RAYBURN TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A hunter from our area bagged one of the biggest bears taken during this year’s season in Pennsylvania. It was 600 pounds and seven-feet tall.
“I would have taken a small one for my first one, but I can’t complain about a 600-pounder,” said 25-year-old Bo Bowser, of Rayburn Township in Armstrong County.
He grew up in a hunting family and last week after 13 years of trying, he bagged his first bear in Valley Township.
“He was down by a creek, so it was nice and loud,” said Bowser. “I was able to sneak up on him.”
When the bear turned around and looked at him, Bowser’s reaction was: “Whoa!”
More/Video
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, December 05, 2017
NOI 12/2/17 Wicomico Garage Fire Duchess Drive
NOTICE OF INVESTIGATION
Date: December 2, 2017
Time: 12:36 a.m.
Location / Address: 1504 Duchess Drive, Salisbury, Wicomico Co.
Type of Incident: Fire
Description of Structure / Property: 24’ x 40’ Detached residential garage
Owner / Occupants: Robert and Phyllis McGriff
Injuries or Deaths: None
Estimated $ Loss: Structure: $60,000 Contents: $50,000
Smoke Alarm Status: n/a
Fire Alarm / Sprinkler Status: n/a
Arrests(s): None
Primary Responding Fire Department: Salisbury
# of Alarms: 1 # Of Firefighters: 15
Time to Control: 30 minutes
Discovered By: Neighbor
Area of Origin: Interior
Preliminary Cause: Accidental, electrical
Meth Crisis In West Virginia - Overdose Deaths Soar To Record High
According to a new study from the Health Statistic Center of West Virginia, overdose deaths related to methamphetamine have increased by 500 percent in just four short years.
In fact, a record-number 129 people have passed from overdoses in 2017 - and that number is expected to climb through the holiday season.
As the late American-German poet, Charles Bukowski once said, “My dear, Find what you love and let it kill you.” It seems as some West Virginians have taken it to heart...
Chad Napier, prevention officer with the Appalachian High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area said, about half the meth overdoses involve fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that remains the leading cause of drug overdoses in the state. Napier further said, addicts are using meth mixed with fentanyl, sometimes unknowingly, which is the reason for the overdose surge.
In November, we highlighted how 60.1% of heroin tested by authorities in Canada for the 2017 period contained fentanyl. We also noted, cocaine and methamphetamine saw a noticeable surge as well. The situation in Canada is critical with one funeral home in Vancouver warning of “too many bodies.”
As we’ve pointed out in the article, fentanyl is being shipped from China into Canada, then distributed across North America. In West Virginia’s case, meth dealers have graduated from their Breaking Bad recreational vehicles— to now demanding super meth from extravagant laboratories in Mexico.
More
In fact, a record-number 129 people have passed from overdoses in 2017 - and that number is expected to climb through the holiday season.
As the late American-German poet, Charles Bukowski once said, “My dear, Find what you love and let it kill you.” It seems as some West Virginians have taken it to heart...
Chad Napier, prevention officer with the Appalachian High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area said, about half the meth overdoses involve fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that remains the leading cause of drug overdoses in the state. Napier further said, addicts are using meth mixed with fentanyl, sometimes unknowingly, which is the reason for the overdose surge.
In November, we highlighted how 60.1% of heroin tested by authorities in Canada for the 2017 period contained fentanyl. We also noted, cocaine and methamphetamine saw a noticeable surge as well. The situation in Canada is critical with one funeral home in Vancouver warning of “too many bodies.”
As we’ve pointed out in the article, fentanyl is being shipped from China into Canada, then distributed across North America. In West Virginia’s case, meth dealers have graduated from their Breaking Bad recreational vehicles— to now demanding super meth from extravagant laboratories in Mexico.
More
Grad Rate Benchmark Exempts HBCUs
A graduation rate requirement for access to special funds for minority-serving institutions in a proposed House Republican rewrite of the Higher Education Act would exempt historically black colleges and universities.
The new metric would require that minority-serving institutions have a 25 percent graduation or transfer rate to qualify for Title III and Title V grants. Should the provision be included in a final law, it would mark the first time Congress attached a performance-based measure to higher ed funding.
But the bill exempts historically black colleges and universities as well as tribal colleges and universities. The requirement would still apply to predominantly black institutions and Hispanic-serving institutions as well as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian, Native American-serving nontribal, and Asian-American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander institutions. The distinction is based on historical designations and not students served.
Michael Woeste, a spokesman for the House Education and the Workforce committee, said HBCUs and tribal colleges would not be subject to the new requirement because they are not designated minority-serving institutions by the federal government.
"They are formula-funded institutions that are either defined by when they were established or by law," he said. "They do not have to meet a percentage threshold to be considered an MSI."
Critics of the provision said after the bill was released that applying the graduation benchmark to minority-serving institutions doesn't account for the large numbers of underrepresented students those colleges educate or the additional resources needed to support those students.
More
The new metric would require that minority-serving institutions have a 25 percent graduation or transfer rate to qualify for Title III and Title V grants. Should the provision be included in a final law, it would mark the first time Congress attached a performance-based measure to higher ed funding.
But the bill exempts historically black colleges and universities as well as tribal colleges and universities. The requirement would still apply to predominantly black institutions and Hispanic-serving institutions as well as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian, Native American-serving nontribal, and Asian-American and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander institutions. The distinction is based on historical designations and not students served.
Michael Woeste, a spokesman for the House Education and the Workforce committee, said HBCUs and tribal colleges would not be subject to the new requirement because they are not designated minority-serving institutions by the federal government.
"They are formula-funded institutions that are either defined by when they were established or by law," he said. "They do not have to meet a percentage threshold to be considered an MSI."
Critics of the provision said after the bill was released that applying the graduation benchmark to minority-serving institutions doesn't account for the large numbers of underrepresented students those colleges educate or the additional resources needed to support those students.
More
Several UPS trucks, Md. facility damaged in overnight blaze
According to Kevin Fox, spokesman for the Frederick County Fire Department, a fire was reported at the UPS facility located in the 6700 block of English Muffin Way around 11:41 p.m.
Once fire crews arrived on the scene they found 10 UPS trucks and a loading structure fully involved.
More
Major concealed-carry bill picks up momentum, steams toward House floor
Gun-rights supporters are eyeing a big win this week as a bill that would make concealed-carry permits valid across state lines heads to the House floor -- though it faces long odds in the Senate amid deep-pocketed opposition from gun-control advocates.
“This is just simple, common-sense legislation that says if you’re a law-abiding citizen … we’re not going to turn you into a criminal just for crossing an invisible state line,” bill sponsor Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., told “Fox News @ Night.”
Hudson says the bill simply attempts to clarify the patchwork of state laws that confuse citizens who can unwittingly get arrested when traveling from state to state.
“All I’m saying is, when I cross the state line, I don’t want to automatically become a criminal,” he said.
More
“This is just simple, common-sense legislation that says if you’re a law-abiding citizen … we’re not going to turn you into a criminal just for crossing an invisible state line,” bill sponsor Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., told “Fox News @ Night.”
Hudson says the bill simply attempts to clarify the patchwork of state laws that confuse citizens who can unwittingly get arrested when traveling from state to state.
“All I’m saying is, when I cross the state line, I don’t want to automatically become a criminal,” he said.
More
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/12/04/major-concealed-carry-bill-picks-up-momentum-steams-toward-house-floor.html
Excessive Screen Time Linked To Suicidal Thoughts Among Teens...
The more time teens spend glued to their smartphones or other digital devices, the more likely they are to have attempted or contemplated suicide, a new study finds.
Researchers from Florida State University and San Diego State University examined results from two surveys of adolescents that date back to 1991, the Monitoring the Future survey and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which allowed them to get a glimpse into the attitudes and behaviors of more than 500,000 teens across three generations (Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z). Participants in the surveys ranged from eighth graders to twelfth graders, ages 13 to 18.
They also recorded the number of teen suicide deaths yearly since 1999 as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Using data from the studies, the authors looked at which activities — such as school work, time on social media, mobile device usage, hanging out with friends — were most linked to symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts. Students were probed for symptoms by indicating how much certain statements applied to them. Statements included, “Life often seems meaningless,” “The future often seems hopeless,” and “It feels good to be alive.”
The teens were also asked in the surveys specific questions about their mental health, such as how frequently over the previous 12 months they’d considered suicide, or how often in that time period they’d felt sad or hopeless.
More
Researchers from Florida State University and San Diego State University examined results from two surveys of adolescents that date back to 1991, the Monitoring the Future survey and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which allowed them to get a glimpse into the attitudes and behaviors of more than 500,000 teens across three generations (Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z). Participants in the surveys ranged from eighth graders to twelfth graders, ages 13 to 18.
They also recorded the number of teen suicide deaths yearly since 1999 as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Using data from the studies, the authors looked at which activities — such as school work, time on social media, mobile device usage, hanging out with friends — were most linked to symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts. Students were probed for symptoms by indicating how much certain statements applied to them. Statements included, “Life often seems meaningless,” “The future often seems hopeless,” and “It feels good to be alive.”
The teens were also asked in the surveys specific questions about their mental health, such as how frequently over the previous 12 months they’d considered suicide, or how often in that time period they’d felt sad or hopeless.
More
Former Dem Congresswoman Sentenced To Five Years In Prison On Corruption Charges
Former Florida Democratic Rep. Corrine Brown was sentenced to five years in federal prison Monday on number of charges including tax fraud and tax crimes.
A judge sentenced Brown to five years in prison and a 3-year supervised release. Brown will be forced to surrender to authorities sometime after Jan. 8., according to CBS 47.
The jury convicted Brown of stealing money from a fake charity, One Door For Education. The “charity” was supposed to give scholarships to children who could not afford school but instead the Democratic congresswoman used the donations to go on trips and purchase expensive items. She also used the money to host parties.
More
A judge sentenced Brown to five years in prison and a 3-year supervised release. Brown will be forced to surrender to authorities sometime after Jan. 8., according to CBS 47.
The jury convicted Brown of stealing money from a fake charity, One Door For Education. The “charity” was supposed to give scholarships to children who could not afford school but instead the Democratic congresswoman used the donations to go on trips and purchase expensive items. She also used the money to host parties.
More
Border Patrol agents say they are getting sick from massive Tijuana sewage spill
An increasing number of U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Imperial Beach station have reported a host of health problems since February, when an estimated 143 million gallons of Mexican sewage spilled into the Tijuana River Valley they patrol.
It's not one of the risks typically associated with policing the border, said Christopher Harris, a union representative for National Border Patrol Council’s Local 1613.
“They’re willing to put up with the normal hazards of law enforcement,” Harris said. “We understand that’s part of our job. We get shot at. We accept all that. We do our best to mitigate it. We wear vests. We have trauma kits. But we can’t mitigate sewage and chemicals.”
Harris has been pressing administrators at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to take steps to protect his agents from the toxins that regularly pollute the valley.
More here
It's not one of the risks typically associated with policing the border, said Christopher Harris, a union representative for National Border Patrol Council’s Local 1613.
“They’re willing to put up with the normal hazards of law enforcement,” Harris said. “We understand that’s part of our job. We get shot at. We accept all that. We do our best to mitigate it. We wear vests. We have trauma kits. But we can’t mitigate sewage and chemicals.”
Harris has been pressing administrators at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to take steps to protect his agents from the toxins that regularly pollute the valley.
More here
Subject: Italian Doctor Who Says ‘Homosexuality Is a Disease’ Found Not Guilty
An Italian Public Prosecutor has exonerated Dr. Silvana De Mari of charges of defamation after the physician declared that homosexuality is a pathology.
The LGBT advocacy group Torino Pride brought the accusation of defamation against Dr. De Mari, alleging that she had effectively defamed the character of gays by declaring homosexuality to be an illness.
After months of deliberation, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has ruled that the statements by the 64-year-old doctor and author did not constitute defamation because of the impossibility of identifying the individuals who would have possibly suffered injury from the claim.
In her defense, Dr. De Mari said that homosexuality is clearly not a normal condition, while also citing her own expertise in the matter.
“I have three specialties: psychotherapy, medicine and surgery,” De Mari said. “I have been taking care of homosexual persons for 40 years.”
More here
The LGBT advocacy group Torino Pride brought the accusation of defamation against Dr. De Mari, alleging that she had effectively defamed the character of gays by declaring homosexuality to be an illness.
After months of deliberation, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has ruled that the statements by the 64-year-old doctor and author did not constitute defamation because of the impossibility of identifying the individuals who would have possibly suffered injury from the claim.
In her defense, Dr. De Mari said that homosexuality is clearly not a normal condition, while also citing her own expertise in the matter.
“I have three specialties: psychotherapy, medicine and surgery,” De Mari said. “I have been taking care of homosexual persons for 40 years.”
More here
Moore: As Long as Lawmakers Uphold the Constitution, ‘I Can Work with Anybody’
Alabama Judge Roy Moore told One American News in an interview that as long as the Senate promotes legislation that remains constitutional and works for the betterment of the country, he “can work with anybody.”
Moore explained:
As long as the legislation is constitutional, as long as it works for the betterment of the country, I can work with anybody. I can work with Democrats. I can work with Republicans. I can work with anybody. When it violates the Constitution, and it violates the good of our country, I will work with no one. I’ll stick to principle. Can I compromise? I can compromise when it doesn’t come to principle.
“Some of the conservative senators, I think, I will vote with most of the time,” Moore added.
Judge Moore also suggested that the Senate legislative filibuster “violates the Constitution.”
More here
Moore explained:
As long as the legislation is constitutional, as long as it works for the betterment of the country, I can work with anybody. I can work with Democrats. I can work with Republicans. I can work with anybody. When it violates the Constitution, and it violates the good of our country, I will work with no one. I’ll stick to principle. Can I compromise? I can compromise when it doesn’t come to principle.
“Some of the conservative senators, I think, I will vote with most of the time,” Moore added.
Judge Moore also suggested that the Senate legislative filibuster “violates the Constitution.”
More here
Report: Clinton Takeover of the DNC Began Before Brazile’s Book Said
The Hillary Clinton campaign takeover of the Democratic National Committee began even before she officially announced her 2016 candidacy, according to a new report.
Donna Brazile's new book 'Hacks' charged that Clinton took control of party strategy and fundraising in August of 2015 in the form of a joint fundraising agreement.
However, three months before Clinton announced her run, then-DNC chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fla.) started recruiting Clinton loyalists to assist and develop a 2016 general election victory, the Huffington Post reports.
Two of the highest-paid consulting firms hired by the DNC were Precision Strategies and SKDKnickerbocker, which received close to a million dollars during the presidential race.
Jennifer O’Malley Dillon is the co-founder of Precision Strategies and was a former Barack Obama campaign veteran and former executive director at the DNC. In August 2015, the New York Times reported O'Malley Dillon was unofficially advising the Clinton campaign and Politico reported she was a possible hire.
Senior vice president of SKDK Jon Reinish has described Schultz as a personal friend and served on the host committee for a Ready for Hillary LGBTQ fundraiser in January 2015.
More here
Donna Brazile's new book 'Hacks' charged that Clinton took control of party strategy and fundraising in August of 2015 in the form of a joint fundraising agreement.
However, three months before Clinton announced her run, then-DNC chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D., Fla.) started recruiting Clinton loyalists to assist and develop a 2016 general election victory, the Huffington Post reports.
Two of the highest-paid consulting firms hired by the DNC were Precision Strategies and SKDKnickerbocker, which received close to a million dollars during the presidential race.
Jennifer O’Malley Dillon is the co-founder of Precision Strategies and was a former Barack Obama campaign veteran and former executive director at the DNC. In August 2015, the New York Times reported O'Malley Dillon was unofficially advising the Clinton campaign and Politico reported she was a possible hire.
Senior vice president of SKDK Jon Reinish has described Schultz as a personal friend and served on the host committee for a Ready for Hillary LGBTQ fundraiser in January 2015.
More here
John Conyers finally decides to leave Congress
Embattled Michigan Rep. John Conyers is finally planning to put an end to his congressional career as he faces down new allegations of groping.
Conyers has been facing calls to step down since it was revealed last month he paid a cash settlement out of office funds to a woman who claims he sexually harassed her.
In the latest turn in the case, another accuser, Elisa Grubbs, says Conyers slid his hand up her skirt and rubbed her thighs while she was sitting next to him in the front row of a church.
Elisa Grubbs made the allegation in an affidavit released by her attorney, Lisa Bloom. Grubbs is the cousin of another accuser, Marion Brown, who previously broke a confidentiality agreement to speak publicly.
'He is not resigning. He is going to retire,' Conyers' great-nephew Ian, a Michigan state senator, told the New York Times, adding that he planned to run for the seat in Congress himself, suggesting Conyers would step down at the end of his term and won't seek reelection.
More
Conyers has been facing calls to step down since it was revealed last month he paid a cash settlement out of office funds to a woman who claims he sexually harassed her.
In the latest turn in the case, another accuser, Elisa Grubbs, says Conyers slid his hand up her skirt and rubbed her thighs while she was sitting next to him in the front row of a church.
Elisa Grubbs made the allegation in an affidavit released by her attorney, Lisa Bloom. Grubbs is the cousin of another accuser, Marion Brown, who previously broke a confidentiality agreement to speak publicly.
'He is not resigning. He is going to retire,' Conyers' great-nephew Ian, a Michigan state senator, told the New York Times, adding that he planned to run for the seat in Congress himself, suggesting Conyers would step down at the end of his term and won't seek reelection.
More
Salisbury Mayor Mohawk Day Is In NYC Today For Mental Health Issues
ARMED ROBBERY INVESTIGATION
The suspect was described by witnesses as a white male, approximately 5'10" - 6’00” tall, slender build with blue eyes. The suspect was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and distressed denim pants. The suspect concealed the lower portion of his face with a black garment and covered his hands with purple latex type gloves.
Anyone having information on this incident is urged to contact Detective Bryan of the Laurel Police Department at 302-875-2244 or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.
FAKING THE GRADE: Ballou principal out, grad requirements may be lowered
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Ballou High School's principal, Dr. Yetunde Reeves, was reassigned to another DCPS position. Dr. Willie Jackson, current principal of Phelps High School, takes over immediately, according to a Monday evening statement from DC Public Schools.
“We take this issue very seriously, and we know that policies must be explained clearly and implemented with fidelity. This investigation will restore integrity to the process by providing students, parents, and the broader community with answers,” said DC Public School Chancellor Antwan Wilson.
Last Wednesday, Chancellor Wilson defended Dr. Reeves, saying: “I certainly believe that Principal Reeves should be renewed based on my visits to the school, based on what we were learning from our team, and based on my time with her."
More
“We take this issue very seriously, and we know that policies must be explained clearly and implemented with fidelity. This investigation will restore integrity to the process by providing students, parents, and the broader community with answers,” said DC Public School Chancellor Antwan Wilson.
Last Wednesday, Chancellor Wilson defended Dr. Reeves, saying: “I certainly believe that Principal Reeves should be renewed based on my visits to the school, based on what we were learning from our team, and based on my time with her."
More
What Trump’s Recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital Could Mean for the Middle East
As a presidential candidate speaking to American supporters of Israel, Donald Trump vowed that, if elected, “We will move the American Embassy to the eternal capital of the Jewish people, Jerusalem.”
In June, Trump signed the same waiver his three predecessors signed to keep the U.S. Embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv. But this week, he is set to make an announcement on his plans.
Reports last week said he planned to announce the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, but take no action on moving the embassy. However, on Sunday, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner,told the Brookings Institution the president hasn’t decided on whether to recognize the capital or move the embassy.
White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters Monday on Air Force One that the president isn’t wavering on his plan.
More
In June, Trump signed the same waiver his three predecessors signed to keep the U.S. Embassy in Israel in Tel Aviv. But this week, he is set to make an announcement on his plans.
Reports last week said he planned to announce the United States recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, but take no action on moving the embassy. However, on Sunday, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner,told the Brookings Institution the president hasn’t decided on whether to recognize the capital or move the embassy.
White House spokesman Hogan Gidley told reporters Monday on Air Force One that the president isn’t wavering on his plan.
More
Congress Stalling Trump Ambassadors, Harming U.S. Effort to Combat N. Korea, Conduct Diplomacy
Sources: U.S. diplomatic efforts handicapped by congressional holdup
Trump administration insiders are becoming increasingly concerned that a congressional holdup of key ambassador posts is beginning to interfere with critical American foreign policy efforts, particularly those to rally the international community against North Korea and its contested nuclear program, according to Trump administration insiders and congressional officials familiar with the situation.
Amid a global showdown over North Korea's repeated and increasingly dangerous nuclear tests, Republican leaders in the Senate have declined to hold a vote on several of President Donald Trump's picks for U.S. ambassador, most notably Richard Grenell, the former U.S. spokesman at the United Nations who was tapped in September to serve as the next American ambassador to Germany.
With no indication that Congress will move in the near future to confirm Trump's picks, congressional and administration insiders are expressing growing concerns that the holdup is interfering with U.S. attempts to rein in North Korea's nuclear program, according to multiple sources who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon about the situation.
The State Department has been working to pressure Germany and other countries to pull their ambassadors from Pyongyang as part of a larger effort to isolate North Korea from the international community.
More
Trump administration insiders are becoming increasingly concerned that a congressional holdup of key ambassador posts is beginning to interfere with critical American foreign policy efforts, particularly those to rally the international community against North Korea and its contested nuclear program, according to Trump administration insiders and congressional officials familiar with the situation.
Amid a global showdown over North Korea's repeated and increasingly dangerous nuclear tests, Republican leaders in the Senate have declined to hold a vote on several of President Donald Trump's picks for U.S. ambassador, most notably Richard Grenell, the former U.S. spokesman at the United Nations who was tapped in September to serve as the next American ambassador to Germany.
With no indication that Congress will move in the near future to confirm Trump's picks, congressional and administration insiders are expressing growing concerns that the holdup is interfering with U.S. attempts to rein in North Korea's nuclear program, according to multiple sources who spoke to the Washington Free Beacon about the situation.
The State Department has been working to pressure Germany and other countries to pull their ambassadors from Pyongyang as part of a larger effort to isolate North Korea from the international community.
More
Breaking News: Russia has been barred from the 2018 Winter Games for systematic doping. It's a punishment without precedent in Olympic history.
The punishment was issued by the International Olympic Committee for systematic doping in previously unfathomable ways.
Obama Alums Lobby Against Open Skies
Fail to get anticompetitive tax into Senate bill
A powerful lobbying firm run by former Obama aides is running a campaign against open skies agreements, which have brought greater competition and lower airfares for Americans.
The firm SKDKnickerbocker, run by former Obama White House communications aides Anita Dunn and Bill Burton, is lobbying on behalf of legacy carriers Delta, American, and United Airlines. SKDKnickerbocker is one of several Democratic lobbying firms representing the Partnership for Open and Fair Skies, which for over two years has asked the federal government to freeze the routes of its competitors and end open skies agreements with Qatar and UAE.
The lobbying effort tried but failed to insert a provision in the final Senate tax cut bill that would have taxed Gulf carriers, opening the door for reciprocal taxes against U.S. airlines and cargo carriers, opponents of the tax said.
The legacy carriers—Delta, American, and United—have spent millions lobbying both the past and present administration to restrict the open skies agreements with Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline, and Etihad Airways. They say the Gulf carriers are unfairly subsidized, allowing for artificially low ticket prices.
More
A powerful lobbying firm run by former Obama aides is running a campaign against open skies agreements, which have brought greater competition and lower airfares for Americans.
The firm SKDKnickerbocker, run by former Obama White House communications aides Anita Dunn and Bill Burton, is lobbying on behalf of legacy carriers Delta, American, and United Airlines. SKDKnickerbocker is one of several Democratic lobbying firms representing the Partnership for Open and Fair Skies, which for over two years has asked the federal government to freeze the routes of its competitors and end open skies agreements with Qatar and UAE.
The lobbying effort tried but failed to insert a provision in the final Senate tax cut bill that would have taxed Gulf carriers, opening the door for reciprocal taxes against U.S. airlines and cargo carriers, opponents of the tax said.
The legacy carriers—Delta, American, and United—have spent millions lobbying both the past and present administration to restrict the open skies agreements with Qatar Airways, Emirates Airline, and Etihad Airways. They say the Gulf carriers are unfairly subsidized, allowing for artificially low ticket prices.
More
U.S. Navy Squandered $4 Billion Due to Congressional Failure to Pass Budget
The U.S. Navy has wasted roughly $4 billion in taxpayer money over the past six years due to the repeated failure by Congress to pass a budget that fully funds the military, the secretary of the service said Monday.
"Since 2011, we have put $4 billion in a trashcan, poured lighter fluid on top of it, and burned it," Sec. Richard Spencer said in remarks at the U.S. Naval Institute's Defense Forum in Washington.
"It's enough money that it can buy us the additional capacity and capability that we need. Instead, that $4 billion of taxpayer money has been lost because of inefficiencies [caused by] continuing resolutions," he added.
Spencer said the Navy could have otherwise used the wasted funds to purchase a squadron of F-35 fighter jets, two Arleigh-Burke-class destroyers, 3,000 harpoon missiles, or 2,000 tactical Tomahawk missiles.
More
"Since 2011, we have put $4 billion in a trashcan, poured lighter fluid on top of it, and burned it," Sec. Richard Spencer said in remarks at the U.S. Naval Institute's Defense Forum in Washington.
"It's enough money that it can buy us the additional capacity and capability that we need. Instead, that $4 billion of taxpayer money has been lost because of inefficiencies [caused by] continuing resolutions," he added.
Spencer said the Navy could have otherwise used the wasted funds to purchase a squadron of F-35 fighter jets, two Arleigh-Burke-class destroyers, 3,000 harpoon missiles, or 2,000 tactical Tomahawk missiles.
More
Trump Pulls United States Out of UN Immigration Deal
Tillerson, Haley: Global Compact on Migration could undermine U.S. sovereignty
The United States will no longer participate in the U.N.-organized Global Compact on Migration (GCM), the U.S. Mission to the U.N. informed the secretary-general on Sunday.
That decision was informed by concerns about threats to the United States's sovereignty, with administration officials citing the need for the country to define its own immigration policy independent of the mandates of the United Nations.
"America is proud of our immigrant heritage and our long-standing moral leadership in providing support to migrant and refugee populations across the globe. No country has done more than the United States, and our generosity will continue," said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.
"But our decisions on immigration policies must always be made by Americans and Americans alone. We will decide how best to control our borders and who will be allowed to enter our country," Haley said.
More
The United States will no longer participate in the U.N.-organized Global Compact on Migration (GCM), the U.S. Mission to the U.N. informed the secretary-general on Sunday.
That decision was informed by concerns about threats to the United States's sovereignty, with administration officials citing the need for the country to define its own immigration policy independent of the mandates of the United Nations.
"America is proud of our immigrant heritage and our long-standing moral leadership in providing support to migrant and refugee populations across the globe. No country has done more than the United States, and our generosity will continue," said U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley.
"But our decisions on immigration policies must always be made by Americans and Americans alone. We will decide how best to control our borders and who will be allowed to enter our country," Haley said.
More
As Christian Baker Heads to Court, Hundreds of Artists Speak Out to Defend Free Expression
The Supreme Court is gearing up to hear one of the most important cases of the 2017 term.
In Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the court will consider whether the state of Colorado may compel cake artist Jack Phillips to create custom wedding cakes for same-sex weddings in violation of his religious beliefs.
The court’s decision in this case won’t just affect Phillips. It will affect other artists who may want to decline to use their creative talents on projects that violate their own consciences.
To highlight just how broadly this decision will be felt, 11 cake artists and 479 other creative professionals filed amicus briefs at the Supreme Court. Here’s what these groups said in the briefs.
More
In Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, the court will consider whether the state of Colorado may compel cake artist Jack Phillips to create custom wedding cakes for same-sex weddings in violation of his religious beliefs.
The court’s decision in this case won’t just affect Phillips. It will affect other artists who may want to decline to use their creative talents on projects that violate their own consciences.
To highlight just how broadly this decision will be felt, 11 cake artists and 479 other creative professionals filed amicus briefs at the Supreme Court. Here’s what these groups said in the briefs.
More
In a Win for Trump, Supreme Court Upholds ‘Extreme Vetting’ Travel Ban
President Donald Trump won a big victory Monday in the Supreme Court, which upheld his “extreme vetting” on immigration into the United States.
The dispute over the policy stemmed from its application to six majority-Muslim countries. Lower federal courts in California, Hawaii, and Maryland ruled the ban was unconstitutional.
In September, the administration revised the policy to add North Korea, Venezuela, and Chad to the list. It dropped Sudan and kept Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
The high court’s order allowing the Trump administration to enforce the policy in full was unsigned, but Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor opposed the decision and favored leaving the lower court rulings in place, theAssociated Press reported.
More
The dispute over the policy stemmed from its application to six majority-Muslim countries. Lower federal courts in California, Hawaii, and Maryland ruled the ban was unconstitutional.
In September, the administration revised the policy to add North Korea, Venezuela, and Chad to the list. It dropped Sudan and kept Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
The high court’s order allowing the Trump administration to enforce the policy in full was unsigned, but Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor opposed the decision and favored leaving the lower court rulings in place, theAssociated Press reported.
More
Meet the Lawyer Who’ll Argue at Supreme Court for Christian Baker’s Right to Free Speech
As far back as grade school, Kristen Waggoner’s father taught her to seek God’s purpose for her life.
This paternal counsel, after much prayer, resulted in her knowing her calling at age 13.
But growing up in a small mill town in Washington, she could not have guessed that, little more than 30 years later, she would be a lawyer arguing a widely known case in the nation’s capital before the nation’s highest court.
“My hope is that the court will use this case as an opportunity to say, ‘We’re protecting the liberty of both sides,’” Waggoner says.
Talk about culminations.
Waggoner will stand Tuesday before the nine justices of the Supreme Court and ask them to protect a Colorado baker’s constitutional right not to be forced by the government to create a custom cake celebrating a same-sex marriage—or any other occasion or sentiment that would violate his traditional Christian faith.
More
This paternal counsel, after much prayer, resulted in her knowing her calling at age 13.
But growing up in a small mill town in Washington, she could not have guessed that, little more than 30 years later, she would be a lawyer arguing a widely known case in the nation’s capital before the nation’s highest court.
“My hope is that the court will use this case as an opportunity to say, ‘We’re protecting the liberty of both sides,’” Waggoner says.
Talk about culminations.
Waggoner will stand Tuesday before the nine justices of the Supreme Court and ask them to protect a Colorado baker’s constitutional right not to be forced by the government to create a custom cake celebrating a same-sex marriage—or any other occasion or sentiment that would violate his traditional Christian faith.
More
Baltimore sees 319th killing of 2017, eclipsing last year's homicide total
Aleasha Bowie was recuperating at her East Baltimore home from a surgical procedure Thursday morning when she heard the shots.
She screamed for her brother, who was just about to leave for work, then rushed to the front of the house to peer out the window, she said. On the corner outside, she saw a young man — someone she’d watched grow up in the neighborhood — slumped on the street.
The 21-year-old man, whom police did not identify, was the 319th homicide victim in the city in 2017; raising the total beyond the 318 killings that occurred in Baltimore in all of 2016.
That means this year is now Baltimore’s second-deadliest on record on a per-capita basis, with a month left to go. The record was set in 2015, when there were 344 homicides.
More
She screamed for her brother, who was just about to leave for work, then rushed to the front of the house to peer out the window, she said. On the corner outside, she saw a young man — someone she’d watched grow up in the neighborhood — slumped on the street.
The 21-year-old man, whom police did not identify, was the 319th homicide victim in the city in 2017; raising the total beyond the 318 killings that occurred in Baltimore in all of 2016.
That means this year is now Baltimore’s second-deadliest on record on a per-capita basis, with a month left to go. The record was set in 2015, when there were 344 homicides.
More
Voters Reject by 2:1 Democrats’ Amnesty-or-Shutdown Threat
Voters overwhelmingly oppose the Democrats’ threat to shut down the government unless the GOP provides an amnesty to roughly 3 million illegals, according to a new poll by Rasmussen.
“Just 27% agree with Senate Minority Whip [Sen.] Dick Durbin’s call for a government shutdown to force a congressional decision on the Dreamers question separate from the border security issue,” said Rasmussen Reports. “Twice as many (55%) oppose a government shutdown for this reason. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided.”
More
“Just 27% agree with Senate Minority Whip [Sen.] Dick Durbin’s call for a government shutdown to force a congressional decision on the Dreamers question separate from the border security issue,” said Rasmussen Reports. “Twice as many (55%) oppose a government shutdown for this reason. Seventeen percent (17%) are undecided.”
More
44 Undocumented Immigrants IDed Through Harford-ICE ...
A murder suspect was among those identified by Harford County ICE-trained correctional officers, authorities say.
BEL AIR, MD — A murder suspect is among 44 people found to be living in the U.S. illegally by Harford County deputies who are trained as immigration officers, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office. The announcement on Monday came more than a year after the sheriff's office launched a special program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in which some officers were trained to screen people coming through the Harford County Detention Center.
Nine correctional deputies have been trained by ICE, and one more is set to enter training in January, officials said.
Since the program's inception at the Harford County Detention Center last October, 44 people already in custody have been identified as illegally living in the U.S. and meeting the federal priority criteria for removal, officials said.
Crimes they were charged with included second-degree murder, identity theft, fraud, armed robbery and drug possession, according to the sheriff's office. Five of them were tied to gangs, of which four were members of MS-13, according to the sheriff's office, which declined to provide the names of the suspects.
More
BEL AIR, MD — A murder suspect is among 44 people found to be living in the U.S. illegally by Harford County deputies who are trained as immigration officers, according to the Harford County Sheriff's Office. The announcement on Monday came more than a year after the sheriff's office launched a special program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in which some officers were trained to screen people coming through the Harford County Detention Center.
Nine correctional deputies have been trained by ICE, and one more is set to enter training in January, officials said.
Since the program's inception at the Harford County Detention Center last October, 44 people already in custody have been identified as illegally living in the U.S. and meeting the federal priority criteria for removal, officials said.
Crimes they were charged with included second-degree murder, identity theft, fraud, armed robbery and drug possession, according to the sheriff's office. Five of them were tied to gangs, of which four were members of MS-13, according to the sheriff's office, which declined to provide the names of the suspects.
More
BREAKING NEWS: PNC Bank In South Salisbury Robbed
Democratic Rep. John Conyers: 'I am retiring today' amid sexual harassment claims
"I am retiring today," Conyers told "The Mildred Gaddis Show" Tuesday morning.
Read the full story here.
Woman 'posed as boyfriend, sent death threats to herself'
A 22-year-old Texas woman has been arrested after prosecutors say she attempted to frame her boyfriend on trumped-up charges of domestic violence and bribery in what has been described as a 'nightmare' catfishing conspiracy.
Lisa Marie Garcia, of Baytown, was arrested on Thursday and charged with retaliation and online impersonation.
The woman is accused of creating fake Instagram accounts and using cell phone apps to make it seem as if her boyfriend, 23-year-old Brandon Berrott, was threatening her. It is reported that couple have been locked in a custody battle.
More
Lisa Marie Garcia, of Baytown, was arrested on Thursday and charged with retaliation and online impersonation.
The woman is accused of creating fake Instagram accounts and using cell phone apps to make it seem as if her boyfriend, 23-year-old Brandon Berrott, was threatening her. It is reported that couple have been locked in a custody battle.
More
Found Property Somerset County- Attempt to identify owner(s)
BURGLARY / FOUND PROPERTY: On Tuesday, November 28, 2017, Troopers from the Maryland State Police – Princess Anne Barrack were dispatched to a residence in Princess Anne, Somerset County, Maryland 21853 for the report of found property. The following firearms and ammunition were recovered:
Remington bolt action rifle, Model: 03-A3
Remington shotgun, Model 1100lt-20
Remington shotgun, Model: 11
Mossberg rifle, Model: S-130
Mossberg rifle, Model: 620K
Savage rifle, Model: 220B
Noble rifle, Model: 20A
Topper rifle, Model: 58
Marlin rifle, 30/30
Ruger rifle, Model: 10122
Webley handgun, Model: Mark 1
U.S. Revolver handgun, Model: Unknown
Buck Knife
Remington Hi Speed ammunition
Federal ammunition, 12 gauge
Winchester ammunition, 20 gauge
Remington ammunition, 357 magnum
Remington ammunition, 30/30
Western ammunition, 32 Long Colt
Federal ammunition, 12 gauge
Federal ammunition, 357 magnum
Federal ammunition, 410 gauge
Federal ammunition, 12 gauge
Winchester ammunition, 12 gauge
Federal ammunition, 30/30
Baggie containing miscellaneous live and spent ammunitionIf anyone has any information identifying the owners of any of the above listed firearms/ammunition, they are asked to contact TFC D. Tilghman, Criminal Enforcement Division – Lower Shore Region, at 443-260-3734.
ALL CALLERS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS
Remington bolt action rifle, Model: 03-A3
Remington shotgun, Model 1100lt-20
Remington shotgun, Model: 11
Mossberg rifle, Model: S-130
Mossberg rifle, Model: 620K
Savage rifle, Model: 220B
Noble rifle, Model: 20A
Topper rifle, Model: 58
Marlin rifle, 30/30
Ruger rifle, Model: 10122
Webley handgun, Model: Mark 1
U.S. Revolver handgun, Model: Unknown
Buck Knife
Remington Hi Speed ammunition
Federal ammunition, 12 gauge
Winchester ammunition, 20 gauge
Remington ammunition, 357 magnum
Remington ammunition, 30/30
Western ammunition, 32 Long Colt
Federal ammunition, 12 gauge
Federal ammunition, 357 magnum
Federal ammunition, 410 gauge
Federal ammunition, 12 gauge
Winchester ammunition, 12 gauge
Federal ammunition, 30/30
Baggie containing miscellaneous live and spent ammunitionIf anyone has any information identifying the owners of any of the above listed firearms/ammunition, they are asked to contact TFC D. Tilghman, Criminal Enforcement Division – Lower Shore Region, at 443-260-3734.
ALL CALLERS CAN REMAIN ANONYMOUS
This Will Break Your Heart...
After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently a way of life for them, the judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him. After two recesses to check legal references and confer with the child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Dallas Cowboys, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.
58 People Were Killed In Las Vegas, We Still Don’t Know Why Or How, And Nobody Cares
I am going to break the rules of the Internet Hot Take Industry and write about an old story that nobody cares about anymore. We have gone on to other topics, and then other topics, and then other topics, and other topics, etc. The news cycle moves at the speed of sound. Events from last week are a distant memory and news from October may as well have occurred during the Cretaceous Period.
Still, I can’t help but recall, ever so faintly, that little thing known at the time as the worst mass shooting in American history. If memory serves, a wealthy 64-year-old gambler named Stephen Paddock murdered 58 people and injured hundreds from the window of his luxury hotel room. In the days after the slaughter, nobody could figure out why he did it, or how he managed to pull it off. So, we all kind of shrugged our shoulders and moved on. The questions were never answered.
It is now two months later and we know as much today as we knew six hours after the shooting. But nobody is talking about it anymore. It’s as if it never happened.
More
Still, I can’t help but recall, ever so faintly, that little thing known at the time as the worst mass shooting in American history. If memory serves, a wealthy 64-year-old gambler named Stephen Paddock murdered 58 people and injured hundreds from the window of his luxury hotel room. In the days after the slaughter, nobody could figure out why he did it, or how he managed to pull it off. So, we all kind of shrugged our shoulders and moved on. The questions were never answered.
It is now two months later and we know as much today as we knew six hours after the shooting. But nobody is talking about it anymore. It’s as if it never happened.
More
Soros Army in Alabama to Register Convicted Felons to Vote Against Roy Moore
An organization partnered with a George Soros-financed group and led by a radical leftist who is the half-brother of the infamous controversial Rev. Al Sharpton has been diligently working over the past few weeks to register convicted felons across Alabama.
The aim of the effort has been to get as many felons as possible on the roster before last Monday, the deadline to register in order to vote in Alabama’s Dec. 12 senate special election that pits Republican Roy Moore against Democratic challenger Doug Jones. The man spearheading the campaign has stated outright that his effort is meant to ensure a Democratic victory in Alabama.
The thousands of felons reportedly newly registered over the past few weeks were most likely not included in any recent polling on the Alabama senate race put out by major firms.
Jones himself is tied to some of the specific organizations associated with the drive to register felons here. Indeed, as Breitbart News first reported, Jones spearheaded a project for a massively Soros-financed legal activist group demanding full voting rights be given to felons released from prison, including those convicted of murder, rape and other violent crimes.
More
The aim of the effort has been to get as many felons as possible on the roster before last Monday, the deadline to register in order to vote in Alabama’s Dec. 12 senate special election that pits Republican Roy Moore against Democratic challenger Doug Jones. The man spearheading the campaign has stated outright that his effort is meant to ensure a Democratic victory in Alabama.
The thousands of felons reportedly newly registered over the past few weeks were most likely not included in any recent polling on the Alabama senate race put out by major firms.
Jones himself is tied to some of the specific organizations associated with the drive to register felons here. Indeed, as Breitbart News first reported, Jones spearheaded a project for a massively Soros-financed legal activist group demanding full voting rights be given to felons released from prison, including those convicted of murder, rape and other violent crimes.
More
CBS News Poll: As Majority of Alabama Republicans Believe Allegations Against Roy Moore False, Judge Takes Commanding Lead
MOBILE, Alabama — As the majority of Alabama Republicans believe that the allegations against Judge Roy Moore are untrue, he now takes a commanding lead over radical leftist Democrat Doug Jones per a new CBS News poll.
The poll found Moore with a six-point lead over Jones. Moore, at 49 percent, leads Jones — who’s stuck in the low 40s at 43 percent — while four percent said they would vote for someone else and four percent said they are undecided.
The CBS News/YouGov poll, conducted between Nov. 28 and Dec. 1, surveyed 1,037 Alabamians registered to vote in Alabama. It further segmented the poll results into some results among registered voters and others among likely voters. Among registered voters, the margin of error is 3.8 percent. Among likely voters, the margin of error is 4.8 percent. The results for the election, with Moore leading Jones, were broken down to likely voters.
Another part broken down to likely voters was polling specifically about the allegations about Moore. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a significant number of Alabamians do not believe the allegations against Moore one bit.
More
The poll found Moore with a six-point lead over Jones. Moore, at 49 percent, leads Jones — who’s stuck in the low 40s at 43 percent — while four percent said they would vote for someone else and four percent said they are undecided.
The CBS News/YouGov poll, conducted between Nov. 28 and Dec. 1, surveyed 1,037 Alabamians registered to vote in Alabama. It further segmented the poll results into some results among registered voters and others among likely voters. Among registered voters, the margin of error is 3.8 percent. Among likely voters, the margin of error is 4.8 percent. The results for the election, with Moore leading Jones, were broken down to likely voters.
Another part broken down to likely voters was polling specifically about the allegations about Moore. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a significant number of Alabamians do not believe the allegations against Moore one bit.
More
Supreme Court To Debate Warrantless Collection Of Cellphone Records
In one of the most important Fourth Amendment battles of the digital age, the Supreme Court is preparing to tackle a case involvinglaw enforcement accessing cellphone records without a warrant.
On Wednesday the US Supreme Court is scheduled to address the case of Carpenter v. United States to determine whether or not law enforcement should be required to obtain a warrant before accessing the cellphone records of an individual. The case deals with a set of armed robberies that took place between December 2010 and March 2011. Several men worked together to rob RadioShack and T-Mobile stores in the Michigan and Ohio areas, stealing cell phones and holding store employees and customers hostage in the process.
More/Video
On Wednesday the US Supreme Court is scheduled to address the case of Carpenter v. United States to determine whether or not law enforcement should be required to obtain a warrant before accessing the cellphone records of an individual. The case deals with a set of armed robberies that took place between December 2010 and March 2011. Several men worked together to rob RadioShack and T-Mobile stores in the Michigan and Ohio areas, stealing cell phones and holding store employees and customers hostage in the process.
More/Video
Clinton Aides Also Lied To Embattled Mueller
The FBI agent who was fired from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation team for sending anti-Donald Trump text messages conducted the interviews with two Hillary Clinton aides accused of giving false statements about what they knew of the former secretary of state’s private email server.
Neither of the Clinton associates, Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin, faced legal consequences for their misleading statements, which they made in interviews last year with former FBI section chief Peter Strzok.
More
Neither of the Clinton associates, Cheryl Mills and Huma Abedin, faced legal consequences for their misleading statements, which they made in interviews last year with former FBI section chief Peter Strzok.
More
Germany Offers Migrants $3,500, Housing, & Healthcare To Leave Voluntarily
Germany is offering rejected asylum seekers money to voluntarily return home as the government gets ready to deport Syrian migrants next summer.
The country’s interior ministry announced a scheme Saturday to give families up to 3,000 euros ($3,560) if they agree to leave.
The program - titled “Your Country, Your Future, Now! - will run through the end of February.
“If you decide by the end of February for a voluntary return, you will get in addition to first aid, a housing aid for the first twelve months in your country of origin,” Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told newspaper Bild am Sonntag.
People who return before their asylum application has been processed are already offered 1,200 euros ($1,424) from a separate scheme.
Representatives from Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union, will discuss deportations of Syrian migrants in coming weeks.
Newspaper Die Zeit reports that parts of Syria could be re-evaluated as safe by next summer, that would make it easier to carry out deportations.
More
The country’s interior ministry announced a scheme Saturday to give families up to 3,000 euros ($3,560) if they agree to leave.
The program - titled “Your Country, Your Future, Now! - will run through the end of February.
“If you decide by the end of February for a voluntary return, you will get in addition to first aid, a housing aid for the first twelve months in your country of origin,” Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere told newspaper Bild am Sonntag.
People who return before their asylum application has been processed are already offered 1,200 euros ($1,424) from a separate scheme.
Representatives from Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union, will discuss deportations of Syrian migrants in coming weeks.
Newspaper Die Zeit reports that parts of Syria could be re-evaluated as safe by next summer, that would make it easier to carry out deportations.
More
*TRAFFIC ADVISORY* Motor Vehicle Crash with Wires Down has Wrangle Hill Road Closed
As a result Wrangle Hill Road (DE 72), is closed between Red Lion Road (DE 71), and the railroad crossing, which is just west of Willamette Drive.
Delmarva Power crews are on scene, however the roadway is expected to closed for an extended period of time. Avoid the area and seek alternate routes of travel.
The Odds of Impeachment Are Dropping
Now that Michael Flynn has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI, and agreed to dish on his former boss, some Trump-watchers are suggesting that impeachment may be around the corner. “It’s time to start talking about impeachment,” announced a Saturday column on CNN.com. The Flynn deal, declared former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Harry Litman in Friday’s New York Times, “portends the likelihood of impeachable charges being brought against the president of the United States.”
That may be true. But bringing impeachment charges against Trump, and actually forcing him from office, are two vastly different things. And while the former may be more likely today than it was half a year ago, the latter is actually less likely. Since Robert Mueller became special counsel in May, the chances of the House of Representatives passing articles of impeachment—and the Senate ratifying them—have probably gone down.
More
Vatican Bank's Deputy Director is removed from his position
ROME - The Deputy Director General of the Institute for Religious Works (IOR), known as the Vatican Bank, was escorted outside the Vatican and removed from his position on Monday.
Giulio Mattietti, was appointed in 2015 by the current General Director of the IOR, Gian Franco Mammì, and according to Italian news outlets was led outside the Vatican on Nov. 27.
The Holy See press office confirmed the news of his removal to the media. “Giulio Mattietti, deputy director general of the Institute of Religious Works, has ceased his service Monday Nov. 27,” said Vatican spokesperson, Paloma García Ovejero, to local news agency ANSA.
The motivation behind the removal of Mattietti currently remains unknown.
More
Giulio Mattietti, was appointed in 2015 by the current General Director of the IOR, Gian Franco Mammì, and according to Italian news outlets was led outside the Vatican on Nov. 27.
The Holy See press office confirmed the news of his removal to the media. “Giulio Mattietti, deputy director general of the Institute of Religious Works, has ceased his service Monday Nov. 27,” said Vatican spokesperson, Paloma García Ovejero, to local news agency ANSA.
The motivation behind the removal of Mattietti currently remains unknown.
More
Lindsey Graham: Evacuate US Dependents From South Korea
Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday urged the Pentagon to start moving U.S. military dependents, such as spouses and children, out of South Korea, saying conflict with North Korea is getting close.
"It's crazy to send spouses and children to South Korea given the provocation of North Korea," Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on CBS's "Face the Nation."
"So I want them (the Pentagon) to stop sending dependents and I think it's now time to start moving American dependents out of South Korea," Graham said. The United States has 28,500 troops in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War.
More here
"It's crazy to send spouses and children to South Korea given the provocation of North Korea," Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on CBS's "Face the Nation."
"So I want them (the Pentagon) to stop sending dependents and I think it's now time to start moving American dependents out of South Korea," Graham said. The United States has 28,500 troops in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War.
More here
These Diseases Are All Caused by Microwave Ovens, and You’ve Probably Ignored Them!
Did you know that over 90% of American homes regularly use microwave ovens for meal preparation?
Microwave ovens pulse electromagnetic waves through food, exciting the molecules and causing them to move, vibrate and heat up as they respond to the microwave radiation.
It is a device called a Magnetron in the microwave oven that produces wave energy. This wave energy converts polarity of molecules from positive to negative. This polarity changes millions of times every second in the microwave oven. Microwaves bombard the food molecules and makes the polarized molecules to radiate at the same frequency millions of times every second. This heats the food but at the same time causes ‘structural isomerism’ – structural damage of the food molecules.
A Swiss study led by biologist and food scientist Dr. Hans Hertel identified the effects of microwaved food. For eight weeks, eight people lived in a controlled environment and intermittently ate raw foods, conventionally cooked foods and microwaved foods. Blood samples were tested after each meal. The microwaved food caused significant changes in blood chemistry.
The Dangers of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF)
More
Microwave ovens pulse electromagnetic waves through food, exciting the molecules and causing them to move, vibrate and heat up as they respond to the microwave radiation.
It is a device called a Magnetron in the microwave oven that produces wave energy. This wave energy converts polarity of molecules from positive to negative. This polarity changes millions of times every second in the microwave oven. Microwaves bombard the food molecules and makes the polarized molecules to radiate at the same frequency millions of times every second. This heats the food but at the same time causes ‘structural isomerism’ – structural damage of the food molecules.
A Swiss study led by biologist and food scientist Dr. Hans Hertel identified the effects of microwaved food. For eight weeks, eight people lived in a controlled environment and intermittently ate raw foods, conventionally cooked foods and microwaved foods. Blood samples were tested after each meal. The microwaved food caused significant changes in blood chemistry.
The Dangers of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMF)
More
You're Just Not Prepared For What's Coming
I hate to break it to you, but chances are you're just not prepared for what’s coming. Not even close.
Don't take it personally. I'm simply playing the odds.
After spending more than a decade warning people all over the world about the futility of pursuing infinite exponential economic growth on a finite planet, I can tell you this: very few are even aware of the nature of our predicament.
An even smaller subset is either physically or financially ready for the sort of future barreling down on us. Even fewer are mentally prepared for it.
And make no mistake: it's the mental and emotional preparation that matters the most. If you can't cope with adversity and uncertainty, you're going to be toast in the coming years.
Those of us intending to persevere need to start by looking unflinchingly at the data, and then allowing time to let it sink in. Change is coming – which isn't a problem in and of itself. But it's pace is likely to be. Rapid change is difficult for humans to process.
Those frightened by today's over-inflated asset prices fear how quickly the current bubbles throughout our financial markets will deflate/implode. Who knows when they'll pop? What will the eventual trigger(s) be? All we know for sure is that every bubble in history inevitably found its pin.
More
Don't take it personally. I'm simply playing the odds.
After spending more than a decade warning people all over the world about the futility of pursuing infinite exponential economic growth on a finite planet, I can tell you this: very few are even aware of the nature of our predicament.
An even smaller subset is either physically or financially ready for the sort of future barreling down on us. Even fewer are mentally prepared for it.
And make no mistake: it's the mental and emotional preparation that matters the most. If you can't cope with adversity and uncertainty, you're going to be toast in the coming years.
Those of us intending to persevere need to start by looking unflinchingly at the data, and then allowing time to let it sink in. Change is coming – which isn't a problem in and of itself. But it's pace is likely to be. Rapid change is difficult for humans to process.
Those frightened by today's over-inflated asset prices fear how quickly the current bubbles throughout our financial markets will deflate/implode. Who knows when they'll pop? What will the eventual trigger(s) be? All we know for sure is that every bubble in history inevitably found its pin.
More