MDGOP Seeks More Answers From O'Malley Over Jobs Fiasco

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Republican Party has filed additional Public Information Act requests regarding the Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation’s (DLLR) censorship of a July jobs report.  The new PIA requests are directed at the Governor’s Office to uncover what communications took place to suppress the taxpayer funded employment analysis including whether or not a similar cover-up occurred in August.  The PIA request comes on the heels of Republican General Assembly leadership requesting a formal investigation into what took place at DLLR.  MDGOP Chairman Audrey Scott issued the following statement today regarding the new PIA requests:

“At a time when Maryland faces record unemployment, citizens of this state need honest and forthright information from their government more than ever.  They deserve to know if their government is just making stuff up about the state’s economic outlook.  MDGOP’s new PIA requests seek to uncover what orders came ‘straight from the top,’ and to what lengths the Governor’s office went in order to suppress negative jobs analysis.  The initial PIA request uncovered the Governor’s senior staff was well aware of the suppression and our new inquires seek to uncover just how far up the deception went.  To get Marylanders the truth they deserve we call on the Governor’s Office to respond promptly to the PIA request.”

Salisbury Police Department Press Releases

On September 28, 2010 at approximately 9:35 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police working in conjunction with the Maryland State Police and the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office were on patrol in the area of Brown Street and Naylor Street and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle operated by below listed suspect # 1 for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, a Trooper observed suspected marijuana on the floor of the vehicle. The occupants were removed and the officers immediately observed a handgun on the rear seat of the vehicle. A further search of the vehicle revealed a second handgun under a front seat in addition to a quantity of prescription medication. None of the occupants had a prescription for the medication.

ARRESTED # 1: Michael William Horsey, 23 years of age
Seaford, Delaware
ARRESTED #2: Levonte Jamer Dockins, 22 years of age
Laurel, Delaware
ARRESTED #3: Manuel Enrique Vazquez, 22 years of age
Delmar, Delaware
ARRESTED #4: Rakimm Nafees Banks, 18 years of age
Laurel, Delaware
ARRESTED #5: King Orlando Gray, 22 years of age
Laurel, Delaware
CHARGES: Possession of Marijuana
Transporting a handgun in a vehicle
Handgun on person

In addition, Suspects # 2 and # 3 were also charged with:
Possession of a regulated firearm by a
prohibited person
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000038617


On September 29, 2010 at approximately 2:00 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police extradited the below listed suspect to Salisbury from Fairfax, Virginia, and served her with an arrest warrant for passing counterfeit currency to Salisbury stores.

The investigation revealed that the suspect was involved in passing over ten (10) counterfeit one hundred (100) dollar bills to businesses at the Centre at Salisbury and it’s surrounding area.

ARRESTED: Janet Hannah Perrin, 27 years of age
Norfolk, Virginia
CHARGES: Possession of counterfeit currency (3 cts)
Manufacturing counterfeit currency (3 cts)
Making image of U.S. currency (3 cts)
Theft (under $ 1000) (2 counts)
Attempted theft (under $ 1000)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000038691


On September 29, 2010 at approximately 4:32 pm, Officers of the Salisbury Police received a call to respond to the Walmart Department Store on North Salisbury Boulevard for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival the officers met with store security who advised the officers that store employees had observed the below listed suspect taking clothing from the store without making payment. The property was recovered and returned to the store.

ARRESTED: Sara Atasha Baksh, 23 years of age
Melfa, Virginia
CHARGES: Theft (under $ 100)
DISPOSITION: Released to Central Booking
CC # 201000038723

Obama Thinks Cutting Spending Is A Joke

On a recent visit to Richmond, President Barack Obama said that he was “amused” by signs on his parade route that carried a simple message:  CUT SPENDING.

To most Americans, it isn't a joke!
“We don’t think the country’s economy is a laughing matter,” said Ben Marchi, AFP’s Virginia Rep. “I can only hope that the President will one day learn that we cannot spend our way to prosperity, and that spending away our future and the future of our children is not a joke.”
H/T – Jim Hoeft @ Bearing Drift
from Delmarva Dealings

Somerset County Sheriff's Office Press Releases

9-25-10 Toy Talley 3rd. of Accomac Virginia, arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving impaired, and driving right of center. The arrest was a result of a traffic stop where deputies observed a black ford explorer swerving from lanes in the area of Ocean Highway and Peggyneck Rd, Eden. Talley was later released to a family member after DWI processing.

9-27-10 Gary Dale Lambertson Jr. of Princess Anne, arrested on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Lambertson was later held at the Eastern Shore Correctional center.

9-28-10 Christopher Brandon Coisher of Norfolk Virginia, arrested on a warrant regarding violation of probation. Colsher was later held on a $50,000 bond after being extradited form the Norfolk City Jail.


9-28-10 Ronald Steven Richardson of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, arrested on a bench warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Richardson was later held on a $25,000 bond.

9-28-10 Mya Lucille Dorman of Religh North Carolina, arrested on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court on a child support case. Dorman was later released after posting bond.

9-29-10 Jacquelyn Marie Cross of Crisfield, arrested on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court. Cross was later released on a unsecured bond.

On 9-29-10 Deputies were dispatched to the Washington High School regarding a disorderly student. Deputies received custody of the student and recovered a lock blade knife. The juvenile was charged with carrying a deadly weapon on school property, and disrupting school operations. The juvenile was later released to a parent pending court actions.

9-30-10 Darnell Frederick Toomer of Salisbury , arrested on a warrant regarding failing to appear in court for child support. Toomer was later held on a $500.00 bond.

NEW MOVE OVER LAWS TAKE EFFECT OCTOBER 1 - INTENDED TO INCREASE SAFETY FOR POLICE/FIRE PERSONNEL AND BICYCLISTS

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police are reminding motorists to be aware of new traffic laws taking effect October 1st that require drivers to ‘move over,’ if possible, and are aimed at increasing safety for police, fire and emergency medical services personnel working on Maryland roadsides, as well as those riding bicycles or scooters.

A new law requires drivers approaching from the rear an emergency vehicle using visual signals while stopped on a highway to, if possible, ‘make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle.’ This movement should only be done if another lane in the same direction is available and the move can be made safely and without impeding other traffic. If moving to another lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle is not possible, the law requires drivers to ‘slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.’

The intent of the ‘move over’ law is to provide an extra barrier of safety for police officers, fire fighters, and emergency rescue personnel working along Maryland roads. It is hoped drivers will become more aware of police and emergency workers stopped along the road and move away from them or slow down as they pass by the traffic stop or incident scene.

Under Maryland Vehicle Law, emergency vehicles are defined as:
-Vehicles of federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies;
-Vehicles of volunteer fire companies, rescue squads, fire departments, the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute;
-State vehicles used in response to oil or hazardous materials spills;
-State vehicles designated for emergency use by the Commissioner of Correction;
-Ambulances; and
-Special vehicles funded or provided by federal, state, or local government and used for emergency or rescue purposes in Maryland.

Violation of the ‘move over’ law is a primary offense with a fine of $110 and one point. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash, the fine is $150 and three points. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash resulting in death or serious injury, the fine is $750 and three points.

A similar law is aimed at increasing safety for bicyclists or persons operating a motor scooter, or electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD). This law requires drivers overtaking a bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter rider to pass safely at a distance of not less than three feet. Exceptions are when the conveyance operator is not obeying the law or is solely responsible for creating a clearance of less than three feet, or if the highway is not wide enough to pass the vehicle at a distance of at least three feet.

Drivers must also yield the right of way to a bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter being operated lawfully in a designated bike lane or shoulder if the driver of the motor vehicle is about to enter or cross the bike lane or shoulder.

A violation of this law is a primary offense with a fine of $80 and one point. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash, the fine is $120 and three points.

MBRG Speaker Series

"We're Not in Kansas Anymore: The Economics of What We Are Doing and Where We Are Going" Uniquely difficult doesn't adequately describe the business, economic, and cultural ultimatums facing the world, our nation, and Maryland, which MBRG often portrays as "Two Marylands" in terms of its business and economics. MBRG cordially invites you to participate with leading CEI economist C. Wayne Crews in improving your grasp of these conundrums. Register Online at www.MBRG.org > WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Four Points by Sheraton BWI Airport 7032 Elm Road, Baltimore, MD 21240 $40 - MBRG & CEI Members $50 - Non-Members $320 - Special Table Rate (rounds of eight) Luncheon (plated) is provided.

A former scholar at the CATO Institute, Wayne Crews is currently vice president for policy and director of technology studies at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. Wayne's work explores the impact of government regulation of free enterprise. He has published in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, Communications Lawyer, the International Herald Tribune and others. He is a policy commentator on Fox, CNN, ABC, CNBC, and the Lehrer NewsHour. He is a former staff member for U.S. Senator Phil Gramm.

Maryland Business for Responsive Government 8830 Orchard Tree Lane, Suite B   •   Towson, MD 21286   •   P: 410.321.6274   •   F: 410.321.6275 Email info@mbrg.org   •   www.mbrg.org   •   ©2010 MBRG

Kratovil Employee Chuck Cook Scares Elderly At AFP Rally Today

Chuck Cook, (known here on Salisbury News as the guy who stole my photo of Mike Calpino hanging Frank Kratovil in effigy and giving it to the DNC) blasted into Adams Ribs today with several others wearing bird outfits with names on them stating they were "Shorebirds". They heckled the speakers the entire time they were trying to speak.

It should be known that Julie Brewington entered the facility with these people and sat down right away with a laptop and started typing away. Julie has public announced she is done with the AFP, her husband recently became a democrat and Julie continues to blast republicans as often as she can. A VERY sore loser. Does Julie's employer know she never seems to be at work any more?  (Apologies to Ms. Brewington.  We were misinformed.) 

Nevertheless, Chuck Cook IS employed with the Frank Kratovil Campaign and clearly they have become so desperate that they are now bashing and crashing AFP events.

One elderly Grandmother in her late 60's called me to tell me just how upset and scared she was, they wouldn't stop. They had no respect and looked like complete fools. I am expecting to provide pictures some time later this evening, so stay tuned Folks.

Leave it to unstable Chuck Cook to lead a crowd like this. Once a thief, always a thief.

ADVERTISE ON SALISBURY NEWS

Every single day I receive calls and e-mail messages asking how much we charge for an ad. It's very simple and our ad rates are very inexpensive.

We charge $100.00 a month for a business card size ad. No Contracts, No Strings. Our ads include a link back to your Website and ALL ads are paid for, (unless you're someone like CrimeSolvers).

Folks, the response you'll get from an ad on Salisbury News is second to NONE! While we do reserve the right to refuse any ad, send us your jpg artwork and we'll get you up and running in seconds.

Send your information to: alberobutzo@wmconnect.com.

OH, just in case you didn't know, Salisbury News PAYS IT FORWARD. That's right, 100% of every ad placed on Salisbury News gets PAID FORWARD to local non profits. While I'm NOT going to repeat that again, many have asked me to let our readers know we're doing that.

Once you become an advertiser on Salisbury News, even though we're working our tails off to deliver this news and information, ALL of the money brought in gets PAID FORWARD. So give back to your community by running an ad on Salisbury News and help make Salisbury, Maryland that much better a place to live. Thank You!

Time is Running Out – Deadline at Midnight

In the last few days, it is becoming clearer that, with your help, our campaign for change in Maryland’s First District is heading toward victory on November 2nd.


First, CQ Politics, a major political publication, shifted this race from the “Toss-up” to the “Leans-Republican” category. Then, the NRCC just released a poll of likely voters showing our campaign continuing to have a slight, but definite, lead in this race. Lastly, we have begun airing a new ad exposing Frank Kratovil's vote for Nancy Pelosi’s plans for a radical “cap and trade” energy tax - a tax that would cost the average family an additional $1,600 per year!

However, we knew that winning this campaign against one of Nancy Pelosi’s hand-picked Congressman would not come easily. In response to his lagging poll numbers, Frank Kratovil chose to flood the airwaves with false, misleading attacks against me. In fact, one normally unfriendly news outlet even said his ad used “phony scare tactics”. Rep. Kratovil knows that these attacks are untrue, but he continues to lie to his constituents.

Now, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), Nancy Pelosi’s personal attack machine, has begun airing false ads also attacking my position on taxes, purchasing over $1 million worth of TV time against me!!!

It’s time we sent Frank Kratovil and Nancy Pelosi our own message.

The financial campaign finance reporting quarter ends at MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, and I am asking you to make your donation to my campaign before this deadline. I hope you can contribute $150, $100, $50 or even $20 today. These reports are closely watched, and a strong financial showing in this period will go a long way towards showing the Pelosi-Kratovil team that their lies and politics as usual aren't going to work this time.

We’re heading into the home stretch in this pivotal election, and your donation is now more crucial than ever. Your donation could make the difference in this campaign. Please visit our fully-secure online donation center at http://andyharris.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=89d2d22042e1d9d8122535655&id=ac9ef145db&e=1eafd646d9 today to make your donation.

Thank you for your support.

Andy Harris, M.D.

P.S. Please help me send Frank Kratovil and Nancy Pelosi a message by making your donation before MIDNIGHT TONIGHT at our fully-secure online donation center.

A Remarkable Story

Back on February 13, 2009 I provided THIS ARTICLE. It was about several animals that had shown up at the Humane Society.

The dog I have posted above is an animal that was originally owned by a woman from California. She had her since birth. However, she had to put the dog up for adoption because she moved to France.

The Wicomico Humane Society somehow ended up with this animal and guess what, now the dog has been located in Texas and is in a shelter down there. How do we know, because she's was micro chipped.

We're working on contacting the Humane Society to see just who they adopted her to as her original owner, (now in France) is very concerned.

If you happen to know who may have adopted her, please contact me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com. Hopefully we can get to the bottom of this whole fiasco.

Frank Kratovil Endorsed by NRA

The National Rifle Association’s Political Victory Fund has endorsed the re-election of Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-MD). From Paul West at the Baltimore Sun’s Maryland Politics blog:

The National Rifle Association has endorsed the re-election of Rep. Frank Kratovil of Maryland in the state's most competitive congressional contest.

Kratovil “has earned the endorsement of the NRA-PVF (political victory fund) because has defended the Second Amendment freedoms of law-abiding gun owners, hunters and sportsmen in Maryland and across America,” said Chris W. Cox, the NRA's chief lobbyist. “On November 2, I urge all Maryland NRA Members and gun owners in the 1st District to vote Frank Kratovil for Congress."

The influential gun lobby also gave the Democratic freshman an "A" for legislative efforts during his initial term in Congress. The NRA said he had signed a "successful pro-gun" legal brief in a key Second Amendment case. He also voted to allow Americans to carry firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges and cosponsored legislation to overhaul the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Finally, Kratovil signed a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder opposing a new ban on semi-automatic firearms and ammunition magazines, and cosponsored a national right-to-carry reciprocity bill involving state right-to-carry licenses and permits.

Republican candidate Andy Harris failed to get the NRA's endorsement but did receive an "A" rating from the NRA as a "solidly pro-gun candidate." Commenters on this blog in recent weeks have noted that Harris, a veteran state legislator from Baltimore County, once voted against Sunday hunting on the Eastern Shore.

We'll be watching to see whether the NRA backs up its Kratovil endorsement with letters and phone calls to NRA members in the First District, which covers the entire Eastern Shore and portions of Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford counties.

West makes reference to a Harris vote regarding Sunday hunting. It is doubtful that this had anything to do with the endorsement. As noted, Harris received an “A” rating. However, when the ratings are close between two candidates – as they are between Harris and Kratovil – the endorsement goes to the incumbent.

from Delmarva Dealings

Rehoboth Man Charged From 1992 Alleged Sexual Assault

Location: 

• Piney Glade Rehoboth Beach, De

 

DATE and TIME:  

• Between May 1991 and December 2002

 

Victim(s):

• 13-year old male at time of crime (Victim is now 33 years of age)

 

Defendant(s):

• Tyrone A. Gray-44 Fox Creek Drive Rehoboth Delaware

 

Charge(s) and Bond Information:

• 6 counts Unlawful Sexual Intercourse First Degree
• 6 counts Unlawful Sexual Intercourse Third Degree
• $390,000 cash bond Sussex Correctional Institute

 

Resume:

Rehoboth Beach-Wednesday September 29, 2010 Delaware State Police arrested a Rehoboth man for crimes that are alleged to have occurred during 1991 through 2002. 

 

Delaware State Police detectives began an investigation into inappropriate sexual contact on May 27, 2010.  The investigation came to the attention of Delaware State Police when a victim now 33 year of age came forward to authorities. 

 

Delaware State Police have arrested Tyrone A. Gray-44 of Fox Creek Drive Rehoboth Delaware after presenting its case to the State of Delaware Attorney General’s Office Georgetown Delaware.  On September 28, 2010 Delaware State Police was notified of an Indictment that was obtained for the crimes committed by Gray. 

 

Gray was arrested at his home and taken to Delaware State Police Troop 7 Lewes for formal arrest processing.  Gray was presented before Justice of the Peace Court 2 and remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $390,000 cash bond. 

 

Gray was charged with 6 counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse First Degree and 6 counts of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse Third Degree.  Gray is being charged for having inappropriate contact with the victim who was approximately 13 years of age at the time of the offense. 

 

One of the factors which prompted the victim to come forward was seeing media coverage of Gray being arrested on May 20, 2010 for Unlawful Sexual Contact Second Degree (Felony) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child Second Degree (Felony).  This investigation was conducted by Greenwood Police Department. 

 

Delaware State Police are continuing their investigation and ask that if there are others who feel they may have been victimized by Tyrone Gray to come forward.  Victims are urged to contact Delaware State Police Troop 4 302-856-5850 ext 224.  Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be forwarded to law enforcement through tip lines maintained by Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or on line at www.tipsubmit.com.

Bob Ehrlich Endorsed By National Federation Of Independent Business

ODENTON -- Bob Ehrlich today accepted the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for Governor of Maryland surrounded by small business owners from across Maryland. The NFIB is a leading advocate for small businesses in Maryland and across the nation.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy.  After four years of downturn and stagnation, we must create a business climate that allows entrepreneurs to create jobs for families and improve our overall quality of life.” Ehrlich said.  “As governor, I will treat small business owners as a source of new jobs – not a source of new tax revenue. I am honored to have the NFIB’s endorsement and look forward to working with their members as Governor.”

 “Bob Ehrlich has made small business growth the centerpiece of his economic plan,” said Tim Goodrich, NFIB’s Regional Policy Director.  “He understands that 98 percent of the employers in this state are small businesses, and that the only way to boost employment is to create a more hospitable tax and regulatory environment.”

Maryland’s unemployment rate has doubled since Governor Martin O’Malley took office.  More than 200,000 Marylanders are currently unable to find a job and 3,000 Maryland small businesses have closed. According to the Jacob France Institute, business confidence in Maryland has dropped 58% since Bob Ehrlich’s first term as Governor.  Ehrlich has pledged to lower regulatory burdens to economic growth and to repeal the 20% increase in Maryland's sales tax passed by the current administration.

BACKGROUND:  A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization founded in 1943, NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of its members to own, operate and grow their businesses.

Circuit Court For Wicomico County Launches New Jury Management System

(SALISBURY, Md. – Sept. 29, 2010) The Circuit Court for Wicomico County has begun using a new jury management system to improve services to citizens and increase jury management efficiency. The first group of jurors summoned from this system will report on Monday, Oct. 4.

Wicomico County’s system is part of a statewide, multi-year effort, funded through the Administrative Office of the Courts, to help 15 jurisdictions modernize their jury management systems.

“In this new one-step system jurors are summoned and qualified simultaneously,” said Anne W. Taylor, jury commissioner. “This allows us to make full use of the master pool of citizens eligible for jury duty, providing a more comprehensive cross-section of jurors during trials.”

Citizens selected for jury duty under the new system will receive an envelope marked “SUMMONS, JURY – Do Not Discard.”

“This is not junk mail,” Taylor said. Prospective jurors can complete the questionnaire in this mailing, either online at http://mdcourts.gov/jury, or in writing and return it by mail to the Jury Office in the envelope provided. Maryland law requires that these forms be completed within 10 days of receipt. Prospective jurors should keep the bottom portion of the Summons/Qualification form and bring it with them when they report for duty.

For more information about the new system, contact Jury Commissioner Anne W. Taylor, (410) 548-4997.

Today's Survey Question

Are You Fed Up With The Kratovil & Harris TV Ads?

Weather Related Update For Salisbury

Mayor Ireton announced today that City Administrator John Pick, Public Works Director Teresa Gardner, Acting Chief Hoppes of the Salisbury Fire Department and Acting Chief Barkley of Salisbury Police met at 5:00 a.m. Thursday morning to closely monitor the weather and conditions here in Salisbury and make preparations for the day.

Periodic power outages across the lower Eastern Shore have been reported.

With wind gusts reaching 40 mph, power outages should be expected. The rain is expected to arrive after noon today. From the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services: Rainfall is expected to be 2” to 4” for the remainder of the storm, 9 a.m. (9/30/10) to late night (9/30/10).

There could be pockets of up to 5”-6” in passing storm cells. Thunderstorms are likely Thursday afternoon through Thursday night. The storm should move out of the area early Friday morning.

Storm drain inlets are being monitored city wide. The levels of the ponds have been lowered to prevent overflow. City employees are collecting debris, limbs, and trash from roadways to allow proper drainage. However, with heavy rains arriving late this afternoon the city storm drains can fill quickly. High tide is 8:58 p.m. so minor flooding is possible during that time period. If you see debris in the drains and water is ponding on the streets, please call City Public Works at 410-548-3177 or Salisbury Police at 410-548-3165.

Motorists are encouraged, for their 9/30/10 evening commute, to monitor conditions and seek alternate routes from impacted areas.

Feds Radiating Americans At Internal Checkpoints

Federal authorities do not concern themselves about the flood of illegal immigrants and drugs crossing the border every day, they’re more worried about radiating American truck drivers at internal checkpoints with mobile scanners that shoot dangerous x-rays through both vehicles and passengers.

As we reported last month, the federal government has acquired hundreds of backscatter x-ray scanners mounted in vans that they are now using to randomly scan vehicles, passengers and homes in complete violation of the 4th amendment and with wanton disregard for any health consequences.

An example of their expanding use was reported by WSBTV yesterday, after federal agents from several agencies, including Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, and the TSA, set up an internal checkpoint on Interstate 20 just west of Atlanta and detained truck drivers for half an hour or more at a “state-owned inspection station” while they were scanned with a bomb detection device.

Officials admitted there was no specific threat that justified the checkpoint, and although it was labeled a “counter-terror operation,” the scans were also being conducted in the name of “safety”.

Watch the video here.

GO HERE to read more.

Odds Of Life On Newfound Earth-Size Planet '100 Percent,' Astronomer Say

Lynette Cook, Space.com

This artist's conception shows the inner four planets of the Gliese 581 system and their host star, a red dwarf star only 20 light years away from Earth. The large planet in the foreground is the newly discovered GJ 581g, which has a 37-day orbit right in the middle of the star's habitable zone and is only three to four times the mass of Earth, with a diameter 1.2 to 1.4 times that of Earth.

An Earth-size planet has been spotted orbiting a nearby star at a distance that would makes it not too hot and not too cold — comfortable enough for life to exist, researchers announced today (Sept. 29).

If confirmed, the exoplanet, named Gliese 581g, would be the first Earth-like world found residing in a star's habitable zone — a region where a planet's temperature could sustain liquid water on its surface.

GO HERE to read more.

Castle Opts Not To Wage Write-In Bid For Delaware Senate

Del. -- Longtime Republican congressman Mike Castle has ruled out a write-in campaign in the U.S. Senate race in Delaware.

 

Castle is also a former two-term governor and the longest serving congressman in state history. He lost the GOP primary earlier this month in a stunning upset to tea party favorite Christine O'Donnell.

He issued a statement Wednesday night saying he had ruled out a write-in campaign, which many supporters had asked him to consider.

The decision brings an end to a political career stretching over four decades.

GO HERE to read more.

High Court Looks At Military Funeral Protests

YORK, Pa. –  One thing Al Snyder wants to make clear: His boy fought and died for freedom in Iraq, but not for the right of some "wackos" to spew hate at soldiers' funerals under the protection of the Constitution.

"It's an insult to myself, my family and the veterans to say this is what our military men and women died for," Snyder says, barely concealing his anger.

Yet more than four years after the death of his only son, Matthew, Snyder is in the middle of a Supreme Court case that raises almost precisely that issue.

The court is set to decide whether members of a fundamentalist church in Kansas who picketed Matthew's funeral with signs bearing anti-gay and anti-Catholic invective have a constitutional right to say what they want.

Or, in intruding on a private citizen's funeral in a hurtful way, have the protesters crossed a line and given Snyder the right to collect millions of dollars for the emotional pain they caused?

GO HERE to read more.