Brooklyn pot dealer donates proceeds to hurricane survivors

"A man in Brooklyn says that he raised $700 for victims of Hurricane Sandy in two days by selling pot. The marijuana dealer told The Huffington Post that he came to the conclusion that storm victims without power in Rockaways, New York needed money more than they needed weed. The dealer said that he told his customers that he would be donating money to buy 'hot meals, diapers, formula, clean water and other supplies' so they stocked up on pot for the cause." Continue reading

Continue ReadingBrooklyn pot dealer donates proceeds to hurricane survivors

Congress to cut benefits for Veterans?

"Over the centuries men and women have served in the US military and on November 11, America honors their sacrifice and bravery. But among the federal holiday, Congress plans on cutting defense spending, but will those cuts harm veterans who have served this country? Michael Prysner, veteran and founder of March Forward, joins us with more on Congress' plan to cut funding." Continue reading

Continue ReadingCongress to cut benefits for Veterans?

Veterans struggle with benefit claims thanks to missing war records

"Over the last decade, millions of military field records from Iraq and Afghanistan have been lost or destroyed, making it difficult for some soldiers to prove their combat experiences and obtain medical benefits or other veteran awards and services. Our reporting found a few reasons behind the problem. The loss of field records - after-action write-ups, intelligence reports and other day-to-day accounts from the war zones - has far-reaching implications. It has complicated efforts by soldiers like DeLara to claim benefits. And it makes it harder for military strategists to learn the lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan." Continue reading

Continue ReadingVeterans struggle with benefit claims thanks to missing war records

New York governor seeks $30 billion in aid after Sandy

"New York Governor Andrew Cuomo asked the US federal government for $30 billion in aid to help his state recover from the devastation left by superstorm Sandy. The requested funds will help rebuild the economy, infrastructure, housing, public buildings and small businesses, Cuomo told reporters in stressing the “cataclysmic” nature of the storm that killed more than 110 people. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, and thus unable to heat the buildings during sometimes frigid temperatures in the city and its suburbs." Continue reading

Continue ReadingNew York governor seeks $30 billion in aid after Sandy

Where FEMA Fell Short, Occupy Sandy Was There

"This stretch of the coast remained apocalyptic, with buildings burned like Dresden and ragged figures shuffling past the trash heaps. There was still no power, and parking lots were awash with ruined cars. On Wednesday morning, as the winds picked up and FEMA closed its office 'due to weather,' an enclave of Occupiers was huddled in a storefront amid the devastation, handing out supplies and trying to make sure that those bombarded by last month’s storm stayed safe and warm and dry this time." Continue reading

Continue ReadingWhere FEMA Fell Short, Occupy Sandy Was There

Queens residents arm themselves in the post-storm blackout from looters

"Ever since Sandy strafed the Queens peninsula and tore up the boardwalk, it’s become an often lawless place where cops are even scarcer than electrical power and food. Locals say they are arming themselves with guns, baseball bats, booby traps — even a bow and arrow — to defend against looters. Thugs have been masquerading as Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) workers, knocking on doors in the dead of night. But locals say the real workers have been nowhere in sight, causing at least one elected official to call for the city to investigate the utility." Continue reading

Continue ReadingQueens residents arm themselves in the post-storm blackout from looters

HOA Installs Radar, Issues Speeding Tickets

"A homeowners association in Colorado has set up a radar system and begun issuing tickets to speeders. Drivers caught violating the max. 30 mph speed limit in the community will be subject for fines from anywhere from $15 to $100, depending on how fast they are driving. If the violating driver is a visitor of the subdivision, their ticket will be given to whichever homeowner they are visiting at the time." Continue reading

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Sheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty in DWI Crash

"An Erie County Sheriff's Deputy pleaded guilty Monday in connection with a crash that left a motorcyclist with a serious traumatic brain injury. Michael Haug, 29, admitted to being drunk when he struck 37-year-old Daniel Colosimo of Tonawanda on August 4th. Colosimo was stopped at a red light at Sheridan and Bailey in Amherst at the time. Haug's BAC (blood alcohol content) was .25%, more than three times the legal limit." Continue reading

Continue ReadingSheriff’s Deputy Pleads Guilty in DWI Crash

Flint Township police officer fired for second time in less than one year

"Township Supervisor Karyn Miller confirmed Officer Matthew Needham had also been terminated in November 2011 for violating four department rules and regulations, but she declined to give details on what specific incidents led to each vote. The issue leading to the second vote was 'a different incident,' Miller said, unrelated to the violations leading to the first termination. She noted 'there has been no union activity since the meeting.'" Continue reading

Continue ReadingFlint Township police officer fired for second time in less than one year

Texas Supreme Court reinstates judge who beat disabled daughter

"The Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday lifted the suspension of an Aransas County judge who was caught on video beating his 16-year-old disabled daughter. In September, the commission issued a public warning, stating that Adams conduct discredited the judiciary because he had regularly presided over child custody, child abuse, and family violence cases. He will no longer preside over some cases brought by the Texas Department of Family and Protective services." Continue reading

Continue ReadingTexas Supreme Court reinstates judge who beat disabled daughter