WHAT: Technology Bar – Try out New Tech Items
WHO: Anyone interested in trying out the new equipment
WHEN: Starting May 4, 2012
WHERE: Near the Adult Information Desk in the Main Library
SALISBURY, MD – 2012 – Starting May 4th, Wicomico Public Library members will be able to try out the Nook, Color Nook, Kindle, and iPad in a no-pressure environment. These items are part of the new Technology Bar, which will be located next to the Adult Information Desk inside the Main Library. The items were acquired through a grant from the Department of Library Development Services and will be available for use during regular library hours.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Plan to Fix Postal Service Passes Senate
The Senate on Wednesday passed a plan to save the struggling U.S.
Postal Service, an effort that could save thousands of jobs and 100 mail
processing plants now slated to be closed or consolidated next month.
In an unusual showing of bipartisanship, the Senate voted 62-37 to throw a lifeline to the indebted Postal Service. Without help, the Postal Service would otherwise cut Saturday service, delay mail delivery and close hundreds of postal processing plants and post offices, triggering thousands of job cuts nationwide.
"My hope is that our friends over in the U.S. House, given our bipartisan steps we took this week, will feel a sense of urgency," said Sen. Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat, one of the Senate bill's co-sponsors. "The situation is not hopeless, the situation is dire."
In an unusual showing of bipartisanship, the Senate voted 62-37 to throw a lifeline to the indebted Postal Service. Without help, the Postal Service would otherwise cut Saturday service, delay mail delivery and close hundreds of postal processing plants and post offices, triggering thousands of job cuts nationwide.
"My hope is that our friends over in the U.S. House, given our bipartisan steps we took this week, will feel a sense of urgency," said Sen. Tom Carper, a Delaware Democrat, one of the Senate bill's co-sponsors. "The situation is not hopeless, the situation is dire."
The Bailout Of The US Postal Service Begins: Cost To Taxpayers - $110,000 Per Union Vote "Saved Or Gained"
A week ago, when reading between the lines of what had heretofore been considered an inevitable USPS episode of austerity in which hundreds of thousands of labor union workers would lose their jobs but in the process would streamline a thoroughly outdated and inefficient US Postal Office bureaucracy, we asked if a US Postal Service bailout was imminent, focusing on the following: "Enter Ron Bloom, Lazard, and the very same crew that ended up getting a taxpayer funded bailout for GM. From the WSJ: "The Postal Service's proposal to close thousands of post offices and cut back on the number of days that mail is delivered "won't work" and would accelerate the agency's decline, according to the six-page report by Ron Bloom, President Barack Obama's former auto czar, and investment bank Lazard Ltd., LAZ who were hired by the union in October." That's right: after all the huffing and puffing about "sacrifice" and austerity, the labor union took one long look at the only option... and asked what other option is there." The other option, it turns out courtesy of news from AP, is the first of many incremental bail outs of the US Postal Office, better known in pre-election circles as hundreds of thousands of unionized votes up for the taking, and which could be bought for the low low price of $11 billion in taxpayer money, or $110,000 per vote! And so the latest bailout of yet another terminally inefficient and outdated government entity begins.
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"MAKING MARYLAND SAFER WITH THE APPROPRIATE USE OF DNA"
A lot of smart people came together in 2008 to determine how we could more effectively use DNA technology to make Maryland safer. They included veteran prosecutors, experienced criminal justice professionals, and concerned legislators. They agreed with Governor O’Malley’s vision and worked on a fair, practical, and reasonable approach to better protection for our citizens with DNA evidence.
Criminal justice professionals examined the impact the legislation could have on reducing crime in Maryland. One review focused on three violent crime offenders in Baltimore County and Baltimore City and found that, if the law had been in effect when they were arrested, at least 19 other violent crimes they were charged with would likely have been prevented.
Careful study of existing laws was conducted to ensure Maryland’s law was focused and fair. Maryland’s statute requires that a person must be both arrested and charged with a qualifying crime before a sample can be taken. In addition, the sample cannot be analyzed for entry into the arrestee/charged database until the suspect has had his or her first arraignment. Since then, 13 additional states have passed similar laws, bringing the total number of states with laws like ours to 26.
The Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and law enforcement professionals across our state supported this legislation. In the past three years, they have witnessed its effectiveness and continue to support its purpose. This Association is also in support of an appeal of the decision rendered yesterday.
Since January 1, 2009, we have used this law to take dozens of violent offenders off Maryland streets. A Baltimore County man was arrested, convicted of first degree rape, and sentenced to life in prison in October 2010, due to DNA evidence originally collected after he was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting his seven and eight-year-old female cousins in 2008.
The DNA evidence collected from this arrest matched the DNA collected at the scene of a 2004 rape of a 13-year-old girl at a bus stop as well as a another 2000 rape of a 14-year-old girl. The 42-year-old suspect became the first person arrested and convicted in Baltimore under the DNA arrestee collection law. This man was a career offender with an extensive list of drug and robbery arrests.
In the case ruled on by the Court of Appeals yesterday, a Salisbury man was arrested and convicted of first degree rape and sentenced to life in prison in October 2010, due to DNA evidence originally collected from a previous assault charge in 2009. This collected DNA was linked to DNA taken from an unsolved case in September 2003, when a woman was raped and robbed at gunpoint in her home.
A man from Weyworth, Massachusetts, was arrested by the Weyworth Police on September 21, 2010, for the brutal rape of a 17-year-old girl in the basement of a church in 1995––a case that had remained unsolved for 16 years. This offender had DNA taken in Maryland for a homicide arrest and was incarcerated in Maryland at the time. Maryland officials contacted Weyworth police and they came to Maryland to swab his DNA. He was arrested after the positive match. This offender is a career criminal and was already serving a life sentence in Maryland for two other rapes. He will now have additional time added to this sentence. Police could not have made an arrest without the positive DNA comparison.
Since the arrestee/charged database law is only three years old, we are nowhere near reaching its full potential as a crime fighting tool. As we have seen with the convicted offender database, as the number of samples in the database expands, the number of positive comparisons and identified offenders increases exponentially.
Any experienced public safety professional knows the majority of violent crimes are committed by a small group of repeat offenders. Even while awaiting trial on one offense, these individuals are not hesitant to prey upon our citizens and commit additional crimes. It is just common sense to believe that if we can take a criminal off the street sooner, we will reduce the chances that he or she will commit additional crimes.
While nationally, Maryland is viewed as a leader in crime fighting innovation, our streets are still far too violent. When courts fail to recognize the need of our people to be protected in a fair and just manner, we go backwards, not forwards. That is something we cannot afford to do, given our responsibility to protect human life.
Criminal justice professionals examined the impact the legislation could have on reducing crime in Maryland. One review focused on three violent crime offenders in Baltimore County and Baltimore City and found that, if the law had been in effect when they were arrested, at least 19 other violent crimes they were charged with would likely have been prevented.
Careful study of existing laws was conducted to ensure Maryland’s law was focused and fair. Maryland’s statute requires that a person must be both arrested and charged with a qualifying crime before a sample can be taken. In addition, the sample cannot be analyzed for entry into the arrestee/charged database until the suspect has had his or her first arraignment. Since then, 13 additional states have passed similar laws, bringing the total number of states with laws like ours to 26.
The Maryland Chiefs of Police Association and law enforcement professionals across our state supported this legislation. In the past three years, they have witnessed its effectiveness and continue to support its purpose. This Association is also in support of an appeal of the decision rendered yesterday.
Since January 1, 2009, we have used this law to take dozens of violent offenders off Maryland streets. A Baltimore County man was arrested, convicted of first degree rape, and sentenced to life in prison in October 2010, due to DNA evidence originally collected after he was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting his seven and eight-year-old female cousins in 2008.
The DNA evidence collected from this arrest matched the DNA collected at the scene of a 2004 rape of a 13-year-old girl at a bus stop as well as a another 2000 rape of a 14-year-old girl. The 42-year-old suspect became the first person arrested and convicted in Baltimore under the DNA arrestee collection law. This man was a career offender with an extensive list of drug and robbery arrests.
In the case ruled on by the Court of Appeals yesterday, a Salisbury man was arrested and convicted of first degree rape and sentenced to life in prison in October 2010, due to DNA evidence originally collected from a previous assault charge in 2009. This collected DNA was linked to DNA taken from an unsolved case in September 2003, when a woman was raped and robbed at gunpoint in her home.
A man from Weyworth, Massachusetts, was arrested by the Weyworth Police on September 21, 2010, for the brutal rape of a 17-year-old girl in the basement of a church in 1995––a case that had remained unsolved for 16 years. This offender had DNA taken in Maryland for a homicide arrest and was incarcerated in Maryland at the time. Maryland officials contacted Weyworth police and they came to Maryland to swab his DNA. He was arrested after the positive match. This offender is a career criminal and was already serving a life sentence in Maryland for two other rapes. He will now have additional time added to this sentence. Police could not have made an arrest without the positive DNA comparison.
Since the arrestee/charged database law is only three years old, we are nowhere near reaching its full potential as a crime fighting tool. As we have seen with the convicted offender database, as the number of samples in the database expands, the number of positive comparisons and identified offenders increases exponentially.
Any experienced public safety professional knows the majority of violent crimes are committed by a small group of repeat offenders. Even while awaiting trial on one offense, these individuals are not hesitant to prey upon our citizens and commit additional crimes. It is just common sense to believe that if we can take a criminal off the street sooner, we will reduce the chances that he or she will commit additional crimes.
While nationally, Maryland is viewed as a leader in crime fighting innovation, our streets are still far too violent. When courts fail to recognize the need of our people to be protected in a fair and just manner, we go backwards, not forwards. That is something we cannot afford to do, given our responsibility to protect human life.
MARYLAND STATE POLICE 2011 TROOPER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED
(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown has announced the statewide 2011 Trooper of the Year for the Department.
In a ceremony that recognized the local winners from each barrack and division, Colonel Brown congratulated Trooper First Class Michael J. Bonczewski of the Bel Air Barrack as the 2011 Trooper of the Year.
The following narrative describes some of the work TFC Bonczewski performed during 2011 which led to his award:
TROOPER FIRST CLASS MICHAEL J. BONCZEWSKI
BEL AIR BARRACK
During 2011, TFC Bonczewski continued the record of outstanding performance as a state trooper he began only four years ago when he joined the Maryland State Police. “Impressive, incredible and impeccable” are just three of the terms used by his supervisors to describe him. He led the barrack, or was second, in nearly every performance category. In some categories, his performance exceeded entire Bel Air Barrack work group performances. He was the top producer at the barrack for seven months of 2011.
TFC Bonczewski made 2,585 traffic stops and issued more than 2,700 citations and almost 1,800 warnings. He issued more traffic citations than any other trooper in the Maryland State Police. He led the barrack in DUI arrests with 46 and was second in drug arrests with 23. He led the barrack in overall criminal arrests with 41 and was second in warrant arrests with 26. He led the barrack with 50 criminal investigations.
According to supervisors, TFC Bonczewski often worked past normally assigned shifts to ensure all his duties were completed. He often volunteered to work beyond his tour of duty to support barrack manpower needs. His uniform, equipment and attitude are always impeccable. He serves as a field training trooper and those he trains turn out to be top performers as well. He was chosen last year to serve on the Harford County Traffic Task Force, which has already impacted traffic safety in the county, thanks in no small part to the efforts of TFC Bonczewski.
When he was dispatched to an assault call in Edgewood last year, TFC Bonczewski employed his exceptional investigative intuition. While interviewing the suspect of an assault in a domestic violence case, he saw numerous gang tattoos . He developed a rapport with the man who eventually provided a wealth of information involving gang related crimes and member identifications. He also provided the only known copy of the “Blood Bible,” in the region. This is an extremely valuable aid for gang investigators working the Bloods gang in Maryland.
Another call involved a prescription fraud at an Abingdon pharmacy. The diligent investigation of TFC Bonczewski led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of hundreds of prescription medications.
He also recovered numerous fraudulent prescription slips and computer equipment used to make fake prescriptions and military documents. His investigation ultimately closed a tri-state crime spree involving forged prescriptions and a lucrative narcotics ring. The suspect he arrested was estimated to have passed over 5,000 illegal prescriptions.
In the words of his supervisor, Cpl. Ray Domico, “Trooper First Class Bonczewski’s ability and performance as a Maryland state trooper can be summed up as extraordinary. His overwhelming dedication, work ethic, and acts of self-sacrifice are the ultimate model that other Department and allied agency personnel should emulate. His level of performance and service has unquestionably made Harford County and our state a safer place to live.”
During his short career, TFC Bonczewski has accumulated an impressive list of awards. He was Trooper of the Year at the La Plata Barrack in 2009. That same year he was Trooper of the Year for the Southern Region. In 2010, he won Trooper of the Year for the Bel Air Barrack and won the same award that year for the Northern Region. He was the State Police recipient of the International Association of Chiefs of Police “Trooper of the Year” Award for 2010. He won the 2011 American Legion Officer of the Year.
In a ceremony that recognized the local winners from each barrack and division, Colonel Brown congratulated Trooper First Class Michael J. Bonczewski of the Bel Air Barrack as the 2011 Trooper of the Year.
The following narrative describes some of the work TFC Bonczewski performed during 2011 which led to his award:
TROOPER FIRST CLASS MICHAEL J. BONCZEWSKI
BEL AIR BARRACK
During 2011, TFC Bonczewski continued the record of outstanding performance as a state trooper he began only four years ago when he joined the Maryland State Police. “Impressive, incredible and impeccable” are just three of the terms used by his supervisors to describe him. He led the barrack, or was second, in nearly every performance category. In some categories, his performance exceeded entire Bel Air Barrack work group performances. He was the top producer at the barrack for seven months of 2011.
TFC Bonczewski made 2,585 traffic stops and issued more than 2,700 citations and almost 1,800 warnings. He issued more traffic citations than any other trooper in the Maryland State Police. He led the barrack in DUI arrests with 46 and was second in drug arrests with 23. He led the barrack in overall criminal arrests with 41 and was second in warrant arrests with 26. He led the barrack with 50 criminal investigations.
According to supervisors, TFC Bonczewski often worked past normally assigned shifts to ensure all his duties were completed. He often volunteered to work beyond his tour of duty to support barrack manpower needs. His uniform, equipment and attitude are always impeccable. He serves as a field training trooper and those he trains turn out to be top performers as well. He was chosen last year to serve on the Harford County Traffic Task Force, which has already impacted traffic safety in the county, thanks in no small part to the efforts of TFC Bonczewski.
When he was dispatched to an assault call in Edgewood last year, TFC Bonczewski employed his exceptional investigative intuition. While interviewing the suspect of an assault in a domestic violence case, he saw numerous gang tattoos . He developed a rapport with the man who eventually provided a wealth of information involving gang related crimes and member identifications. He also provided the only known copy of the “Blood Bible,” in the region. This is an extremely valuable aid for gang investigators working the Bloods gang in Maryland.
Another call involved a prescription fraud at an Abingdon pharmacy. The diligent investigation of TFC Bonczewski led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of hundreds of prescription medications.
He also recovered numerous fraudulent prescription slips and computer equipment used to make fake prescriptions and military documents. His investigation ultimately closed a tri-state crime spree involving forged prescriptions and a lucrative narcotics ring. The suspect he arrested was estimated to have passed over 5,000 illegal prescriptions.
In the words of his supervisor, Cpl. Ray Domico, “Trooper First Class Bonczewski’s ability and performance as a Maryland state trooper can be summed up as extraordinary. His overwhelming dedication, work ethic, and acts of self-sacrifice are the ultimate model that other Department and allied agency personnel should emulate. His level of performance and service has unquestionably made Harford County and our state a safer place to live.”
During his short career, TFC Bonczewski has accumulated an impressive list of awards. He was Trooper of the Year at the La Plata Barrack in 2009. That same year he was Trooper of the Year for the Southern Region. In 2010, he won Trooper of the Year for the Bel Air Barrack and won the same award that year for the Northern Region. He was the State Police recipient of the International Association of Chiefs of Police “Trooper of the Year” Award for 2010. He won the 2011 American Legion Officer of the Year.
Even After Bankruptcy, Trapped By Student Debt
The misfortunes that brought schoolteachers Devin and Sarah Stang
and their four young children to bankruptcy _ and the loss of their
house and a car in the process _ were their own unique story.
They bought the house at just the wrong time. There were heavy medical expenses when, at five months pregnant, she delivered stillborn twins. And their money woes go back further: When Sarah's college softball team pressured her to drop classes she wanted to take, she quit, lost her scholarship and had to make up the difference with loans. Devin, too, borrowed to get a master's degree. Then they struggled amid school layoffs near their Sandusky, Ohio, home.
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They bought the house at just the wrong time. There were heavy medical expenses when, at five months pregnant, she delivered stillborn twins. And their money woes go back further: When Sarah's college softball team pressured her to drop classes she wanted to take, she quit, lost her scholarship and had to make up the difference with loans. Devin, too, borrowed to get a master's degree. Then they struggled amid school layoffs near their Sandusky, Ohio, home.
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Division of Fish and Wildlife Seeks Reports from Public for Annual Bald Eagle Survey
DOVER - Each year, with soaring expectations, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife monitors Delaware’s bald eagle population statewide. By conducting aerial surveys from February through May, wildlife biologists examine resident bald eagle territories for active nesting and productivity. The Division also encourages Delawareans to assist biologists with their work by reporting bald eagle sightings to help track resident eagles and locate possible new nest sites.
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Obama's Fallon Appearance Violated Campaign Law
Last night, President Obama appeared on Jimmy Fallon’s unwatchable show to “slow-jam the news.” By this, Fallon meant that Obama would read a campaign speech about student loans, Fallon would utter a few lines to back him up every so often, and his lead band singer would warble in support of Obama’s propaganda.
Only one problem, aside from the fact that this was possibly the worst “comedy” segment in the history of mankind: it violated campaign finance law.
The equal time rule states that if a licensee permits a person “who is a legally qualified candidate for any public office to use a broadcasting station, he shall afford equal opportunities to all other such candidates for that office in the use of such broadcasting station.”
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Honor An Educator Tree
Delmarva Education Foundation booth at the Salisbury Festival
The public is invited to stop by the Delmarva Education Foundation (DEF) table at the Salisbury Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 28 in Downtown Salisbury to recognize someone special in their life by participating in DEF’s new “Honor an Educator” program. Participants can pay tribute to a person who taught them well by hanging an “apple” with the honoree’s name on it, on the DEF "Honor an Educator Tree.” The person recognized could be a teacher, mentor, relative, friend, coach, advisor, scoutmaster, counselor, or other individual who was especially inspirational, motivating, or supportive. The charge is only $1 per “apple” and DEF will publicize the honorees throughout 2012. Proceeds from the “Honor an Educator” program will further DEF's mission to improve college access and success for residents on the lower Delmarva Peninsula. DEF helps people find money to continue their education. For more information about DEF’s “Honor an Educator” program, call the Salisbury office at 410-219-3336. DEF is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland. Its free, searchable, online database contains information on more than 500 local-priority scholarships totaling well over a million dollars. Assistance on a wide range of topics relating to post-secondary education is available for individuals, families, and groups from DEF’s trained college access advisors. DEF’s website is at www.delmarvaed.org.
The public is invited to stop by the Delmarva Education Foundation (DEF) table at the Salisbury Festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 28 in Downtown Salisbury to recognize someone special in their life by participating in DEF’s new “Honor an Educator” program. Participants can pay tribute to a person who taught them well by hanging an “apple” with the honoree’s name on it, on the DEF "Honor an Educator Tree.” The person recognized could be a teacher, mentor, relative, friend, coach, advisor, scoutmaster, counselor, or other individual who was especially inspirational, motivating, or supportive. The charge is only $1 per “apple” and DEF will publicize the honorees throughout 2012. Proceeds from the “Honor an Educator” program will further DEF's mission to improve college access and success for residents on the lower Delmarva Peninsula. DEF helps people find money to continue their education. For more information about DEF’s “Honor an Educator” program, call the Salisbury office at 410-219-3336. DEF is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland. Its free, searchable, online database contains information on more than 500 local-priority scholarships totaling well over a million dollars. Assistance on a wide range of topics relating to post-secondary education is available for individuals, families, and groups from DEF’s trained college access advisors. DEF’s website is at www.delmarvaed.org.
Iran Readying Hacker Attacks on U.S. Infrastructure, Specialists Say
Iran
is recruiting a hacker army to target the U.S. power grid, water
systems and other vital infrastructure for cyberattack in a future
confrontation with the United States, security specialists will warn Congress Thursday.
“Elements of the IRGC [Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps] have openly sought to pull hackers into the fold” of a religiously motivated cyberarmy, according to Frank J. Cilluffo, director of the Homeland
Security Policy Institute at George Washington University.
Lawmakers from two House Homeland Security subcommittees will hold a joint hearing Thursday about the cyberthreat posed by Iran, as tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program continue at a high level, and a possible Israeli strike looms.
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“Elements of the IRGC [Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps] have openly sought to pull hackers into the fold” of a religiously motivated cyberarmy, according to Frank J. Cilluffo, director of the Homeland
Security Policy Institute at George Washington University.
Lawmakers from two House Homeland Security subcommittees will hold a joint hearing Thursday about the cyberthreat posed by Iran, as tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program continue at a high level, and a possible Israeli strike looms.
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34th Annual Wicomico County Elementary & Secondary Student Art Show Wicomico Public Library
The 34th annual Wicomico County Elementary & Secondary Student Art Show, featuring more than 1,000 works from students in every Wicomico school, opens Friday, April 27, at the Wicomico Public Library in Salisbury. Art teachers have elected 20 to 50 pieces per school, including paintings, drawings, photographs and sculpture, to represent the creative efforts of Wicomico students. Art teachers will install the exhibit in the lobby and throughout the children and adult sides of the library. The exhibit will be available for viewing during library hours through Saturday, May 5. The library is open 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and 12-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The library is closed on Sunday. A reception for student artists and their families will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, May 4. For information about the Wicomico County Student Art Show, please call Gary Beauchamp, supervisor of Music/Visual Art and Special Projects, at 410-677-4573.
Romney fundraiser: Donors 'Coming Out Of The Woodwork'
Mitt Romney's fundraising has skyrocketed since he became the de
facto nominee, a top Romney fundraiser told The Hill Wednesday evening.
"People are coming out of the woodwork," said the fundraiser, who requested not to be named. "A number of my friends who didn't want to get involved in the primary are now coming off the sidelines for the general election."
The Romney supporter told The Hill that two recent fundraisers in Florida had netted more than $3 million combined, and said the moment Romney and the Republican National Committee entered into a joint fundraising operation a number of top GOP donors who had been resistant to giving decided to make major donations.
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"People are coming out of the woodwork," said the fundraiser, who requested not to be named. "A number of my friends who didn't want to get involved in the primary are now coming off the sidelines for the general election."
The Romney supporter told The Hill that two recent fundraisers in Florida had netted more than $3 million combined, and said the moment Romney and the Republican National Committee entered into a joint fundraising operation a number of top GOP donors who had been resistant to giving decided to make major donations.
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Reminder
Glen Avenue Closed
A section of Glen Avenue is closed through 6 p.m. Friday, April 27 to allow safe crossing for the many participants and spectators attending the 80th annual Poodle Club of America National Specialty Show at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Visitors travel from as far as Japan to attend this annual Poodle ‘Super Bowl.” Wicomico County has played host to the event for the past 8 years. The annual event provides a generous economic impact for the county bringing in an estimated $2 million. This year, organizers are anticipating more than 450 dogs and more than 1,400 spectators and participants to attend.
A section of Glen Avenue is closed through 6 p.m. Friday, April 27 to allow safe crossing for the many participants and spectators attending the 80th annual Poodle Club of America National Specialty Show at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. Visitors travel from as far as Japan to attend this annual Poodle ‘Super Bowl.” Wicomico County has played host to the event for the past 8 years. The annual event provides a generous economic impact for the county bringing in an estimated $2 million. This year, organizers are anticipating more than 450 dogs and more than 1,400 spectators and participants to attend.
Trial Begins in Md. Neighborhood Watch Beating
An attorney for one of two brothers charged in a neighborhood watch
beating case in Baltimore that drew comparisons with the Trayvon Martin
shooting told a judge Wednesday he'll show the Maryland case is about
self-defense, not vigilantism.
Brothers Eliyahu and Avi Werdesheim, who are Jewish and white, are accused in the beating of a black teen while patrolling for an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood watch group on Nov. 19, 2010. Their bench trial opened Wednesday on charges of second-degree assault, false imprisonment and carrying a deadly weapon.
The Werdesheim brothers opted Tuesday for a bench trial after their lawyer said publicity surrounding the Martin case would have made it impossible to find an impartial jury. Their attorney said he believed a judge could conduct a fair trial.
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Brothers Eliyahu and Avi Werdesheim, who are Jewish and white, are accused in the beating of a black teen while patrolling for an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood watch group on Nov. 19, 2010. Their bench trial opened Wednesday on charges of second-degree assault, false imprisonment and carrying a deadly weapon.
The Werdesheim brothers opted Tuesday for a bench trial after their lawyer said publicity surrounding the Martin case would have made it impossible to find an impartial jury. Their attorney said he believed a judge could conduct a fair trial.
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Supreme Court Hints OK on Ariz. Immigration Law
Bucking the Obama administration, Supreme Court justices seemed to find little trouble Wednesday with major parts of Arizona's tough immigration law that require police to check the legal status of people they stop for other reasons.
But the fate of other provisions that make Arizona state crimes out of immigration violations was unclear in the court's final argument of the term.
The latest clash between states and the administration turns on the extent of individual states' roles in dealing with the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants. Immigration policy is essentially under the federal government's control, but a half-dozen Republican-dominated states have passed their own restrictions out of frustration with what they call Washington's inaction to combat an illegal flood.
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But the fate of other provisions that make Arizona state crimes out of immigration violations was unclear in the court's final argument of the term.
The latest clash between states and the administration turns on the extent of individual states' roles in dealing with the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants. Immigration policy is essentially under the federal government's control, but a half-dozen Republican-dominated states have passed their own restrictions out of frustration with what they call Washington's inaction to combat an illegal flood.
More
Would $81 For A Pack Of Cigarettes Put An End To Smoking?
While lawmakers here in the U.S. have developed a habit in recent years of raising taxes on cigarettes as a way to curb smoking while increasing tax revenue from those who continue to inhale, officials in New Zealand are giving some thought to what they would need to charge in order to make people quit smoking once and for all.
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Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Report: Debt Collectors Work In Emergency Rooms, Demand Payment Before Patients Receive Care
One of the nation's largest medical debt collection companies — already the subject of a lawsuit over alleged privacy violations — finds itself in more hot water as newly released documents claim that agency employees are actually working in hospital emergency rooms and sometimes demanding that patients pay up before they receive any further medical attention.
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