FBI interviewed dead Boston bombing suspect years ago
The FBI admitted Friday they interviewed the now-deceased Boston Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev two years ago and failed to find any incriminating information about him.
As first reported by CBS News correspondent Bob Orr, the FBI interviewed Tsarnaev, the elder brother of at-large bombing suspect Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, at the request of a foreign government to see if he had any extremist ties, but failed to find any linkage.
Both Tsarnaev brothers were legal permanent residents of the U.S. There is no evidence so far that either brother received any tactical training.
CBS News correspondent John Miller reports it is likely Russia asked to have the elder Tsarnaev vetted because of suspected ties to Chechen extremists.
But health law supporters are pushing back, noting close ties between the actuaries making the forecasts and an insurance industry that has been complaining about taxes.
By Jay Hancock, Kaiser Health News Staff Writer
THURSDAY, April 18, 2013 (Kaiser Health News) — Few aspects of the Affordable Care Act are more critical to its success than affordability, but in recent weeks experts have predicted costs for some health plans could soar next year.
Now health law supporters are pushing back, noting close ties between the actuaries making the forecasts and an insurance industry that has been complaining about taxes and other factors it says will lead to rate shock for consumers.
“Most actuaries in this country — what percentage are employed by insurance companies?” Sen. Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, asked an actuary last week at a hearing of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.
The committee was discussing a study published last month by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) predicting that, thanks to sicker patients joining the coverage pool, medical claims per member will rise 32 percent in the individual plans expected to dominate the ACA exchanges next year. In some states costs will rise as much as 80 percent, the report said.
Christie says plans for Sandy funds avoid pitfalls of Katrina recovery
THURSDAY APRIL 18, 2013, 8:26 PM
BY JOHN REITMEYER
STATE HO– USE BUREAU
THE RECORD
Giving Louisiana homeowners a lump sum money in “turned out to be a disaster” after Hurricane Katrina, and that’s why New Jersey will administer its superstorm Sandy aid program differently, Governor Christie said.
Speaking Thursday after a meeting with business owners in Long Branch, Christie said he’s hoping the federal government will approve New Jersey’s more stringent plan to help homeowners repair and elevate their homes by May 1.
The Record reported earlier this week that federal auditors determined millions of dollars in federal aid was paid out in Louisiana after Katrina hit in 2005 for home elevations that were never completed. And eight years later, Louisiana still can’t account for how most homeowners spent grants intended to raise homes above the threat of floodwaters.
The problem, the auditors said, was the homeowners were given money in upfront lump sums, and not in installments.
“We’re not doing that,” Christie said. “That was done in Louisiana and turned out to be a disaster.”
The Ridgewood Cooperative Nursery School sends Holiday thanks
April 16th 2013
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Cooperative Nursery School, Discovery Friday’s class and staff. They created notes of “Holiday Thanks” for one of the teacher’s son’s a Lance Marine Corporal and his squadron whom are currently serving overseas.
live feeds to Ridgewood Police for School Safety ?
Long Island Goes Cutting Edge On School Security: Live Feeds To Police Cars
Central Command, Individual Cops Can See What’s Happening As It’s Happening
April 18, 2013 5:41 PM
WESTBURY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — School security, in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy is taking on a new look. On Long Island on Thursday, a new system was unveiled allowing police to have a live view inside schools.
It’s the new age of school security: Cameras feeding live video and audio to a command center, which, during a crisis, can be viewed and heard by law enforcement, CBS 2’s Carolyn Gusoff reported.
“We can hear if someone is making a threat. We can hear if people are screaming, so whatever is happening in that environment we can bring back here,” said Clifford Steinberg of Nassau BOCES.
Three school districts are on board and Nassau BOCES, the agency that coordinates services for Long Island school districts, is hoping all will sign on. Districts will save money and, if needed, police can see and hear what happening inside school walls.
Other town install bike racks Ridgewood looks to write tickets
April 19, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood
Ridgewood NJ , While other towns like Glen Ridge add bike racks Ridgewood looks to write tickets . So much for going green .
The borough(of Glen Ridge ) is looking into the prospect of installing some new bike racks around town, with special attention to the center of the borough, near Ridgewood Avenue School. https://www.northjersey.com/news/203528651_New_bike_racks_may_soon_appear_around_Glen_Ridge.html )
The Village seems dead set on limited the amount of bicycle traffic in the Central Business District . Critics view this as just another case of we wont do it because it dose not cost enough ., however one would suspect that if the Village could figure out how to spend upwards of $50,000 ,on bike racks it would be done. Other think this is a non issue ,whith some weel connected friend of the council making a fuss.
The Bergen Record is reporting that The village council is expected to continue discussion on a proposed ordinance that would give police the authority to remove bicycles that are blocking public rights-of-way.( https://www.northjersey.com/news/203727531_Ridgewood_considers_bicycle_removal_ordinance_removal_ordinance_considered.html )
The whole issue if there is one , looks to many like another excuse to write tickets , especially given the recent spat over “wall building” by merchants in the CBD.
file Photo by Boyd Loving Ridgewood PD warns of Boston Marathon Scams
BEWARE OF POSSIBLE FRAUD ASSOCIATED WITH THE BOSTON MARATHON EXPLOSIONS
On 04/15/2013, two explosions occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon causing death and injury to spectators, as well as participants of the marathon. While Americans feel the need to assist or contribute to those affected by this tragedy; criminals see it as way to exploit contributor’s kindness. History has shown criminals utilize disasters to take advantage of those wanting to assist.
Individuals need to be aware of emerging fraud online associated with the explosions and how to take necessary precautions when using e-mail and social networking Web sites. As of 17 April 2013, the FBI has received indications that individuals may be using social media and e-mail to facilitate fraudulent activities online.
There have been reports of a Spam E-mail being circulated to lure potential victims to malware and exploits. The subject of the spam e-mail in one version is “Boston Marathon Explosion”. The e-mail contains links that could infect your computer. Clicking on the link opens up a compromised Web page that shows a series of videos of the attack site. There is an unloaded video at the bottom of the Web page that leads to the Red Exploit Kit, which exploits various vulnerabilities on the user’s computer. Once an exploit has been successful, the user sees a popup asking them to download a file at which time malware is downloaded.
Social Media is another avenue criminals use to solicit donations. According to various reports, a Twitter account was created soon after the explosions that resembled a legitimate Boston Marathon account. Allegedly, for every tweet received to the account adollar would be donated to the Boston Marathon victims. Though the account was suspended by Twitter, it is likely others may use this same method to commit fraud. The FBI was made aware of at least 125 questionable domains registered within hours of the Boston Marathon Explosions. Though the intentions of the registrants are unknown, domains have emerged following other disasters for fraudulent purposes.
Individuals should be vigilant when using email and social networking Web sites following the Boston Marathon explosions. Based on previous disasters, cyber criminals may use this event as a means to further illegal activity to gain personally identifiable information (PII).
Individuals can limit exposure to cyber criminals by taking the following preventative actions when using email and social networking Web sites.
Messages may contain pictures, videos, and other attachments designed to infect your computer with malware. Do not agree to download software to view content.
Links appearing as legitimate sites (example: fbi.gov), could be hyperlinked to direct victims to another Web site when clicked. These sites may be designed to infect your computer with malware or solicit personal information. Do not follow a link to a Web site; go directly to the Web site by entering the legitimate site’s URL.
Individuals can also limit exposure to cyber criminals by taking the following preventative actions when receiving solicitations from, or donating to, charitable organizations online.
Verify the existence and legitimacy of organizations by conducting research and visiting official Web sites. Be skeptical of charity names similar to but not exactly the same as reputable charities.
Do not allow others to make the donation on your behalf. Donation-themed messages may also contain links to Web sites designed to solicit personal information, which is routed to a cyber criminal.
Make donations securely by using debit/credit card or write a check made out to the specific charity. Be skeptical of making donations via money transfer services as legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations using this method of payment.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraud by someone soliciting funds on behalf of disaster victims or want to report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent Web sites please file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at https://www.ic3.gov/
Hawes Elementary Students Learn About Active Sitting and Focused Learning Thanks to a Grant from The Valley Hospital and The Ridgewood Education Foundation
April 16, 2013
Ridgewood NJ, Students at Hawes Elementary School recently participated in a new program called Good Posture + Active Sitting = Focused Learning, thanks to a classroom grant funded by The Valley Hospital and The Ridgewood Education Foundation.
Six cube chairs were purchased for the self-contained kindergarten classroom at Hawes Elementary School. The chairs strengthen core muscles for activity, stabilization and endurance, and their use fosters improved focus and attentiveness, compared to standard classroom chairs.
The adults pictured in the photo are (from left to right): Jamie Pepper, Hawes Elementary School Special Education teacher; Kristin Walicki, Ridgewood Education Foundation Trustee; Dolores D’Andrea, Ridgewood Schools Physical Therapist; Dr. Paul Semendinger, Principal, Hawes Elementary School Principal; and Megan Fraser, Vice President of Communications & Marketing, The Valley Hospital.
Police: One Boston Marathon bombing suspect dead; manhunt on for second suspect
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2013, 5:39 AM
KATIE ZEZIMA AND MEGHAN BARR
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WATERTOWN, Mass. (AP) — One of two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing is dead after the killing of a university officer and a shootout with police, and a massive manhunt is underway for the other, authorities said early Friday.
Residents of Watertown, a Boston suburb, have been advised by police to keep their doors locked and not let anyone in.
“We believe this to be a terrorist,” said Boston Police Commissioner Ed David. “We believe this to be a man who’s come here to kill people. We need to get him in custody.”
The Middlesex district attorney said the two men are suspected of killing a Massachusetts Institute of Technology police officer on campus in Cambridge late Thursday, then stealing a car at gunpoint and later releasing its driver unharmed.
Baucus warns of ‘huge train wreck’ enacting ObamaCare provisions
Guess someone should have taken the time to read the bill before they signed it
By Sam Baker – 04/17/13 12:33 PM ET
Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said Wednesday he fears a “train wreck” as the Obama administration implements its signature healthcare law.
Baucus, the chairman of the chamber’s powerful Finance Committee and a key architect of the healthcare reform law, said he fears people do not understand how the law will work.
“I just see a huge train wreck coming down,” he told Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at a Wednesday hearing. “You and I have discussed this many times, and I don’t see any results yet.”
Baucus pressed Sebelius for details about how the Health Department will explain the law and raise awareness of its provisions, which are supposed to take effect in just a matter of months.
“I’m very concerned that not enough is being done so far — very concerned,” Baucus said.
Valley continues to underestimate the size and resolve of its opposition.
The 2010 Planning Board meeting at GW was a classic case of trying to silence the voices of people wanting to be heard. Valley tried to pull a fast one and it blew up in their face. Thankfully, the Valley meetings are now held in venues large enough to accommodate all that want to be a part of the process.
While justice triumphed in the short run, Valley’s stubbornness has prolonged this costly process well beyond the point where it should have stopped. If Valley truly had the best interests of the Village in mind, they would have either scaled back or abandoned their plans for over expansion years ago. Yet onward they charge and our public officials have not only allowed it, but they seem to be supporting it. Something didn’t smell right then and something doesn’t smell right now.
The Planning Board’s Mr. Grant tipped his hand during the first procedural meeting by declaring that “The Hospital should be able to expand”. This is akin to a juror blurting out “he’s guilty” during the opening argument of a criminal trial. The Council’s Mrs. Hauck, a high profile Valley insider, still has not recused herself in the Valley matter. Let’s hope that she does not choose to vote on this issue if and when it gets to the Council. Thanks to these two, the whole thing could end up back in court.
Valley continues to underestimate the size and resolve of its opposition. Let’s hope that our public officials don’t make the same mistake. And let’s hope we don’t need the SWAT teams again.
Study: Taste Of Beer Makes People Want To Drink More
April 17, 2013 11:43 AM
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A new study says just tasting beer increases a person’s desire to get drunk.
According to CBS News , the study found that people who only tasted beer, without any effect from the alcohol itself, had dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter associated with alcohol and other abused drugs, released into the brain.
Researchers gave 49 men two scans, one when they tasted beer and one when they tasted Gatorade, which looked for evidence of a dopamine increase.
According to the study, researchers found that there were increased levels of dopamine when the men drank beer and also a significant increase in dopamine activity with participants who’s families had a history of alcoholism.
Trenton needs more “a-holes”like Democratic state lawmaker Jeff Van Drew
Democratic state lawmaker Jeff Van Drew: If wanting tax break makes me ‘an a-hole,’ so be it
TRENTON – Well, if the shoe fits.
That’s the response by a Democratic state lawmaker who says if wanting a tax break for middle-class families makes him “an a-hole,” according to a top union official, then so be it.
Sen. Jeff Van Drew, (D-1), said he’s “taken aback,” but largely unfazed by a comment made by Communications Workers of America of New Jersey’s Hetty Rosenstein on the union official’s Facebook page.
“Like if you think Jeff Van Drew is one of the biggest assholes in the Democratic Party,” Rosenstein wrote in a Facebook post with a link to a news story.
Rosenstein was reacting to a PolitickerNJ story in which Van Drew said he agrees with Gov. Chris Christie’s new tax cut proposal. The comment was posted on her social media page Tuesday evening.
Gallup: Despite Media Attention Only 4% of Americans Think Gun Control is an Important Problem, its the economy stupid !
Clueless media?
Politicians out of touch?
April 16, 2013
CNSNews.com) – Only 4 percent of Americans think guns and gun control are an important problem facing the country, according to Gallup, and far more Americans are concerned about the economy, unemployment and the federal debt.
In its poll from Apr. 4-7, Gallup surveyed 1,005 adults by telephone and asked, “What do you think is the most important problem facing the country today?”
