Chicago Police Board Chairwoman Lori Lightfoot was being interviewed by NPR last Friday when she admitted the city’s crime problem was beyond what the city could handle.
“We need to have more federal gun prosecutions in Chicago. Our federal partners from the U.S. attorney’s office, the ATF, the FBI need to be much more invested in this overall strategy. Chicago Police Department cannot tackle this issue by itself. This is not a problem that we’re going to arrest our way out of.”
Lightfoot’s words are no joke, with the windy city seeing 762 murders in 2016, making it the deadliest year in almost 20 years. Not to mention the recent previous years that have also plagued the city with violence.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the murder rate for the country’s 30 biggest cities was predicted to grow by 14 percent in 2016, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, and it turned out that the killings in Chicago accounted for 43.7 percent — nearly half — of that whole increase.
Lightfoot also stated that she believed the Chicago was “in a state of crisis” and that it required “all hands on deck.”
Her statements come on the heels of the horror story that was four attackers who kidnapped and tortured a disabled teen for hours.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Nuclear Plant Near New York City Will Close by 2021
Gov. Andrew Cuomo made it official Monday, saying that the 2,000-megawatt Indian Point nuclear power plant will close by April 2021, with his office saying it will have "little to no effect on New Yorkers' electricity bills."
Cuomo, who has opposed the plant in Westchester County for more than 10 years, announced the agreement Monday as part of his State of the State tour.
It was signed on Sunday and includes signatures from the environmental group Riverkeeper and state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Both had been in litigation with the plant's operator, Entergy.
Cuomo has argued that the plant's proximity to New York City and various operational and safety problems make it unsafe.
As part of the agreement, Riverkeeper and the state will end ongoing lawsuits and regulatory actions against the plant.
In exchange, Entergy has agreed to apply for a six-year license renewal instead of a 20-year one.
"I am proud to have secured this agreement with Entergy to responsibly close the facility 14 years ahead of schedule to protect the safety of all New Yorkers," Cuomo said in a release.
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Cuomo, who has opposed the plant in Westchester County for more than 10 years, announced the agreement Monday as part of his State of the State tour.
It was signed on Sunday and includes signatures from the environmental group Riverkeeper and state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Both had been in litigation with the plant's operator, Entergy.
Cuomo has argued that the plant's proximity to New York City and various operational and safety problems make it unsafe.
As part of the agreement, Riverkeeper and the state will end ongoing lawsuits and regulatory actions against the plant.
In exchange, Entergy has agreed to apply for a six-year license renewal instead of a 20-year one.
"I am proud to have secured this agreement with Entergy to responsibly close the facility 14 years ahead of schedule to protect the safety of all New Yorkers," Cuomo said in a release.
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Ted Cruz accuses Democrats of being 'silent' when Obama administration politicized Justice Department
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, R, speaking during attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions' confirmation hearing on Tuesday, accused "the Democrats on this committee" of being "silent" when the Obama administration politicized the Department of Justice over the last eight years.
During the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Cruz rattled off a number of examples.
"When the Department of Justice used Operation Choke Point to target legal businesses because they disagreed politically with those businesses, the Democrats on this committee were silent," Cruz said. "When the Obama Justice Department sent millions of dollars of taxpayer monies to sanctuary cities that were defying federalimmigration law, the Democrats on this committee were silent."
"When the Obama administration refused to enforce federalimmigration laws and unilaterally re-wrote this laws, the Democrats on this committee were silent," he continued. "When the Obama administration released tens of thousands of criminal illegal aliens including rapists and murderers into the general population, the Democrats on this committee were silent."
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During the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Cruz rattled off a number of examples.
"When the Department of Justice used Operation Choke Point to target legal businesses because they disagreed politically with those businesses, the Democrats on this committee were silent," Cruz said. "When the Obama Justice Department sent millions of dollars of taxpayer monies to sanctuary cities that were defying federalimmigration law, the Democrats on this committee were silent."
"When the Obama administration refused to enforce federalimmigration laws and unilaterally re-wrote this laws, the Democrats on this committee were silent," he continued. "When the Obama administration released tens of thousands of criminal illegal aliens including rapists and murderers into the general population, the Democrats on this committee were silent."
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White House Spox: Meryl Streep Delivered ‘a Thoughtful Carefully Considered Message’
Publishers Notes: Because the White House staff wrote it.
Monday at the White House daily briefing when asked about Sunday’s Golden Globes remarks by actress Meryl Streep criticizing President-elect Donald Trump, press secretary Josh Earnest said, “She clearly was delivering a thoughtful, carefully considered message that she believes in deeply.”
Earnest said, ‘I haven’t spoken to the president about her speech. I didn’t see her speech but I certainly read about it. It seemed to get plenty of attention. I think what I can say is she clearly was delivering a thoughtful, carefully considered message that she believes in deeply. It seemed to me to be a fairly straight forward excise of her First Amendment rights as a citizen of the United States.”
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Monday at the White House daily briefing when asked about Sunday’s Golden Globes remarks by actress Meryl Streep criticizing President-elect Donald Trump, press secretary Josh Earnest said, “She clearly was delivering a thoughtful, carefully considered message that she believes in deeply.”
Earnest said, ‘I haven’t spoken to the president about her speech. I didn’t see her speech but I certainly read about it. It seemed to get plenty of attention. I think what I can say is she clearly was delivering a thoughtful, carefully considered message that she believes in deeply. It seemed to me to be a fairly straight forward excise of her First Amendment rights as a citizen of the United States.”
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Deutsche Bank Predicts Massive US Economic Growth Under Trump
The growth rate of America's gross domestic product might rise by more than 200 percent by 2018 under President-elect Donald Trump's economic plan, according to a new analysis.
CNBC cites a Deutsche Bank forecast that claims Trump's economy-boosting agenda could drive 2.4 percent growth in 2017 and 3.6 percent in 2018. Under President Barack Obama, the economy grew by an average of 1.6 percent during his eight years in office.
CNBC noted Obama is the first president since Herbert Hoover who has not overseen the economy grow by at least 3 percent in one year of their administrations.
The Deutsche Bank report predicts the world economy will grow as well, increasing its 2017 GDP forecast from 3 percent to 3.4 percent.
Trump's economic plan puts an emphasis on broad-based growth, according to CNBC, which will help improve America's economy almost immediately.
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CNBC cites a Deutsche Bank forecast that claims Trump's economy-boosting agenda could drive 2.4 percent growth in 2017 and 3.6 percent in 2018. Under President Barack Obama, the economy grew by an average of 1.6 percent during his eight years in office.
CNBC noted Obama is the first president since Herbert Hoover who has not overseen the economy grow by at least 3 percent in one year of their administrations.
The Deutsche Bank report predicts the world economy will grow as well, increasing its 2017 GDP forecast from 3 percent to 3.4 percent.
Trump's economic plan puts an emphasis on broad-based growth, according to CNBC, which will help improve America's economy almost immediately.
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Gun Store Owner Shoots Through Counter, Kills Robbery Suspect
Breitbart News previously reported that a Mapleton, Georgia, gun store owner fatally shot one of two armed suspects who entered his store on December 26 and ordered him to the floor.
The store is Dixie Gun and Pawn and the store owner’s name is Jimmy Groover.
Action News 5 reports that Groover was wearing a handgun on his hip when the suspects entered the store. Once under threat, he drew his gun and shot, hitting one of the suspects and killing him on the spot.
Surveillance video of the incident has now been released and published by LiveLeak. In it you can clearly see one of two suspects pointing a gun at a store employee and then in Groover’s direction. The next thing you see is Groover shooting and killing one suspect, then shooting at the second as well.
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The store is Dixie Gun and Pawn and the store owner’s name is Jimmy Groover.
Action News 5 reports that Groover was wearing a handgun on his hip when the suspects entered the store. Once under threat, he drew his gun and shot, hitting one of the suspects and killing him on the spot.
Surveillance video of the incident has now been released and published by LiveLeak. In it you can clearly see one of two suspects pointing a gun at a store employee and then in Groover’s direction. The next thing you see is Groover shooting and killing one suspect, then shooting at the second as well.
More/Video
A Star May Soon Explode, And We’ll All Get To Watch
It could be one of the biggest astronomical events in years ― a star explosion so intense it could literally change the night sky.
Astronomers are predicting that binary star system KIC 9832227, located in theCygnus constellation, will merge and explode in a “red nova” event in 2022.
And if it happens as predicted, its brightness will increase by 10,000-fold, making it one of the brightest objects in the night sky and easily visible with the naked eye, according to a Calvin College news release.
“It will be a very dramatic change in the sky, as anyone can see it,” Calvin College astronomer Larry Molnar told National Geographic. “You won’t need a telescope to tell me in 2023 whether I was wrong or I was right.”
And when it’s over, there will be a new star in the Northern Cross formation.
But don’t make firm plans around watching the event. Not only is there no exact date beyond 2022 ― give or take a year ― but no one has ever really made a prediction of this nature before.
“It’s a one-in-a-million chance that you can predict an explosion,” Molnar said in the news release. “It’s never been done before.”
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Astronomers are predicting that binary star system KIC 9832227, located in theCygnus constellation, will merge and explode in a “red nova” event in 2022.
And if it happens as predicted, its brightness will increase by 10,000-fold, making it one of the brightest objects in the night sky and easily visible with the naked eye, according to a Calvin College news release.
“It will be a very dramatic change in the sky, as anyone can see it,” Calvin College astronomer Larry Molnar told National Geographic. “You won’t need a telescope to tell me in 2023 whether I was wrong or I was right.”
And when it’s over, there will be a new star in the Northern Cross formation.
But don’t make firm plans around watching the event. Not only is there no exact date beyond 2022 ― give or take a year ― but no one has ever really made a prediction of this nature before.
“It’s a one-in-a-million chance that you can predict an explosion,” Molnar said in the news release. “It’s never been done before.”
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IRS to delay tax refunds for millions of low-income families
The delays will affect families claiming the earned income tax credit and the additional child tax credit. These tax breaks are geared to benefit the working poor, and many families claim both.
“For most of these people it’s the biggest check they are going to get all year,” IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said in an interview with The Associated Press. “We are sensitive to that.”
The tax filing season starts Jan. 23. But a new law requires the IRS to delay tax refunds for people claiming these credits until Feb. 15. Processing times will delay most of the refunds until the end of February, Koskinen said.
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Hillary for Prison: Jason Chaffetz Promises to Continue and Expand His Investigation into Her Email Scandal
Trump ran on the promise to 'lock her up,' regarding Hillary's activities with her insecure email server and subsequent activities in destroying evidence that might've paved the way for her landing on her head in prison. No one could say for sure, since upwards of 30,000 emails were destroyed by the Clinton camp -- in a feverish ploy to evade investigation.
Rep. Chaffetz, along with Trey Gowdy, have been leading the way in Congress in pursuit of the truth, regarding the Clinton email scandal. Many on the left have lobbied for Trump to 'let go' of the Hillary investigation in order to 'heal the country' after a bitter and tumultuous campaign. However, nothing has been graceful about Hillary since her loss and it shouldn't surprise anyone if Trump, along with incoming AG Sessions, decided to pursue a case against her with energetic fervor -- draining the swamp of those implicated in the biggest political corruption cabal since Tammany Hall circa mid 19th century.
Source: Washington Examiner
"This was never a political targeting in the beginning and just because there was a political election doesn't mean it goes away," House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told reporters Monday. "There were a lot of other characters that were involved in this that we have to look at."
"This was potentially one of the largest breaches of security in the history of the State Department," he said. "It cannot and should never be repeated again. How is it that so much information was able to migrate out into the world? These are still open questions that we need to finish up so that they don't happen again."
Chaffetz wants to review the security clearances of Clinton aides who helped manage the "extremely careless" email process described by FBI Director James Comey. Chaffetz said he is inclined to hold Bryan Pagliano, a key Clinton IT aide, in contempt of Congress for flouting subpoenas last year. "You can't just get a subpoena from Congress to testify and not show up," he said.
The Utah Republican wants to target more senior officials, such as State Department Under Secretary for Management Patrick Kennedy, in light of FBI suggestions that he tried to set up a "quid pro quo" with the FBI to suppress revelations that Clinton's email server held classified information.
FBI leadership could also be a live target of the review, as Republicans are troubled that Va. Gov Terry McAuliffe, a longtime ally of the Clintons, made campaign donations to the wife of Andrew McCabe, the agency's second-in-command. "I'm very concerned about the straight-up conflict of interest that Mr. McCabe had," Chaffetz said. "That's something we'll continue to spend resources on."
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Rep. Chaffetz, along with Trey Gowdy, have been leading the way in Congress in pursuit of the truth, regarding the Clinton email scandal. Many on the left have lobbied for Trump to 'let go' of the Hillary investigation in order to 'heal the country' after a bitter and tumultuous campaign. However, nothing has been graceful about Hillary since her loss and it shouldn't surprise anyone if Trump, along with incoming AG Sessions, decided to pursue a case against her with energetic fervor -- draining the swamp of those implicated in the biggest political corruption cabal since Tammany Hall circa mid 19th century.
Source: Washington Examiner
"This was never a political targeting in the beginning and just because there was a political election doesn't mean it goes away," House Oversight and Government Reform Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told reporters Monday. "There were a lot of other characters that were involved in this that we have to look at."
"This was potentially one of the largest breaches of security in the history of the State Department," he said. "It cannot and should never be repeated again. How is it that so much information was able to migrate out into the world? These are still open questions that we need to finish up so that they don't happen again."
Chaffetz wants to review the security clearances of Clinton aides who helped manage the "extremely careless" email process described by FBI Director James Comey. Chaffetz said he is inclined to hold Bryan Pagliano, a key Clinton IT aide, in contempt of Congress for flouting subpoenas last year. "You can't just get a subpoena from Congress to testify and not show up," he said.
The Utah Republican wants to target more senior officials, such as State Department Under Secretary for Management Patrick Kennedy, in light of FBI suggestions that he tried to set up a "quid pro quo" with the FBI to suppress revelations that Clinton's email server held classified information.
FBI leadership could also be a live target of the review, as Republicans are troubled that Va. Gov Terry McAuliffe, a longtime ally of the Clintons, made campaign donations to the wife of Andrew McCabe, the agency's second-in-command. "I'm very concerned about the straight-up conflict of interest that Mr. McCabe had," Chaffetz said. "That's something we'll continue to spend resources on."
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Owners of Suspected Wicomico County Puppy Mill Indicted
Sixty-one-year-old Robert Murphy and 67-year-old Susan Murphy were indicted Jan. 9 on 96 charges each in connection with a suspected puppy mill authorities raided in April 2016. The charges include aggravated animal cruelty, a felony.
The Murphys were charged in July after authorities found 310 dogs living in filthy conditions inside their home and in buildings on their property. Court records show many dogs were found residing in their own excrement and with severely matted fur.
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Security Awareness for Taxpayers: The Tax Community Needs Your Help
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maryland Comptroller’s Office and the federal Internal Revenue Service are doing everything they can to protect Marylanders from identity theft. But officials at both agencies urge Marylanders to take steps necessary to protect their personal and financial data.
Cybercriminals continue to steal enormous amounts of personal data from outside the tax system and to use that data to file fraudulent tax returns or commit other crimes while impersonating the victims.
Comptroller Peter Franchot urges Marylanders to take these steps to protect themselves and their data:
Comptroller Peter Franchot urges Marylanders to take these steps to protect themselves and their data:
Keep Computers Secure
• Use security software and make sure it updates automatically; essential tools include using a firewall, virus/malware protection and file encryption for sensitive data.
• Treat personal information like cash, don’t leave it lying around.
• Taxpayers should check out companies to find out who they are really dealing with.
• Give personal information only over encrypted websites – look for “https” addresses.
• Use strong passwords and protect them.
• Back up their files.
• Use security software and make sure it updates automatically; essential tools include using a firewall, virus/malware protection and file encryption for sensitive data.
• Treat personal information like cash, don’t leave it lying around.
• Taxpayers should check out companies to find out who they are really dealing with.
• Give personal information only over encrypted websites – look for “https” addresses.
• Use strong passwords and protect them.
• Back up their files.
Avoid Phishing and Malware
• Avoid phishing emails, texts or calls that appear to be from the IRS, tax companies and other well-known business; instead, go directly to their websites.
• Marylanders should not open attachments in emails unless they know who sent it and what it is.
• Download and install software only from known, trusted websites.
• Use a pop-up blocker.
• Families should talk about safe computing practices.
• Avoid phishing emails, texts or calls that appear to be from the IRS, tax companies and other well-known business; instead, go directly to their websites.
• Marylanders should not open attachments in emails unless they know who sent it and what it is.
• Download and install software only from known, trusted websites.
• Use a pop-up blocker.
• Families should talk about safe computing practices.
Protect Personal Information
Citizens should not routinely carry their Social Security card or any documents with their SSN. They should not overshare personal information on social media. Information about past addresses, a new car, a new home and one’s children help identity thieves pose as someone they’re not. Maryland citizens should keep old tax returns and tax records under lock and key or encrypted, if electronic. They should shred tax documents before trashing.
The IRS urges citizens to watch out for IRS impersonators. Officials there say “the IRS will not call you with threats of jail or lawsuits. The IRS will not send you an unsolicited email suggesting you have a refund or that you need to update your account. The IRS will not request any sensitive information online. These are all scams, and they persistent and change frequently. Don’t fall for them. Forward IRS-related scam emails to phishing@irs.gov. Report IRS-impersonation telephone calls at www.tigta.gov.”
Additional steps:
• Citizens should check their credit report at least annually and check their bank and credit card statements often;
• Citizens should review their Social Security Administration records annually. They can sign up for My Social Security at www.ssa.gov.
• If someone is an identity theft victim whose tax account is affected, they should review http://www.irs.gov/identitytheft for details.
• Citizens should check their credit report at least annually and check their bank and credit card statements often;
• Citizens should review their Social Security Administration records annually. They can sign up for My Social Security at www.ssa.gov.
• If someone is an identity theft victim whose tax account is affected, they should review http://www.irs.gov/identitytheft for details.
For more information, visit IRS.gov.
Three Car Accident At Main Street & Rt. 50 Pittsville
Liberals Protest Jeff Sessions Hearing in KKK Outfits
Two men in white hoods and capes held up paper hand signs reading "KKK" and "Go Jeffie Boy." As they were escorted out by security, one man yelled, "No, wait a minute, you can't arrest me, I'm white! White people don't get arrested."
Here's a video of their short protest.
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African-American Religious Leaders Endorse Jeff Sessions for Attorney General
WASHINGTON – A group of African-American religious leaders endorsed Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) as the next U.S. attorney general and pushed back against Rev. Al Sharpton’s criticism of Sessions’ nomination.
“Now allegations have been made that Senator Sessions is a racist; however, an examination of his record proves otherwise. As a U.S. attorney for the state of Alabama, he prosecuted Klansman Henry Francis Hays, as has been mentioned earlier. Henry Francis Hays was the son of Bennie Hays, who was one of the leading members of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan,” Rev. Ralph Chittams of the Forestville New Redeemer Baptist Church in Maryland said at a Monday press conference on Capitol Hill sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Foundation and the Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall.
“He [Sessions] insisted that trial be a capital murder trial and Hays was convicted of capital murder and was sentenced to be executed. A little while later, then-state attorney general Jeff Sessions oversaw a process where Hays received the punishment as decided by the court of law and was executed. As a direct result of those actions, a civil judgment in the amount of $7 million was entered against the Alabama Ku Klux Klan, which effectively bankrupted them,” he added.
Chittams, senior vice chairman of the Washington, D.C., Republican Party and a member of the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Washington, said Sessions “spearheaded” the effort to honor Rosa Parks with the congressional gold medal in 1999 and gave a speech on the Senate floor in support of Parks.
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“Now allegations have been made that Senator Sessions is a racist; however, an examination of his record proves otherwise. As a U.S. attorney for the state of Alabama, he prosecuted Klansman Henry Francis Hays, as has been mentioned earlier. Henry Francis Hays was the son of Bennie Hays, who was one of the leading members of the Alabama Ku Klux Klan,” Rev. Ralph Chittams of the Forestville New Redeemer Baptist Church in Maryland said at a Monday press conference on Capitol Hill sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Foundation and the Family Research Council's Watchmen on the Wall.
“He [Sessions] insisted that trial be a capital murder trial and Hays was convicted of capital murder and was sentenced to be executed. A little while later, then-state attorney general Jeff Sessions oversaw a process where Hays received the punishment as decided by the court of law and was executed. As a direct result of those actions, a civil judgment in the amount of $7 million was entered against the Alabama Ku Klux Klan, which effectively bankrupted them,” he added.
Chittams, senior vice chairman of the Washington, D.C., Republican Party and a member of the Frederick Douglass Foundation of Washington, said Sessions “spearheaded” the effort to honor Rosa Parks with the congressional gold medal in 1999 and gave a speech on the Senate floor in support of Parks.
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200-Acre Historic Farm Conserved in Somerset County
Easement Protects Open Space and Waterfowl Habitat on the Lower Eastern Shore
A new conservation easement of more than 200 acres will permanently protect important farmland and wildlife habitat in Oriole. Property owner Kevin Barr donated the tract to the Maryland Environmental Trust to safeguard its scenic open space and wetlands.
“We are grateful for Mr. Barr’s efforts to protect the habitat and help keep this farmland a productive part of the local economy,” said Maryland Environmental Trust Director Bill Leahy.
The newly-preserved Somerset County property is adjacent to other protected lands, and provides sweeping views of farmland and wetlands along the Manokin River.
The parcel has great historical significance on the Lower Eastern Shore. The farm’s main residence — Almodington — is the oldest building within the Manokin Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
300-Signature Petition For Berlin Park Renaming Presented To Council; Mayor Critical Of Petition Process
During the public comment portion of Monday’s council meeting, resident Bill Todd presented a 300-signature petition in support of changing the park’s name to James Tingle Park, in honor of a well-known retired mailman. While Mayor Gee Williams called it the “wrong thing the wrong way at the wrong time,” the council, at the suggestion of Councilman Zack Tyndall, agreed to form a committee to develop a policy on how the town will name its properties.
“You can bet your bottom dollar your concern will be considered,” Councilman Dean Burrell said. “That’s why we’re here.”
Todd said he came up with the concept of naming the town’s newest public space in honor of Tingle following the mailman’s retirement after 30 years of service.
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The Star Witness On Sessions' 'Racism' Has Deeply Troubled History
Thomas Figures, an assistant U.S. attorney whose accusations of racial bias torpedoed Sen. Jeff Sessions’ nomination to the federal bench in 1986, had a history of erratic and disturbed behavior, colleagues and estranged family say.
New sworn statements obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation given by former colleagues allege Figures, who died in 2015, was a paranoid figure who, among other things, believed “CBS Evening News” anchor Dan Rather was communicating with him through his television. An office loner with a flair for confrontation, Figures was later indicted by federal authorities for attempting to bribe a witness.
30 years later, his testimony continues to shape press coverage of Sessions’ nomination to serve as attorney general in the Trump administration.
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New sworn statements obtained by The Daily Caller News Foundation given by former colleagues allege Figures, who died in 2015, was a paranoid figure who, among other things, believed “CBS Evening News” anchor Dan Rather was communicating with him through his television. An office loner with a flair for confrontation, Figures was later indicted by federal authorities for attempting to bribe a witness.
30 years later, his testimony continues to shape press coverage of Sessions’ nomination to serve as attorney general in the Trump administration.
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Ocean City VFC Announces New Leadership
Ocean City, Maryland –: The Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (VFC) recently held their annual elections, selecting new officers in various leadership positions. The individuals elected to serve in leaderships roles for 2017 are as follows:
Chief Officers:
- Fire Chief – David N. Cropper
- 1st Assistant Chief – Maurice D. Cropper
- 2nd Assistant Chief – James L. Jester
- 3rd Assistant Chief – Jeffery R. Aperance
Administrative Officers:
- President – James L. Jester
- Vice President – D. Sean Goggin
- Secretary – Sean R. Donovan
- Treasurer – Connor J. Braniff
- (2016-2017) Board of Director #1 – H. Michael Giardina
- (2016-2017) Board of Director #2 – Thomas M. Parker
- (2017-2018) Board of Director #3 – David A. Coleman
- (2017-2018) Board of Director #4 – David E. Hedges
- (2017-2018) Board of Director #5 – Jerold W. Priestley
- Chaplain – Philip J. Turk
“The tradition of democracy within the Ocean City VFC reigns supreme each December when our membership holds its annual election for board of directors and officers,” commented VFC President, Jay Jester. “It’s exciting to welcome new mentors and establish new goals as we enter into each bright New Year in Ocean City.”
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The above news release is part of a new initiative by the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company. The volunteer based organization, in partnership with the Town of Ocean City, will submit monthly articles in an effort to educate citizens on fire safety, spread awareness about departmental initiatives and training, as well as promote the courteous and professional members of the department.
The submitted photo was taken on January 3, 2017, as the new officers of the OCVFC were sworn in by past Chief and past Maryland State Fireman’s Association President, Rodger Steger.
Ocean City Actively Targeting Colleges To Address Seasonal Cop Shortage; Marijuana Abstinence ‘Achilles Heel’ For Recruitment
“It has been a challenge the last couple of years,” Councilman Dennis Dare, chair of the Police Commission, said. “I asked that the chief give us an update on what the plans are going forward so that we hopefully reach our goals.”
In a Police Commission meeting Monday, Police Chief Ross Buzzuro addressed members of the committee about the agency’s efforts to target college-age students for temporary officer positions.
In 2016, the department visited 68 colleges and universities, 12 more than the year prior and 22 more than in 2013 and 2014.
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John Fund: Sneaky feds plot to grab state election power
Latest scheme in move to let U.S. government centralize America's voting systems
The Obama administration is using the intelligence reports of Russian hacking influencing the 2016 campaign as the premise for asserting more power over the states in running elections, but a top election fraud expert says federal involvement would make elections more vulnerable to mischief and is really just a way to insert the federal government where it doesn’t belong.
Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution is clear about the roles of the federal and state government in overseeing elections.
“The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations,” it reads.
However, on Jan.6, the Obama administration – not Congress – decided to give the government more power in running elections. President Obama has been very busy cramming in many new regulations before he leaves office, but elections expert and columnist John Fund told WND and Radio America this one is particularly alarming.
“One of the most troublesome (orders) came last Friday and gave the federal government the power to begin centralizing our election systems. The Constitution explicitly gives states the power to set the ‘times, manner and places of holding elections,'” wrote Fund in National Review Online on Sunday.
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The Obama administration is using the intelligence reports of Russian hacking influencing the 2016 campaign as the premise for asserting more power over the states in running elections, but a top election fraud expert says federal involvement would make elections more vulnerable to mischief and is really just a way to insert the federal government where it doesn’t belong.
Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution is clear about the roles of the federal and state government in overseeing elections.
“The times, places, and manner of holding elections for senators and representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by law make or alter such regulations,” it reads.
However, on Jan.6, the Obama administration – not Congress – decided to give the government more power in running elections. President Obama has been very busy cramming in many new regulations before he leaves office, but elections expert and columnist John Fund told WND and Radio America this one is particularly alarming.
“One of the most troublesome (orders) came last Friday and gave the federal government the power to begin centralizing our election systems. The Constitution explicitly gives states the power to set the ‘times, manner and places of holding elections,'” wrote Fund in National Review Online on Sunday.
More
George Soros’ Lobbying Efforts Have Quietly Skyrocketed in Recent Years
Liberal billionaire George Soros has quietly poured tens of millions more than usual into lobbying Congress in recent years, disclosure forms show.
Soros’ lobbying efforts have jumped more than four-fold since 2013 compared to the previous 10 years combined.
The Open Society Policy Center, a 501(c)4 nonprofit that is separate from Soros’ Open Society Foundations, is a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. that focuses on advocacy efforts.
Between 2002 and 2012, the policy center reported spending $19,120,000 on lobbying for legislation and policy efforts with a number of government agencies and Congress.
The group averaged $1,912,000 on lobbying per year during this time period.
However, the group increased its lobbying expenditures from $3.4 million in 2012 to $11 million in 2013. The bulk of this lobbying increase was said to be due to the group’s push for “comprehensive immigration reform.”
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Soros’ lobbying efforts have jumped more than four-fold since 2013 compared to the previous 10 years combined.
The Open Society Policy Center, a 501(c)4 nonprofit that is separate from Soros’ Open Society Foundations, is a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. that focuses on advocacy efforts.
Between 2002 and 2012, the policy center reported spending $19,120,000 on lobbying for legislation and policy efforts with a number of government agencies and Congress.
The group averaged $1,912,000 on lobbying per year during this time period.
However, the group increased its lobbying expenditures from $3.4 million in 2012 to $11 million in 2013. The bulk of this lobbying increase was said to be due to the group’s push for “comprehensive immigration reform.”
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Dem: Charge Republican Who Took Down Anti-Cop Painting
Representative Lacy Clay (D-MO-1) wants Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA-50) to face “theft” charges for removing an anti-cop painting from the walls of the U.S. Capitol complex.
Breitbart News previously reported that the painting was hung in the Capitol complex after Clay chose it as a fitting representation of the August 9, 2014, shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. It depicts police officers as animals with tusks.
On January 6 Hunter removed the painting from the wall, saying, “I’ve seen the press [reporting on this painting] for about a week or so. … I’m in the Marine Corps. If you want it done, just call us.” Hunter then delivered the painting to Clay’s office and said, “Lacy can put it back up, I guess, if he wants to … but I’m allowed to take it down.”
Clay now wants “theft” charges against Hunter.
According to The Washington Post, Clay addressed the removal of the painting on Monday, saying that “his staff met Monday with members of the Capitol Police to press theft charges against Rep. Duncan D. Hunter.” Clay added, “He had no right to take that picture down, it’s thievery.”
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Breitbart News previously reported that the painting was hung in the Capitol complex after Clay chose it as a fitting representation of the August 9, 2014, shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. It depicts police officers as animals with tusks.
On January 6 Hunter removed the painting from the wall, saying, “I’ve seen the press [reporting on this painting] for about a week or so. … I’m in the Marine Corps. If you want it done, just call us.” Hunter then delivered the painting to Clay’s office and said, “Lacy can put it back up, I guess, if he wants to … but I’m allowed to take it down.”
Clay now wants “theft” charges against Hunter.
According to The Washington Post, Clay addressed the removal of the painting on Monday, saying that “his staff met Monday with members of the Capitol Police to press theft charges against Rep. Duncan D. Hunter.” Clay added, “He had no right to take that picture down, it’s thievery.”
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Immigration Official Okays Syrian Immigrants With Fake Passports
An undercover video exclusively obtained by The Daily Caller Tuesday claims to show an immigration official in New York giving advice on how illegal Syrian immigrants can receive asylum with fake passports.
Laura Loomer, an activist, for Pamela Geller’s American Freedom Defense Initiative visited a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Port Chester, N.Y. on January 6. Loomer told an employee that she knows a family from Syria that is afraid to come into the office because they are in the country illegally and she wants to “make sure that they are integrated and they have immigration services.”
“The issue with them is that they have fake passports,” Loomer says in the video. An employee AFDI identified to TheDC as “Sergio” responded, “We waive sometimes the passports or whatever because they are unable to provide that documentation.”
He asked when the Syrian family arrived, presumably to see if they would be eligible for Temporary Protected Status, which protects Syrian immigrants, of illegal or legal status, from deportation. The status is available to Syrians who have been in the U.S. since Oct. 1, 2016. and the date to register ends in a few weeks.
“The fake passport is one thing, we are going to use the name that is on the passport as AKA, also known as,” the man identified as Sergio responded. He added, “chances are considering the situation in Syria, they are not going to be sent back.”
He said the family could get a work permit and that Loomer should “file accurately” the paperwork and make sure that she uses their correct names or “the names they used with these passports, which are not their own names.”
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Laura Loomer, an activist, for Pamela Geller’s American Freedom Defense Initiative visited a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Port Chester, N.Y. on January 6. Loomer told an employee that she knows a family from Syria that is afraid to come into the office because they are in the country illegally and she wants to “make sure that they are integrated and they have immigration services.”
“The issue with them is that they have fake passports,” Loomer says in the video. An employee AFDI identified to TheDC as “Sergio” responded, “We waive sometimes the passports or whatever because they are unable to provide that documentation.”
He asked when the Syrian family arrived, presumably to see if they would be eligible for Temporary Protected Status, which protects Syrian immigrants, of illegal or legal status, from deportation. The status is available to Syrians who have been in the U.S. since Oct. 1, 2016. and the date to register ends in a few weeks.
“The fake passport is one thing, we are going to use the name that is on the passport as AKA, also known as,” the man identified as Sergio responded. He added, “chances are considering the situation in Syria, they are not going to be sent back.”
He said the family could get a work permit and that Loomer should “file accurately” the paperwork and make sure that she uses their correct names or “the names they used with these passports, which are not their own names.”
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‘Monstrous’ Art Show Planned For Berlin Friday
BERLIN – Artists from Berlin to Brooklyn are coming together on Friday in a collaborative art show that will feature pieces of “monstrous” work.
As in years past, the Berlin Maryland Arts and Entertainment District will host its annual art show Jan. 13 from 5-8 p.m. at The Globe Theatre.
Curator Brian Robertson, of The Berlin Printery, said the overarching theme for their fourth event will coincide with the show’s title, “Monstrous.”
“It is like a regular art show opening but it will be more contemporary than that,” he said. “It gets the artist to think differently.”
This year, artwork must meet two conditions – a 10-by-10 inch size limitation and work that conveys the show’s subject.
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As in years past, the Berlin Maryland Arts and Entertainment District will host its annual art show Jan. 13 from 5-8 p.m. at The Globe Theatre.
Curator Brian Robertson, of The Berlin Printery, said the overarching theme for their fourth event will coincide with the show’s title, “Monstrous.”
“It is like a regular art show opening but it will be more contemporary than that,” he said. “It gets the artist to think differently.”
This year, artwork must meet two conditions – a 10-by-10 inch size limitation and work that conveys the show’s subject.
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Mexico says it will negotiate with Trump
Mexico's new foreign relations secretary said Tuesday his country isn't just willing to negotiate changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement, it wants to start talks as soon as possible.
Luis Videgaray said there's "enormous uncertainty" following the U.S. election of Donald Trump as president. Trump has pressured companies not to move jobs to Mexico, warned he would tax those who do, and has vowed to renegotiate NAFTA.
Videgaray said in a Radio Formula interview that Trump's actions have caused concern, adding "that is why this (negotiation) process is so important, to dispel this uncertainty." He said talks should start "as soon as possible."
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Luis Videgaray said there's "enormous uncertainty" following the U.S. election of Donald Trump as president. Trump has pressured companies not to move jobs to Mexico, warned he would tax those who do, and has vowed to renegotiate NAFTA.
Videgaray said in a Radio Formula interview that Trump's actions have caused concern, adding "that is why this (negotiation) process is so important, to dispel this uncertainty." He said talks should start "as soon as possible."
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WSJ: Wal-Mart Plans to Cut Hundreds of Jobs This Month
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to cut hundreds of jobs before the end of January, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation.
The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer plans to eliminate jobs at its headquarters and regional personnel that support stores, according to the report.
Many of the eliminations will affect Wal-Mart's human resources department, a large team that some senior executives believe should be more efficient or whose duties could be handled by outside consultants, the newspaper reported.
Other departments could be affected as well, the report said.
"While we continually look at our corporate structure, we have not made any announcements," Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove said in an email.
The company said in September it would cut about 7,000 back-office jobs, mostly in accounting and invoicing positions at its U.S. stores, as part of a program it announced in June.
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The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer plans to eliminate jobs at its headquarters and regional personnel that support stores, according to the report.
Many of the eliminations will affect Wal-Mart's human resources department, a large team that some senior executives believe should be more efficient or whose duties could be handled by outside consultants, the newspaper reported.
Other departments could be affected as well, the report said.
"While we continually look at our corporate structure, we have not made any announcements," Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove said in an email.
The company said in September it would cut about 7,000 back-office jobs, mostly in accounting and invoicing positions at its U.S. stores, as part of a program it announced in June.
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Soros Groups Risk Purge After Trump's Win Emboldens Hungary
Hungary plans to crack down on non-governmental organizations linked to billionaire George Soros now that Donald Trump will occupy the White House, according to the deputy head of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s party.
The European Union member will use “all the tools at its disposal” to “sweep out” NGOs funded by the Hungarian-born financier, which “serve global capitalists and back political correctness over national governments,” Szilard Nemeth, a vice president of the ruling Fidesz party, told reporters on Tuesday. No one answered the phone at the Open Society Institute in Budapest when Bloomberg News called outside business hours.
"I feel that there is an opportunity for this, internationally,” because of Trump’s election, state news service MTI reported Nemeth as saying. Lawmakers will start debating a bill to let authorities audit NGO executives, according to parliament’s legislative agenda.
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The European Union member will use “all the tools at its disposal” to “sweep out” NGOs funded by the Hungarian-born financier, which “serve global capitalists and back political correctness over national governments,” Szilard Nemeth, a vice president of the ruling Fidesz party, told reporters on Tuesday. No one answered the phone at the Open Society Institute in Budapest when Bloomberg News called outside business hours.
"I feel that there is an opportunity for this, internationally,” because of Trump’s election, state news service MTI reported Nemeth as saying. Lawmakers will start debating a bill to let authorities audit NGO executives, according to parliament’s legislative agenda.
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Maryland Democrat Pleads Guilty to Corruption Charges
Former Maryland state delegate Will Campos, a Democrat, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for favors, federal prosecutors announced on Tuesday.
Campos admitted to receiving over $20,000 worth of bribes in exchange for $325,000 worth of taxpayer-funded grants to local businesses, according to a Washington Post report. The payments were received from 2001 to 2014.
“This undercover investigation did not involve an isolated instance of misconduct,” said U.S. attorney Rod Rosenstein. “It exposed a longstanding practice of giving away taxpayer money in exchange for bribes.”
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Campos admitted to receiving over $20,000 worth of bribes in exchange for $325,000 worth of taxpayer-funded grants to local businesses, according to a Washington Post report. The payments were received from 2001 to 2014.
“This undercover investigation did not involve an isolated instance of misconduct,” said U.S. attorney Rod Rosenstein. “It exposed a longstanding practice of giving away taxpayer money in exchange for bribes.”
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For the Poorest and Sickest, Librarians Often Play Doctor
Libraries are frequently forced to deal with people's health problems. That's why some are adding medical professionals to their staff.
“I’m always surprised by how many health questions I get,” said Renee Pokorny, branch supervisor at the Philadelphia Free Library.
It's no surprise that she's surprised. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center study, 73 percent of people who visit a public library in America go looking for answers about their health.
“People tend to be more comfortable asking their librarians something rather than their doctor where they might feel rushed or intimidated,” said Pokorny.
But as well-read as they may be, librarians aren't equipped to offer serious health advice or care. Adding to this troublesome trend is the fact that most of the people seeking medical help at libraries are homeless or mentally ill and in need of more care than the average person.
Instead of making the people go to the doctor, though, public libraries in Philadelphia and a small number of other places are bringing health services directly to their patrons.
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“I’m always surprised by how many health questions I get,” said Renee Pokorny, branch supervisor at the Philadelphia Free Library.
It's no surprise that she's surprised. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center study, 73 percent of people who visit a public library in America go looking for answers about their health.
“People tend to be more comfortable asking their librarians something rather than their doctor where they might feel rushed or intimidated,” said Pokorny.
But as well-read as they may be, librarians aren't equipped to offer serious health advice or care. Adding to this troublesome trend is the fact that most of the people seeking medical help at libraries are homeless or mentally ill and in need of more care than the average person.
Instead of making the people go to the doctor, though, public libraries in Philadelphia and a small number of other places are bringing health services directly to their patrons.
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FBI: Russia hacked GOP organizations, old RNC emails
Old Republican National Committee email domains and state-level organizations and campaigns were all penetrated by Russian hackers in the run up to the 2016 election, FBI Director James Comey confirmed Tuesday.
In a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Comey said for the first time Russian hackers accessed Republican groups as well as the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.
Comey said at the hearing the RNC had been penetrated, but a spokesman for the organization said the emails were accessed through a third-party vendor and the RNC itself was never hacked.
"There were successful penetrations of some groups and campaigns, particularly at the state level, on the Republican side of the aisle, and some limited penetration of old Republican National Committee domains," the spokesman said.
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In a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, Comey said for the first time Russian hackers accessed Republican groups as well as the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.
Comey said at the hearing the RNC had been penetrated, but a spokesman for the organization said the emails were accessed through a third-party vendor and the RNC itself was never hacked.
"There were successful penetrations of some groups and campaigns, particularly at the state level, on the Republican side of the aisle, and some limited penetration of old Republican National Committee domains," the spokesman said.
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Senate GOP votes to keep earmark ban
Senate Republicans on Tuesday voted to keep the earmark ban in place for the 115th Congress.
According to Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., everyone supported the decision, which was voted on in a closed-door GOP meeting.
According to Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., everyone supported the decision, which was voted on in a closed-door GOP meeting.
Nancy Pelosi: Obamacare Was ‘Bipartisan’ Legislation
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) now says the process of passing Obamacare in 2010 was “bipartisan,” and that only “tweaks” were made to the healthcare law using the reconciliation budgetary process.
Pelosi’s comments come as Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump begin the process of repealing President Barack Obama’s signature legislation.
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Pelosi’s comments come as Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump begin the process of repealing President Barack Obama’s signature legislation.
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DSP Helicopter On Scene In Delmar For Serious Accident
Icebreaking Vessel Opens Path to Smith Island
The J. Millard Tawes is One of Four Icebreakers on Call
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources this week dispatched its vessel, the J. Millard Tawes, to break ice on the water route to Smith Island, opening the vital link between the island and nearby Crisfield Harbor.
Smith Island residents are dependent on a small fleet of boats for necessary supplies and transportation. The department keeps in close contact with ferry operators to ensure they can transit the water safely.
The 75-year old former U.S. Coast Guard cutter was specially-designed to operate in shallow water. Stationed on the mainland, the Tawes and its five-member crew spend most of the year performing buoy tending operations in support of Maryland’s boating and fishing industry.
The department has four boats that can break up ice around the Chesapeake Bay. Cleared passageways allow for watermen, boat and barge captains and marine crews to continue their commerce and work on the water throughout the winter.
Democrats planning stall tactics for Trump's Cabinet picks this week
Senate Republicans will begin the confirmation process for President-elect Trump's Cabinet this week amid efforts by Democrats to stall the process.
Half a dozen nominees will appear at Senate confirmation hearings scheduled for Jan. 11. The Senate Judiciary Committee will start a two-day hearing beginning Jan. 10 to consider the nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., who is Trump's pick for attorney general.
"The priorities between now and Jan. 20 are hearings on Cabinet members," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Besides Sessions, the other nominees appearing are Rex Tillerson for state, Betsy DeVos for education, retired Marine Gen. John Kelly for homeland security, Elaine Chao for transportation and Mike Pompeo for CIA.
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Half a dozen nominees will appear at Senate confirmation hearings scheduled for Jan. 11. The Senate Judiciary Committee will start a two-day hearing beginning Jan. 10 to consider the nomination of Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., who is Trump's pick for attorney general.
"The priorities between now and Jan. 20 are hearings on Cabinet members," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Besides Sessions, the other nominees appearing are Rex Tillerson for state, Betsy DeVos for education, retired Marine Gen. John Kelly for homeland security, Elaine Chao for transportation and Mike Pompeo for CIA.
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'Clock Boy' Loses in Court
A district court judge in Texas has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Ahmed Mohamed on his own behalf and on behalf of his 15-year-old son, Ahmed Mohamed. They had sued Fox News, Glenn Beck, and the mayor of Irving -- among others -- for defamation in September of 2016.
A year earlier, Ahmed, then a 14-year-old freshman at an Irving, Texas, high school, was arrested, briefly detained by police, and suspended for three days after bringing to school a "cool clock" that looked like a briefcase bomb. Ahmed claimed to have "invented" the easily assembled clock, and that he had brought it to school to show it to his shop teacher.
The incident led many to question the Mohamed family's motives. Newly appointed District Court Judge Maricela Moore dismissed the lawsuit following a nearly three-hour hearing on Monday, according to the American Freedom Law Center:
More here
A year earlier, Ahmed, then a 14-year-old freshman at an Irving, Texas, high school, was arrested, briefly detained by police, and suspended for three days after bringing to school a "cool clock" that looked like a briefcase bomb. Ahmed claimed to have "invented" the easily assembled clock, and that he had brought it to school to show it to his shop teacher.
The incident led many to question the Mohamed family's motives. Newly appointed District Court Judge Maricela Moore dismissed the lawsuit following a nearly three-hour hearing on Monday, according to the American Freedom Law Center:
More here
58% of Americans Say Repealing Obamacare Important to Health Care Reform
37 percent say repealing Affordable Care Act should be a top priority for Congress
More than half of Americans, or 58 percent, say repealing the Affordable Care Act is important to health care reform, according to a poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Americans were asked what components of health care reform should be top priorities for President-elect Donald Trump and Congress. When asked about repealing Obamacare, 37 percent said it was a top priority and 21 percent said it was important for lawmakers to accomplish. Only 31 percent said repeal should not happen.
Of those Americans who want Congress to repeal the law, 28 percent want lawmakers to wait to repeal until the details of the replacement plan have been announced and 20 percent want lawmakers to repeal the law immediately and work out the details of a replacement later.
“After hearing pro-repeal arguments about the law’s costs to individuals and the government, the share of the public supporting repeal grows as large as 60 percent, while anti-repeal arguments about people losing coverage and the impact on people with pre-existing conditions decreases support for repeal to as low as 27 percent,” the poll states.
Health care ranks as a top issue for Trump to address, behind jobs, the economy, and immigration. Regarding health care specifically, the poll asked Americans what they thought was a top priority.
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More than half of Americans, or 58 percent, say repealing the Affordable Care Act is important to health care reform, according to a poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Americans were asked what components of health care reform should be top priorities for President-elect Donald Trump and Congress. When asked about repealing Obamacare, 37 percent said it was a top priority and 21 percent said it was important for lawmakers to accomplish. Only 31 percent said repeal should not happen.
Of those Americans who want Congress to repeal the law, 28 percent want lawmakers to wait to repeal until the details of the replacement plan have been announced and 20 percent want lawmakers to repeal the law immediately and work out the details of a replacement later.
“After hearing pro-repeal arguments about the law’s costs to individuals and the government, the share of the public supporting repeal grows as large as 60 percent, while anti-repeal arguments about people losing coverage and the impact on people with pre-existing conditions decreases support for repeal to as low as 27 percent,” the poll states.
Health care ranks as a top issue for Trump to address, behind jobs, the economy, and immigration. Regarding health care specifically, the poll asked Americans what they thought was a top priority.
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Hate in the Time of Trump
Media trips over itself to make hate-crime narratives converge
Four black Chicago residents have been arrested in connection to the torture of a mentally disabled white man that the suspects broadcast on Facebook Live in what is potentially the first hate crime in the Trump era that was not a hoax.
The Washington Post reported on the disturbing video early Thursday morning, detailing the beating in graphic detail and noting that the alleged perpetrators shouted “obscenities about President-elect Donald Trump and white people.” Hours later, the Post’s The Fix blog—”regarded as one of the most heavily trafficked blogs in Washington“—published an analysis of the vicious crime headlined: “Pro-Trump narratives converge in one awful attack streamed on Facebook.”
“If you believe discrimination against white people is rampant, that Donald Trump supporters face persecution, that Chicago is a war zone, and the media is dishonest, then your entire worldview is likely to be confirmed by one awful story,” the story’s first paragraph says.
Disrupting ideological narratives appears to be a newfound cause for the Post. The paper has made hate crime stories an important piece of their coverage since Donald Trump’s electoral victory. In the two months since election day, the paper has published 196 news stories, analyses, and editorials mentioning Trump and hate crimes, an average of 3.2 pieces a day, according to Lexis Nexis archives.
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Four black Chicago residents have been arrested in connection to the torture of a mentally disabled white man that the suspects broadcast on Facebook Live in what is potentially the first hate crime in the Trump era that was not a hoax.
The Washington Post reported on the disturbing video early Thursday morning, detailing the beating in graphic detail and noting that the alleged perpetrators shouted “obscenities about President-elect Donald Trump and white people.” Hours later, the Post’s The Fix blog—”regarded as one of the most heavily trafficked blogs in Washington“—published an analysis of the vicious crime headlined: “Pro-Trump narratives converge in one awful attack streamed on Facebook.”
“If you believe discrimination against white people is rampant, that Donald Trump supporters face persecution, that Chicago is a war zone, and the media is dishonest, then your entire worldview is likely to be confirmed by one awful story,” the story’s first paragraph says.
Disrupting ideological narratives appears to be a newfound cause for the Post. The paper has made hate crime stories an important piece of their coverage since Donald Trump’s electoral victory. In the two months since election day, the paper has published 196 news stories, analyses, and editorials mentioning Trump and hate crimes, an average of 3.2 pieces a day, according to Lexis Nexis archives.
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Ex-Md. delegate admits to accepting bribes; more officials investigated in corruption probe
William A. Campos-Escobar, 42 of Hyattsville, has pleaded guilty to federal bribery and conspiracy charges, according to U.S. Attorney for Maryland Rod Rosenstein’s office, which released details of an unsealed plea deal with Campos on Tuesday.
The charges stem from a multiyear public corruption probe that has also resulted in federal charges against two members of the Prince George’s County liquor board and two local businessmen. Campos and another unnamed state legislator were implicated in the liquor board charges that were filed last week.
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Top White House Official Under Fire Over Denial of Security Clearance
Lawmakers and congressional insiders continue to raise questions about a senior Obama administration official and proponent of its Iran diplomacy following revelations he was denied interim security clearance before being given a senior role in the White House, according to conversations with multiple sources.
The Washington Free Beacon first disclosed last week that Ben Rhodes, a White House deputy national security adviser who handled the administration’s efforts to mislead the public about the terms of the Iran nuclear agreement, is being probed by Congress following disclosures the FBI may have denied him top-level security clearances.
Lawmakers told the Free Beacon that the Obama administration has been obstructing formal efforts to obtain information about why Rhodes was initially denied FBI clearance and how he ultimately received top-secret clearances.
The latest disclosures have cast a cloud over the Obama administration’s diplomacy with Iran just weeks before the president and his senior officials vacate their West Wing offices ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
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The Washington Free Beacon first disclosed last week that Ben Rhodes, a White House deputy national security adviser who handled the administration’s efforts to mislead the public about the terms of the Iran nuclear agreement, is being probed by Congress following disclosures the FBI may have denied him top-level security clearances.
Lawmakers told the Free Beacon that the Obama administration has been obstructing formal efforts to obtain information about why Rhodes was initially denied FBI clearance and how he ultimately received top-secret clearances.
The latest disclosures have cast a cloud over the Obama administration’s diplomacy with Iran just weeks before the president and his senior officials vacate their West Wing offices ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
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Killer Cash!
The global elites’ latest volley in the “war on cash” is a weird one. They’re telling us cash is — drumroll, please — a public health issue.
If you’ve been reading us for any amount of time, you’re familiar with the war on cash — the increasing push to get us all to perform our transactions electronically, the better to be tracked and taxed. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers figures the least that could be done is abolish the $100 bill; Harvard economist Ken Rogoff would just as soon do away with cash altogether, making his case in a book called The Curse of Cash.
There’s a compelling investment angle to the war on cash… and we’re not talking about anything like keeping gold in a safe at home. We’ll get to that shortly.
As you might already know, most of the arguments against cash are a variant on the following proposition: If we don’t do away with cash, then the money launderers and drug runners and terrorists win. Which is what makes the health gambit, if nothing else, novel…
“Studies have piled up in recent years describing exactly how filthy — specifically how bacteria-laden — our dollars and cents can be,” says an article in Scientific American.
“Fecal bacteria and other pathogens may have hitched a ride from someone’s hands, nose or apron onto our cash. And yeast or mold might have taken hold, too. The result could be a durable risk to our health whenever our money changes hands.”
Oh noes, teh germs!
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If you’ve been reading us for any amount of time, you’re familiar with the war on cash — the increasing push to get us all to perform our transactions electronically, the better to be tracked and taxed. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers figures the least that could be done is abolish the $100 bill; Harvard economist Ken Rogoff would just as soon do away with cash altogether, making his case in a book called The Curse of Cash.
There’s a compelling investment angle to the war on cash… and we’re not talking about anything like keeping gold in a safe at home. We’ll get to that shortly.
As you might already know, most of the arguments against cash are a variant on the following proposition: If we don’t do away with cash, then the money launderers and drug runners and terrorists win. Which is what makes the health gambit, if nothing else, novel…
“Studies have piled up in recent years describing exactly how filthy — specifically how bacteria-laden — our dollars and cents can be,” says an article in Scientific American.
“Fecal bacteria and other pathogens may have hitched a ride from someone’s hands, nose or apron onto our cash. And yeast or mold might have taken hold, too. The result could be a durable risk to our health whenever our money changes hands.”
Oh noes, teh germs!
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Trump Needs to Roll Back the Extremist Culture at State Department
It may be a new year, but there’s nothing new about the concerns surrounding the State Department’s liberal activism.
While Americans were busy unwrapping presents, conservatives were tearing into something else: Obama’s record on social issues. After eight years of watching the State Department operate as a global base for abortion and sexual activism, most Republicans are ready to get back to the real business of diplomacy. That’s a tough job under normal circumstances, but after two terms of President Obama, the Trump team will have its hands full.
Lately, there have been some who have suggested that (after almost a decade of proving otherwise) the State Department has nothing to do with abortion and sexual politics. Tell that to our friends around the globe, who’ve spent the last eight years trying to dodge this administration’s biggest export: rainbow flags and abortion dollars. Under President Obama, this radical agenda has completely infiltrated the State Department — usually eclipsing the agency’s other vital functions, like defending religious liberty. Obviously, America has a sincere interest in stopping the unjust persecution or targeting of any human being. But what’s happened for the last eight years is not the simple defense of those who are mistreated — it’s the elevation of people around the world based on sexual behavior.
More here
While Americans were busy unwrapping presents, conservatives were tearing into something else: Obama’s record on social issues. After eight years of watching the State Department operate as a global base for abortion and sexual activism, most Republicans are ready to get back to the real business of diplomacy. That’s a tough job under normal circumstances, but after two terms of President Obama, the Trump team will have its hands full.
Lately, there have been some who have suggested that (after almost a decade of proving otherwise) the State Department has nothing to do with abortion and sexual politics. Tell that to our friends around the globe, who’ve spent the last eight years trying to dodge this administration’s biggest export: rainbow flags and abortion dollars. Under President Obama, this radical agenda has completely infiltrated the State Department — usually eclipsing the agency’s other vital functions, like defending religious liberty. Obviously, America has a sincere interest in stopping the unjust persecution or targeting of any human being. But what’s happened for the last eight years is not the simple defense of those who are mistreated — it’s the elevation of people around the world based on sexual behavior.
More here
Poll: 80% Want Justices Who Apply Constitution as Originally Written
(CNSNews.com) -- The vast majority of Americans believe it is important to appoint justices to the Supreme Court who will apply the Constitution as originally set by the Founders and, in particular, protect religious freedom, according to a new Marist poll, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
Eight in 10 Americans, 80%, say it is an "immediate priority" or an "important" one "to appoint Supreme Court justices that will interpret the Constitution as it was originally written," according to a statement from the Knights of Columbus.
In addition, a majority of Americans -- 52% to 40% -- "want the court to interpret the Constitution 'as it was originally written' and not on what they think the 'Constitution means now,'" according to the poll. Even three in 10 Democrats (31%) agreed with this view, although six in 10 (59%) did not. For Republicans, 78% agreed, and Independents, 50% agreed.
More here
Eight in 10 Americans, 80%, say it is an "immediate priority" or an "important" one "to appoint Supreme Court justices that will interpret the Constitution as it was originally written," according to a statement from the Knights of Columbus.
In addition, a majority of Americans -- 52% to 40% -- "want the court to interpret the Constitution 'as it was originally written' and not on what they think the 'Constitution means now,'" according to the poll. Even three in 10 Democrats (31%) agreed with this view, although six in 10 (59%) did not. For Republicans, 78% agreed, and Independents, 50% agreed.
More here
Chris Christie's State of the State to Focus on Drug Epidemic
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will forego the traditional formula of laying out his achievements and policy goals when he gives his final State of the State address Tuesday.
Instead, he plans to use the entire speech to put forth a plan to fight the nation's drug epidemic, sources close to the governor told NBC News.
Christie's approval rating is mired in the teens after the Bridgegate scandal, the investigation that led to theconvictions of two allies who conspired to cause a traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge in 2013 to punish a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse the governor for re-election.
The governor will use the speech before a joint session of the legislature in Trenton to make a bipartisan appeal to stop addiction from taking so many lives.
His "concrete plan" aims to expand treatment, boost employment for those in recovery, curb the supply of prescription painkillers and support law enforcement, the sources said.
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Instead, he plans to use the entire speech to put forth a plan to fight the nation's drug epidemic, sources close to the governor told NBC News.
Christie's approval rating is mired in the teens after the Bridgegate scandal, the investigation that led to theconvictions of two allies who conspired to cause a traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge in 2013 to punish a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse the governor for re-election.
The governor will use the speech before a joint session of the legislature in Trenton to make a bipartisan appeal to stop addiction from taking so many lives.
His "concrete plan" aims to expand treatment, boost employment for those in recovery, curb the supply of prescription painkillers and support law enforcement, the sources said.
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How much have taxpayers spent to keep Charles Manson in prison?
Charles Manson is sick and may be dying. After a trip to the hospital and back to prison, one of America’s most famous murderers may finally be arriving at his end -- nearly 46 years after California had sentenced him to death. Apparently, Manson is too old and sick for any lifesaving surgery.
That means the state’s taxpayers may soon finally stop paying to keep him alive -- a tab that has easily already exceeded $2 million. Of course, owing to the amorphous nature of the actual costs of incarcerating a single prisoner, the total expense California has incurred for Manson may never be accurately tallied.
But the mass murderer, with at least seven killings to his credit, is likely pleased with himself for the ride he has taken the state on by living to the ripe age of 82. To cover his extended stay in prison, California has paid double the amount that it would have cost to execute Manson after his conviction. And his memory will always be with us: His picture -- often smiling if not glaring -- still stalks us from crime magazines on the supermarket shelf.
Manson is one of the most infamous murderers in history because of his role in the Tate-LaBianca slayings on two hot nights in Los Angeles in August 1969. Members of the so-called Manson “family” carried out the rampage Manson planned that took the lives of five people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate on the first night. Then they bludgeoned and stabbed the LaBianca couple in their home the next night.
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That means the state’s taxpayers may soon finally stop paying to keep him alive -- a tab that has easily already exceeded $2 million. Of course, owing to the amorphous nature of the actual costs of incarcerating a single prisoner, the total expense California has incurred for Manson may never be accurately tallied.
But the mass murderer, with at least seven killings to his credit, is likely pleased with himself for the ride he has taken the state on by living to the ripe age of 82. To cover his extended stay in prison, California has paid double the amount that it would have cost to execute Manson after his conviction. And his memory will always be with us: His picture -- often smiling if not glaring -- still stalks us from crime magazines on the supermarket shelf.
Manson is one of the most infamous murderers in history because of his role in the Tate-LaBianca slayings on two hot nights in Los Angeles in August 1969. Members of the so-called Manson “family” carried out the rampage Manson planned that took the lives of five people, including pregnant actress Sharon Tate on the first night. Then they bludgeoned and stabbed the LaBianca couple in their home the next night.
More
WE STAND UNITED: A MESSAGE FROM PBR CEO SEAN GLEASON
Dear PBR Fans,
This past week, PBR bullfighter Shorty Gorham led an initiative to secure a pledge uniting all bull riders and bull fighters competing in the Built Ford Tough Series. His efforts were met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Regardless of their nationality, every bull rider and bull fighter signed this pledge:
WE STAND UNITED
We are professional bull riders and bull fighters representing six countries competing on PBR’s largest stage.
We respect the right of all citizens to engage in peaceful protest. It is a fundamental freedom that makes America one of the greatest countries in the world.
For us the choice is clear, WE choose to stand united and without protest during the national anthem of the country in which we are competing.
We stand to honor all men and women whose sacrifice and commitment ensures these freedoms, helps unite the nation, and propels America forward.
More
This past week, PBR bullfighter Shorty Gorham led an initiative to secure a pledge uniting all bull riders and bull fighters competing in the Built Ford Tough Series. His efforts were met with an overwhelmingly positive response. Regardless of their nationality, every bull rider and bull fighter signed this pledge:
WE STAND UNITED
We are professional bull riders and bull fighters representing six countries competing on PBR’s largest stage.
We respect the right of all citizens to engage in peaceful protest. It is a fundamental freedom that makes America one of the greatest countries in the world.
For us the choice is clear, WE choose to stand united and without protest during the national anthem of the country in which we are competing.
We stand to honor all men and women whose sacrifice and commitment ensures these freedoms, helps unite the nation, and propels America forward.
More
Local School Delays
Delmar
2 hour delay.
Wicomico County Schools
Wed Jan 11th, Schools will open 2 hour late.
no AM Prekindergarten
Worcester County
Opening two hours late
no morning Pre-Kindergarten
Time Will Tell
The black swans held a massive victory party last night. Not because Trump won, but because they showed the world that they are the real rulers.
Being a NY real estate guy, I have always known Trump is a terrible person. My former partner who at one time was worldwide head of real estate at Citibank, hated him. She and he had bitter battles when he was bankrupt and she was seizing assets. I know other bankers, lawyers and contractors who have had dealings with him, and nobody had good things to say. However, now he is president and we need as a nation to be fully supportive or the world will come apart.
As I feared the press is already on the attack with their usual rhetoric. CNN today was its usual self - attacking him and having Chris Cuomo and Amanpor make stupid statements, still blaming the Russians. MSNBC actually had Al Sharpton on as a commentator. Shows you how out of touch the media is. Kelly Ann told Cuomo to stop the negativity and he went on to try to claim "it is not us, it was the campaigns".
The press just does not get it. The NY Times was a loser for the last several years, and it will continue to decline at a faster pace. CNN has lost the battle to Fox and will likely have to change out the commentators who are now completely discredited. Many years ago Connie Chung made a luncheon speech I was at, and she said the press had devolved into a bunch of lazy unprofessional kids who just rush out a story without bothering to check veracity. She decried how the press had become rumor mongers and unprofessional. They sure have. They will probably not change much until they realize the world has moved on to social media and the press has minimal credibility now.
Being a NY real estate guy, I have always known Trump is a terrible person. My former partner who at one time was worldwide head of real estate at Citibank, hated him. She and he had bitter battles when he was bankrupt and she was seizing assets. I know other bankers, lawyers and contractors who have had dealings with him, and nobody had good things to say. However, now he is president and we need as a nation to be fully supportive or the world will come apart.
As I feared the press is already on the attack with their usual rhetoric. CNN today was its usual self - attacking him and having Chris Cuomo and Amanpor make stupid statements, still blaming the Russians. MSNBC actually had Al Sharpton on as a commentator. Shows you how out of touch the media is. Kelly Ann told Cuomo to stop the negativity and he went on to try to claim "it is not us, it was the campaigns".
The press just does not get it. The NY Times was a loser for the last several years, and it will continue to decline at a faster pace. CNN has lost the battle to Fox and will likely have to change out the commentators who are now completely discredited. Many years ago Connie Chung made a luncheon speech I was at, and she said the press had devolved into a bunch of lazy unprofessional kids who just rush out a story without bothering to check veracity. She decried how the press had become rumor mongers and unprofessional. They sure have. They will probably not change much until they realize the world has moved on to social media and the press has minimal credibility now.
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