statism

Gov. Perry vows to drug test unemployed Texans

"Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) said Tuesday that he’s throwing his support to proposals that would require applicants for unemployment benefits and food stamps to submit to a urine analysis drug screening. In addition to the drug tests being a potentially illegal search, The New York Times noted in April that only about 2 percent of applicants in Florida were denied benefits due to failed drug tests, saving just $45,780 in total, even though the program itself cost $118,140." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingGov. Perry vows to drug test unemployed Texans

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

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

Witness: Interior Secretary Salazar threatened Colorado reporter

"Interior Secretary Ken Salazar threatened to punch a reporter on a recent trip to Colorado, according to witnesses. Salazar took two questions from Dave Philipps, a reporter from the Colorado Springs Gazette, before disagreeing with his line of questioning. 'Don't you ever ... You know what, you do that again... I'll punch you out,' Salazar reportedly told Philipps before ending the interview and walking off. The alleged incident took place when Salazar was in Colorado on Election Day, on behalf of the Obama campaign. 'The secretary regrets the exchange,' Interior spokesman Blake Androff told POLITICO." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingWitness: Interior Secretary Salazar threatened Colorado reporter

Judge nixes ‘possum drop’ New Year’s party in North Carolina

"A popular New Year’s celebration that draws thousands of tourists to the tiny North Carolina town of Brasstown for a party that ends in a 'possum drop' may no longer be held there, a judge ruled. The 18-year tradition in the town of 240 consisted of lowering the animal to the ground at midnight in a see-through cage decked out in Christmas garlands, like the ball that is dropped in New York’s Times Square — except the possum is alive. The judge ruled that a sportsman’s license held by Clay Logan, who hosts the event, allowed him to take the animal from the wild, but not to possess and exhibit it." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingJudge nixes ‘possum drop’ New Year’s party in North Carolina

FL Highway Patrol Trooper arrested for fabricating arrest reports

"Following an investigation by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, it was determined Kunstmann not only fabricated arrest records, but also was untruthful during deposition. He was arrested for perjury, and subsequently relieved of duty. Kunstmann had been on paid administrative leave while the investigation was ongoing. As a result, Culbertson and his attorney Andrea Mogensen, may file a lawsuit against the department." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingFL Highway Patrol Trooper arrested for fabricating arrest reports