Salisbury News

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Mother Jones Editor-in-Chief Frets Tomahawk Missile Might Offend Native Americans

The editor-in-chief of liberal magazine Mother Jones voiced concern Saturday that the name of the Tomahawk missile might offend Native Americans.

"That the missiles are callled [sic] tomahawks must enrage a lot of Native Americans," tweeted Clara Jeffery, days after the United States launched said missiles at a Syrian airfield used to launch chemical weapons attacks.

Jeffery's tweet earned her some grief from others on Twitter, who accused her of looking for something to be offended by.

The tomahawk was created by Algonquian Indians and widely used by Native Americans and European colonialists alike. The iconic "pipe tomahawk" design of the colonial era was made using metal heads provided to tribes as gifts and goods from the British Navy.

WENTZVILLE, Mo. -- Police say two men from Maryland traveled to Missouri to abduct a girl they met on the internet.

Phones across Missouri started buzzing Sunday morning, asking everyone to look out for these two men -- 22 year old William Dela-Cruz and his brother, 25 year old Jason, after police say they abducted a 12 year old from the Kansas City area.

"I was in the shower and saw the alert go off," says Eric Hodson.

Several people in the Wentzville area saw the Amber Alert and called 911 after seeing a young girl and a man who matched the description.

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Eric Conn pleads guilty to Social Security disability fraud

A ringleader in one of the biggest Social Security disability fraud cases in U.S. history has pleaded guilty to filing more than 1,700 bogus applications, bilking the government out of potentially a half-billion dollars.

But the administration is struggling to figure out how to handle the applicants, many of whom say that even though their applications were falsified, their cases are real and they shouldn’t be punished for having been ensnared by the massive fraud.

Eric C. Conn, a prominent lawyer in eastern Kentucky, signed a guilty plea late last month acknowledging the scam, in which he recruited and filed at least 1,748 fraudulent applications, complete with fake IQ tests or medical exams. He had a team of doctors and psychologists sign off on them, then had a Social Security judge rubber-stamp them.

All told, his scam left the government on the hook for more than $550 million in lifetime benefits, with more than $46 million doled out as of October, Conn admitted in his plea deal.

Cases are pending against Administrative Law Judge David Black Daugherty, who rubber-stamped the applications, and against Alfred Bradley Adkins, a psychologist who made up mental health evaluations to support hundreds of the bogus applications.

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Breaking News: The White House accused Russia of trying to cover up the Syrian government's culpability in last week's chemical weapons attack

The White House on Tuesday accused the Russian government of engaging in a cover-up of the chemical weapons attack last week by Syrian forces that prompted American airstrikes, saying that United States intelligence and numerous contemporaneous reports confirmed that the Syrians used sarin gas on their own people.

In a declassified four-page report that details United States intelligence on the chemical weapons attack, the White House asserted that the Syrian and Russian governments have sought to confuse the world community about the assault through disinformation and “false narratives.”

Jewish community reacts to spike in religious hate crimes

WASHINGTON — When it comes to hate crimes, Montgomery County differs from the rest of the country. Instead of race-based crimes, the county sees more religious hate crimes than anything. And in 2016, most of those were anti-Semitic.

“Our community is concerned. We’re aware of it and we’re concerned,” said Rabbi Mendel Bluming, of Chabad of Potomac, reacting to the findings of a report on Montgomery County’s bias-motivated crimes in 2016.

The annual report shows of the 94 hate crimes that year, 38 were religious in nature, while race was the factor in 34, ethnicity in 12, sexual orientation in six and gender in four.

All but six of the victims of the religion-based crimes were anti-Jewish. That makes 84 percent, “despite Jewish persons making up only 3.1 percent of the population,” the report said.

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Single-Payer Health Care: America Already Has It

The Minority Report 2017 Sine Die Edition

The Minority Report
2017 Sine Die Edition

Greetings from the 437th Legislative Session! We want to connect with you to keep you informed on caucus initiatives and the latest in Annapolis. Please feel free to share this with friends, family, and colleagues, and on your own social media sites.

2017 Session Comes to an End

That's a wrap! The 2017 Session of the Maryland General Assembly ended at midnight on April 10.

While the session was occasionally marred with Washington DC politics, overall we see the 2017 Session as a very successful one with some very positive results for the citizens of Maryland!

Session Successes

A Fiscally Responsible Budget!

Thanks to Governor Hogan's fiscal stewardship, the General Assembly passed a fiscally responsible budget that included NO TAX INCREASES! The budget put spending in line with revenues and reduced Maryland's deficit by $400 million.

Tax Relief!
The General Assembly passed a bill similar to the Governor's Hometown Heroes Act, that gives tax relief to first responders and other emergency response personnel. The first $15,000 of retirement income for first responders and emergency personnel who are at least 55 years old will not be subject to state income tax.

Road Kill Repeal!
One of Governor Hogan's top legislative priorities was the repeal of last year's Road Kill Bill - the repeal of this bill means that all of the top-priority transportation projects across Maryland will now move forward.

Sanctuary State Bill DEFEATED!
A bill that would have made Maryland a Sanctuary State passed the House earlier this session. Thanks to an effort led by the members of our Caucus, a tremendous amount of grassroots pressure was brought to bear on the leadership of the Maryland Senate and the committee hearing the bill. As a result, the bill did NOT pass.

House Republican Caucus 2017

Facebook Launches Resource to Flag 'Misleading News'

Facebook is launching a resource to help you spot false news and misleading information that spreads on its service.

The resource, similar to previous efforts around privacy and security, is basically a notification that pops up for a few days. Clicking on it takes you to tips and other information on how to spot false news and what to do about it.

Tips to spot false news include looking closely at website addresses to see if they are trying to spoof real news sites, and checking websites' "about" sections for more information. Some sites might look like real news at first glance, but their "about" sections inform the visitor that they are in fact satire.

Adam Mosseri, vice president of News Feed at Facebook, said he hopes people will become "more discerning consumers" of news.

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A Maryland State Trooper Makes a Criminal Arrest on I-95

(Laurel, MD) Two Baltimore City men were arrested and charged yesterday evening after a Maryland state trooper stopped to assist what appeared to be a disabled vehicle.

The suspects were identified as Jose Reyes Benegas, 18 and Christhyan Ramirez David, 20, both of Baltimore City, MD. Both suspects were arrested for malicious destruction of property and theft. Both were taken to be seen by a Prince George’s County District Court Commissioner and awaiting disposition.

On April 10, 2017 just before 11:00 p.m. yesterday evening, a Maryland state trooper from the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack was patrolling in the area of northbound I-95 at MD 200(Intercounty Connector), Prince George’s County, MD. Trooper First Class Aaron Williams observed what appeared to be a disabled vehicle and stopped to assist. As Tfc. Williams exited his vehicle he further observed there were two vehicles, a black Toyota Matrix and a Honda Civic passenger vehicle with broken glass damage. Upon approaching the vehicles, he initiated conversation with two identified suspects. Through investigative, Tfc. Williams learned that Reyes Benegas and Ramirez David had caused the damage to the Honda Civic and removed property from the vehicle. Further investigation revealed several car parts and other items inside the suspect’s vehicle.

The Maryland State Police would like to remind motorist to please remove their vehicle from the highways as soon as possible should they become disabled. Removing disabled vehicle from the highways reduces traffic collisions, criminal activity and permits emergency vehicle to respond to emergencies promptly.

State Police investigators are asking anyone with additional information come forward. Callers may remain anonymous. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Maryland State Police College Park Barrack at (301) 345-3101.

Man Accused Of Child Abuse Involving Pliers, Needles, Dog Shock Collar Facing Charges

LOWER PROVIDENCE Twp., Pa. (CBS) — A Montgomery County man is facing a long list of charges on allegations he beat and abused his children for years.

According to charging documents, 44-year-old Joseph Myhre, of Greensway Circle in Lower Providence Township, home schooled his two children.

In the documents, police said his 11-year-old daughter told them going back to when she was 4-or-5 years old, her father would hit her on the head with sticks or PVC pipes. He would strangle her and beat her head on the ground until she entered into a “dream state.” The girl said her father would squeeze her fingers with pliers, stick needles in her fingers and toes, and use a dog shock collar that she said would leave burn marks.

The 13-year-old son told investigators that Myhre would kick him the stomach, or hit him on his feet with a stick that would cause him to bleed. According to the documents, the boy also told police Myhre would put the dog shock collar on the back of his leg or on his stomach, then walk around the room acting normal while the boy was being shocked and yelling in pain.

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Report: Mulvaney Will Inform Federal Agencies to Plan on Major Cuts

Budget Director Mick Mulvaney will this week inform federal agencies to plan on major cuts, Axios reports.

President Donald Trump in mid-March unveiled his first budget blueprint, proposing $54 billion in cuts that would slash many domestic programs, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, foreign aid, medical research, help for homeless veterans and community development grants to finance a significant increase in the military and make a down payment on the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

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DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar, 37, of Edgewood, Maryland, died April 8 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire during combat operations.

De Alencar was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

For more information regarding Staff Sgt. Mark R. De Alencar, media may contact the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office, 910-432-3383.

Google Expands 'Fact Checking' in News Searches

Google will expand the use of "fact check" tags in its search results — the tech industry's latest effort to combat false and misleading news stories.

People who search for a topic in Google's main search engine or the Google News section will see a conclusion such as "mostly true" or "false" next to stories that have been fact checked.

Google has been working with more than 100 news organizations and fact-checking groups , including The Associated Press, the BBC and NPR. Their conclusions will appear in search results as long as they meet certain formatting criteria for automation.

Google said it expects the ranks of 'compliant' organizations to grow following Friday's announcement.

More here

Obama Official: 'We Always Knew' Assad Still Had Chemical Weapons

An official in the administration of former President Barack Obama admits they "always knew" Syrian President Bashar al Assad still had chemical weapons, despite a 2013 agreement that indicated otherwise, reported The New York Times.

"We always knew we had not gotten everything, that the Syrians had not been fully forthcoming in their declaration," Tony Blinken, a former deputy secretary of state and former deputy national security adviser under Barack Obama, told the Times.

The Obama administration put together the agreement with Russia and Syria, touting the pact as a success at the time. Former Secretary of State John Kerry hailed the agreement in 2014, saying it had resulted in Syria destroying "100 percent" of its chemical agents.

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Arson of immigrant-owned store by ‘White America’ leads to black suspect

A black North Carolina man was charged Sunday for allegedly setting a fire at an immigrant-owned grocery store and leaving behind a pro-President Trump note signed “White America.”

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested Curtis Flournoy, 32, after reviewing surveillance footage from outside the Central Market, a Nepali Indian store, in east Charlotte, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Mr. Flournoy is accused of breaking a window in the front door of the store and throwing a flaming object inside.

“A note was also left at the scene near the door that stated the suspect did not want any refugee business owners and that they would torture the owner if they did not leave and go back to where they came from,” the police department said, a local CBS News affiliate reported. “The suspect signed the letter ‘White America.’”

The note also called President Trump “our nation builder for white America.”

More here

Rep. Adam Schiff’s Congressional Career Aided by Soros-Financed Groups

Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, was previously financially aided by the George Soros-financed MoveOn.org to win his Congressional seat.

Schiff was also awarded the Toll Fellowship, which is sponsored by the Council of State Governments, a nonprofit that monitors federal government activities and is heavily financed by Soros’s Open Society Foundations.

The Open Society and Soros-funded groups have additionally supported a number of Schiff’s legislative efforts.

Schiff has been helping to lead the Democrats’ unsubstantiated charges of alleged collusion between President Donald Trump and Moscow.

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Maryland opens registration for medical pot program

WASHINGTON — Maryland’s medical cannabis program took a big step forward Monday as the state opened its registry, allowing the first round of patients to begin submitting applications to potentially receive marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries.

The program’s registry opened Monday morning for patients with last names that begin with the letters A through L.

“We’re doing a phased rollout,” said Shannon Moore, one of the members of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission. “The system is all online.”

Next week, the registry will open only for patients with last names that begin with the letters M through Z. Registration will open for all patients the following week.

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UCLA religion professor attacks Trump and Pence as ‘arrogant Christians in the White House’

A professor who specializes in religious studies at University of California, Los Angeles says President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence represent “troubling trends in American Christianity.”

Professor Carla Pestana of UCLA published “Arrogant Christians In The White House” over the weekend for The Huffington Post, which warns of a future America shaped by the “fundamentalist Christian” views of Mr. Pence and Mr. Trump’s “self-indulgence.”

“Pence adheres to biblical literalism. Put simply, this view asserts that the Bible is a transparent document, one that prescribes specific behavioral guidelines,” Ms. Pestana wrote Saturday. “Its arrogance lies in the hubris of those who believe that only their chosen answers are correct. Its potential to harm others comes when adherents gain political power and force their mandates on nonbelievers. One of the many dangers emanating out of the Trump White House is the power of Pence to impose not his religion but the behaviors his religion dictates onto the rest of us.”

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Be Sure To Hurry On In For These Tremendous Savings!

Welcome to the Big Lots Store In Salisbury.

Wind Farm Prospect Offers To Move Turbines Back Five Miles, Reducing Visibility By 35%

OCEAN CITY — Just one week after Ocean City officials voiced serious concerns about the potential visual impact of a offshore wind farm off the coast, the company that has proposed one of the two projects currently on the table has already agreed in principle to move the first line of turbines back five miles from the resort’s coastline.

Last week, the Mayor and Council voted to send a letter in opposition to US Wind Inc.’s proposal to develop its offshore wind farm with the first line of what could be 187 turbines each measuring over 480 feet tall just 12 miles off the coast of Ocean City. While resort officials did not oppose the project in general, they voiced grave concerns about the relatively close proximity of the first line of turbines and its visual effect on the pristine sightlines along the shoreline and its potential impact on tourism and property values.

With a quick response, US Wind Project Development Director Paul Rich on Monday fired off a letter in response to the Mayor and Council, essentially offering to move the front line of turbines off the resort’s coast back five miles to reduce or perhaps eliminate the potential views of the offshore wind farm from the beach in Ocean City.

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BIPARTISANSHIP ALERT: Public Integrity Act Of 2017

Both Chambers of Maryland General Assembly Vote Unanimously to Approve Most Transformative Ethics Reform Legislation in Nearly Two Decades

“Today is a great day in our historic state capital. I commend Senate President Mike Miller, House Speaker Mike Busch, and the Maryland General Assembly for working with our administration in a bipartisan fashion to unanimously pass the most important and transformative ethics reform legislation in over a decade. Together, we have made major progress in fulfilling our shared obligation to preserve the honor and the foundation of public trust that our proud institutions of government should always command.” - Governor Larry Hogan, April 8, 2017

Governor Hogan Proposed The Public Integrity Act Of 2017 As Part Of His Robust 2017 Legislative Agenda

The Public Integrity Act Of 2017 Bars Members Of The General Assembly And State Officials From Lobbying For One Year After Leaving State Service. “...A former member of the General Assembly may not assist or represent another party for compensation in a matter that is the subject of legislative action for 1 calendar year after the member leaves office; and a former Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller, or State Treasurer may not assist or represent another party for compensation in a matter that is the subject of legislative action for 1 calendar year after the official leaves State office.” (“House Bill 879,” Maryland General Assembly, 3/20/17)

Seattle’s Gay Mayor Accused of Sexually Molesting Teens in the 1980s

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, famed as a staunch gay rights advocate and a champion of progressive causes, has been accused of sexually molesting several teenaged boys 30 years ago, reports have revealed.

A trio of men came forward to allege that Murray had sex with them decades ago when they were underage. At least one said he was 15 when the mayor molested him back in the 1980s,according to the Seattle Times.

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More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017

Both Chambers of Maryland General Assembly Vote Overwhelmingly to Approve Legislation to Ensure a Continued, Strong, Thriving Workforce, Without Leaving Any Jurisdiction Behind

“We still have Marylanders who are struggling in parts of our state like Baltimore City, Western Maryland, and the Lower Eastern Shore, where, unfortunately, unemployment is still higher than it is in the rest of the state. Which is why we must come together to enact the Maryland Jobs Initiative, an innovative, bipartisan proposal, which will provide incentives for the creation of thousands of jobs in the places that need them the most.” - Governor Larry Hogan, February 2, 2017

Governor Hogan Proposed The More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 As Part Of His Robust 2017 Legislative Agenda

The More Jobs For Marylanders Act Of 2017 Provides Tax Credits For Specified Business Entities That Locate Their Businesses In Qualified Target Areas Across The State; Eligible Existing Business Entities In These Target Areas Are Eligible For Tax Credits For New Jobs They Create. “An existing business entity may apply to be certified as a qualified business entity if the existing business entity increases the number of qualified positions as required under subsection (a) of this subsection for an eligible project in a Tier I or Tier II county...”Subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section, the Department may issue a tax credit certificate to a qualified business entity in an amount not to exceed the amount determined under section (b) (2) of this section. In determining the allocation of the aggregate tax credit amounts available in a fiscal year as provided under subsection (d) of this section, the Department shall give priority to applications for eligible projects in a Tier 1 county, as defined under §6-801 of the Economic Development Article.” (“Senate Bill 317,”Maryland General Assembly, 4/10/17)

Governor Larry Hogan’s Top Legislative Priorities Passed by Maryland General Assembly

Major Jobs Bill, Ethics Reform, and Road Kill Bill Repeal Achieve Final Passage

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Larry Hogan’s top legislative priorities have achieved final passage by the Maryland General Assembly, ensuring that the governor’s proposals to create thousands of new jobs, restore integrity to state government, and move forward with dozens of critical transportation projects across the state will become law. These priority items included the More Jobs for Marylanders Act, the Public Integrity Act, and the Road Kill Bill Repeal.

“Today is a great day for the legislative process and a win for bipartisanship – but most importantly, it is a win for the people of Maryland, who deserve more jobs, improved roads, and the highest level of integrity from their elected officials,” said Governor Hogan. “Creating jobs, building roads, and ensuring ethical and transparent government will always be top priorities of our administration. I want to thank Senate President Mike Miller, Speaker of the House Mike Busch, and all of the members of the Maryland General Assembly who worked with us to achieve these tremendous results for the citizens of our great state.”

The governor’s More Jobs for Marylanders Act continues the administration’s focus on creating jobs and improving the state’s economy. While over 105,000 jobs have been created and employment reduced to 4.2% - the lowest in nearly a decade - since Governor Hogan took office, some regions of the state continue to experience higher unemployment. This legislation will target job creation to the areas that need it the most – such as Western Maryland, Baltimore City, and the Lower Eastern Shore – by incentivizing manufacturers to relocate and expand in these areas. The legislation provides major tax incentives for new manufacturing companies that move into these areas, as well as tax credits for any new jobs created by existing manufacturers.

Ex-State Staffer Who Advocated Spying On Trump Boasted Of ‘Getting Winks From Inside’ Obama Admin

Evelyn Farkas, a former top Obama administration official, has denied that she had access to inside information when she made remarks as a contributor to MSNBC last month that seemed to acknowledge efforts by members of the Obama administration to collect intelligence on Donald Trump and members of his 2016 presidential campaign.

However, the news media has largely failed to note that on February 16, about two weeks prior to her statements on MSNBC, Farkas revealed in an interview that she was “getting winks and hints from inside that there was something really wrong here” – referring to Trump officials’ alleged ties to Russia. She stated that she was “first made aware of all this stuff” during the summer.

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Resistance School Session One: 'How to Communicate our Values in Political Advocacy' OMG!

The Trump Effect: Lower Drug Prices

President Donald Trump’s campaign promises already have convinced drug companies to lower prices and increase transparency.

In January, Trump put the pharmaceutical industry on notice that drug prices were too high. President Trump explained that drug companies were “getting away with murder.” Trumpadded, “PhRMA has a lot of lobbies, a lot of lobbyists, a lot of power. And there’s very little bidding on drugs. We’re the largest buyer of drugs in the world, and yet we don’t bid properly. We’re going to start bidding. We’re going to save billions of dollars over a period of time.”

Later that month, the president argued that the federal government could save $300 billion if it could negotiate drug prices.

President Trump explained in an interview with Time magazine, which named him “Person of the Year,” that he intended to lower drug prices. Trump said, “Well actually the drug companies haven’t done well. I saw the other day the drug companies have not gone up very much. Because I’m going to bring down drug prices. I don’t like what’s happened with drug prices.”

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Don Rickles Goes Nuts at Ronald Reagan's 2nd Inaugural - Jan., 1985!!!

After Senate Approval, Internet Privacy Bill Dies In House Committee

An emergency bill to bar Internet Service Providers from selling user's personal data to a third party has died in a House committee.

House Economic Matters Committee Chairman Derek Davis told the Baltimore Sun tonight that lawmakers needed more time to study the issue, and he refused to let the bill out of the committee.

The bill passed the Senate earlier today in a party line vote.

The emergency legislation was proposed in response to federal legislation signed last week by President Trump repealing an Obama Administration regulation.

Lawmakers were considering dozens of other bills in the final hours of the legislative session.

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PROUDLY REPRESENTING ALL MARYLANDERS

Maryland is a robust and diverse state with tremendous opportunities and activity happening in every region. From corner to corner, you can find world-class leaders in innovation and discovery. I look forward to every visit with Marylanders across our great state.

Publishers Notes: Notice the map on the right hand side and the FACT that Senator Ben Cardin, (according to his own Website) has yet to visit the Eastern Shore. How long has he been a Senator?

FLASHBACK: Earliest TV Appearance of Donald Trump (1980)

Scientists find common antibiotic could prevent or treat PTSD

A common antibiotic called doxycycline can disrupt the formation of negative thoughts and fears in the brain and may prove useful in treating or preventing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to research by British and Swiss scientists.

In a specially designed trial involving 76 healthy volunteers who were given either the drug or a placebo dummy pill, those who were on doxycycline had a 60 percent lower fear response than those who were not.

Scientists said the antibiotic works in this way because it blocks certain proteins outside nerve cells, called matrix enzymes, which our brains need to form memories.

"We have demonstrated a proof-of-principle for an entirely new treatment strategy for PTSD," said Dominik Bach, a professor at University College London and the University of Zurich, who co-led the research team.

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Week 11: Buy American, Hire American

In the future, our nation’s workers and craftsmen will look out into the vast open landscape, and they will build new bridges, schools and landmarks. Atop each of these, they will proudly raise up, for all to see, our bright, beautiful American flag.

When we see that flag, we will remember that we all share one American home, one American heart, and one American destiny.

We have a country with tremendous potential, with the greatest people on Earth, but, we have to get the government out of the way to allow our people to unlock their incredible potential.

President Trump took steps this week to do just that.

Read all about his week below.

Preventing And Deterring The Future Use of Chemical Weapons

On Tuesday, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad launched an unprecedented and horrendous chemical weapons attack on civilians, including children and babies. No child of God should ever suffer such horror. In response, President Trump ordered a targeted military strike on the airfield in Syria where the chemical attack was launched. It is vital to our national security to prevent and deter the use of chemical weapons.

Gorsuch Confirmed To The Supeme Court

President Trump’s nominee to become the next Supreme Court Justice of the United States, Judge Neil Gorsuch, has been confirmed by the Senate! Judge Gorsuch is incredibly qualified and the ultimate example of a mainstream judge with a history of defending the Constitution. On Thursday, supporters gathered around the country to show their support for Judge Gorsuch and urge their senators to vote YES for Gorsuch. Gorsuch is slated to be sworn in early next week and this will finally bring the court back to full strength.

Make America Great Again

Ready To Break New Ground

President Trump told America’s builders that he’s committed to fix the failing infrastructure in the United States. He’s taking inventory of all the hurdles our builders face when trying to get to work. For example, it could take over 10 years to build a highway in America due to processing and paperwork; In the end it could be stopped by a vote. In February alone, America added almost 60,000 new construction jobs. President Trump ordered expedited environmental reviews for infrastructure, environmental, and energy projects all across the country. No longer will our builders have to wait years for approvals that never come.

Protecting Manufacturing, Trade, And Our Workers

President Trump signed two executive orders that will set the stage for a great revival of American manufacturing. The first order will hold foreign importers accountable and make sure they aren’t exploiting any loopholes. The second order starts the first-ever comprehensive review of America’s trade deficits and all violations of trade rules that harm the United States and workers in our country. These measures will ensure that we put Americans first when it comes to trade, and protecting American jobs and American workers.

Donating His Presidential Salary

The National Park Service has cared for our parks since 1916, and the President is personally proud to contribute his first quarter salary to the important mission of the Park Service: preserving our country’s natural and cultural resources and values.

Make America Great Again

Raising Autism Awareness In America

President Trump highlighted the importance of addressing the causes and improving the treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) this week. He also recognized the importance of identifying ASDs early in a child's life and understanding the obstacles faced by people living on the autism spectrum. That’s why President Trump proclaimed Sunday, April 2, 2017, as World Autism Awareness Day. The President and First Lady lit up the White House in blue on Sunday to help raise awareness.

Make America Great Again

Increasing Confidence In Our American Manufacturers

Vice President Pence visited Dynalab just outside of Columbus, Ohio, to talk with small-business leaders and employees about President Trump’s vision for America. Dynalab is a true American manufacturing success story. Since 1981, Dynalab has been doing what our country does best – developing big ideas and bringing them to life on the factory floor. Thanks to President Trump’s decisive action and leadership, companies like Dynalab are on track to be stronger than ever.

Make America Great Again

President Trump works for the American people. Whether you're a Democrat, a Republican, or belong to no party at all, you are an American and President Trump is here to represent you and your family.

The President is making America stronger and more united than ever before. When we rise above the cynics and critics who live only to defend the status quo, we will construct a lasting monument to national greatness. Thank you for your continued support

Team Trump-Pence

A Week Without Facebook Brought Me Back to Actual Reality

Going off Facebook isn’t easy. Like a lot of people these days, I suffer from an addiction to social media. And for many of us, Facebook is a very big part of that.

Indeed, after announcing to my friends and followers on Friday morning I was “going off Facebook” for a week, I cheated on the very first day.

I checked in to see if anyone had responded favorably (or negatively) to my hiatus announcement, or had replied to any of my last comments on the previous days’ threads.

Feeling guilty for cheating, I logged off Facebook after a couple of moments, and then realized that I had to turn off “notifications” too, so I didn’t have them tempting me to cheat again, with those beckoning banners.

Vowing to myself not to look again, how did I spend the rest of my time that day? Or rather, how did I allow my day to be further time-sucked away from me? Well, I soon found myself on Twitter: Facebook’s equally evil addictive twin. And then I wasted time on Instagram, Linked In, and…the monster that is YouTube.

Talk about going down the rabbit hole! YouTube does though takes you off on viewing tangents that you never intended. On this particular day, I started watching an old video of Alpine and ended up an hour or so later watching a trio of girl folk singers in the Democratic Republic of Georgia!

Realizing that I’d merely swapped my Facebook addiction for other social media, I then decided that I had to go cold turkey by banishing all social media for the rest of the week.

Where is the twelve step program for that?

Ironically, I’d cut television out of my life seven years ago for pretty much the same reason, and now, here I am trying to ween myself off Facebook as well. I used to spend hours and hours staring at the “boob tube” (as my parents used to call it) as though I was brain dead.

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Target admits it messed up, says boycott 'self-inflicted'

Dear Colin,

A very damaging article just out from the Wall Street Journal clearly shows that Target CEO Brian Cornell regrets his company's policy announcement welcoming men to use women's restrooms and dressing rooms.

According to the article, Mr. Cornell expressed frustration about how the bathroom policy was publicized without his permission or knowledge, and told colleagues he wouldn't have approved the decision to flaunt it with a public statement that is still on Target's website today.

"Target didn't adequately assess the risk, and the ensuing backlash [AFA boycott] was self-inflicted," he told staff.

You can read the entire WSJ article here, but be aware that it requires a subscription. Copyright laws prohibit AFA from providing the entire article to you.

The WSJ article explained that Target headquarters sent an internal memo to store managers reiterating its official stance on men using women's facilities. On April 15, 2016, a group Target calls its "risk committee" emailed executives informing them of a plan to post that message publicly. Mr. Cornell wasn't among the recipients of that email.

At least two of Mr. Cornell's lieutenants approved the post, including Target's chief risk officer, Jackie Rice, and its chief external-engagement officer, Laysha Ward.

AFA agrees with Mary McCandless, a shopper in Winston-Salem, N.C. who told the WSJ, "Target picked a side and pretty much said to the rest of us that we don't matter." The 56-year-old financial analyst said she quit using her Target credit card and shifted most shopping online. "At least I don't have to worry about using the bathroom on Amazon.com."

Inside the company, executives predicted the backlash would die down. It didn't, and foot traffic inside stores declined significantly in the months following AFA's boycott announcement.

Since the boycott started, Target's stock has lost 35% of its value, and shuttered plans for major expansion projects.

Together we are making an unprecedented financial impact on a corporation whose policy is to allow men to use women's restrooms and dressing rooms. Target's decision is unacceptable for families, and their dangerous and misguided policy continues to put women and children in harm's way.

It is urgent the Target boycott reach 1.5 million signers by the end of April. At that point, I will personally return to Minneapolis with an additional 500,000 names. I will then discuss how Target can invite 1.5 million AFA supporters back to their stores by having a common sense bathroom and dressing room policy that links use of these rooms to a person's biological sex.

Help us reach the 1.5 million signature mark.

If you haven't signed the boycott pledge, please sign it today!

If you have signed the pledge, please forward this email to your family and friends.

Tim Wildmon, President
American Family Association

Police: Girl, 4, sexually assaulted in Delaware abduction

Wilmington, Del. (WTXF) - Police say a girl was snatched from the street while playing in her own neighborhood. The 4-year-old girl was gone for two heart-wrenching hours before being found nearly naked in a nearby park.

It happened in the blink of an eye in Wilmington, Delaware on a dead end street.

Megan Gardner remembers the chilling moment when a 4-year-old girl, who was playing with her child and some neighborhood friends, was abducted along the 4800 block of Sugar Plumb Court in Plum Run Village, a section New Castle County Delaware.

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Pocomoke City Police Department Arrest Report March 2017

Why affliction may be better than prosperity

“The Greatest Show on Earth” was owned by P.T. Barnum, who died April 7, 1891. Selling millions of tickets, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus had big draws including General Tom Thumb, a man only 25 inches tall, and elephant “Jumbo,” whose name entered the dictionary.

Barnum, who was received by President Lincoln and gave a command performance for Queen Victoria, stated: “Most persons, on the whole, are humbugged by believing too little, than by believing too much.”

Barnum said:
“Politeness and civility are the best capital ever invested in business.”
“The best kind of charity is to help those who are willing to help themselves.”
“The desire for wealth is nearly universal, and none can say it is not laudable, provided the possessor of it accepts its responsibilities, and uses it as a friend to humanity.”

As the circus was not open on Sundays, Barnum let his New York Great Roman Hippodrome be used by Dwight Lyman Moody for evangelistic campaigns.

When Barnum’s show began traveling, D.L. Moody, with help from J.P. Morgan and Cornelius Vanderbilt, transformed the Hippodrome into a revival tabernacle.

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Fire damages workshop at Dukes Lumber

LAUREL – Fire fighters from Delaware and Maryland responded early Monday morning to a fire at Dukes Lumber Company.

The blaze, which was confined to a workshop shop at the longtime Sussex County business, caused an estimated $200,000 in damage to the structure and equipment, Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael G. Chionchio said.

State fire investigators determined the fire was caused when sparks from welding ignited a waste oil pan.

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Study Reveals Most, Least Stressed States In US

WASHINGTON — Having high levels of stress is known to take a toll on the brain and the body, leading people to sleep less, feel worse, and struggle on the job. But does where you live factor in to the level of stress you feel? The free credit score website WalletHub.com released its list of the Most and Least Stressed States, giving Americans a glimpse at how their home address could be affecting them.

The study found that Alabama was the most-stressed state in the country, followed by Louisiana and Mississippi. In fact, eight states from the South made the top 10 for most-stressed states.

Minnesota was the least-stressed state, followed by North Dakota and Iowa.

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The ten foods you should never eat while you're pregnant

Soft cheeses, raw eggs and alcohol are something most of us would know are unsuitable for pregnant women - however, it seems that there are many more foods to be wary of.

Public health nutritionist Dr Emma Derbyshire has revealed to the MailOnline the very surprising snacks that should be avoided by all pregnant women.

From the pizza topping that could harm a developing baby to the sweet treat that could increase the risk of still birth, Dr Derbyshire talks us through the foods to be avoided.

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George Soros-backed prosecutor yanked after refusing to seek death penalty for cop killer

Accuses Florida Gov. Rick Scott of abuse of power after he reassigns 21 files

A Florida prosecutor elected with $1 million from liberal billionaire George Soros has been removed from all first-degree murder cases after refusing to seek the death penalty for any suspect, including an accused cop killer.

State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who won an upset victory in November after receiving $1.38 million from the Soros-backed Florida Safety & Justice PAC, had 21 first-degree murder cases in Orange and Osceola counties reassigned Monday to other prosecutors by Florida Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican.

His executive order came after she announced she would not seek the death penalty against Markeith Loyd, who has been charged in the murders of his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon in December and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton in January, or any other defendants.

Another officer, Orange County sheriff’s Deputy Norman Lewis, died in a Jan. 9 car crash during the hunt for the 41-year-old Loyd.

“While I currently do have discretion to pursue death sentences, I have determined that doing so is not in the best interest of this community or in the best interests of justice,” said Ms. Ayala, a Democrat, at her March 16 press conference.

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Florida Walmart shopper who killed diaper thief faces manslaughter charge

A 51-year-old Florida man, who says he killed a Walmart diaper thief because he feared for his life, has been charged with manslaughter.

Arthur Adams, 19, was shoplifting diapers at the Walmart in Pine Hills, Florida, on February 4 when he was shot and killed, according to reports on Thursday.

Deputies say his assailant was a Walmart shopper, Lonnie Leonard, 51, of Apopka. Leonard also was arrested on two weapons charges.

Adams' two accomplices fled and were never caught.

“What we have at this point is that the individual felt threatened — one of the suspects reached for something [and he] thought that it was a weapon or firearm,” Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Angelo Nieves said at the time of the shooting, according to Fox 35 Orlando.

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http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/04/07/florida-walmart-shopper-who-killed-diaper-thief-faces-manslaughter-charge.html

U.S. Woman Stabbed to Death by Migrant Who 'Recently Arrived' in France

A 52-year-old woman from the U.S. was taking photographs in an eastern suburb of Paris when a person police say “arrived recently in France” stabbed her several times from behind.

According to Le Parisien, the woman collapsed immediately when a homeless man stabbed her in the back several times and sliced her carotid artery at just before 4 pm on Thursday. Emergency services arrived quickly on the scene but were unable to resuscitate the victim.

“I heard a woman’s cry, then saw an older man leave the Rue Marcel-Dufriche with a big knife in his hand,” said the manager of a store located close to the crime scene.

He told the newspaper: “[The assailant] threatened passers-by and was going back and forth between the victim and the [graffiti-covered] wall of the Halle Marcel-Dufriche. The police arrived very quickly.”

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Hillary’s fantasy faulting of ‘misogyny’ for election loss ignores white women

Hillary Clinton, if she’s not careful, will go down in history as the presidential candidate who most couldn’t let the loss go — rivaling the current No. 1 slot holder for that category, noted chad-counter Al Gore.

In public statements this week, Clinton blamed an anti-woman bias among her fellow countrymen as the reason she lost the White House. In a word: fantasy.

“Certainly misogyny played a role,” she said, while delivering remarks at a Women in the World Summit, Breitbartnoted. “I mean, that has to be admitted.”

Well, newsflash: It really doesn’t.

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Progressives Hit Trump Ed Sec with Death Threats, Security Costs $7.8 Million

After President Donald Trump’s Education Secretary was barred by progressive activists from entering a Washington D.C. middle school, a reassessment of her security recommended additional protection at the cost of $7.8 million tax dollars thus far.

Due to the constant wave of death threats by progressives, the U.S. Marshals service was forced to reevaluate the usual security plans for education department leaders.

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has received far more death threats than any past Ed Secs,the U.S. Marshals told the Washington Post.

In February, DeVos, a supporter of charter schools, was accosted by a group of progressive protesters who barred her entry to Jefferson Middle School Academy in D.C. The protesters carried signs reading “Black Lives Matter,” and “Feminists Are the Majority.” At least one screamed, “Shame!” at DeVos when the newly emplaced Ed Sec arrived at the school. The protesters prevented DeVos from entering the school’s front doors and she had to be let in through a back entrance, surrounded by security.

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Attention

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

The Minority Report2017 Sine Die EditionGreetings from the 437th Legislative Session! We want to connect with you to keep you informed on caucus initiatives and the latest in Annapolis. Please feel free to share this with friends, family, and colleagues, and on your own social media sites.

2017 Session Comes to an End

Session Successes

House Republican Caucus 2017

The Minority Report
2017 Sine Die Edition

Greetings from the 437th Legislative Session! We want to connect with you to keep you informed on caucus initiatives and the latest in Annapolis. Please feel free to share this with friends, family, and colleagues, and on your own social media sites.