Street violence strains Muskegon Heights police resources Thursday | MLive.com:
"Shots were fired on Rotterdam Street and a mob began forming on Baker Street shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday, said Muskegon Heights Police Chief Lynne Gill.
Aware of what was happening on the streets, Muskegon Heights Charter School Academy System Director Alena Zachery-Ross said she checked with police on whether it was safe to release students for the day. She said she was told it was safe.
Gill said a detective responded to the report of shots fired on Rotterdam because he had no patrol officers available. Gill himself broke up the mob on Baker Street.
The incidents occurred just days before Saturday’s march to promote peace and unity in the city."
Friday, April 26, 2013
Buena Vista Township Clerk apologizes for using racial slur
Buena Vista Township Clerk apologizes for using racial slur : News : miNBCnews.com
BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP -- The Buena Vista Township clerk is in hot water after using a racial slur to describe the township supervisor. Now, Gloria Platko is apologizing and defending herself.
Buena Vista Township residents are calling for the resignation of Gloria Platko. The township clerk says she's sorry for offending residents but she has no plans to step down.
Gloria Platko is apologizing for what she calls, “a slip of the tongue.”
“I'm sorry to my five other board members and I’m entirely sorry to this entire community,” says Platko.
Platko was recorded calling township supervisor Dwayne Parker the n-word. Platko says that doesn't make her racist.
“I’ve eaten Thanksgiving dinner with black friends at their house. So I’m far from prejudiced. You need to go interview some of the black people who have supported me for the last four or five years,” says Platko.
Supporters of Platko were very difficulty to find after they heard of the recording.
“It was used in a harmful way when she said it so she should be punished,” says Bethany McMillon, a Buena Vista Township resident.
“She’s real lucky she's still over there because people don't play with the n-word anymore,” says Pam Henley, a Buena Vista Township resident.
But Platko says she's not going anywhere because she was baited.
“Why didn't he ever tape any of the other phone conversations?” says Platko.
Township supervisor Dwayne Parker did not return our phone calls. Platko says she'll continue serving the people of Buena Vista and next time she'll choose her words more carefully.
“Yea, I probably should've used a word like ignoramus or something like that but I didn't and I’m sorry for the word I used,” says Platko.
As far as any disciplinary action, our calls to the township manager were not returned. Gloria Platko says using a racial slur won't happen again.
Connie Ballard · Top Commenter · Registered Nurse at Covenant HealthCare
Connie Ballard · Top Commenter · Registered Nurse at Covenant HealthCare
I'm sorry but everyone has to right to free speech....plus if I'm correct secretly recording a phone call and making it public is ILLEGAL!!!!!!! This was not a public conversation...so she has the right to her opinion in private. I feel the guy who SECRETLY recorded this should be disciplined!
Gee.
There seems to be one word missing from this article..........
Could it be "democrat"?
Ted Nugent rips Pure Michigan ad campaign
Ted Nugent rips Pure Michigan ad campaign | Lansing State Journal | lansingstatejournal.com:
"Michigan-born rocker Ted Nugent ripped the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign during a radio appearance this morning, saying his home state is becoming “a suburb of Illinois and San Francisco” due to liberalism and political correctness.
“The Pure Michigan campaign basically is a facade,” Nugent said during a telephone interview from Texas on the Lansing-based syndicated program, Michigan’s Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels.
Outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping are Michigan’s biggest tourist draw, said Nugent.
“How dare the Pure Michigan campaign not mention any of that because some hash bash hippie in charge of Michigan’s promotional campaigns is afraid to put a dead salmon or a dead grouse or a dead deer on the tourist brochure but will put para-gliding and tulip festivals on that brochure when no one is going to come to Michigan to go hang gliding or to go to the tulip festival.”
click for full audio:http://michigansbigshow.blogspot.com/
"Michigan-born rocker Ted Nugent ripped the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign during a radio appearance this morning, saying his home state is becoming “a suburb of Illinois and San Francisco” due to liberalism and political correctness.
“The Pure Michigan campaign basically is a facade,” Nugent said during a telephone interview from Texas on the Lansing-based syndicated program, Michigan’s Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels.
Outdoors activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping are Michigan’s biggest tourist draw, said Nugent.
“How dare the Pure Michigan campaign not mention any of that because some hash bash hippie in charge of Michigan’s promotional campaigns is afraid to put a dead salmon or a dead grouse or a dead deer on the tourist brochure but will put para-gliding and tulip festivals on that brochure when no one is going to come to Michigan to go hang gliding or to go to the tulip festival.”
click for full audio:http://michigansbigshow.blogspot.com/
CALIF. BILL WOULD LET NON-CITIZENS SERVE ON JURIES
News from The Associated Press:
"Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, said his bill, AB1401, would help California widen the pool of prospective jurors and help integrate immigrants into the community."
"Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, said his bill, AB1401, would help California widen the pool of prospective jurors and help integrate immigrants into the community."
Stonewalling
Stonewalling:
"Thu, 25 Apr 2013
The Massachusetts Governor's office has refused to respond to Boston Herald requests for details of Marathon Bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Howie asked the question does a dead terrorist have a right to privacy."
"Thu, 25 Apr 2013
The Massachusetts Governor's office has refused to respond to Boston Herald requests for details of Marathon Bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Howie asked the question does a dead terrorist have a right to privacy."
Retired military leaders call for more investment in Michigan early education programs
Retired military leaders call for more investment in Michigan early education programs | MLive.com:
"Michigan's high-quality preschool has helped more young people be able to serve their country in whatever way they so choose," Cutler said in a statement included in a Mission: Readiness report.
The group says the Department of Defense estimates 75 percent of American youth are unable to serve in the military.
The three main reasons: Inadequate education, lack of physical fitness and criminal records."
"Michigan's high-quality preschool has helped more young people be able to serve their country in whatever way they so choose," Cutler said in a statement included in a Mission: Readiness report.
The group says the Department of Defense estimates 75 percent of American youth are unable to serve in the military.
The three main reasons: Inadequate education, lack of physical fitness and criminal records."
See what the Pere Marquette Park beach bar could become with plans from two developers
See what the Pere Marquette Park beach bar could become with plans from two developers | MLive.com
Both proposals suggest a redevelopment of the beach bar building at 1601 Beach St. but go in different directions. Both are hoping to have a business open yet this summer. One business developer is well-known and the other is becoming active in the Muskegon market.
The city of Muskegon has received two proposals for redevelopment of the former CJs on the Beach property at Pere Marquette Park on Lake Michigan.
EnlargeThe popular beach bar has struggled over the years to sustain a viable business in that location.CJs on the Beach closed gallery (4 photos)
Jon Rooks’ Parkland Muskegon Inc. suggests a two-phase redevelopment of the property that would include renovating the existing structure to create the Beach House Waterfront Grille, a bar and restaurant, along with an events and wedding center in the remainder of the building.
Parkland’s second phase would be a new $4 million to $6 million boutique, extended-stay hotel adjacent to the beach bar or on property across Beach Street in the park’s famed “Ovals.” The Pere Marquette businesses would be operated in tandem with Parkland’s downtown Shoreline Inn and Conference Center and Lake House Restaurant, according to the proposal presented the city this week.
The second proposal was submitted by Michael Kordecki of McGraft Park LLC of Matthews, N.C. Kordecki is formerly of Muskegon and has recently purchased the Noble Building at 500 West Western Ave., which is the planned home of the new Pigeon Hill Brewing Co., a proposed microbrewery for downtown Muskegon.
Kordecki by mid-July would create a sandwich and ice cream shop with a rental shop for beach activity items, such as paddle boards and bicycles. In either 2014 or 2015, Kordecki proposes renovating the beach bar building into a restaurant, lounge and entertainment center. The idea is to have the businesses be an activity center for the Pere Marquette beach.
The city has owned the land under the former CJs on the Beach, but earlier this year also obtained the building in a court settlement with the former beach bar owners. CJs on the Beach closed after the 2011 summer season and was unable to reopen last summer due to financial problems. The business finally lost its building to the city.
The Muskegon City Commission authorized “requests for proposals” for developers and business owners to suggest future uses of the popular beach location with stunning Lake Michigan sunset views of the Muskegon Lighthouse.
Washington State Bans ‘Penmanship,’ ‘Freshman,’ As Sexist
Washington State Bans ‘Penmanship,’ ‘Freshman,’ As Sexist:
Washington state's governor signed into law on Monday the final piece of a six-year effort to rewrite state laws using gender-neutral vocabulary, replacing terms such as "fisherman" and "freshman" with "fisher" and "first-year student."
Lawmakers have passed a series of bills since 2007 to root out gender bias from Washington statutes, though a 1983 state mandate required that all laws be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender was intended.
"This was a much larger effort than I had envisioned.
Mankind means man and woman," said Democrat state Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles of Seattle.
The new gender-neutral references, for example, include "journey-level plumber
" instead of "journeyman plumber," "handwriting" in place of "penmanship," and "signal operator" for "signalman."
"There's no good reason for keeping our legal terms anachronistic and with words that do not respect our current contemporary times," Kohl-Welles, the 475-page bill's sponsor, told Reuters.
Several words, however, aren't easy to replace, said Kyle Thiessen, the state's code reviser, who heads up the 40-staff Washington Code Reviser's Office agency.
The state likely won't change the words "airmen" and "seaman," for example, because of objections by the state's Washington Military Department, he said.
Civil engineering terms such as "man hole" and "man lock," also will not be changed because no common-sense substitutes could easily be found, Thiessen said.
Washington state's governor signed into law on Monday the final piece of a six-year effort to rewrite state laws using gender-neutral vocabulary, replacing terms such as "fisherman" and "freshman" with "fisher" and "first-year student."
Lawmakers have passed a series of bills since 2007 to root out gender bias from Washington statutes, though a 1983 state mandate required that all laws be written in gender-neutral terms unless a specification of gender was intended.
"This was a much larger effort than I had envisioned.
Mankind means man and woman," said Democrat state Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles of Seattle.
The new gender-neutral references, for example, include "journey-level plumber
" instead of "journeyman plumber," "handwriting" in place of "penmanship," and "signal operator" for "signalman.""There's no good reason for keeping our legal terms anachronistic and with words that do not respect our current contemporary times," Kohl-Welles, the 475-page bill's sponsor, told Reuters.
Several words, however, aren't easy
to replace, said Kyle Thiessen, the state's code reviser, who heads up the 40-staff Washington Code Reviser's Office agency.The state likely won't change the words "airmen" and "seaman," for example, because of objections by the state's Washington Military Department, he said.
Civil engineering terms such as "man hole" and "man lock," also will not be changed because no common-sense substitutes could easily
be found, Thiessen said.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Record Number of Households on Food Stamps-- 1 out of Every 5
Record Number of Households on Food Stamps-- 1 out of Every 5 | CNS News:
"As CNSNews.com previously reported, food stamp rolls in America recently surpassed the population of Spain.
A record number 47,692,896 Americans are now enrolled in the program and the cost of food stamp fraud has more than doubled in just three years."
"As CNSNews.com previously reported, food stamp rolls in America recently surpassed the population of Spain.
A record number 47,692,896 Americans are now enrolled in the program and the cost of food stamp fraud has more than doubled in just three years."
» Lenders Come Out Against 2nd Amendment
» Lenders Come Out Against 2nd Amendment » News -- GOPUSA:
"Some of the nation's largest lenders don't finance gun purchases. Wells Fargo stopped the practice in 2004 for business reasons, company spokeswoman Lisa Westermann said.
Citigroup doesn't finance firearm loans, says spokeswoman Liz Fogarty.
Bank of America would not comment on whether it provides consumer financing for firearms.
GE Capital's new policy affects only retailers that sell firearms exclusively and not general merchandise stores, such as Walmart, that sell guns and other products.
Some stores have changed their product mix in recent years to just firearms, and the new policy will cut off financing at those shops, Wilkerson says."
"Some of the nation's largest lenders don't finance gun purchases. Wells Fargo stopped the practice in 2004 for business reasons, company spokeswoman Lisa Westermann said.
Citigroup doesn't finance firearm loans, says spokeswoman Liz Fogarty.
Bank of America would not comment on whether it provides consumer financing for firearms.
GE Capital's new policy affects only retailers that sell firearms exclusively and not general merchandise stores, such as Walmart, that sell guns and other products.
Some stores have changed their product mix in recent years to just firearms, and the new policy will cut off financing at those shops, Wilkerson says."
Ex-airport boss Turkia Mullin awarded $712,000 for being wrongly fired
Ex-airport boss Turkia Mullin awarded $712,000 for being wrongly fired | Crain's Detroit Business:
"An arbitrator has awarded about $712,000 to the former Detroit Metropolitan Airport chief executive, saying that a county board wrongly fired her.
The Wayne County airport board fired Turkia Mullin in October 2011 during a dispute over a $200,000 severance payment that County Executive Robert Ficano made to her when she left her previous job as the county's economic development director. She later repaid the money.
WXYZ-TV says arbitrator Paul Teranes also ordered the airport authority to pay Mullin's lawyers. It says he denied Mullin's request for punitive damages."
"An arbitrator has awarded about $712,000 to the former Detroit Metropolitan Airport chief executive, saying that a county board wrongly fired her.
The Wayne County airport board fired Turkia Mullin in October 2011 during a dispute over a $200,000 severance payment that County Executive Robert Ficano made to her when she left her previous job as the county's economic development director. She later repaid the money.
WXYZ-TV says arbitrator Paul Teranes also ordered the airport authority to pay Mullin's lawyers. It says he denied Mullin's request for punitive damages."
Big Brother Has A New Face, And It's Your Boss
Big Brother Has A New Face, And It's Your Boss - Forbes:
"Recently, the CVS Caremark Corporation began requiring employees to disclose personal health information (including weight, blood pressure, and body fat levels) or else pay an annual $600 fine.
Workers must make this information available to the company’s employee “Wellness Program” and sign a form stating that they’re doing so voluntarily.
CVS argues this will help workers “take more responsibility for improving their health.”
At one level, this makes a certain sense.
Because the company is paying for their employees’ health insurance, they naturally prefer healthier workers.
But at a deeper level, CVS’ action demonstrates a growing problem with our current system of employer-provided health insurance.
If our bosses must pay for our health care, they will inevitably seek greater control over our lifestyles."
"Recently, the CVS Caremark Corporation began requiring employees to disclose personal health information (including weight, blood pressure, and body fat levels) or else pay an annual $600 fine.
Workers must make this information available to the company’s employee “Wellness Program” and sign a form stating that they’re doing so voluntarily.
CVS argues this will help workers “take more responsibility for improving their health.”
At one level, this makes a certain sense.
Because the company is paying for their employees’ health insurance, they naturally prefer healthier workers.
But at a deeper level, CVS’ action demonstrates a growing problem with our current system of employer-provided health insurance.
If our bosses must pay for our health care, they will inevitably seek greater control over our lifestyles."
Congress, Fearing 'Brain Drain,' Seeks to Opt Out of Participating in Obamacare's Exchanges
Congress, Fearing 'Brain Drain,' Seeks to Opt Out of Participating in Obamacare's Exchanges - Forbes:
"As Obamacare was winding its way through the Senate in 2009, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) slipped in an amendment requiring that members of Congress, and their staff, enroll in Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges.
The idea was simple: that if Congress was going to impose Obamacare upon the country, it should have to experience what it is imposing firsthand. But now, word comes that Congress is quietly seeking to rescind that provision of the law, because members fear that staffers who face higher insurance costs will leave the Hill."
"As Obamacare was winding its way through the Senate in 2009, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) slipped in an amendment requiring that members of Congress, and their staff, enroll in Obamacare’s health insurance exchanges.
The idea was simple: that if Congress was going to impose Obamacare upon the country, it should have to experience what it is imposing firsthand. But now, word comes that Congress is quietly seeking to rescind that provision of the law, because members fear that staffers who face higher insurance costs will leave the Hill."
Michigan families could lose welfare cash if kids miss school under advancing legislation
Michigan families could lose welfare cash if kids miss school under advancing legislation | MLive.com:
"House Bill 4388, introduced by Republican state Rep. Al Pscholka of Stevensville, would codify a policy adopted by the Department of Human Services in October regarding eligibility for the family independence program, which provides an average cash grant of approximately $400 to more than 45,000 needy families each month.
DHS has already removed a handful of families from the program due to child truancy.
The legislation would formally prohibit the cash assistance for families that have a child between the age of 6 and 16 who fails to comply with mandatory school attendance requirements."
"House Bill 4388, introduced by Republican state Rep. Al Pscholka of Stevensville, would codify a policy adopted by the Department of Human Services in October regarding eligibility for the family independence program, which provides an average cash grant of approximately $400 to more than 45,000 needy families each month.
DHS has already removed a handful of families from the program due to child truancy.
The legislation would formally prohibit the cash assistance for families that have a child between the age of 6 and 16 who fails to comply with mandatory school attendance requirements."
Patrick administration refuses to release Tsarnaev brothers' records
Patrick administration refuses to release Tsarnaev brothers' records | Boston Herald
The Patrick administration clamped down the lid yesterday on Herald requests for details of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Across the board, state agencies flatly refused to provide information about the taxpayer-funded lifestyle for the 26-year-old man and his brother and accused accomplice Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19.
On EBT card status or spending, state welfare spokesman Alec Loftus would only say Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter received benefits that ended in 2012. He declined further comment.
On unemployment compensation, labor department spokesman Kevin Franck refused to say whether Tamerlan Tsarnaev ever collected, saying it was “confidential and not a matter of public record.”
On Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s college aid, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth spokesman Robert Connolly said, “It is our position — and I believe the accepted position in higher education — that student records including academic records and financial records (including financial aid) cannot under federal law be released without a student’s consent.”
On cellphones, the Federal Communications Commission would not say whether either brother had a government-paid cellphone, also citing privacy laws.
On housing, Cambridge officials and the family’s landlord ducked questions on whether the brothers were ever on Section 8 assistance.
The Herald reported yesterday that Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter collected welfare until 2012 and that both Tamerlan and Dzhokhar received benefits through their parents “for a limited portion” of the time after they came to the U.S., which was around 2002.
However, the Department of Transitional Assistance wouldn’t release information about how long or how much they received.
It remains unclear how the accused bomber brothers financed their heartless attacks on the marathon.
The administration was slammed by a Democratic congressman who insisted the public has a right to know how taxpayers were underwriting the accused jihadist Tsarnaevs.
“It’s certainly relevant information that should be made public,” U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch told the Herald. “There’s a national security interest No. 1. Secondly, there’s also a public interest in finding out whether these individuals were able to exploit the system and get benefits they weren’t entitled to.”
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev lies hospitalized and facing capital charges that include using a weapon of mass destruction that killed three people and injured 260 near the Boston Marathon finish line.
Taxpayers — already on the hook for Tsarnaev’s court-appointed attorneys in the terror plot — continue to pay his mounting medical bills at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The public also paid for Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s attorney when the Russian national successfully fought criminal charges in 2009 that he battered a former girlfriend.
The Patrick administration clamped down the lid yesterday on Herald requests for details of Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s government benefits, citing the dead terror mastermind’s right to privacy.
Across the board, state agencies flatly refused to provide information about the taxpayer-funded lifestyle for the 26-year-old man and his brother and accused accomplice Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19.
On EBT card status or spending, state welfare spokesman Alec Loftus would only say Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter received benefits that ended in 2012. He declined further comment.
On unemployment compensation, labor department spokesman Kevin Franck refused to say whether Tamerlan Tsarnaev ever collected, saying it was “confidential and not a matter of public record.”
On Dzhokhar Tsarnaev’s college aid, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth spokesman Robert Connolly said, “It is our position — and I believe the accepted position in higher education — that student records including academic records and financial records (including financial aid) cannot under federal law be released without a student’s consent.”
On cellphones, the Federal Communications Commission would not say whether either brother had a government-paid cellphone, also citing privacy laws.
On housing, Cambridge officials and the family’s landlord ducked questions on whether the brothers were ever on Section 8 assistance.
The Herald reported yesterday that Tamerlan Tsarnaev, his wife and 3-year-old daughter collected welfare until 2012 and that both Tamerlan and Dzhokhar received benefits through their parents “for a limited portion” of the time after they came to the U.S., which was around 2002.
However, the Department of Transitional Assistance wouldn’t release information about how long or how much they received.
It remains unclear how the accused bomber brothers financed their heartless attacks on the marathon.
The administration was slammed by a Democratic congressman who insisted the public has a right to know how taxpayers were underwriting the accused jihadist Tsarnaevs.
“It’s certainly relevant information that should be made public,” U.S. Rep. Stephen F. Lynch told the Herald. “There’s a national security interest No. 1. Secondly, there’s also a public interest in finding out whether these individuals were able to exploit the system and get benefits they weren’t entitled to.”
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev lies hospitalized and facing capital charges that include using a weapon of mass destruction that killed three people and injured 260 near the Boston Marathon finish line.
Taxpayers — already on the hook for Tsarnaev’s court-appointed attorneys in the terror plot — continue to pay his mounting medical bills at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The public also paid for Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s attorney when the Russian national successfully fought criminal charges in 2009 that he battered a former girlfriend.
DEMING: The real deniers of climate change
DEMING: The real deniers of climate change - Washington Times:
"The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing unusually cold weather.
Snow cover last December was the greatest since satellite monitoring began in 1966.
The United Kingdom had the coldest March weather in 50 years, and there were more than a thousand record low temperatures in the United States.
The Irish meteorological office reported that March “temperatures were the lowest on record nearly everywhere.”
Spring snowfall in Europe was also high.
In Moscow, the snow depth was the highest in 134 years of observation.
In Kiev, authorities had to bring in military vehicles to clear snow from the streets."
"The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing unusually cold weather.
Snow cover last December was the greatest since satellite monitoring began in 1966.
The United Kingdom had the coldest March weather in 50 years, and there were more than a thousand record low temperatures in the United States.
The Irish meteorological office reported that March “temperatures were the lowest on record nearly everywhere.”
Spring snowfall in Europe was also high.
In Moscow, the snow depth was the highest in 134 years of observation.
In Kiev, authorities had to bring in military vehicles to clear snow from the streets."
Outcry erupts over 1% pay raise proposed for military
Outcry erupts over 1% pay raise proposed for military | Detroit Free Press | freep.com:
Military families and their advocates are battling an Obama administration proposal to limit troops' pay raises to 1% in 2014, the lowest increase in half a century.
The raise comes at a time when forces will still be fighting in Afghanistan.
"We're sending the wrong message to the ones who have worked the hardest in our country by the multiple deployments and family separations," says Michael Hayden, deputy director of government relations for the Military Officers Association of America.
White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden, no relation to Michael Hayden, said Obama is committed to "a sacred trust" with military members, but needed to reduce the pay raise, partly to offset congressional refusal to cut spending on "outdated weapons system."
."Elizabeth Robbins, a Pentagon spokeswoman, called the limit on pay increases a "tough decision." She said the Defense Department must pay for proper training and support, and "fair compensation that recognizes the sacrifices they (troops) make for our country ... while adhering to the budget constraints it is facing."
Pentagon officials briefing military family representatives framed the 1% increase as a trade-off — "They believe servicemembers and families would be willing to give something on the size of pay raises to ensure funding for the mission," the National Military Family Association explained to members on its website.
Sequester, tight budgets means DHS buying less ammunition
Sequester, tight budgets means DHS buying less ammunition - Washington Times:
"In 2012, the department used 88.3 million rounds for training and 27.9 million rounds for operational purposes. Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, used the most ammunition at nearly 38 million rounds, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement used more than 28 million rounds.
Homeland Security said that by buying in bulk ahead of time, it has been able to save money — $1.7 billion since 2005.
The department currently has seven active contracts that could produce 674.1 million rounds of ammunition, with the biggest being a five-year contract for 450 million rounds, worth $110 million.
Actual use of guns in the line of duty is limited. Jon Adler, representing the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, says in his prepared testimony that there is an average of one shooting incident a week for federal officers or agents. "
"In 2012, the department used 88.3 million rounds for training and 27.9 million rounds for operational purposes. Customs and Border Protection, which includes the Border Patrol, used the most ammunition at nearly 38 million rounds, while Immigration and Customs Enforcement used more than 28 million rounds.
Homeland Security said that by buying in bulk ahead of time, it has been able to save money — $1.7 billion since 2005.
The department currently has seven active contracts that could produce 674.1 million rounds of ammunition, with the biggest being a five-year contract for 450 million rounds, worth $110 million.
Actual use of guns in the line of duty is limited. Jon Adler, representing the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, says in his prepared testimony that there is an average of one shooting incident a week for federal officers or agents. "
Congress Prepares $100 Million Bipartisan Flu Tax
Congress Prepares $100 Million Bipartisan Flu Tax | The Weekly Standard:
"The legislation would exact a 75¢ per dose tax on any "vaccine against seasonal influenza."
Given that the Centers for Disease Control projects that 135 million doses of flu vaccine will be used this year, the government's take on flu vaccines alone is over $100,000,000 per year."
"The legislation would exact a 75¢ per dose tax on any "vaccine against seasonal influenza."
Given that the Centers for Disease Control projects that 135 million doses of flu vaccine will be used this year, the government's take on flu vaccines alone is over $100,000,000 per year."
Despite Repeal Attempts, State Law Still Requires Unlicensed Dogs To Be Killed
Despite Repeal Attempts, State Law Still Requires Unlicensed Dogs To Be Killed [Michigan Capitol Confidential]:
"The statute states that if a county treasurer locates an unlicensed dog, the animal is to be considered a “public nuisance” and killed.
The law reads: “The sheriff locate and kill, or cause to be killed, all such unlicensed dogs.
Failure, refusal, or neglect on the part of a sheriff to carry out the provisions of this section constitutes nonfeasance in office.”
This is ignored by law enforcement, district attorneys and local officials."
"The statute states that if a county treasurer locates an unlicensed dog, the animal is to be considered a “public nuisance” and killed.
The law reads: “The sheriff locate and kill, or cause to be killed, all such unlicensed dogs.
Failure, refusal, or neglect on the part of a sheriff to carry out the provisions of this section constitutes nonfeasance in office.”
This is ignored by law enforcement, district attorneys and local officials."
Snyder urges lawmakers to back more early ed funding
Snyder urges lawmakers to back more early ed funding | Crain's Detroit Business
Now he is proposing increasing spending on Great Start preschool programs by 60 percent in the budget he proposed earlier this year that is working its way through the legislative process.
The program is a state-funded effort to ensure poor or disadvantaged children are ready to begin attending school when the time comes.
It began as a pilot program in 1985.
"We're really taking care of kids that wouldn't have the resources otherwise to get in a program," he said.
The investment would increase payments to preschool providers and create openings for 16,000 more children.
He is also proposing another $65 million for these programs in 2015, bringing the total two-year increased investment in early childhood education to $130 million.
Such an investment is not an easy sell, and Republicans in the House and Senate have already been tinkering with his proposal by either lowering the amount of investment or changing who could qualify for the program.
Detractors often point to studies they say show that any gains made from early childhood education disappear within a few years once kids are in school with students who didn't go through those programs.
Now he is proposing increasing spending on Great Start preschool programs by 60 percent in the budget he proposed earlier this year that is working its way through the legislative process.
The program is a state-funded effort to ensure poor or disadvantaged children are ready to begin attending school when the time comes.
It began as a pilot program in 1985.
"We're really taking care of kids that wouldn't have the resources otherwise to get in a program," he said.
The investment would increase payments to preschool providers and create openings for 16,000 more children.
He is also proposing another $65 million for these programs in 2015, bringing the total two-year increased investment in early childhood education to $130 million.
Such an investment is not an easy sell, and Republicans in the House and Senate have already been tinkering with his proposal by either lowering the amount of investment or changing who could qualify for the program.
Detractors often point to studies they say show that any gains made from early childhood education disappear within a few years once kids are in school with students who didn't go through those programs.
Cruz: Obama Pushing Citizenship Because He Wants Immigration Reform To Fail
Cruz: Obama Pushing Citizenship Because He Wants Immigration Reform To Fail | RealClearPolitics
"President Obama does not want an immigration bill to pass," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told CBS News' Jan Crawford in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
"I think that the president wants to campaign on immigration reform in 2014 and 2016.
And I think the reason that the White House is insisting on a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally is because the White House knows that insisting on that is very likely to scuttle the bill."
"President Obama does not want an immigration bill to pass," Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) told CBS News' Jan Crawford in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
"I think that the president wants to campaign on immigration reform in 2014 and 2016.
And I think the reason that the White House is insisting on a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally is because the White House knows that insisting on that is very likely to scuttle the bill."
Michigan poised to keep drunken driving threshold at .08 -- could boats, snowmobiles be next?
Michigan poised to keep drunken driving threshold at .08 -- could boats, snowmobiles be next? | MLive.com
"If the bill doesn’t become law, Michigan’s drunken driving threshold would revert to a higher threshold of .10 percent on Oct. 1.
Michigan could lose an estimated $50 million a year in federal highway funding if the state allows the threshold to bounce back up to .10.
All states have drunken driving thresholds set at .08 to be in compliance with federal standards and keep their federal highway money."
"If the bill doesn’t become law, Michigan’s drunken driving threshold would revert to a higher threshold of .10 percent on Oct. 1.
Michigan could lose an estimated $50 million a year in federal highway funding if the state allows the threshold to bounce back up to .10.
All states have drunken driving thresholds set at .08 to be in compliance with federal standards and keep their federal highway money."
Williams-Sonoma Pulls Pressure Cookers Off Shelves in Massachusetts
Williams-Sonoma Pulls Pressure Cookers Off Shelves in Massachusetts - Dedham, MA Patch:
"Following the Boston Marathon bombing last Monday in which pressure cookers were used for the explosion, the cookware giant has decided to temporarily stop selling the items in their Massachusetts stores."
"Following the Boston Marathon bombing last Monday in which pressure cookers were used for the explosion, the cookware giant has decided to temporarily stop selling the items in their Massachusetts stores."
County plans discussion of ‘smart meter’ bill
Allegan News Online: "
“My meter is right outside a spot on my house where I’d spend hours within 2 feet of it,” Orweller said. “It should be you can opt out, no extra cost.”
McKee said the Michigan Public Service Commission was set to rule in September about proposed opt-out fees.
The utility is set to charge a one-time fee of $69.39 to enroll in a manual meter read program that carries a monthly $11.12 fee to maintain.
Commissioner Max Thiele said that, while claiming no scientific expertise, there appeared to be more than 900 studies worldwide that showed potential health damage from the electromagnetic fields generated by radio devices.
“Just the presence of this information poses the question that may be contrary to what’s being presented (by McKee),” Thiele said. “It’s appropriate to voice some kind of resolution about at least expressing caution in this area.”
“My meter is right outside a spot on my house where I’d spend hours within 2 feet of it,” Orweller said. “It should be you can opt out, no extra cost.”
McKee said the Michigan Public Service Commission was set to rule in September about proposed opt-out fees.
The utility is set to charge a one-time fee of $69.39 to enroll in a manual meter read program that carries a monthly $11.12 fee to maintain.
Commissioner Max Thiele said that, while claiming no scientific expertise, there appeared to be more than 900 studies worldwide that showed potential health damage from the electromagnetic fields generated by radio devices.
“Just the presence of this information poses the question that may be contrary to what’s being presented (by McKee),” Thiele said. “It’s appropriate to voice some kind of resolution about at least expressing caution in this area.”
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Semi-truck driver reaching for hankie after sneezing misses stop sign, leading to violent crash in Muskegon Township
Semi-truck driver reaching for hankie after sneezing misses stop sign, leading to violent crash in Muskegon Township | MLive.com:
"While grabbing his hankie to blow his nose, he didn't see a stop sign coming up at Hall Road. "
"While grabbing his hankie to blow his nose, he didn't see a stop sign coming up at Hall Road. "
The spectacular rise in ‘Saudi America’s’ oil output in just 4 years to a 21-year high is nothing short of phenomenal
The spectacular rise in ‘Saudi America’s’ oil output in just 4 years to a 21-year high is nothing short of phenomenal | AEIdeas:
"Almost entirely due to the breakthrough drilling technologies of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling that started accessing oceans of shale oil in North Dakota and Texas toward the end of 2008 (see arrow in chart), US oil output has increased by 46.5%, from about 5 million bpd in early 2009 to now more than 7.3 million bpd. "
"Almost entirely due to the breakthrough drilling technologies of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling that started accessing oceans of shale oil in North Dakota and Texas toward the end of 2008 (see arrow in chart), US oil output has increased by 46.5%, from about 5 million bpd in early 2009 to now more than 7.3 million bpd. "
NHTSA recommends disabling built-in texting, Web browsing while driving
NHTSA recommends disabling built-in texting, Web browsing while driving | Crain's Detroit Business:
"NHTSA has said that after finishing its guidelines for in-car equipment, it intends to set guidelines for portable devices and for voice-activated features."
"NHTSA has said that after finishing its guidelines for in-car equipment, it intends to set guidelines for portable devices and for voice-activated features."
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