Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Powellville Ladies Auxiliary Presents......Friday Night Dinner


Authorities say South Carolina teen used mother's gun to kill burglar

A South Carolina teenager left home alone used his mother's gun to shoot and kill a burglar, authorities said Tuesday.

Fox Carolina reported that deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a home in Ladson Tuesday shortly before 2 p.m. EST Tuesday. When they arrived, they found the unidentified 13-year-old boy and asked him to come out of the home.

The boy said he heard a vehicle pull up behind his house, then heard someone trying get inside a few minutes later. At that point, the teen picked up his mother's gun and went to the back door of the home.

Authorities said the boy told them he fired the gun through the door and the person outside fired back. The boy fired several more shots, apparently wounding the suspect. According to Fox Carolina, neighbors reported hearing gunshots before seeing a gray car pull out near the home and speed away.

More

Laser pointers not toys, optometrists warn, after teenager damages eyes

Optometrists have warned parents not to consider laser pointers as toys after a Tasmanian teenager caused permanent damage to his eyes by looking into one.

Hobart optometrist Ben Armitage received a call on Monday from a GP asking him to investigate why the 14-year-old boy was having vision problems.

"He came into see me and on the Friday night he'd got hold of a laser pen and unfortunately shined it in his eyes for a very brief period of time," he said.

"Unfortunately he's managed to cause himself permanent damage to the back of his eye."

Photographs of the boy's eyes show laser burns to his each of his retinas.

More

Federal Bureaucrats Find ‘Superhighway’ Around Fourth, Fifth Amendments

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission officials used a warrantless subpoena on a Texas-based grocery chain that fired an employee who failed a post-maternity leave physical fitness test,demanding the home addresses and Social Security numbers of every company employee.

The EEOC’s action was made possible because officials there used warrantless demands — formally known as “administrative subpoenas” or “civil enforcement demands” — that are rapidly replacing judge-issued warrants as standard procedure for federal bureaucrats on the prowl for information about individuals and every aspect of their lives. Such subpoenas threaten personal privacy and individual liberty at the very least and are almost certainly unconstitutional, legal scholars say.

“The government now has a superhighway to go around the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution,” Tim Lynch, director of the Cato Institute’s project on criminal justice, told The Daily Caller News Foundation.

“The reason why these things have cropped up in the first place is government agencies will argue that they need information, they need it quickly, and that has been the driver behind, kind of bypassing the checks and balances that apply in the Fourth Amendment context,” Lynch told TheDCNF.

The Fourth Amendment establishes “probable cause” as determined by a judge to prevent “unreasonable” searches and seizures. There are also constitutional concerns that administrative subpoenas violate the Fifth Amendment, which protects Americans against self-incrimination.

But courts’ interpretations of the Constitution have allowed federal agencies to demand everything from Social Security numbers to medical records without a judge’s prior approval, so long as the information is “relevant” to the agency’s work. The Drug Enforcement Administration alone issues “thousands” of these subpoenas each year, along with dozens of other agencies, according to a 2002 report by the Department of Justice. That was the last time the federal government reviewed its use of administrative subpoenas.

More

Cops: Mom Put Bourbon In Her Baby's Bottle

When her teething infant son would not stop crying, an Arkansas woman called her mother and was told to rub some alcohol on the child’s painful gums.

Instead, cops charge, Lori Sheppard, 28, put bourbon in her 10-month-old son’s bottle, leading to the infant’s hospitalization and her arrest for child endangerment and aggravated assault.

Sheppard’s son Ronald was rushed last week to a hospital emergency room after he was found “limp and unresponsive.”

Sheppard initially told cops that the child “was fine before she placed him in his playpen” inside the family’s trailer home in Mt. Holly, a community about 125 miles south of Little Rock.

More

Councilman’s Cool Merrillville Residence

Alleged Murderer and East Chicago City Councilman maintained two residences according to an affidavit filed in Federal Court. DEA Special Agent David Zamora swore in an affidavit that had established surveillance of the councilman “at both of BATTLE’S residences, one in Merrillville, Indiana and one in East Chicago, Indiana.” But you really do not have to look that far to determine that Battle did not live in East Chicago.

Shortly after being elected to the EC Counci, Battle filed paperwork to be the administrator over the estate of Shelly D. White. That paperwork was filed in Lake Circuit Court and the magistrate on the case was none other than political insider Jewell Harris, Jr. Battle expected to receive money from a pending medical malpractice lawsuit. When big dollars are at stake, you want to ensure that you give the Court your real address. In November, 2013 Battle gave the address of 4070 W. 91st Place, Merrillville, Indiana. In 2012 when he was arrested for a marijuana charge in Hammond, Battle gave an address of 4835 Larkspur Drive in East Chicago. So when he was arrested or given a traffic ticket, Battle most likely provided his driver’s license which had the East Chicago Address. BUT when it really mattered, when he thought someone might be mailing him a six figure check, he used the Merrillville address.

Again the question has to be why didn’t anyone challenge Battle’s candidacy? Certainly Democratic political operative/magistrate Jewell Harris, Jr. would have told someone that Battle didn’t live in East Chicago, right? Certainly there had to be buzz on the streets about the second address.

So, do you think the guy driving around with $100K in cash lived in the house pictured above or in the one pictured below?

More

Record share of young U.S. women living with relatives: research

A record portion of young U.S. women are living with parents or other relatives, largely because of higher college attendance and delayed marriage, a research report said on Wednesday.

The Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data showed that 36.4 percent of women ages 18 to 34 lived with family in 2014, mostly in the home of mother, father or both.

The number tops the record set in 1940, when 36.2 percent of young women lived with relatives, the analysis said. 1940 is the earliest year for comparable data.

Among young men, 42.8 percent were living with relatives last year, below the 1940 high of 47.5 percent.

More

Shooting In Crisfield

SBYNEWS has been informed that there was a shooting in Crisfield. We will update this post as soon as any new information is provided.

Meet The Sick Mizzou Media Professor Who Threatened A Reporter With MOB VIOLENCE

On Monday, video emerged showing a professor at the University of Missouri calling for “muscle” to help remove journalist Mark Shierbecker as he was trying to film an anti-free speech event being held on campus following the resignation of MU system president Tim Wolfe.

The professor is Melissa A. Click. She belongs to the faculty of mass media within Mizzou’s department of communication.

Schierbecker recorded an intense exchange, which unfolded between University of Missouri student photographer Tim Tai and protesters who opposed Wolfe. Shierbecker asked Click if he could interview her as students pushed and blocked Tai.

“You need to get out,” Click told Shierbecker in the video, which you can watch below.

“No, I don’t,” Shierbecker said, prompting Click to grab his camera and shake it.

“Hey, who wants to help me get this reporter out of here?” Click shouted to the crowd. “I need some muscle over here.” (RELATED: Mizzou Professor Calls For ‘Muscle’ To Help Remove Reporter Covering Protests)

Two days ago, Click’s view of media coverage of the protests which now beset the Mizzou campus were decidedly different.

On Saturday, Click posted an appeal on her Facebook page urging reporters to cover the then-budding protest.

“Hey folks, students fighting racism on the MU campus want to get their message into the national media,” the media professor wrote. “Who among my friends knows someone who would want a scoop on this incredible topic?”

“The story involves the failure of administrators, a student on day 6 of a hunger strike, and creative, fearless students,” Click also enthusiastically explained. “If you can help, please let me know!”

More

Milwaukee police retrieve flag burned at GOP debate protest

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee's police chief said Wednesday that he's proud of officers who extinguished and respectfully folded an American flag set on fire by a protester near the Republican presidential debate.

Photos and video of Tuesday night's incident quickly spread on social media. They show officers putting out the flames near the Milwaukee Theatre and then ceremonially folding the flag.

Police Chief Edward Flynn said his officers are responsible for protecting the rights of protesters, but also have a duty "to take a treasured symbol of our national unity and freedom and treat it respectfully."

More

PODCAST: Russ Baker with Pat Thurston on RatherGate

The Backstory to the New Bush-Rather Movie “Truth”

WhoWhatWhy Editor in Chief Russ Baker chats with Pat Thurston, talk show host on the megastation KGO, about what is — and is not — in the new movie, “Truth.”

The film, which features Robert Redford and Cate Blanchett, explores the events in 2004 when CBS News reported on George W. Bush’s failure to complete required military service during Vietnam. Instead of Bush facing the music, it was CBS’s journalists whose heads ended up on the chopping block.

Russ explores indications that CBS and its anchor Dan Rather were deliberately targeted for a fall because they were getting too close to the truth about Bush. Were they fed false documents that closely mirrored reality but contained a ticking bomb? Pat and Russ also take the long view on the Bush clan and its still virtually unknown role as a core element of America’s covert-operations fraternity. The conversation lasts nearly an hour, but never lets up.

More

This safety feature no longer standard in many cars

BALTIMORE —As holiday travel season approaches, AAA estimates hundreds of Maryland drivers could be in for a nasty surprise.

Dozens of cars no longer come with a safety feature some may consider a standard feature.

Vickie Swindell creates memories by putting miles on her minivan with her 81-year-old mother and their friend, Alverta Dockins, but hitting the road takes extra time and effort, and Swindell likes to be prepared for anything.

She thought her $37,000 Chrysler van had every available safety feature when she set out on an overnight girls' trip last summer, so getting a flat tire didn't rattle her -- at first.

"We got the crank out, cranked down the cable, no spare tire," Swindell said. "I have a jack (and) a crank to crank down my spare tire that wasn't there. I have a blow-up kit."

More

Wholesale Inventories Have Never Been Higher Relative To Sales, Ever

Having risen to its highest level since the middle of the last two recessions, wholesale inventories-to-sales ratio remains at cycle highs at 1.31x. With wholesale sales and inventories both rising 0.5% (both more than expected), however, the absolute difference between sales and inventories has never been higher, leaving either major inventory liquidation ahead (or a miracle in sales). Wholesale inventories have now risen 4.7% YoY, as Sales have fallen 3.9% YoY. Finally, Auto inventories-to-sales ratio dropped very modestly (thanks to the surge in sales), but remains deep in 2008/9 crisis territory.

If we keep building it... they are just not coming...

Four Arrested After Assaulting Trooper in Carroll County

Mt. Airy, MD) – Maryland State Police have four suspects under arrest today after a chaotic scene at a local store that ended with arrests and the recovery of brass knuckles and a knife.

The first suspect is identified as Traci Conners, 42, of the 1400-block of Key Highway, Frederick, MD. She was charged with second degree assault on police and disorderly conduct. She is currently being held at the Carroll County Detention Center awaiting an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

The second suspect is identified as Jacob Conners, 17, of the 13000-block of West Annapolis Court, Mt. Airy, MD. He is being charged as an adult with second degree assault on a police officer, second degree assault, and carrying a concealed dangerous weapon. He is currently being held at the Carroll County Detention Center awaiting an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

The third suspect is identified as Steven Conners, 19, of the 13000-block of West Annapolis Court, Mt. Airy, MD. He was charged with second degree assault on a police officer, second degree assault, and hindering. He is currently being held at the Carroll County Detention Center awaiting an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

Advocates worry about possible cut to crime victim funding

Advocates for crime victims in Maryland are urging Congress not to cut money from a fund that helps them.

The bipartisan budget agreement signed by President Barack Obama this month to fund the federal government beyond the next presidential election calls for removing $1.5 billion from the Justice Department's Crime Victims Fund. Dozens of nonprofits, prosecutors' offices and other agencies in Maryland rely on grants from the fund to support services such as counseling, temporary housing, and legal services for victims.

While lawmakers included the reduction to balance the federal government's books, it's not yet clear whether the funding will actually be cut. That will be decided as part of the appropriations process. Congress has until mid-December to work out those details.

"We're obviously very concerned and closely monitoring that process," said Christopher B. Shank, executive director of the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, which administers the federal funding in Maryland.

More

Delaware gets F grade in 2015 State Integrity Investigation

Anemic ethics regime provides black mark on scorecard

Delaware
GRADE:F(56)
RANK:48TH
Assessing the systems in place to deter corruption in state government
Click on each category for more detail
OUR METHODOLOGY
Public Access to Information
GRADE:F(46)
RANK: 24th
Political Financing
GRADE:F(59)
RANK: 27th
Electoral Oversight
GRADE:D+(69)
RANK: 23rd
Executive Accountability
GRADE:F(56)
RANK: 36th
Legislative Accountability
GRADE:F(49)
RANK: 48th
Judicial Accountability
GRADE:F(46)
RANK: 46th
State Budget Processes
GRADE:D(65)
RANK: 42nd
State Civil Service Management
GRADE:F(54)
RANK: 43rd
Procurement
GRADE:D(66)
RANK: 31st
Internal Auditing
GRADE:C-(73)
RANK: 43rd
Lobbying Disclosure
GRADE:F(56)
RANK: 34th
Ethics Enforcement Agencies
GRADE:F(45)
RANK: 43rd
State Pension Fund Management
GRADE:F(37)
RANK: 48th

Tell your legislators about their grade

Provide us with your street address and Zip code and we will find your state representatives so you can tell them how your state ranked.


We will not save or share the personal information after using it to send emails on your behalf. See ourprivacy policy and terms of use.

State Integrity Investigation
Explore the full interactive to learn more about other states.
Credit: Yue Qiu, Chris Zubak-Skees and Erik Lincoln, Center for Public Integrity with Global Integrity

More

Aging mobster found not guilty on all counts in 1978 Lufthansa heist dramatized in 'Goodfellas'

Mobster Vincent Asaro is found not guilty on all counts in the $6 million JFK airport heist in 1978 dramatized in the movie 'Goodfellas.'

Baltimore schools tightening security after break-ins

BALTIMORE —School police across the Baltimore area are trying to find who is responsible for a slew of break-ins at several schools.

In one of instance, vandals broke into Edgecombe Circle Elementary School overnight Monday, forcing the school to shut down for the day Tuesday.

"Our teacher came in at 6:30 in the morning to find her projector gone and their classroom ripped apart," said Laurel Freedman, executive director of Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School. "We've been open for 12 weeks. We're a new school, and in the 12 weeks we've been open, we've been broken into five times through our windows and twice in the last week."

"My window was open completely and my plant was on the ground and there was dirt all over my classroom," said Amanda Doran, an English language arts teacher at Lillie May. "I looked up and realized that my projector was gone and that my ceiling was ripped out."

Nearby at Banneker Blake Academy, thieves took 25 laptops on Oct. 12 and 11 more on Oct. 30

More

Portuguese Government Falls As Socialists, Communists Topple PM

Well it wasn't hard to see this coming.

As detailed here on Tuesday, Antonio Costa and the Socialists have fulfilled their promise of ousting Portuguese PM Pedro Passos Coelho's government just days after President Anibal Cavaco Silva reappointed the premier on the heels of largely inconclusive elections. 

PORTUGUESE PARLIAMENT REJECTS PM COELHO'S GOVERNMENT PROGRAM
PORTUGAL GOVERNMENT FALLS AFTER LAWMAKERS BLOCK COELHO PLAN

For those who missed it, the Socialists moved to form a government with the Left Bloc and the Communists and when Silva decided to give them the political equivalent of a swift slap in the face by reappointing Coelho, the stage was set for a veritable mutiny.

Today's events validate Communist leader Jerónimo de Sousa's contention that Silva's decision would amount to a "manifest waste of time."

Here's AP:

Anti-austerity lawmakers have forced Portugal's new center-right government to resign by rejecting its policy proposals.
The showdown comes less than two weeks after the center-right government was sworn in.

The moderate Socialist Party forged an unprecedented alliance with the Communist Party and the radical Left Bloc to get a majority in the 230-seat Parliament and vote down the proposals Tuesday.

After four years in power the government lost its parliamentary majority in an Oct. 4 general election, which saw a public backlash against austerity measures adopted following a 78 billion-euro ($84 billion) bailout in 2011.

Socialist leader Antonio Costa is expected to become prime minister in coming weeks, supported by the Communists and Left Bloc. The have promised to alleviate austerity, though critics fear a return to borrow-and-spend policies.

So get ready Brussels and Berlin, because you might be in for another anti-austerity battle only this time, the country in question "matters."

More

Pocketbook Pain: The Rapidly Rising Cost Of Living Is Absolutely Killing The Middle Class In America

All over America, the middle class is dying and poverty is on the rise.  One of the primary reasons for this is the rapidly rising cost of living in the United States.  The cost of just about everything that average families shell out money for on a regular basis – food, rent, health insurance, etc. – is rising much faster than wages are.  In a previous article I noted that the federal poverty level for a family of five is $28,410, but 51 percent of all American workers are making less than $30,000 a year at this point.  We have seen an explosion in the number of people in this country that are considered to be “the working poor” and it gets worse with each passing year.

One of the most frustrating things for me personally is the rising cost of health insurance.  Barack Obama promised that his program would result in a decline in health insurance premiums by as much as $2,500 per family, but in reality average family premiums have increased by a total of$4,865 since 2008.

Just recently, I got a letter informing me that my health insurance premiums would be going up by close to 20 percent in 2016.  That is on top of an increase of more than 30 percent in 2015.  Sadly, the exact same thing is happening to millions of other families all over the nation.  The following comes from TruNews
The Obamacare increases for 2016 have been released. Premiums will increase 3 times faster than officials claim.
Every state is different. Every insurer is different. New Mexico residents, for instance, can expect increases of 8 to 40 percent for the second-lowest cost silver plan. But for people in other states, including Arkansas the cost will increase less than 4 percent. Overall the average increase is 20.3 percent, according to analysis by The Daily Caller News Foundation, instead of the 7.5 percent originally asserted.
More