AT&T from determining what you see and do online, lawmakers in the Senate have introduced legislation that would not only roll these rules back but also prevent the FCC from ever trying anything similar. 

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In Response To Livestreamed Deaths, Facebook Adds 3,000 Moderators

Following a number of high-profile incidents involving Facebook users hurting themselves and others on livestreamed video, the company has decided to add thousands of new moderators to review and flag violent content. 

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The NSA Collected 151 Million Phone Records In 2016

The National Security Agency (NSA) became a target for ire after the public learned in 2013 that it had been scooping up millions of Americans’ phone records without warrants or disclosure, and holding on to all of them. A change in the law in 2015 significantly changed the way and volume in which the NSA is legally authorized to scoop up data… but the net it casts is still pretty broad, pulling in 151 million phone records last year. 

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Pizza Hut Is Betting $130M It Can Bring Customers Back

While rival Domino’s has managed to pull off a major comeback, Pizza Hut has been struggling for years to turn around slumping sales. In an effort to keep up with the competition, it seems the company figures it might as well throw a bunch of money at the problem. 

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Back Pack Attack

America's largest oil refinery is now fully owned by Saudi Arabia

Saudi Aramco, the kingdom's state-owned oil behemoth, took 100% control of the sprawling Port Arthur refinery in Texas on Monday, completing a deal that was first announced last year.

Port Arthur is considered the crown jewel of the US refinery system. The Gulf Coast facility can process 600,000 barrels of oil per day, making it the largest refinery in North America.

Aramco previously owned 50% of Port Arthur through a joint venture co-owned with Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA)called Motiva Enterprises.

But the two oil giants had a rocky relationship and reached a deal in March 2016 to separate their assets. Shell put out a statement on Monday confirming the "completion" of that break-up.

In addition to Port Arthur, Aramco is acquiring full ownership of 24 distribution terminals. Aramco also gets the exclusive right to sell Shell-branded gasoline and diesel in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, the eastern half of Texas and the majority of Florida.