Fishing Crew Rescued Offshore After Long Night At Sea

OCEAN CITY — An Ocean City-based fishing crew spent a harrowing night offshore after breaking down last weekend, but the incident had a happy ending when a Coast Guard search plane spotted the vessel and sent help nearly 24 hours later.

Around 5:45 a.m. last Friday, Captain Chase Eberle and the crew of three on the 26-foot sportfishing boat “Duskey” left Chincoteague for the Norfolk Canyon on a late season yellowfin tuna trip. The “Duskey” arrived in the Norfolk Canyon a few hours later and already had a gaffer in the box in the first 15 minutes. After a successful morning of fishing, Eberle and the “Duskey” crew started to head back in around 2 p.m. when trouble struck.

The boat got about five miles outside the Norfolk Canyon when the vessel spun a hub on the propeller and became disabled. For several hours, Eberle and the “Duskey” crew continued to put out distress calls, but no help immediately came as the sun set and night settled in.

“We put out distress calls, but whether or not any of them were heard I don’t know personally,” he said. “We had a glassy night in the canyon and we couldn’t ask for a better night to be stuck in the canyon.”

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Diana West: Republican And Democratic Elites Moving America Towards Socialism

Conservative author Diana West says America is seeing a “lining up of Democratic and Republican elites,” working to move America towards socialism.

West told Breitbart News Daily host Stephen K. Bannon that the latest, trillion dollar budget deal reflects the priorities of Republican and Democratic elites, but doesn’t reflect real conservatism.

“It is the definition of what the party elites are, the people in power are, but I don’t think it’s the definition of what a conservative is.”

She also argued that they are sending America down a path to socialism.

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DNC Restores Sanders Campaign's Access To Voter Files After Data Breach

The Democratic National Committee and the presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders have reached an agreement to restore the campaign's access to the DNC's massive voter file.

The decision, announced just after midnight Saturday, capped off a chaotic day in which the DNC blocked the Sanders campaign from accessing the national database, which plays a critical role in campaigns' strategies and daily operations.

The party took that step after it discovered that staffers for the Vermont senator had accessed and saved data collected by rival Hillary Clinton's campaign, made briefly accessible due to a software glitch.

In response to the harsh rebuke, the Sanders campaign charged Friday morning that the DNC was "actively attempting to undermine our campaign" in favor of Clinton. The campaign filed a lawsuit in federal court that evening to stop the DNC from blocking access to the data, saying they stood to lose $600,000 in donations per day without access to the data, which is critical to identifying and contacting voters.

According to Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver, the agreement was reached before a hearing on the emergency injunction.

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REMINDER: A Christmas Celebration Tonight

Fox News Poll: Trump's Lead Jumps 11 Points as Cruz Gains

Donald Trump's lead increased by 11 points in the latest Fox News poll over last month — while Ted Cruz gained ground, Marco Rubio slipped and Ben Carson fell precipitously.

Here are the results released Friday in the latest poll compared with those of last month.

Donald Trump's lead increased by 11 points in the latest Fox News poll over last month — while Ted Cruz gained ground, Marco Rubio slipped and Ben Carson fell precipitously.

Here are the results released Friday in the latest poll compared with those of last month.

The most recent survey of 1,013 adults was conducted Wednesday and Thursday. The fifth GOP debate was held on Tuesday in Las Vegas.

Trump: 39 percent, up from 28 percent last month.
Cruz: 18 percent, up from 14 percent.
Rubio: 11 percent, down from 14 percent.
Carson: 9 percent, down from 18 percent.
Jeb Bush: 3 percent, down from 5 percent.
Chris Christie and Carly Fiorina: 3 percent each, tied with last month.
Rand Paul: 3 percent, down from 1 percent.
John Kasich: 2 percent, even with last month.
Mike Huckabee: 1 percent, down from 3 percent.
Rick Santorum: 1 percent, up from zero last month.
George Pataki: Zero percent, down from 1 percent.
Lindsey Graham and Jim Gilmore: Zero percent each.

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Nominees For Wicomico County Circuit Court

The Judicial Nominating Commissions select and nominate to the Governor persons found by the Commission to be legally and most fully professionally qualified to fill a vacancy. The table includes all current vacancies. Once the close date to a vacancy passes, the names of all applicants will be listed. The public is encouraged to participate in the selection process by submitting written and signed comments concerning the qualifications of an applicant to The Judicial Nominating Commission, c/o The Administrative Office of the Courts, Human Resources, Maryland Judicial Center, 580 Taylor Avenue, Building A, First Floor, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. The comments must be received at least one week prior to the commission meeting date shown in the table below.

The Nominating Commission meets to interview all candidates. Thereafter a voting session takes place and the names of nominees are reported to the Governor. This usually occurs the same day or morning after the Commission meets. As soon as the names have been reported to the Governor this chart is updated to reflect the names of those nominated to a vacancy.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this table. Please recognize, however, that this list does not constitute official notification of individuals nominated for, or appointed to, a judicial vacancy. Rather, the official list of candidates for a vacancy is compiled by the Administrative Office of the Courts and sent to the Governor's Office. The Governor's Office officially notifies the appointed individual and releases an official notice to the public. When an appointment to a vacancy is announced by the Governor's Office, the name is highlighted in red.

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After long fight, VA grants automatic benefits to Camp Lejeune's vets

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced Thursday it will grant automatic benefits to veterans of Camp Lejeune if they suffer one of eight diseases, a decision that throws a lifeline to potentially thousands of people sickened by the base's formerly polluted drinking water.

The decision is a striking contrast to the VA's overall 93.5 percent denial rate of claims for health and disability benefits filed by veterans of the North Carolina Marine Corps base, VA figures show.

"This is good news," said Karl Saffell, 60, of Lithia, who served at the base from 1977 to 1979 and had a VA claim denied for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, one of the diseases now covered.

"I try not to say bad things. But the claims process has not been one that helps people. It's designed to make people leap barrels and overcome obstructions to get benefits."

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From Jeb Bush: "Most important email I've sent, Joe"

Joe — Tuesday night was big. No two ways about it.

So, this morning when I went over the list of everyone who stepped up before and even after the debate, and I still didn’t see your name, I was surprised.

Onward,

Jeb

Dear Jeb,

Fool me once, shame on me. However, fool me three times, well, I'd be labeled an IDIOT. Might I suggest you stop haggling with Donald Trump and actually throw your support towards a man who would actually LEAD us back to prosperity and not line your families pockets with more oil money.

Quit,

Joe

Jesse Jackson: Nation’s urban centers in crisis

BALTIMORE (AP) — Rev. Jesse Jackson says the nation’s urban centers are in a crisis created by structural injustice.

Jackson spoke at a commencement ceremony at Morgan State University, a historically black school, on Friday, two days after a mistrial in the case of one of six Baltimore police officers charged in Freddie Gray’s death.

Jackson calls the city “a metaphor for abandoned urban America, not protected by laws, not corrected by investment.” He calls Gray, a 25-year-old black man who died after he was injured in police custody, a symbol of too many youth in urban zones “profiled, arrested and killed in police custody without deterrents for misconduct.”

Jackson says people should be marching, not only because Gray is dead “but because of reduced life options and the way he died.”

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OC: More ‘Tyson’ heroin recovered

For the second time in a month, local law enforcement reports have indicated that “Tyson” brand heroin is being traded in large quantities in the resort area.

The narcotics’ packaging apparently features the word “Tyson” stamped in red ink, complete with a picture of a chicken. It is unlikely that the drugs are actually associated with the poultry purveyor.

In the most recent incident, Ocean City residents Adam Winter, 38, and Jessica Brown, 22, are accused by police of conducting a heroin deal in a 48th Street parking lot on the afternoon of Dec. 10.

In the arrest report, OCPD Detective Sgt. Jeff Smith wrote that he was working surveillance on known drug users in the area of 28th Street when he observed Brown texting while driving. Knowing that Brown “associates with known heroin addicts,” Smith wrote, he decided to follow her.

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New Orleans Will Finally Tear Down Its Monuments to American Traitors

The city's statues honoring Robert E. Lee and other figures of the Confederacy will be removed.

Early last summer, I spent some time in New Orleans. While my brief at the time was to write about the 10th anniversary of the storm, my trip coincided with the national backlash against a century-and-a-half of memorializing American sedition in the public square. At particular issue in the city were four of said monuments that Mayor Mitch Landrieu wanted removed, including the gigantic pillar atop which was a statue of Robert E. Lee—facing north, it was said, so as to face "the enemy." The enemy he was facing, of course, was the United States of America. An informal poll taken at the famous Circle Inn, which sits in the shadow of the pillar, was that Marse Robert should be replaced by Louis Armstrong—or my personal choice, Professor Longhair.

The fight ended Thursday when the New Orleans City Council voted to remove four statues honoring famous American traitors. Marse Robert's coming down at last.

Besides Gen. Robert E. Lee, statues of Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard at the entrance of City Park and Confederate president Jefferson Davis in Mid-City and the obelisk dedicated to the Battle of Liberty Place at the foot of Iberville Street will all come down.The time surely comes when (justice) must and will be heard," Mayor Mitch Landrieu told the council as he called for the statues to be put in a museum or a Civil War park. "Members of the council, that day is today. The Confederacy, you see, was on the wrong side of history and humanity."

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Students To Sing ‘Allahu Akbar’ At Holiday Concert

BLAINE, Minn. — Some parents in the Anoka-Hennepin School District are questioning a choir teacher’s decision to use a song about Ramadan performed in Arabic at a holiday concert.

At Thursday night’s concert at Blaine High School, one of the songs students will be singing includes Arabic words, including the phrase “Allahu Akbar,” which means “God is great.”

Christian and Jewish songs will be performed as well, but the Ramadan song is getting all the attention.

The Anoka- Hennepin School District said they have received about a dozen complaints about the song. Some are from parents, some are from people not even affiliated with the school.

“Songs are not performed in a worship setting or to promote religion,” the district’s statement said. “but rather in [an] educational setting where students are learning and performing music.”

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Anti-Theft Lunch Bag

You can actually buy these. GO HERE

TODAY! SALISBURY SKATEPARK GRAND OPENING CEREMONY

Salisbury – Mayor Jake Day is pleased to announce that the grand opening ceremony for the Salisbury Skatepark will take place on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the site – 921 South Park Drive.

Helmets are mandatory, so skaters bring your helmet and be prepared to have a great time! All skaters must also be appropriately registered. Skaters 18 years of age and older must complete and sign a Waiver and Release form and obtain a Salisbury Skatepark registration sticker. This sticker must be displayed prominently on your skating helmet in order to enter and skate in the park. All skaters under the age of 18 must have the waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Salisbury Community Development staff members will be on-site from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. following the grand opening ceremony to register skaters who have not yet completed the required Waiver and Release form.

Deborah Stam, Salisbury Community Development Director, stated “The Salisbury Skatepark Committee members and I have been working toward the realization of this goal for eight long years. It is so gratifying to finally see this dream become a reality. The Salisbury Skatepark will enhance the quality of life for our local residents by providing a new, positive outlet for the energy and exuberance of the community’s youth. I want to thank the Mayor and City Council members who have supported this project over the years, and all the many City staff members who assisted with the construction of this very important addition to our recreational amenities.”

“A lot of positive energy and hard work has been given to this project by so many people,” said Mayor Jake Day. “I’m delighted to see phase 1 complete. I offer my thanks to Debbie Stam for her steadfast dedication to the project, and I look forward to seeing the skaters enjoying a facility for which they’ve waited such a long time.”

Those affected by Berlin vandals still waiting for results

Six months after a Worcester County District Court judge set probationary terms for the defendants in the January vandalism of more than a dozen vehicles and several landmarks in downtown Berlin, a number of those terms have not been met.

Mark A. Vernarelli, director of community engagement with the Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services, said Nicholas Bonser and Jordan Denton, both 18 when they pleaded guilty in June, had paid some of the $8,843.06 in restitution and completed a portion of the 150 hours of community service ordered by the court.

Vernarelli added that each had written a required letter of apology to the town, although Berlin Town Administrator Laura Allen and a number of other town officials said they had not seen one.

Information about the third defendant in the trial, a juvenile, was not available, and Vernarelli said he could not disclose the exact amount of money paid or service hours completed.

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Saudi Millionaire Cleared of Rape Charge, Claims He Fell Into Teen

Comptroller Fires Back after Senate President’s Critique

Peter Franchot assails Mike Miller’s letter as an “unwarranted attack on the work of my office”

Comptroller Peter Franchot Thursday sent a strongly-worded letter to Senate President Mike Miller after Miller criticized his performance earlier this week.

“While I always stand ready to engage you in a candid exchange of ideas, I will not allow you to unfairly and inaccurately disparage the work of my award-winning office,” Franchot wrote.

In a letter earlier this week, Miller criticized Franchot over reports that the comptroller’s office misallocated $12 million to $15 million in Montgomery County tax funds to municipalities within the county, including the Town of Chevy Chase and City of Rockville.

Franchot, a Democrat, wrote in his response that Miller is criticizing him because he has attempted to cross party lines on several issues.

“My sense is that your sudden and newfound concerns over the performance of my office are actually based upon my well-documented willingness to reach across partisan lines to work with Governor [Larry] Hogan on fiscal matters of great importance to Maryland taxpayers,” Franchot wrote. “Rather than joining your efforts to launch the 2018 gubernatorial election three years early—as painfully awkward and maladroit as they have been, to date—I am pleased to work with the Governor in a shared effort to hold the line on excessive spending, unsustainable debt and higher taxes on consumers and small business.”

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Airport Welcome Home Party Tonight!

There will be a special holiday welcome home for one of our military members Saturday evening at the Salisbury Airport. 

Everyone is encouraged to attend, invite your friends and bring plenty of flags.

The plane is scheduled for 7:30, but people are encouraged to arrive by 6:45 p.m. to allow for adjustments (including early arrivals) and updates.

Salisbury–Ocean City–Wicomico Regional Airport
5485 Airport Terminal Rd, Salisbury, Maryland 21804

Caption This Photo 12-19-15

MSP DUI Checkpoint Post Press Release 12-19-15

A Viewer Sent This In

Australia says NO -- This will be the second Time Julian Gillard (Australian Prime Minister) has done this! She sure isn't backing down on her hard line stance and one has to appreciate her belief in the rights of her native countrymen. A breath of fresh air to see someone lead with guts and determination. Australian Prime Minister does it again ... Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques: Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT... Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture.Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.' 'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.' 'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!' 'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you,then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.' 'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.' 'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.' 'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country that accepted you.' PLEASE NOTE: This women has more "BALLS" then our current President of the United States. IF we circulate this amongst ourselves in Canada & USA, WE will find the courage to start.

Delaware State Police Troop 3 Dedication Ceremony

Camden, DE – The Delaware State Police Troop 3 Dedication and Opening Ceremony was held today, Friday, December 18, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. The opening of this facility located at 3759 South State Street, Camden, marked the culmination of an idea that began several years ago. An idea to create a new Troop 3 that would provide an innovative structure that would serve multiple purposes for the benefit of the Delaware State Police and the citizens of Delaware. As the population of Kent County grows the men and women of the Delaware State Police can meet the needs and address challenges of our communities with this new facility for many years to come.

This beautiful facility consists of office space, eight interview rooms, six temporary holding cells, three temporary detention rooms, a fingerprint facility, evidence processing and storage area, a large community room, a patrol officer resource room, a patrol officer roll call room, and a 7,000 square foot maintenance facility and evidence storage which includes a four bay garage.

This complex was designed by the architectural firm of Becker Morgan Group of Dover, Delaware, the complex is situated on 20 acres. Troop 3 was constructed by Commonwealth Construction Company of Wilmington and Site work by A-Del Construction of Newark, Delaware.

Troop 3 houses approximately 100 Troopers including 50 patrol officers, and 50 detectives (including members of the special investigations section).

Fatal Collision MSP Press Release 12-19-15 (Salisbury Barrack)

Registration open for St. Paddy’s Day Run

Registration is now open for the 17th Annual St. Paddy’s Day 5K Run/2K Walk, to be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the Salisbury Elks Lodge.

Registration will begin at 2 p.m. The cost is $25 and the first 200 registrants are guaranteed an event T-shirt. Event sponsors are also being sought.

Overall awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers; awards also will be presented to the top three finishers in the various age divisions.

The theme of the run/walk is “Racing For a Reason.” All proceeds will support MAC Inc. programs and services for family members, caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s Disease.

For race information, call 410-742-0505, ext. 118; email cfr@macinc.org; or visitwww.macinc.org/st-paddys-5k.html

Elks Line Dance Competition - January 30, 2016 Salisbury Md

The Officers and Members of Success Temple #154 are sponsoring a Line Dance Competition, Disco, and Fun Night on January 30, 2016 at 8:30 pm at the Elks Home in Salisbury, MD. We invite all line dancers to come and join in the competition, a team of three (3) or more dancers are required. The registration fee for teams is $5 per team member. We will provide the music, unless you want to provide your own. First, Second, and Third Place trophies will be awarded to the Line Dance competition winners. An application for the competition is attached. The judge’s decision will be final, so put your best foot forward.

· Saturday, January 30, 2016 – Line Dance Competition, Disco, Karaoke, and a Night of Fun. 8:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.

Donation - $10 **** Lite fare will be provided.

Please return application and registration fee as soon as possible. Checks or money orders should be made payable to: Success Temple #154. Proceeds to benefit delegates for Tri-State and National Conventions.

We look forward to seeing you and you do not want to miss this event. If you have any questions or need tickets, please contact Chairpersons: Dgt. Sandra Martin or Dgt. Shayla Spates, or any Temple Member.

Governor Larry Hogan Announces Judicial Appointments

Fills Vacancies on the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Montgomery County Circuit Court, and Howard County District Court

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan announced the appointment of Ms. Stacy McCormack and Ms. Donna Schaeffer to the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Mr. Harry Storm to the Montgomery County Circuit Court, and Ms. Lisa Broten to the Howard County District Court. The governor made the appointments after reviewing submissions from the judicial nominating commissions.

“After conducting a thorough vetting process, I am confident that Ms. McCormack, Ms. Schaeffer, Mr. Storm, and Ms. Broten are the most qualified candidates to fill these vacancies," said Governor Hogan. "Their extensive legal experience in our state has prepared them well and I offer my sincere congratulations."

Donna McCabe Schaeffer will fill a vacancy on the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. Donna Schaeffer has practiced law for over 30 years, and is currently a director at Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A. Her previous experience also includes professional mediation and clerking for a Maryland Court of Appeals associate judge. Ms. Schaeffer graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law and has been voted a “What’s Up Annapolis” Leading Lawyer in Family Law by her peers each year for the past six years.

Stacy Wiederle McCormack will fill another vacancy on the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County. Stacy McCormack is currently a sole practitioner in Annapolis, focusing on criminal and personal injury cases. Her previous experience also includes working at the Public Defender’s Office, Jaklitsch Law Group, and clerking for a Maryland Court of Special Appeals judge. Ms. McCormack graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Harry Carl Storm will fill a vacancy on the Montgomery County Circuit Court. Harry Storm has practiced law for more than 35 years, and is currently a shareholder at Lerch, Early & Brewer. His previous experience also includes helping to form Abrams, West & Storm, P.C. and serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Montgomery County. Mr. Storm is also the incoming President of the Maryland State Bar Association, a current member of the arbitration panel of neutrals of the American Arbitration Association, and has previously held leadership positions in both the Maryland State Bar Association and the Bar Association of Montgomery County. Mr. Storm graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Lisa Louise Broten will fill a vacancy on the Howard County District Court. Lisa Broten has served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Howard County for the past 17 years. During this time she has served in various roles and has interacted with both the Howard County Circuit Court and the Howard County District Court. Her previous experience also includes interning as an Asper Fellow with the Howard County State’s Attorney’s Office. Ms. Broten graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law.

These appointments will take effect immediately.

Mother Teresa to Be Sainted After 2nd Miracle Declared: Vatican

ROME — Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to helping India's poor, will be made a saint in the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican said Friday.

She will likely be canonized in September to coincide with the 19th anniversary of her death and Pope Francis' Holy Year of Mercy, according to an Italian Catholic newspaper report.

The pontiff marked his 79th birthday on Thursday by approving a decree that the nun had performed a second miracle 11 years after her death, the Vatican confirmed in a statement.

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Will Smith: Movie "Concussion" touches raw nerve for NFL

(CNN) By now, even the most casual NFL fans are aware that head injuries are a serious cause for concern in the sport. But this Christmas the Hollywood blockbuster "Concussion" is set to spread that message to the masses.

"I probably won't be getting my free Super Bowl tickets this year," said actor Will Smith, who plays Dr. Bennet Omalu, the man who discovers the link between the sport and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

As a noted Philadelphia Eagles fan and parent of a former high school football star -- Smith once traveled between China and Los Angeles for 10 straight weeks to watch son Trey compete -- the actor admitted feeling conflicted about the film.

But meeting Nigerian-born Omalu convinced him that the story needed to be told.

"Dr. Omalu is an immigrant, and a big part of why he fought so hard to have this information come out is because he believes in America and American ideals," Smith told CNN's Rachel Nichols ahead of the movie's U.S. release next week.

"I believe firmly in the ideas and in the concepts of what this country stands for, and I'm impelled and compelled to do whatever I have to do to make sure they aren't trampled upon."

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$1.6B Omnibus to Resettle Illegal Immigrants Through 2018

Awards $1,645,201,000 for ‘refugee and entrant assistance activities’

A massive appropriations bill expected to be approved by Congress would provide more than $1.6 billion to resettle illegal immigrants arriving at the U.S. border through 2018.

Congress would award the massive check to the government just as the U.S. isexperiencing a surge in arrivals of immigrant children at the southern border. Last week, federal agencies said they were opening two temporary shelters with 1,000 beds in South Texas to cope with the surge. A 400-bed shelter is also to be opened in Southern California.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the Department of Health and Human Services has begun a process to expand its temporary capacity to house unaccompanied children,” the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement last Monday.

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A scary video clip

Second Amendment

Lettuce is worse for the environment than meat, study says

A study published last month in the scholarly journal Environment Systems and Decisions appears to contradict mounting evidence that meat farming is worse for the environment than growing fruits and vegetables.

According to new research from a team of Carnegie Mellon University scientists, “following the USDA recommendations to consume more fruits, vegetables, dairy and seafood is more harmful to the environment because those foods have relatively high resource uses and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per calorie.”

In other words, the study says that following a mostly vegetarian diet has a more profound impact on climate change eating meat.

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WHY?

Officials say Bay Bridge should be good through 2065

 

BALTIMORE (AP) — Maryland transportation officials say the Chesapeake Bay Bridge should be able to handle traffic for another half century.

Officials said Thursday that a bridge life cycle cost analysis has confirmed that the twin spans of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge are in satisfactory condition and, with anticipated preservation and maintenance, can be maintained safely through 2065.

By that time, the eastbound span will be 113 years old, and the westbound span will be 92 years old. Officials say that beyond 2065, it is difficult to project what rehabilitation and maintenance would be required to keep the bridges in fair or better condition.

The Maryland Transportation Authority says the life cycle study identified deck and superstructure replacement, painting, and cable replacement as some of the anticipated preservation needs.

Source

Pay raise, transit benefits parity gives feds optimism for 2016

The 2016 spending bill holds more presents than lumps of coal for federal employees. The omnibus appropriations bill is the first one in some time that didn’t require federal employees to hold their collective breaths for possible pay and benefits changes.

For federal employees, it starts with the 1.3 percent pay raise President Barack Obama approved in August. It remains untouched. The spending bill was silent on the raise, which means as of Jan. 1, employees will see an increase.

Next comes what wasn’t in the bill. Congress didn’t attempt to or include any cuts or reductions on retirement or health benefits.

“We’ve gone from three years of a pay freeze to two years at 1 percent, thank god we are at least at 1 plus the locality, 1.3 percent or a little higher in some areas. They left our pensions alone. They left our health care alone,” said J. David Cox, the national president of the American Federation of Government Employees, during a press briefing with reporters on Dec. 16 in Washington. “The future does seem to look at little brighter than what we were seeing.”

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CBS Reveals Unprecedented Coverage Plan For Historic Super Bowl 50

As we make our way towards the end of the NFL season the excitement surrounding Super Bowl 50, taking place on Feb. 7, 2016 in San Francisco, is reaching a fever pitch. Teams are gearing up for a run through the playoffs to get to the coveted Super Bowl all the while CBS, the exclusive broadcaster of Super Bowl 50, is gearing up for unprecedented coverage of the event as well.

In the weeks leading up to the big game, each of CBS’ renowned properties will be covering different aspects and angles of the biggest game in professional sports.

Whether it’s “The NFL Today” crew counting down until kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday with a special edition show titled “The Super Bowl Today,” or CBS Sports Digital’s wall-to-wall coverage of everything football throughout the playoffs and Super Bowl Weekend, or CBS Sports Radio and CBS Local Sports’ highly localized market-to-market coverage of every detail of the big event, CBS has the big game covered.

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Governor Larry Hogan Announces Dennis Schrader as Secretary of Appointments

Role Will Support Governor in Filling Key Positions Across State Government

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Hogan today announced that he has appointed Dennis Schrader as the Secretary of Appointments. Schrader replaces James Fielder, who was recently appointed as the new secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Schrader previously served as the deputy secretary for policy, planning & enterprise services for the Maryland Department of Transportation. In his new role, Schrader will lead the office responsible for supporting the governor in filling about 1,500 positions yearly.

“I am thrilled a person like Dennis Schrader, someone of the utmost character and integrity, will lead the office charged with filling so many key leadership roles throughout the state,” said Governor Hogan. “I am confident he will be committed to selecting the most qualified candidates to help change Maryland for the better.”

Prior to joining Transportation in January 2015, Schrader was a director at Integrity Consulting Solutions and a faculty member at Towson University. Schrader also served as deputy administrator of the National Preparedness Directorate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and served as Maryland's first director of homeland security. Schrader served in the U.S. Navy where he served active duty until 1987, retiring as a Captain in 2007.

“It’s a great honor to continue to serve the Hogan Administration,” said Schrader. “I look forward to working with the governor in identifying the best person for the job for positions across Maryland.”

Schrader received a master's degree in industrial engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo and is a licensed professional engineer. He resides in Columbia, Maryland, with his wife Sandra, a former Maryland State Senator.

PETSMART Dog Treat Recall

The Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council Releases Recommendations

Recommendations Projected to Save $247 Million Over Next Decade

ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council today announced a set of data-driven recommendations to reform Maryland’s criminal justice system. The recommendations are aimed at safely reducing Maryland’s incarcerated population, controlling corrections spending, and reinvesting in more effective, less expensive strategies to increase public safety and reduce recidivism. The reform package is projected to save $247 million over the next decade by realigning criminal justice spending and holding the criminal justice system accountable for results.

The Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council’s proposed recommendations would:
Reserve prison beds for serious and violent offenders;
Strengthen probation and parole supervision;
Improve and expand re-entry and treatment services;
Support local corrections systems; and
Ensure oversight and accountability.

Following the charge laid out by Governor Larry Hogan, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., Speaker Michael E. Busch, Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera, and Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, the Council engaged in a six-month study of Maryland’s criminal justice system, analyzing state data, evaluating policies and programs used in other states, and reviewing research on what works to reduce recidivism.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that every Maryland tax dollar spent on our criminal justice system delivers the highest return on our investment in public safety," said Governor Hogan. "Throughout its work, the Council focused on how to treat offenders suffering from substance abuse or mental health problems, and explored reentry programs that could help them become contributing members of their communities once they return home. I want to thank the Council for its hard work on this significant report."

Conservative Reporter Punks MSNBC’s Chris Matthews. Matthews Flips Out: ‘Go to Hell!”

MSNBC Chris Matthews is a blowhard. He works to push his opinion as fact and downplay the importance of facts on his show as he berates those who dare disagree with him and pathetically fawns-over those who parrot liberal talking points.

Nothing illustrates Matthews’ journalistic irrelevancy as his now-infamous assertion that hearing Barack Obama speak gives him a “thrill” up his leg.

Speaking about Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential election, Matthews discussed the supposed oratory greatness of the teleprompter-reliant candidate and claimed that when he listens to Obama speak, he gets a “thrill” up his leg, an odd phrase that has led to some nicknaming Matthews “Tingles.”

On Tuesday, Matthews spoke with the conservative Media Research Center’s Dan Joseph just prior to the Republican debate and Joseph asked Matthews about his leg.

When Matthews finally figured out what was going on, he became incensed.

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‘The Politics of Higher Purpose’: An Interview With Martin O’Malley

Martin O’Malley is running a serious race for the presidency, in which he has courageously defended immigrants, refugees, and Muslims while arguing for bold gun-control policies. But do contemporary politics reward seriousness and courage? As one of three remaining Democratic contenders—with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders—O’Malley gets good reviews for debate performances and speeches. Yet the former Maryland governor’s poll numbers are modest. Undaunted, he tells John Nichols that “the politics of higher purpose” can prevail.

John Nichols: You speak often of politics in terms of moral duty. That’s an echo of the Catholic social-justice tradition. But it also reflects your sense of how to get things done.

Martin O’Malley: Yes, the politics of higher purpose—that’s what’s always drawn me to public service. I believe that the power of politics isn’t money. It’s the beliefs that unite us, when they are actually tapped—when a leader is willing to make him- or herself vulnerable for the sake of those values. I’m the only one in this race who’s again and again staked my political future on issues of principle, whether it was driver’s licenses for new immigrants, the Dream Act, or ending the death penalty. When we moved to repeal the death penalty, there wasn’t a single adviser in my circle who said, “This is really great politics.”

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‘WE ARE ALL MUSLIM’ SAYS LIBERAL NUTJOB MICHAEL MOORE OUTSIDE TRUMP TOWER

Moore, who was standing in solidarity with Muslims rather than announcing a religious conversion, also posted anopen letter to the billionaire tycoon on Facebook, where he claimed fear and ignorance were the driving forces behind his incendiary policy choices.

Today I went & stood in front of Trump Tower & held a sign until the police came. Then I went home & wrote Donald a…

Posted by Michael Moore on Wednesday, December 16, 2015

“Here we are in 2015, like many other angry white guys, you are frightened by a bogeyman who is out to get you. That bogeyman, in your mind, are all Muslims. Not just the ones who have killed, but ALL MUSLIMS,” he wrote.

Moore went on to suggest that the changing demographics of the American electorate give Trump little chance of success in his bid to for the Oval Office.

“We are not a country of angry white guys,” wrote the Oscar-winning documentary director. “Here’s a statistic that is going to make your hair spin: Eighty-one percent of the electorate who will pick the president next year are either female, people of color, or young people between the ages of 18 and 35. In other words, not you. And not the people who want you leading their country.”

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Maryland soldiers catch robber in act in New Jersey

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. —Army reserve soldiers from Maryland stopped an armed robbery at a pharmacy near Fort Dix, New Jersey, military officials said Thursday.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 372nd Military Police Company from Cumberland, Maryland, were at the New Jersey pharmacy Saturday.

As the soldiers left the store, they noticed a suspicious man holding a large black knife in his left hand and a black plastic bag in his right hand.

The soldiers called 911 but the man left and began running towards the back alley. The soldiers pursued the man and told him to stop, but he kept running. The man eventually dropped his weapon and the black bag and surrendered. He was taken into custody shortly after.

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Karma

Amish girls' kidnappers imprisoned for sexually exploiting six girls

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A northern New York couple were sentenced to a total of 880 years in prison for sexually exploiting six young girls, including two Amish sisters kidnapped from their family's roadside vegetable stand.

U.S. District Judge Glenn Suddaby sentenced Stephen Howells to 580 years in prison and Howells' former girlfriend Nicole Vaisey to 300 years in prison.

"You are the threat that parents worry about every day," Suddaby said to Howells. "You are the nightmare that never goes away for children."

Howells, 40, pleaded guilty in May to 21 counts of sexually exploiting children and child pornography. He admitted he victimized the six girls from December 2012 through August of last year, when he and Vaisey were charged with kidnapping the Amish sisters in St. Lawrence County.

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You're Invited To An Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser Tomorrow Morning!

An Airline Passenger Took A Crap So Foul They Had To Land The Plane

Having to use an airplane bathroom is indignity enough. Can you imagine what it would do to your self-esteem if your after-stench actually grounded an entire flight full of travelers?

Because that's exactly what happened to some poor man or woman (though, probably a man) who was flying British Airways from London to Dubai.

It appears that about fifteen minutes into the flight, a gastroenterologically distressed passenger took an emergency trip into the small room in the back of the plane to empty the contents of their lower intestine that thing that passes for a toilet. That's probably about seven seconds after the seatbelt light went off, so something pretty awful was probably brewing.

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Caitlyn Jenner Named Most Fascinating Person of 2015 by Barbara Walters

Barbara Walters might not have a regular seat at the View table anymore, but her opinions — as evidenced by her annual Most Fascinating People special — remain as relevant as ever.

So America scratched its collective head during this year’s telecast, which aired Thursday on ABC, wondering who would nab the legendary newswoman’s top spot. Amy Schumer, Bradley Cooper, Tracy Morgan, Misty Copeland, Bernie Sanders, Donna Karan, Ronda Rousey, Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump filled the first nine positions, all leading up to the big reveal.

In case you ignored the headline and photo of this article, Caitlyn Jenner — the athlete formerly known as Bruce Jenner — was the final name revealed. I use “revealed” loosely because, given the first nine names on the list, who else could possibly be left?

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Hallelujah- Lindsey Stirling

Paul Ryan Betrays America: Obama Gets Everything

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)’s first major legislative achievement is a total and complete sell-out of the American people masquerading as an appropriations bill.

Too harsh, you say? Let the programs, the spending, and the implications speak for themselves.

(1) Ryan’s Omnibus Fully Funds DACA

Though much of the public attention has surrounded the President’s 2014 executive amnesty, the President’s 2012 amnesty quietly continues to churn out work permits and federal benefits for hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens. Paul Ryan’s bill funds entirely this 2012 executive amnesty for “DREAMers”—or illegal immigrants who came to the country as minors.

Specifically, Division F of Ryan’s omnibus bill contains no language that would prohibit the use of funds to continue the President’s unconstitutional program. Obama’s executive action, known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), has granted around 700,000 illegal aliens work permits, as well as the ability to receive tax credits and federal entitlement programs. A recent GAO report documented how this illegal amnesty program for alien youth is, in large part, responsible for the illegal alien minor surge on our southern border.

In 2013, Paul Ryan said that it is his job as a U.S. lawmaker to put himself in the shoes of “the DREAMer who is waiting” and work to find legislative solutions to his or her problems.

(2) Ryan’s Omnibus Funds Sanctuary Cities

Trump Signals Shift to Party Leader Mode: ‘I’ve Been a Little Bit Divisive’

With a 25 point national lead and the primaries set to begin in just six weeks, Republican frontrunner Donald Trump appeared with Jimmy Kimmel Wednesday night and again signaled (as he did in Tuesday night’s debate) that he is shifting into a lower gear as he faces the very real possibility of assuming the role as Leader of the Republican Party. “I would like to see the Republican Party come together,” Trump said. “I’ve been a little bit divisive in the sense that I’ve been hitting people pretty hard.

In a good-natured way, Kimmel laughed and replied sarcastically, “A little bit, yeah.” Trump acknowledged his own understatement and added, “And ultimately we have to come together and get this thing done.”

Trump also repeated a statement he made during the Tuesday night debate blasting the trillions spent on “stupid wars” in the Middle East — a message that will sound very appealing in a general election campaign, and one that doubles as an effective attack against Hillary Clinton, who supported the Iraq War, and who was the architect of the appalling strategy that handed Libya over to the jihadists.

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Maryland Politics Instead of holiday cheer, these two top Maryland pols exchanged angry letters

Instead of sharing some eggnog or perhaps a round of caroling on the streets of Annapolis, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. are celebrating the season with a highly public exchange of letters that make clear their mutual contempt.

On the surface, the spat between the two Democrats involves portable air-conditioning units for Baltimore County schools. But the deeper clash is about Franchot’s view of his role as an aggressive guardian of the public interest and Miller’s assessment that the comptroller is a headline-hunting opportunist who sticks his beak into local affairs for political gain.

Franchot, who often allies himself with Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, has pushed for months to change rules barring the use of state construction funds for portable units to cool sweltering classrooms in buildings without central air. He wrote to Miller (D-Calvert) and House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) on Dec. 11 to express his displeasure that the state Senate’s representative on the Interagency Committee on School Construction had moved to delay action so that lawmakers could have more time to consider the issue.

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Sen. Jeff Sessions: Omnibus a ‘Betrayal’

Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) slammed the immigration implications of the year-end spending bill Wednesday, saying the omnibus represents a “betrayal” of voters that fully funds President Obama’s immigration agenda while also increasing the number of low-skilled foreign guest workers allowed.

“The more than 2,000 page year-end funding bill contains a dramatic change to federal immigration law that would increase by as much as four-fold the number of low-wage foreign workers provided to employers under the controversial H-2B visa program, beyond what is currently allowed,” Sessions said in a statement.

The foreign nationals who enter the U.S. on H-2B visas come for low-skilled nonagricultural jobs and work in hotels, construction, landscaping and the like, jobs, Sessions argued, that millions of Americans would like to have.

“At a time of record immigration – with a full 83 percent of the electorate wanting immigration frozen or reduced – the GOP-led Congress is about to deliver Obama a four-fold increase to one of the most controversial foreign worker programs. The result? Higher unemployment and lower wages for Americans,” Sessions continued.

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Congress OKs year-end budget deal, sends to Obama

The Senate has given sweeping approval to a year-end budget package that boosts federal agency spending and awards tax cuts to both families and an array of business interests.

The 65-33 vote sent President Barack Obama a package combining $1.14 trillion in new spending in 2016 and $680 billion in tax cuts over the coming decade, a peaceful end to a yearlong struggle over the budget, taxes, and Republican efforts to derail his regulatory agenda.

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Pat Caddell: Country Closer to Revolution Than Ever

Veteran pollster Pat Caddell says he agrees with the premise that America today is closer to another revolution than at any time in recent history, adding, “The strength of this country comes from its people and it has a political system that is run, now, to the exclusion of its people … you have three quarters of the American people saying the government in Washington does not rule with the consent of the governed.”

Caddell told Breitbart News Daily host Stephen K. Bannon that the current $1.1 trillion 2,000-plus page omnibus bill is “the greatest disaster anyone ever saw because of the deals being cut.”

Caddell cited elements of the bill that are still being discovered, such as the upping of the number of foreign visas. Caddell was referring to a provision that was outrageously “slipped into the bill” without the knowledge of many lawmakers.

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Geert Wilders is a Member of the Dutch Parliament

In a generation or two, the US will ask itself: "Who lost Europe ?" Here is the speech of Geert Wilders, Chairman, Party for Freedom the Netherlands , at the Four Seasons in New York , introducing an Alliance of Patriots and announcing the Facing Jihad Conference in Jerusalem.

Dear friends,

Thank you very much for inviting me.

I come to America with a mission. All is not well in the old world. There is a tremendous danger looming, and it is very difficult to be optimistic. We might be in the final stages of the Islamization of Europe. This not only is a clear and present danger to the future of Europe itself, it is a threat to America and the sheer survival of the West. The United States as the last bastion of Western civilization, facing an Islamic Europe.

First, I will describe the situation on the ground in Europe .. Then, I will say a few things about Islam. To close I will tell you about a meeting in Jerusalem.

The Europe you know is changing.

You have probably seen the landmarks. But in all of these cities, sometimes a few blocks away from your tourist destination, there is another world. It is the world of the parallel society created by Muslim mass-migration.

All throughout Europe a new reality is rising: entire Muslim neighborhoods where very few indigenous people reside or are even seen. And if they are, they might regret it. This goes for the police as well. It's the world of head scarves, where women walk around in figure less tents, with baby strollers and a group of children. Their husbands, or slaveholders if you prefer, walk three steps ahead. With mosques on many street corners. The shops have signs you and I cannot read. You will be hard-pressed to find any economic activity. These are Muslim ghettos controlled by religious fanatics. These are Muslim neighborhoods, and they are mushrooming in every city across Europe . These are the building-blocks for territorial control of increasingly larger portions of Europe , street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city.

There are now thousands of mosques throughout Europe . With larger congregations than there are in churches. And in every European city there are plans to build super-mosques that will dwarf every church in the region. Clearly, the signal is: we rule.

Many European cities are already one-quarter Muslim: just take Amsterdam , Marseille and Malmo in Sweden .. In many cities the majority of the under-18 population is Muslim. Paris is now surrounded by a ring of Muslim neighborhoods. Mohammed is the most popular name among boys in many cities.

In some elementary schools in Amsterdam the farm can no longer be mentioned, because that would also mean mentioning the pig, and that would be an insult to Muslims.

Many state schools in Belgium and Denmark only serve halal food to all pupils. In once-tolerant Amsterdam gays are beaten up almost exclusively by Muslims. Non-Muslim women routinely hear 'whore, whore'. Satellite dishes are not pointed to local TV stations, but to stations in the country of origin.

In France school teachers are advised to avoid authors deemed offensive to Muslims, including Voltaire and Diderot; the same is increasingly true of Darwin . The history of the Holocaust can no longer be taught because of Muslim sensitivity.

In England sharia courts are now officially part of the British legal system. Many neighborhoods in France are no-go areas for women without head scarves. Last week a man almost died after being beaten up by Muslims in Brussels , because he was drinking during the Ramadan.

Jews are fleeing France in record numbers, on the run for the worst wave of anti-Antisemitismsince World War II. French is now commonly spoken on the streets of Tel Aviv and Netanya , Israel .. I could go on forever with stories like this. Stories about Islamization.

Board of Public Works Approves $320 Million for Baltimore City School Construction

Unanimous Vote from Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer

ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Maryland Board of Public Works approved on Wednesday the issuance of $320 million in Baltimore City Public Schools Construction and Revitalization Program revenue bonds by the Maryland Stadium Authority. The bond proceeds will be used to finance a portion of the costs to design, construct, and renovate a group of 11 public school facilities under the Baltimore City Public Schools Construction and Revitalization Program.

The $320 million is in addition to education funding already appropriated to Baltimore City in Governor Hogan’s FY 2016 budget. That budget includes record-breaking investment in K-12 education as well as $318 million for school construction. Governor Hogan was the first Maryland governor to fund the supplemental Geographical Cost of Education Index (GCEI) in his first year, and has already pledged to fully fund it in the next budget.

“Education will always be one of our top priorities, which is why our administration was proud to fund K-12 education at historic levels this past year,” said Governor Hogan. “We will continue to invest in education to ensure that every child in Maryland has access to a world-class education. I thank my fellow board members, Comptroller Franchot and Treasurer Kopp, for their support of this important effort.”

"I was pleased to join Governor Hogan and Treasurer Kopp in approving the issuance of these Stadium Authority Bonds," said Comptroller Peter Franchot. "In order to effectively educate our children to compete in a 21st-century global economy, we need to have classrooms and school facilities that are conducive to modern learning and academic success."

"This is an important step forward on the part of the State, the City, and the City Schools System, working together for our students and communities," said Treasurer Nancy Kopp. "Having the Maryland Stadium Authority as a partner in this effort is crucial for the success of this effort. I thank them for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication.”

Maryland Panel: Restructure Penalties For Drug Possession

BALTIMORE (AP) — Maryland should save prison beds for serious and violent officers, improve probation and parole supervision and take other steps that could reform the state’s criminal justice system and save money, a panel appointed by the governor recommended Thursday.

The Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council says its 19 recommendations could save the state a projected $247 million over the next decade.

Topping the list of recommendations, the panel said Maryland needs to restructure penalties for drug possession and direct more offenders into treatment. For example, the maximum sentences for drug possession for non-marijuana arrests would be significantly reduced. Now, sentences range from 0-4 years. Under the recommendations, a maximum of 12 months would apply to a first conviction. A second and third conviction would bring a maximum of up to 18 months, and a fourth would bring up to two years.

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Saul S Bury At It Again.......

He's at it again! #SaulSBury was spotted earlier making an unauthorized withdrawal from the City's Finance office. ...
Posted by City of Salisbury, Maryland on Friday, December 18, 2015

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House OKs year-end budget deal, sends legislation to Senate

The House on Friday easily passed a $1.14 trillion spending bill to fund the government through next September, capping a peaceful end to a yearlong struggle over the budget, taxes, and Republican demands of President Barack Obama.

The 316-113 vote exceeded expectations and sent the legislation to the Senate for action later Friday.

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By The Numbers - The Untold Story of Muslim Opinions & Demographics

Congressman Andy Harris’ Statement on Omnibus Spending Bill Vote

WASHINGTON, DC: Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01) released the following statement after voting against the Omnibus spending bill in the House:

“While the spending bill had several good provisions, I cannot support a bill that does not address the surge of Syrian refugees into this country without a thorough vetting process. With the recent terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and Paris, the security of our nation should be our top concern. I am also concerned about the increases in non-defense spending in a time where our country is facing large deficits and growing federal debt.”

Pennsylvania Man Arrested For Allegedly Spreading ISIS Propaganda

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- A Pennsylvania 19-year-old pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, used Twitter to spread its propaganda and had a backpack with ammunition that suggests he might have been plotting an attack, federal authorities said Thursday.

Jalil Ibn Ameer Aziz, of Harrisburg, was arrested Thursday and charged with attempting to provide material support to terrorists. He was scheduled to have an initial appearance in federal court on Thursday afternoon.

Court documents said a "go bag" or "tactical-style backpack" found in Aziz's closet contained a high-capacity magazine loaded with ammunition, a modified kitchen knife, a thumb drive, a tin filled with medicine and a full-face mask similar to those worn by Islamic State militants. Aziz may have been "preparing to conduct or assist others in conducting an attack in the United States," according to a criminal complaint.

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TRUMP TELLS OFF JEB BUSH “YOU’RE A TOUGH GUY… SO FAR I’M AT 42% AND YOU’RE AT 3”

Rabbis Issue Groundbreaking Declaration Affirming ‘Partnership’ With Christianity

A group of prominent Orthodox rabbis in Israel, the United States and Europe have issued a historic public statement affirming that Christianity is “the willed divine outcome and gift to the nations” and urging Jews and Christians to “work together as partners to address the moral challenges of our era.”

“Jesus brought a double goodness to the world,” the statement reads. “On the one hand he strengthened the Torah of Moses majestically” and on the other hand “he removed idols from the nations,” instilling them “firmly with moral traits.”

This year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the declaration issued in 1965 by the Second Vatican Council, which marked a watershed in Jewish-Christian relations.

In language unusual for its day, Nostra Aetate stated that “God holds the Jews most dear,” stressed the great “spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews,” and condemned “hatred, persecutions, displays of anti-Semitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.”

Now, a group of Jewish leaders has responded in kind, expressing their desire to accept “the hand offered to us by our Christian brothers and sisters.”

“Christians are congregations that work for the sake of heaven who are destined to endure, whose intent is for the sake of heaven and whose reward will not denied,” the text reads.

The statement bears the title, “To Do the Will of Our Father in Heaven: Toward a Partnership between Jews and Christians,” and is signed by over 25 prominent Orthodox rabbis, who invite fellow Orthodox rabbis to join in signing the statement.

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HIDDEN CAM: COVER-UP IN MARYLAND ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE OVER NEW SCANDAL

Project Veritas released undercover video footage of Maryland Deputy Attorney General violating professional ethics and clearly disclosing confidential information

On Tuesday, Project Veritas released undercover video footage of Maryland Deputy Attorney General Thiruvendran Vignarajah, who likely violated professional ethics and clearly disclosed confidential information in order to impress a twenty-one year old female videographer.

In Part II of this series, Vignarajah sent multiple sexually explicit texts to the female videographer. Later, he had her delete them to destroy the evidence. Unknown to Vignarajah, the text messages had been saved by Project Veritas and some are exposed in the undercover video.

He is also shown wearing a wedding ring in public, but not wearing it in a bar and later in a hotel room.

In response to the fist video, a spokesman for Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh told the AP that there was “no confidence [for Vignarajah] to break.” He told The Daily Caller that “In general, Mr. Frosh is not concerned about private views shared by employees in private conversations.”

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'They Don't Speak for Me': New Muslim Groups Reject CAIR Representation

Within hours of a terror attack that left 14 dead in Southern California, the nation’s best-known Islamic advocacy group held a press conference with the killers’ family – and Muslims around the country cringed.

In the days following the Dec. 2 attack in San Bernardino, Council for American-Islamic Relations representatives partially blamed U.S. policy for terrorist attacks, accused gunman Syed Rizwan Farook’s co-workers of making fun of his beard and sought to downplay comments by Farook’s father linking him to ISIS. Like Muslims throughout the U.S., CAIR officials condemned the attack, but too often with what sounded to critics like subtle caveats.

“CAIR is a primary obstacle in the effort of many honest American Muslims who recognize our need to own up and lead long-overdue reforms against the root causes of radicalization: Islamism and its separatism,” said Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, an ex-U.S. Navy officer who founded and heads the American Islamic Forum for Democracy.

For would-be reformers like Jasser, reclaiming the faith begins with taking back control of Islam’s image. He and other increasingly outspoken Muslim-Americans say true moderates must be honest and unequivocal in condemning acts of violence carried out in the name of Islam. Most of all, they are tired of the Washington-based nonprofit claiming to speak for them.

“CAIR’s information is marketed and packaged so it seems that they speak for all of us, but they don’t speak for me and my group,” said Raheel Raza, president of the Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow. “CAIR does not and has never represented the majority Muslim voices which are as diverse as Muslims in America.”

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Maryland, My Maryland? Panel urges changes in state song

Maryland's rarely sung state song may be in for some tinkering. A state advisory group is calling for changes to "Maryland, My Maryland" because it takes the Confederate side in the Civil War and bashes "Northern scum."

Sung to the same tune as the Christmas carol "O Tannenbaum," the state anthem — performed mainly at the Preakness and some other official events — has irked or embarrassed many over the years because of its pro-Southern sentiments. This week, an eight-member panel of historians, musical scholars and a poet urged lawmakers to replace most or all of the lyrics, or even select an entirely different song.

"No one's looking to ban the [current] state song," said Timothy D. Baker, state archivist and chairman of the group. Instead, he explained, the group suggested coming up with some musical expression that would be "reflective of all Marylanders."

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Migrants Storm Channel Tunnel Armed with Iron Bars and Hammers

As many as 1000 migrants have been involved in a plan to storm the Calais entrance to the Channel Tunnel in a bid to reach England, some armed with iron bars and hammers. The A16 road into Calais had to be shut for an hour as police fired tear gas at the crowd to drive them back.

Vigilant locals have taken to the Facebook group ‘Les Calaisians en Colère’ (Calaisians are Angry) to warn that gangs of around 50-60 migrants at a time were working to bring traffic to a standstill as their accomplices attacked the tunnel.

“An attack on the tunnel by the illegal immigrants is in progress!” they posted “Be vigilant if you go to this area, especially around avenue Roger Salengro where groups of 50 to 60 illegal immigrants have been sighted…”

“WARNING! There are reports from reliable sources that a group of six or seven migrants are running around with iron bars, stones and hammers.”

The group also posted several videos of migrants congregating at roadsides, attempting to halt traffic.

The activity appears to have been going on for at least twenty four hours – last night the group posted a video showing drivers narrowly avoiding having an accident, as they swerved around mattresses and a tree branch which had been left in the road.

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